Volume 12, Issue 1 Wednesday, August 14, 2013 facebook.com/fgcueaglenews@fgcueaglenews

A3- NewsA7- A&LB2- Sports

Meet the new EN staff.

A2

Check out FGCU’s Greek Life.

A4

Azul named A-Sun’s Most Valuable Mascot

B3

Opinion editor Andrew Friedgen’s favorite summer pictures.

B6

TheBack to School Issue

Dear Students,Welcome to the new school year at FGCU! This is an exciting time at the University as we greet our new

and returning students for the start of the fall semester, and this year is made even more special by some recent unique milestones. From our talented student Priscila Navarro playing a solo piano recital at the famed Carnegie Hall to the exuberant play of our men’s basketball team in the NCAA tournament, Florida Gulf Coast University – now widely referred to across the country as the popular “Dunk City” – is the place to be!

Your student experience can be greatly enriched by becoming involved in the many extracurricular activities available to complement your academic pursuits at FGCU. The Division of Student Affairs will start the semester with a Week of Welcome (W.O.W.) for all students, and I encourage you to participate in these fun activities to meet fellow students and learn more about your opportunities for campus involvement.

Work is under way on our newest residence hall, which will open in 2014, and be sure to check out the beautiful new swimming pool at SoVi, and the Veterans Pavilion we will dedicate next month. Cheer on the FGCU Eagles’ highly successful NCAA Division I athletics program. Get involved in Student Government or some of our other fi ne clubs and organizations. Take advantage of service learning opportunities. Build friendships that will span your years now as a student and later as a proud member of the alumni of Florida Gulf Coast University.

FGCU faculty and staff are deeply committed and work diligently to provide you with an experience of academic excellence, social and recreational programming, and leadership and personal development opportunities. Wear your BLUE and GREEN proudly and make the new year one full of accomplishments and school spirit.

And, in the words of the Atlantic Sun Conference’s “2013 Most Valuable Mascot” – our very own AZUL – GO EAGLES! WE ARE FGCU!

President Wilson Bradshaw, Ph.D.

INSIDE:GREAT DEALS ON LOCAL HOT SPOTS!

Welcome back

to the NEST

Sincerely yours,

Fellow Eagles,Fellow Eagles,I am so delighted to share another year with you. If you’re new to FGCU, I guarantee you

have selected a phenomenal university to attend. If you’re returning, then you already know what I’m talking about.

I cannot wait to see what this year brings us. After the magic of Dunk City, there has never been a better time to be an Eagle.

As your editor-in-chief, I am dedicated to bringing you the most important news about your campus. I will strive to bring you accuracy, ethics, and a newspaper that listens to the voice of its readers. You are my No. 1 priority and my door is always open. I am here to serve you, the students. You deserve the facts; it is my job to provide you with them.

If you have suggestions, comments or concerns, I am waiting to hear from you. This is your school; let your voice be heard.

This year we are kicking off with an almost entirely new staff. I am so lucky to work with such a talented and dedicated group of students. This summer we have done a complete Eagle News makeover. We have revamped the newsroom, designed a new website, and are in the process of developing a new smartphone and tablet app to get the news to you quicker.

Inside this paper you will get to know the Eagle News staff. Like myself, they are here to serve you. Get to know them; you’ll be hearing a lot from them.

You’ll also fi nd this paper holds much of what you’ll need to know for the 2013-14 school year. From Greek Life to event calendars, let us guide you through the ins and outs of Eagle life.

To ensure every student receives a copy of this issue, it will be on shelves an extra day. Look for the next Eagle News Friday, Aug. 23. After that, we will resume printing every Wednesday.

Eagles, I am so lucky to serve you and I could not be more proud of our school and our students. Together we will laugh, cry and share the wonder of our glory days. Lets make this a year to remember. Stay safe. Stay proud. And as always GO EAGLES!

Kalhan Rosenblatteditor-in-chief

A2 NEWS EAGLE NEWS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 EDITOR: TIARA BROWN NEWS@EAGLENEWS.ORG

The offi cial student produced newspaper at Florida Gulf Coast

University since 1997.

CONTACT:

g

Kelli KrebsPhoto Editor

Isabela PintoAdvertising & Operations Manager

Manuel NavarroSports Editor

Bobbi Gonzalez Production Manager

Hello Eagles!My name is Kelli Krebs and I am the

photo editor for Eagle News. I’m currently a sophomore from the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas majoring in journalism and minoring in digital media. In addition to being the Eagle News photo editor, I am also a photographer and blogger for the new website, DunkCityFL.com. While I have a passion for photography in general, shooting and covering sports is what makes me happiest. It is my dream to one day work for a major sports publication such as Sports Illustrated.

Coming a long way from South America, Isabela was born in Petrópolis-Brazil, and came to the USA to be part of FGCU Swimming team in 2008. She was a member of the winning CCSA Swimming Conference squad in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons. She got her Bachelor’s in Management with a Minor in Marketing from FGCU in the Fall of 2011, and returned to get her MBA with concentration in Finance this past Spring. She will be the new Advertising & Operations Manager of Eagle News, working with the newspaper budget, supervising & making advertising sales, doing staff payroll, and attending board meetings. In her free time, Isabela loves to go to the beach, dance, read and have a good time with friends and family.

My name is Bobbi Gonzalez and I am entering my senior year here at FGCU. Although I have family roots on the other coast in Miami, I grew up in the Dunk City area and am proud to call myself a local eagle. My passion is sports and fi tness. I’ve played sports my entire life and still love to stay active. When I’m not in school or breaking a sweat, I’m relaxing at the beach or spending time with my family and friends. My major is Elementary Education with a minor in Digital Media Design. I’m excited to be part of the Eagle News family as the Production Manager. I’m anxious to see what I can offer and the great learning experience I will gain from it this year!

Newly admitted Eagles, Congratulations and welcome to Dunk City, Fla.. My name is Manuel Navarro and I am the sports editor of Eagle News. I am a junior journalism major here at FGCU and I’m in my third year on staff. Last year was one of the most storied years in our athletic program’s history with our men’s basketball team going to the Sweet Sixteen, our swimming and diving team winning their fi fth consecutive Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association conference crown, and our men’s and women’s soccer teams winning back to back conference titles. My goal this year is to bring you the stories within the story, with player profi les and in-depth recaps.

Behind the Scenes of Eagle News

Tiara BrownNews Editor

My name is Justin Kane and I am your new managing editor for the Eagle News. So here is a little bit about myself. Last year I was the sports editor for Eagle News and as you all know it was a huge year for FGCU athletics and I was a very busy man. What does the managing editor do exactly? Well my job is to focus mainly on the website (eaglenews.org) and social media. I love social media. I use Twitter and Facebook on a hourly basis and it’s the future of print news organizations. Over the next year the website and the social media experience will be totally changed. Expect a big twitter push and more QR codes during the year. I believe that the photo issue that we printed last year was a huge success and that we will look to do more of those over the next year. I hope you all are as excited as I am for the new year and that everybody enjoys Eagle News and the social direction.

Justin KaneManaging Editor

Hello everyone! My name is Tiara, or Tia for short. I started out majoring in journalism, but when I realized I was going to graduate early, I chose to also major in communication so that I could extend my college career. When I came to the university as a freshman, I was hesitant about getting involved in different organizations on campus. Needless to say, my freshman year was nowhere near as exciting as it could have been. For that reason, I urge you to stretch your New Student Guide to its fullest potential and go to as many events on campus as possible. There are unlimited options available to you including athletic games, Greek life events, entertainment and social events put on by the Programming Board and Student Housing, and in the local community. We also have a number of on-campus jobs available to you as well. With so many things to do here, it is hard not to enjoy your stay here. It is a good time to be an Eagle, and we hope your four years at the nest leave you soaring through the next chapter of your life.

Andrew FriedgenOpinion Editor

Born and raised in Grafton, Massachusetts. Lived in Fort Myers for the past 13 years. I fi rst discovered my love for writing in my sophomore year of high school when I wrote a short piece of fi ction. I went on to write for the school newspaper my junior year, and I fi gured that Eagle News was a good fi t for me as I went into college. My mentor and predecessor Sara Gottwalles prepared me for my eventual role as Eagle News opinion editor, which I’ve served as since summer 2011. The opinion section and its writers do not stand on a pedestal. Our ideas are not inherently more valuable because we have a weekly byline. I encourage community dialogue, and I want the section to be a forum for all voices. Ideas are intellectual currency, and the opinion section is a marketplace of ideas. If you have a voice, you have a place. I encourage letters to the editor, online comments and contributing columns.

A&L EditorJoel Morris

To the latest batch of Eagles, As you’ve no doubt inferred from the byline, my name is Joel, the new “Arts & Lifestyle” editor. You can generally spot me on campus by looking for the shirt with the most obscure Super Friend on it. “A&L” is a bit more relaxed than the “News” or even “Sports” sections, focusing on culture and events that can involve most students. Our section is here to inspire students in health, business and (obviously) the arts. My personal column covers fi tness and American comics, using a shared philosophy of self-improvement to link them. We also have writers that cover food (Aubrie), fashion (Nikki), gaming (Jacob), and celebrity news (Chelsea). We’re always looking for new blood in the section, no matter your interest or expertise; so don’t hesitate to drop an e-mail.

David AlpertMedia Editor

David is a born and raised Naples, FL native. He is the EN Media Editor as well as an avid photographer and entrepreneur. David also designed the new web site for EN. He can be found taking pictures and listening to music in his free time.

Anthony BritoChief Advertising Executive

Hello my name is Anthony Brito. I am the Chief-Ad-Executive for the Eagle News. I was born in Hialeah Florida on November 14TH 1991. I am a senior at FGCU. I transferred over from Miami Dade College after receiving my associates degree. Moving from Miami to Fort Myers was defi nitely a culture shock for me! I went from being surrounded by my fellow Cuban people to being one of the few. Luckily the students and staff were so friendly that I acclimated to the new environment rather quickly. I also play for FGCU’s rugby club, so for those of you who enjoy violence and don’t mind getting some bumps and bruises check out our web site (fgcurugby.com) and fi ll out our prospective players form.

entertainment@eaglenews.org photography@eaglenews.org sports@eaglenews.org opinion@eaglenews.org adsales@eaglenews.org

businessmanager@eaglenews.org managing@eaglenews.org productionmanager@eaglenews.org news@eaglenews.org mediaeditor@eaglenews.org

Wednesday, august 10 eagle neWs NEWS a3WWW.EaglENEWS.org

The early days of FGCU

By Geoffrey Stephens and Tiara BrownStaff Writer and News Editor

The Honors Program at Florida Gulf Coast University allows students to study their majors in untraditional ways. The expanding program offers a diverse set of courses each semester, including six “experiences” that are based on specific educational con-cepts. The program’s goal is to work directly with students to award them hands-on ex-perience in their studies.“Our Honors Program is not a traditional program where we simply have honors [classes],” said Dr. Sean Kelly, the director of the honor’s program. “We focus on high-impact educational experiences.” The six “experiences” that students can choose from are accommodat-ing and unique to the Honor’s Program. The First-Year Experience and the Liberal Arts Education Experience are built with classic interdisciplinary courses designed to accli-mate students to college and the program. The Study Abroad/Away Experience gives student the opportunity to learn about a subject in its natu-ral environment.Service Education focuses on community engagement through service learning and labs. “Honors in the Major” turns normal curricu-lum into honors courses by working one-on-one with a professor. The hallmark of the Honor’s Pro-gram is the Research Experience,

which requires that students write a thesis while doing a direct study or internship. “These non-traditional classes out in the field can help build a student’s portfolio and their direct work service skills,” said Kelly.Now developing a new two-part Research Experience, Kelly plans to create a course to help journalism majors and scientists write about science and their work.

The science majors will take soil samples with the goal of identifying and sequencing new viruses, which will be sent to a national database. If a new virus is found, the students will be able to name the newly dis-covered virus themselves.

During that process, journalism students will follow the progress and gain experience by reporting on it. “Dr. Kelly really pushes experi-encing the moments we have here in college and to experience as much as we can,” said Sonja Patfield, an honor’s student majoring in marine science. “He makes it very easy to go out-side of our box to look at new

things by getting to know us person-ally. We’re working together now. The [professors] in the program are personalizing our courses around what we want to get from honors.”Kelly works with faculty and stu-dents to keep variety and interest in

these experiences. He feels it stimu-lates the mind and personally and adds details to each annually. The Honors Program senior secretary, Carey Fells, has had the pleasure of working with Kelly and his students for many years. “It really is something special to see the students develop in our pro-gram and literally getting to witness their minds and ambitions grow before me,” said Fells. “Seeing stu-

dents and faculty being so resourceful to each other shows how much we care about each other and their educa-tion.” The Honors Program includes approxi-mately 440 students, all of whom have a grade point average of at least a 3.5. They are required to complete at least three experiences in order to graduate with honors, including the First Year Experi-ence. This elite program offers and average of 75/100 events per year which are often planned and organized by the students them-selves. Secretary Fells and Dr. Kelly welcome any

FGCU student wanting to learn more about the

program contact them at Reed Hall 155. They are open Monday through Friday from 9/5. The office phone number is 239-590-7490, and stu-dents can email Fells with questions at cfells@fgcu.edu.

Is the Honors Program right for you?

Photo courtsey of FGCU.edu/honors

By Mackenzie ScottContributing writer

On a warm day in 1997, in Fort Myers, Fla., there was a traffic backup along a quiet, two-lane road called Ben Hill Griffin.

People slowed as they approached the congestion, wondering what the issue might be. It turned out an alligator was sprawled out in the middle of the road. Cars inched past, getting as close as they could to try and scare it off the road, but the sunbathing reptile would have nothing of it. It just lay there lazily, ignoring the intrusions and absorbing the late summer’s heat.

“So, Win Everham went out there, put a noose around it, wrestled it, and pulled it off the road,” said Dr. James Wohlpart, dean of Undergraduate Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. Everham, like Wohlpart, has been at the school since the very beginning. Wohlpart remembered the incident with a smile.

“There was no one to call,” he said. “There would be alligators on all the sidewalks in the morning … that was a regular occurrence.”

Such was life at FGCU in the late 1990s.

Starting the University involved years of setbacks and controversy: It was formally established in 1991, but a site was not chosen until a year later. Construction did not start for three years, until 1995. Wohlpart arrived in South Florida

in 1994, and came to FGCU in its first year, 1997.

“I had just finished my Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee,” Wohlpart said. “I was teaching for a year as a lecturer, and I was applying to several positions that looked really interesting,” he said.

One of those positions was an opportunity to teach for three years at a branch campus of University of South Florida, located in Fort Myers and to start a new university in the same city in 1997.

“When I came down from Tennessee, which has rolling hills, four seasons, beautiful falls, amazing springs, winters with snow,” Wohlpart said, “I came down and I thought ‘Man, it’s just hot all the time, and green all the time -- I gotta leave.’”

He figured he’d be gone within two or three years. It’s been 19.

The small size of the school played a big role in his decision to stick around. Now, with more than 13,000 students and a growing faculty and staff, a name is just a name. But in FGCU’s first years, every name came with a face, and everyone knew everyone.

“We all hung out together; we all worked very closely; there was a lot of camaraderie, a lot of collegiality; we were all very close,” explained Wohlpart. “All of our kids knew all the other faculty, and I had lots of students that I would bring into the house, and I still do.” He added, “It was just a really tight community.”

Roy E. Mc Tarnaghan, the first

president of the University, wrote extensively on the school in his book “On Task, On Time,” and it’s easy to see why the faculty was so close-knit: There were only nine deans initially hired to head nine

different departments and find additional faculty.

“Each dean was to function as an all-purpose leader,” Mc Tarnaghan wrote, “one who could speak to community groups and help in fundraising, handle budget and finance issues for their unit, start multiple searches and personally lead the recruitment and interview process, and work as part of the overall academic and student service team.”

The FGCU staff had their responsibilities stretched widely,

and there was little anyone could expect in terms of a predictable schedule.

“I’ve had lots of different roles,” Wohlpart said, “and in those roles, I’ve worked lots of different hours. For the first three years, we put up a lot of hours getting things up and running.”

The long hours weren’t helped by the fact that before a reliable, universal school web program was developed, faculty had to take care of business in a more traditional manner.

“There was no Gulfline as we know it, or ANGEL,” said Jessica Rhea, who saw her first semester in 1999 and is now the director of the Service-Learning Department, “so I had to keep track of attendance in an old-school grade book.” She added, “To be honest, I don’t even know when the computer podiums made it into each classroom.”

This wasn’t unusual – Fort Myers in the late 1990s was a very different place than it is today.

Wohlpart said: “We were in the middle of nowhere. There was nothing here. All right? Remember this: No Miramar Mall, no Gulf Coast Town Center – there was nothing up and down Ben Hill Griffin. Nothing.”

Unfortunately, with the majority of the undeveloped land being marsh, swamp or protected by conservation laws, building the school didn’t come cheap. According to Mc Tarnaghan, the school’s high price tag meant that there were financial shortfalls, especially in terms of building

development.But since then, the school has

grown enormously. Since it opened, 2012-13 is the first academic year that there has not been a new facility under construction. It’s a sign of how FGCU has grown. And growing with it are the people who have been there since the beginning and have played a direct hand in how the school has succeeded.

“The best part was that they asked us, including me, who was all of 25 when I started, what MY ideas were, and in what ways we could enhance this required [service-learning] class,” Rhea said. “It was amazing then and is amazing now that we are asked to be contributors to the continuing development of the University.”

It wasn’t just the teachers who contributed. The students shaped FGCU, too. As Wohlpart sat in his large office, located in one of the newer buildings, he remembered a turning point for the school. In 2006, writer and conservation activist Terry Tempest Williams was invited to speak on campus, but was uninvited at the last minute by then-President William Merwin. So the students fought back, and invited her again.

“And they paid for the whole thing,” Wohlpart said. “That was the point at which people came to me and said ‘We’re a real university now.’”

“We are really doing things that matter and make a difference,” he said.

–James WohlpartDean of Undergraduate Studies

We all hung out together; we all worked very closely; there was a lot of camaraderie, a lot of collegiality; we were all very close.

“

”

A4 NEWS EAGLE NEWS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 EDITOR: TIARA BROWN NEWS@EAGLENEWS.ORG

Panhellenic Council

Delta Delta Delta

Nickname: Tri DeltaChartered: October, 2003National Founding: November, 27 1888 at Boston UniversityOpen Motto: “Let us steadfastly love one another”Philanthropy: St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalColors: Silver, Gold, and Cerulean BlueFlower: PansyMascot: Dolphin

Zeta Tau Alpha - Kappa Tau Chapter

Nickname: ZetaChartered: April, 2004

National Founding: October, 15 1898 at Longwood College

Open Motto: “Seek the noblest”Philanthropy: Breast Cancer Education &

Awareness Colors: Turquoise-Blue and Steel-Grey

Flower: White VioletMascot: Strawberry/Flamingo

Chi Omega - Pi Mu Chapter

Nickname: Chi OChartered: November 2007National Founding: April, 5 1895 at University of ArkansasOpen Motto: “To be womanly always, to be discouraged never”Philanthropy: The Make-A-Wish FoundationColors: Cardinal and StrawFlower: White CarnationMascot: Owl

Kappa Delta - Eta Tau Chapter

Nickname: Kay DeeChartered: December, 2010

National Founding: October, 23 1897 at State Female Normal School

(now Longwood University)Open Motto: “Let us strive for that which is

honorable, beautiful and highest”Philanthropies: Prevent Child Abuse

America(PCAA), Girl Scouts of the USA, the Orthopaedic Research Awards, and Children’s

Hospital of Richmond, Virginia.Colors: Olive Green and Pearl White

Flower: White RoseMascot: Teddy Bear

Phi Mu-Theta Nu Chapter

Nickname: Phi Mu Chartered: Novemeber,2012National Founding: January 4, 1852, at Wesleyan College in Macon, GAOpen Motto: “Les Soeurs Fidele” meaning “The Faithful Sisters” Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network HospitalsColors: Rose and WhiteFlower:Rose-Colored CarnationMascot: Lion

Multicultural Greek CouncilHermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc.

Nickname: SIANational Founding: September 29, 1990 State University of New York (SUNY) Albany, SUNY StonyBrook, SUNY Newpaltz, and Rensselear Polytechnic InstituteFGCU Founding: Fall 2009 Colors: Red, Gold, Royal Blue, White and BlackFlower: Red RoseMascot: Unicorn and PegasusPhilanthropy: Camp Heartland & Children’s InternationalMotto: “Semper Unum et Inseparabilis ”

Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.

Nickname: SLB, Lambda Betas, Betas National Founding: April 4, 1986

University of IowaFGCU Founding: Summer 2009

Colors: Royal Purple and Pure WhiteFlower: Red Carnation

Mascot: White Stallion MustangPhilanthropy: Victor Correa CPR

Awareness DayMotto: “Opportunity for wisdom,

wisdom for culture”

Greek LifeMission Statement

The Florida Gulf Coast University Greek Community believes in respect and equality for all of its members, pro-viding Brotherhood and Sisterhood through service, scholarship, and leadership opportunities that contribute to

and improve the college experience.

How to JoinJoining a fraternity or sorority can be one of the most wonderful decisions that you make during your college career. It is important that you are careful and thoughtful when deciding whether or not Fraternity & Sorority Life is right for you, as well as which organization best suits your per-

sonality and lifestyle. As a member of a Greek Organization, you are a life-long member, therefore it is important to make the right choice concerning which organization is best for you.

For more information on Greek Life at FGCU visit: http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/GreekLife/index.html

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 EAGLE NEWS NEWS A5WWW.EAGLENEWS.ORG

National Pan-Hellenic Council Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Nickname: AKAEstablished: April, 2006National Founding: January 15, 1908 at Howard UniversityMotto: “By Merit and Culture”Philanthropy: Ivy Acres & The Heart of ESPColors: Salmon Pink & Apple GreenFlower: Pink Tea Rose

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Nickname: ZetasChartered: April, 2008

National Founding: January 16, 1920 at Howard University

Motto: “A community conscious, action-oriented organization”

Philanthropy: March of DimesColors: Royal Blue & White

Flower: White Rose

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Nickname: KappasChartered: July, 2005National Founding: January 5, 1911 at Indiana UniversityMotto: “Achievement in every fi eld of Human Endevor “Philanthropy: Kappa League & St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalColors: Crimson & CreamFlower: Red Carnation

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Nickname: SigmasEstablished: May 2010

National Founding: January 9, 1914 at Howard University

Motto: “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity”

Philanthropy: Sigma Wellness & March of Dimes

Colors: Royal Blue & Pure WhiteFlower: White Carnation

Interfraternity CouncilKappa Alpha Order

Nickname: KA, Southern GentlemenChartered: April 10, 2005National Founding: December 21, 1865Purpose: “To create a lifetime experience which centers on reverence to duty, honor, character, social, brotherhood and gentlemanly conduct as inspired by our founders.”Philanthropy: Muscular Dystrophy Association

Pi Kappa Alpha

Nickname: PIKEColonized: April 16, 2006

National Founding: March 1, 1868Purpose: “To develop men of integrity,

intellect, and high moral character and to foster a truly lifelong fraternal

experience.”Philanthropy: Fallen Heros

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Nickname: SigEpChartered: Novemeber 1, 2008 National Founding: November 1, 1901Purpose: “Building Balanced Leaders for the World’s Communities”Philanthropy: Youth Aids

Sigma Chi

Nickname: SigsChartered: February 13, 2010

National Founding: June 28, 1855Purpose: To be the preeminent collegiate

leadership development organization-aligned, focused and living Sigma Chi’s core values.

Philanthropy: Huntsman Cancer Institute and Children’s Miracle Network

Kappa Sigma

Nickname: Kappa SigChartered: April 17, 2010National Founding: December 10, 1869Purpose: “Striving for excellence in Fellow-ship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service.”Philanthropy: Military Heroes Campaign

Photo courtesy of Greek Life

Coming Soon:Pi Kappa Phi

Nickname: Pi KappColonizing Fall 2013

National Founding: December 10, 1904, College of Charleston

Motto: “Nothing shall ever tear us a sunder.”Philanthropy: PUSH America

EDITOR: TIARA BROWN NEWS@EAGLENEWS.ORG

By Laura Tichy-SmithSenior copy editor

Every Florida Gulf Coast University student will be introduced to the Earth Charter at the point he or she takes the University Colloquium class. Yet how well the students understand FGCU’s relationship to the charter as a signed affi liate is unclear, said Dr. A. James Wohlpart, dean of undergraduate studies and former associate director of FGCU’s Center for Environmental and Sustainability Education (or CESE).

One area of confusion may be the difference between organizations that are charter affi liates and those that have signed on as charter endorsers. The Earth Charter Commission’s website clarifi es that endorsers pledge to work toward the achievement of the charter’s principles and values and intend to cooperate with other organizations toward that goal. Affi liates, on the other hand, are organizations that acknowledge a shared vision with the commission and agree “to be an active source of Earth Charter information and activity in their country,” according to the organization’s website.

As an affi liate, FGCU has a loose agreement wherein it acknowledges a commonality or like-mindedness with some of the goals of the charter, Wohlpart said. The CESE’s website uses somewhat stronger language, with a statement that the University became an affi liate “in recognition of the fact that this global charter encompasses FGCU’s mission.”

The charter was developed with the greatest participation and inclusiveness ever seen in the preparation of an international document, according to the commission’s website. The CESE website adds the following details regarding the process of drafting the charter: “Thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations from all regions of the world, different cultures, and diverse sectors of society participated. The charter was shaped by scientifi c experts, government and civil society leaders, students, and representatives from indigenous groups and grass-roots communities.”

The Earth Charter’s primary focus is to protect the environment by encouraging sustainable human development and lifestyles. However, the document acknowledges these goals cannot be achieved without addressing the negative effects of factors such as poverty, human rights violations and war on the planet’s ecological systems.

Acceptance of the charter as a so-called “soft law document” — an ethically guiding educational document such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — is growing among governments and is serving to infl uence the development of legally binding “hard laws,” according to the commission’s website.

With its list of 16 items addressing topics as seemingly divergent as ecology, social justice and democracy, the Earth Charter goals may sound either impressively comprehensive or unbelievable and unachievable to students. It may be a little of both, as it was designed to be a guiding framework, Wohlpart said. “The way it was set up, it’s an idealistic document, but you want something idealistic if you’re setting a goal, a bar..

“They don’t expect every entity to live up to it all. But is it a pathway? As such, yes,” he said.

Colloquium is not the only class at FGCU where students might encounter training about the charter. “I use it for one paper in my Environmental Education class,” said Peter Blaze Corcoran, director of CESE.

Also part of other classesA mini-grant program offered by

CESE provides the opportunity for faculty members to incorporate Earth Charter projects into their classes. Thirty-two grants totaling about $20,000 were approved between 2010 and 2013, and approximately two-thirds directly impacted classes, according to the center’s website. “It’s been an excellent way to expand the students’ knowledge of the Earth Charter, and it has worked well,”

Wohlpart said.Grant projects have included the

following offerings for FGCU students: the development of cross-cultural interdisciplinary learning classes involving travel to places such as St. Lucia, Costa Rica or Guyana; special topics classes about sustainability and ecology; the redevelopment of curriculum to align classes in rhetoric, composition, organic chemistry, engineering, humanities, biology and educational diversity to an Earth Charter perspective.

“Lots of instructors are trying to embrace the Earth Charter in their teaching,” said Dr. Maria Roca. “For some it is a shared interested, and for some it is a passion.”

Roca epitomizes the latter group. Her offi ce is an unlikely habitat for the professor who taught the one FGCU class focused completely upon the

Earth Charter. Roca is a member of the communication faculty rather than a part of the ecological sciences or biological sciences departments that would seem the more likely home for a class about the international ecological document. Her offi ce door and walls are decorated with at least seven different posters and bumper stickers related to the art of listening. Spirituality symbols and quotes of world faiths share the walls with family and pet photos, and the desks are piled almost as high as Roca’s head with books and papers that fl ow into waist-high stacks of the same on the fl oor. Student art projects from the class, such as a mosaic depicting the Earth made from soda cans and a mobile made from driftwood adorned with origami birds, decorate the exterior of her offi ce.

According to Roca’s course description, her class, Living the Earth Charter, features the expected group discussions

but also utilizes meditation, spiritual readings and artwork assignments as novel means to learn about the charter. The intent is to fi nd practical ways to apply the principles of the charter to daily life, both for the individual and for the communities in which they live. Particular focus is given to learning why and how the world is changing and examining how a student’s cultural values may assist or impede implementation of the principles.

Roca makes sense of why a non-scientist teaches the Earth Charter class and approaches it from a spiritual viewpoint. “We care for what we love,” she said, “and we need to explore that determination before can we take action.”

The class delved deeper into the history of the charter than was possible in the short introduction to the Earth Charter taught in the Colloquium classes, exploring the diffi culties involved in reconciling different world cultures’ viewpoints on divisive topics such as hunting or gender equality.

Roca taught the Earth Charter class for several semesters, but is now focusing more on a class in contemplative practices that she describes as being the sister class to the one focused exclusively on the charter.

Mixed resultsThe University varies as to how well

it is living up to its status as an affi liate of the Earth Charter, Roca said, with some corners doing well. She gave CESE, the University Colloquium and Environmental Humanities classes, the Wings of Hope program and the Food Forest as positive examples.

Additionally, Corcoran cited Foundations of Civic Engagement and Environmental Biology of Southwest Florida as examples of other classes that incorporate aspects of the charter.

Roca said, “It isn’t something we should teach in a course or two but should be something we live, and I’d like to explore that at an institutional level.

“Every new faculty and student and staff member should get a copy (of the Earth Charter) in their packets, and an hour workshop, like we do for other things, saying philosophically we believe in this.”

Instructors at FGCU continue to fi nd ways to incorporate the charter and its principles into their classes in such ways that even CESE does not have a comprehensive list of every class a student may take to learn about the Earth Charter. “There are a lot of teachers who use it at their discretion,” Corcoran said.

Roca said FGCU’s Earth Charter affi liate status should be celebrated, as only a small percentage of universities worldwide had signed the charter. “We’re special and unique,” she added, “and it’s not a punishment — it’s a joy.”

Earth Charter history

1987 Brundtland Commission (World Commission on Environment and Development) calls for universal declaration to guide the transition to sustainable development.

1992 Discussions prior to Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

1994 Maurice Strong of Earth Council and Mikhail Gorbachev of Green Cross International launch Earth Charter Initiative.

1997 Strong and Gorbachev start Earth Charter Commission to draft document.

2000 Earth Charter Commission comes to consensus on document.

2002 Earth Charter almost wins formal recognition at World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. Now Endorsement by more than 4,500 organizations, including many governments and international organizations.

Source: http://www.earthcharterinaction.org

Student artwork from Living the Earth Charter class. EN photo/Laura Tichy-Smith.

Earth to FGCU: How the universal charter relates to our University

A6 NEWS EAGLE NEWS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14

Wednesday, aUGUsT 14 eaGle neWs A&L a7www.eAgLenews.org

Arts & Lifestyle

By Joel MorrisA&L Editor

Neill Blomkamp broke onto the scene in 2009 with “District 9,” a feature that spun out from his “Alive in Joburg” short and the failed “Halo” film. With its great CGI (on a budget, no less) and social themes, the movie about m i s t r e a t e d , yet dangerous aliens was a critical and box office hit (plus, it had a great viral marketing c a m p a i g n ) . Now he’s back to tackle more social inequality with “Elysium.”

T h e film concerns the plight of Max de Costa (Matt Damon), an impoverished assembly line worker who gets dosed with a lethal amount of radiation. He sets out on a mission to reach Elysium, an orbital array that houses the wealthy and their miracle cure machines. D e l a c o u r t (Jodie Foster) utilizes an illegal mercenary (Sharlto Copley) to stop Max and stage a coup.

While most political movies are pretty straightforward, “Elysium” doesn’t shy away from the complexities of healthcare and classism. Of course, that makes it almost certain that a good chunk of the audience will misinterpret it. For starters, the movie acknowledges the claims

by (some) of the upper class that many poor people are lazy, criminals, or irresponsible. In fact, the main character is a reformed criminal. However, it also chastises the rich for sometimes compromising ethics and not being proactively responsible.

Most importantly, no

generalizations are made about the classes: yes, the hero is poor, but most of the others on Earth are criminals. Some of them are just trying to squeak out an honest living in an uncaring system. At the same time, the sociopathic mercenary is barely better off than the protagonist. On the other hand, while the villain driving the plot is clearly the militant “I do what I

have to do” type, the other citizens of Elysium range from ineffective politicians to regular people minding their own business.

The acting is all around solid, as you’d expect from such a cast. Matt Damon is likeable enough, but sometimes weirdly shifts from rascal to badass,

although it’s not really n o t i ce a b l e . Maybe it’s supposed to be character development, but it doesn’t mesh greatly with the t h e m e s . M a y b e it’s about l e a r n i n g to fight for e q u a l i t y and justice? W e i r d l y , Jodie Foster has a French ( p o s s i b l y Q u e b e co i s ) accent that goes in and out. She does actually speak French in parts of the film (plus her name is a big clue), so it might be from f luctuat ing between two

languages.Maybe the best thing

about “Elysium” is its ability to be taken in so many different ways. Some people on the far right end of the political spectrum may dismiss it as a message of class warfare, but the film is certainly more nuanced than something like “Atlas Shrugged” (said without a value judgment on that film’s views, it just kind of hit you over the head with them).

‘Elysium’ future twist

on class warfare

At Central Bank, we value the relationships that we build with FGCU faculty, staff and students that we serve. We’re proud to be part of the SW Florida community and to provide the highest-level of service and innovative financial products for all of your banking needs. Stop in to Central Bank to enjoy a greater level of service and convenience today!

1520 Royal Palm Square BoulevardFort Myers, Florida 33919

239.274.1900

4099 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 100Naples, Florida 34103

239.430.2500

www.centralbnk.com

Building Lasting Relationships

• FullService• Consumer&BusinessBanking

Products

• InternetBanking• MortgagePrograms• CashManagementServices

Equal Housing LenderEqual Housing Lender

INFO: (239) 948-3766 • MiromarOutlets.com HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. LOCATION: I-75, Exit 123, Corkscrew Road/Miromar Outlets Blvd. In Estero, between Naples & Fort Myers

081413-1710Copyright © 2013, Miromar Development Corporation. Miromar Outlets is a registered service mark of Miromar Development Corporation.

GREAT SHOPPING, GREAT FOOD & FREE WiFi!MIROMAR OUTLETS®

All American Grill Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Bon Appetit French Bistro Dairy Queen/ Orange Julius Don’s Famous Hot DogsFord’s Garage Coming Soon! Godiva Chocolatier Island Shaved Ice La Bamba Mexican Restaurant le macaron french pastries

Luna Pizza Luna Rossa Italian Grill Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies Coming Soon! Mimi’s Kettle KornNaples Flatbread & Wine Bar Orange Leaf Frozen YogurtPort Java DeliStarbucksSubwayWaterside Seafood & Grill Co.

A8 A&L EAGLE NEWS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 EDITOR: JOEL MORRIS ENTERTAINMENT@EAGLENEWS.ORG

EVENTS

•Women’s Volleyball(vs. Penn State)

•Halloween

•Men’s Soccer(vs. Mercer)

•Women’s Soccer(vs. ETSU)

•Women’s Golf (Eagle Invitational)

•President’s Block Party

•ReXpo

•EagleRevolution

•Outdoor Carnival

•Comedy Night

•Meet the Greeks

•Involvement Fair

•Headphone Disco

•Culture WelcomeReception

•Programming BoardInterest Meeting

•Breakfast Bash

•ROC the Nest

•Week of WelcomeService & Picnic•Pool Party

•Gulf Coast TownCenter Blood Drive

•Coconut Point Girl’sNight Out

•Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk

•Downtown FortMyers Art Walk

•Downtown Fort Myers Music Walk

•Downtown Fort Myers Music Walk

•Dean of StudentsMeet N’ Tweet

Wednesday, aUGUsT 14 eaGle neWs A&L a9www.eAgLenews.org

Changing Futures. One Person At A Time

Please help us help those coping with rare, chronic, genetic diseases.

New donors can receive $100 this week!

Ask about our Specialty Programs!

Must be 18 years or older, have valid I.D. along with proof of SS# and local residency.

Walk-ins Welcome.

New donors: Bring this ad in for an additional $10 on your third donation

Book your appointment online atBiotestplasma.com

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Biotest Plasma Center4391 Colonial Boulevard

Ft. Myers, FL 33966

239-332-0500

www.biotestplasma.com

Become A Plasma Donor Today

@BPCFtMyers www.facebook.com/BiotestPlasmaCenterFtMyers

001EagleNews10.2x9.indd 1 8/8/13 8:23 AM

WWW.EAGLENEWS.ORG A10 A&L EAGLE NEWS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14

WELCOMEBACK

EAGLES!

BUY ONEGET ONE

WRAP OR SANDWICH COMBOCODE 18 OFFER VALID

THROUGH 09.30.2013

LIFE’S BETTER UNDER THE PALM.™™LIFE’S BETTER UNDER THE PALM.™

™

One coupon per person per visit. Offer valid at participating locations in the continental U.S. only. Coupon may not be reproduced, copied, purchased, traded, sold or used for online orders.

May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, or promotion. Internet distribution or resale strictly prohibited.

Welcome Back Eagles.indd 1 7/5/13 10:24 AM