What a bright and beautiful day yesterday. Everyone on campus seemed to be enjoying the warm sun and spring colors. Some students made the steps of Bradley Hall even brighter as they tye-dyed t-shirts and spread them out to dry in the sun.

The wearable art had a purpose: to raise awareness about the violence occuring on the other side of the world. The students provided information about the devastation in Darfur, saying that up to 450,000 people have lost their lives in the violence, more than 2.5 million people have been displaced, and 3.5 million suffer from lack of food.

Darfur Relief Week, hosted by Hillel, Alpha Phi Omega, and Bradley Fellows, will also include lectures and programs to help make students more aware of the situation in Darfur and to show compassion for the innocent people affected by the violence.

Bradley students, faculty, and staff are expressing their support for everyone at Virginia Tech. Our campus Alpha Phi Omega chapter has been collecting written condolences from anyone on campus who wishes to write a note or just sign their name on large white sheets spread on tables outside Bradley Hall. They are also asking APO chapters at other universities to do the same. Police Departments have even joined the effort. These will be presented to the APO chapter at Virginia Tech.

Many on campus also attended a talk last evening by renowned poet Nikki Giovanni, whose appearance had been planned well in advance. Giovanni teaches at Virginia Tech and the young man who perpetrated this horribly violent act had been in her class. She told the audience, which included the local media, that she believes nothing more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.

In addition to the written condolences, an inter-denominational candlelight vigil in honor of the Virginia Tech shooting victims will be held on Monday at 9 p.m. in the Founder’s Circle. All are invited to attend.

Seeing and hearing the concern our students have shown for their peers at Virginia Tech is humbling. It is a strong reminder that while there is evil in the world, there is infinitely more kindness.

I think a lot of people on campus felt sad to see the venerable Alumni Center torn down. This old house held lots of Bradley University history, having been, in recent years, the Alumni Center, and, previously, the home of A. G. “Frenchie” Haussler and executive director of Housing, Residential Life and Student Judicial System, Emeritus, Ed King. The building also served as a faculty club prior to becoming the Alumni Center. I think people are enthusiastic about the new Markin Family Student Recreation Center that will be built on this spot and all the good things that facility will offer our students. You can see a slide show of the Alumni Center demolition. Go>

I hear that plans are underway to install a second webcam on campus so everyone can watch as work progresses on the new Recreation Center. When I hear more, I’ll let you know.