Fairfield was extremely fortunate to have Paul Rusesabagina, the “Rwandan Schindler” whose story was told in “Hotel Rwanda,” on campus last week.
Rusesabagina’s story was a powerful one that urged students to act, even if only by sharing what they heard with others.
As impressive as the event itself was, equally outstanding was the overwhelming student turnout at the Quick Center.
For once, the big event on campus on a Thursday night was not a party, but a lecture. Rather than lining up for cabs to the beach, students lined up to gain entrance into the Kelley Auditorium.
While some students were required to attend for class, many were not and were excited at the chance to listen to a man who gave so much to others. The lecture was an opportunity to extend curiosity beyond the classroom; this, after all, is what college should be about.
The student body was lucky that an event featuring such a prominent speaker was hosted by FUSA/FYE. As a result, seats were offered to undergraduates before the public at the reasonable price of $5.
While last-minute, discounted rush tickets are available to students immediately before most events, many, especially Open Visions Forums, are sold out long before and the audience tends to be predominantly Fairfield residents.
The university community is lucky to have such an attractive performing and fine arts venue, and it is our hope that the administration, as well as student groups, will strive to host speakers who are both of interest to and economical for undergraduates.
For all our complaints of apathy plaguing the student body, Thursday night proved that given the affordable opportunity to listen to someone whose ideas relate to classroom lessons, students will be willing to open their eyes to life outside the bubble.
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