New
Year, New Life!
September
2002 at Alliant has been an exciting month. New year, new faces, new
activities: lots of things seem to be going on in the pink building
at the corner of Obregon and Orizaba.
The first
week of the month started with students climbing up the spiral staircase,
heading towards classrooms. But it was not until the 10th of september
that the new academic year started with the official Orientation and
Welcoming Party for new students. All University staff presented the
activities that have been organized. Then with the help of señora
Silvia, Don Cruz, and Don Leo we had a barbecue under the shade of a
large canvas on our rooftop. There was this rumour going around that
the party went on in a pizzeria nearby --but this is another
story.
The following
day, on the first anniversary of September 11, we received the visit
of official representatives from the U.S. Embassy. The third floor was
again full of people who voiced their grief and their opinions on this
tragic event. A whole lot of kids, following in the footsteps of their
teacher Troy Swanstrom, swarmed the university for the event.
For those
interested in real classics, Berenice Muñiz organized a free
projection of "Los Tres Garcias," a must-see in Mexican
culture. The film provided a good opportunity to practice Spanish.
Furthermore,
the series of conferences on environmental issues organized by Ilan
Adler had another appointment. On September 25, Dr. Alejandra Caballero
gave a presentation on "Permaculture and Bioculture"
in which she explained how to live in better harmony with the environment.
For the same
cycle, on October 3 many have assisted to the projection of "Baraka",
a movie about the world and its people. Wonderful scenaries and an amazing
variety of music from all over the globe have suddently invaded AIU,
this microcosmic example of how many cultural differences we can find
among people.
We have also
received the visit of a group of students from Fresno, California. Their
program has been designed to get an insight into Mexican culture, both
from the folcloric and the business point of view. We are sure they
have enjoyed their stay.
Thanks to
the organization of Student Council and specifically Aurora Garcia,
Saturday 19 a group of 36 people, most of whom were AIU students, left
Mexico City for a small pueblo near Cuernavaca. In there they
have been helping a local family with the construction of a house, following
a project of Habitat for Humanity. You can already see the pictures
at AIU/MCC, waiting for the article in the next newsletter publication.
As you may
know, from now on every month at AIU/MCC will be dedicated to a specific
country. October has been the month of Cyprus. Thanks to its Embassy,
we have been watching a movie presenting this Mediterranean island on
October 10. The main event has been the coming of the Embassador of
Cyprus, who gently presented the theme "Cyprus and its Integration
into the European Union" on October 16. Not only the talk,
but also Cyprus food and wine have been highly appreciated by a consistent
crowd. Last but not least, this week on Thusday 24th at 3.00 p.m.
we will be projecting "Crossing the Line", a documentary
film in English with Spanish subtitles. Please join in!
As far
as next activities are concerned, on Tuesday 22 at 2.00 p.m. there will
be the official inauguration of the new AIU Rainwater Catchment System.
Learn more about this issue
through the words of prof. Ilan Adler.
On October
29 at 3.45 p.m., our San Diego Liaison Representative Criselda Gonzales
will explain how to use AIU school
resources online. Watch out all of you writing term papers, this
could be extremely useful.
Other
future activities are scheduled around the Day of the Deads, an important
date for those interested in Mexican culture and traditions. AIU will
prepare its own ofrenda a los muertos, a colourful altar covered
with flowers and offerings to remember those who passed away. AIU Student
Council is preparing a Halloween Party on the night of October 31, while
on the same date, in the afternoon, AIU Language Center is planning
to organize a Latin Day with talks, music and food from Mexico and nearby
countries.
See you around!