This post is written by UHP students Rachel Roberts and Tigan Woolson.
On Thursday, February 6, 2014, Professor Vann’s Arts and Humanities class, Alienation and Appropriation: The Political Power of Art in the Abrahamic Religions from the Holy Land to al-Andalus and Beyond, went to the Arena Stage to see The Tallest Tree in the Forest.
This one-man show presents the life of Paul Robeson, a Black singer, actor, and activist. Robeson’s life and work are an awe-inspiring testament to a man committed to his cause before he had a movement to support him. His story is not well-known to the general American public due to the backlash he received for his outspoken participation in the race and labor movements in the US and abroad, and for his alleged Communist affiliation. Author and star Daniel Beaty opens the second act with an insightful monologue about the nature of “comfortable black history” attributed to Jamal Joseph, a film professor at Columbia. The music that was included in the show, all performed live, added a dimensionality that only improved the already impressive and powerful performance.
The Tallest Tree in the Forest explored the concept of what makes a hero, his legacy, and how the conceptual idea of a hero has developed according to previously existing archetypes, one of the focuses of the course. Robeson’s life, which seems to adhere to our expectations of a civil rights hero, was not viewed as heroic however due to his political affiliations and race, and the fact that the results of his efforts would take years after his death to manifest, after he had been mostly written out of history. The double standard that is held for individuals according to their race, religion, and political affiliations is underscored throughout the play. The play is structured as an old man’s recounting of a life filled with victories, loses and regrets, celebrating Robeson while acknowledging his shortcomings as a man and as an activist. This exploration of an unsung hero provided an interesting contrast to the heroes that the class has been studying, who by the very nature of us studying their narratives centuries later, though multiple interpretations, are classically heroes. There are certainly traits that all typical heroes adhere to, however, one can only see these persons as heroes should we already believe they are capable of being considered as heroes, and when they can be directly, visibly attached to major victories. Paul Robeson however, due to his race, labor dialogue, and alleged political affiliations, was prevented from entering history as a hero, but rather established the basis for a national perception of later civil rights leaders that have been canonized in the mainstream.
Tag: #onlyatgw
A Birthday Bonfire in the Middle of DC!
George Washington’s Birthday Bonfire
Friday, February 7, 2014 at 6pm
University Yard
The George Washington’s Birthday Bonfire will be part of Homecoming Weekend 2014. Join the GW community at this longstanding tradition. Mix and mingle with students, alumni and fans while enjoying s’mores and entertainment. In the event of adverse weather, George Washington’s celebration will be held at the men’s homecoming basketball game at 4pm on Saturday, February 8 at the Charles E. Smith Center.
For more information, email uevents@gwu.edu or call 202-994-7129.
Follow Homecoming Weekend 2014 with #GWHW14; Follow @GWUEvent and @GWGeorge too!
Be the Face of GWU – A STAR Tour Guide
Interested in being a STAR tour guide at GW? (That stands for Student Admissions Representative, if you were curious). Check out the remaining information sessions on this sweet volunteer opportunity.
TODAY: Tuesday, January 28th from 5-6pm (Marvin 311)
Thursday, January 30th from 5-6pm (Marvin 301)
Friday, January 31st from 5-6pm (Marvin 302)
Alan Dershowitz and Controversy [Profs on the Town]
This post is written by UHPer Jacob Pavlik about a recent Professors on the Town trip, where Honors students experience classroom topics come to life at events and locations all throughout DC.
Someone described as “Hopeful and wise” by President Bill Clinton yet “not very bright [and] opposed to civil liberties” by Noam Chomsky is bound to give a thrilling presentation.
I and thirteen of my comrades in Professor Christov’s Justice class attended the Alan Dershowitz discussion sponsored by Politics and Prose. People disagree quite strongly about this man who has been called “astonishingly brilliant,” “evil,” “deranged,” “deeply thoughtful,” “a war criminal,” and “a sober and pragmatic voice for peace.” There is a lot of noise surrounding his activities, and listening to his conversation with President Emeritus Trachtenberg clarified how one person can garner such a bifurcated reputation.
We learned that he was the student we Honors kids were tutored to no avail in high school. GW would not have even read his application, let alone admit him (especially in light of recent need-aware revelations… Bazinga!) I find it comforting to know that grades do not determine success, but as I’m sure Catherine would chime in, “They do help sweetie, cuz duh.”
Mr. Dershowitz is a man with strong opinions about controversial issues. Hence the descriptions: evil, deranged, and a war criminal. I hope no one avoids taking controversial stances because one is afraid they will be called names. This “Professor on the Town” was great because we got to listen to a brilliant man with unabashed opinions on touchy subjects. He does not apologize because some of us disagree with him. That is the confidence that turns a C and D student into a lawyer. Hopefully our next seven semesters will give us half the confidence he has.
Be the Student Speaker at Graduation
Last year, UHPer Alex Zafran made us all proud by winning the competition to become the student speaker at commencement!
(Related: Adam Bethke and Paul Seltzer spoke at the CCAS Celebrations as well — one of them using it as a platform to stir up some controversy.)
This year, it’s your turn to be the speaker!
Commencement Student Speaker Competition 2014
Prospective graduates can audition to be the student speaker at Commencement on the National Mall, scheduled on Sunday, May 18 at 9:30 a.m. Additional information about the competition can be found on the Commencement website. The deadline to submit entries is Saturday, March 1st.
Commencement Weekend Schedule 2014
View the schedule on the Commencement website.
Need some inspiration? Here is Mr. Zafran’s speech last year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNm1ZyJ17Ms
Paid Spring Research Internship
Preston Whitt, a recent graduate of the UHP, works for the Open Government Partnership. His department, the Independent Reporting Mechanism, partners with national researchers to author annual reports on how well participating countries met their goals to make government more open.
They are currently looking for a Spring intern to work part-time (20 hours/week) for a monthly stipend of $640. The intern would be primarily assisting in the editorial process for around 35 country reports, with very little time left over for administration.
If you think a paid, substantive internship with an international organization working to make government transparent, improve accountability, promote citizen participation, and use technology for all three sounds interesting, send a resume to irm {at} opengovpartnership.org.
Please note: only seniors or outstanding juniors will be considered.
PS: The job posting, with further details, can be found on Gwork.
PSS: The IRM’s office is right above Juan Valdez, just across from Thurston!
PSS: The IRM’s office is right above Juan Valdez, just across from Thurston!
GW Troubadours Winter Concert [Recommended Event]
Reasons to come:
1. Our angelic voices
2. Several UHPers will be singing their hearts out
3. FREE SUNDAE STATION
Join the Troubs for an evening of love, laughs, and a cappella at our annual WINTER CONCERT! We’ll be debuting some brand new arrangements, singing some fan favorites, and performing tracks off of our newest album, STUDIO 226!
The GW Philippine Cultural Society will be tabling to raise funds for typhoon relief efforts; donations will be greatly appreciated.
Doors open at 6:30, come by early to enjoy our complimentary sundae station! (Sponsored by the GW Student Dining Board.)
Is it on Facebook? YES. https://www.facebook.com/events/740382445989524/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
University Singers and Chamber Choir: The Voice of David, Psalm Settings Over the Centuries
Push off your Honors homework (editor’s note: don’t really not do homework) and come get your choral on!
IT’S FREE and several UHPers will be there!
When: This Sunday, November 17th at 4:00pm
Where: Western Presbyterian Church, 2401 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
What: Featuring the music of Leonard Bernstein, Johann Sebastian Bach, Lili Boulanger, Bobby McFerrin and more…
Check it out on Facebook.
Leadership, Friendship, Service [Student Org Profile]
This post is written by UHP Student Peer Advisor Brian Dab, a psychology major currently abroad in France. He’s writing to describe a student org at he’s involved in here at GW. Want to encourage others to get involved in your org? Email uhpspa@gwu.edu about writing a post!
Hellooooo UHPers! I want to tell you about Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a coed community service fraternity and the impact it has on me and other members personally, academically, and professionally. Each semester, active brothers participate in community service throughout the semester. Serving with friends makes the time fly because we’re always making memories, inside jokes, and strengthening friendships. My favorite event was volunteering at a pet adoption, because I love puppies! In addition to community service and our weekly chapter meeting, we engage in fellowship, or social activities. These range from dinner hours to laser tag, and of course our semi-formal and formal events at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. My favorite parts of the week are often the time I get to spend with my brothers who are some of my best friends.
You’ll be surprised by the amazing group of people who are devoted to community service while pursuing a wide variety of majors and also extend to every inch of the GW community. We have brothers who also participate in GW Alt Breaks, are members of the SA and House Staff, and several who are in the UHP. So it is easy to get connected to a brother in APO at GW and I strongly encourage everyone to ask more about what it’s like to be a brother. Many brothers started doing community service in college through DCReads or JumpStart, and brought that experience to the chapter while expanding their experiences in service projects as a brother. Or if community service is something you’ve always wanted to do but never had an organized way of participating, then look into rushing. I challenge all of you to attend ONE rush event this Spring or another semester during your college career. It’s never too late!
Through APO I have been connected to new job and internship opportunities and to other organizations around campus, such as Relay for Life for which I Co-Captained the UHP team last year. My best friends and support group lay heavily with my brothers. My career goals and plans have been influenced by my experience in APO. Most importantly, I realized that community service isn’t something we all need to MAKE time for it’s something we HAVE time for. If you’re looking for a place at GW, if you have plenty of commitments already, or if you feel content I still encourage think you have something to gain from Alpha Phi Omega and the fraternity has even more to gain from you.
5 Reasons the Vern Spelling Bee Will Blow Your Mind
The MVC’s epic spelling bee is in a matter of days (Wednesday, 11/13 at 8pm in Post Hall) and it’s crazy. Here are five reasons why you’ll actually want to go to this spelling bee.
1) The competitors are called “Tributes,” and there are 2 from each “District.”
This definitely isn’t going to be a regular spelling bee.
2) Tricks, traps, subterfuge, and sabotage are required to win. It’s not just spelling.
Wait, what?
3) There’s a thing called a “Cornucopia” and tributes use items in it against each other.
Some items let tributes force competitors to spell their word, some items can be used for protection. Some give immunity, and one item makes a tribute spell their word backward.
4) Just by showing up, you could help a tribute win the game.
Did we forget to mention sponsor gifts? There are sponsor gifts. Districts with the biggest audience get sponsor gifts that let their tributes re-do a question.
5) There are 2 Honors districts. These Honors tributes need you to be there.
From District Dor: Emily Long and Katie Formosi. From District Jacob: Shelly Sharma and Allen Allen.
Find out if your friend is a tribute, and then go get (free) tickets to support them. They’re actually going to need your help.
