Dear Friends,

The virtue of our tight-knit Rochester community is diversity. We come from all corners of the U.S. and from the far reaches of the globe to receive the Rochester experience. Living and learning in this rich context of diversity is one essence of our Rochester education.

As a consequence of Tuesday?s destruction, our outlooks on not only our nation?s, but also our personal security have been greatly altered. Insuring our nation?s security is an extremely difficult task, but insuring and preserving the safety of members of our UR community is not difficult. It is our responsibility to make sure that our peers, no matter their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or sexual orientation, feel safe and are safe on this campus. No one on this campus caused yesterday?s destruction, and no retributive action taken against any group or individual on campus will resolve what has happened.

We are a community of many, but in times like this we must rise as one. Our unification will exemplify the community support that our nation needs in order to come together and overcome yesterday?s tragedy. I am confident that we can and will work together to accomplish this.

Let?s be supportive of one another through this difficult time.

Meliora,

John J. LaBoda III

Students? Association President



Teddy’s Travels: Ithaca, NY

Obviously, every ‘Teddy’s Travels’ needs adventure, and after our unremarkable stay in Ithaca, I began to wonder if perhaps we would break the streak.

Whatever happened to the dormitories of yesteryear?

Two images come to mind: One is of cinder block-walled rooms hidden behind brutalist edifices, and the other is of air-conditioned suites bathed in natural light.

Conversations that matter: Nora Rubel’s hope of shaping future political discourse on Israel and Palestine

Interpreted by some as an anti-Israel and anti-Zionist series, Rubel emphasized that while the need to support a particular side passionately is understandable, it is crucial to be aware of what you are standing behind by exposing yourself to historical and present knowledge.