This Weekend: RAPPORT Retreat

This Friday to Saturday is our annual RAPPORT retreat. I'm looking forward to thought-provoking conversations and memorable fun with this year's group!

This year RAPPORT students will be exploring issues of relgious difference and dynamics of dominant/advantaged and subordinated/targetted groups. Last year we explored issues related to peer education. Before that, I don't know when or whether RAPPORT groups had retreats.

As I continue to connect with more former RAPPers, I look forward to learning about what RAPPORT was like for them!

(pic-participants in the spring 2009 RAPPORT retreat)

-Rebecca

Martin Luther King Commemorative Events

There's a full slate of activities going on around our campus and in our city for MLK Day. Here's information on some of them:

At UC:
"Why We Can't Wait": A Tribute ot Martin Luther King, Jr. Wednesday, January 13th, 12noon, MainStreet Cinema. Keynote speaker: President Gregory H. Williams.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast Hosted by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Friday, January 15th, 8AM, Cerman Cultural Center (in Old Chemistry).
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Celebration Hosted by UC Health. Friday, January 15th, 10:10AM-12noon, Kresge Auditorium.
Linda Bates Parker Conversation Friday, January 15th, 3PM-6PM, Myers Alumni Center.

City-wide Events:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition March Monday, January 18th, 10:30AM. March starts outside Freedom Center's Harriet Tubman entrance on Vine Street. Marchers proceed to Fountain Square for interfaith prayer service at 11 a.m. Immediately following service, marchers continue to Music Hall for program.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration Monday, January 18th, 12noon. Materials on display about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and activities prior to program. Bishop Todd O'Neal and Dr. Catherine Roma to speak. Mayor Mark Mallory delivers keynote address. Music by the Martin Luther King Chorale.
Listing of other city-wide events: Cincinnati.com has a listing of MLK events available here.

Other Local Universities:
A listing of events at Xavier University is available here (pdf).
A listing of events at Northern Kentucky University is available here.

Fall 2009 Report

Last fall I provided a report to the Diversity Council committee that oversees the allocation of funds to RAPP about what I'd been up to so far. This year I asked to make this an annual tradition. I like to be transparent about what I've spent UC's time and money on - plus it's a chance to highlight the hard work of all the folks who made RAPP work and the accomplishments of the past year.
This year's report will be available shortly at through the RAPP homepage. It's pending approval and uploading (how all that works in the UC content management system, I know not - I just know it usually takes a little while). For current members of RAPP, it's also available in the Documents section of our Blackboard page.
So, if you'd like to read it, it'll be out there soon!

In Memoriam... A Conversation about Linda Bates Parker

Dr. Eric Abercrumbie has sent out word about an memorial for Linda Bates Parker.
"In Memoriam... A Conversation about Linda Bates Parker" will give people the opportunity to share their memories of "Ma Parker" with UC students, staff, faculty, and the community at large.

Friday, January 15, 2010
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
University of Cincinnati
Myers Alumni Center

Recognizing One Aspect of Commitment

RAPP XXIV started something that I think I should continue: Recognizing folks for strong attendance. I know that we're busy students with many commitments to uphold. Therefore, I think it's impressive that many folks are able to attend all of the meetings and retreats in RAPP.
For fall quarter, these RAPP XXV members made it to every meeting and the retreat:
Rachel Berman
Mahsino Blahmoh
Melissa Chavez
Anthony DelaRosa
Trisha Durham
Amber Easterling
Simone Epperson
Craig Erickson
Courtney Fancher
Lauren Fink
Lane Hart
Sarah Hejma
Ricardo Huezo
Zina Iyango
Grace Jeter
Brittany Jones
Chelsea Korte
Meagan Lauer
Brice Mickey
Kristin Myers-Young
Calena Neal
Wil Pierce
Alyssa Roberts
Ivy Shan
Simón Sotelo
Danielle Thomas
Tiffany Thompson
Andrea Tinsley
Dion Webb
Tori Willis
Daniel Wilson
Quincy Wright
Maggie Yoder
Anum Zaheer
Many thanks to you all for your commitment!


(pic - Queenie of RAPP XXIV being recognized for attendance at ALL meetings and retreats)
-Rebecca

Award Nomination Season

RAPPers are a pretty phenomenal group of people. One thing I like is taking the time to recognize RAPPers (and other student leaders) for the great work they do.
Though "the real awards season" is in late spring (when all the banquets and ceremonies are), now's the time we lay the groundwork.
If you're around UC and know a phenomenal student, take the time to recognize them for the work they do on top of the regular demands of student life.
Some great ones for graduating students are accepting nominations now:
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
C-Ring
Presidential Medal of Excellence

(pic - taken from the PME website, RAPPer Payal Modi was recognized in 2004 with this prestigious award)

-Rebecca

Un's Farewell

Today we said farewell to Un and thanks for her all her amazing work!

Erica & Regan from the Wellness Center.

Un & Dean Bowen.

Un, Vicki, and Stacy.

Lisa of RAPP XXIV, Un, and Brandy

Stacy, Terri, and Derrick.

Debby & Dan write in Un's memory book.

Jackie, Derrick, Un, and Nicole.

Un cuts the first piece of cake.

Miss Patty and Un.

The spread for Un's cake.