Open Meeting

Open Meeting
November 7, 2006

          On November 7, 2006, Honors students attended the Open Meeting in Butcher Suite.  They enjoyed the cookies and cake that were served, before listening to Dr. Gregory Julian, professor of political science, give an inspiring speech.  He spoke about how the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01 had affected him, and shared his thoughts and words of wisdom with all of us.  He showed us different websites that helped him illustrate the important points he wanted to make.  His speech began with the song, “Countin’ on a Miracle,” by Bruce Springsteen.  He sang along with some of the lyrics and also played the harmonica to the music.  When the song finished, he explained how the lyrics to this song had inspired and moved him.
           Dr. Julian described the atrocities that had gone on since 9/11 when soldiers were sent to Iraq, and how this war on terrorism was detrimental and destructive to all those involved in it.  One of the important topics that he had discussed with students was how the use of uranium as a chemical weapon was harmful and unethical.  He shared his opinions and views with us about how we can help to make this world a better place to live.  One of the ways he mentioned that would make a difference is that the three different generations—millennial, generation x, and baby boomers should come together and help make this possible.
           He also showned us a website regarding the UN and the eight basic goals that should be followed in order to bring peace to this world.  Three of the goals he mentioned were: protecting the environment; making the world more global by communicating with people from other countries; and paying attention to the health and well-being of people in different nations.
           After he was done with his speech, students made suggestions as to who the guest speaker should be for the next Open Meeting.  Students also made suggestions as to what Honors events should be offered on and off campus, as well as what courses they would like the Honors College to offer in the future.