Reza Aslan delivers passionate lecture about Islam

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natalie.jpgWRCU, the university’s radio station, is the largest student-run organization on campus. Managers, producers, and DJs worked hard to get the new semester off the ground this past week.

This semester there is a great variety of music to listen to. From indie rock to alternative to jazz shows, even a show playing only “mediocre” music, students walking through the Coop and other listeners in the broadcasting area and online can enjoy the DJs’ taste in tunes. I am excited to work as a producer and a DJ for another semester at WRCU.

Aside from the WRCU DJs, many other student organizations have had a presence in the Coop this week. Clubs set up tables offering different ways to spread the love on Valentine’s Day. One table featured “Kappa Kisses” and another “Delta’s Candy-grams and Carnations.” My personal favorite was the table offering to sing Valentine’s Day serenades for a small fee.

Any student walking through the Coop this week could find ways to support great causes. From learning about an upcoming Men’s “Play 4Kay” basketball game being held to raise breast cancer awareness, to participating in an American Red Cross blood drive, the Coop brings students together with opportunities to reach out and support charitable organizations.

reza.jpgThe notable activist and author Reza Aslan (right) came to campus this week and gave a lecture to a full Love Auditorium.

Aslan spoke passionately about his religion, Islam, and society’s misconceptions of the faith. Whether students attended the lecture as a class requirement, for extra credit, or for their own personal interest, every individual was engaged in Aslan’s account of being an Iranian-American living in the United States post-9/11.

The lecture was enlightening as to the fact of the rising racial and religiously motivated prejudice that exists in America.

Aslan was a great speaker and knew how to present the issues in an informative, yet, conversational way. I really enjoyed this lecture and I am glad Aslan braved the weather, having traveled to Colgate from California.

This week has been, academically, very busy. I will get started on my classwork for next week soon, but my number one priority as of Friday afternoon is getting in a good, long nap.

Look every Friday for my blog entries about what is going on at Colgate.