Next week, the Sam and Marilyn Fox Atlas Week will move Saint Louis University’s bounds far beyond Laclede and Lindell. The yearly program features more than 70 events covering social and cultural issues from around the globe-a major expansion from the first Atlas Week in 2001, which had eight events.
“About half the events are student-run or have students participating. Students really want to be a part of the events,” said Atlas Week Coordinator Michelle Lorenzini, a professor in the department of political science.
Events this year range from presentations on the degradation of war, to dentistry around the world, to the importance of music during the cultural changes of the 1960s.
The week’s main event is the signature symposium, featuring Emmanuel Jal, a hip-hop artist and human rights spokesman. Formerly a child soldier in the Sudan, Jal now works to end conflict and educate the world.
“We chose [Jal] because we thought he is someone who would excite students. He is really entertaining,” said Lauren Stapel, a senior who got involved in Atlas Week after being inspired in one of Lorenzini’s classes last spring.
Lorenzini agreed that Jal would catch many students’ attention.
“He was suggested by a student, the committee overwhelming voted for him not just for his experience but to reach out to students because of his youth,” Lorenzini said.
Jal will be signing copies of his recently released book War Child: A Child Soldier’s Story before his speech on Wednesday. His film War Child will be shown Monday night.
Veteran SLU students might notice the addition of the Sam and Marilyn Fox moniker to the week’s official name. Sam Fox was the U.S. ambassador to Belgium. The couple are philanthropists who have contributed to causes across the globe.
Atlas Week planners said that they have tried to make this the most expansive program yet, bringing in bigger audiences and more topics of discussion.
“We really reached outside of the SLU community local colleges and community groups so we hope too see them at the events as well,” Stapel said.
“We have such a diverse amount issues, and we have a few new student organizations hosting events. Una is hosting it was our spot light campaign for V-Day fundraising, and we wanted to educate people on it [as] it’s real good cause.”
Other events include a presentation from the Canadian Consulate on the nation’s military presence in Afghanistan and a presentation on microfinancing.
Lorenzini said that she thought the continued growth of student organizations is a sign of Atlas Week’s success in introducing students to global issues.
“Many students have formed organizations on campus dedicated to [global social justice] issues,” she said.
All these signs of involvement and encompassing array of topics make it clear Lorenzini has been successful in her goals of expanding Atlas week and effecting change in the lives of students and those abroad.
“The goal is to raise awareness of issues of global concern … to educate students on how to be effective advocates for change,” said Lorenzini.
The week of activities is capped off Friday morning at 11:30 with the Billiken World Festival, which will feature marching bands, a parade, live cultural music, dance, games and international student groups selling cuisine from their respective countries. The celebration is a reminder that despite the social justice issues, the world abroad is worth celebrating.
