RHA to work on noise deterrent proposals

RHA representatives will meet with administrators Wednesday to finalize a proposal to restrict construction in residence halls undergoing technology upgrades during reading and final exams weeks. They also will look into alternative study spaces for students during that time.

A preliminary compromise was reached at the RHA meeting last Wednesday, during which the administration agreed to stay out of student rooms from April 30 to May 10, making special exceptions to those students with finals after May 10.

“We’re investigating opportunities to have additional rooms in various buildings for study space,” said Michael Peller, executive director of Student and Academic Support Services Administrative Services.

Peller said SASS is working with the registrar’s office to secure the accessory rooms, including the possibility of the fifth floor Marvin Center classrooms.

The administration has not fully determined whether or not it will continue with the work on schedule if RHA does not approve the compromise.

“I don’t think there will be a complete close down of operations, but if students don’t support the compromise, there will be additional discussion,” said Al Ingle, GW’s associate vice president for business affairs.

-Laura Hertzfeld

Students relive childhood days with “Sesame Street”

About 400 students sang “Rubber Ducky,” “These Are the People in Your Neighborhood” and “C is for Cookie,” at Sesame Street’s 30th anniversary celebration in the Marvin Center Ballroom Friday.

The event was organized “because it’s fun, educational and people have very fond, nostalgic memories of `Sesame Street,’ ” said Heidi Wicker, Program Board arts chair.

Sesame Street producer Pam Green said “Sesame Street Unpaved” was a way of saying thank you to loyal viewers.

“By the end of this year, we will have toured 10 colleges in celebration of Sesame Street’s 30th (anniversary),” Green said.

The event was a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street. Students participated in a question-and-answer session with the producers, writers and cast members of the show and watched video segments.

-Rania Swadek

Pickering receives fraternity service award

The Theta Delta Chi Fraternity presented Ambassador Thomas Pickering, undersecretary of state for political affairs, the 1998 John Hay Award for distinguished public service during a reception at the University Club Friday.

Each year, the John Hay award is given to an alumni of Theta Delta Chi in recognition of service to their community and country.

Pickering was chosen for his work, which includes being U.S. ambassador to numerous countries and U.S. representative to the United Nations.

Pickering started his career attending Bowdoin College, where he joined the Theta Delta Chi fraternity and then joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1959.

GW President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg presented Pickering with the award.

“(Pickering) has held positions requiring the highest of diplomatic skills,” he said.

“We must pledge our own best efforts to promote human rights,” Pickering said. “Faith in this country is faith in the future. We must respond to new ideas, cherish, share and promote them in the next century.”

-Margaret Magee