While I have many issues with numerous aspects of this university, the “Bridges to the Future” program is one I am glad has been created. However, even the best of ideas can always use improvement. But first let’s start with my introduction to “Bridges of the Future” in January.
When I returned to campus from studying abroad fall quarter, the first “Bridges” speaker I saw was psychologist Mary Piper at CSU. A delegation from DU’s Undergraduate Women’s Council drove two hours to CSU and two hours back. While spending an evening with Mary Pipher was great, what made the event even better was A) it was free, and B) my two friends who drove us up were reimbursed by “Bridges” and they also paid for our Chipotle burritos. Needless to say, this endeared “Bridges” to me from the start.
I throughly enjoyed Michael Moore and the showing of “Bowling for Columbine.”
However, despite these stimulating speakers and symposiums, and despite being on the “Bridges” listserv, after viewing their calendar on their Web site I found all of the events taking place up at CSU which were never advertised via flyers or the listserv.
CSU has had film nights, lecture series, many guest speakers, and conferences which I never knew about before looking on their website. And since there have been buses from CSU to DU for several of our speakers, one would think that there would be buses offered from DU to CSU. However, I don’t know of any CSU speakers for whom there have been buses from DU, mostly because I did not know about the speakers at the time.
“Bridges” is a wonderful idea, and I thank Chancellor Ritchie and President Al Yates for conceiving and implementing this program. Better advertising of the buses running between the campuses, as well as more information and advertising at both about events at the other college would enhance the program even more.
I would like to see Chancellor Ritchie poll the student body and ask students who they would like to see on campus or what events they would like hosted by “Bridges.” I don’t know what would beat this year’s line up of speakers, but I’d like us to try!
