Capitol times. (Middletown, Pa.) 1982-2013, November 28, 2005, Image 3
The Capital Times, November 28, 2005 "akistani earthquake shakes students at PS By Rabyia Ahmed Staff Reporter rzalo9@psu.edu The earthquake Saturday, Oct. 8, at 8:50 a.m. (5:50 a.m. EST) in South Asia killed nearly 100,000 people and injured over 90,000. Measuring at a magnitude 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale by the United States Geological Survey, it caused a widespread destruction in northern Pakistan, as well as damage in Afghanistan and northern India. The worst hit areas were Pakistan administered Kashmir, and the western and southern parts of the Kashmir valley in the Indian administered Kashmir. Damages were well over 5 billion in US dollars to which the UN made an appeal to raise 272 million in US dollars to help the victims. Kashmir lies in the area where the Eurasian and Indian Tectonic Plates are colliding. Out of this collision, the Himalayas began uplifting 50 million years ago, and continue to rise by about 5 mm/year, causing the recent earthquake as a result. South Asian students were in shock and afraid for their countries. Talat Shah, freshman Political Science major at Penn State York, said, "I had mixed feelings of sadness when I first heard about it, but then I was in shock because it was too close to home." Raba Rizvi, a sophomore XGI grows in size and influence at PSH By Matthew Mahoney Bum on the Couch mlmso39@psu.edu People see them everyday. From down the hall or across Stack's Market, all the way past the library, people see those three red letters everyday. Chi Gamma lota, more affectionately known to most as the XGIs, has been sporting the red letters of their fraternity for over 35 years now. The three red letters of XGI have become synonymous with campus involvement, leadership, and Penn State Harrisburg pride. The history of XGI begins in the late 1960 s when the fraternity flourished and grew. At one point there were over 100 active members in XGI, but in more recent times this campus' brotherhood of veterans was on the verge of extinction. "In December of 2003 I attended my first XGI meeting," The Nittany Lion donates a pint during the XGI Fall Blod Drive. XGI received 100 pins of blood in one day for the central PA blood bank. said Christopher Kramm, former president of XGI and currently an active full fraternity member. "At that time there were only two people in the club; a president and a secretary." By the time the spring semester began in 2004, the XGI club would be see its numbers dramatically increase. Now in the fall of 2005, XGI has just finished another successful Fall Blood Drive. Every semester the XGIs host a blood drive; the blood collected from these events goes to the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, meaning every donation stays right here in Central Pennsylvania. This semester, XGI managed to collect 100 pints of blood with a total of 140 people screened as potential donors. Biology major at Penn State Harrisburg, had similar reactions. "I was really shocked to hear about it and immediately felt really worried for my family in Pakistan," she said. "Thankfully none of my family or friends were injured in any way," said Rizvi. Saba Khan, junior Health Administration major at Penn State Harrisburg, like Shah and Rizvi, was sad at the tragedy but also looked at it from a positive angle. Khan said that she was very sad after hearing about the earthquake especially because it was during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "But," she said, "at least they all went to heaven because of the fact that they died during Ramadan." Shafaq Ahmed, sophomore Pre-med major at Penn State York, said, "Not many people knew about it even though it was such a big disaster!" Khan agreed with her. "It should have been mentioned more in the United States media so that more people would know about it so they could provide help and donate," she said. Rizvi, Khan and Ahmed have donated money and clothes to help the victims of the earthquake. Some parts of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the city of Karachi also experienced a minor aftershock of magnitude 4.6. The shocks were so minor that some people failed to respond to them. The blood drive itself was an event that had many XGIs worried as to whether or not they would be able to break last year's fall count of 97 pints. In what seemed like a last minute flurry of activity; students poured out of the wood work to get screened and donate blood. Through the hard work of XGIs spreading the word about the blood drive, and the generosity of the PSH student body, this event was a success that every participant should be proud to have been a part of. Another event that was spear headed by select members of XGI was hosting a cake cutting ceremony in honor of the Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10. With the event being led by Augustine Bravo, a former Sergeant in the US Marine Corps and an active full fraternity member in XGI, a simple yet very ceremonial birthday celebration was held in W-132. When Bravo sent out the invitation to the student body, he wasn't expecting as big a response as he received. "I wasn't expecting any more than a handful of Marines I knew on campus to say that they would be attending," said Bravo, "I even received emails from students that weren't Marines expressing their gratitude and wishing that they did have time to attend." One person that replied was Mr. Robert Weiss. As is tradition in the Marine Corps; the oldest and youngest Marine present are recognized by being offered the first piece of cake. Weiss, an honored guest at the ceremony, was the oldest Marine present, being born on Nov. 17, 1930. Another attendee was one "I didn't even feel it. My family and I were sleeping when it happened. Our neighbors told us the next morning that there was an earthquake the night before and that there was a massive crowd of people standing out in the streets afraid that the earthquake was now hitting our area," said Emad Sagheer, a resident of Karachi, Pakistan. An estimated 3.3 million were left homeless in Pakistan and the UN said that they are in need of shelter. With winter snow beginning to fall, more than 4 million people are directly affected. Many of them are at risk of dying from the cold and the spread of disease. Since most students were in school as the earthquake struck, many were buried under the collapsed school buildinp. Many people were also trapped in their homes and because it was the month of Ramadan, most people were taking a nap after their pre dawn meal and did not have enough time to escape from their homes. Only 250 bodies have been recovered in the Pakistan administered Kashmir area according to the authorities from Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. Khan believed the Pakistani government could have handled it better. It did, however, bring India and Pakistan closer, she said. So what is there to learn from of PSH's very own faculty members, Dr. Bob Munzenrider. Munzenrider served in the Marine Corps for four years and left active duty in 1963. During his time he served afloat on a Navy ship with his unit while the Cuban Missile Crisis was going on. Munzenrider said, "the feeling of once a Marine always a Marine sets in overtime. It feels rewarding and nice to be in touch with the heritage." Student Sam Knopp of XGI also added, "It was great to have support from the school to be able to do this." Support is the primary mission of XGI; supporting veterans in their transition from military life to civilian life and helping veterans conform to the rigors of school. Current XGI president and Army veteran James Hall said, "As more and more veterans return home from conflicts around the world there is more of a need for them to connect with XGI; not only to help themselves, but to in turn, help others." These are not the only public appearances that members of XGI have made this semester. The Veteran's Day Ceremony is an annual event that has been coordinated and presented by XG I since the club's inception. This year's event began by PSH's very own Dr. Felicia Brown-Haywood singing the National Anthem. Guest speaker Commander Tom Richardt, an active duty commissioned officer in the US Navy, gave a speech highlighting the history of Veteran's Day, which derives its origins from WWI and the armistice ending the war. Richardt also spoke to all the veterans present about the services offered by the US Army Carlisle barracks in transitioning and job placement. As this semester winds down to a close, know that the red letters of XGI will not be fading from view any time soon. XGI looks forward to seeing you in the Spring and hopes that you will be ready to donate another pint of blood. XGI looks forward to seeing you at events being held by other clubs, like dodge ball tournaments and bathtub races. Members of XGI have spread out and joined other clubs on campus, bringing with them their sense of drive and initiative to be actively involved here at PSH. Next time you see the red letters in the hall or at a school event, know that XGI is here to stay and their notoriety and reputation on campus will continue to grow for well over another 35 years. International News this earthquake? "It makes me appreciate all that I have," replied Shah, "It also makes me want to go out and do something to help in any way I can." Rizvi said that it's a chance for people all over the world to work together in helping each other overcome Pakistani residents grieve over the damages to their cit in the aftermath of the earth quake. Marines Sam Knopp (left) and James Elligson (right) stand at parade rest during the Veterans Day Ceremo ny. Knopp and Elligson attended the ceremony which is held annualy on Veterans Day outside of the library. PSH teams up with NYU students for a day of service in New York City NYC cont'd from 1 Also at this time, volunteers were serving food to needy residents at the St. Joseph's soup kitchen where they prepped and served the food, then washed all of the dishes. Once again, all appreciated their services and the volunteers enjoyed meeting such a diverse group of people. The remaining projects included caring communities, best buddies, creative workshops for kids, and Peter's place. There were about 80 volunteers total that participated in the "Day of Service Project," ranging from Key Clubbers to Kiwanis members. Krishna Mandavia, Circle K member, said, "It was a good experience. We designed Thank you cards for Thanksgiving and it was great for the kids because they got to show off their creativity. The kids have great potential we just have to allow them to express themselves. They are on the devastation of yet another natural disaster. Khan sees it as a chance for all Muslims to unite and help each other. Food, medicine supplies, tents, and blankets have been identified by relief workers as the most essential items needed. the right track because they are confident in themselves. Also, NYU Circle K members were cool and helped us get around the big city. If I lived in NYC, I would do this every Saturday!" After the service projects concluded, PSH volunteers ventured off to experience more of the city. NYU Circle K members offered to provide tours to PSH students, but many ventured off on their own to experience more of the city. While some students enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Times Square, others enjoyed a quiet dinner at an Italian Restaurant and reunited with family and friends. Wilcox had nothing but positive things to say about the whole day. "Thank you so much for helping make this Saturday so successful. You all were wonderful volunteers and leaders. At the end of the day, NYU Circle K provided supper to thank the volunteers for their service and dedication. After a Several colleges and universities nationwide including Penn State University and many of its branch campuses have sent donations to aid the victims. Donations are still needed. Donateathttp://www.netpakistani com/te/?m=v&a=lols3ls4. . Photos courtousy of google com Photos by Kathryn Herr/Capital Times final "thank you" and "goodbye," PSH students departed for home at 8 p.m. Tony Stewart, PSH student, enjoyed the New York experience altogether. "I really had a great time and especially am grateful for NYU for providing food at the end. The service projects were great and it definitely is better than going into work." Students represented their PSH community in a positive way and each truly got a unique experience. PSH Circle K is especially grateful for the support from the NYU Circle K members and faculty, Kiwanis International, SGA, Melinda Logan, Nancy Leister, Nichole Duffy, Donna Howard, and everyone else who made this day a memorable one. Steve O'Holla, Circle K President, wants to thank Circle K members for their continuous support and dedication to the campus as well as the community, which could be in your backyard or 200 miles away.