Synergy II synthesizes social groups

Author: Denizhan Duran

Various campus groups and students shared their projects and ideas at the second Synergy meeting, held on Feb. 18. Through this initiative, members of different groups were able to introduce and learn about several projects planned for the spring term.

Many representatives of a myriad of groups, such as MIDDialogue, Roosevelt Institution, Alianza Latinoamericana y Caribeña and some students who just started planning an organization, all united in Coltrane Lounge to discuss and share ideas in order to strengthen collaboration among students. Some of the ideas discussed included a Power Shift for the whole state of Vermont to be held at Middlebury, a documentary film festival and an initiative to build relations with local schools through environmental awareness.

"Synergy II was a good opportunity to engage students to see all the great social action projects that their peers are undertaking," said Ben Wessel '11.

The Office for Institutional Planning and Diversity, the Alliance for Civic Engagement and the Center for Campus Activities and Leadership co-sponsored and helped organize this event, which was a continuation of a two-day Synergy workshop that occurred in September. Special Assistant to Athletics and Admissions Alfredo Ramirez and Dean of Institutional Diversity Shirley Ramirez started the meeting with some social activities in order for the participants to get to know each other. Afterwards each particular group presented themselves and their projects for the spring term. At the end there was time for every person who attended to approach different groups and simply talk about their impressions and desires to contribute.

"It was a great success," said Austen Levihn-Coon '08, one of the coordinators of Synergy, "allowing student organizers in campus to see and present what they are planning for the spring."