In honor of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama, we have created an open letter to the President that expresses the students' concerns for their campus and community. This letter serves as the starting point for discussions about these issues as well as a reminder that we are not alone in our concerns...

 

Dear Mr. President, 

 

If I could make any change on my campus or in my community it would be…

 

“I want CHANGE: I want people to be empowered to recognize their strengths and feel confident that these assets are valuable and worthwhile.”

 

“Everyone to have a sense of respect for all people and things, regardless of personal like or dislike.”

 

“I hope that increasing media literacy continues to involve more people in the democratic process, and results in creative approaches to urgent issues such as the environmental crisis.”

 

“I want people to understand that giving does not only mean money. We can give out time, our energy, our support, and our compassion.” 

 

“The creation of a homeless shelter in Danville.”

 

“I think we all need to create BHAGS (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals) for our own service sites and use them to inspire us to work towards the big picture every day.”

 

“Creation of more dialogue and a stronger relationship between Centre students and the citizens of Danville, and not just through service.” 

 

“I wish we all had respect for everyone despite their differences and beliefs.”

  

“That no one in our community should be without a home to sleep in.” 

 

“I’d like to see our teachers appreciated and cared for in a way that says that we recognize that children are our future and our most precious commodity.”

  

“For there to be a day when every single Centre student and faculty member was doing service together, side by side.” 

 

“People need to know how much fun service can be.”

  

“That more students at Centre are involved in service as well as the Danville community.” 

 

“People need to be more aware of domestic abuse occurring in the community and should help provide service for those people.” 

 

“The removal of coin-operated laundry in favor of an easier system, or free laundry with a slight increase in tuition.” 

 

“To make Centre students aware of the world around them: Dr. Michael Kimmel, Professor of Sociology at State University New York said, ‘Privilege is invisible at times to those who have it.’" 

 

“I would like to see the Danville community and Centre students realize that both groups are part of the same community and that both groups have needs that can be helped by the other.”

 

“To change the dating culture and eliminate the ‘get drunk and hook up’ attitude; it makes men predators and unsafe, and is an unsafe atmosphere for women.”

 

“We need to stop generalizing and stereotyping different neighborhoods and regions.”

 

“I wish that more emphasis would be placed on the civics in our nation’s educational requirements so that all citizens would be more aware and educated on policy, government, and politics.”

 

“I want to change how we view other people: it’s not fair to judge someone based on gossip. Everyone deserves a fair chance, no matter how ‘different’ they are.”

 

“To provide homes for children.”

 

“I think Centre needs to show that it cares about diversity much more than it does. Right now, those issues are only nominally addressed and just to look good on paper. Once students are admitted, they don’t seem to care about what happens to them (especially international students). This should extend to diversifying our faculty and staff.” 

 

“We need to concentrate less on ourselves and what material things we want and more on other people’s needs.” 

 

“I would like to see day where better public education be made available to all in Kentucky.”

 

“To get high school students interested in the medical field. There is a great shortage in Kentucky, let alone the country. There are too many minds that go to waste, and it needs to stop.” 

 

“For Centre College to offer activities on campus during the weekends for those who are non-Greek or not fully into the party scene.”

  

“Different groups (sports teams, Posse, Bonner, halls, etc) need to mingle and get to know other groups and not just stay in their comfort zones; experience diversity so that we can all grow together.”

  

“Include the Hispanic community.”

 

“We need to change our responsibility to our campus and community. We need to take initiative, whether it means picking up a solo cup off the ground on our way to class or creating a program that our community needs. We need to take responsibility 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are not Bonners only ten hours a week; we are Bonners for life.”

 

To see open letters to the President from people all around the nation, visit www.refresheverything.com.