By Andrew Mollenauer

Gun Violence Symposium:

The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace welcomed two speakers Tuesday for its symposium on U.S. gun violence, the evolution of which was a theme. 

The endowed academic program leads such events annually to address issues of global concern through conversation. 

Professors Thomas Abt and Jaclyn Schildkraut led the discussion emphasizing sub-themes of awareness and a solution-minded approach to address the epidemic. 

“Mass shooting has a very different meaning than it used to,” Schildkraut told the audience. “It’s absolutely important we account for everybody when we talk about those affected. We need to distinguish between premeditated attacks and a fight that escalates into a shooting.”

Abt, author of “Bleeding Out: The Devastating Consequences of Urban Violence–and a Bold New Plan for Peace in the Streets,” talked about his belief in a need for dissuading people from contributing to gun culture.

“When we use evidence-based approaches; violence-reduction strategies, we can persuade people not to buy guns,” said Abt.

Povich Symposium:

The Merrill College of Journalism hosted a symposium, too, Tuesday, delving into the evolving paradigm of women’s sports for its 19th annual Povich Symposium. 

The event, hosted at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, featured panel discussions that included notable guests, like USA Today’s Christine Brennan and ESPN’s Rosalyn Durant. 

Merrill College Dean Rafael Lorente spoke at the event, lauding this year’s installment of the nearly two-decades-long annual tradition for its value in fostering “conversations in journalism about the intersection of sports in society.”

Panelists expressed optimism about the trajectory of women’s sports, noting an influx in female representation in sports, both at the competitive and leadership levels. 

The panelists emphasized the intersection of sports and mental health during the discussion. 

“Simone Biles, both in the previous Olympics and this [one], have cemented the fact that if you work hard and if you speak your truth, then in 2024 you will have the support you will need for the rest of your career,” said Bonnie Bernstein, a sports journalist and alumna of Merrill College’s class of 1992, referring to Biles spreading mental health awareness through her platform. 

Mark Hyman, the George Solomon Chair in Sports Journalism in Merrill College, said there was much to take away from the dialogue Tuesday. 

“I’d like to think that women in the audience came away feeling especially empowered with so many accomplished women writers and broadcasters telling their stories,” he said.

First-Generation Terps:

The Student Leadership Alumni Council and the University of Maryland Alumni Association on Tuesday held a panel discussion with first-generation college students, both current and alumni. 

Among the discussion topics were first-generation students’ experiences living with that designation, including the obstacles they overcame because of it. 

Brittany Johnson, a first-generation college student and an alumna of the University of Maryland, was in attendance and spoke to the audience, stressing the need to advocate for such students. 

“Making sure they are supported while merging them into traditional student life is the key to making sure [first-generation students] are heard but don’t feel like their uniqueness is stripped away because they had to conform to something,” Johnson said.

Laura Mata, a first-generation college student at UMD, spoke to our reporter, Charlotte Ormond, about her experience. 

“Prior to college, my parents had always encouraged me to take advantage of both academic and extracurricular activities to find what I had the most interest in and could enjoy,” Mata said. “This inspired me to create my own path knowing the support of my parents would always be there.”

Hugo Cantu, another UMD alum, addressed the audience as well, encouraging first-generation college students to keep pursuing their higher-education goals. 

“You already belong, you just have to play the part,” Cantu said. “You’re doing it for yourself, your family and your last name.”