"Turning a Corner in Town-Gown Relationships"
By Richard W. Culver, Media Relations Director, Salisbury University
This fall, through efforts spearheaded by the Salisbury
Chamber of Commerce, returning Salisbury University students were greeted
by billboards and hundreds of yard signs, posters and business marquees
welcoming them back. Many businesses are also offering student discounts
for the .rst time. In addition, community leaders held a press conference
to let students know they were appreciated.
“Within these 6,800 students is one of our future businessmen,
one of our future politicians,” said Donnie Williams, who organized
the event. “We want them to feel welcomed here.”
What a difference a year can make. In 2003 SU students were smarting
from changes in a local housing ordinance, angry about law enforcement
agencies that they felt were overly strict, and hurt by steady complaints
in the city.s paper from residents about the campus. Students were feeling
unwelcome, University of.cials said. SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach,
concerned about what she saw as a deteriorating community relationship,
developed a Partners for Progress Initiative in February, designed to
bridge the growing chasm between town and gown.
Among her new efforts is a Town-Gown Council; expanded programs to educate
students in the ways of neighborliness; and more community-university
cooperation and communication. Many believe that this fall a corner
has been turned. At the end of the student Welcome Week, a civic group,
Urban Salisbury, co-hosted a downtown party for the students. Hundreds
attended and afterwards the Student Government Association wrote a letter
to the Daily Times thanking the community for making them feel welcomed.
What a difference a year can make.
SALISBURY UNIVERSITY EVENTS
These are just some of the upcoming events on campus at Salisbury University
which are open to the public. Please note- events, dates and times are
subject to change, please call to con.rm. For more detailed information
and other events, please visit www.salisbury.edu or www.maggiemagazine.com/calendar.htm
November 19-January 9
Exhibit - “American Crafts” 410-742-4988, ext 120
Thursday, December 9 7:30 p.m.
Performance - Salisbury Youth Orchestra, Mr. Donald Buxton, conductor
Call Derek Bowden at 410-548-5587
Thursday, December 9 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Student Showcase, Fulton Hall, Black Box Theatre 410-543-6228
Saturday, December 11 8 p.m.
Performance - Salisbury Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert, Lawrence
Knier, conductor 410-548-5587
January 10-February 6
Exhibit - “Robert Rauschenberg: China Project” For information
call 410-548-2547
January 11, 18 and 25 7-9 p.m.
Seminar - Researching the Land - Dr. Edward Otter 410-543-6312
Saturday, January 22 9 a.m.-3p.m.
Workshop - Genealogy Research - Dr. Ray Thompson 410-543-6312
February 1-May 30
Exhibit - “African American History in Figurine” 410-543-6312
