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Show rj American Red Cross M Griffins Donate to Red Cross Page 3 raws noil: m State StassHeents Sixteen students from six states join Griffins for the Winter at Westminster program Wlmtei? Adlvemitiuioo f siSlfoSfllED I Students from all over the country have come to Westminster College this semester to experience winter sports in a new way. When they aren't in class, theyll be logging time on the slopes, in the backcountry and across the table from ski industry professionals. Winter at Westminster is a study abroad alternative for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, said Sarah West, director of New Ventures. Its the programs second year, and participation has more than tripled. This year there are 16 students from six states studying everything from music to business, she said. Its just awesome. with thenice and small class sizes at Westminster. Being able to have relationships with professors makes a big difference, he said. I dont feel like another number like at one-on-o- The group arrived on campus January 7 and did an orienteering exercise (a scavenger hunt with GPS units) at Snowbird the next day. It was lots of fun, said West, especially since there was good powder. Last Saturday, they skiy learned ing and biathlon, went snow tubing, and then watched the mens and womens Freestyle FIS World Cup mogul cross-countr- KIJ finals at Deer Valley. The students also got a chance to meet 1998 aerial gold medalist Nikki Stone. We had a conversation about perseverance and dedication about what it took to win her medal, and how that applied to other things, said West. The next day, the Winter at Westminster students hit the slopes at Park City Mountain Resort for some drills with the avalanche dogs before heading back to Deer Valley to see more of the World Cup. Eric Elyseev, a junior from Plattsburgh State University in New York, said his first experiences riding Utah powder have been unbelievable. Elyseev is also happy J) ne my old school. Its more than what I expected, said Charlie Barr, a freshman from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. I like it so much I might not go back. Robby Davis, a freshman from Saddleback College in Southern California, Winter at Westminster Student Evan Miller shoots a gun at Soldier Hollow during a Biathlon clinic. said he liked the little group of friends hes developed through the program. Its cool because theyre from all over the country. Winter at Westminster led participants Evan Miller and Phil Honea to internships in the outdoor industry, said West; Miller is doing market research for American Ski Company, and Honea is GPS mapping for the Friends of Alta. Among other things, the group has planned backcountry skiing and snowboarding, a weekend yurt camping trip, an interconnect tour, first tracks off the Snowbird tram and breakfast with Peter Metcalf, CEO of Black Diamond Equipment. Westminster students SOflDDBDS'E!? DUS In an Michael S. Bassis. He &&& V Vr en- of students this year, and I think were going to have a lot of fun. The members working out of the offices there are grateful for the space and say they enjoy being on campus. Its such a quiet and calm atmosphere, but you can still see all the bustle going on around, said Maria Gasper, a volunteer with the organiza- - Being on Westminsters campus works well with what the NCCJ is about. institutional goal to pro- courages all members of the Westminster community to welcome Executive Director Kilo Zamora and all of his staff as they settle into their mote inclusiveness and new premises. The NCCJ is a nationwide organization whose members work toward ridding the United States of bias and prejudice, and as its vision statement says, making our nation a better place for all of us. Not just some of us. Both President Bassis and the members of the ail to Westminster faculty, staff, and students. President Bassis wrote, The mission of the NCCJ directly compliments our C sis. Those interested should contact West at the Office of New Ventures. West said she hopes the program will continue to grow. Its a great group BmifiMGiMy aspect of this compatibility. Westminsters campus recently became the new home for the National Conference of Community and Justice of Utah (NCCJ). The NCCJ moved to Westminster at the invitation of President not enrolled in the program can participate in these events on an a la carte ba- The NCCJ crew: bottom row; Saundra, Tanji and Mitch. Top; Maria, Spencer and Josh. Photo by Jessica Shurtleff NCCJ believe that this partBeing on Westminsters nership will help further the campus works well with what the NCCJ is about. missions of both organizaFantin cites the common emtions. According to Mitch Fantin, a member of the phasis on education, commuNCCJ Board of Directors, nity and leadership as a key Kila, Jamin, respect for differences and to instill in students a strong sense of global consciousness, social responsi- bility and ethical awareness. The NCCJ offices are located in Walker 2, next to the Center for Strategic InitiativesDiversity Center. Mitch Fantin tion, as she looked out the picture windows that cover one whole side of the office and overlook a view of the Giovale Plaza and Library. i :...gBa: : J |