BLC is new world for diverse groups

by Stephanie Trabold

Starting in the fall 2008 semester, the second floor of the Bart Luedeke Center (BLC) will provide a new headquarters for multicultural and minority student organizations on the Lawrenceville campus.

A new and fully operational office suite called New World Resource Center is in the development stages and will provide offices to student organizations, such as the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Hillel, Latin American Student Organization and Black Student Union.

“The New World Resource Center will allow minority multicultural organizations to get together and have board and executive meetings,” said senior Matt Hanson, the vice president of GSA.

“It is a good idea to have a place to go and not have to worry about meetings,” said sophomore and SGA member Caitlin Bostler.

The New World Resource Center will be located next to the Commuter Lounge and will serve as an asset to these organizations, just as the Student Leadership Suite provides for clubs such as SGA and Student Entertainment Council.

“The New World Resource Center allows for all students to use leadership skills and interact with the other offices in the student leadership suite and the international center,” said Dean of Students Anthony Campbell. “The center is a visible sign that Rider embraces diversity.”

Sophomore Aislyn Carter thinks the new center will improve the organizations’ image.

“It is going to be good for public relations purposes,” said Carter. “If the organizations can come together for fundraisers, that would really get the organizations known.”

The New World Resource Center intends to provide students with a broader perspective and encourage the promotion of globalization.

“Rider is taking great steps to support the students and all the organizations,” Hanson said.