Race relations on campus was just one of the topics addressed at this year's Adler Conference, a day set aside for discussion among Hamilton students, faculty members and administrators. This year's conference, co-organized by Phuong Nguyen, focused on relationships.
"The best thing for me was to see people who didn't even know each other, people who might never otherwise cross paths, talking about issues important to all of us as a community," Phuong said. "It was a day to be part of the solution."
Some of the ideas generated during the conference included holding "town meetings," where all members of the College community can gather to share ideas and concerns; adding greater student representation on the Board of Trustees; and creating more spaces on campus for students to meet informally.
Phuong also works to build community on a smaller scale, having served three years as a resident advisor (RA) to students in her residence hall where she counsels hallmates and organizes social and educational programming, including a "Jeopardy"-like quiz on sex education.
"The Adler Conference is all about teaching people about each other. Being an RA is about working with people to make a positive impact on their lives, " Phoung said. "My goal is to encourage everyone to continue the dialogue."
