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| November 2006
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CAMPUS NEWS |
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 Counsel
to Queen of England Headlines
Family Weekend Events While alumni were networking and mingling at the "Movers and Shakers" event downtown on Saturday, Oct. 21, current AU students and their families had the opportunity to hear Cherie Booth Blair, counsel to the Queen, and spouse of British leader Tony Blair, speak in Bender Arena. Mrs. Blair, named by Forbes as the 62nd most powerful woman in the world, focused on the topic of human rights and the United States’ role in it. She was critical of America for being one of two countries in the world, along with Somalia, that has yet to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Committee on the Rights of the Child monitors the implementation of the convention. Included in the convention’s oversight are encouragement of the well-being of children and the protection of all humans under age 18 from all types of discrimination, involvement in armed conflict, and the selling of children through prostitution or child pornography, she explained. The United States’ position of not ratifying the CRC “sits strangely with [its] role as a promoter of human rights” said Blair. As a mother of four and a successful lawyer, she also talked about balancing family life and work. Blair cofounded Matrix Chambers, a legal practice in London specializing in human rights, and wrote a book, The Goldfish Bowl, in 2004 about the demanding lives of former British prime ministers' spouses. Her myriad commitments draw her attention to many areas, but through it all she is still able to maintain a family life. “I think she was a perfect person to speak during family weekend because, among other things, she’s a very accomplished person as a wife and a mother and can speak about issues people are passionate about like human rights,” says Taylor Robinson, KPU director. AU’s campus hosted more than 600 families during the 2006 Family Weekend. Aside from Blair’s speech, which drew approximately 700 people, the afternoon family picnic on Oct. 21 was a popular event. More than 1,000 alumni, students, and family members lounged around in the Woods-Brown Amphitheater enjoying gourmet picnic food, live music, and the company of old and new friends. Other events included Classes without Quizzes, a historic walking tour of campus led by AU Archivist Susan McElrath, the student production of They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, a community service project, and many student organization events. “Saturday afternoon was a great opportunity to stay on campus and meet with student cohorts,” says Tiffany Sanchez, director of New Student Programs. “Various events centered Family Weekend more on campus than in the past. It was a really great weekend, very casual and everyone had a good time.” -Tara Shlimowitz ‘08 |