Hot News in Our Community: Sunday April 9th, 2007

By: Eric Gordon

Welcome! Since our section has been behind due in part to my efforts or lack there of, I am writing a few pieces for the KCSA blog. My hope is that this will be an enjoyable experience for readers and that I can do all that I can to help anyone quickly and efficiently digest the news. At the very least I hope to share news with students who may have overlooked some important information. I will look at media provided by the university and other sources and provide opinions and analyses.

My section deals with hot topics within the Champaign-Urbana community. Part of what I write about may or may not, in your opinion, be the hottest topics. These first few weeks may be rocky and I am open to reader comments and suggestions. Email me at egordon3@uiuc.edu. I hope you enjoy my submissions, which will more heavily focus on local hot topics such as upcoming shows, events and the like starting next week.


(Sort of) Local News:

Student Recovering in Rome after being stabbed

The Daily Illini reported this week that Matthew Bochenek, junior in Engineering, was stabbed in Rome while studying abroad in Spain. According to Italian news sources, and later cycled through our media here at home, Bochenek was stabbed by an umbrella. This information turned out to be false; it is believed more likely to have been a knife. This is an unfortunate way of reminder to stay safe not only while here in the United States but in other countries as well. Bochenek seemed to have been a random target of aggression, and an investigation is underway by Italian police as Bochenek's recovery is going well in a hospital in Rome. Our thoughts and prayers go to Matthew for a speedy recovery.

Although you may feel wary about traveling abroad after hearing this news, don't make a hasty decision just yet. The Study Abroad programs at the university are diverse and integrative to each field of study, and open a world of opportunity to students in good standing. The programs main concern is for safety, health and the well being of all student participants. After the incident, Bocheck's mother praised the office for its support.

So why do I feel this is an important issue that people should be thinking about? Quite simply that at one point in our lives we all step away from a place that makes us comfortable. As we grow, we can become the targets of cowardly attacks for no apparent reason. Perhaps an important fact about the incident was that he was traveling with a group of friends. Travelers will have to look to more unconventional ways to protect themselves while either studying or vacationing abroad. Whatever you do, don't allow the actions of a few cowardly, violent individuals prevent you from seeing the sights of Rome or any other country. It is said that about 12 percent of undergraduates have a study abroad experience while at the university.

News outside Our Area:

Since this a blog for KCSA, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the arts. Although the news doesn't directly affect the C-U area, I feel changes in the arts can either affect Krannert Center directly, or perhaps give perspective on how the performing arts as a whole are changing.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Gail Kalver, executive director of the Hubbard Street Dance Company in Chicago, is retiring after 23 years. The news came on Friday after a benefit held on behalf of the organization.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago was founded in 1977 by Lou Conte, a dancer and chorographer. After the company was established, Conte worked as the director until 2000. The company, as the name suggests performs in Chicago, but also travels around the United States as well as across the world for its shows. The dancers perform in 44 states and 17 different countries.

Kalver received a degree in music education from the University of Illinois. Her exit from the company seems to be the beginning of a new era in the company and is met with optimism from both Kalver and her co-workers. Hubbard Street Dance Company has a show in Chicago staring on April 11 and will run for 10 days. With a new head of staff, it will take time to see what direction the company may head. However, it is doubtful they will disappoint.