Vice Provost for Student Affairs Larry Roper and dance partner Erika Shultz perform to "Singing in the Rain." (photo: Theresa Hogue)

Some of Oregon State University’s familiar faces will be seen in some unfamiliar places Thursday night as they salsa and waltz across the stage with OSU’s Dancing with the Stars on Thursday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the LaSells Stewart Center.

The event, created by the OSU Ballroom Dance Company, features Larry Roper, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Karen Swanger, director of KidSpirit, Craig Bidiman, Memorial Union President, Tonga Hopoi, ASOSU Diversity Director, Linda Kasper, Director of Residential Education, Taylor Henry, OSU Football defensive end, Jim Males, Department Chair of Animal Science, and Laura Siewert, student and model.

They will be paired with members of the OSU Ballroom Dance Company, and each will perform a dance in a different style, choreographed by Director Mark Baker. For the last four weeks, the performers have been rehearsing their 90-second ballroom routines in preparation for the event. Just like in the popular television show, there will be a panel of judges, and the audience can vote as well.

Student and model Laura Siewert propels her dance partner across the stage during rehearsal. (photo: Theresa Hogue)

“The people who said yes were excited and wanted to do something outside of their comfort zone,” Baker said.

There will be several large numbers by the OSU Cool Shoes dancers, in addition to individual performances by the Dancing with the Stars pairs.

“We want students to get to see their teachers and administrators in a different light,” Baker said.

The last two weeks have been particularly intense as would-be dancers get their routines down. Karen Swanger, director of KidSpirit, said she used to love ballroom dancing, but she hasn’t done a public dance performance since the eighth grade.

“I thought it would be really fun but I had no idea how much work it would be,” Swanger said. And though she said she’s a confident person, synchronized dancing in front of an audience is intimidating.

“I can make a fool of myself and be okay, but this is different,” she said. She said she’s depending on muscle memory to get her through the night.

Tickets are $10, or $8 for students, and can be purchased at the door or in advance in the Women’s Building , Room 007i.

~ Theresa Hogue

Danielle Cervantes and friends handed out white armbands before a peace rally on the steps of the Memorial Union Quad. Cervantes said, as a Muslim student, she was a little afraid to return to classes Monday after a firebombing at a local mosque. Date; Dec. 2, 2010 (photo: Theresa Hogue)

About 150 Oregon State University students, faculty and staff gathered on the steps of the Memorial Union Quad today to send a message of peace out into the community. The last week has brought a lot of attention to the Corvallis community as word of an alleged bombing attempt in Portland and the subsequent fire bombing of a local mosque made news, and generated fear.

In response to these incidents, a number of student organizations joined together to take a stand and send out a message of peace and support. The Rally for Peace in the MU Quad took place at noon Dec. 2 on the steps of the Memorial Union. Speakers discussed recent events and the hope for peace, and participants will be encouraged to wear white armbands, which were distributed at the event.

Larry Roper, OSU Vice President for Student Affairs, said when he woke up Sunday morning and heard about the fire at the mosque, he was deeply pained by the news. He said during the rally that he was proud that OSU students chose a peace rally in response to the events, instead of responding with hate or anger.

“The decision to claim it as peace is a really profound one,” he said. “This is a positive act and it’s not just symbolic.”

Ali Alnakhli, an international student from Saudi Arabia and activity coordinator of the Saudi Arabian Student Association at OSU, said he’s felt that the OSU community is supportive of Muslim students. However, he said after he heard news of the attempted Portland bombing, he decided not to leave his Arabic scarf, a shemagh, in his car, so that it wouldn’t be recognized as being owned by an Arab.

Ali Alnakhli, an international student from Saudi Arabia and activity coordinator of the Saudi Arabian Student Association at Oregon State University, addressed a crowd during a peace rally in support of the Muslim student community. Date: Dec. 2, 2010 (photo: Theresa Hogue)

Before the rally, Alnakhil said that the OSU rally provided an opportunity for student groups to take a stand against violence.

“Violent actions only reflect an individual’s ignorance,” he said. “I think it is significant to deliver our love, caring, and support through the individual personal friendships that any of us could have with our Muslim brothers and sisters.”

He said it’s important to remember that the root of the word “Islam” is “salaam” which means peace and submission, submission to Allah “God” and peace to all humanity.

Omar Mohamed is a member of the Muslim Students Association, and said Wednesday that education is an important component in making the campus a safe place for all students.

“I think OSU is doing a good job,” Mohamed said. “The MSA is working with student
groups to educate campus about Islam and I think that is the biggest concern. If we can educate students about Islam and Muslims then we will have a better response.”

He said the candlelight vigil held Tuesday night at the mosque helped make him feel very supported by the community.

Student Fatimah Alramadhan, one of the event organizers, pointed out that Muslims come from many different backgrounds and cultures, and while tied together by a common faith, cannot be lumped together under one category. She said taking the time to get to know Muslim individuals is crucial for increasing understanding.

“Talk to Muslim people and learn from them,” she said. “We are always happy to answer questions. Or search and learn about the basics of Islam yourself.”

Executive Director of Diversity Programs for ASOSU Milikaleakona "Tonga" Hopoi gets emotional as she addresses a crowd in front of the Oregon State University Memorial Union during a peace rally. Hopoi said it was important to show visual support for peace on campus by wearing white armbands. Date: Dec. 2, 2010 (photo: Theresa Hogue)

Executive Director of Diversity Programs for ASOSU Milikaleakona “Tonga” Hopoi said it was important for non-Muslim students to help with the rally as well, and provide support to fellow students.

“In these crucial times, this is where we rise together as a community to show the country that Oregon State University does not condone hate,” she said before the rally.

Hopoi said the white armbands that were distributed at the rally are especially important, because they allow OSU students to display a visual symbol of support that indicates that OSU promotes a safe environment for all students. She also said it was a symbol of empowerment.

Before the rally she spoke about how the week’s events had made her feel.

“Hearing about the arson at the mosque, my heart just wept for the trust that OSU has now lost with many of the Muslim students that have come here for higher education,” Hopoi said. “I can’t change what has happened in our community but I can organize an opportunity for our fellow OSU students who want to support our Muslim students in this time of need.”

“In times like this we have the opportunity to remind ourselves and each other about who we want to be, and the kind of community we envision for our future,” said OSU Dean of Student Life Mamta Accapadi. “I am inspired by the outpouring of compassion and care that Oregon State University and the entire Corvallis community has offered to not only the Muslim community, but also the community at-large. “

“I am proud of our students for sending a clear message about the OSU community- their words say it best- together we stand for peace.”

The rally was organized by the Muslim Student Association, International Students of Oregon State University and the Associated Students of Oregon State University.

~ Theresa Hogue