Spring Break
Mandela broadcast live to Athletic Center
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Mandela's speech focused largely on the work of the Student Movement for International Relief (SMIR) at Hopkins. He also discussed America's role in the international community and encouraged students to make a difference working toward international relief. In addition, Mandela also said that free markets were a key to international relief.
Saul Garlick, President of SMIR, said, "I think it's incredible that the former President of South Africa, Mr. Mandela, takes an interest in the student-level philanthropy going on with SMIR. We hope that the support from him and his foundation will lead to building more schools and changing more lives."
Mandela said that he met several members of the Hopkins chapter of SMIR during their annual trip to South Africa. SMIR, a student-run organization, seeks to raise awareness about global issues among students. Last summer, SMIR sent six students on a three-week trip to South Africa, where they visited schools.
SMIR Vice President Raphael Picciotto said, "It was an eye-opening experience." SMIR is sponsoring "Adopt a Classroom," a program to raise money for the Mashlati School in Africa. So far, the group has raised enough money for a fence and three classrooms. The school still lacks books, a library and furniture.
All of the seats were filled at the event so some overflow students sat on the floor while others stood in the back.
Some of those in attendance, including Mark Seaborn, a Hopkins graduate student, noted the brevity of the speech and the lack of a question-and-answer period. Others disagreed, including sophomore Tom McBride said, "It was a privilege to hear from such an inspirational speaker."
The speech will be rebroadcast in the Shriver Auditorium on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m.