Reconciliation. Understanding. Justice. Truth. Peace.
These are the values embodied in Marquette's South Africa Service Learning Program. As a student who participated in the very first semester of the program, I am extremely disturbed that after only two years in existence, this life-altering experience will no longer be offered to students, as it is being suspended due to lack of funding.
The South Africa Service Learning program is a one-of-a-kind study abroad program located in Cape Town, South Africa, that combines rigorous course work with ongoing service in local community organizations. The students take classes offered through the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre and University of the Western Cape. The classes give students the skills and empowerment to become better communicators, ethical leaders and agents of change in a global society. These skills are essential for those of us who struggle to create a more just and peaceful world.
The program was created by Dr. Judy Mayotte, a Marquette alumna and world expert on refugees. The Chicago Tribune recently published a front-page story chronicling Mayotte's life and work, including her work with the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre, and Marquette's South Africa program.
While studying in Cape Town, our learning went far beyond the classroom. Through working in our community organizations we were able to witness firsthand the strength of the human spirit over insurmountable obstacles such as violence, poverty, rape, disease and oppression. We were able to be part of the making of the new, free South Africa, after the fall of the violent apartheid regime. And we saw firsthand how a nation torn apart by violence and hatred was coming together in peace and forgiveness.
Being in South Africa, as well as interacting with those who have such radically different experiences than I, helped me understand that we, as humans, are more similar than we are different. We really do all share a common humanity, as Archbishop Tutu told us.
I urge those administrators in the Marquette community who decided to suspend this program to seriously reflect upon their decision and what it says about the integrity of our university. Integrity, built on the principles of excellence, faith, leadership and service.
There should be no reason that Marquette, a Catholic, Jesuit university, allows its basketball coach to be paid over a million dollars but cannot find the funding to keep a program going that was created to give students the opportunity to follow the Jesuit ideals of learning and service.
There is much to be depressed about in our world today. Yet this program and what it stands for symbolizes what is positive. It gives students hope and courage that they can make a difference. And it allows students the opportunity to understand and experience our common humanity.
Marquette now has a choice. It can continue to be a beacon of inspiration for students, and through them, the world or it can let that inspiration fizzle along with its Jesuit values and integrity.
McAlpin is a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences.