Newly hired director promises to attract students
by Crissy Mullen

The new director for the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom says it is her responsibility to attract students to an arm of the college that will promote religious tolerance and freedom.

Dr. Catharine Cookson admitted that few students have taken part in the Center’s efforts, but said this will change as the Center develops.

“They have a stake in this,” Cookson explained.

The Center hopes to achieve a greater understanding of religious differences in a cultural context and to incorporate this knowledge in every day life by promoting respect.

Three students are members in the center’s steering committee. Cookson called that number “great,” but faculty and students on the committee have expressed concern about the lack of student participation.

“The Center’s programs are important to the students both academically and personally,” said senior Kat Rosensteel, 21, who is on the steering committee. “These issues will arise in almost every profession and students should have a background in them. They should take advantage of the center.”

“I don’t know that I would call it apathy,” Cookson said of the lack of student involvement. “But we’re just getting started. I’m here to build on the foundation laid by Del Carlson and the faculty steering committee.”

After former director Gordon Davies resigned in January, Dr. Edmund Del Carlson of the political science department became acting director of the fledgling center. He and the steering committee of faculty and student members set the course of the center during its first academic year.

Cookson, who was appointed in September, has a law degree from Rutgers University and a doctorate in religious studies from Indiana University in Bloomington. She recently served as a visiting professor of religious studies at IU.

Cookson is excited with her new “dream job” because she says there is a diverse mix of people here. It’s the sort of excitement that could bring her door to door, spreading the center’s word.

“I’ll come to the dorms if they’re interested and have discussion groups on the floor,” she promised. “I’ll come talk to any group.”