CWU One Book, One Campus Challenges Students' Beliefs

September 8, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- This year's One Book, One Campus program at Central Washington University aims to challenge everyone, but especially students, to dissect and discuss why they believe what they do.

One Book, One Campus, now in its fourth year, features a book that everyone, on and off campus, can learn from. This year's selection, "This I Believe," was sent to incoming freshman early this summer so that they could digest the book's many messages and be ready to discuss it in their classes. CWU also plans to hold events throughout the upcoming academic year that will focus on the book's themes.

"This I Believe" features 79 essays written by the famous and the everyday. In 500 words or less, people such as John McCain, Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, Helen Keller and Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as others, such as a part-time hospital clerk, a Yellow Pages advertising saleswoman and a Rhode Island parole board member, discuss what their beliefs mean to them.

Nearly every topic imaginable is broached in the book, including Sarah Adams' take on respect. The English professor at Olympic College in Bremerton, Wash., examines how respecting the "pizza dude" is key to keeping her own good karma in balance.

Presidential candidate John McCain reflects on the meaning of honor, duty and the simple ways in which humans show kindness to each other, even in the most horrific of settings.

All of the essays are poignant, controversial at times and eloquent.

"Our theme is harmony and balance, with self and with others," said Nelson Pichardo, CWU sociology professor and One Book, One Campus chairman. "This book was selected as a way for students to get in touch with why they believe what they do and where those influences came from, which will help them improve their own lives."

Events will be held all year long that tie in with the book. Pichardo said he hopes to book speakers on the subjects of religion, society, change and politics. He would also like to form a panel made up of only local people who could also discuss politics.

Copies of "This I Believe" are available for purchase at Central Washington University's bookstore, the Wildcat Shop. For more information, please go to www.cwu.edu/~provost/one_book.

Media Contact: Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO/Title IX Institution.