Security opens 34th Street after reduced terror alert
The cones blocking the entrance to 34th Street were removed at 3:30 p.m. today in response to an official decreased security threat nationwide.
With the move from "High Condition Orange" to an "Elevated Condition Yellow" status, the Maryland Emergency Management agency (MEMA) also decreased its alertness status, and Hopkins has followed suit.
The street will still be given "special attention," according to Director Robert Mullen.
In accordance with MEMA's recommendation to "continue and check all deliveries and continue normal operations," Hopkins security will still perform thorough truck inspections as well as a number of new security measures instituted after the increased security threat.
Supplemental foot patrols will continue to monitor the quads, and the "ID to ride" rule for Hopkins' shuttle service will continue to be enforced.
"Many of our riders have expressed appreciation of this modest but effective added safety measure," Mullen said.
Although the level of nationwide alert has decreased, the MEMA has stressed that citizens remain aware.
"We continue to encourage all parties in receipt of this advisory to maintain vigilance in your security measures and awareness," Mullen said.
-- By Francesca Claire Hansen
Ceremony honors SEALS recipients
Eleven Johns Hopkins University undergrads were honored Tuesday as recipients of the Student Excellence Award for Leadership and Service (SEALS).
The SEALS is awarded to undergraduates recognized for meritorious and outstanding contributions to student activities.
Downtown at Westminster Hall, the honorees were presented with certificates recognizing their achievements.
The actual awards will be presented at the May 1 Leadership Recognition Awards ceremony to be held in Shriver Hall.
The night began with a short speech by Jeff Groden-Thomas, director of student involvement. Committee members then introduced the honorees and mentioned why each was considered for the award.
Junior Dennis Boothe was the co-chair of the MSE Symposium and held several accomplishments, including running the Daily Jolt Web site and being involved with several community service outlets.
As head of Organizaci-n Latina Estudiantil (OLE), senior Angela Boyd helped plan Latinofest and the cultural block party.
Senior Raymond Chai was honored for his work with the American Red Cross.
Working extensively with APO, Senior Dave Courson is a captain on the Track and Cross Country teams and helped organize the Freshman Day of Service.
Senior Sarah Cummings served on the student council and helped organize a student-faculty meal program and Senior Week.
Senior Tara Feehan worked on Spring Fair and Student Council, and helped the establishment of the Homewood Arts Certificate.
Junior Jonathan Groce was the cultural liaison of the Student Activities Commission (SAC) and saw the creation of the cultural block party.
Class of Class of 2003 President Ravi Kavasery took part in the creation of the CUE report and Senior Week.
Senior Babak Nazer helped organize a community basketball league.
Senior Solmaz Pirzadeh devoted much of her time to Project Prevent, a public health project in downtown Baltimore.
Senior David Silver was honored for his work with HERU and as a Baltimore Firefighter.
The ceremony was concluded with a speech by Associate Dean for Student Life Ralph Johnson, who spoke about advancing student life at Hopkins.
-- By Ron Demeter
