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The Cornell Daily Sun (https://cornellsun.com/2001/03/06/ex-fbi-agent-detained-before-espionage-trial-starts/)

March 6, 2001

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Ex-FBI Agent Detained Before Espionage Trial Starts

By ryan | March 6, 2001

Robert Philip Hanssen, the former FBI agent accused of espionage, looked far from glib in his green prisoner uniform and handcuffs when he appeared at his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa Buchanan in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va. yesterday.

After hearing brief arguments from Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bellows and Plato Cacheris and Hanssen’s defense attorney, Buchanan ruled to detain Hanssen pending trial. He will have a preliminary hearing on May 21.

Speaking for the prosecution, Bellows argued that Hanssen “possesses

Interpreter Translator Program Seeks to Raise Understanding

By ryan March 7, 2001

Designed to meet the growing language needs of the community, the Interpreter Translator Program will pair bilingual volunteers with community agencies in Ithaca. Launched this semester, the program serves as a part of the ongoing language effort of the Public Service Center. In conjunction with the existing Language Expansion Program (LEP), the Interpreter Translator Program will create a database of volunteers bilingual in English and a second language to act as interpreters or translators in emergency and non-emergency situations. The LEP was originally established for anyone interested in learning a new language or improving their existing language skills. Conversational partners helped one another practice their language skills and explore a different culture through the program. “After sending out a survey to about 300 community agencies, it was clear that the language needs of the community were not being addressed,” said Fatema Gunja ’01, who works in the Public Service Center and created the program. “The point of the program is to channel existing resources to where they’re needed in the community.” The survey results determined Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean as the top five demanded languages needed in the Ithaca community. The Public Service Center will be sponsoring a workshop and cultural sensitivity training Saturday March 10 at 9 a.m. in the Willard Straight International Lounge as part of the certification process. According to Gunja, volunteers must pass a foreign language test and attend this Saturday’s workshop where 15 community agencies and volunteers will be brought together and introduced to one another. “There are many different languages in Ithaca and especially in a time of crisis, it’s imperative that the words communicated are being communicated effectively and accurately,” said Joyce Munchan, a human rights commisioner with the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission. “Different police situations, medical situations and fire situations call for access to a different language communities.” The progam aims to create a centralized database of volunteers online and a community agency would have to register with The Public Service Center in order to access individual information. “It’s wonderful to know that as an international student and a ‘transient member’ of Ithaca, there are ways that I can get involved with the community life beyond the Ivory Tower,” said Ma Hongnan, a bilingual student fluent in Chinese and English. “Under the most mundane circumstances this program promotes intercultural exchanges and, personally, I believe I will learn a lot about various aspects of American life first hand.” Archived article by Tanvi Chheda
Slope Fest Planning Underway

By ryan March 7, 2001

For many, Slope Day is the time-honored tradition of relaxing and drinking after a long semester, but a dedicated group of students and staff is working instead to make Slope Fest the focus of the end of the year celebration. With an inflatable slide, obstacle course, carnival games and bands, Slope Fest will “provide a great outlet on the last day of classes,” said Diane Horey ’02, president of the student-run Slope Fest Planning Committee. Although Slope Day has been a long-time Cornell tradition, the first Slope Fest was held only three years ago. “Slope Fest is still in its infancy stage,” said Claire Ackerman ’01, treasurer of the Slope Fest Planning Committee. “But it gets bigger and better every year.” “Last year we started with zero funding, but this year we started with over $23,000,” Ackerman said. Students can expect similar activities as last year, including inflatables, carnival games and venders, but the committee hopes to attract a greater number of students with additional activities and an expanded perimeter on West Campus. “It’s going to be a great deal different,” Horey said. “The focus is on music because that’s what the students want.” “We’re trying to get a bigger name band, along the lines of Guster,” said Joseph Scaffido, assistant dean of students for student activities and one of the staff advisors to the committee. “Hopefully, it’ll draw more people down from the slope.” “We sent out a survey to the student population about bands, so the students have a direct say,” Horey added. The survey is available on the World Wide Web at www.sao.cornell.edu/SlopeFest, and will be accepted until 5 p.m. next Monday. As in past years, the committee hopes that Slope Fest will provide an alternative to drinking, which is a hallmark of Slope Day. “Slope Day is associated with high-risk drinking, but maybe Slope Fest will make a difference for a student who is a moderate drinker,” said Catherine Holmes, Associate Dean of Students. “Maybe that student will have two drinks instead of three. The main focus of Slope Fest, committee members agreed, was to promote an atmosphere of safety in celebration. “Slope Fest makes the celebration more inclusive,” Ackerman said. “It’s for those who want to drink and those who don’t.” “I went to Slope Fest last year, and I thought it was a great way to relax at the end of the year,” said Justin Morehead ’03. “It’s great to have an alternative to binge drinking on the hill.” Many students welcome the proposed changes and the emphasis on music. “Last year the bands were kind of lame and no one participated,” said Katy Pan ’02. “I didn’t go to Slope Fest last year,” said Katie Weinbaum ’03, “but I would definitely go this year if they have a great band.” “The focus is music,” Horey concluded. “It’s going to be huge!”Archived article by Elisa Jillson