Freedom Without Walls to be Commemorated at The College of Wooster

College joins 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Fall of the Berlin Wall in November

WOOSTER, Ohio - The historic fall of the Berlin Wall marks its 20th anniversary in November, and The College of Wooster will join colleges and universities across the country and around the world to commemorate the occasion with a series of events and a public display of replicas of the Wall. Organizers describe it is a chance to think through the legacy of this transformative moment in history that ended peacefully, but also to serve as a reminder of metaphorical and actual walls that remain throughout the world that continue to divide people.

On Oct. 17, an information and conceptualization session will take place to prepare students who will be building wall segments at 10 a.m. in Babcock Hall (1315 Beall Ave.). Students will view a documentary on the wall and discuss issues with Professors Cynthia Palmer (Spanish), Greg Shaya (history), and Beth Muellner (German). Those interested in participating in the construction and decoration of a wall segment should contact Professor Muellner, or speak with the chair of their home department.

On Nov. 7-8, students will convene to complete and decorate wall segments under the supervision and guidance of Peter Schantz, director of Wooster's Physical Plant. The following week (Nov. 9-13), the wall segments will be displayed on campus between Lowry Center and the Oak Grove.

On Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m., a panel discussion, featuring Professors Denise Bostdorff (communication), Jeffrey Lantis (political science), and Joan Friedman (history and religious studies) as well as Kenyon's Eliza Ablovatski (history) and special guest and eyewitness Birgit Lindemann of the former Karl-Marx-Stadt, will take place in The College of Wooster Art Museum (Sussel Gallery) of Ebert Art Center (1220 Beall Ave.). A reception will follow the discussion.

On Nov. 10, 'The Promise' (1994), a film about East Berlin shortly after the erection of the Wall in 1961, will be shown in Lean Lecture Room of Wishart Hall (303 E. University St.). The film centers on Konrad, Sophie, and three of their friends as they plan a daring escape to Western Germany. The attempt is successful, but Konrad remains behind. For the next 28 years, Konrad and Sophie attempt to meet again, in spite of the Iron Curtain.

The event is sponsored by the Departments of German, Political Science, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Art and Art History, Spanish, and Cultural Area Studies, as well as the Center for Diversity and Global Engagement, the Cultural Events Committee, and the Women of Dene. Additional information is available by phone (330-263-2575) or e-mail.