ON C AMPUS
LECTURE CIRCUIT
Rwandan Genocide Survivor Shares Story of Hope MORE THAN 600 attendees crowded Smith Auditorium in February, when Immaculée Ilibagiza, author of The New York Times best-seller Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust and Rwandan Genocide survivor, presented A Story of Hope, Faith and Courage. The event was sponsored by the College’s local chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society of Education. The program opened with a candle-lighting ceremony, in which eight candles were lit by members of the Manhattan College community to honor the 800,000 victims of the Rwandan Genocide. After an introductory video and welcome speech by Brother Raymond Meagher, FSC, assistant professor of education, Ilibagiza began her presentation. Ilibagiza lost most of her family during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, which was sparked by the death of the president of Rwanda and resulted in a three-month slaughter of more than 700,000 Tutsis. By hiding in a Hutu pastor’s tiny bathroom with seven other starving women for 91 terrifying days, Ilibagiza survived and is able to tell her story today. She shared her experiences with friends and co-workers, eventually released her autobiography, Left to Tell, and now travels the world as a motivational speaker. In addition to receiving the 2007 Mahatma Gandhi International Award for
reconciliation and peace, she also was featured by several media outlets, including 60 Minutes and The New York Times. Ilibagiza discussed the struggle she faced in learning to understand forgiveness, which she said liberated her and allowed her to let go of the past and move toward a new chapter of her life. Ilibagiza remarked that she is often asked why she would share her story with others and continue reliving such a difficult time in her life. She responded by saying that God’s grace touched her heart while she was in hiding, transforming her relationship with Him, and she is meant to share her story to inspire others to learn the power of forgiveness. Ilibagiza left the audience with inspiring words regarding her transition into forgiveness. She reminded everyone to hold on to what is right and to always choose to be kind above all else. “If I can forgive, anyone can forgive,” she explained. “I’m not stronger than anyone, and if you are willing in your heart, the grace will come.”
Rwandan Genocide survivor and author Immaculée Ilibagiza shared her experiences and struggles at a lecture in February.
THERE’S SOME SPRING TO OUR STEPS After a long harsh winter in New York City, spring finally arrives on campus in early May. The blossoms on the cherry and dogwood trees behind the statue of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, and in front of Chrysostom Hall, offer a picturesque view from the Quad and an alluring awning above the stairs leading up to Walsh Plaza.
12 2011