Rendell speaks to Cabrini in effort for Kerry campaign

LAUREN REILLY NEWSEDITOR LMR722@CABRINI EDU

Students and faculty funneled themselves through the doors of Grace Hall, satisfying vacant chairs positioned before a patriotic stage to see and hear Gov. Ed Rendell.

Outside, members of the Cabrini College Republicans held up signs supporting their preferred presidential candidate, George W. Bush.

Although their attendance had opposing intentions, they convened for one reason, Gov. Ed

Cabrini

RICE & KELLY MCKEE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & STAFFWRITER SMR723@CABRINI EDU & KMM723@CABRINI EDU

Observing was not enough. To really understand something it must be experienced; it must be lived. Walk a day in another’s shoes, Ted Conover walked for a year. Some call it participatory journalism, Conover calls it living.

Ted Conover will visit the college as the main speaker for Cabrini Day, Thursday Oct. 4. The award-winning writer will speak on his views on immigration most specifically his book, “Coyotes,” his experiences and his form of participatory journalism.

Conover said, “Living in other people’s shoes is something every journalist has to do, now and then, if only to conduct a good interview. This extended immersion is often uncomfortable, both physically and psychologically, but the rewards can be great.”

“The final paradox of the borderlands: nowhere are we more alike than at the line that demarcates our difference.” Conover has walked this line, breathing and sweating as an illegal immigrant. Walking across deserts, hiding from the law, scared, alone and anonymous. Living what he felt was the life of a “true, modern-day incarnation of the classic American hobo.”

With fair hair and blue eyes, this Colorado native couldn’t have been more conspicuous if he had of worn an over-sized sombrero. But Conover was determined to possess the character of these people. To educate on the risks and trials immigrants accept, in their quest for a better life. To do this through his writing.

“I’ve been asked to come to Cabrini and speak about immigration, social justice, and my experiences with undocumented Mexican immigrants for my