All tied up and no place to go...
College activism chapter protests human rights abuses

Georgia Evdoxiadis/Chronicle Jon Knitter, a member of Columbia’s Amnesty International group, participates in a publicity stunt to raise campus awareness of the group and its issues.

Cold and rainy weather cut short an Amnesty International publicity stunt held in front of the 624 S. Michigan Ave. building on Nov. 14. Jon Knitter, a film and video sophomore and member of Columbia’s Amnesty International chapter, tied and chained himself to a lamppost at 9 a.m., with the intention of staying until 10 p.m., but ended up leaving shortly after 5 p.m.

The group tied up Knitter, 20, with both a chain and rope, with his back to Michigan Avenue. Knitter then slathered fake blood across his face and T-shirt. He said his goal was to make it from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. without taking a single bathroom, food or water break.
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College financial cushion deflated by weak economy
Endowment suffers $13 million drop

Columbia’s nest egg took a beating in the last two years. The endowment experienced a major decrease, falling from a $59 million high in the fall of 2000 to its current estimate of $46 million, according to Michael De Salle, Colulmbia’s vice president of finance.
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Lack of multiculturalism affects minority retention

Columbia prides itself on being a cutting edge, multicultural school; a reputation it isn’t living up to.
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Tollway: commuter money pit

Illinois tollway authorities bowed to political pressure and announced Nov. 13 that talks of nearly doubling the current 40-cent fare are off. Consumers can breathe a sigh of relief that the mismanaged system won’t be ripping them off any further.
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Aussie dance invades Columbia

The Australian Dance Theatre Company brought a three-evening performance of "Birdbrain" to Columbia’s Dance Center on Nov. 7 through 9. During its 37-year history, the ADT has seen a wide range of styles and directors. When choreographer Garry Stewart became artistic director in 2000, he brought in his own tone and interest in representing alternative works that are fast and technically demanding.
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Bulls, kids celebrate holidays
Team joins the Wender Weis Foundation for Children at FAO Schwarz

Holiday wishes came a little early this season as selected members of the Chicago Bulls organization came out to mingle with fans at "the season’s ultimate party at the ultimate toy store." The Wender Weis Foundation for Children partnered with the Bulls to bring "Holiday Heroes" to FAO Schwarz on North Michigan Avenue. The world-famous toy store closed its doors to the general public to allow Bulls guests to shop for some of the hottest toys of the season.
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