Acorn

Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Liz Bowers (Above) As a token of appreciation, Professor of Political Science Andrea Talentino presents a gift to Eric Krauss from the Friends of Friends Soccer Club. Students who went on the Cameroon DIS played a friendly soccer match against the club shortly after arriving in Mamfe.

Countless events take place at Drew University during any given week, but it is a rare occasion when one finds that President Bob Weisbuch dressed in a full African outfit. Weisbuch was honored on Wednesday by Associate Dean of the College and Associate Professor of Mathematics Katherine Madden.

Madden has special ties to a village in Cameroon, where the Cameroon Drew International Seminar visited over winter break. The residents of that village gave her full rights to bestow an honor in their name. During a presentation of the DIS on Wednesday, students not only enjoyed this display but shared the grassroots development projects inspired by their time abroad.

The evening began with Weisbuch being presented with the title of Ntufah Nkanda on behalf of the people of Kembong, Cameroon. He was given a vivid red knit hat, denoting his title, and a full-length black costume traditional to Cameroonians. Though an odd sight in a room full of northeasterners dressed for winter, it set the lively and colorful mood of the evening into motion.

"It was a huge surprise. I loved it," said Weisbuch, who wore the costume throughout the event. "It makes me want to learn more about the people who honored us."

"I can't wait to go home and show my 11-year-old!" he said.

Madden explained the significance of the gesture in Cameroon. "Village societies nominate people to get titles, sort of like getting knighted in England," she said, pointing to her own hat decorated with a feather. "For example, I got the title of Queen while I was there. It's a sign of respect and each title has different meanings. Ntufah Nkanda doesn't have an exact translation, but it means something like 'sir'."

Brother's College room 109 was noisy with laughter and the flash of cameras as groups of students showed slides and discussed their trip. Many of the areas that the 19 DIS students visited rarely receive tourists. Ordinary places like marketplaces, schools and even gas stations selling fuel poured into bottles were captured through a fresh lens. Students spoke of how their experiences with host families, challenging car rides and visits with various types of farms enabled them to understand life in Cameroon in ways few people are able to.

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