The Chart Online

Alumni, faculty prepare for Cuba
By Nate Billings

Staff Writer

The alumni association is taking its first overseas trip during the Christmas holiday. Thirty friends and former students of Missouri Southern will travel to Cuba.

The U.S. government only allows people to go to Cuba for certain reasons. Colleges and universities may acquire a special license to travel to Cuba. Southern has such a license.

The idea for the trip came from an earlier trip to Cuba, said Dr. Larry Cebula, professor of history. The social science department took 14 students to Cuba during spring break 2002. The professors fell in love with the country and wanted to find an excuse to go back, said Dr. David Locher, associate professor of sociology.

After returning stateside, the professors found a way to go back to Cuba. They decided to ask the alumni association if a trip to Cuba would be possible. At the time, the association was planning on a trip, but did not have a destination yet, said Lee Pound, alumni director.

The idea was approved by the alumni board and taken to College President Julio Le n for approval. The trip was approved, and the alumni are now preparing to go to Cuba.

To prepare the participants, Cebula and Locher are hosting two classes to provide the alumni with more knowledge on what to bring and do for the trip. Those who cannot attend the meetings will receive a videotape and notes.

A trip of this magnitude is very time consuming, but because of the educational benefits, well worth it, Pound said.

Cebula and Locher would like to clear up some misconceptions about Cuba.

The people are very happy there, Cebula said. Tourism is their major source of income.

Anyone under the age of 43 doesn t know any better, Locher said. They don t realize the lack of personal freedom they have. What bothers them most is the lack of economical freedom.

Tourists are treated well in Cuba. After the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba was without a major source of income. However, in the early 90s, tourism to Cuba was allowed under certain terms by the United States, Cebula and Locher said.

Another misconception Cebula would like to clear up is that tourists are legally allowed to bring back $100 worth of Cuban cigars.

There is room enough for 10 more people to attend. The cost will be around $2,500 per person. This includes transportation from Miami, Fla., and room and board.

Persons interested may contact Pound at 625-9355.