In-coming Salisbury State University President William Merwin decided this week that he wouldn't dream of moving the Center, as recently planned, into one of the temporary trailers behind Holloway Hall.

"We can keep our home," says Center manager Patty Baassiri with a smile. "The new president feels it wouldn't make financial sense to move us, and he would rather be on campus in one of the trailers."

Around a month ago, Center director Michael McCormick was told the Center would have to relocate due to renovations taking place at Holloway Hall and the need to accomodate the displaced Provost office.

The staff at the Center kept stiff upper lips about losing their home, but worries over the Center's future were tougher to hide.

Interim SSU president Nelson Butler, faced with budget squeezing, told McCormick he was taking a look at the Center's viability. The request to move out of their home by July 1st so the Provost could have a place to go added more angst to the Center staff.

"It's a great relief," says Baassiri. "Now, I have all these boxes stacked in the kitchen I won't need."

The Center for Conflict Resolution sits on the corner of Camden and College Avenues, directly across from Holloway Hall. Originally a home, the building provides both the openess and the privacy needed in the Center's work. In addition, the stately brick building with the flag of the world flying over the door, has become "home" for many students and members of the Salisbury community who work for peaceful resolution to conflict.

Baassiri is hopeful that now, the Center will also be able to keep their home within the University so the work that both she and McCormick are so committed to will be able to continue.

June 9, 1996 All Rights Reserved

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