t w Thursday, April 4, 1 Graduation & Convocation: Prayer threatened; diversity questioned by Sean Siekkinen Collegian Staff The typically mellow, serene Bebrend College promises to remain that way—but not for very long. A potentially explosive issue of debate has emerged on campuk. The issue concerns prayer at graduation and convocation. The cnisade to ban prayer at school ceremonies is being led by Michael Zampetti, a Student Government Association senator. The Behrend College is the only Penn State campus to have player at school ceremonies. Zampetti believes , prayer at school ceremonies like graduation and convocation may put many students in an awkward and unfair situation. "I know that it would offend some people to have to listen to a prayer either that mention some sort of a deity if they don't believe in a deity. or a God that isn't their God." Zampeui explained. While supporters of prayer at school ceremonies point out that attendance at graduation and convocation is not mandatory, Zampetti believes skipping the ceremonies is not an option for many students. "It's your graduation. Most people...don't want to miss it. I feel that the students shouldn't have to be offended by having a prayer there. I personally would be offended if I had to listen to it," Zampetti said. Dr. John Lilley, provost and dean, who is in favor of the 48-year-old tradition, sees prayer as a practice in diversity and tolerance. "I would feel like we had failed that person if that person was so intolerant that he or The Behrend College NON-PROFIT ORG i*? U.S. POSTAGE PAID PA PERMIT #282 e tan 996 Erie, PA 16563 Vol lb XLIV, No . she was unwilling ever to hear a prayer offered in a tradition different from [their] own," he said. "I don't think it should be scrapped in the name of intolerance." But Lilley said that widespread community appeal could propel him to reluctantly discontinue prayer at graduation. "I'm not out selling prayer," Lilley said. "I think I'm out selling a sense of gratitude; a sense of thanksgiving; a sense of congratulations; a sense of best wishes. That doesn't have to be done through Myer?" "We could continue the prayer or not continue the prayer but I would just hope we would do it for all the right reasons and not for reasons of intolerance of lack of diversity." Dr. Chris Reber, dean of students, is responsible for selecting clergy speakers through Campus Ministry. Reber admits that in past years speakers have been strictly Christian, but says recent efforts to improve diversity have yielded a wide range of denominations. In the past five years, two rabbis have given benedictions at convocation ceremonies. In comparison, the Catholic denomination, which encompasses 60 percent of Etehrend's student body, has been represented three times. "I like what we're doing." Reber said of the current policy. But he added, "If in fact there's consensus that it's not appropriate then I think we would discontinue doing it." see PRAYER page 3 Start savin Blood drive Wednesday by Kyra S Kiadon Colks ion iaff On Wednesday, April 10. the Cqnununity Blood Bank of Erie County in conjunction with Health and Wellness is sponsoring a Spring Blood Drive. The drive will be held in Reed Commons between 11 am. and 5 p.m. Past blood drives at Behnand have proven successful. According to Patty Pasky McMahon. director of the Health and Wellness Center, student involovement has always been high at the drives. "Students am always supportive of our campus blood drives." said McMahon. The Community Blood Bank tries to sponsor one blood drive per semester. Blood Balk administrators hope this drive Happy Easter! - 1 - That watoaly wabblt: Shane Wektler, 5, is ready for the hunt—The Easter Egg Hunt, that is. The Multi-Cukural Council and associates is sponsoring the second annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday.. Free food, pictures, candy and of course the Easter Bunny wit be there! The Easter Egg Hunt is from 10 a.m. and noon. For more information cal MCC at 8984090. lives: will be as successful as past blood drives. Stacy Wygant, public relations director for the Blood Bank, said, "Since we had such a great draw of people who donated last time [October 18, 1995], we hope to have the same turn out." The Blood Bank is , preparing for crowds of donors and hopes to shorten the time it takes to donate blood. "We are expecting a 100 to 150 donors and will be prepared for a crowd," said Lisa Graff, Mobile Drive Coordinator at the Community Blood Bank. 'We are bringing more equipment and staff to help donors move mare quickly through the donation process. Waiting time will be decreased significantly." Everyone is encouraged to come and take part in the drive. k lis4 l / 4 - \ Nk Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 100 lbs. and be in general health. All who donate are asked to eat well before donating blood. The donation process involves four steps and takes about 45 minutes. , First, the donor registers, completes a short health history questionnaire and reviews it with a nurse. The second step is a mini physical. The donor's pulse, blood pressure, temperature and iron level are checked. Donating the pint of blood in next and it takes approximately five to seven minutes. The last step is the refreshment area for a snack and a cold drink. see BANK page 2
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