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