Collegian Page 8 The Ben Lane - by James Martin Collegian Editor Throughout the course of it's nearly forty year long history, the Bchrend College has undergone a multitude of changes. Perhaps no one is more cognizant of these changes than Mr. Benjaman Lane. Ben Lane fast came to Bchrend over 30 years ago as an instructor in English. Since then he has performed a wide variety of tasks ranging from teaching German to being Dean of Student Affairs, to teaching classes in the arts as he does today. In whatever capacity he has filled Lane has always served as a change initiating catalyst. Today in his role as a part-time faculty member, Lane feels strongly about reflecting on Bchrcnd's past and the changes that have occurred. Widely loved and respected by faculty and students 'alike, Ben Lane is considered to be one of Behrend's finest resources. Due to his vast knowledge and willingness to impart it, we were eager to sit down with him and see what we could learn. "This was all small trees here... there was nothing," Lane began, remembering Behrend's appearance when he arrived on the scene in the early 1950'5. Indeed, a 1988 student, complaining about the lack of facilities would get little sympathy from any of the original 160 students. "At one point," Lane recalls, "the Glennhill farmhouse housed the schools business office, cafeteria, dispensary, residence hall, drafting room and girls laundry." Behrend's desolation seems humorous in retrospect. "We were literally at the edge of terra incognita here," jokes Lane. "You know those maps where it says Terra Incognita - over here; well we were right on the edge." The construction of Erie Hall in 1952 was a landmark both for Rape: By Debra L. Malone Collegian Staff Writer Rape is a personal assault, a horrible violation of your most precious possession, your body. The bruises and physical pain of a rape are, however, minor in comparison to the mental anguish which the victim must endure. A rape victim suffers all too often in silence, attempting to hide her shame under a guise of normalcy. This silent suffering is not necessary; Rape Crisis is available for anyone who desires the help. Rape Crisis has been present here in Erie for fifteen years. They provide several services for a rape victim with complete confidentiality and without charge. There is a 24 hour hotline, 870- 7087, which offers crisis intervention and immediate assistance to the victim. A Rape Crisis counselor will support the victim through any medical treatment, police interviews, and legal proceedings. The counselor will make the victim aware of her rights, but the decision as to what Apartment For Rent Upstairs, 2 or 3 bedrrom. Kitchen appliances. Large bath, off street parking with 24 hour security; on bus route#l. 2 or 3 females preferred. 1 year lease, $250 a month plus security deposit . I pay the heat. Corner of Buffalo Road and Bird Drive. Call Haircutters Salon 2648 Buffalo Road. 898- 0180. SUN YOUR BUNS 1988 TANNING PRICES 10-20 MINUTE SESSIONS $3O 20-20 MINUTE SESSIONS. $57 3 MONTH MEMBERSHIP $lBO Each Extra 5 Minutes $1.50 'II ON BUS Haircutters Salon & ROUTE NO. 1 !! Indoor Tanning Center 898-0180 2648 Betio lirilhivr. Erie, TA Behrend and the University system as a whole. Eric Hall was the first building in the entire system paid for entirely by public contributions. At that time the university did not have the authority to commission new construction. They had to be authorized by the G.S.A., (General State Authority), which took a great deal of time. Erie Hall was a breakthrough in that it avoided the constraints of the G.S.A. by not requiring state funding.. At that time getting funding for any new project was nearly impossible. "Thank heavens things have changed," said Lane. Lane recalls other obstacles in planning Bchrend's first new dormitory, Perry Hall. Original plans for Perry called for it to be much larger than it is now , but to serve the same number of students. In helping plan the structure, Lane learned that change would not come easily. The building was supposed to have something of a U shape and had a large two story glass rotunda in the middle. Upon seeing the plans the Penn State official in charge immediately applied his red pencil, crossing out the rotunda and the projections on either side of the building. "The architect almost fainted," said Lane. He bounced back with 'But what about the esthetics of the building?' "Joe," he replied,"We're not worried about esthetics at Penn State." Another notable change is the evolution of the school's library. Originally located in what is now the Memorial Room, the library traveled to the site of the present studio theater before occupying the entire second floor of Turnbull Hall. Ironically the Reed Union Building, the site of the present library was never intended to house a library. Surprisingly the room was originally intended to serve as a ballroom, to accommodate the frequent dances that were once an What about The Victim? action, if any, will be taken, is entirely up to the victim. According to Angela Porfilio, the Rapc Crisis Community Education Coordinator, medical treatment is always encouraged, but whether or not the rape is reported to the police is the choice of the victim. Porfilio admitted that prosecution is difficult in rape cases, and is very difficult in the case of date rape. "Date rape is the most common sexual assault, but the least reported" as stated by Porfilio. Surveys done in the past show the most vulnerable ages for date rape to be senior high school and first year college. Current statistics show that 15To of all rapes are clone by a close friend or date. Thcsc statistics arc not absolute, however, due to the large number of unreported cases. Why do so many women choose not to report this horrendous crime against their own person? According to Porfilio the victim undergoes several reactions following a rape. She feels guilt, important aspect of college life "All student Unions had dancc Halls," observed Lane. However the library needed to grow and the dance hall, almost outdated before it was even built, was the logical place for the library to go. The acquisition of the dance hall's space was facilitated by the decline in popularity of big band dance hall music. "The big band sound didn't last much longer after the second world war; then Elvis Presley and the Beatles came along and changed everything forever," said Lane. Perhaps less obvious, but of greater importance are the changes in attitude that have occurred. The university has not always spent money as freely as it does today." You didn't ever use long distance you always wrote letters," emphasizes Lane. According to Lane inter-campus communication really started,(symbolically at least), with the school's acquisition of a dilapidated old Station wagon. "We thought we were absolutely swingin when we got that!" laughs Lane. On a more serious note he pointed out that it made inter collegiate communication possible and that a real case could be made for what the old car symbolized. Behrend has grown and changed tremendously over the years. Ben Lane credits students for much of that change. He wondered aloud where the school would be .:!if it hadn't been for the students and their insistence and courage and their raw guts to reach out and to do things when their was nothing to do." Having literally, 'nothing to do.' has long been a problem for Behrcnd students. The Reed Union Building was built to address that very problem. While some students still complain about the lack of diversions, Lane remembers the that perhaps she did something io encourage the attack, and shame that this happened to her. She may question lier own judgement, was there something in this man she missed? Did she place herself in an unsafe situation? Eventually these feelings become fears, fears that may cripple her emotionally. Rape Crisis is available to help with these reactions through counseling. Counseling is available for anyone who desires it, again without charge. The victim is free to participate in as many counseling sessions as she feels she needs. Porifilio states "for some this is one session, for others it may be six months to a year. The length of time depends entirely on the victims needs." Rape Crisis is also available for Prevention Awareness, and presented a Rape Crisis & Date Rape program at Bchrend on February 11th at the Niagara Dorm. Angela Porfilio presented the program and stated there was a good turn out with many interesting questions. She stated, that with the help of Todd Allen of Bchrend Security, she hopes to be doing more programs for the student body. Anyone wishing further information, or in need of one of the many services offered through Rape Crisis, can contact any Rape Crisis counselor at 313 Wallace Si, Erie, or call 870-7087. Tempus Layout Begins by Darrell Freund Collegian Staff Writer Mid April will see the advent of the Behrend literary magazine, Tempus. This year's issue, according to advisor Chris Dubbs, will be the "strongest publication" yet. Poems and short stories from over thirty Behrend students were chosen to represent this year's literary composition. According to Kurt Steiner, the editor of Tempus, this year's Tempus has a wide range of themes. "Some of the poems are - Behtelid Story time that a lone pool table was the highlight of possible activities. A donated pool table, located in the basement of Eric Hall quickly became one of the hottest spots on campus. "It was a bonanza," said Lane. "It was something to do." But even this form of entertainment was to be short-lived. Lane remembers that Frank Simes, visiting Dean of Men from University park took a dim view of the pool table. "He thought the pool table was immoral and should "..When we reached 300 enrollment—we thought we were Notre Dame." be removed." Behrend has come a long way. So what direction does Lane sec Behrend taking in the future. "Someone has to sit down and decide whether we want to maintain a small college in size. Three thousand is just wonderful- I think,or whether we want to become what SUNY at Buffalo has become...certainly we have the.land here , But there is also a marvelous intimacy here ," said Lane. Behrend has long been unsure about where it's going in terms of size. "I remember many years ago, we said when we reached 2 thousand - enrollment would be cut off,"said Lane. " 1 remember when we reached 300 enrollment and we thought we were Notre Dame," he adds. Whether or not the school's enrollment grows, Lane feels there is a need for more buildings to be built. "If we did not get another student on this campus, we still need a recreational facility and a library, I don't think there is any question about that." Whatever direction Bchrend takes in the future, there can be no question that Ben Lane helped it get to where it is today. ViewPitin.t . Lift by Terry Anthony and Jim Hale Collegian Staff Writers Hello, Erieland! Wow ! When we asked for you to write in and let us know what's on your mind, we never expected to get such an onslaught of cards and letters from our fans. We'll try to answer each of them personally, but we also wanted to print a few of the more memorable ones: Dear Jim and Terry, I am so depressed. Nobody likes me. I never get any mail. The only mail I ever get has Ed McMahon's ugly mug on it. Please tell me how I can keep the inches of dust out of my mailbox. Signed, Postal P.O.W. Dear P.0.W., Believe it or not, we used to have the same problem until we discovered some nifty tricks to assure us of a continuous mail flow. First, we never pay our utility bills on time. Next, we watch a lot of late night T.V. and take advantage of the many mail order offers. Why, we are now the proud owners of the world's largest collection of amazing ginsu knife sets, and have received 25 of "The Best of Box Car Willie" albums, as well as a fine collection of "Zamphir's Magic Flute" on 8-track tape. Finally, we give ourselves that personal touch by writing letters to ourselves with return addresses from famous people. Remember, creativity is the key to keep your mailbox-mate off guard. Dear wonder-writers, I am your biggest fan. You guys are so funny and know just how to make me tingle all over. I've been admiring you from afar, and think, yins have the two cutest tushes on campus. You smell good too. There are not enough adjectives to describe real hunks like you. I think I am in love with you, Jim. And I'd kill for just one night with Terry. XOXOXOXOX, The guy who sits behind you in Bio. 102. features photo by: Marybeth Zawistoski Ben Lane: A remaining faculty member from Behrend's early days. Today Lane is pleased to see students reflecting on the way things were. P.S. I am also fond of gerbils - maybe I could meet your pet, Spike? Dear Biologically Confused. We do appreciate the complement regarding Jim's Lush (it's nice to know you love him for his mind). However, no matter how much we may joke around, we arc hopelessly heterosexual and will forever be excluded fromßehrend's "10%". If you must continue with your fantasies, we'd appreciate it very much if you'd do it from afar how does Tulsa, Oklahoma sound? Oh, and we'd suggest you avoid Spike, the killer gerbil. He gets real nasty when confined in small, dark places. Dear super studs and all-around good guys, I am a social outcast. I read your column religiously and think you are the ones to catapult me to social stardom.l have followed all of your suggestions outlined in your book, "101 Ways to Pick Up Babes", and work out regularly to the beat of your exercise video. But I still find myself alone each night when *those leWd thoughts creep into my head. Can you help me? Signed, Caught Red-handed Dear. Rcd, So you're the one who bought the book? We appreciate your idolization of us, something not uncommon in our careers: But instead of writing down a loooong listof things to help you be more like us, we suggest that you run out and get tickets to our upcoming film debut, "Stooges to Studs", a dramatic portrayal of two would-be writers on their quest to be social celebrities. It is a thrilling autobiography of our own young lives. In the meantime, we suggest you ditch the stone-washed jeans and argyle sweater. Polyester slacks and paisley turtlenecks are vogue these days. • Hey Dudd, I am, 'like; totally out of touch with my inner being. My skateboard was ripped off and my biorhythms are outa synch with the stars. Life seems like a nebulous web of metaphysical wheat germ. Then, to top it all off, I hear my favorite band, Intestinal Slime, is ditchin' their gigs and breakin' up. Bummer dudes. I even broke my toe playing hacky-sack. P.S. I'm going to vote for Jim Morrison for President. Signed, Confused in the Cosmos. • Dear Cosmos, We can spot your problem right away. Give up on the biorhythms. Your problem is simple- you are a commie and a loser! John Wayne would roll over in his grave! What you need is a good dose of Capitalism. You Liberal Artsy-fartsy types make us sick! We hope that a pigeon gooeys on your surfboard. But we'll try to remain open-minded about this whole affair. Our advice to you is simple- get a job! Come on, say it with us. Job, J-0-B. Work, what a concept, huh? We hope that you've enjoyed reading these letters as much as we enjoyed _sharing them with you. Once again, we'd like to thank you for your. cards and letters. Keep them coming. For those of you out there that can't write, you may just send beer, women, or money. We must also ask that you please write or type: legibly. Letters written in crayon will no longer be accepted. Well, we really must be going_ We have a busy agenda to keep. First to D.C. to party with Nancy, Ron, and the boys, then to Texas to see the border patrol beat up illegal aliens, and finally to . Alaska to make sure the Eskimos are only rubbing noses. Until, next time, don't take any wooden Indians, and if you must spit into the wind, duck!
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