UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Religious and spiritual practices on college campuses are the topics of a talk on diversity at noon Friday, April 17, in the Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington. The event is free to the public.
Robert Smith, director of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development at Penn State University Park, will deliver the keynote address, “World Religions on Campus.” Religion and spirituality are complex issues that affect students, faculty and staff, and these issues will probably surface soon at colleges and universities across the country. Smith encourages others to work together, learn from one another, respect our differences, celebrate our similarities and move beyond tolerance to genuine acceptance.
“Recent legal actions and the diversification of our campuses mean we are increasingly likely to make decisions that are new to us,” said Theresa Bonk, director of student activities and chair of the Diversity committee at the New Kensington campus. “This presentation will provide basic information on religions and laws that will help us maneuver through the challenges that we may face.”
Smith earned bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice administration from Mansfield University and secondary education from Elmira College. He holds a master’s degree from Lock Haven University. Prior to joining the Penn State community, Smith worked for more than 10 years in the field of mental health, and served as an educator for seven years.
For more information, call 724-334-6062.
Diversity workshopThe presentation kicks off a diversity workshop, “Focus on the International Student Experience," a non-public event geared to Penn State campuses in western Pennsylvania.
Following Smith’s presentation is the panel discussion at 1:10 p.m. on international students, moderated by Jennifer Marino, assistant director for financial aid at the campus. Two breakout sessions at 1:45 p.m. will feature student discussions, facilitated by Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, and faculty/staff discussions, facilitated by Janet Knott, nursing program coordinator. Blum’s session will provide the student prospective on the Penn State international student experience. Knott’s session will focus on improving support and services for international students.
“The workshop is a part of a regional meeting of staff and faculty who provide direct programs and services to the international student population at Penn State,” Bonk said. “Participants will share best practices and how we can improve the student experience.”
The event is sponsored by the diversity committee at New Kensington.