CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Clarion University hosted a “Stronger Than Hate” Vigil to condemn hate and honor the recent victims from the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill and in Louisville, Kentucky.
(Photos by Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media Photography)
The program, which was organized by members of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity in conjunction with members of the Social Science faculty, opened with a rendition of “At the River” sung by the Clarion University Chamber Choir, led by Dr. Stephen Johnson, followed by a rendition of “Prayer of the Children” sung by the Women’s quartet.
Speakers for the evening included Zachary Shoup, a student and member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity; Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, President of Clarion University; Dr. Pamela Gent, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs; Madison Bumbarger, student senate representative; Professor James Lyle, chair of the Faculty Senate; Professor Raymond Feroz, APSCUF President; Professor Kevan Yenerall, from the Department of Social Sciences; Professor Jeffrey Diamond, from the Department of Social Sciences; Ann Liska, Director of Campus Ministry, and Professor Philip Terman, Department of English.
While the vigil was a time for remembrance and mourning for the victims of recent hate-based violence in Pittsburgh, Kentucky, and throughout the nation, the speakers focused not only on the dangers of hate, citing hate-crime reports and statistics, but also on the need for the community to embrace tolerance and defeat hate.
The vigil closed with a recitation of the names of the Tree of Life shooting victims and a capella soloist from the Lift Every Voice Choir singing “The Anthem” and “He is Great”.
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