Lycoming College News

Lycoming hosts cultural awareness speakers

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Lycoming College’s Multicultural Awareness Group and chapter of Amnesty International co-hosted a cultural awareness dinner and presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Members of LINK, a California-based organization that focuses on protecting, assisting and educating refugees from North Korea hiding in China and Southeast Asia, spoke at the event.

During the presentation, the speakers shared LINK’s mission and their own experiences aiding and rescuing refugees. They also presented a documentary about five refugees from North Korea hiding in China and their journey to find freedom with the help of LINK members.

The purpose of the presentation was to raise awareness for the millions of people starving, hiding and in danger in that region of the world. Through the event, the two groups sought to educate the College community, to promote peace through daily actions, and to foster an understanding and appreciation of the diversity on Lycoming’s campus.

Gamma Delta Sigma sorority hosts auction for memorial scholarship

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Each year, the Gamma Delta Sigma sorority at Lycoming College hosts the Brandy Sudol Auction to honor the life a sister who passed away from Hodgkin’s disease in February 1990.

The auction, held during the College’s Family Weekend, raises funds to support a $1,000 scholarship for an anonymous Lycoming student in the pre-health track. Sudol, a native of Danville, Pa., studied nursing.

This year was the 19th Brandy Sudol Auction and one of the most successful in the history of the event. Emily Davies chairperson for the auction, and the sisters of Gamma Delta Sigma were able to raise more than $1,700. The first $1,000 was reserved for the scholarship, with the sisters donating the remainder to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“The Brandy Sudol Auction is a great way for our sorority to get together and raise money for a terrific cause while at the same time remembering a past sister,” says Kaitlin Isennock, president of Gamma Delta Sigma. “Although we never met Brandy, we feel a bond with her story and the love past sisters felt for her. We feel privileged to carry out this love each year and to continue the tradition of honoring Brandy.”

Dr. Howard Berthold, professor of psychology, taught Sudol while she was a student at Lycoming. Each year, he serves as the head auctioneer and shares memories of her. This year also featured guest auctioneer Dr. Steven Johnson, associate professor and chair of the religion department.

Sudol’s mother, Maryanna Maloy, comes to the auction each year to give her support. “We think it is truly amazing that Mrs. Maloy returns to Lycoming to remember her daughter and her time in Gamma Delta Sigma,” says Isennock.

The auction is open to the public and consists of themed baskets such as movie-night, candles and relaxation, and grilling and cooking. Other prizes, including gift certificates to local businesses, are also raffled at the event.

College to host an interfaith discussion on religion and water

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Lycoming College will host an interfaith panel discussion titled, “The Spiritual Dimension of Water,” on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. in the College’s Mary L. Welch Honors Hall. Lycoming faculty and spiritual leaders in the community will examine the vital issue of water shortage from many different perspectives.

Panelists include Dr. Richard Hughes, professor of religion at Lycoming; Dr. Mel Zimmerman, professor of biology and director of the College’s Clean Water institute; Sr. Catherine Ann Gilvary, Lycoming campus minister; Rev. Gwen Bernstine, Rabbi Shaul A. Rappeport, Rev. Dai-En Bennage and Rev. Daishin McCabe. Dr. Steven Johnson, professor and chair of Lycoming’s religion department, will serve as moderator.

The United Nations predicts that by 2025, roughly 15 years from now, approximately one-third of the human species will be living under absolute water scarcity conditions, and that two-thirds will be living under extreme water stress. The panel will explore how religious traditions can help in responding to this claim.