PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH BEGINS
Again this year, Dana’s New Student Orientation,
Aug. 26–29, centered around a theme. Previous years have explored
character and leadership during Orientation. This year’s group
took up the theme “Community of Respect.”
“I think respect is something that is very important
for the future of Dana graduates,” said Chris Jebsen, dean
of students. “I think respect is sometimes taken for granted,
and I wanted to highlight in small ways and big ways how we can
show respect to each other.”
Jebsen said the students were prompted to think about
respect for other people, tradition, academics, themselves and property
during the days leading up to the first day of class on Aug. 30.
“Really, how we treat each other says a lot
about who we are as individuals,” Jebsen said. “I think
respect is something that is a valuable trait to have for all of
us.”
Besides being introduced to Dana’s computer
systems, library and other services, students attended special group
meetings every day on respect. They also did a mock Liberal Arts
Reading Program (LARP) session on Professor of Religion John Lyden’s
work on violence in the media. LARP is a special class at Dana where
students read and discuss important works. Another session reviewed
Dana’s sexual assault policy. Students were also given the
option to participating in volunteer activities at the Washington
County Recycling Center, on campus or for Blair’s elderly.
“I’m pleased that we are emphasizing the
theme of respect this year,” Dana President Myrvin Christopherson
’61 said. “Many observers claim there has been an erosion
in respect shown by young people for property, for the elderly,
for people in authority, even for parents. I don’t think we
should blame young people alone, however. I do think we can all
use a reminder that all of God’s creation has worth and deserves
our recognition, regard, and veneration. We fail to show respect
when we litter the campus and other grounds, abuse property or show
disregard for another person or a person’s point of view.
I hope that by choosing this theme we might raise the consciousness
about what it means to show respect.”
Jebsen said he hopes the theme will be carried out
beyond New Student Orientation into the regular school year.
“I hope that by having the theme, we will engage
as a campus in showing respect for each other,” he said. “It
might lead to discussions on improving this place and our community.”
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