Unity Days To Celebrate Diversity And Community
March 28, 2001
University Park, Pa. The fifth annual Unity Days - a week-long celebration of diversity and cultures - will kick off Monday, April 2, at Penn State's University Park campus.The program's theme is "Building our CommUNITY", and is meant to unite students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate the unity of humanity -  regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or any other discriminatory factors.  It is intended to overcome the boundaries of our own experiences and cultures so that we may come to appreciate the experiences and cultures of others, says Lois Abdelmalek, head of multicultural affairs for the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments.Nineteen of Penn State's 24 campuses will be sponsoring events focused on the theme on Wednesday, April 4, to celebrate Unity Day across the commonwealth.Unity Day gives the Penn State community an opportunity to share and discuss diversity issues and ways to build a unified, multicultural environment, added Abdelmalek.Unity Days is coordinated and co-sponsored by the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments, the Undergraduate Student Government, and Project Growth. For more information on events and times, call Lois Abdelmalek at (814) 863-0697, or Queen Nworisa, head of multicultural affairs for the Undergraduate Student Government, at (814) 863-1874.

Unity Days List of Events - Monday, April 2-Sunday, April 8:
All week, students will be handing out gray ribbons to students, faculty and staff to symbolize campus unity.

Monday, April 2
Panel discussion: "White Roles in Fighting Racism" at 8 p.m. in 101 Thomas Building.

Tuesday, April 3rd.
Event to be announced.

Wednesday, April 4th.
Unity March starting at 7 p.m. at the Lion Shrine and ending at Pollock Rec. Room.  The march will be followed at 8 p.m. with a program by Project Growth called "Star Power" - an interactive game to explore race relations.  Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, April 5
Coaches vs. Cancer will have an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner in Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center, from 5-8 p.m.  The dinner is free to all registered race participants and $5 for non-registered participants.  Door prizes will be given out.

Friday, April 6
Cultural Expressions Celebration from 7-9 p.m. at the Pollock Study Lounge.  Entertainment will include bands, readings, student organization performances, and an open forum.  Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, April 7
Coaches vs. Cancer 5K Run/Walk at 10 a.m. at the IM Building.  Race day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Entry fees are $12.00 for pre-registered participants and $15.00 for registration received after March 28.  Participants do not need to raise money - the entry fee goes directly to the American Cancer Society.

Sunday, April 8
The Red Ribbon AIDS 5K Walk by the AIDS Project, begins at 1 p.m. at the Central Parklet in State College.

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Contact:  Amy Neil, Department of Public Information, at (814) 865-7517 or e-mail aen4@psu.edu