Dare 2 Care: Weeklong Diversity Program at Venango Campus of Clarion University

The Clarion University - Venango Campus activities Board will sponsor a week-long celebration of diversity titled "Dare 2 Care" February 9 - 13.

All events are free and open to the public and will be held in the Robert W. Rhoades Center Auditorium.

According to Emily Aubele, director of student affairs:

"Dare 2 Care week was developed three years ago to encourage students, faculty staff and the community to think about, discuss, understand, and accept differences in people in such areas as culture, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical appearance, handicaps, and social and economic conditions. Programming that encourages people to learn about and connect with others who may not look like them promotes respect, tolerance and civility."

Opening the week will be a lecture by Arthur Romano, a certified nonviolence trainer and accomplished international educator who has worked globally to challenge violence and promote peace. Titled "Exploring Non-Violence," the presentation will be held on Monday, at 7:30 PM Feb. 9.

Nathan Duprey will perform on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Duprey's lyrical mastery and captivating musicianship create a memorable evening for any fan of original indie music with an edge.

Transgender folk artist and frequent speaker Namoli Brennet will discuss her journey through gender identity and the roles that gender play in contemporary society at 7:00 PM Wednesday, Feb. 11.

At 7:30 PM Thursday Feb. 12, award-winning facilitator and multi-platinum recording artist Jim Donovan and master musician Elie Kihonia from the democratic Republic of Congo join together to bring a powerfully interactive diversity program using the universal language of music, dance, and story.

"Rhythm, Race, and the Transformation of Fear" creates a space for honest conversation and transformative contact.

The Core Ensemble will present "Ain't I a Woman!" at 7:30 PM Friday, Feb. 13. The chamber music theater work celebrates the lives and times of four powerful African America women: renowned novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston; ex-slave and fiery abolitionist Sojourner Truth; exuberant folk artist Clementine Hunter; and fervent civil rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer.


The musical socre is drawn from the heartfelt spirituals and blues of the Deep South, the urban vitality of the Jazz Age, and contemporary concert music by African Americans.

"Ain't I a Woman!" is a joyful exploration of the trials and triumphs of four passionate and accomplished women.

for more information, contact the office of student affairs at 814-676-6591 ext. 1269.