A car wash, a concert and a fireworks display will launch a yearlong campus-engagement campaign promoting integrity, respect, tolerance and diversity at Penn State Behrend.
The campaign, called “STAND UP,” will address the health-and-wellness issues that most threaten college students, including drug use, relationship violence, stalking and sexual assault. At each event, students will be asked to take a stand against violent, threatening or disrespectful behavior.
“Most programs take a hit-and-run approach,” said Patty Pasky McMahon, director of health and wellness services and the campaign’s coordinator. “We’re going to stay with it, with a focus on the positive changes we can all make.”
The campaign begins Friday, Sept. 13, with a free car wash in the Erie Hall lot. Any donations received between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 and 6 p.m. will be given to SafeNet, the Crime Victim Center of Erie County and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County.
A free concert by the Romantic Era will follow at 8 p.m. in the soccer/lacrosse complex. A fireworks display will complete the day’s program.
Future “STAND UP” events will include a movie on the Reed Union Building lawn, a Penn State tailgate party, a chili stand, a pig roast and a concert by the M-80s.
The “STAND UP” campaign is sponsored by the Health and Wellness Center and the Janet Neff Sample Center for Manners and Civility. Each event within the campaign is being supported by at least three Penn State Behrend clubs or organizations, with additional support from the campus Residence Life staff.
