Incoming freshmen at Seton Hill University (SHU) received an official welcome on September 7, 2006, through this year’s Opening Liturgy and Book Discussion.
The service, held in St. Joseph Chapel, began at 11:00 a.m. and featured various student ministers. Rev. Stephen Honeygosky, chaplain of SHU, delivered a touching message about this year’s freshman reading assignment, �Timbuktu,� which focused primarily on the strenuous life of a homeless man and his lifelong canine companion.
By Kathleen Walker,
Contributor
Incoming freshmen at Seton Hill University (SHU) received an official welcome on September 7, 2006, through this year’s Opening Liturgy and Book Discussion.
The service, held in St. Joseph Chapel, began at 11:00 a.m. and featured various student ministers. Rev. Stephen Honeygosky, chaplain of SHU, delivered a touching message about this year’s freshman reading assignment, �Timbuktu,� which focused primarily on the strenuous life of a homeless man and his lifelong canine companion.
Honeygosky’s message conveyed the significance of inner beauty as it related to Willy G. Christmas, the novel’s central character.
The liturgy also included performances by instrumentalists: Ted DiSanti, Kathleen Campbell, Amanda Sage, and Rita Feals.
After the liturgy, freshmen separated into groups and further discussed �Timbuktu� in greater depth
with other students and faculty members.
Key concepts, such as society’s perception of homelessness, were addressed in regard to the novel.
Many opinions proved controversial, particularly those concerning canine intelligence and the possibility of an afterlife for animals.
Students then gathered in Cecilian Hall and were encouraged to talk to members of a discussion panel. David Droppa, a professor of social work, shared his insights with students concerning homelessness in America. He has managed both transitional and homeless centers for young adults, and is currently running a homeless center for teens in Pittsburgh.
Aurea Lucas, a junior biology major, also talked about the effects of animal abandonment on modern-day society.
By discussing ways students can become involved in local animal shelters, she hopes more pets will find happy, healthy homes.
Geoffrey Atkinson, a professor of mathematics, was also a member of the discussion panel.
As the chair of this year’s selection committee, Atkinson liked knowing that �Timbuktu� generated a bit of heated discussion.
�I took it as a good sign that we had to limit people asking questions at the end of the book discussion so that everyone could get to class on time,� Atkinson said.
Daniel Bernstein, a professor of hospitality/tourism and member of the selection committee, said, �A majority of the committee liked the book and it fit most, if not all of the selection criteria.�
Incoming students at SHU seemed to agree that the Opening Liturgy and Book Discussion served its purpose.
�Overall, it was a great way to start the new school year,� said freshman Jody Balko.
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