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THE
Clarion Call CLARION UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1913
OCTOBER 17, 2013
VOL. 100 ED. 6
Car-sharing program launched on Clarion campus Anastasia Bates STAFF WRITER
CLARION, Pa. - Clarion University launched its partnership with Zipcar, a car sharing organization, on Tuesday Oct. 15. Representatives from the organization were present outside Eagle Commons to answer questions, and also take membership requests. What makes the organization appealing to college students is the reduced age limit of just 18, while state laws vary between ages 21 and 25. Zipcar will have two cars for rental on Clarion University’s Campus and will be situated near Public Safety. Students will have the option to rent the cars for a small fee, after an initial membership cost of $25. As part of the event, students who signed up on the day received $45 worth of free driving with a discount code. “Zipcar was excited to launch at Clarion University, which forms a thriving community that embraces alternative transportation,” said CJ Himberg, communications and social media coordinator at Zipcar.
Becca Burkot / The Clarion Call
One of the Zipcars, a Ford Focus, is parked outside Eagle Commons dining hall during the program launch. “Zipcar’s car-sharing model provides a convenient and cost-effective alternative for students, faculty, staff and community members. Especially during an economically challenging time, students and parents are looking for smart ways to manage the total cost of education.”
“Zipcar frees parents and students from the significant cost of car ownership, including car payments, parking, gas and insurance for a car that would otherwise sit idle for as much as 90 percent of the time or more. Having a Zipcar program on
campus provides students without cars new levels of freedom – to run errands, go shopping, take a day trip, or even attend job interviews or internships.” Himberg added, “We have Zipcar programs at small liberal arts and major public universi-
ties, from the Pac 12 to the Big 10 and in the Big East, to the Ivy League and NESCAC. We are expanding at a rapid pace because students, faculty and staff value a transportation alternative that is smart, cost effective and environmentallyfriendly.”
Allies, History Club hold LGBT presentation Anastasia Bates STAFF WRITER
CLARION, Pa. - Allies and the History Club at Clarion University cohosted an LGBT event called “Same Love” in Hart Chapel. Seniors Corey Negley and Amanda Beil hosted the presentation, which focused on the history of LGBT as a celebration of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. The event, which lasted just shy of two hours, included a guest talk by Clarion University President Karen Whitney. About 60 students attended the event and learned about developing an understanding of acceptance within the LGBT community. The presentation was backed up by Youtube videos and biographies of famous stars who are openly homosexual and their stories, before turning to a panel of three students from Allies and Karen Smith, English professor and advisor to the group. Among the topics mentioned in the open discussion were the legality of gay marriage on a state level within Pennsylva-
nia, the student’s own experiences and journeys about coming out or not and their thoughts on the portrayal of homosexual and heterosexual relationships in the TV show “Modern Family.” Clarion University Allies’ group dedicates itself to social activism and seeks equality amongst communities including LGBT. During the debate, Whitney said, “When I was a sophomore dealing with coming out in the late ‘70s I went to counseling. Even though I came from a family that might not like each other we love each other. I still was terrified to come out to my own family.” She continued to talk about the services and counseling options available at Clarion University and expressed her desire for every student to be respected and feel safe within the community. She ended with, “You got one life, and you want to live it.” Members of the panel for the discussion spoke about how they wished the title of LGBT would be erased and for everybody to be seen as “just people.” Negley said, “I believe that the event went well. We had close to 60 people
on a night where there were a few other events occurring on campus. From the feedback I have received so far, a lot of students and community members thought it was a great presentation, and they thought it gave them a better understanding of the history of LGBT and the certain people who are making a difference to make our community and our world a more accepting place.” “I feel we achieved everything we wanted to in the event, and Allies and myself look forward with working with student organizations on campus to plan future events.” Natalia Naranjo, a freshman student at Clarion University, said, “I decided to go because I have many friends that have come out to me personally, and I’ve always been very supportive of the LGBT community in general. I went not knowing anything about the event and came out almost in tears. The stories shared throughout the night were so personal and eye opening.” “My opinion hasn’t changed, I’m still very supportive of the community and plan on going to the LGBT club meetings,” Naranjo said.
THIS WEEK’S EDITION
Inside
INDEX
Tri-county animal rescue center seeks volunteers. FEATURES PAGE 6
YouTube sensation performs at CampusFest.
Approach of volleyball team key to winning ways.
ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 9
SPORTS PAGE 12
News Opinion Features Classifieds Puzzles & Comics Arts & Entertainment Sports Standings
2 4 5 7 7 8 10 11
“Our college members can continue on as Zipsters after they graduate and move to a city that we serve. Our university offering is really a win/win situation for colleges and universities as well. Zipcar helps to reduce parking demands on campuses and at the same time enables the colleges and universities to remain strong community partners by showing their commitment to sustainability.” Michelle Kealey, director of Residence Life Services at Clarion University also praised the new partnership. “Other universities overall have been pleased with the program, and with no cost to the University or Clarion Student Associaion, it truly became a win-win for us to launch this program.” She added, “Zipcar is one of the leaders in car-sharing and has had growth in the university portion of their business. They have partnered with Ford and provide grants to RSOs and RUOs through competitions around the country through a program called ‘Students with Drive.’”