If you concur, please send a note to Ms. Andrews: pr@cofo.edu
Dear Ms. Andrews,
If you would be so kind as to forward this to your president.
As a Presbyterian Pastor who served in Tulsa for 12 years at a church long supportive of the College, and sharing with Sam and Helen Walton at numerous luncheons in the Tulsa area, I have admired deeply the character of the school and its unique commitment to providing a quality education for students who might otherwise be unable to attend college because of financial constraints.
Yet, I was shocked when I read of the decision to have Sarah Palin as a college guest to address matters of character and morals.
There are dozens and dozens of ably qualified speakers from all sorts of religious and political persuasions who might address such matters with skill and experience, but to suggest that Ms. Palin is qualified is a matter for Saturday Night Live.
That she's a lightening rod for the far right-wing is undeniable, but as a speaker on these matters? Hardly.
I'm disappointed in the decision to invite Ms. Palin, though I'm sure there are monied interests behind this, and knowing the tough role of a college President these days, I'm sure there are some interesting guns being held to your head on this one.
I sympathize with your position, and I suspect you'd have rather chosen any number of other far-better qualified people.
Wishing you the best ... and to honor the heart of the founder of the school, you might well invite a missionary, a pastor or a professor of ethics to address matters of morals and character ... I would suggest historian Diana Butler Bass as an able and knowledgeable speaker for the college, or the Rev. Dr. Michael Lindvall, pastor of Brick Presbyterian Church, New York City, a most excellent preacher and a teller of stories.
Blessings on your work and that of the college.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas P. Eggebeen, Interim Pastor
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Los Angeles, CA
If you would be so kind as to forward this to your president.
As a Presbyterian Pastor who served in Tulsa for 12 years at a church long supportive of the College, and sharing with Sam and Helen Walton at numerous luncheons in the Tulsa area, I have admired deeply the character of the school and its unique commitment to providing a quality education for students who might otherwise be unable to attend college because of financial constraints.
Yet, I was shocked when I read of the decision to have Sarah Palin as a college guest to address matters of character and morals.
There are dozens and dozens of ably qualified speakers from all sorts of religious and political persuasions who might address such matters with skill and experience, but to suggest that Ms. Palin is qualified is a matter for Saturday Night Live.
That she's a lightening rod for the far right-wing is undeniable, but as a speaker on these matters? Hardly.
I'm disappointed in the decision to invite Ms. Palin, though I'm sure there are monied interests behind this, and knowing the tough role of a college President these days, I'm sure there are some interesting guns being held to your head on this one.
I sympathize with your position, and I suspect you'd have rather chosen any number of other far-better qualified people.
Wishing you the best ... and to honor the heart of the founder of the school, you might well invite a missionary, a pastor or a professor of ethics to address matters of morals and character ... I would suggest historian Diana Butler Bass as an able and knowledgeable speaker for the college, or the Rev. Dr. Michael Lindvall, pastor of Brick Presbyterian Church, New York City, a most excellent preacher and a teller of stories.
Blessings on your work and that of the college.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas P. Eggebeen, Interim Pastor
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Los Angeles, CA
Right on, Tom!
ReplyDeleteRev. Eggebeen, I am currently a student at CofO and am personally excited to hear Ms. Palin speak. I think she is a great motivator for the youth in this country to stay more conservatives in their political viewings. Im sorry you dont feel the same. But as a student, I get tired of always listening to religious speakers I have never heard of or have any desire to listen to, despite how qualified they may be.
ReplyDelete