Chaplain off to good start

U. officials praise efforts at religious harmony When Interim Chaplain Frederic Guyott came to the University in August, his goal was to work together with religious groups on campus to bridge differences among Penn's diverse student body. And after his first two months on the job, University officials and religious leaders agree that Guyott is off to a good start. "He only joined us fairly recently, but I already see a wonderful set of programming initiatives developing," Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said. McCoullum said the entire University community -- students, faculty and staff -- would benefit immensely if campus religious organizations were more closely tied together. The Rev. Beverly Dale, executive director of the Christian Association, said Guyott has been actively working to branch the differences among various Christian groups at Penn. "There's a heck of a lot of groups on campus who are out to save your soul," Dale said. "[Guyott] sees the chaplain's office as the place where these groups can be held accountable to the goals of the University." Dale added that she especially appreciates Guyott's efforts to bring together liberal and conservative Christians. She said before Guyott's tenure began, there had been "only small progress" in that area. Hiller Director Jeremy Brochin said the University administration must define the chaplain's role more clearly. And he said that much of the responsibility for interfaith communication lies with the individual groups. Annenberg graduate student Sarah Sayeed, Muslim Student Association representative to the Graduate Interschool Activities Council, said Guyott has greatly increased Islamic involvement in campus religious life. "It's a great beginning," she said. "I've had the opportunity to meet people from other religious groups and add my voice to the discussion, and also work on trying to make a place for religion and spirituality in general at Penn." According to McCoullum, Guyott has tackled serious issues like increasing community involvement in religious life. As an example of Guyott's activities, she said he has been planning a non-denominational Thanksgiving dinner for students who cannot go home for break.