Reception honors outgoing chaplain

During his 35 years at the University, most knew former Chaplain Stanley Johnson as a spiritual advisor and religious leader. But few knew of the outgoing chaplain's enthusiasm for the men's basketball team. During a reception in Johnson's honor Friday, Coach Fran Dunphy made a special point of noting Johnson's dedication to the team, presenting him with a basketball signed by every player as thanks. Friday's ceremony marked the end of an era at the University, as Johnson officially stepped down from his position as chaplain. Approximately 75 faculty members and administrators, along with Johnson's family and friends, attended the reception, held at the Arthur Ross Gallery in the Furness Building. No students attended the affair. University President Judith Rodin opened the evening. She spoke of Johnson from a unique perspective -- since she had also known him when she was an undergraduate at the University. "The Penn students are his kids in every sense of the word," Rodin said. Provost Stanley Chodorow presented Johnson with an honorary plaque thanking him for his commitment to his role as spiritual adviser. Finally Johnson was asked to say a few words. While he spoke, the crowd roared with laughter at times, while struggling to hold back their tears at others. "I feel as if I should be thanking all of you," Johnson said. "Not as if all of you should be thanking me." Johnson also focused on his wife, thanking her for everything she had done for him. The reception provided an official conclusion to Johnson's tenure, during which the chaplain had been primarily a religious counselor. Interim Chaplain Frederic Guyott said he plans to expand the role of chaplain along the lines of recommendations made by a committee established to review the Office of the Chaplain. According to Guyott, the committee, chaired by Social Work Professor Jane Lowe, suggested a tripartite ministry -- of presence, dialogue and proclamation. This role includes crisis counseling, facilitating discussions about ethics and morals and holding the University to its policies and standards. In developing the role of chaplain, the committee had to deal with whether a modern, secular university really need a chaplain. Recognizing the work Johnson had done, the review committee decided that the University still needed a chaplain on campus. Guyott said both he and Johnson feel confident that the position of chaplain will continue to be a pivotal one within the University community.