What is P.A.S.O.? I am so glad you asked! In
keeping with McCormick’s cross-cultural philosophy, P.A.S.O. or Pan-African
Student Organization was founded in the 1980s by African-American alumni. Its
members include students of African, African-American and Caribbean heritage.
In summary, P.A.S.O. aims to provide spaces for fellowship and networking;
sponsor activities that promote social, cultural, spiritual and civic identity;
disseminate information to assure engagement with the full range of campus life;
and encourage members to participate in all aspects of community life.
That’s a short overview. P.A.S.O. hosts or
sponsors some exciting events, many of which are annual. The Preaching Clinic
gives students an opportunity to preach a short sermon among their peers and
get constructive feedback from a panel of experienced ministers. So collect
your commentaries and concordances, get your pens ready to sign-up, and start
refreshing those mini-sermons! The World AIDS Day Summit unites people in the
community, workers, and leaders to discuss strategic responses to HIV/AIDS and
its impact in the African Diaspora. During the Easter season, Pullman
Presbyterian Church hosts the Seven Last Words. This is another preaching
opportunity for students. Other activities include the Black Church Studies
Lecture series, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events, Black History Month events,
and the Students of Color Graduation Celebration.
On a personal note, I am honored to serve as P.A.S.O.
Moderator this year. Although leadership honestly was not on my radar
initially, it seemed like a natural transition after participating in preaching
clinic, the World AIDS Day Summit and other P.A.S.O.-related events. P.A.S.O.
offers I like the fact P.A.S.O. has a rich tradition. My hope is to honor that
tradition while strengthening student-alumni collaborations and trying some new
programming ideas. Here’s to building and brightening the futures of P.A.S.O.
and the McCormick community!
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