Interactive Exhibit of Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic at SJU

Posted by on October 14, 2005

SAINT JOSEPH’S TO HOST TRAVELING Nationally Acclaimed INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND BY HIV/AIDS ACROSS THE GLOBE

Saint Joseph’s University will serve as the only Philadelphia site of a traveling exhibit by Catholic Relief Services meant to raise awareness of the many children across the globe that are orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. The interactive exhibit, “The Children Left Behind: AIDS Orphans Around the World,” will be on display in the Chapel of St. Joseph-Michael J. Smith, S.J., Memorial (located off of City and Cardinal Aves.) from October 14 through November 20. Saint Joseph’s University Students, Faculty and Staff will be able to have a special viewing of the exhibit from Friday October 14th to the 21st. It opens to all and the public on the 21st of October.

This 1,200-square-foot exhibit captures life through the eyes of orphans and other children left vulnerable by HIV/AIDS, introducing various cultures and the issues that affect them. As visitors “travel” to each country, immersing themselves into the stories of the children, an intriguing picture emerges of how different life can be when people, communities and organizations work together.

Visitors will meet the orphans and see their original drawings and hand-made paper dresses, learn about the global impact of AIDS at two interactive stations, visit an interactive kiosk featuring an engaging and informative video game, view a short documentary at The Little Round Theater, and express themselves at a letter-writing station.

“Saint Joseph’s is honored to host this moving and inspiring exhibit,” said Gerard J. McGlone, S.J., vice president for mission. “The exhibit speaks to Saint Joseph’s commitment to justice and complements nicely much of the University’s previously scheduled programming on Africa and the needs of this vast continent.”

The event is FREE and OPEN to the public, with preferred visiting hours Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. large groups are encouraged to schedule a visiting time in advance. For more information call: 610-660-3222. Visit http://www.crs.org or http://www.thechildrenleftbehind.org or http://www.sju.edu/mission for more information.

An opening reception will be held Friday, October 21, at 3 p.m. The exhibit is co-sponsored by Saint Joseph’s University, Catholic Relief Services, the Pontifical Mission Societies, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph’s University advances the professional and personal ambitions of men and women by providing a demanding, yet supportive, educational experience. One of only 142 schools with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, Saint Joseph’s is home to 3,900 full-time undergraduates and 3,400 graduate, part-time and doctoral students. Steeped in the 450-year Jesuit tradition of scholarship and service, the University strives to be recognized as the preeminent Catholic comprehensive university in the Northeast.

Thanks for your interest and help in spreading the word about this exhibit!