Penn State New Kensington will host a “Hope for Peace –Vigil” on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. in the campus conference center. Sponsored by the campus, the Alle-Kiski HOPE Center and the Western District of Pennsylvania – United States Attorney’s Office, the program’s goal is to increase public awareness of domestic violence.
The evening’s agenda will include comments by The Honorable David. J. Hickton, Esq., United States Attorney, Dr. Gary Cuccia, founder of the Demi Brae Cuccia Awareness Organization and Ms. Cindy Lang, Chapter Leader of Parents of Murdered Children – Pittsburgh. In addition, representatives from the HOPE Center will share their perspective, and Tansey Ochs, Penn State New Kensington student and HOPE Center intern will share a video clip from the "Searching for Angela Shelton" documentary. The evening will conclude with a procession and candle lighting ceremony.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office approached the HOPE Center with the idea to host the program in honor of Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Dr. Kristine Artello, Associate Professor of Administration of Justice (AOJ) along with AOJ students, Nicole Opielowski, John Ramsey, and Ochs assisted with the planning and execution of the evening’s events. Ochs commented, "This vigil is going to be a great opportunity to raise awareness to both the campus and community about domestic violence. It affects more people than you think, but there is help out there for those who need it."
For more information or for a complete schedule of events, call 724-224-1100. The program is free and open to the public.