On behalf of Penn State Students for Life, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the Center of Bio Ethical Reform (CBR) for bringing the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP) to Penn State University. Just a few weeks ago, on October 7th and 8th, 2003 we (Penn State Students for Life) hosted GAP on campus, and the results were amazing.

To be perfectly honest, at first our group had plenty of reservations about our newly rebuilt club bringing something as graphic and controversial as the GAP display to our campus. But, I am certain that this has been the most effective, powerful and memorable project that our club has been able to be a part of and I am honored that we had the privilege of working with CBR to put on GAP.

The results of GAP were tremendous. I was shocked by the many positive reactions I got from students passing by the display. It was so amazing to see the wheels turning in the student’s heads as they slowly passed the display. We truly witnessed hearts and minds changing right before our eyes. And who knows how many seeds have been planted in those that just saw the display and didn’t even stop to talk to us. It seemed as though the whole campus was talking about it. The school paper had articles and editorials and even a cartoon about GAP. We certainly got the campus stirred up and pushed people out of their comfort zone- hopefully breaking some of the apathy that many of the students seem to have towards the issue of abortion.

Bringing the Genocide Awareness Project did anything, but hurt our club. I really believe that our club was strengthened by this experience. Our current members became more convicted and fired up about the sanctity of all human life and now seem to want to become more active in the pro-life movement. I really feel as though we are now a much stronger and more courageous group that isn’t afraid to speak out in a bold way to be a voice for the unborn. Also, interest in our club has definitely increased and we had about 50 students sign up to get more information about Students for Life. It was definitely a powerful and memorable experience that Penn State will never forget.

I would just like to thank everyone that works for CBR and all of the volunteers that made GAP happen at Penn State, we are forever grateful. I know that all of us from PSU Students for Life truly enjoyed learning from and working with all of you. Thank you so much! I would definitely recommend the Genocide Awareness Project to any and every pro-life group on college campuses throughout the country. I can assure you that it is a worthwhile and educational experience that you will not regret.

Sincerely,

Cristina M. Barba
President of Penn State Students for Life
State College, PA 16801