Letters: CVIM continues vaccine efforts; DEI focus overdue at Penn State

CVIM continues vaccine efforts

As 2021 comes to a close, I would like to thank Centre Volunteers In Medicine for their tireless efforts to make the COVID vaccine easily available to our community. To date they have given nearly 39,000 doses — almost 20% of all doses given in Centre County! This coming Saturday, Dec. 18, they are holding a Super Saturday Adult Vaccine Clinic with nearly 1,200 slots that is open to everyone age 12 and up who needs a first, second or booster dose. (Boosters are for ages 16 and up.) Their volunteers are your neighbors, dentists, doctors, nurses, EMTs and pharmacists who gladly volunteer their time to protect our community. If you haven’t gotten your vaccine or your booster, sign up today! (cvim.net) If you know a CVIM volunteer please give them your thanks.

DEI focus overdue at Penn State

On Monday, the CDT published a letter to the editor questioning Penn State’s choice of a new president based on Dr. Bendapudi‘s interest in diversity inclusion and equity. The writer called such a focus “the current fashionable social movement.” In my opinion, this “social movement” is long overdue and should continue until diversity, inclusion and equity are integral, unquestioned parts of Penn State, State College and beyond. Furthermore, diversity, inclusion, and equity is only one area where she has made her mark. I look forward to Penn State taking a giant leap ahead in all areas of learning and societal advancement under Dr. Bendapudi’s leadership.

Unfair conclusions about Bendapudi

Recently, Joseph Stach wrote to say, based on his personal review, incoming PSU President Dr. Bendapudi is not fit for the position. Stach expresses doubts based on his review of Dr. Bendapudi’s academic and financial experience. Stach appears to have based that review on the size of PSU enrollment, operating budget and research funding relative, presumably, to the same items at Louisville. Stach also questioned the time and review of the board and opines that the decision was made hastily.

It has been reported that the search took many months and reviewed over 80 candidates. I am not privy to the exact process, but it would appear that the doubts of due diligence and scope of search are unfounded by these numbers.

Stach ignores Dr. Bendapudi’s background as chief customer officer at Huntington National Bank with $175B assets, $142B deposits, $116B loans and a reputation for putting customers first. These facts and Bendapudi’s Business School teaching experience indicate that Dr. Bendapudi can handle PSU numbers.

Stach also thinks diversity, equity and inclusion is an inappropriate criteria. Aside from getting the concept incorrect, Stach ignores that this “fashionable social movement” is everywhere and a driving force for the future. For PSU to ignore it as a fad would hurt this major university, stymie growth and do a disservice to the students, IMHO.

Stach dismisses Dr. Bendapudi based on incomplete review and suspect opinions. The facts do not support his underlying concerns or conclusions. Instead, let’s welcome her and help her succeed.