Theodora Hermes
  • English (Literature) and Sociology
  • Class of 2012
  • Myerstown, PA

Theodora Hermes of Myerstown Attends Lebanon Valley College's Social Justice Institute

2012 Jan 10

Twenty-nine Lebanon Valley College students will travel to Washington, D.C., as part of the 2012 Social Justice Institute, Jan. 12-14, 2012. Among them is Theodora Hermes of Myerstown, Pa., a senior English and sociology major.

The three-day leadership institute that allows students to explore how oppression impacts true equality. It begins on campus, where students learn about social justice, envision liberation, and consider models of oppression/oppression and liberation. On Jan. 13, the students will travel to Washington, D.C., touring the National Portrait Gallery, American Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, and the Holocaust Museum. Additionally, Hermes will visit Ayuda, Inc., whose mission is to protect the rights of low-income immigrants in the DC metropolitan area. They are the District's leading source of multi-lingual legal and social assistance for low-income immigrants in the areas of immigration, human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Their overall goal is to improve the ability of clients to live safe, violence-free lives and become full participating members of our community.

Participants will evolve from being appreciative of diversity to understanding systems that maintain oppression and privilege; develop strong leadership and critical thinking skills; are eligible for membership in the Pallas Society, a campus-based social justice honor society; and will qualify for the EDGE Certificate in Diversity and Social Justice from the Office of Student Activities.