The '10 Days to Christmas' edition
Purdue introduces Ryan Walters as head football coach. Purdue Northwest chancellor apologizes for 'some Asian version' of gibberish during commencement. And a seasonal fav: '10 Days to Christmas'
Thanks today to Lafayette Master Chorale for its support of this edition. Experience the beauty of the holiday season with the time-honored service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Join the chorale and children's choirs for favorite carols with organ, brass quintet and timpani as our community celebrates all the joy the holiday season has to offer. Performances: 2 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, First Baptist Church, 411 N. Seventh St. Advance tickets: $22/adults ($25 at the door), $10/students, children under 18 free with adult purchase. For tickets, click on the poster above.
Some notes on a Thursday …
PURDUE INTRODUCES RYAN WALTERS AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH …
… and here’s what he had to say during a formal session (in which outgoing Purdue President Mitch Daniels said he was available to move from part-time offensive coordinator to a full-time role) and then in a Q&A meeting with the media.
PURDUE NORTHWEST CHANCELLOR APOLOGIZES FOR COMMENCEMENT MOMENT
Tom Keon, chancellor of Purdue Northwest, apologized Wednesday after making what sounded like Asian gibberish from the stage during the regional campus’ fall 2022 commencement ceremony Saturday.
The moment had been picking up speed on social media early in the week by students and others who found Keon’s actions to be insensitive and even racist.
Midway through the two-hour ceremony, Keon followed keynote speak Jim Dedelow, owner of WJOB radio and JEDtv in The Region, who also was receiving an MBA from Purdue’s regional campus in Hammond. Early in Dedelow’s speech, he mentioned a made-up language he used to calm child in his family. During his speech, Dedelow heard a child getting restless in the crowd and he reeled off some of it, asking afterward whether it helped. Here’s a clip of that moment.
When Keon came back to the microphone, he turned to Dedelow: “All I can say is …” before rattling off what he called “sort of my Asian version of his” fake language.
Keon, chancellor at Purdue Calumet and then Purdue Northwest since 2011, issued a lengthy apology on Wednesday. In it, he wrote:
“… I made a comment that was offensive and insensitive. I am truly sorry for my unplanned, off-the-cuff response to another speaker, as my words have caused confusion, pain, and anger. … We are all human. I made a mistake, and I assure you I did not intend to be hurtful and my comments do not reflect my personal or our institutional values. In the true spirit of diversity and inclusion that is a cornerstone of PNW, I will learn from this and assure you that Purdue Northwest and I will take action to prevent such missteps from occurring in the future.”
Keon noted that the campus this fall had formed what he called the PRIDE Team Initiative, standing for PNW Respecting Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, “whose mission is to promote an open, respectful and welcoming culture.” He said he was directing the team “to specifically understand and address issues of importance to the Asian American Pacific Islander community at PNW, and to offer concrete ideas that our university will act upon to ensure that our campuses are places that welcome and value all.”
Asked about whether the university would address the issue, Purdue spokesman Tim Doty said: “The Purdue University Board of Trustees, which oversees all campuses in the Purdue system, is aware of the comments made by Chancellor Keon during December 2022 commencement at Purdue Northwest and has accepted his apology.”
LSC DOWN ONE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
Kay Walton, a Lafayette School Corp. board member since 2005, stepped down this week after moving to a home outside the school corporation’s District 5. Walton had two years remaining on a four-year term. The LSC school board, which gets to pick her replacement for the nonpartisan seat, has 45 days to get that done. Anyone, 21 or older, who lives in District 5 may nominate themselves by sending a letter to: Brent Clemenz, LSC boar president, 2300 Cason St., Lafayette, IN 47905.
FINALLY … A CHRISTMAS SONG TO SHARE
As advertised, it’s “10 Days to Christmas.” Lafayette native Flav Giorgini, co-founder of Lafayette punk royalty, Squirtgun, wrote this one for his kids a few years ago and recruited his brother, Mass, co-founder of Squirtgun and owner of Sonic Iguana Studio, and ex- and current members of Teen Idols and Ducking Punches for a video under the pop-punk Ho Ho Hootenanny tag. It’s a new holiday classic.
What’s on your local playlist: What Lafayette/West Lafayette acts have put out holiday songs, whether their own or covers, through the years? And how can I listen to them/watch them/share them? Send me a note with your favorites: davebangert1@gmail.com
Or put them in the comments section here:
Thanks to the Lafayette Master Chorale for its support of this edition of the Based in Lafayette reporting project.
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Disappointed, but unsurprised that he had the Asian version in his back pocket.