Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Welcome, Angel Phoebe

BY TARA KINARD

tlkinard@vwc.edu

Here’s how it all unfolded: On the morning of April 1 — yes, April Fool’s Day —a stone angel statue was discovered inside the Chaplain’s office — placed directly beside the office door facing the Batten hallway. By April 7, Chappy, overwhelmed by persistent questions surrounding the angel’s origin, gender and name, issued a campus-wide e-mail announcing a Name-the-Angel contest, which lasted through April 16. Today, May 2, The Marlin Chronicle releases the winner of that contest and the name that was chosen for the new addition to our campus.

It was Director of Community Service Diane Hotaling’s suggestion that named the angel, who may now be addressed as Phoebe.

The campus rumor mill was in full-swing since the approximately 135-pound angel randomly appeared in the Chaplains Office on the night of March 31.

To understand how much commotion this angel has aroused, consider some of the stories that have circulated: the angel flew in; it was unloaded off a truck and brought in by students on a dolly; it was purchased by Chappy; and the most outrageous claim — the chaplain stole her from a graveyard! Obviously, that isn’t true, but exactly how the angel managed to find its new home still remains a mystery.

Despite controversy surrounding the unexpected arrival, there seems to be a general consensus that her purpose here is to provide a sense of warmth and security for everyone who roams this campus.

“The angel has a profound meaning in my discernment,” said Chappy. “I’m very serious about her offering care and prayer to the community. She’s working for you, she’s working for the campus community, and for so many people who don’t even notice her.”

He, along with others touched by the angel’s sudden presence, recognizes the angel as a powerful symbol of comfort during a time when she is so desperately needed.

C.S. Lewis Chair of Communication and Christian Thought Terry Lindvall, explained that angels are messengers from God, and the first thing they say upon encountering humans is “Don’t be afraid,” a reaction Lindvall seemed to find appropriate for Phoebe.

“There is so much fear and discontent on campus,” he said. “But the angel has brought in this office a place of comfort.”

Mail Room Materials Manager Midge Zimmerman expressed the same sense of reassurance in her description of the angel, as well as its location.

“I feel like she is always watching me—looking out,” said Zimmerman.

This is appropriate given the placement of the angel.

Following discovery of the angel, intrigue set in and the Chaplin’s office was bombarded with passers-by stopping to inquire about the name of the new community member. Chappy realized it was time to take action when a student entered to ask, “What is his name?”, having not even considered the possibility that the angel was male after being repeatedly asked, “What is her name?”

“I was perplexed,” said Chappy. “So I said, why don’t we let our community name the angel?”

That’s exactly what was done and the response was sizable.

The Chaplain’s Office issued a campus-wide e-mail welcoming everyone to submit a potential name and within roughly a week time 110 entrees from faculty, staff and students.

Though the angel has been on campus for only three weeks, she has already established quite an identity.

Chappy recognizes an interesting parallel between their angel and the one played by John Travolta in the film Michael.

“Michael was an angel who loved and celebrated life, always stopping to get pies and carrying on,” said Chappy. “This is that kind of angel — very approachable.

“She typifies what we want to accomplish in the Chpalin’s Office — to be a welcoming presence on the campus,” said Chappy. “Phoebe subtly says, come on in.”