C.W. Post Student Makes Documentary
Chronicling the Struggle of Orphans in Kenya

Brookville, NY – For his summer vacation last year, C.W. Post student Garrett Chapman didn’t go backpacking through Europe or plop himself on a beach to relax in an exotic locale.  Instead he spent two weeks volunteering at a local orphanage in Kayole, Kenya. From the experience he created a 25-minute documentary, Faith Love and Hope, which chronicles the struggles of the 300 orphans at By Grace Disable Orphan Centre.

After hearing about the orphanage from a friend, Chapman joined eight other students in caring for the children who are rescued by volunteers from the slums of Nairobi.

“The children have either been abandoned by their parents, or their parents have died from AIDS,” Chapman said.  “The volunteers try to give them an education using the little resources that they have to give these kids a chance in life.”

Chapman, a resident of Uncasville, CT, will graduate on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in electronic media. He is captain of the track and field team and president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

Chapman hopes that his documentary will aid in the fight for funds for the orphanage.  “I want to raise awareness of their plight,” he said.  “I want people in America to see their situation.”

This year marks the 49th commencement ceremony at C.W. Post and will include more than 2,800 graduating students on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, 2007 beginning at 9:30 a.m.  The class of 2007 comprises 964 baccalaureate degree candidates, 1,832 master’s degree candidates, 14 graduates receiving the Psy.D. in clinical psychology and 5 receiving the Ph.D. in information studies.  Among students participating in commencement ceremonies are graduates from Southampton College and the Southampton Graduate Campus of Long Island University.

For more information call the C.W. Post Commencement Hotline at 516-299-3242 or visit www.liu.edu/cwpcommencement

Posted: May 11, 2007