Margaret Lorah, known by many simply as “Peggy,” holds a position that is not known by many, but has an importance that can not be easily put into words. As the Director of the Center for Women Students here at Penn State, Peggy not only serves as an ally to women but has become a strong voice and an advocate for women all across the campus. We sat down with her to find out a little more about the wonderful things she does for our female friends.
HC: What is your role in the Center for Women Students?
Peggy: I am the director of the Center for Women Students. Our office does educational programming regarding sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and harassment, and we also do programming that affirms women’s experiences. We provide advocacy, support, and counseling for students who have been victimized, and while most of the students we work with are women, our services are also available for men who are dealing with these issues. We have both men and women peer education groups: Men Against Violence (MAV) and Peers Helping Reaffirm, Educate, and Empower (PHREE).
HC: How did you get started in the counseling field?
Peggy: I have always thought that people and their stories are fascinating, and I knew very early that I wanted to do something that was helpful to people. When I was in school, my friends would always share their problems with me, and I loved to listen and support them. When I discovered that I could do this as my life’s work, there was no stopping me. I have a master’s degree in community counseling and a doctorate in counselor education. I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania, and I love doing this work.
HC: Why/when was the center for women students created?
Peggy: The Center was founded in 1985, at about the same time similar centers were emerging at many schools. It came into being because women students advocated for it. When students were victimized or harassed, they had no formal place to go. They spoke to Sabrina Chapman, a faculty member in sociology and women’s studies and the founding mother of the center, and they all worked to get the center going. The then-new Commission for Women also provided support. As is the case with many centers like ours, it was student activism and need that made it happen.
HC: Are you only responsible for dealing with the victims of sexual crimes? Or the assailants as well?
Peggy: We are responsible for dealing with victims of sexual crimes. Assailants typically deal with law enforcement and/or the Office of Student Conduct (OSC). There are times when talking with someone here can be part of a sanction by OSC, but we are committed to, and focused on, supporting victims of these crimes.
HC: How do you think the PSU culture has changed since the Sandusky Sex Abuse Scandal?
Peggy: I think that more people are thinking about issues of sexual assault than before the Sandusky situation, and there is a greater awareness that many students are coming to college having already been victimized in childhood. There is also a greater awareness that boys and men can be victims as well as girls and women. I am grateful for the increased visibility of these issues. Sadly, this doesn’t necessarily mean that there is more understanding about sexual assault and college students.