Even though Bob McKinnon recently compiled a collection of written essays, including one penned by Joe Paterno, his primary goal is to relay his belief that actions speak louder than words.
McKinnon, Class of 1990, has edited Actions Speak Loudest: Keeping Our Promise for a Better World, a collection of 32 essays advocating social change. Among the authors are various prominent figures, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Penn State football coach Paterno, who provided an essay about character for the book.
McKinnon was excited when Paterno agreed to write a piece for the book, he said, because he considers him to exhibit tremendous character in his management of the football team.
McKinnon said many people approach today's burgeoning issues with a "week" mentality, in which they approach one issue -- such as childhood obesity -- one week and a separate issue -- such as single parenthood -- the next.
For McKinnon, the birth of his daughter was an eye-opening experience in which he began to think increasingly about children from other families, especially those who come from less fortunate backgrounds.
"Every generation makes an implicit promise to make the world a better place," he said. "I think its about reassessing our obligation to the world."
The message of the book corresponds to the way McKinnon lives his life, said Mike Poorman, senior lecturer and director of alumni relations for the College of Communications.
"He practices what he preaches, donates his time and has been involved with projects in the college," Poorman said about McKinnon. "His actions are altruistic and he has a passion for doing the right thing."
McKinnon said he tried to have the book follow the example written about in its pages -- the book is printed on recycled stock, and proceeds will be donated to organizations featured in the book. Some students seemed interested in the book and were intrigued by Paterno's essay.
"Joe Paterno does have a good way of motivating people, and his message is always positive," Joe Gurka (senior-crime, law and justice) said. "I probably would be more inclined to read it."
