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T-shirts say 'I agree with Dave' for Christianity awareness week

Michael Easton agrees with Dave.

The interdisciplinary studies junior is one of more than 200 UA students sporting neon-green "I agree with Dave" shirts as part of a campaign to increase awareness about Christianity.

"It's been amazing," said Easton, who's also a member of Campus Crusade for Christ. "We've seen a huge response."

"Dave Week" is the result of a collaboration between several campus Christian organizations, and will culminate with the presentation of the yet-unidentified namesake, said Susie Shaw, Campus Crusade for Christ staff worker.

"It's a bunch of Christians on campus coming out of the closet," Shaw said. "We're believing God to be doing a lot of great things this week."

The undercover "Dave" - religious studies and history sophomore Dave Goffeney, who doesn't identify himself to students as the Dave of T-shirt fame - is not the campaign's leader, however.

"I don't feel I'm the focal point at all," Goffeney said.

Students who commit to Dave's pledge - which includes a belief in "the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the work of spiritual rebirth" - can receive an "I agree with Dave" T-shirt for $5, Shaw said.

"It's a serious commitment to wear it," she added.

Molecular and cellular biology sophomore Katie Richerson - also a member of Campus Crusade for Christ - said she bought a shirt to display her beliefs.

"This was a great opportunity to share with people," Richerson said. "I've had some neat conversations."

Goffeney said he is pleased with the first day of the campaign.

"It's in people's heads ... I'm satisfied," he said. "I do trust it's in God's hands."

Volunteers distributed 350 pamphlets and sold about 200 T-shirts yesterday, Shaw said, although they've also met with some opposition.

"There's a lot of students who come who don't agree," she said. "More than anything, it hasn't been a competition thing. We don't desire to argue."

Easton said he didn't think Dave Week could be considered offensive.

"I would be surprised if it bothered anyone," he said.

Not all students found the campaign enlightening, however.

"I was definitely curious ... it's a great tactic," said creative writing junior Tom Adams. "It's geared toward the type of person who's a follower rather than someone who thinks on their own."

Goffeney said he isn't looking for fame, however.

"Because I'm just an 'average Dave,' it isn't all about me," he said. "It isn't about me getting any glory."