Gospelrama evokes powerful message

BU's Gospel Choir held its 19th annual Gospelrama on April 17 in the Kehr Union Ballroom, entertaining a large crowd with its enthusiastic spiritual performance. Photo gallery

Best Buddies enjoy Picnic Palooza

More than 75 student members of Best Buddies, a nonprofit campus organization, enjoyed a picnic with their buddies recently at Bloomsburg Town Park. The group played board games, kickball and enjoyed picnic food.

Best Buddies is dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Student to explore Zapotec culture in Mexico

Liesl Driver, who is majoring in anthropology and Spanish, has been selected to receive a Foreign Language and Area Studies Summer Fellowship in Zapotec Language Studies, where she will study in Oaxaca, Mexico, June 21 to July 30.

Driver, who is also minoring in Latin American studies and ethnic studies in the U.S., will be taught by native Isthmus Zapotec speaker and linguist, Tomás Villalobos Aquino, through the Casa de la Cultura in Juchitán. She will experience a full immersion in Zapotec culture and language.

Senior students artwork on showcase

BU’s Department of Art and Art History celebrated the work of graduating seniors on April 27, featuring Jillian Ash, Amanda Bixler, Kelly Chester, Heather DeFrancesco, Jon Dibble, Ryan Forbeck, Nina Gandolfo, Marcy Geyer, Jessica Green, Caitlin Kohl, Fred Mealia, Steven Patsarikas and Mallory Woll. Photo gallery

Planting the seeds of sustainability

BU kicked off its Earth Day celebration by breaking ground on an organic herb garden prepared by the grounds-keeping crew on upper campus, where seasoning such as oregano and sage will be grown to potentially be used with Aramark recipes at Scranton Commons and Monty’s.

Students help locals maintain health

Students from BU’s adult health development program led exercises recently at the Columbia-Montour Aging Office’s day program at St. Luke’s Church. The course is offered by the department of exercise science and taught by Leon Szmedra.

The course matches BU students as training partners with adults ages 50 and over to help them maintain their strength, flexibility and quality of life. (Pictured) Samantha Oman, an ASL/English interpreting major, lifts weights with her training partner Angela.

Scholastic Book Fair underway

BU’s chapter of Association for Childhood Education International sponsored a Scholastic Book Fair in Andruss Library and Kehr Union, featuring hundreds books for K-8 grades. Shown are Amy Thomas (left), early childhood education major, and Heather Boudwin, early childhood and special education major.

Marketing Association showcases its talent

BU’s Collegiate Chapter of the American Marketing Association recently won best chapter plan at the 32nd International Collegiate American Marketing Association Conference. (L-R) Jason Gurzau, Alicia Smith, Ryan Mosher, Allison Martin, Emily Metzgar, Justin Pierce, Emily Faulk and Christopher Drew.

SLED makes a splash at Jamboree

Students Linked to the Education of the Deaf operated a dunking booth April 24 at the Renaissance Jamboree, sponsored by the Rotary Club. The SLED booth, which featured local celebrities such as Mayor Dan Knorr and Jonny Pass of WHLM Radio, helped raise money to send a deaf child to Camp HERO this summer.

New business research award announced

The Center for International Business and Education Research (CIBER) Research Award has been established to recognize the best paper in international business by a rising senior business major. The first $500 award will be granted in spring 2011.

Sponsored by CIBER and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the award was established by Dennis Gehris, interim dean of the College of Business; V.H. Manek Kirpalani, director of CIBER; and Jerrold Harris, director of research. Call (570) 389-4129 for more information.

Learning outside the classroom

The perfect spring weather of April 6 invited Frank D’Angelo, assistant professor of early childhood and elementary education, to take his class out to the Academic Quad. D’Angelo’s lecture provided several prospective student tours a prime chance to see BU education in action.

LLC students explore mining impact

BU’s Social Justice and Sustainability Living and Learning Community recently travelled to Whitesville, W.Va., to examine the impact of mountain top removal coal mining. It’s the same area that recently lost 29 miners in a mine disaster.

 
Students spent three days at the coal sites, weighing the impact loosely regulated industries have on life and the environment. Video | Photos

SAM competes in national competition

Members of Society for Advancement of Management recently traveled to Arlington, Va., to compete in the national case competition, where students created a strategic plan for TomTom and presented to a panel of judges.

 
Pictured (back row) Kevin Bay, Matt Wenneis, Tom Cook, Bill Philipps, Brian Welch and (front row) Dr. Okpara, SAM advisor, Mary Lou Thomas, Janelle Keister, Benek-Rivera, management department chair. Not pictured is Pamela Wynn, SAM advisor.

Blood drive exceeds goal

There were 186 pints of blood donated Thursday, April 22, at the Red Cross blood drive held on campus, exceeding the goal of 164 pints. The event attracted 58 first-time donors. The next campus blood drive will be held on July 21. Stay informed

Age of Innocence exhibit showcased

Andruss Library's latest exhibit, “The Age of Innocence: Bloomsburg 1870-1902,” created by BU archives intern Robert Shilling II ties into the "Big Read" program of Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence," co-sponsored by BU and the Bloomsburg Public Library. The display gives a local flavor for the time of the novel, covering the Town of Bloomsburg, including the Bloomsburg State Normal School.

New dean of College of Business named

Michael Tidwell, assistant dean of Clayton State University’s School of Business, has been selected as the next dean of BU's College of Business. Tidwell, also associate professor of management at Clayton State, previously taught at the University of Kentucky, Whitworth and Truman State universities.

"I have many colleagues who are familiar with Bloomsburg University, and they speak very highly both of Bloomsburg and (PASSHE)," Tidwell said. "I’m looking forward to leading the College of Business and working with the larger university team.” More ...

Husky pride in full effect

BU’s Program Board, Alumni Association and other student groups hosted alumni and their children, along with siblings and families of current students on April 10 on the Academic Quad for a fun day filled with carnival games, crafts and inflatable rides. The carnival was part of Sibling’s and Children’s Weekend.

Interim dean lectures on retention models

Elizabeth Mauch, interim dean of the College of Education, presented "Retention Models for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math," as part of the International Studies LLC Lecture Series on April 21 in the Living and Learning Community Center, Columbia Hall 119. More ...

Alumni educators give career help to seniors

Alumni teachers and administrators recently participated in an education career workshop and networking reception for education majors. Alumni presenters workshops covering topics from the application and interview process to first year expectations and academic standards.

Mike Bieber, an East Lycoming elementary teacher, is shown talking with students. Visit The Husky Pack for more photos.

Boston Globe reporter to speak at dinner

Friends of the Bloomsburg University Library Association’s will honor and present Michael Kranish, a political correspondent for the Boston Globe and a Revolutionary War historian, at its annual Author’s Dinner on Friday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Fenstemaker Alumni House.

Kranish will be speaking on his recent book, “Flight from Monticello: Thomas Jefferson at War,” which utilized research materials found in the Andruss Library Special Collections. Kranish, whose appearance is co-sponsored by the history department, will also be making a presentation to students and the public at 2 p.m. in the Andruss Library’s Schweiker Room.

BU’s Toys for Tots work draws praise

BU recently received the Coordinator’s Award for the sixth consecutive year for its efforts with the annual Toys for Tots holiday fundraiser. BU, which coordinates pick-up and delivery of toys for Columbia County, supplied toys more than 4,300 children in a five county area this past year.
 
Accepting the award on behalf of a large number of BU employees (current and retired) were (L-R) Norm Manney, Pauline Roberts, Richard Roberts (both from the Marine Corps League), Donna Gillaspy and Kim Schmitz.

Student employees honored

Kicking off Student Employment Appreciation Week, April 12-16, the campus recognized Student Employee of the Year Sultan Riaz, business administration/marketing major and office assistant for Anita Hakim, graduation coordinator. Riaz earned a $500 scholarship from the BU Foundation. Week's activities

A look at life after BU presentation

BU’s diversity and retention, multicultural affairs and alumni affairs offices, along with Air Force ROTC, sponsored a “Getting Better After BU: A Discussion About Post-Graduation” event recently for the juniors and seniors of the Board of Governors Scholarship Program.

 
Pictured (front) Lisa Marcello, Lynette Luckers, Tracey Schaff, and in (back) Jerrin Martin, Madelyn Rodriquez, Kristin Austin.

Faculty team published in business journal

College of Business and Andruss Library faculty have collaborated on a peer-reviewed article, “E-Discovery: What Future Business Leaders Need to Know,” in the Journal of Business & Finance Librarianship. Pictured (L-R) David Magolis, Wilmer Leinbach, Mike Shapeero, Blair Staley and Mark Law. Not pictured: Mark Usry.
 
The article explains the importance electronically stored information to businesses in the discovery process, discusses what business professors and students need to know about e-discovery and offers suggestions on how to integrate e-discovery in a business information literacy curriculum.

Magazine editor works with students

Jenee Chizick, editor of the bilingual magazine, Motivos, was a guest of Spectrum magazine, on April 2. Chizick, who worked much of the day with Spectrum students, also talked with Walt Brasch’s senior seminar classes about job preparation.

Motivos, with a readership of about 75,000, is directed to Hispanic youth and young adults. Chizick has a bachelor’s in biology from Cornell and a master’s in bilingual and multicultural studies from LaSalle.

Honored alumni recall BU roots

Four alumni were honored as part of the Alumni Association annual meeting April 10 for their professional achievements, contributions to society and service to BU. Grace Coleman, ‘86/’87M, and Kathryn Guyer Tuoni, ’82, received distinguished alumnus awards.
 
Dr. Vincent Urick, ’01, and Bonnie Adams, ’96, received young alumnus awards. Additionally, long-time Quest director Roy Smith received the honorary alumnus award. Details | Alumni Weekend

Student musicians perform in state festival

Caitlin Tevis, clarinet; T.J. West, bass clarinet; and Dominique Filiziani, French horn, were among the select musicians chosen to perform in the 63rd Annual PA Intercollegiate Band Festival at West Chester University, conducted by Dennis Fisher, University of North Texas.
 

Superintendent leads class discussion

David Campbell, superintendent of the Line Mountain School District, was a guest speaker recently for Frank D’Angelo’s graduate class, Curriculum in the Elementary School. Campbell gave tips on how students can set themselves a part when applying for teaching jobs.

Campbell also answered questions about working with a school staff, leading to a class discussion on curriculum in local elementary schools.

BU set to 'Take Back the Night'

Elaine Pasqua, president of Project Prevent, an organization providing AIDS prevention education to students, spoke at BU’s “Take Back the Night,” on April 7, followed by a silent candlelight vigil that proceeded around the Academic Quad to the steps of Carver Hall. More ...

Students lending skills over tax season

BU’s Student Accounting Association is offering free tax help to qualified residents of Columbia and Montour counties on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday through April 14 at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 130
W. Third St., Bloomsburg. More ...
 

Greeks celebrate brotherhood, sisterhood

BU's Greek organizations recently celebrated Greek Week 2010 with a wing eating contest, Greek Sing event and dodgeball tournament as the Spartans won each event. Each year, BU’s fraternities and sororities come together for a week to celebrate the essence of Greek Life. Photo gallery
 

Opening new doors for Luzerne students

BU recently signed program-to-program articulation agreement with Luzerne County Community College enabling students earning associate’s degrees in early childhood education to seamlessly transition to BU’s bachelor’s degree program. More ...

Professor to serve state advisory role

Christopher F. Armstrong, professor of sociology, has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, where he will assist the commission with its fact-finding, investigative and information dissemination functions.

Committee members are chosen based on their familiarity with local and state civil rights issues. Armstrong, who is finishing his 35th year at BU this semester, will serve a two-year term.

Physics student lands scholarship

 
Eric Otruba, a junior physics and health physics major, was recently awarded a $1,500 scholarship from the local American Nuclear Society chapter.

Otruba, a dean’s list student, is pictured with (L-R) Tim Rausch, chief nuclear officer and senior VP of PPL Susquehanna; David Simpson, health physics program coordinator and associate professor of physics and Jeff Helsel, plant manager for PPL Susquehanna.

Music faculty leaves mark on Asia

Gifford Howarth, assistant professor of music, recently spent nine days on a teaching residency at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore, where he worked individually with several percussion majors and sat in on different ensemble rehearsals.

Howarth also worked the St. Joseph's School of Kuching marching band from Malaysia, teaching its percussion section different technical ideas, rehearsal concepts and music ensemble techniques. More ...

Taking the classroom to Paris

Ferdâ Asya, associate professor of English, took students from the International Studies LLC and classes, American Literature II and Literature and Society “American Expatriate Fiction in Paris,” to Paris over Spring Break. A highlight was visiting the apartment of American expatriate writer, Diane Johnson. More ...

Collaborative work presented

Deborah Stryker, of the education of the deaf/hard of hearing program, along with Maureen Walsh, Angela Pang, Williams Obiozor and Barbara Wilson, of special education, presented their research, “Attitudes of University Students Toward Individuals with Exceptionalities: Suggestions for Change” at the 31st Annual International Conference of YAI’s "Decade of Decisions: Moving Forward in Developmental and Learning Disabilities."

This research group, which also includes Sheila Dove-Jones, James Krause, Barbara Wert and Walter Zilz, of exceptionality programs, as well as Eileen Astor-Stetson, of psychology, continues to update their mixed-methods research project that began in spring 2008 and involving more than 2,400 participating BU students.

Nursing students “Hunt for Health”

BU’s Department of Nursing held a health fair at Sullivan County High School, hosted by 37 senior nursing students covering topics based on the needs of the county after conducting a community-wide assessment. Students, 7-12 grade, participated in games, a scavenger hunt and enjoyed healthy food choices.

Senator visits campus, speaks to class

David Argall, state Senator for the 29th District representing Schuylkill County and portions of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton counties, recently visited campus and met with BU president David Soltz, then with faculty and students from the Civic Engagement LLC.
 
Argall also spoke to Professor George Agbango’s political science. The campus visit was coordinated by Luke Springman, associate professor of languages and cultures.