Giving PASSHE a voice in Harrisburg

A delegation from Bloomsburg University recently attended the PASSHE Advocacy Days in Harrisburg to educate the legislature about the vast opportunities, benefits and significance PASSHE brings to Pennsylvania. Among the group were members of the Husky Ambassadors, Community Government Association, Trustee Nancy Vasta and President David Soltz.

The group spent Monday and Tuesday, April 4 to 5, meeting face-to-face with state representatives, senators and legislative staff about PASSHE, which upholds its mission across 14 universities in offering a quality
higher education at the most affordable cost among all four-year institutions in the Commonwealth.

BU Research Day 2011

Emily Whisel, a senior biology pre-vet student, will present her research on the weight gain benefits to calves at BU’s inaugural Research Day on Friday, April 29. Whisel, who spent two months measuring calves that were fed probiotics, will study large animal medicine.

Students end spring by “winning”

Kayla Vollmer, a May graduate, was the Alumni Association’s Senior Grad Finale Grand Prize winner, receiving a 32-inch Vizio LCD high-definition television. Earlier in April, students competed during the Siblings' & Children's Weekend and Alumni Weekend Carnival for the most creative kids game.

• First Place — Elwell West for "Feed the Dragon"
• Second Place — Lycoming Hall for "Dragon/Princess Race"
• Third Place — Kappa Phi for "Princess Crowns, Face Painting, Hair Braiding and Nail painting"
• Kid's Choice — Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society for "Luckie Duckie's Enchanted Pond"

Dunk a professor for a great cause

BU’s Students Linked to the Education of the Deaf (S.L.E.D.) are having a dunking booth Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Bloomsburg's Renaissance Jamboree to raise money to help send deaf and hard of hearing children to Camp HERO at Camp Victory, Millville. Among those on the list to step into the dunk booth are:

Father Jeff Thoms, Catholic Campus Ministry, at 11 a.m.; Jim Krause, chair of exceptionality department, at 11;30 a.m.; Dave Kovach, Columbia County Commissioner, at noon; Sam Slike, professor of exceptionality, at 12;30 p.m.; and Paul Stoudt, Community Alliance Church Awana commander, at 4 p.m.; along with several BU students and SLED members.

A community effort for a toddler playground

BU students, faculty and staff are joining forces this week, Thursday, April 28, through Sunday, May 1, to build one of the area’s first toddler playground in Bloomsburg next to Kidsburg at Town Park. Volunteers are still needed for different shifts over the four days.

Citing research about play being essential for young children’s development, the local volunteer group, helped led by BU instructor Pam Brunskill, raised more than $10,000 to develop the unique playground designed specifically for young children. Contact Tiffany Hall for details about volunteering.

Keeping a strong Husky connection

About 100 BU alumni from the Greater Harrisburg Area attended a reception hosted by the Capital Area Network with BU President David Soltz in Camp Hill this spring. More alumni gatherings are planned for this summer. (L-R): Chris Ballentine ’00, of Clipper Magazine, David Soltz, and Gene Robison ’97, communications director for PA Association of School Retirees.

Alumni participate in Health Symposium

BU alumni representing a variety of health fields participated in a panel discussion this spring with current students during BU’s Health Symposium. In total, eight alums joined the effort to connect with students on campus and in the classroom.

(L-R) Dr. Kathy Baylor '83, a physician with Bloomsburg Family Care Associates; Kathleen Riley '81, an audiologist with the Delaware School for the Deaf; Joseph Agostinelli '04, a wellness and exercise technician with Pro Rehabilitation Services, Moosic; Dr. Douglas Thran '77, a Clark Summit orthodontist; Dr. Matthew Thran '84, an anesthesiologist at Rhode Island Hospital; Peggy Snyder '84, a speech pathologist with BU's Dept. of Audiology and Speech Pathology; Annette Shalongo '83, an infusion nurse case manager with Vitaline Infusion Pharmacy Services, Danville; Dr. Frederick Maue '76, a psychiatrist with Maue Health Inc., Sunbury.

CCM lends hand to inner city needy

Recently eight BU students from the Campus Catholic Ministry participated in a weekend service learning immersion experience to Philadelphia, a community service opportunity coordinated by Gina Fanelli, a senior mass comm major.

The group served the homeless and hungry at Old First Reformed Church, Fourth and Race Streets, then also distributed clothing.

A winning chance for being heard!

Nicholas Ragazzo, a freshman business administration/management major from Berkeley Heights, N.J., is one of three students who won $50 gift certificates to the University Store for taking the National Survey of Student Engagement survey between Feb. 9 to April 5. Three more certificates will be randomly awarded for freshmen and seniors who complete the survey between April 6 to May 1.

BU's first Brain Awareness Week a success

As part of the international campaign to raise awareness about neuroscience, 30 volunteers from BU's Psychology Association visited two local schools (Memorial Elementary and Berwick High School) to present interactive activities to elementary and high school students about the brain.

In addition, more than 300 people attended a panel discussion sponsored by the Psychology Associated entitled "Understanding the Brain throughout Life", which featured talks by faculty members from the departments of Psychology and Speech Pathology. Psychology Association will sponsor the event again next year (March 12 to 18, 2012).

BU Research Day 2011

Jonathan Busada, a biology graduate student, will present his research on the migration rates of melanoma cells at BU’s inaugural Research Day on Friday, April 29. Busada will next pursue a doctorate degree in anatomy and cell biology at East Carolina University in the fall.

Philadelphia bank executive to speak at BU

The vice president and corporate secretary of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Herb Taylor, will give a lecture, “What’s That Old Economics Book Worth?” on Friday, April 22, at 1 p.m. in McCormick Center 2303. As the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s corporate secretary, Taylor is responsible for the administration of the bank’s board of directors and advisory councils. The lecture is open free to the public.

Let's grab cancer by the horns!

Alpha Tau Omega fraternity is hosting its third annual Grabbing Cancer by the Horns! fundraising event Thursday, April 21, from noon to 6 p.m., on the Schuylkill Hall lawn. Prizes will be given for the longest rides on the mechanical bull. Event will include live music from DJ Prestige, as well as food from local businesses. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Russian educator to speak on campus

Anna Abalkina, Ph.D., professor of economics at Finance University in Moscow, Russia, will present, “Russia’s Transition to Market Economy and Its Competitiveness in the Global Marketplace,” on Wednesday, April 20, at 2 p.m., McCormick Center 2303. BU and Finance University have a double-degree program affiliation, which to date has had more than 100 Russian students earn business economics degrees at BU. The program also allows BU students to earn degrees from Finance University.

A very successful relay against cancer

More than 700 people forming 55 teams combined to raise $25,314 for the American Cancer Society in the BU College Against Cancer’s recent Relay for Life event at the Student Rec Center. Pictured (L-R) Mandi Ritter, Tess Bieber, Heather Mines and Carly Hustedt. Colleges Against Cancer meets on Sunday, 6:30 p.m., McCormick 1316.

BU students go global in Washington, D.C.

BU’s Global Awareness Society recently participated in the Mode Organization of American States conference in Washington D. C. Model OAS is the intergovernmental organization of the Americas and the Caribbean. Students from seven countries (U.S., Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, Guyana and Ecuador) represented more than 30 Western Hemisphere countries.

This year BU sent students from various disciplines to include Ali Alshammary, Mitchell Younger, Felipe Alarcon, Aaron Griffin (back row), Chika Murakami, Cynthia Lose, Ryan Geiger (back row), Anh Tran, Kamilla Andersen, and Manuel Hoffman (missing from photo). Ryan Geiger was also elected to serve as vice president presiding over the 2012 MOAS in Washington, D.C.

BU's international students give thanks

More than 250 people attended the BU International Student Association’s annual Cultural Diversity Festival, which included university and Town of Bloomsburg leaders. Bloomsburg is home of hundreds of international student from every corner of the world.

Anthropology researchers converge on BU

Anthropology students from six PASSHE universities will be participating in 25th Annual PASSHE Undergraduate Anthropology Research Conference, supported by BU’s College of Liberal Arts and BU’s Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs, on Saturday, April 16, beginning at 1 p.m., and Sunday, April 17, beginning at 10 a.m., in the Kehr Union Building. The conference, open to the public, is hosted by the Anthropology Club and Lambda Alpha Honors Society in Anthropology, Zeta of PA.

Dance Ensemble takes center stage

Various styles of dance will highlight the BU Dance Ensemble’s 13th annual spring recital Thursday, April 14, and Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m., in Mitrani Auditorium, Haas Center for the Arts. Among student choreographed pieces include Hip Hop, jazz, ballet, musical theatre, traditional and urban African, Irish, tap, country and acrobatics. Free admission with BU student ID!

Ira Blake appointed university provost

BU President David Soltz recently announced the appointment of Ira Blake as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. This appointment was made in consultation with Soltz's executive staff, APSCUF leadership, and the Office of the Chancellor of PASSHE, as well as informal discussions with many members of our university community.

A day to appreciate our military volunteers

Bloomsburg University will hold its inaugural Military Appreciation Day on Thursday, April 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with activities scheduled throughout the day at the Scranton Commons Amphitheater, Lycoming Hall lawn and Schuylkill Hall lawn. The festivities and speaking events are open free to the public and campus community.

Scranton Commons Amphitheater

• 11:30 a.m. — Open Ceremonies to include the National Anthem by Cassundra Thompson, remarks by BU President David Soltz and representatives of BU’s Student Veterans Association.
• Noon — Iraq veteran and Purple Heart recipient SSG Christopher Baines.
• 1 p.m. — Vietnam B-52 pilot Allan Shappert.
• 2 p.m. — Reading of politician letters, including one from Gov. Tom Corbett
• 3:30 p.m. — Open mic of personal experiences and recognition of service members
• 4:30 p.m. — Vietnam veterans speak of experience and current problems facing student veterans
• 5:30 p.m. — BUSVA President Jake Kennedy’s closing remarks.

Other activities include cookouts at Lycoming and Schuylkill lawns beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by fun games of tug-of-war, wing-eating contest, team knot event, push-ups, obstacle course, pipeline and drawbridge events.

Student's film help leads to academic honor

Raeesa Khan, a political science and philosophy major, was recently selected as a runner-up for Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence, giving annually to a graduating senior at one of the 14 PASSHE universities. It recognizes outstanding academic achievement and participation in extra- and co-curricular activities. The award was established by Syed R. Ali-Zaidi, a founding member of the PASSHE Board of Governors.

The public will have a chance to see Thursday, April 14, some of Khan’s best work, “Pakistan’s Cave,” at 7 p.m., McCormick Center 2303. The documentary directed by Khan parallels the history of Pakistan with the life of her father, Saleem Khan, BU professor of economics and a native of Pakistan. The screening is open free to the public.

Guest speaker to discuss public interest law

Garry Wamser, an attorney at North Penn Legal Services, will speak about the benefits and challenges to practicing public interest law Thursday, April 14, from 5 to 6 p.m., in Bakeless Center. Wamser has devoted his professional life to representing low-income clients in areas of landlord-tenant-public benefits, consumer law and family law. In addition, students will learn about the special loan programs and tuition rebates available to law graduates who enter area of law practice. Contact Jon Liguori, president of the Legal Studies Association, for more information.

Ally Week to promote unity, acceptance

Join BU’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Ally (LGBTA) Commission and BU’s Gay and Straight Alliance in celebrating LGBT Allies from Monday, April 11, to Friday, April 15, capped by the National Day of Silence. Organizers are encouraging the campus community to wear “Gay, Fine by Me” T-shirts, which can be purchased at the LGBT Resource Center.

• Monday — The Gay and Straight Alliance presents its Second Annual Drag Show in Carver Hall, 8 p.m. Come see dancing and singing way, way, WAY over the rainbow.
• Tuesday A representative from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) will speak in McCormick Center 2303, 7p.m.
• Wednesday — The Gay and Straight Alliance will host a Glow in the Dark Night in McCormick Center 2314, 9 p.m. Join this student group in getting to know other members of the BU community, and in getting beyond stereotypes and expectations.
• Thursday — The Gay and Straight Alliance will hold a Coffee House and Open Mic Session in the Columbia Hall LLC, from 9 to 11 p.m. Share songs, poetry, art, or prose, and enjoy a hot cup o' Joe and refreshments!
• Friday — LGBTA Commission will host the inaugural Lavender Graduation ceremony for LGBT graduates and allies, in McCormick Center 2303, 5:30 p.m. Contact the LGBT Resource Center to register!

A winning chance for being heard!

Morgan Billman, a senior speech pathology and audiology major from Dillsburg, is one of three students who won $50 gift certificates to the University Store for taking the National Survey of Student Engagement survey between Feb. 9 to April 5. Three more certificates will be awarded after a random drawing for freshmen and seniors who complete the survey between April 6 to May 1.

Student’s research in national spotlight

Brian Culp, a geology and planetary geoscience science major, will present his research on “Integration of Quickbird Satellite Imagery and GIS to Map Subzones within a Salt Marsh near Wallops Island, VA” in Washington, D.C., on April 12 to 13. His research was one of 74 chosen out of more than 700 reviewed for the Council of Undergraduate Research “Posters on the Hill” event.

The purpose of Culp’s research is to highlight the importance of undergraduate research, which he will have an opportunity to promote first-hand this week meeting face-to-face with several Congressional legislators. Cynthia Venn and Michael Shepard, of the Department of Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences, were co-authors on Culp’s research, which will be among the many student research projects featured in BU's inaugural Research Day on April 29.

BU students eyeing PA budget impact

An informational meeting will be held Tuesday, April 12, at 7 p.m., KUB 411, along with Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Centennial 163 for students who want to learn more about Governor Tom Corbett’s proposed budget cuts to higher ed.

Students can also learn about coming campus budget events and sign up for a Harrisburg budget protest bus trip to the capitol on April 26.

Empty Bowls raises record amount

BU's annual Empty Bowls banquet capped its most successful event ever Sunday, April 2, with more than $5,000 rasied for the Bloomsburg Food Cupbooard. The ninth annual banquet sponsored by BU's SOLVE office has targeted addressing an ever-increasing problem of hunger in local surrounding communities.

A winning chance for being heard!

Janet Fletcher, a freshman from Philadelphia, is one of three students who won $50 gift certificates to the University Store for taking the National Survey of Student Engagement survey between Feb. 9 to April 5. Three more certificates will be awarded after a random drawing for freshmen and seniors who complete the survey between April 6 to May 1.

Intramural basketball sweeps tourneys

The BU women’s and men’s intramural basketball team recently completed a clean sweep of the PIRSA Basketball Tournament, which was open to all colleges in Pennsylvania. The men went 4-1 to win the tournament, while the women successfully defended their state championship with a 4-0 tournament.

The women’s team included (L-R) Erin Knox, Jocelyn Schultz, Giselle Lara, Lauren Healy, Steph Rankin, Monica Dennison, Erica Desmond and Ashley Kratochvil. The men’s team featured (L-R) Abe Hughes, Kenny Marcus, Joey Britto, Colton Corey and Ruben Britt.

BU mourns the loss of two faculty

The BU community is mourning the loss of two respected colleagues and friends. Gary Wassmer, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and allied health sciences, and Gilbert Darbouze, Ph.D., emeritus professor of languages and cultures, passed away over the weekend.

Darbouze was a valued member of the Department of Languages and Cultures and was a mentor, teacher and friend to thousands of students. Wassmer, who specialized in entomology, recently spent a semester in Uganda as a Fulbright scholar teaching entomology and conducting research. Both will be missed greatly by all.

Campus roundtable to discuss PA budget

Please join BU President David L. Soltz for the next roundtable discussion on Monday, April 11, at 1 p.m. in Kenneth S. Gross Auditorium, Carver Hall. President Soltz will provide updates on the proposed 2011-12 state budget, and its implications for Bloomsburg University. This roundtable is open to the campus community.

Health Care Alumni Perspectives

Several BU alums from the health care field will be on campus Friday, April 8, as part of the 2011 Health Sciences Symposium to host an Alumni Panel Discussion and Networking Social, from 1 to 2 p.m., KUB Ballroom. The event is open to the campus community.

Joining the panel will be:

• Dr. Matthew Thran ’84 – anesthesiologist at Rhode Island Hospital, Jamestown, R.I.
• Dr. J Douglass Thran ’77 – orthodontist at J. Douglas Thran, DMD, Dalton.
• Dr. Kathy Baylor ’83 – physician at Bloomsburg Family Care Associates, Bloomsburg.
• Dr. Fred Maue ’76 – owner, psychiatrist at Maue Health Inc., Danville.
• Kathleen Riley ’81 – audiologist at Delaware School for the Deaf, Wilmington, Del.
• Joseph Agostinelli ’04 – strength and conditioning specialist at Pro Rehabilitation Services, Dickson City.
• Annette Shalongo ’83 – infusion nurse case manager at Vitaline Infusion Pharmacy Services, Danville.
• Peggy Snyder ’84 - clinical supervisor and speech pathologist at Bloomsburg University.

Campus Alert: Sunday, April 24

Bloomsburg University Safety and Police were notified this evening of an assault that occurred Sunday, April 24, at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the area of 4th Street and Strawberry Ave. A male student reported being approached by a group of unknown males.

While being distracted by one of the unknown suspects, he was punched in the head by another male. He was then knocked to the ground and assaulted by four or five of the unknown males. No weapons were seen. The suspects fled the scene.

The Town of Bloomsburg Town Police Department is investigating the incident. Any information regarding this incident should be provided at (570) 784-4155. This campus alert is issued in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Crime Statistics Act of 1990.

Campus Alert: Sunday, April 17

At approximately 4 a.m., Sunday, April 17, a home invasion occurred at an off campus student residence, 202 Penn Street, where an individual was struck in the head with a pistol. The other residents fled, then reported missing property upon their return. The suspects, who also fled, were described as five black males all wearing dark clothing and hoodies. One was described wearing green cargo pants.

Any information as to the identity of these individuals should be provided to the Town of Bloomsburg Police Department at (570) 784-4155. This campus alert is issued in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Crime Statistics Act of 1990.