Nearly 500 students received bachelor's or master's degrees during BU's winter commencement ceremonies on Dec. 18 and 19. Top honor graduates were Charles "Mason" Neiman, College of Liberal Arts; Alyssa Keefe, College of Business; Jessica Rega, College of Education; Jesse Childress, College of Science & Technology. More photos...

BU group explores Washington D.C.

Several BU students recently traveled to Washington D.C. for two days of briefings with international and domestic organizations. Briefings included The World Bank, Delegation of the European Union to the U.S., Organization of American States, AFL/CIO, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and American Cancer Society.

Campus leaders recycle caps

Members of Developing Ambitious Student Leaders organized a cap recycling program in the residence halls during the fall semester. As a result, more than 752,000 plastic caps were collected and will be recycled into new caps and containers.

FBLA students visit BU

Three-hundred area high school students visited BU for the annual Future Business Leaders of America Region 23 conference, highlighted by guest speakers from Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Investigative Services, and Investor Education Section of the PA Securities Commission. Three-hundred area high school students recently visited BU for the annual Future Business Leaders of America Region 23 conference, highlighted by guest speakers from the Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Investigative Services, PA Department of Labor & Industry and the Investor Education Section of the PA Securities Commission.

Guest judges for the competitive portions of the program included representatives from McCann School of Business and Technology, Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council, Inc., and retired faculty from the Selinsgrove and Shikellamy high schools. The conference was brought to campus through BU Conference Services.

Three to receive tenure

Dr. Lawrence Fritz, Biological and Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Robert Marande, Physics and Engineering Technology, and Kathryn Yelinek, Andruss Library, will receive tenure at the beginning of the Spring 2010 semester.

Committee reveals student-designed logo

BU's Wellness Committee recently held a contest for a new logo with the winning entry chosen on visual appeal and ability to capture the identity of the committee, which promotes optimal health and well-being through education and programs supporting healthy lifestyle choices. Alexandra Shierant created the winning logo.

BU's Wellness Committee held a contest in October for a new logo with the winning entry being chosen on visual appeal and ability to capture the identity of the committee, which promotes optimal health and well-being through education and programs supporting healthy lifestyle choices.

The winner, Alexandra Shierant, received a $25 gift certificate from the University Store, as well as a Frisbee and a water bottle. The runner-up, Nelson Matos, received a $10 gift certificate from the bookstore, a Frisbee and a water bottle. Both had lunch at Monty’s with President David Soltz.

Holiday cheer reaches joyous heights

BU's Holiday Food Drive and related fundraising helped raised nearly $1,500, resulting in boxes of food and a frozen turkey for 36 families. All 42 children received wrapped toys and games provided by the Toys for Tots program. Also, an area food pantry received a monetary donation to provide food to those in need, while several departments "adopted" eight families, providing winter clothing for 20 children.

Community meal celebrated weekly

Protestant Campus Ministry prepares and serves a Community Friendship Meal every Saturday, providing a hot meal to the community. Pictured: Niki Varney, Angie Rock, Mandi Siegfried, Megan Domanski, Jess Stevenson, Erin Schumaker, Shelly Schuler, Kristi Nejman, Lauren Walter, Alyssa McFadden, Evelyn Guzman, Katrina Mavroudis, Pastor Maggie Gillespie, Blair Staley, C.J. Perez, Connor Showalter.

Cancer walk a big success

A celebration was held for BU's 7th Annual Breast Cancer Walk, which raised $9,000 for the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Pictured: BU President David Stolz and Madelyn Rodriguez, event organizer, with a PA Breast Cancer Coalition representative.

Lambda Pi Eta lends helping hand

Lambda Pi Eta honors society for communications studies participated in a service project on Nov. 21 at the Ronald McDonald House in Danville, raking leaves, processing aluminum cans and making lunch for the families. Learn more about Lambda Pi Eta and Ronald McDonald House.

Gifts collected for needy children

Erin Schumaker, service coordinator of BU's Protestant Campus Ministry, is shown with the 147 shoeboxes collected for Operation Christmas Child. Gift-filled shoeboxes are sent to children in need around the world. Schumaker coordinated this effort with PCM, Helping Others Club and Residence Life.

Voice wins 10 national awards

The Voice recently received nine individual Gold Circle Awards from Columbia Scholastic Press Association for their work in page design and writing, as well as a Gold Medal overall for Spring Semester '09. Editor in chief then was Mike Graziano with managing editors Joe Arleth and Brendan Schaller.

Dean reviews research program

marande12: marande12
Robert Marande, dean of BU's College of Science & Technology, recently visited State University of New York, Potsdam, as a Title III reviewer. Marande evaluated the department's progress and provided suggestions on promoting undergraduate research in its science curriculum. More...

BU students attend state conference

A group of BU students attended the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, where they heard topics covering self-concept, communication, group problem-solving, decision making and motivating others.

A group of BU students recently attended the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, where they heard topics covering self-concept, communication skills, group problem-solving, decision making and motivating others.

The conference was established in 1970 by the Honorable K. Leroy Irvis, who was at that time, the Minority leader and Speaker of the PA House of Representatives.

In addition to advocating for policies and issues in higher education, PBCOHE, provides support and professional development opportunities through its scholarship program, the Annual Conference and the Journal of the Pennsylvania black Conference on Higher Education. The conference helps African-American and other students of color in Pennsylvania develop leadership skills in addition to pursuing their educational and career goals through their programs.

Students attending were (L-R) Emma Thompson, India Jones-Trottie, Shamiese Parks, Timya Benjamin, Christopher McClain, Abubakar Sheriff, Cerick Austin, graduate assistant. Missing from photo, Jerrell Fisher.

Roundtable assists Giving Tree

BU's Secretarial Roundtable capped off a successful Giving Tree campaign with a $75 donation to the fundraiser, now in its 12th year helping to purchase gifts for local children. Nearly 200 children received gifts thanks to the Giving Tree over the holidays.

Student art exhibit unveiled

BU's Senior Exit Group Show has opened in Haas Art Gallery, recognizing the work of graduating artists Tim Branagan, Brandon Brown, Ashley Daniels, Tristan DeCarlo, Nicole Frank, Mike Iannatto and Brittany Orlando. The exhibit will be through Dec. 18.

Wristbands for summer camp

Students Linked to the Education of the Deaf (SLED) sold wristbands for $3 to help send a child to Camp HERO this summer, an interactive camp at Camp Victory, Millville, for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact SLED for more information.

BU students help plant trees downtown

Students from BU's Geography and Planning Society, Helping Professions LLC and Social Justice & Sustainability LLC recently helped the Town's Shade Tree Commission plant 44 bare-root street trees in Bloomsburg, collectively volunteering more than 30 hours of their time.

Students from BU's Geography and Planning Society, Helping Professions LLC and Social Justice & Sustainability LLC recently helped the Town's Shade Tree Commission plant 44 bare-root street trees in Bloomsburg. Click here to see the types of trees that were planted and where they can see be found in town.

Students from the Geography and Planning Society were particularly dedicated and contributed a cumulative 34 hours to the project.

Student volunteers included: Emily Fister, Andrew Bliss, Josh Proscem, Dan Downing, Lauren Robinson, Kristina Kachur, Cristina Angst, Ryan Pohle, Craig Reinard, Scott Robinson, Jacqui Signs, Kirby Steck, Liz Steiner, Mark Freed, Deborah Acevedo, Miracle Brown, Comfort Gonkarnue, Breanna Nicholson and Michelle Veia.

Greek Life lends hands to BTE

BU's Greek organizations spent the past few weeks volunteering to help TreeFest, which benefits the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Students decorated Christmas trees for needy families, decorated the consistory and set up craft tables for the fundraiser.

Husky Connections promotes healthy living

The latest episode of Husky Connections, airing in rotation on Service Electric Channel 8, focuses on living healthy on campus with tips on how to maintain a good workout regimen, be ready for flu season and survive the stress of finals. Click here for a sneak peek.

Greek leaders bring holiday cheer

Members of BU's Panhellenic executive board recently volunteered as princesses for the Bloomsburg's Santa Parade. They were: Melissa Irwin as Cinderella, Charlotte Michaels as Sleeping Beauty, Ali Geib as Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and Lauren Foster as Snow White.

Faculty grant competition opens

Proposals will be accepted through Jan. 26, 2010, for PASSHE's State Faculty Professional Development Grant. Proposals must be submitted online for review by the BU Faculty Professional Development Committee. Contact Jerrold Harris, director of research and sponsored programs, by e-mail or 389-4129 for more information.

BU group entertains patients

Members of BU's Society for the Advancement of Management recently visited Danville State Hospital to sing karaoke with the patients. The visit was part of the group's ongoing community service and volunteer activities.

BU alum to lead fundraising efforts

Thomas Ruhl, '78, joined BU on Dec. 7 as its new director of development to guide advancement efforts, such as major gifts, annual giving and planned giving. He will also be involved in the strategic planning process and help build, maintain and strengthen relationships with alumni, parents and friends.

BLOOMSBURG — Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania is welcoming back a member of the Class of 1978 as director of development. Thomas Ruhl, of Williamsport, joins BU Monday, Dec. 7.

As BU's new director of development, Ruhl will lead fundraising efforts, such as major gifts, annual giving and planned giving. He will be involved in the strategic planning process, which includes a major upcoming fundraising campaign. He also will help to build, maintain and strengthen relationships between the university and alumni, parents and friends.

A former member and treasurer of BU's alumni board of directors, Ruhl previously was vice president for development at Lycoming College and vice president for institutional advancement at Pennsylvania College of Technology, both in Williamsport. Earlier, he was development coordinator for Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, and resident capital campaign manager for Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore, in association with CCS Fundraising, Towson, Md. Most recently, Ruhl was general manager of Keystone Staffing, Montoursville.

Ruhl earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education/music from BU and completed credits toward music education certification at Bucknell University. Pursuing his musical avocation, he has served as associate director of music at First United Methodist Church, Muncy, and as a vocalist and board of directors member with the Williamsport Chamber Choir and Orchestra.

"Bloomsburg University helped to shape who I am today, and I'm excited about the opportunity to play a role in shaping the lives of current and future students," Ruhl said. "Bloomsburg has an amazing story to tell. I welcome the chance to foster relationships with individuals to strengthen their desire to support the university."

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 8,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Education, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.

Holiday food drive taking shape

BU's College of Science & Technology took this year's holiday food drive to new heights through an internal challenge of building structures out of the donations. As donations grew, the more elaborate the structures became in the Hartline Science Center.

BU's College of Science & Technology is taking this year's holiday food drive to new heights through an internal challenge of building structures out of donations before Monday's deadline. As donations grew, the more elaborate the human structure has become outside the dean's office.

The physics department recently built a bridge, while other creations are planned and hoped to be completed by Monday's food collection.

According to food drive organizers, the most needed items include cereal, peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, boxed cake mixes and frosting. There is also a need for all types of canned or processed foods such as fruit, soup and vegetables. Monetary contributions are being accepted and will be used to buy a holiday ham or turkey for each family.

Please make check payable to "Bloomsburg University Agency Fund" and submit to Georgia Ortman in Waller Administration Building, cash donations will also be accepted by Ortman.

BU's Holiday Food Drive will also provide winter coats, gloves, hats or clothing for children in need. Food boxes have been placed at multiple locations across campus, such as the Student Services Center, University Bookstore, Andruss Library, Waller and residence hall lobbies.

BU field hockey player featured in Sports Illustrated

Amanda Riley, of Tannersville, appeared in Sports Illustrated as one of its Faces in the Crowd. Riley was nominated by BU's sports information after she scored two goals in the NCAA Division II national championship game, helping the Huskies win their 16th title in school history. She also led Division II in points (62) and goals (27). More...

BU featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer

BU's computer forensics program was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Dec. 3 in an article on the future of cyber sleuths and their career field. See what John Riley, professor of computer forensics, said about BU's unique program.

Klinger accepts new position

Robert Klinger, currently director of University Safety and Police, has accepted a new assignment within BU's Student Affairs area. Klinger will make the move to director of Kehr Union, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Mike Sowash.

BLOOMSBURG — Robert Klinger, currently director of University Safety and Police, has accepted a new assignment within BU's Student Affairs area. Effective Dec. 18, Klinger will make the move to director of Kehr Union, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Mike Sowash.

"Over the past 10 years, Bob Klinger has led the department from what was a security force to a full-fledged police and safety operation. He instituted training that benefited the university police and area police forces as well," said Richard Rugen, vice president of finance and administration. "Bob has become a leading expert in PASSHE in the areas of safety, Clery reporting, and federal disaster preparedness guidelines. I wish him well in his new position."

Tom Phillips, currently assistant director, will serve as interim director of University Safety and Police. A search for a permanent director will begin immediately.

Student art showcased for sale

BU's Student Art Association is hosted its annual art sale from Dec. 2-3, selling hand-printed T-shirts, hand-dyed scarfs and other original works. The association raised more than $300 for the Student Catastrophic Fund, which helped more than 20 students affected by the Oct. 25 apartment fire.

Husky Connections promotes healthy living

The third episode of Husky Connections on Service Electric Channel 8 focused on living healthy on campus with tips on how to maintain a good workout regimen, be ready for flu season and survive the stress of finals.
Click here for a sneak peek.

BU scholar enjoying African experience

Gary Wassmer, associate professor of biological and allied health sciences, is spending the semester in Uganda as a Fulbright scholar teaching entomology and conducting research. Wassmer updated BU on his experience.

Gary Wassmer, associate professor of biological and allied health sciences, is spending the semester in Uganda as a Fulbright scholar teaching entomology and conducting research. Wassmer, who says he misses chocolate the most, recently provided an update on his experience.

Wassmer has taught a second-year level entomology course to 33 undergraduate students and recently began teaching a scientific writing course, as well as directing the work of two graduate students.

"PowerPoint was interesting," Wassmer said. "Power outages made it difficult, but students were used to that."

Wassmer also took students on field trips to his research sites, where he is researching pesticide use on small and large homesteads in Uganda.

"We would call these farms, but some are no more than gardens," Wassmer said.

With the help of Ugandan agricultural and veterinary outreach officers, Wassmer recruited 50 homesteaders to participate in his research. They visited each homestead and had the homesteaders tell them about the size of their farms, what they were planting, what animals they had, how they were using pesticides, costs of pesticides. The people in the study were overwhelmingly eager to help, according to Wassmer.

Wassmer has traveled extensively in south west Uganda, including Kisoro, Kampala, Jinja (see today spics), Fort Portal, Kasese, Kabale, Entebee and Kigali (capital of Rwanda). Wassmer's travels are well documented on his Facebook page.

Things Wassmer misses the most other than his wife, family and friends: chocolate, shower, drinking water out of the tap, wearing shorts, green vegetables, news and of course, chocolate. Wassmer noted several things he has discovered to be great about his Uganda experience: fruit, seeing something new almost every day, people singing in public and sitting on a jam-packed bus and having it breakdown.

"I've learned a lot about patience," Wassmer said. "Great quote I heard, 'You can always be certain that you will get to your destination, you will never be certain when it will be'."

BU students developing responsible behavioral skills

BU's Community Government Association and Greek Life recently hosted a speaker, Mike Dilbeck, who gave a presentation, Response Ability, on bystander behavior and responsibility. The presentation was attended by freshmen seminars, sociology classes and more than 500 brothers and sisters of BU's Greek organizations.

BU group earns high praise for fundraising efforts

BU's Chapter of Colleges Against Cancer recently won the CAC Chapter of the Year Award honoring its work for Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Great American Smokeout and Relay for Life. (L-R) Michael McCormick, Kaitlin Scorsune, Tarra Combs and Erin Hazen. Contact Combs for more on the group, including how to start a team for the '10 Relay for Life.

Blood drive takes in large collection

More than 255 units of blood were collected during BU's recent on-campus blood drive for the Bloomsburg Area Red Cross. More than 30 students volunteered, including the Red Cross Club and Husky athletes. Next blood drive: Feb. 16-17.

Students present honors work

BU honors students conducted their Honors Independent Study Presentations on Nov. 30 and Dec. 2-3 in the Honors Center in Luzerne Hall's basement, presenting their work with their respective mentors. The campus community is invited.

BU honors students are conducting their Honors Independent Study Presentations today, 3 to 6 p.m., and Thursday, noon, in the Honors Center in Luzerne Hall's basement, presenting their work with their respective mentors. The campus community is invited.
WEDNESDAY

• 3:30 p.m. - Amanda Balz, a history major, "The Kent State Massacre and the Generational Divide of the 1960s" with mentor, Jeanette Keith
• 4 p.m. - Janelle Keister, a business management major, "Relationship of Work-Life Balance and Levels of Job Satisfaction Among Professors at Bloomsburg University" with mentor, Darrin Kass
• 5 p.m. - Jared May, a biology major, "Garcinol, a Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitor, Antagonizes Azole Antifungal Activity in the Fungal Pathogen Candida Glabrata" with mentor, Karl Henry
• 5:30 p.m. - Ryan Valencik, a computer forensics major, "Forensic Analysis of Windows Media Player" with mentor, Scott Inch

THURSDAY

• Noon - Marcy Geyer, a mass communications and art studio major, "Photography Used as Propoganda in WWII, Vietnam and Iraq" with mentor, Vera Viditz-Ward

Students who presented their work Monday included:

• Sarah Latovich, an accounting major, "University Bed Mail: Updating the Essential Beginning to Every Student's College Career" with mentor, Robert Gates
• Sarah Beltz, an elementary education major, "Teaching Chinese Culture in an Elementary Classroom from the Chinese Perspective" with mentor, Sharon Solloway
• Kay Blyler, a nursing major, "A Study on Individual Disaster Preparedness Among Church-Goers in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania" with mentor, Michelle Ficca
• Jennifer Simpson, a nursing major, "Cultural Competency: An investigation of Bloomsburg University Nursing Students" with mentor, Annette Gunderman

BU freshmen get real-world lesson

Introduction to Engineering Technology students recently visited PRIMUS Technologies in Williamsport. Students saw modern electronics manufacturing, including incoming inspection, product development and integration, and automated testing for commercial, industrial, and military applications.

Preventing identity theft

The theft of a laptop computer containing student grades and social security numbers has raised questions about identity theft and how to avoid it. Mike Shapeero, BU professor of accounting and coordinator for the concentration in fraud examination, shares tips.

BLOOMSBURG — Mike Shapeero, BU professor of accounting and coordinator for the concentration in fraud examination, shares these tips on preventing identity theft and steps to take if your identity has been compromised.

How can you prevent identity theft?

There's no way to guarantee you will not become a victim. However, by managing your personal information carefully, you can minimize your risk and make yourself a small target.

* Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office, rather than in an unsecured mailbox. Install a locking mailbox at your house for incoming mail.
* Shred charge receipts, copies of credit applications, checks and bank statements, credit offers and any other documents with your name and an account number. To reduce unsolicited credit card offers, opt out of sharing your credit records at www.optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688. This will not limit access of requested users.
* Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you actually need. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet. Cancel unused credit and debit cards.
* Give your social security number only when required. In most cases, you have the legal right to use other identifiers.
* Minimize personal information on checks; pay bills with debit or credit cards or electronic transfers to minimize the number of checks written.
* Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you've initiated the contact or know for sure with whom you are dealing.
* If you get an e-mail or pop-up that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply or click on the link in the message. If you want to contact the organization, open a new browser session and type in the company’s correct Web address. Do not cut and paste the link in the message.
* Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true – identity thieves use phony offers to get you to give them your personal information.
* Do not e-mail personal or financial information – e-mail is not a secure method of transmitting information.
* Do not provide too much personal information on Web sites like MySpace or Facebook. ID thieves search these sites for details to add credibility to their bogus emails. If you have an on-line profile, set the viewing option to private.
* Use intricate passwords. Do not use easily available information, like mother's maiden name, birth date, the last four digits of your social security number or phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
* Don't log onto sensitive accounts at WiFi hot spots – your signal can be intercepted. Don't log onto sensitive accounts using public computers – thieves download keystroke software to capture user names and passwords.
* Run firewall, anti-virus, and spyware software programs on your computer. Make sure you keep software current

How Can You Tell if You're a Victim?

* Monitor your accounts (bank, credit card, cell phone) frequently and look for unusual activity.
* Order a copy of your credit reports to look for activity in unknown accounts. By federal law, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report each year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus (www.annualcreditreport.com).
* Pay attention to billing cycles. Missing bills may mean someone has taken over your account and changed your billing address to cover his tracks.
* Other indicators that you're a victim: being denied credit for no apparent reason, receiving bills for accounts you never opened, or receiving calls/letters from bill collectors or businesses about things you did not buy.

If Your Identity has been Stolen

* Close any accounts you believe have been tampered with.
* Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. You only need to contact one bureau – they are required to contact the other two. A fraud alert requires creditors contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing account.
* You can request a credit freeze that blocks potential lenders from getting access to your report without your authorization. You must contact each credit bureau. There is a minimal cost to set up, and to release, a freeze.
* File a report with your local or state police; get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others who may require proof of the crime.
* File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), either online or by phone. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations.
* Follow up in writing with all contacts you've made by phone or in person. Use certified mail and keep copies of all correspondence.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act establishes procedures for resolving billing errors, including fraudulent charges, on credit card accounts. It also limits your liability for unauthorized credit card charges to $50 per card provided you report unauthorized charges on a timely basis.

Web Sites and Phone Numbers

* FTC
* Identity Resource Center
* Equifax 1-800-525-6285
* Experian 1-888-397-3742
* TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
* Free credit reports

Response earns STRIVE

BU custodial, plumbing and general maintenance staff who went above and beyond during a flooding problem over spring break '09 were recently honored with the STRIVE Award.

BLOOMSBURG — Twenty-seven BU custodial, plumbing and general maintenance staff who went above and beyond during a flooding problem in Schuylkill Hall during spring break '09 were honored recently with the quarterly STRIVE (Staff and Team Recognized In their Valuable Efforts) Award.

"Without their willingness to work on Saturday and Sunday, wash comforters, clothes etc., remove and clean rugs, the staff in the hall would have been faced with very unhappy students and parents," said Linda Sowash, director of residence life. "The plumbing staff was right there along with others, identifying and correcting the problem without concern to time or the weekend. Additionally, if it wasn't for a conscientious police officer doing rounds in an empty hall over break, this problem could have been far worse and created damage to rooms and hallways."

Honored were Rickey Hayes, Ray Yorks, John Pursel, Gerry Murphy, Charley Chyko, Frank Michaels, Jim Henry, Wade Gottstein, Charlie Williams, Nate Kreisher, Dale Behrent, Tim Johnson, Lori Sheatler, Frank Flynn, Diane Benshoff, Linda Marr, Betty Rambo, Lyndee Tyson, Michelle McWilliams, Sue Roeder, Irena Davis, Tom Andreas, Bobbi Jo Unger, Bobbi Jo Yashimski, Monica Fields, Ellie Roberts and Sandy Mayernick.

STRIVE Award recipients receive a plaque, fleece vest, gift cards for merchandise at the University Store and local businesses, Aramark lunch coupons and Celebrity Artist Series tickets. Contact the STRIVE committee by e-mail for more information.

Fire victims aided by BU community and friends

BU's Supervisory Roundtable and friends who sponsored a bagged lunch sale for the Oct. 25 apartment fire victims raised $1,500, which was donated to the Student Catastrophic Fund coordinated through the CGA office. Students, staff and faculty participated in this fundraiser.

BU forensics team wins competition

BU's Forensics (Speech and Debate) Team captured first place in Pi Kappa Delta competition and second overall out of 11 schools at the CFA Holiday Tournament at Morgan State University. Several BU students won individual awards.

BLOOMSBURG — BU's Forensics (Speech and Debate) Team captured first place in Pi Kappa Delta competition and second overall out of 11 schools at the CFA Holiday Tournament, Nov. 20 to 21, at Morgan State University.

BU placed second behind Alderson Broaddus College but finished ahead of Susquehanna University, Geneva College, Towson University, Loyola University (Md.), Randolph-Macon College, Shepherd University, Brooklyn College, Ursinus College and Morgan State University in overall competition.

Several BU students won individual awards. They were:

* Scott Kenyon, team president – fifth in extemporaneous speaking, fifth in impromptu speaking, fifth in parliamentary debate with Wayne Nilsen and fifth in dramatic duo with Chris Mullen
* Nicole Pagliaro – first in the Lincoln-Douglas debate (5-0 record), sixth in impromptu speaking, sixth in pentathlon (among students entered in five events or more) and was top non-advancing novice in prose interpretation and in poetry interpretation
* Chris Mullen – fifth in dramatic duo with Scott Kenyon and sixth in parliamentary debate with Dan Barry
* Joe Wright – fourth in parliamentary debate with Joshua Trusty and third in parliamentary debate speaker
* Joshua Trusty – fourth in parliamentary debate with Joe Wright
* Dan Barry – sixth in parliamentary debate with Chris Mullen
* DeShawn McIntyre – third in duo with Nicole Pagliaro
* Lindsay Bower – third in communication analysis
* Wayne Nilsen – fifth in parliamentary debate with Scott Kenyon

Neil Strine, associate professor of political science and director of BU forensics, served as a judge at the tournament. The team's next tournament will be the Collegiate Forensic Association's Winter Tournament in Charleston, South Carolina on Jan. 28 to 30, 2010. BU's Forensics Team is funded by the Community Government Association.

New members are always welcome. Contact Strine by e-mail or phone at 389-4252 for more information.

BU students explore NYC

Ferda Asya, associate professor of English, and Peter Doerschler, assistant professor of political science, took students from their four classes to New York City on Nov. 10 for a cultural and educational trip.

BLOOMSBURG — Ferda Asya, assoc. professor of English, and Peter Doerschler, assistant professor of political science, took students from their four classes to New York City on Nov. 10 for a cultural, educational experience.

Students in Asya's group spent the morning at Patchin Place, residence of Djuna Barnes, Theodore Dreiser, and E.E. Cummings; and Washington Place, the birth place of Henry James. They also visited Grace Church, where Edith Wharton was baptized.

Asya's students are studying the works of these writers in the course, "The Portrayal of Women by Realists in American Fiction, 1880-1925." Asya's group spent the afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, viewing some paintings of women by American painters of the same period.

The students, including the members of the International Studies Living and Learning Community (IS LLC), from Doerschler's classes, taking the course, "Contemporary Issues in World Politics," toured the United Nations (UN) building, attended a session of the General Assembly, and received two briefings from UN officials on the issue of population pressures in the developing world.

Student art on exhibit at Andruss Library

The work of Intermediate Digital Art students was on view at the Andruss Library's first floor display through Dec. 1. The class, taught by Sue O'Donnell, created a book to visually represent a personal journey — a transition or change in their life.

Rotaract gives to polio charity

BU's Rotaract Club donated $100 to the Rotary Foundation Polio Plus campaign to help eliminate polio throughout the world. (L-R) Chelsey DuFour, Rotaract vice president, Paul Moran, Bloomsburg Rotary Club president, Autumn Umberger, Rotaract president, Amanda Lambert, Rotaract member.

Student research showcased

Anthropology students Matthew Roth and Shaina Rae recently presented their research at the 108th American Anthropological Association annual meetings in Philadelphia during the session, "First Rites: Innovative Undergraduate Research in Anthropology."

Anthropology students Matthew Roth and Shaina Rae recently presented their research at the 108th American Anthropological Association annual meetings in Philadelphia during the Presidential Session, "First Rites: Innovative Undergraduate Research in Anthropology."

Roth presented, "Anthropology of the New Millenium: An Assessment of Ends, Trends, and Beginnings Since 2000." Rae presented "Dungeons and Dragons and the People within the Subculture."

Both students were mentored by Faith Warner, associate professor of Anthropology.