A new chapter unfolds with the New Year!

As a new semester officially begins Monday, Jan. 23, let's look back at a unique fall 2011 semester that saw the BU community survive a devastating flood, earthquake tremor and the rainest season on record for Central Pennsylvania, while maintaining a high level of academics, student research and volunteerism. Wonder what the spring may bring?

PASSHE response to 2012-13 proposed budget

The following is a joint statement from Guido Pichini, chair of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors, and PASSHE Chancellor John C. Cavanaugh in response to Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed 2012-13 state budget. The governor’s proposal would reduce funding to PASSHE by 20 percent, or more than $82 million.

“We fully recognize the financial challenges facing the Commonwealth. Governor Corbett was right in saying that education is a key to the state’s financial recovery. That is especially true of our graduates, over 80 percent of whom stay in Pennsylvania for their careers and as community and civic leaders. However, our joint goals are at risk as a result of the budget blueprint for the Commonwealth presented today, which provides only $2 million more than PASSHE received 24 years ago (1988-89). Since then, we've added 23,000 students."

New location brings new adventures

With a new location, BU’s Campus Child Center preschool is enjoying student-driven learning centers such as block play, trains, computer, writing, discovery, creative arts, dramatic plays and a rice table. Since moving to Montour Hall in December, the preschool — led by Nicole Cappello — has taken advantage of its new home to allow students to have a choice in their learning, which increases their motivation and involvement. The child center will soon be working with Mary Katherine Duncan, professor of psychology, using the resources of the
Toy Library. The children will enjoy “interactive reading” which includes reading stories while using puppets, and acting out literary situations.

(L-R) Everett Chappell, Madalyn Kratzer, Ryan Derr, Larson Kocher, Tala Almalki, Zainah Alajmi, Bader Almalki, Seraphim Kramarz, Jack Talbot, Bjork Millard. Preschoolers not pictured: Cerick Austin, Teddy Petrovich, Emily Shapeero, and Jameson Lapos.

Get a closer look at sorority life

Registration is now open for Panhellenic sorority recruitment. Women interested in joining one of the 10 Panhellenic sororities can get more information by visiting the recruitment table in the KUB main lobby (between the Information Desk and Husky Lounge) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Women interested in participating in formal recruitment must be undergraduates enrolled at BU for the spring 2012 semester.

They must also have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and 12 completed credits. The recruitment calendar for all Greek organizations will be updated regularly.

Promote democracy and diplomacy

BU’s Model Organization of American States (MOAS) delegation will hold an information meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m. in Student Services Center 140. The Organization of American States is a sub-regional intergovernmental organization similar to the United Nations that promotes democracy and diplomacy throughout the Americas. Students who unable to attend the meeting are invited to contact Ryan Geiger for more information about the group.

Discover the splendors of Russia this summer

An Information session for BU’s Russia Summer Study Abroad program will be held Monday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m. in Bakeless Center 316B. Program leaders will discuss the benefits of the four-week program and hand out scholarship applications, as well as answer any questions about this international opportunity.

Take your BU experience global by living the arts, immersing in the culture and studying the language, history and traditions of some of the most desired destinations in the world through summer study abroad. Still deciding? Let a few past study abroad students convince you why this international experience is a can't miss opportunity.

It's time to "Get on Board"

BU's Program Board will hold its first meeting of the semester Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 9:15 p.m. in KUB Multipurpose B. Help make decisions for campus entertainment, meet new people and acquire great leadership opportunities. Currently, program board is accepting students into the Sound stage, film, bingo/games, dance, public relations, hospitality, travel and special events group.

Campus Alert: For Monday, Jan. 30

Bloomsburg Police report an armed robbery and assault with a knife occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, on First Street, behind the Unimart in the 900 block of Lightstreet Road. The female victim was followed from Iron Street and robbed of her purse at knifepoint. She sustained a laceration to her leg. The suspect is described as a male of undetermined race, approximately 6 feet tall. He was wearing a dark hoodie and was armed with a knife. He fled in an unknown direction following the incident.

Bloomsburg Police advise there is no updated information as of Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 9 a.m.

If you have any information regarding this incident contact the Bloomsburg Police Department at (570) 784-4155. Students are reminded to walk in groups, especially at night, and stay out of dimly lit areas. A whistle can be useful to draw attention if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. This campus alert is issued in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Crime Statistics Act of 1990.

Johnson hits the 'reel' speaking circuit

Brian C. Johnson, director of BU’s Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence and academic advisor for BU’s Act 101/EOP, brought his anti-bullying message, with a Hollywood spin, to Clarkson University (NY). Standing in the university’s Student Forum, Johnson gave some humor to a very serious issue Monday during his presentation, “Reel Big Bullies,” as part of the university’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day memorial events. Anti-bullying messages like Johnson’s have gained national attention in recent months, especially after two high school teens, Jamey Rodemeyer, 14, and Amanda Cummings, 15, were pushed to suicide by classmates’ torment and ridicule.

Huskies hockey stays perfect with two wins

BU’s Ice Hockey Club remained undefeated with two wins earlier this month. The Huskies improved to 9-0-0 in the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference American Division with a 4-3 overtime victory over Rutgers Camden and a 3-2 win over Shippensburg University. Zach Gower (two goals) and Andrew Carney (goal) started the scoring against Rutgers, while team captain, Chris Kocher, scored the game winner in overtime. Against Shippensburg, Gower (two) and defenseman, Bobby Lynch, scored for Bloomsburg. Next up is East Stroudsburg University on Saturday, Feb. 4, at noon at the Revolution Ice Center, 12 Old Boston Road, Pittson.

Have you seen the new Roongo?

We’re looking for the next “Roongo” the famous Huskies mascot. Are you someone who is outgoing, can be creative and loves the Huskies? The next Roongo needs to be between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-11 and in good physical shape, and also available to attend a wide variety of sporting events and work within the rules of a mascot. If it's you, let us know!

Get fit ... with fitball

BU’s intramural department is launching a new fitness incentive program that comes with a unique twist — compete weekly through match-ups leading to a postseason. Plus, it’s free. Teams consist of two to four participants and earn points through their own workouts, group fitness classes, intramural events and personal training sessions. Prizes will be awarded to top teams and individual performances. Participants must register by Feb. 7. Contact Tony Dreckman, intramural director, for more information.

Frederick Douglass scholarship available

BU’s Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence is offering a $450 scholarship, the Abbott Diversity Award, which will be distributed in the fall. To be eligible, a current student must be in good academic standing and demonstrate leadership and sustained active participation in the BU community with a commitment to social justice and equality. To apply, students must submit a BU scholarship application along with 300- to 500-word composition describing how their actions or activities meet the criteria, as well as a letter from a faculty or staff member who can verify their involvement. Applications are due by Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m. to Brian C. Johnson, director of the Frederick Douglass Institute, SSC 033, or Luzerne Hall’s Honors office.

New national-based fraternity coming to BU

Iota Phi Theta, a national fraternity, will be conducting its first-ever interest meeting on campus at 6:55 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, in the KUB Ballroom. Business attire is required. Iota Phi Theta is looking for men who would like to make meaningful contributions to society, with particular emphasis in the African-American community. Throughout the country, Iota Phi Theta has come to represent excellence in all areas. The fraternity is, and shall forever remain, dedicated to its founders’ vision of “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!” Contact the Office of Greek Affairs at (570) 389-4997 for details.

A sustainable way to promote Haas Gallery

Sculptor Michael Donovan's exhibition, "Sustainable," is on display in Haas Gallery through Feb. 10. A reception will be held Thursday, Feb. 2, from noon to 2 p.m., with an artist lecture at 1:15 p.m. Haas Gallery is open free of charge Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Contact Rebecca Rugg, gallery associate, at (570) 389-4708 for more information.

A bountiful year of generosity and support

BU’s Supervisory Roundtable, which provides on-campus training programs and coordinates community services activities, recently donated $7,500 to several worthy causes. They included a BU Endowed Scholarship, three annual BU student scholarships, Camp HERO at Camp Victory, University Food Drive, Brighter Christmas Fund, Toys for Tots, and the local Children’s Museum. The roundtable’s effort was a direct reflection on the generosity and support of the university and neighboring community.

Toy Library uses resources to help community

The BU Toy Library played a role in the flood recovery efforts of Magic Carpet Preschool and the Columbia County Child Development Center¹s Head Start Program. In addition to loaning hundreds of toys this past fall, the toy library (Mary Katherine Duncan, founder) received donations from the Psychology Association (Jennifer Johnson, advisor), the National Student Speech Hearing and Language Association (Pamela Smith, advisor), and a private donor to help refurnish the preschools and replace their damaged toys and books.

BU community loses one of its own

We regret to inform you of the passing of a member of our university community, Professor Steven Hebbard, who passed away yesterday in his home. Hebbard was an adjunct faculty member in our College of Business for most of the past decade, teaching courses in management, as well as business education and business information systems. BU students gained from his experiences in the Air Force, where he retired as a colonel, and as the owner of a local insurance agency. He will be missed. Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week. Please keep his family in your thoughts.

Frederick Douglass scholarship available

BU’s Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence is offering a $450 scholarship (distributed in the fall) to any current student in good academic standing who demonstrates leadership and sustained active participation in the BU community with a commitment to social justice and equality. To earn the Abbott Diversity Award of the Frederick Douglass Institute, a student must submit a BU scholarship application along with 300- to 500-word composition describing how their actions or activities meet the criteria and a letter from a faculty or staff member who can verify the student’s involvement. Applications are due by Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m. to Brian C. Johnson, director of the Frederick Douglass Institute, SSC 033 or Luzerne Hall’s Honors office.

Setting the stage for a successful future

Three BU students recently attended Agency Day at ICC-Lowe, a pharmaceutical advertising agency in Parsippany, N.J., where they will complete academic internships this summer. ICC-Lowe recently received Agency of the Year award for best pharmaceutical advertising agency. BU's Office of Academic Internships and Community Outreach sponsored the day. Students were Shetia Richardson, a senior marketing major; Samantha Bishop, a junior marketing major; and Erin Mills, a junior art major.

Live ... learn ... study the world

Take your BU experience global by living the arts, immersing in the culture and studying the language, history and traditions of some of the most desired destinations in the world through summer study abroad. Still deciding? Let a few of our past study abroad students convince you why this international summer experience is a can't miss opportunity.

It's time to "Get on Board"

BU's Program Board will hold its first meeting of the semester Wed. Feb. 1 at 9:15 p.m. in KUB Multipurpose B. Help make decisions for campus entertainment, meet new people and acquire great leadership opportunities. Currently, program board is accepting students into the Sound stage, film, bingo/games, dance, public relations, hospitality, travel and special events group.

See the nation's capitol up-close

BU's Program Board will host a bus trip to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Feb. 25. The bus will depart from Bloomsburg at 6 a.m. and begin its trip back at 6 p.m from D.C. Tickets are $30 per person with a BU ID and a paid spring 2012 community activities fee and $35 for those with just a BU student ID and guests. The trip is not open to the general public. Students can sign up now in the Students Activities Office, 350 KUB, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Videoconferencing comes to Writing Center

This fall, BU Writing Center consultants practiced using Wimba to conduct writing center sessions online. Commuting students or any student who wants to work with a consultant but cannot get to one of our locations will be able to reach us online through a link we will provide when students request an online appointment. When the Writing Center reopens for the spring semester, students will be able to see and speak with consultants and share their documents, usually without having to download any new software.

Time to pick your intramural team

BU’s Intramural Department is accepting registration for its Spring I Sports Season, which include men’s and women’s basketball along with co-recreation volleyball. The deadline is Feb. 7. Captains must the Captain’s Quiz before registering a team. Contact Tony Dreckman, director of intramurals, at (570) 389-5288 for more information.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year!

BU's annual Chinese New Year celebration will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, in the KUB Ballroom. The event, welcoming the Year of the Dragon, will begin at 1 p.m. with an informal dinner featuring traditional Chinese food prepared by local families and restaurants. Members of the Chinese Student Association (CSA) and the local Chinese community will present a program of music and dance after dinner. Contact Ju Xin, associate professor of physics and engineering technology and CSA's adviser.

Spend the summer with Quest and get paid

BU's Quest is hiring Adventure Camp staff for this summer with academic Internships available. Quest's summer adventure camps are the most outdoor oriented, active, adventure camps in the region. Quest conducts several youth adventure camps for different age groups from ages 6 up to 18 with different adventure themes. Contact Quest or call (570) 389-4323 for more information.

Two faculty to receive tenure in spring

Nancy Ryland, Ph.D., assistant professor of educational studies and secondary education, and Jessica Bentley-Sassaman, Ph.D., assistant professor of exceptionalities and program director of BU's ASL/English interpreting, have been awarded tenure effective this spring.

Find your quiet space (meditation) on campus

BU’s Kehr Union Building provides a dedicated meditation space for use by anyone wishing to contemplate in a quiet, simple space. The tranquil space espouses no spiritual, religious or moral doctrine. The meditation room, next to the Fireside Lounge, is intended to provide an environment where members of the university community can use contemplation, spiritual review, prayer, reflection or relaxation to lead to an inner connection and peace. The space is available during KUB operating hours. This room may not be reserved.

Campus Alert: For Monday, Jan. 30

Bloomsburg Police report an armed robbery and assault with a knife occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, on First Street, behind the Unimart in the 900 block of Lightstreet Road. The female victim was followed from Iron Street and robbed of her purse at knifepoint. She sustained a laceration to her leg. The suspect is described as a male of undetermined race, approximately 6 feet tall. He was wearing a dark hoodie and was armed with a knife. He fled in an unknown direction following the incident.

Bloomsburg Police advise there is no updated information as of Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 9 a.m.

If you have any information regarding this incident contact the Bloomsburg Police Department at (570) 784-4155. Students are reminded to walk in groups, especially at night, and stay out of dimly lit areas. A whistle can be useful to draw attention if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. This alert is issued in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Crime Statistics Act of 1990.

Assistant deans bring wealth of experience

BU’s new assistant deans — Dennis Gehris, College of Business; James Krause, College of Education; and John Polhill, College of Science and Technology — bring decades of teaching experience to their new administrative positions. After earning his doctorate in business education from Temple University, Gehris began teaching at BU in 1985. Krause earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BU and his doctorate from Temple University. He began teaching at BU in 1996. Polhill, who earned his doctorate in mathematics from the University of Virginia, began teaching at BU in 1999.

Time to turn trash into treasure

BU will host its annual Trash to Treasure fundraising event on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the KUB Multicultural Center. Collected items for sale include computers, furniture, electronics and common household appliances. All proceeds benefit the Columbia County United Way. Tickets for the early bird sale, which will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., are available for $5. Call (570) 784-3134 for more information.

BU’s landmark Academic Quad was recently the main feature in Landscape Architect, which included serving as the main cover piece and an anchor four-age spread. Landscape Architect is considered the industry trade magazine for commercial landscaping companies nationwide.

Football an afterthought, BU pitches in

With a big game looming, Bloomsburg football players boarded the white team school bus for another tough workout Wednesday. This was about much more than football, though. In this flood-ravaged town in east-central Pennsylvania, the strapping Huskies have turned into a mobile cleanup crew. They’re lugging broken refrigerators, waterlogged carpets and just about anything else out of homes damaged from the historic flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.

Johnson comments for national media

Brian C. Johnson, director of BU’s Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence and academic advisor for BU’s Act 101/EOP, was recently used as an expert source by The Huffington Post in a story about the impact fraternities and sororities have across campus and in college life, particularly in moving beyond conformity to achieve diversity.

Alum named CFO of the Year

Michael R. Gillespie ’95, chief accounting officer for Hersha Hospitality Trust of Harrisburg, was named a Central PA CFO of the Year for 2011 during a recognition ceremony on June 1. The Central Penn Business Journal award program honors financial executives who contribute to the success of the region’s economic growth and stability. A graduate of BU’s College of Business, Gillespie holds his bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting.
 
He was selected among four nominees to receive the “Growth Specialist Award” by an independent panel of judges based on his career achievements, the impact of his contributions to his company and leadership in other areas. When Gillespie began with Hersha six years ago, the company had 27 hotels, total assets of $256 million and a market capitalization of roughly $100 million. Today, the company boasts 77 hotels, assets of $1.5 billion and a market capitalization in excess of $1 billion.

Prof on Australia media

Scott Lowe, professor of philosophy, was recently interviewed by the Philosopher’s Zone on Australia’s ABC Radio National on why Ebenezer Scrooge is not a morally bad person as most people think. In actuality, Lowe says Scrooge is quite the man of ethical principal.

Educating for change

Lisa Lapina, who researched the effects of poverty this summer on the education of at-risk children in Zambia, Africa, for her independent honors research project, was recently featured in the PSEA’s publication Voice for Education in December 2010.

BU explores hybrid college

Jim Hollister, assistant vice president of external relations, was a featured guest of WKOK’s (News Radio 1070) Leaders and Lawmakers on Aug. 21, hosted by Mark Lawrence. Hollister discussed the efforts BU is taking to explore in bringing a hybrid form of college to Sunbury, Northumberland County. Listen to the Show

Faculty discuss Gulf oil spill

Cindy Venn, associate professor of geography and geosciences, and Tom Klinger, professor of biology and allied health sciences, were featured on WKOK’s (News Radio 1070) Roundtable discussion on Aug. 1, hosted by Mark Lawrence. Venn and Klinger, along with Julie Ambler, of Millersville University, discussed the environmental impact of the Gulf oil spill.

An architect of success

Shenandoah native Jerry Wolman, former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Flyers, shared his rags-to-riches story Thursday, July 29, at BU with high school students in TRiO Upward Bound’s summer program. Wolman concluded his visit with an extended Q&A discussion before signing autographs, taking photos, even exchanging e-mail addresses.

Prof an expert to BBC

Leo Barrile, professor of sociology, social work and criminology, is among the featured criminology experts in a BBC News article on the “Barefoot Bandit.” Barrile explains why this elusive teenager, who was hunted by police in the Bahamas after allegedly stealing a plane and flying it from Indiana, may have committed the reported string of suspected thefts of aircraft, boats and cars.

Military Appreciation Day at BU

See WBRE’s coverage of BU’s inaugural Military Appreciation Day on April 14 that included fun activities, such a wings eating contest and tug-of-war, at the Lycoming Hall and Schuylkill Hall lawns. Several war veterans, including an Iraq War Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam War bomber pilot, described their experiences in combat.

BU research featured on the AP Newswire

The type of stretching that an athlete does prior to an athletic endeavor is important to improving performance and preventing injury. Static stretching (the traditional 30 second hold variety) has long been the standard activity performed prior to athletic events. However, more current research has demonstrated that dynamic stretching may be the better way to prepare the athlete for competition.

Faculty featured in Washington Post

Harry C. “Neil” Strine, associate professor of political science, was featured in a story on celebrity politics in The Washington Post on Sunday, April 24, where Strine reflected on the increasing number of celebrities testifying before Congress. See what Strine said about how effective celebrities can be?

Professor's book embarks on blog tour

Karl Kapp, professor of instructional technology, completed a 30-day blog tour for his new book, "Learning in 3-D: Adding a New Dimension to Enterprise Learning and Collaboration," which explains the educational use of avatars and the 3-D virtual world.