Dynamic student wins BET competition

Ask anyone on campus if they’ve heard of Christina Davis, and chances are you’ll get a positive answer. Davis recently entered the “Lens On Talent” on the Black Entertainment Network (BET) and won the dance competition, beating two other finalists. While it seems almost everyone on campus is supporting her, she isn’t the kind of person to let it go to her head.

A lesson from Reel Big Bullies

BU’s Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence is hosting a fall lecture, Reel Big Bullies, on Monday, Nov. 7, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Andruss Library’s Schweiker Room. A recent national study of college students has revealed nearly 50 percent of students have experienced bullying at least once while in college.

Using clips from Hollywood blockbusters like “Knocked Up,” “The Emperor’s New Groove,” “Benchwarmers” and others, Reel Big Bullies is designed to help understand the community’s responsibility to create a safer school environment for all. It’s also intended to help all students understand the terrible toll bulling can take on its victims, and to encourage students to stand up for their classmates who are being harassed. The lecture is open the campus community.

PASSHE Diversity Summit comes to campus

Claudia DeRocco, a junior, will be among the key speakers for the Disabilities Panel Discussion at the 2011 PASSHE Annual Diversity Summit, hosted by BU.
BU will host the fifth annual PASSHE Diversity Summit from Oct. 13 to 14, featuring a host of keynote speakers, panels, affinity groups and presenters who will help further integrate diversity into the living, learning and working environments of all 14 universities. This year, attendees will take ideas from the summit and apply them directly to current diversity efforts on each campus.

Goals of this year’s summit, Diversity: Access
and Success in the New Economic Reality:

• to focus on those issues that are critical to access and success for students and employees.
• to showcase best practices, curriculum models, research, outreach strategies, training methods, and/or success stories that enhance access and help to ensure success of students and employees system-wide.
• to discuss and develop measureable diversity outcomes for functional, affinity and institutional groups that foster an ongoing system-wide.

Flood Buddies groove for flood relief

A Halloween-themed Zumba event sponsored by BU’s Flood Buddies generated another surge of money for flood victims. Nearly $500 was raised by an up-beat Halloween-themed Zumba fitness event on Oct. 31 at the Rec Center. Participants jived to spooky Halloween songs like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and “The Adams Family” theme song, as well as sweated their way to fitness for a good cause.

Trick or Treat for UNICEF

BU’s Global Awareness Society International (GASI) recently raised more than $400 for UNICEF with a Trick or Treat campaign using collection containers placed throughout residence halls and donation tables on campus. Robbie Soltz, wife of President David Soltz, volunteered at the collection table with students on Halloween.

The money will be applied to a School in a Box, a mobile classroom that contains all the educational materials a school would need to teach children. Thank you to the Office of Residence Life, ARAMARK, the SOLVE Office and the BU community for their support.

DPE helps raise money for Geisinger charity

Delta Phi Epsilon played an active part in the most recent Light Up the Night at Geisinger Medical Center on Oct. 6, which raises money for research while also providing a remembrance service for victims of blood cancers. #BUServes

Spectrum receives national honor

The National Federation of Press Women has honored Spectrum Magazine, which ceased publication at the end of summer 2010. Founding editor-in-chief was Walter Brasch, professor emeritus of journalism.

In its citation, the NFPW noted: “The 375 students who were fortunate enough to be challenged as staff members during the past 24 years are the envy of every college student across the country. Spectrum was a fabulous publication whose editor wasn’t afraid to tackle and cover a wide range of topics, many of which higher education officials might have preferred to censor. [The NFPW] acknowledges Spectrum for setting the bar for other college-produced magazines.”

The last executive editor of Spectrum was Megan Angstadt, who earned bachelor’s in journalism and English, and an master’s of Education. Managing editor was Kim Courtney, who earned a bachelor’s in journalism. Art director was Nicole C. Martinez who earned a bachelor’s in art studio and a master’s in IT. Other senior staff included Brandi Furman, Martha Harris, Alyssa Pierce, Alyssa Wernham, and Sammie Weisbeck.

A tree grows in Bloomsburg

More than 30 BU students, including 15 members of BU’s Rugby Team, turned out earlier this month to dig 28 holes for the soon-to-be planted trees along Town streets. Volunteers are welcome to help plant the trees once they arrive in early November. Contact Cristina Mathews, Bloomsburg’s Shade Tree Commission, or Amy Seamans, Bloomsburg Town Hall, at (570) 784-7123.

Building math muscles, turning out Mathletes

Greenwood Friends School in Millville capped another successful Math Partnership session with BU students from in Frank D’Angelo’s Teaching Mathematics classes, who worked one-on-one with Greenwood students in (K-8) for one hour, four days a week. BU students have also facilitated Mathletes, an after-school enrichment club.

See digital art cover to cover

BU's Advanced Digital Art students are participating in the “Cover of a Cover” exhibition in downtown Bloomsburg, opening on Friday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Moose Exchange, 203 W. Main St, through Nov. 10. The exhibition, sponsored by local business “Endless Records,” was open to all to redesign or reinterpret an existing vinyl album cover. Meet the artists and see the work of students, faculty, and the community.

Ready to discuss World Water Wars?

The Columbia County Conservation District screened the award-winning film "Blue Gold: World Water Wars," which examines environmental and political implications of the planet's dwindling water supply, and posits that wars in the future will be fought over water. The film also highlighted some success stories of water activists around the world, and makes a strong case for community action.

The film, which was open free to the public, preceded a discussion led by a Columbia County Conservation District representative and BU faculty Patricia Beyer, John Bodenman, and Jennifer Whisner.

Have what it takes to be Roongo?

We’re looking for the next person to be “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. Our next Roongo needs to be available to attend a wide variety of sporting events and work within the rules of a mascot.
 
If you think this is you then email your name, a phone number and in 50 words or less why you think you should be the next Roongo. We’ll pick a lucky few to come in for a tryout with the winner getting the chance to be “Roongo.” Email to bloomusportsinfo@gmail.com.

Win backstage passes for O.A.R.

BU's Student Concert Committee presents O.A.R. (Of A Revolution), with special guest Dangermuffin, on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. in Nelson Field House. General admission tickets will go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. at the KUB Main Desk. Tickets are being sold to BU students and C.A. cardholders only for a pre-sale price of $20 between Oct. 19 and Oct. 21. No public sales will take place until Oct. 22.

Students must have valid BU student IDs. Two tickets per ID and a maximum of four IDs per person. Cash, checks and Visa and Mastercard only accepted. There is a $3 per ticket convenience fee for credit card orders. Starting Oct. 22, tickets for BU students will be $25 and public tickets will be $35.

Buy your tickets on Oct. 19 and enter a drawing for a Meet-and-Greet with O.A.R., including a limo ride to dinner and concert.

PCM lends hand to flood victims

BU’s Protestant Campus Ministry volunteered this month with Wesley United Methodist Church to serve meals to flood victims. (Front) Nicole Shuman, Christina Flaherty, Mandi Siegfried, Erin Schumaker and Chelsea Zoltowski. (Back) Jason Janezic, Chris Perez, Angie Rock, Jess Stevenson and Meghan Ruland.

Mansfield helps BU flood relief

Mansfield University sent students from their social work classes to help hand out toys earlier this month to children affected by the flood. The groups gave out toys to 50 children. It was sponsored by BU and Toys for Tots.

Roundtable gets its own Rock ’n Roll tribute

BU’s Supervisory Roundtable, well known for its elaborate Homecoming parade floats, took first place in the recent Homecoming float competition with its thorough Kiss tribute. Judy Ohl, roundtable member, decided to inform the legendary band itself of the recognition — and in turn — saw the campus group received its online tribute!

Homecoming Award Winners

Residence Hall Window Painting

• First place — Northumberland Hall
• Second place — JKA/MOA/MPA/Kile/Trinity
• Third place — Lycoming Hall
• Fourth place — Schuylkill

Parade Non-Float Entries

• First place (tie) — Sigma Sigma Sigma | Program Board
• Third place — Columbia Hall

Parade Floats

• First place — Supervisory Roundtable
• Second place — Delta Epsilon Beta, Phi Sigma Sigma, Delta Kappa Epsilon
• Third place — Northumberland Hall
• Fourth place — Theta Tau Omega, Kappa Sigma

Banner competition winner

• Husky Ambassadors

Faculty honored with Provost's Award

Four faculty members were honored at the close of the spring semester with the Provost's Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activity.

Shown, clockwise, are Christian Grandzol, associate professor of management; Deborah Stryker, assistant professor of exceptionalities, deaf/hard of hearing; Jeffrey Brunskill, associate professor of envionmental, geographical and geological sciences; and Shen Ding, associate professor of political science.

Each award winner received $1,000 for travel or other faculty development activities and a plaque.

Nominations of untenured faculty are made by each dean and evaluated by Dean's Council based upon publications, presentations and other scholarly work.

Equestrian Team turns in impressive showing

BU’s Equestrian Team tied for Reserve High Point Team at its recent intercollegiate horse show at Briarwood Farms in New Jersey, co-hosted by BU and BU alumni. Keep track of the team online this season!

Ice Hockey opens season with a pair of wins

BU Ice Hockey opened its Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference season recently with two wins, a 7-3 victory over Rutgers Camden and a 21-2 win over Centenary College of New Jersey. The week prior, BU helped raise more than $375 for the Bloomsburg Flood Relief (AGAPE) and Central Susquehanna Disaster Relief Fund with a preseason tournament with Bucknell and Susquehanna universities.

BU Foundation gift winners announced

Tauheed Smith, of Philadelphia, recently won $3,000 after participating in the Bloomsburg University Foundation sponsored raffles this summer where students and parents could win the equivalent of one semester’s tuition in cash. The annual raffles support the General Athletic Scholarship Fund. Other winners, each receiving $75 gift cards to the University Store, were:

Brian Bagnole, Long Valley, N.J.; Carmen Gonzalez, Philadelphia; Laura Smith, Elkland; Janet Kipp, Newport; Ernest Meisel, Marysville; Kathy McMaster, Bellefonte; Gracian Rodemer, New Oxford; Dave Ciccanti, Norristown; Kristine Macort, Lansdal; Megan Malizia, Collegeville.

Be heard … share your experience

BU is currently conducting focus groups to gain a better understanding of how individuals experience BU. If you’re asked to participate in one of these focus groups, please do so. Your opinions will be used to develop a campus-wide climate survey. Contact Sheila Dove Jones, interim director of planning and assessment, at (570) 389-4027 for more information.

Weekly free film series continues

A free film series continues as part of the course, Gender in the Middle East. The films are shown each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Old Science Hall G20, supported by a Teaching and Learning Enhancement grant, College of Liberal Arts Academic Enhancement funds and BU's history department. This Tuesday's films are two short documentaries focusing on the hijab, a head scarf worn by Muslim women. The films are "They Call Me Muslim" and "The Hijab in Cairo, Egypt." Contact BU's history department at (570) 389-4156 for details.

Campus Child Center toddlers get into shape

BU's Campus Child Center's young toddler teacher Kahla Snyder is pictured with her class, which recently spent two weeks learning their shapes. The children learned two shapes a day and finger painted the pages, then bound them into a book to take home and share with their families. (L-R) Ceana Simpson, Hannah Magill, Maliyah Kearney, Kahla Snyder, Teacher, Livia Wagner, and Gus Bauman.

Plan for class and lab make-ups released

An adjusted class schedule plan and guide for make-up lab sessions have been formalized for lost instructional time as a result of BU being closed in the wake of the 2011 Bloomsburg Flood. The framework is designed to provide faculty with maximum flexibility and more options to deliver instruction. Lab make-ups can begin Friday, Sept. 30, while regular class make-ups can begin Friday, Oct. 7. Students should check with their professors regarding specific plans for class make-up. Plans may vary.

BU hosts open forum with new BOG chairman

BU will host Guido Pichini, new chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors, on Tuesday, Oct. 11, with an open forum from 11 a.m. to noon in the Andruss Library Schweiker Room. Pichini is president of Security Guards Inc. and its subsidiaries, WSK and Associates Consulting Group and Vigilant Security Services, all of Wyomissing.

Who's Who Among … You?

Nominations are being accepted for the 2011-12 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Students who have completed 80 credits and have a minimum of 2.75 QPA are eligible. Selection is based on scholarship, leadership, and service qualities. Nomination forms, an information flyer as well as the list of eligible students can be accessed online or picked up from the student standards office by Monday, Nov. 18. Contact Donald Young, director of student standards, at (570) 389-4064 for details.

Campus brings together NMR focus

BU is hosting the 2011 NEPA NMR Conference on Saturday, Oct. 22, in the newly renovated Hartline Science Center, featuring faculty presentations with a student poster session midday. The conference gathers faculty and students in the North Eastern Pennsylvania region together in order to highlight the use of NMR in undergraduate institutions.

Senior's research in national spotlight

Brian Culp, a senior geology and planetary geoscience science major, attended the Geological Society of America 2011 National Meeting in Minneapolis, where roughly 6,000 geoscientists from around the world were in attendance. Culp demonstrated his research to the audience, focused on estimating the mode of minerals in a hand sample.

Culp’s trip was supported by the College of Science and Technology, Department of Environmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences, and the White Fund.

October is Fire Prevention Month

In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, BU’s Public Safety and Police Department offers some tips on how to keep your place safe from fire, as well as some identity theft and online crime prevention tips.

Working together to save schools $80,000

Philip Tucker, associate professor of special education, in his role as coordinator of Region I of the Children’s Choices Initiative, recently coordinated a book drive of roughly 4,000 children’s books to local participating schools systems. Tucker has been working with five BU alumni who are employed in schools in the region to distribute multiple copies of 700 different books published in 2011.
 
Retail value of these books is estimated at approximately $80,000; thus providing a significant resource to these participating schools. This initiative distributed approximately 3,200 books in 2010-11 under the same program. #BUServes

Eight toddlers meet "The Three Bears"

The BU Campus Child Center's older toddler group enjoys story time with Kathy Johnson, assistant director, listening to "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" a classroom favorite.
(L-R) Cerick Austin, Jameson Lapos, Shahad Alshrari, Brianna Kolk, Noah Wilson, Liam Berger, Landen Guffey, and Dylan Culp.

Liberal Arts dean salutes excellence

James Brown, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, presented the college’s annual Salute to Excellence Awards for 2010-11. The award pays tribute to faculty who excel and particularly the few who are exceptional based on the yearly performance evaluations on teaching effectiveness, scholarly growth, and service.

Pictured: Provost Ira Blake; President David Soltz; recipients, Kara Shultz, communication studies; Michael Sherry, English; Peter Doerschler, political science; Dean James Brown; Julie Petry, music theatre and dance; Winona Cochran, psychology; and Nathalie Cornelius, languages and cultures.

Campus Alert - Saturday, Oct. 29

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, a male, non-student, was struck by several unidentified males. The victim reports four white males were involved in the incident, described as between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall , average build. One suspect was wearing a light blue hoodies. The suspects were last seen entering Montour Hall. The victim sustained contusions and abrasions to his face. Any information as to the identity of these individuals should be provided to the BU police at (570) 389-4168.