Past News from BU Today
Wednesday, April 30
Management students participate in conference
BU students in the Society for the Advancement of Management participated in the International SAM Conference in Arlington, Va. The students participated in a case competition which was presented to three very prestigious judges. The particular case was on Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and students used company and financial information to create a three-year strategic plan along with other recommendations for the company. SAM advisers John Okpara and Pamela Wynn also attended the conference and presented their paper "Export Barriers and Firm Internationalization: Evidence from SMEs in a Developing Economy," along with a colleague from Briarcliff College, Dr. Nicholas Koumbiadis. Shown from left to right are: John Okpara, Michael McHenry, Pamela Wynn, Ryan Heffelfinger, Megan Verholy, Chad Romig, Virginia Larson, Matthew Fox, Kimberly Rhoads.
BU theatre arts program earns accreditation
BU's theatre arts program has earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Earning the accreditation, which extends for five years, was a two-year process according to theatre program director Bruce Candlish, who noted that approximately 150 programs nationwide are accredited. In addition to reviewing the program's self-study, two reviewers for the association visited campus in spring 2007 following a consultant, who came in spring 2006. Details.
BU students mentors for migrant event
Eleven Bloomsburg University students served as mentors for migrant high school students for the 11th annual Migrant Education Leadership Day on April 19. The migrant education students were brought to campus by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit from Hazelton and Scranton. The Migrant Education Leadership event featured a talk about getting into college, tours of campus, lunch and recreation. The BU student mentors were Frederick Douglass Learning community students and Anthropology majors from Sue Dauria's classes. For more information contact Jean Downing in the SOLVE office or Susan Dauria in anthropology
New hours for the Rec
Beginning Monday and running through the summer, Student Recreation Center hours will be: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Faculty and staff may use the Rec free of charge from Sunday, May 11, to Sunday, May 18, with their ID. On Monday, May 19, faculty and staff Student Rec. memberships are due. Go to the Community Activities Office in Kehr Union fourth floor. More information.
Voice features staff wins gold recognition
The features staff of The Voice has won a Gold Circle Certificate of Merit for 2007 for a Valentine's Day page entitled "Can't Buy My Love." The February 8, 2007, page was designed by features editor Mallory Szymanski, BU senior, and included articles written by Brittany Laumakis, BU junior, and Ashley Snyder, BU '07. The category, Single Subject Presentation, is judged on the basis of both design and content.
Forum ends semester with varied discussions
Delegates to the Forum provided feedback on guidelines, a proposal and a policy Wednesday, April 23 during the last meeting of the academic year. Details.
BU Future Business Leaders win in state competition
BU's Phi Beta Lambda Future Business Leaders competed in the State Leadership Conference at the Holiday Inn in Grantville April 18 to 20. The following members placed in their competitions:
- 1st place the team of Lisa Beers, Laura Judy, and Casie Maule in Business Decision Making
- 2nd place Arlene Bowes in Sports Management and Marketing
- 3rd place Laura Judy in Accounting Principles and Mark Gallagher in Accounting for Professionals
- Howard Marzlof and Mark Gallagher were recognized for Who's Who in PBL
Those who placed 1st or 2nd in their event qualify for the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta Georgia this summer.
Eco-Quiz answer
The answer to last week's eco-quiz question: "What percentage of trees harvested in the world with the intention of being made into paper does not actually wind up being a paper product?" is 75 percent. The winner is Laurie Frazier.
Friday, April 25
Programming champs
The four members of Emmaus High School's "Hornets" team took first place in BU's annual High School Computer Programming Competition yesterday. That team, and the second place team from Conrad Weiser High School were presented with $1,000 scholarships to attend BU and major in computer science. Pictured, Emily Su (bright green shirt) focuses on a problem, her teammates are Jonathan Choi (far left), Cathy Wu and Caroline Hsu (partially obscured).
Secretarial roundtable selling hanging baskets
BU's Secretarial Roundtable is selling coupons for $15 that will entitle purchasers to a hanging basket from Folk's Florist & Garden Center. Coupons must be used by May 24. Contact anyone on the roundtable committee for coupons: Amy Osborne, Jenn Kluck, Sharon Fisher, Sharlene Pollock, Charlotte Kemper, Pat Stockalis, Vickey Rainis, Carla Rodenhaver, Becky Musselman, Vicki Beishline, and Jenn Hunsinger.
Blood drive brings 33 new donors
There were 33 first-time donors at BU's blood drive on Tuesday. Overall, 155 pints of blood donated. BU also won the blood drive competition with Lock Haven University.
Scholarship and Recognition
Ralph Feather from secondary education, Dor Remsen from the BU Foundation, staff interpreter Suzi Glowaski, Alan Goodboy of communication studies and theatre arts, Neil Strine of political science, Sybil Holloway from the counseling center, Ruth R. Kennedy of early childhood and elementary education, Mark Decker of English, Sharon Solloway from developmental instruction, Walter Brasch of mass communications, and master's degree candidate Robin Drogan have recently published or presented scholarship or been appointed to positions in professional organizations. Details.
Student literary journal available throughout campus
Copies of the 2008 edition of Warren, the BU student-produced literary journal, are now available. The 48-page publication contains poetry, fiction and photography by Bloomsburg University students. The journal also published the winning entries in the annual English Department writing awards contests for poetry, fiction, critical essay and creative nonfiction. Copies of Warren are available in the English department, in Bakeless, and at locations around campus and in the community.
Interpreting Alumni Meeting
Graduates of BU's ASL/English Interpreting program are invited to attend a meeting on Saturday, May 3, from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the Eisenhower Hotel, Gettysburg, during the Pennsylvania Registered Interpreters for the Deaf. Among the topics are activation of BU's program, featuring faculty Jessica Bentley-Sassaman and Bridget Klein. RSVP by calling 1-800-526-0254 by May 1.
Thursday, April 24
New bus on campus
BU's Biofuel Bus debuted Tuesday for the Earth Day celebration. The bus has been converted to run an biodiesel created from used cooking oil from the Scranton Commons. Nathaniel Greene, associate professor of physics and engineering technology, was awarded funding by the Bloomsburg University Foundation for $8,990 to fund the project, which also involves Mark Tapsak, assistant professor of chemistry.
Graduating seniors in BU's American Sign Language/English Interpreting program presented a class gift to James Krause, chair of Exceptionality Programs, and program faculty Jessica Bentley-Sassaman and Bridget Klein in ceremonies Tuesday afternoon in Navy Hall.
Office of technology's program review set for next week
BU's office of technology is conducting a five-year program review Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29 and 30. The review is being conducted to determine the department's progress over the past five years, to define its strengths and weaknesses and to document major recommendations and follow-up actions to be taken by the department. The reviewer is David Heffner, associate dean and chief information officer at Lycoming College. Faculty, staff and students are invited to an open session on Wednesday, April 30, at 11 a.m. in the Andruss Library, Schweiker Room to offer input to the reviewer.
Six BU faculty awarded State System grants
Six BU faculty members received the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Faculty Professional Development Grants this year. Those faculty include:
- Kevin T. Ball, assistant professor of psychology, $2,958 for "Drug Craving in an Animal Model of Addiction: Role of Prefrontal Cortex."
- A. Blair Staley, associate professor of accounting, $,4075 for "Propensity to Whistle Blow: A U.S.-Taiwanese Comparative Study."
- Eric M. Stouffer, assistant professor of psychology, $5,725 for Verification of the Role of the Entorhinal Cortex in Latent Learning in Rats ."
- Mark A. Tapsak, assistant professor of chemistry, $5412 for "Development of Novel Silicone Hydrogel Materials."
- Brett T. McLaurin, assistant professor of geography and geosciences, $6,161 for "Investigation of a potential meteorite impact crater, Atlantic Coastal Plain, North Carolina."
- Mehmet Safa Saracoglu, assistant professor of history, $5,000 for "Understanding the Politics of Vidin: A New Perspective on Ottoman Provincial Administration in the Nineteenth Century.
Wednesday, April 23
Bags to help the Earth
Members of BU's Global Awareness Society International, Jordan Cerra, Josh Drumm, Laura Buffone, Nicole Belick, and Jessica Brown help support Earth Day by displaying hand crafted tote bags in exchange for plastic food shopping bags.
Earth Day panelists discuss going green
A panel of alumni and faculty talk to the BU community about careers in "green" industries as part of BU's Earth Day celebration. Panelists, from left, are Dave Crowl '76, president of Kenneth Crowl Inc. and member of the International Masonry Institute; Robert Davidson '90, special assistant to the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; and Jeffrey Brunskill, assistant professor of geography and geosciences. The three panelists discussed environmental issues they face in their careers, as well as the increasing number of "green" jobs available in many sectors in Pennsylvania. Earth Day events are sponsored by Campus Green Initiative. Details.
Faculty and staff support makes a difference
Gifts and pledges through the 2008 Faculty and Staff Appeal have reached more than $49,000 to date, a 14 percent increase over last year. Annual gifts provide vital support to our students in all aspects of their education. Examples of gifts that make a difference.
BU Eco Tip: Buy products containing recycled material
Buy products containing recycled material so we can recycle the products we buy. It takes 60 percent less energy to manufacture paper from recycled stock than from virgin materials. It also reduces the toll on the rainforest, the environment, and the ecosystem.
Eco Question: "What percentage of trees harvested in the world with the intention of being made into paper does not actually wind up being a paper product?" Email answers to stvolser@bloomu.edu.
The answer to last week's question: "Every year, we make enough plastic film to shrink wrap what US State?" is Texas. The winner is Amanda Santangelo.
BU sophomore Mercedes Hardy (red shirt) talks with a group of 43 students visiting BU's campus from Lankenau High School in Philadelphia Monday afternoon. Hardy is one of 41 Lankenau graduates currently enrolled at BU. The visit was organized by admissions counselor Wayne Whitaker.
Monday, April 21
Planning and Budget discusses action plans, budget status
Members of the planning and budget committee discussed the prioritized list of action plans for 2008-09 during the Thursday, April 17, meeting. Provost James Mackin said the list will be forwarded to the vice presidents who will prioritize the action plans based on input from departments, colleges and the Planning and Budget Committee. Mackin said the amount available to fund action plans hasn't been determined. Details.
Library designates areas for cell phone use
Specific areas in the Andruss Library have been designated as appropriate for receiving and making cell phone calls. Those areas are:
- The "Gathering Place" (adjacent to Starbucks)
- The Lobby between the front doors and the turnstiles
- The enclosed stairwells on the perimeter of the building
Residence hall room inspections
The office of residence life would like to remind students that Pre-Closing Room Inspections are coming soon. Pre-Closing Room Inspections will take place this week. See your CA or watch for flyers in your hall for your specific day and time. During pre-closing room inspections:
Student employee teams compete at Rec
A Student Employee Team Challenge was held last week at the Rec Center in celebration of Student Employment Week. Participating teams were entered in a random drawing for a $100 luncheon courtesy of Richard Rugen, vice president of administration. The luncheon was won by Office of Technology Version 2.0 Team, who's members were: Jason Stettler (supervisor), Karie Bowman, Grant Michael, and Brandon Record. For pictures of the Team Challenge event, go to smugmug.
BU students participate in Model of American States meeting
BU students participated in a Model Organization of American States meeting in Washington, D.C., Representing Antigua and Barbuda, the BU delegation spent the spring semester researching those counties, the issues of the hemisphere, prepared resolutions which are then debated by those assembled. Six students and their faculty advisor, Mark L. Usry, finance and legal studies, participated this spring courtesy of a grant from the President's Fund for Academic Initiatives. In the accompanying photo the BU delegation meet with the Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the OAS and to the U. S. at the country's embassy in Washington, DC. Shown from left are: Lauren McLaughlin; Holly Humanik; Josh O'Brien; Her Excellency Deborah-Mae Lovell, Ambassador and Permanent Representative; Jennifer Horn; Seth Hackenberg, Ryan Geiger; and Usry.
Friday, April 18
Scholarship and Recognition
Ferda Asya from the department of English is the winner of the 2008/2009 Edith Wharton Collection Research Award. Other faculty who have recently published or presented research include: Patricia Dorame-Holoviak, Nathalie Cornelius and Gilbert Darbouz from languages and cultures, Vivian Yenika-Agbaw from English, Andrea Fradkin from exercise science, Nancy Coulmas and A. Blair Staley from accounting, David Magolis and Linda Neyer from Andruss Library and Williams Emeka Obiozor from exceptionality programs. Details.
Anthropology students present research at system conference
Twelve BU anthropology students presented research at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Undergraduate Anthropology Research Conference held at Mansfield University on April 12 and 13. DeeAnne Wymer and Faith R. Warner, Anthropology, accompanied the students. Details, photo.
The first really warm day of spring Thursday brought everyone outside on campus, including Lakesha Anderson, student supervisor for Aramark, who grilled dogs and burgers on the Kehr Union patio as part of customer appreciation day.
BU students receive honorable mention in math contest
A team of three BU students earned an Honorable Mention at the Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Of the 1,162 teams that participated in this international competition, 478 teams achieved this distinction or higher. The team of Jennifer Blose, Jason Elsinger, and Fen Qin, was advised by Kevin Ferland, associate professor of mathematics, computer science and statistics. The team worked on a problem titled "Take a Bath," where the they had to consider the effects on land from the melting of the north polar ice cap and model the effects of it on the coast of Florida every ten years for the next 50 years, paying special attention to metropolitan areas. The full MCM/ICM results are available.
TALE announces Teacher Scholar awards
The Teaching and Learning Enhancement (TALE) Center has announced the first winners of its Teacher-Scholar Award. Winners are:
- Jason Godeke and Nogin Chung, department of art and art history, $3,000 for "Converting Course-Specific Images to Digital Format."
- David Heineman, department of communication studies and theatre arts, $2,250 for "Visual Communication."
- Cynthia Surmacz, Clay Corbin, Carl Hansen, Karl Henry, Angela Hess, John Hranitz, Barry Nolt, Steven Rier, Margaret Till, Gary Wassmer, and Marianna Wood, department of biological and allied health sciences, $2,986 for "Establishing an Academic Biology Learning Environment (ABLE)."
- Caryn C. Terwilliger, department of early childhood and elementary education, $3,000for "Active Learning About Diversity for Achieving Equity in Schools: Collaborations with BU and Fisk University."
Thursday, April 17
Alumni Assoc. honors grads
Dr. Joseph Mowad, a Bloomsburg University Trustee and Geisinger Medical Center physician who served as chair of the university's presidential search committee, was made an honorary alumnus by the Alumni Association at its annual luncheon meeting on Saturday, April 12. Also recognized were Brenda Shaffer Conger '78, who received the 2007 Distinguished Service Award, and Gary Groenheim '90, recipient of the 2007 Young Alumnus of the Year award. Mowad of Danville, shown at right with President David Soltz and Conger, was appointed to BU's Council of Trustees in 1994. He is a senior vice president of Geisinger Foundation and director of the medical center's Urology Department. Conger is president of CFC International, a patient advocacy group for persons who suffer from cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, including her son, and their families. Gary Groenheim '90, a former Husky Ambassador, is in charge of marketing and advertising for London-based CNBC Europe, a pan-European business and financial TV channel. He previously worked for People magazine, Sports Illustrated and Wieden and Kennedy, an advertising agency.
Columbia Hall residents: Expect move out adjustments
Students who will move out of Columbia Hall at the end of the semester will need to make some adjustments due to the ongoing construction outside of Haas. Parking space in front of the building is limited so additional spaces will be created on the grass area in front of Columbia and in the parking lot between Northumberland and Navy Halls. Vehicles coming to load in front of Columbia will be directed to enter and exit by the Waller Administration Building entrance to campus. If possible, residents of Columbia Hall are asked to take advantage of the next few weeks to get a head start on moving belongings out of the hall. Extra time should be allotted when planning to move as there may be delays.
Abbotts endow diversity scholarship
Margaret and Robert Abbott established and endowed for the Abbott Diversity Award of the Frederick Douglass Institute. The scholarship will recognize students who organize or support diversity related activities that promote mutual understanding, friendship, and respect among students from different backgrounds. The Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence holds its Eighth Annual Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Conference on campus today and tomorrow. Shown from left are, seated: Margaret and Robert Abbott, Steve Agbaw, director of the Frederick Douglass Institute. Standing are Frederick Douglass students Nahirah Young, Aleema Skerrett, Rachel Lorenz, Andreeonah Mundy and Chris Meehan.
Learn how you can donate to this fund and other scholarships.
Wednesday, April 16
Bloomsburg University enhances campus security
BU along with colleges and universities nationwide, took steps to enhance campus security following last April's tragedy at Virginia Tech. At BU, the year's efforts resulted in a new emergency notification system, increased building security and training sessions on personal safety.
"President Charles Steger and the entire Virginia Tech community have designated April 16 as a day of remembrance for the 32 people who lost their lives a year ago," said BU President David Soltz. "We join with them in spirit this week and honor the memory of those who died by pledging to do all that we can to ensure the safety and security of the members of our campus community in Bloomsburg." Details.
English majors present papers
English majors Alexandra Martinez(left) and Kaylin Bower presented papers at the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society Conference at Kutztown University on April 4. Bower's paper was titled "Evolution of Emotion: The Transformative Power of the Narrative" and Martinez's paper was titled "The Unavoidable Mistake: The Reckless Lover in Shakespeare's Sonnets and A Lover's Complaint."
Tuesday, April 15
A tour of high finance
BU students in the Financial Management Association went on a field trip to Lehman Brothers (Headquarter) in Times Square and NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange). They had a series of very informative presentations about current issues and career in investment industry from Senior VPs, Senior Analyst, and Human Resource Directors at Lehman, and from a Training Director at NYMEX. Students are shown at Lehman Brothers.
Community clean team
BU students swept the sidewalks and picked up litter on Main Street downtown for Community Clean Up Day Friday. Shown from left are: TKE brothers Patrick Shire, Tim Hartung and Andrew Grippe. Approximately 50 BU students helped about 30 downtown businesses with spring cleaning, said downtown manager Barbara Heintz. The event was organized by Jen Kluck, the administrative assistant to President David Soltz, and Gretchen Osterman, director of Greek life.
NCATE conducts focused visit at BU
Representatives of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) will conduct a focused visit at BU Sunday, April 13, through Tuesday, April 15. According to Dianne Mark, dean of BU's College of Professional Studies, NCATE's last accreditation review in 2005 resulted in a rating of "accreditation with condition" for the university. During visit, a three-member board of examiners will review the university's performance relative to the specific unmet standard, diversity. Details.
BU Eco-Tip: Recycle Old Clothing
We all have clothing stuffed in dresser drawers or in the back of the closet that is old and unbearable. Maybe it has a hole across the back, or there is a stain on the arm, or the design has faded. Use these clothes as rags for cleaning around the house. Clothing that is in better condition can be donated to thrift stores, the Salvation Army, etc. Clothing that is outgrown should be passed down to younger siblings or close friends.
Eco-Quiz: "Every year, we make enough plastic film to shrink wrap what US State?" Email answers to stvolser@bloomu.edu.
The answer to last's question, "Which material consistently leads the list of garbage types in the municipal waste stream?" is paper. The winner was Sonia Lewis.
Friday, April 11
ACM students win in Kutztown programming contest
Six students from Bloomsburg University's ACM student chapter competed in a test of computer programming skills at Kutztown University on Saturday, April 5. Seniors David Reichert, David Moser, and William Katsak took first place, writing four programs and "debugging the judge's answers as well as their own" in the three-hour Collegiate Programming Contest of the 23nd PACISE Annual Conference. Computer Science majors Chad Hall, David (Tyler) Lusby, and Craig Nichols also competed, among sixteen teams from PASSHE schools. Team members are part of the programming-contest group in the Bloomsburg Student Chapter of the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery). Shown from left are, front: Dave Reichert, Bill Katsak, Dave Moser and Tyler Lusby. Back: Chad Hall, Craig Nichols.
BU's Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics is a member of PACISE, the Pennsylvania Association of Computer and Information Science Educators, representing computer programs across the PASSHE member schools. The programming squad coach, Dr. Robert Montante, represents BU at PACISE. He is also a member of ACM, an international professional organization of computer scientists and computer science educators with student chapters at many schools.
Students inducted into English honor fraternity
Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honor fraternity, recently held an initiation at the home of Ervene Gulley, chair of the English department. Initiates pictured are: Gina Bacola, Stephanie Lazorick-Rodia, Siobhan Lyons, Ashley Ryman, Laura Thomas, Jed Stalker, and Amanda Waldman. Faculty advisor and coordinator for Sigma Tau Delta is faculty member Betina Entzminger.
Wednesday, April 9
Pre-wedding floral instructions
Ed Zajac, who teaches floral design for BU's Division of Corporate and Continuing Education, gives some arrangement pointers to Suzy Walz at the open house at the Magee Center Wednesday. Walz will be married Friday. More information about Corporate and Continuing Education.
Tuesday, April 8
Science Tech students, faculty recognized
Over 135 students, faculty, staff and family members attended The College of Science and Technology Spring Honors Banquet which took place on Monday evening March 31. This annual banquet recognizes the student's scholarly achievements as well as the induction of students into various disciplinary honor societies. The banquet also recognizes the excellence in teaching, research and service of our faculty. BU President Dr. David Soltz, along with Provost Dr. James Mackin, gave remarks and shared in the honors and achievements of the students and faculty of the College of Science and Technology. Honored faculty awards included: John Morgan, chemistry; John Hintz, geography and geosciences; Celina Byers, instructional technology; William Calhoun, mathematics, computer science and statistics.
Shown from left are, front row, chemistry student award winners Evan Thursby, Kaitlyn Sanders, Dmitriy Mayorov, and Jonathan Shrimp. Back row chemistry faculty John Morgan and Michael Pugh.
BU Eco-Tip: Compost instead of using the garbage disposal
Use a compost pile instead of a garbage disposal for used fruit and vegetable peals. Also, American lawns generate a lot of yard waste each year. Instead of bagging it for disposal, why not convert it to a usable resource - compost? In addition to being environmentally friendly, many states have laws banning yard waste from landfills.
Eco Quiz: Which material consistently leads the list of garbage types in the municipal waste stream? A. Aluminum B. Glass C. Plastic D. Yard Waste E. Paper. Email answers to stvolser@bloomu.edu.
The answer to last week's question: "What top brand Shoe Company is taking initiative in a rescue recycling campaign for old and worn out shoes?" is Nike or Crocs. The winner was Matthew Fox.
English majors present papers
English majors Courtney Brandt and Robert Eby II presented research papers at the English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities Undergraduate Conference on Saturday, March 29th at California University of Pennsylvania. Brandt's paper was titled "Jungian Archetypes of Anima in Caddy Compson" and Eby's paper was titled "A Metatextual Look at Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 131'."
Teacher job fair
Cristina Eichler speaks to a school district representative at the 26th annual North Central PA Education Consortium at BU. The fair attracted 175 recruiters representing 80 school districts who interviewed teacher candidates for jobs in their school systems.
Monday, April 7
Sign up for Student Employment Week events
As part of Student Employment Appreciation Week, teams of student employees (and supervisors) can participate in the Second Annual Team Challenge on Wednesday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center. Athletic ability is not required; a spirit of competition is all that is needed for new and different team-building activities. One team will win a free luncheon worth up to $100. Register your team of four by contacting Chris Gay, or at 389-4788.
Networking session for student worker supervisors
There will be a Supervisors' Networking Session, on Friday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to noon in Andruss Library, room 103. This sharing/learning opportunity is for new and experienced supervisors alike. Gain advice and suggestions from your colleagues on those challenging aspects of supervising. This workshop will be tailored to your needs. Register by contacting Karen Hicks. Be sure to include those issues you'd like to see addressed.
Climbing Wall on upper campus opens
The 50 foot climbing wall on upper campus offers climbing for all skill levels. Challenge yourself over the multi-overhanging route and learn more about other aspects of climbing. Stop by Monday though Thursday from 2 to 6pm to get your climb on. All equipment is provided for you at the wall.
Friday, April 4
Chelsea Clinton has 'conversation' with BU
Chelsea Clinton spoke about issues ranging from education and health care to renewable energy and the war in Iraq as she represented her mother, Democratic presidential contender Sen. Hillary Clinton, at BU Thursday, April 3.
During the hour-long question-and-answer session in Kehr Union's Fireside Lounge, Clinton asked the 200-member audience made up mainly of BU students to decide which issues are important, reach out for answers and "make your own assessments."
"We should think about this election in the context of our lives," she said while standing in front of a banner stating, "Hillblazers: Our Voice, Our Future."
Among the topics Clinton, 28, discussed on her mother's behalf were public education, college affordability, public service, civil unions, discrimination laws, the Iraq war, foreign policy, renewable energy, NATO, drug costs, Social Security, immigration and national security, universal health care and trade agreements.
Emergency notification test successful
Eighty-six percent of contacts were delivered during the Thursday, April 3, test of BU's new emergency notification system. Of the 14 percent that failed, most were calls made to phones without answering machines or voice mail, according to Bill Barnes from the Office of Technology.
Students signed up for the system when they registered electronically for classes last fall and 458 faculty and staff have signed up since registration opened to them on March 17. The system, which will be used only in case of a life-threatening emergency, provides a message via e-mail, voice mail and text messages.
Results from the test show 13,968 successful deliveries by phone. A total of 5,758 text messages and 8,651 e-mails were sent, although e-mail deliveries were delayed due to a pre-existing technical problem, Barnes said.
After the test, one person opted out of the notification system and two others indicated that they plan to opt out, he added.
For instructions on how to sign up or opt out of the emergency notification system, see ot.bloomu.edu/bualert where information can be updated at any time.
Psychology students, faculty present research
Psychology Department faculty and students recently presented research at the 79th annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association on March 13 to 16, in Boston. Shown from left are students Lindsay Huff, Christopher Hampton (partly blocked), Leann Richards, Kimberly Juliano, faculty member Jeffrey Leitzel, and students Michael Resh, Amanda Miller and Tarah Henrie. Details.
Outstanding BU Women
Alicia King Redfern was honored as BU's Woman of the Year at the Women's History Month Reception in the Kehr Union Ballroom last Thursday. Outstanding BU Women Award winners were, from left: student Nicole Jabbour, Outstanding Leader; student Adrienne Mael, Outstanding Scholar; Redfern; residence life director Linda Sowash, Outstanding Service; and faculty member Bridget Klein, Outstanding Courage. Details.
Thursday, April 3
Talking about democracy
Bloomsburg mayor Dan Knorr speaks at BU's All-Day Dialogue in the Kehr Union to promote political awareness and the importance of voting. Speakers also included BU president David Soltz and Daryn Cambridge, assistant director of Democracy Matters National.
Discussing humananity's origins
Paleoanthropologist Meave Leakey talked about personal experiences from nearly 40 years as a paleontologist and anthropologist to a crowd of several hundred Tuesday evening in Mitrani Hallas part of the Provost's Lecture Series.Wednesday, April 2
Anderson fund has student travel covered
The Wayne P. Anderson Student Research Travel Fund covers travel expenses for chemistry majors presenting research results at national or international meetings. The late Anderson, of "ugly tie" fame, was a faculty member in the BU Chemistry Department for 28 years. Anderson died in 2003. Because April 1 was Anderson's birthday,his colleagues and friends remember him by wearing ugly ties. Recent student recipients from left to right are: Kaitlyn Sanders, Sarah Leshinski and Heather Pursel, Jonathan Shrimp and Evan Thursby.
In summer 2007, the fund made it possible for three students to present their research results at the 234th American Chemical Society National Meeting in Boston. And in fall 2006, the fund helped seven students present at research at the 232nd American Chemical Society National Meeting in San Francisco.
Learn how you can donate to this fund and other scholarships and student travel funds.
Students gain experience from tax return work
The deadline to file tax returns, Tuesday, April 15, is approaching fast. For many community members and students, "cramming" is not going to be on their schedule, thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a project of BU's Student Accounting Association.
A student-run tax assistance program, VITA helps low-income families, the elderly, exchange students and other BU students electronically file their federal and state income tax returns. Students are available to provide tax help every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until Tuesday, April 15, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Wesley United Methodist Church, 130 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. Details.
Art history majors present research
Art history majors Julianne Funk (left) and Carrie Krohn (right) presented papers March 30 at the Intercollegiate Art History Symposium at Bucknell University. Funk's paper was titled "Jacques-Louis David's Use of Propaganda Art" while Krohn spoke on "Camille Claudel: The Struggle for a Voice." These papers had first been presented last autumn at the 11th annual Art History Symposium at BU. The students were accompanied by Christine Sperling, professor of the department of art and art history. A total of eleven students presented papers at the day-long event. They came from a variety of regional colleges and universities including Lycoming College, Susquehanna University, and Dickinson College.
Scholarship and Recognition
David Martin, dean of the College of Business at BU was recently named to a three-year term for the Initial Accreditation Committee of AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Other faculty who have recently presented or published scholarly work include Steven Rier, biological and allied health sciences; Darlene Perner, special education in exceptionality programs; John Barrett, Melissa Cheese, Tara Diehl, Joan Dillon, and Elena Litvinova, developmental instruction; Pamela Donovan, sociology, social work, and criminal justice,David Minderhout, anthropology; and Williams Emeka Obiozor, exceptionality programs. Details.
Tuesday, April 1
English department announces writing award winners
The English department recently selected winners for its annual writing awards. The winning students received $100 and will have their work published in Warren, the student literary journal. The winners are also recognized at the university's spring awards ceremony. Winners are:
Sam Rothrock, a junior Special Education and Elementary Education major from Muncy, the Fuller Fiction Award for "Relative Time, Relative Distance."
Megan Angstadt, a junior English: Creative Writing and Mass Communication major from Middleburg, the English Department Award for Creative Nonfiction for "A Double Pane of Blown Glass."
Lynnette Mong, a senior English: Creative Writing major from Kennewick, Washington, the Baillie Award for the Critical Essay for "Stockholm Syndrome and the Romance Novel."
BU Eco-Tip: Regulate your temperature
Dress appropriately for the season. Wear sweaters during the winter instead of turning up thermostats and using space heaters. Wear shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts in the summer, avoid excessive use of central air conditioning units.
Eco-Quiz: Q: What top brand Shoe Company is taking initiative in a rescue recycling campaign for old and worn out shoes? Email answers to stvolser@bloomu.edu. The answer to last week's question: "According to the U.S. Geological Survey, in 1998 the nation consumed how many billion gallons of water each day for all its uses?" is 402 billion gallons. The winner was Brittany Laumakis.