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Past News from BU Today

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Student charged after incident

A Bloomsburg University freshman has been charged with four counts of criminal activity related to an incident that occurred outside of Kehr Union's Multicultural Center Sunday, Nov. 23, at about 10:40 p.m. The student was arrested for disorderly conduct and making threatening remarks and gestures outside the room where a fraternal organization was meeting. He has been charged with two counts of making terroristic threats, one count of disorderly conduct and one count of harassment and is currently being held in Columbia County Prison in lieu of a $30,000 straight bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 8:30 a.m. Witnesses are asked to contact Bloomsburg University Police at extension 4168 to report their observations regarding the incident.

The safety of all students is of paramount importance at Bloomsburg University. Students are reminded to walk in groups and in well-lit areas. The university has 26 emergency call boxes located around campus. Also available is an escort service, which may be accessed by dialing extension 5000 from a university phone. The BU Counseling Center offers counseling services free of charge for students affected by this incident or other matters that have caused them to be distraught or fearful. The BU Counseling Center is located at 240 Student Service Center or may be reached at extension 4255.

Members of the campus community who encounter individuals acting in a menacing manner are encouraged to immediately call BU Police at extension 4168. In case of a life-threatening emergency, the university will activate the emergency notification system to send information via e-mail, voice mail and text message.

Football advances in NCAA playoffs

Jesse Cooper's 62-yard interception return broke a 14-14 tie and lifted Bloomsburg University past West Chester University 28-21 in an NCAA Division II second round playoff game. The Huskies (11-1) will now face California (PA) in a Super Regional One final next Saturday at Redman Stadium at noon. With the score tied at 14-all early in the fourth period, Cooper, who helped beat West Chester two years in the playoffs with a blocked field goal in the final minute, stepped in front of a Joe Wright pass and ran untouched into the end zone putting the Huskies in front for good. The return for a touchdown was the second of the season for Cooper. Bloomsburg opened the game's scoring on its first drive of the game marching 70 yards in 11 plays with Stefan Adams going the final seven yards for the final seven yards for the score. More from Sports Information.

Scholarship and Recognition

John O. Okpara, management; Susan Dauria, anthropology, Conrad Quintyn, anthropology; Angela La Valley, commmunication studies and theatre arts; V.H. Manek Kirpalani, marketing; and Joan Dillon, developmental instruction; and Williams Emeka Obiozor, exceptionality programs, and Bonnie Vanderslice, accommodative services, have recently presented or published research. Details.

BU's high school math competition results

A total of 56 teams from 21 local high schools competed on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Kehr Union Building for a math competition. The event was cut into three main competitions: Quiz Bowl, Brain Teasers and The Game of 24 Points. In the Quiz Bowl competition, Hazelton High School came in first place, Parkland High School in second and Freedom High School in Bethlehem placed third. During the Brain Teasers event, Parkland and Hazelton High Schools tied for first, Freedom High School came in second and Scranton Prep High School placed third. To wrap up the competition, The Game of 24 Points awarded Scranton Prep High Schools first and second place and Southern Columbia High School third place.

Earn cash delivering The Voice

Students: Can you spare two hours every Thursday to deliver the Voice next semester? If you will be free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays and have a car available, this is a great way to earn $20 per week. Besides the cash, you get the title of Circulation Director and a chance to bring the news to everyone on campus. For more information, please contact Mike Graziano, editor in chief.

Friday, Nov. 21

Read Bloomsburg Magazine online

For the first time, Bloomsburg: The University Magazine is available online. Read the fall 2008 issue at here.

Suit drive to aid students in internship interviews

BU students in the Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP) and the Office of Community Outreach and Academic Internships are collecting business suits to aid students in internship interviews. Many students don't have the means to purchase a suit for their internship or job interview, says Alison Stone Briggs, director of community outreach and academic internships. Both men's and women's suits will be accepted, with a preference that the suits be dry-cleaned for use. Donations can be made by contacting AITP to have someone pick up the suit. For more information contact Stone-Briggs or at 389-4962.

Panel investigates homecoming incident

A three-member panel will be on campus Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 1 and 2, as part of an investigation into an incident that occurred at BU's Nov. 1 homecoming dance as the crowd was told to disperse. Members of the panel are: Jack Dowling, president and principal of JD Security Consultants LLC, Downingtown; Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity, Penn State University; and Kahan Sablo, dean of student life, Edinboro University. Dowling, Jones and Sablo currently are reviewing documents, video clips and other materials to prepare for interviews they will conduct during their campus visit.

Extreme makeovers planned

Three buildings - Bakeless, Hartline and Nelson Field House - will be off-line for renovation during 2009, members of the Planning and Budget Committee learned during the Nov. 13 meeting. Bakeless will be renovated in phases, starting in mid-December when the project is bid. All of "old" Hartline will be down throughout its project, which will run from May 2009 through August 2010. And bids for the Nelson project are due in January 2009 with work starting in March and completed in summer 2009 and summer 2010. Details.

Faculty awarded tenure

The following faculty have been granted tenure effective at the beginning of the Spring 2009 semester:

Francesca Kendris, assistant professor of educational studies and secondary education

Pamela Smith, associate professor of audiology and speech pathology

Yang Xia, associate professor of marketing

Campus dining holiday bake sale

Campus Dining is holding a holiday bake sale, giving the BU community an opportunity to purchase pies, cookies, apple dumplings, and hot brownie dessert to bring home for the holiday season. Click on the link to print out an order form; Filled out order forms can be brought to any campus dining cashiers station.

Chancellor visits BU

PASSHE Chancellor John Cavanaugh spoke about the economy and its effect on student loans and other issues affecting the campus community during an open forum Wednesday, Nov. 19.

"At this point, we don't have a good, clear crystal ball as to what is going to happen this fiscal year or next fiscal year," Cavanaugh said during his campus visit. "We're still monitoring the situation."

Details.

CGA update

At the Community Government Association's (CGA) meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, the Committee on Student Organizations approved the constitution for the Ice Hockey Club. In other action:

• The National Association of Black Accountants and Hillel were approved to be reactivated as organizations at BU.
• The Community Recreation Center Governing Board recommended the addition of three Precor Commercial Adaptive Motion Trainers (AMT) estimated at $12,892 and the addition of five Cybex Eagle free weights. A motion was made to approve both recommendations at a cost not to exceed $35,000.
• The Finance Committee approved funding of $334 for eight students in the BU Manga and Anime Club to attend the Zenkaikon: Japanese/Asian cultural media festival.

Tuesday, Nov. 18

Teacher education programs remain strong at BU

School districts from across Pennsylvania and as far away as Florida and Hawaii hired new teachers from the ranks of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania graduates in 2007.

According to the most recent data available in the Post-Graduation Activities Report, prepared by BU's Career Development Center, 93 percent of BU's 69 special/elementary education graduates attained teaching positions in 2007, followed by nearly 85 percent of the 67 early childhood/elementary education graduates and 75 percent of the 128 elementary education graduates. Details.

Scholarship and Recognition

Michael Shepard of geography and geosciences, has had an asteroid named in his honor. Other faculty and staff who have published or presented research include: John Riley from mathematics, computer science and statistics, Michael Patte from educational studies, Camille Belolan from developmental instruction, Kate Bauman and Toni Barrile from TRiO, Deborah Stryker from exceptionalities, Marybeth Wurster and Tess Deckert from interpreting office, David Minderhout from anthropology, Sharon Santus from mass communications, Jing Luo from languages and cultures, Karen Trifonoff from geography and geosciences and Mark Decker from English. Details.

BU observes Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week

On Monday, Nov. 17, Spectrum Magazine is sponsoring a campus wide clothing drive to kickoff Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week. Each academic building on campus will have a green box near the lobby for donations. Toiletries, winter jackets, sheets, professional wear and boots are in great demand. Donations will be given to local shelters, including Reach in Wilkes-Barre, the Gatehouse in Danville and Beyond Violence in Berwick.

BU emeritus professor Gary Clark will speak about his street work with the homeless on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m., in Carver Hall. The lecture will be followed by a roundtable with former and current members of the homeless community. The local homeless community and experts in the field will discuss the issues facing the homeless in our area.

Students, Faculty and Staff W2 forms: address correct?

Your Bloomsburg University 2008 W2 form will be mailed to the address shown on your pay statement. Human Resources encourages you check this address. If this address is incorrect due to a move, download an address change form return it to Payroll, Waller Administration Building. If your address is correct, but the W2 needs to be forwarded to a different address, please contact Payroll. Any changes must be submitted to Payroll no later than January 10, 2009. The 2008 W2 is expected to be mailed from Harrisburg on January 26, 2009.

University archives exhibit focuses on inaugurations

The University Archives latest exhibit, in honor of the inauguration of President David L. Soltz, is "Welcoming a new President to Bloomsburg: A Look Back at past Presidential Inaugurations." Dr. Soltz's is only the fourth inauguration in the history of the University, following those of Robert Nossen (1970), Harry Ausprich (1986), and Jessica Kozloff (1995). The display presents not only the story of the three ceremonies, but also the events and challenges faced by these individuals in their first year in office. The Exhibit is located in the flat cases on the 3rd Floor of the library and will be there until January 30, 2009. Details.

Mandatory Relay for Life meeting

Colleges Against Cancer Relay for Life Kickoff meeting is Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. in Kehr Union, Multipurpose Room A. This event is mandatory if you want to be a team captain. If you cannot attend contact Erin Hazen to sign up your team. A husband and wife will share their survivior story. For more information contact Erin by e-mail. Relay for Life will be April 3 and 4, 2009.

Monday, Nov. 17

President David Soltz offers introductory remarks at the "President's Conversation on Diversity" Thursday.

Diverse Discussion

Dozens of students, faculty and staff explored issues of diversity Thursday morning as part of the annual "President's Conversation on Diversity."

"One of my goals is to expand the impact of the Multicultural Center and infuse multicultural perspectives on our curriculum," said BU president David Soltz in his introduction. Soltz added that he'd like to establish an external diversity council. "I want some access to eyes and ears from the community for advice." Details.

Protestant Campus Ministry plans Advent Banquet

The Protestant Campus Ministry is hosting its Annual Advent Banquet Saturday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. in the Kehr Union Ballroom. The event is entitled "Thanks Giving" and will feature an abundant buffet, The Bloomsburg University Gospel Choir directed by Marwin Reeves and keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Riess Potterveld, the president of the Lancaster Theological Seminary. In light of the preparations of the Thanksgiving season, Potterveld will discuss deeper issues that revolve around gratitude and generosity. Admission is $8 for BU students and $22 for others. Meal plans can be used. To make reservations, contact Maggie Gillespie at 389-4950.

Friday, Nov. 14

Exercise Science faculty, students present research

Students and faculty of the Department of Exercise Science and Athletics were well represented at the 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine. The meeting was held Nov 7 and 8 in Harrisburg.

In addition to student presentations, faculty member Eric Rawson presented an invited talk "Is doping really cheating? The history and controversy of performance enhancing drugs in sport" and Noah Wasielewski presented "Reliability of peak isokinetic knee torque measurement over multiple trial in a 3-hour period." Details.

BU to host National Black Graduate Student Association

BU will host the National Black Graduate Student Association's (NBGSA) 2008 northeast regional conference. The conference, "The Fierce Urgency of Now: Black Scholars in a Rapidly Changing World," will be held Friday to Sunday, Nov. 14 to 16, in the Kehr Union. Details.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Forensics takes fourth at tournament

The BU Forensics Team won the fourth place sweepstakes trophy out of 13 schools at the 13th Annual Morgan State University Forensics (Speech and Debate) Tournament, near Baltimore. BU also won 3rd place overall sweepstakes among universities with a Pi Kappa Delta (Honorary speech and Debate society) chapter. Sixteen students competed at the tournament. David Heineman, assistant professor of communication studies, and Neil Strine, director of forensics, served as judges at the speech tournament. Details.

Art Exhibition: Toshiko Takaezu

The artwork of Japanese ceramic artist Toshiko Takaezu will continue the fall art exhibitions. Her work will be on display from November until the end of the semester in the Andruss Library. Takaezu has recently donated 19 ceramic works to the University's Permanent Collection. Some of her past works includ the "Endless Circle", the bell outside of the Andruss Library, and the untitled painting by Tetsura Sowada, which hangs in the stairway of the library, is associated with Takaezu. Details.

BU dean receives Minority Achievement Award

The dean of the College of Professional Studies at BU, Dianne Mark, was one of the recipients of Minority Opinion Magazine's Minority Achievement Award. She was honored with the award at the 34th annual Minority Achiever's Luncheon sponsored by the magazine and held last month in Pittsburgh. The award is given each year to show recognition and appreciation to minorities who have made exceptional contributions in their profession. Details.

Monday, Nov. 10

Graduating students: Recognize your best prof

Students who will graduate in December 2008 are invited to nominate a professor for the Outstanding Teaching Award in Spring 2009 by going to the website: iit.bloomu.edu/award. There will be details regarding writing the narrative indicating why this person is deserving of the award as it relates to his or her effectiveness as a teacher. All nominations will be kept confidential. Nominations will be open from Nov. 10 to Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. The selected professor will learn of the award selection by the end of April and will receive a plaque and monetary award at the appropriate graduation ceremony. Those with questions should contact Sheila Dove Jones in the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Center (TALE), located in 007 Bakeless Center, Room 007, at (570) 389-4310.

CGA Roundup

At the CGA Senate meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, the CGA Finance Committee members approved funding for two organizations.

• Funding of $1,703 was approved for the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association in order for seven students to participate in the National Convention of American Speech Language Hearing Association in Chicago, on Nov. 20 to 23.
• Funding of $370 was approved for six students in Phi Beta Lambda, BU's student business association, to participate in the 2008 National Fall Leadership Conference in Washington D.C., on Nov. 14 to16.

Middle States Discussed at Forum

The university forum heard an update on the Draft Middle States Report on Oct. 29. Richard Baker, chair of the Middle States Steering Committee, reported that Middle States representative Alan Donovan visited campus in early October to meet with key executives and the steering committee. Details.

Friday, Nov. 7

Rock the Vote winners announced

Residence Life, in collaboration with APSCUF, would like to sincerely thank everyone who came out and voted on Election Day. Congratulations to Luzerne Hall for coming in first place with the highest percentage voter turnout based on current housing occupancy. Luzerne ended up with 68.37percent. Luzerne will receive a free pizza party for participating. In addition, here are the winners of the Husky Gold drawings that took place after voters casted their ballots on campus. Each individual will receive $20 on their Husky Gold. Winners are: Vince Breese (Lycoming), Kristen Poinsett (Montour), Daniel McNeill (MPA), Kelsey Hallingstad (Elwell), Patrick Brown-Floyd (North), Faisal Muhammad (Luzerne), Jeremy Boerner (Luzerne), Shamiese Parks (Lycoming), Andrew John McAteer (Columbia), Jenna Barnes (Lycoming), Michael Owens (Columbia) and Ashley Crossland (Schuylkill).

Special NYC trip show deal

The Program Board has reduced the price for the 11/15 bus trip with Young Frankenstein show ticket to New York City on Saturday, Nov. 15. If you have a valid B.U. ID and paid Community Activities fee it will be only $50. This is a $20 reduction from the original price. We don't think you can find a better deal to see Mel Brooks' newest comedic musical on Broadway. Cost for those with just a B.U. ID and guests is now $70. The bus departs Bloomsburg at 7 a.m. and departs NYC at 8 p.m. The show is at 2 p.m. Sign ups are at the Kehr Union Info Center from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for cash and checks and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday for credit cards (Visa and MasterCard only). There are also still spaces available on the trip for bus only and bus with Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk.

Games room hosting Thanksgiving pool drawing

Student activities and the Games Room is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Drawing. Every time you play pool from Nov. 10 through 23, you can enter to win at $25 gift certificate from the University Bookstore. The drawing will be held Monday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m., in the games room, 200 Kehr Union. For more information contact Valerie Moyer.

Orientation Workshop Leaders needed

If you are interested in becoming an Orientation Workshop Leader (OWL) for 2009-2010, join the Orientation staff for an interest meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in McCormick Center, room 1303. Learn about the OWL position, hear from current OWLs, and ask questions. Applications will be available. Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA, be in good academic and social standing, and have at least 12 credits to apply.

Memorial service planned for Jennifer Snarski

A memorial service will be held this Friday for a 21-year-old Bloomsburg University senior who died last weekend in her Iron Street apartment. Authorities have tentatively ruled the death of Jennifer Snarski, a marketing major from Sweet Valley, as a suicide. Her body was discovered Saturday night. The service will be held Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. in the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 N. Meade St., Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday

Students who are grieving or distressed and who would like to talk with someone may contact The Center for Counseling and Human Development at 389-4255 or stop by the Center on the second floor of Warren Student Services Center.

Students, faculty and staff who would like to learn about risk factors and warning signs of suicide should contact Campus Suicide Prevention Project coordinator Diana Leighow who has been offering training sessions throughout the semester. More sessions are planned for spring.

Program Board's November films

BU's Program Board is shinning the spotlight on "Wall-E", "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "The Dark Knight" for the November films. "Wall-E" will show Wednesday, Nov. 5, and Friday, Nov. 7, in the Hideaway and Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Kehr Union Ballroom. "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" will play Wednesday, Nov. 12, Friday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 16, in the Kehr Union Ballroom. "The Dark Knight" will show last on Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Sunday, Nov. 23, in the Kehr Union Ballroom and Friday, Nov. 21, in the Hideaway. All shows will play at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Admission is free with a valid BU ID, others are $1.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

Fradkin quoted in New York Times story on stretching

Andrea Fradkin, an assistant professor of exercise science, is quoted in a recent New York Times story on the proper way to warm of before athletic activities. Fradkin's research suggests that even in golf, those who warm up are nine times less likely to be injured.

Hispanic magazine editor to speak Tuesday

Jenee Chizick, editor of Motivos Magazine, will be a guest speaker, Tuesday, Nov. 4, in the Mass Communications and the Popular Arts (9:30-10:45, McCormick 2303), she will talk about Hispanic publications, as well as issues about the recent attacks upon Hispanic populations. For the rest of the day, she will work with the Spectrum Magazine staff.

Chizick has worked in publishing, marketing, and student recruitment both in Philadelphia and abroad. While working in marketing and recruitment, she developed and promoted international experiences through study abroad and deepened representation of underserved students both locally and globally. For almost five years, she worked at El Sol Latino newspaper, where she dramatically increased revenue and assisted in the company's expansion into adjoining states. In 2006, she launched Motivos, a bilingual youth magazine dedicated to providing voice, access and opportunity to Latino youth across the country. She holds a B.S. in biology from Cornell University and an M.A. in Bilingual Bicultural Studies from LaSalle University.

Monday, Nov. 3

BU celebrates Soltz's inauguration

With an eye to the future and a nod to the past, Bloomsburg University's 18th president, David L. Soltz, was inaugurated Friday, Oct. 31, during a ceremony in the Student Recreation Center.

After receiving well wishes from representatives of students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, the BU Foundation and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Soltz spoke of the role of a public access university with specific vision for Bloomsburg University.

The president, who has completed 10 months in office, talked of the importance of incorporating diversity experiences into the institution where 40 percent of those enrolled are first-generation college students. He spoke of new initiatives to expand academic and co-curricular opportunities for students and update facilities while building on a history of excellence in education, science and math, allied health and other fields. He also addressed programs to meet the educational needs of residents of the commonwealth and future students who may be time- or location-bound or non-traditional.

He said private donations continue to be important to BU as the institution faces economic challenges while receiving just 36 percent of its budget from state appropriation. "A Bloomsburg education is still a bargain," he said. "We must keep it affordable and accessible, while raising the level of scholarship."

Calling himself "privileged" to serve as Bloomsburg's president, Soltz said he looks forward to "the opportunities and challenges of these uncertain but promising times."

Also speaking during Soltz's inauguration was his mentor and friend Jerilyn McIntyre, president of Central Washington University, where he was provost for nearly seven years. Former Bloomsburg University President Jessica Kozloff presented the university medallion to the new president and said, "I have no doubt that the best days of this beloved university are yet to come."