CASSH Con 2022

Posted: Sep. 28, 2022

Careers in Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities

Thursday and Friday, Oct. 6 and 7

CASSH Con is designed to offer students within the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities two days of panels and workshops focused upon alumni engagement and professional development. The event is also open to all students seeking to learn more about CASSH programs and opportunities. Most programs in CASSH will host alumni panels so that students can learn about the rich career opportunities awaiting them. Additionally, there are a variety of sessions designed to help students think about their professional identity and learn ways to build their resumes through experiential learning.

Keynote Speakers and Events

Dan Knorr, “They’ll Never Tell You That You’re Ready”

Thursday, Oct. 6, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
McCormick 2303

DAN KNORR is the Director of External and Government Relations at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, where he serves as a liaison to local, state, and federal legislators, their staffs, representatives of governmental offices and programs, key community stakeholders, regional employers, and the public at large. Prior to his time at the university, Dan held local elected office, serving as a Bloomsburg Town Councilmember from 2006-2007 and as Bloomsburg’s Mayor from 2008-2013. Dan earned a BA in Political Science in 2007 and an MBA in 2016, both from Bloomsburg University. He and his wife Brittany reside in Columbia County with their dog Zeek.

Dr. Conne Reece, “Positioning Yourself for Success: The College to Career Transition

Thursday, Oct. 6, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
McCormick 2303

CONNE REECE, PH.D. is a professor of communication at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, an author, and a speaker.

She teaches basic- and advanced-level communication courses with topics including business speaking and writing, professionalism, and job search strategies. She is the co-author and editor of Ready, Aim, Hired: Job Search Tactics that Really Work.

Judge David Bruce Gass, “Meeting Your Moment: The Importance of Civic Engagement and Being Present”

Friday, Oct. 7, 11:00 – 11:50 a.m.
McCormick 1303

JUDGE DAVID BRUCE GASS grew up in central Pennsylvania but spent a year taking classes in Chihuahua, Mexico. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable Ruth V. McGregor before joining the Phoenix law firm of Lewis and Roca, LLP. He spent seven sessions working as Counsel at the Arizona House of Representatives, before going to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

In 2009, Judge Gass was appointed to the Superior Court in Maricopa County. He served on all four major assignments. In 2019, Judge Gass was appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One. He began serving as the Vice Chief Judge in June 2021. He is a member of the Arizona Supreme Court Commission on Diversity, Equality, and Justice. In 2021, the Arizona Supreme Court’s Committee on Judicial Education and Training awarded him the Excellence in Education Award.

Judge Gass is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He focuses and speaks on diversity and inclusion issues. He has been active in many related projects. He also developed an undergraduate internship program at the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One to give diverse undergraduate students experience working in the courts and to encourage them to go to law school.

And he saves stray dogs on the side.

“A Conversation with Passage Theatre Company C. Ryanne Domingues, BU Alum”

Friday, Oct. 7, 3:00 – 3:50 p.m.
McCormick 1303

As Artistic Director, RYANNE DOMINGUES chooses Passage's programming and works with the artistic teams to bring their productions to life. She hires the writers, directors, and designers for each show, and helps with casting. She also is working to further develop Passage's PlayLab program and creates the plans for their Passage Youth Programs and outreach endeavors.

She helps with fundraising for the company and collaborates with other staff to support Passage's marketing efforts. Ryanne holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Bloomsburg University and an MFA in Directing from the University of California, Irvine.

The College of Liberal Arts would like to thank Clark Associates for its generous support of CASSH Con.

Schedule

Event information will be updated as new information is confirmed.

Thursday, Oct. 6

9:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Where Are They Now?: History Alumni Career Panel

McCormick 1303
Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Oast, Professor of History
Panelists:

Dr. Matthew Clavin, Professor of History, University of Houston
(BA in History, Bloomsburg University, 1994; PhD in History, American University, 2005)
Matthew Albertson, Lighting Sales, Historian, and Historic Baseball Recreator
(BA in History, BA in Political Science, Bloomsburg University, 2012)
Patrick Velliky, Vice President for Government Affairs, Envision Healthcare
(BA in History, Bloomsburg University, 2008)

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Two Artists, Two Journeys

Haas Gallery – Reception and Artist’s Talk
Moderator: Brock Dent
Panelists:

Ashley Lopez, Graphic Designer & Co-Owner, The Art Grind
(BA in Art Studio, Bloomsburg University, 2018)
Ellen Brennan, Marketing Specialist, Seven Isles Capital
(BA in Art Studio, Bloomsburg University, 2016)

11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Keynote: Dan Knorr, “They’ll Never Tell You That You’re Ready”

McCormick 2303
Description: Join this session to hear Dan, an alumnus of the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, speak to how his degree prepared him for professional success. With experiences ranging from serving in local government to running for state office to higher education administration, Dan will touch on lessons he has learned and the importance of getting involved early in your life and career. Plenty of time will be reserved for open conversation and Q&A.

Music Alumni Panel

Haas 166
Moderator: Dr. Amelia Garbisch, Associate Professor of Music
Panelists:

Cole Ramsey, Music Teacher, Port Allegany, PA
(BM in Music Education, Mansfield University, 2019)
Jon Hummel, Executive Director, Philadelphia Sinfonia
(BA in Music, Mansfield University, 2007; MS in Arts Administration, Drexel University, 2011)
Nathan Hawk, Percussion Director, Richland High School, North Richland Hills, Texas
(BA in Music, with K-12 ed certification, Bloomsburg University, 2012)
Bryan McMasters, Piano Technician, Jacobs Music Company, Philadelphia
(BA in Music, Bloomsburg University, 2014; MA in Piano Performance, West Chester University, 2016)
Matthew Palmer, Development Services Coordinator, Philadelphia Orchestra
(BA in Music, with K-12 ed certification, Bloomsburg University, 2018; MS in Arts Administration and Museum Leadership, Drexel University, 2020)

Communication Studies Alumni Panel

McCormick 1303
Moderator: Dr. Liz Petre, Associate Professor of Communication Studies
Panelists:

Gina Rodriguez, Human Resource Coordinator, FCB Chicago
(BA in Communication Studies, Bloomsburg University, 2019)
Keith P. Hopkins, Chief Operating Officer, SportsBubble
(BA in Communication Studies, Bloomsburg University, 2003)
Geara Catania, Honors College Secretary, Bloomsburg University
(BA in Communication Studies, Bloomsburg University, 2020)

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research

McCormick 1316
Presenter: Dr. Sue Dauria, Professor of Anthropology,

Description: A description and workshop on the projects available through the Center for Community Research and Consulting at BU, and how students can get involved in Community based research projects.

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Dr. Conne Reece, “Positioning Yourself for Success: The College to Career Transition”

McCormick 2303

Description: Sixty-five percent of college students feel that they are unprepared for their careers. In this interactive seminar, you will learn how to update your image as a communicator, and mentally prepare yourself for the post-graduate changes that await you.

Careers in Law

McCormick 1303
Moderator: Dr. Pete Doerschler, Professor of Political Science
Panelists:

Judge David Bruce Gass, Vice Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One
(BS and MA in Business Administration, Marketing, and Communication Studies, Bloomsburg University, 1985; JD, Arizona State University College of Law, 1994)
Chanty Gbaye, JD Candidate, Harvard Law School
(BS in Political Science, BS in Economics, BS in Public Administration, Bloomsburg University, 2016)
Justice Powlus, Attorney
(BA in Political Science, Bloomsburg University, 2018; JD, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 2021)
Maria McGinty-Ferris, Attorney, Swartz Culleton PC
(BA in Psychology, Bloomsburg University, 2001; JD, Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law, 2004)

Anthropology Careers

Centennial 218
Moderator: Dr. Sue Dauria, Professor of Anthropology
Panelists:

Jasmin Velez, Community Organizer for Kensington Corridor Trust
(BA in Anthropology, minor in Psychology, Bloomsburg University, 2015; MA in Medical Anthropology, University of Colorado)
Chelsey Tennis, Assistant Director, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's LGBTQ+ Resource Center
(BA in Anthropology, Bloomsburg University, 2018; MEd in Student Affairs, Marquette University, 2022)
Laurel Downs, Forest Health Conservation Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy
(BA in Anthropology, BS in Environmental Biology, Bloomsburg University, 2014)

Interviewing Q and A: Gain Confidence through Interview Practice

McCormick 1316 (Preregistration required)
Moderator: Dr. Janet Bodenman, Professor of Communication Studies

Description: Learn the basics of how to make a positive first impression in an interview for an internship or job. Participate in a mock interview with a communication coach.

2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

Forensic Anthropology in the Federal Government: The Federal Agency, Educational Requirements, and Strategies to be a Successful Candidate for this Job

McCormick 1316
Presenter: Dr. Conrad Quintyn, Associate Professor of Anthropology

Description: Forensic anthropologists are biological anthropologists who apply their skills (i.e., analyzing the human skeleton to estimate ancestry, sex, age, stature, and trauma from suspicious cases) to the real world, particularly in the forensic sciences to assist law enforcement. Outside of the forensic sciences, forensic anthropologists are employed in academic departments, state museums, and federal agencies. The federal agency pertinent to this presentation is the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. This agency was originally named the US Army Central Identification Lab when it was created during World War II by the Army’s Quartermaster Corps to search for, recover, and identify the remains of service members who were killed in battle. Often, these bodies could not be recovered before decomposition and skeletonization. Today, the mission remains the same, but search and recovery also include the geographical regions of North Asia (Korean War), Southeast Asia (Vietnam War), Eastern Europe (Cold War), and the Near East (Gulf War).

Friday, Oct. 7

9:00 – 9:50 a.m.

Is Graduate School a Good Option for Me?

McCormick 1303
Moderator: Tom Kresch, Jr., Director of Enrollment Communications and Graduate Admissions
Panelists:

Dr. Heather Feldhaus, Dean of Graduate Studies
Dr. Robin Drogan, Program Coordinator for the MEd in Special Education
Dr. Carolyn Lamacchia and Dr. Ed Keller, Program Coordinators for the MS in Information Technology
Dr. Julie Cerrito, Program Coordinator for M.Ed. in School Counseling
Dr. Jessica Briskin, Program Coordinator for M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology

10:00 – 10:50 a.m.

Careers in Emergent Media

McCormick 1303
Moderator: Dr. Dennis Frohlich, Associate Professor of Media and Journalism
Panelists:

Andrea Sorna, Database Manager, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
(BA in Mass Communications, Bloomsburg University, 2019)
Lauren Ackerman, Internet Marketing Specialist, Account Manager, WebFX
(BA in Media and Journalism, Bloomsburg University, 2021)
Megan Beck, Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority
(BA in Communication Studies, Organizational Communication, BA in Media and Journalism, Public Relations, Bloomsburg University, 2022)

Working in a Foreign Cultural Environment

McCormick 2303
Moderators: Dr. Amarilis Hidalgo-DeJesus, Professor of Languages and Cultures
Panelists:

Yu-hsuan Liu, Fulbright Foreign Teaching Assistant
(MA in Teaching and Learning, Ohio State University)
Anastasiia Zhelezniakova, Teaching Assistant and Head of Creative Studio at Samara Branch of Moscow City University)
(BA in Linguistics, 2018; MA in Teacher Education, 2020)
Ibtissam Kassimi, High School English Teacher
(BA in English Literature, 2010; Translation training, 2014; Professional Degree in teaching, 2015)

11:00 – 11:50 a.m.

Keynote: Judge David Bruce Gass, “Meeting Your Moment: The Importance of Civic Engagement and Being Present”

McCormick 1303
Description: Judge Gass will share “real life” lessons he learned along the way. He will offer practical insights and strategies to empower you to best meet your moments. You will leave with ideas for expanding your civic engagement, influence, and leadership while taking personal control of—and responsibility for—your career and life.

Sociologists Alumni Panel

McCormick 2303
Moderator: Dr. Christopher Podeschi, Professor of Sociology
Panelists:

Rebekah Fries, Federal Policy & Advocacy Specialist, Upstream USA
(BA in Sociology, Bloomsburg University, 2017)
Paul Deppen, Clinical Coordinator II, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(BA in Sociology, Bloomsburg University, 2015; MS in Sociology, Portland State University, 2018)
Jacqueline Liss, OST Program Liaison, Office of Children and Families, City of Philadelphia
(BA in Sociology, minor in Gender Studies, Bloomsburg University, 2018; MA in Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, 2021)

Noon – 12:50 p.m.

Psychology Alumni Panel

McCormick 1303
Moderator: Dr. Mary Jo Larcom, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Panelists:

Coleen Thomas, Consulting Associate, Talogy
(BA in Psychology, Bloomsburg University, 2017; MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Baker College, 2021)
Alexa Hahn, Youth Programs Manager, Advance Central PA
(BA in Psychology, Bloomsburg University, 2014)
Rachel Freeman, Behavioral Health School Educator
(BA in Psychology, Bloomsburg University, 2019; MSW, University of Pittsburgh, 2022)

An Actor’s Approach to Engaging Presentations

McCormick 1316
Presenter: Prof. David Miller, Associate Professor of Theatre

Description: Once you have created the content for a presentation, it's time to bring it to life. Just as in a play, simply reading a script does not engage an audience. In this interactive workshop, students will learn how an actor's approach to playing an objective can enhance any presentation.

1:00 – 1:50 p.m.

English Alumni Panel

McCormick 1316
Moderators: Dr. Tina Entzminger and Prof. Jerry Wemple, Professors of English
Panelists:

Sarah M. Goulet, Instructional Designer, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics
(BA in English Literature, minor in Creative Writing, Bloomsburg University, 2019; MS in Educational/Instructional Technology, Bloomsburg University, 2020)
Jordan Flaherty, Team Lead, Cotiviti Healthcare
(BA in English Literature, minor in Professional Writing, Bloomsburg University, 2013)
Alexis Mucci, Account Coordinator, Eleven Six PR
(BA in Creative Writing, minor in American Sign Language, Bloomsburg University, 2021)
Kelly Stiner, Campus Relations Specialist, Human Resources, Geisinger
(BA in Creative Writing, Bloomsburg University, 2010)
Olivia Rios, Associate Director, K-12 Research at EAB
(BA in English, with a minor in Creative Writing, 2014; BS in Secondary Education, Bloomsburg University, 2013)

2:00 to 2:50 p.m.

What Can Clark Associates Offer You? - Employment Opportunities and Career Development

McCormick 1303
Speaker: Cassi Bennage, Recruitment & Community Relations Coordinator, Bloomsburg Distribution Center
Description: Recruiter for Clark Associates, Cassi Bennage, will discuss the ways in which students from diverse backgrounds and skill sets can find ready employment in the corporate world. Using Clark Associates as an example, she will share the various career trajectories you might take.

What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree?

McCormick 2303
Moderator: Dr. Jessy Defenderfer, Associate Professor of Political Science

Delbert Roll, Consultant and retired CIA Operations Officer
(BA in Humanities, Bloomsburg University, 1990)
LaDeshia Maxwell, Deputy Southeast Regional Director at Office of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf
(BA in Political Science, with a minor in Communication Studies, Bloomsburg University, 2014; MA in Public Policy, DePaul University, 2016)
Marianna Palumbo, Executive Assistant, Office of Joseph Stiglitz
(BA in Political Science, Bloomsburg University, 2018)

3:00 to 3:50 p.m.

Keynote: “A Conversation with Passage Theatre Company C. Ryanne Domingues, BU Alum”

McCormick 1303
Moderator: Prof. David Miller, Associate Professor of Theatre
Description: The role of the artistic director includes working artistically and managerially. C. Ryanne Domingues does it all—selecting artistic works, hiring the directors, writers, and designers, and contributing to marketing and fundraising. Learn about how the skills and experiences of her time as an undergraduate theatre major at BU contributed and continues to contribute to her journey.

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