A weekend filled with celebration

Nearly 700 newly minted alumni received bachelor’s or master’s degrees during BU’s three winter commencement ceremonies in Haas Center for the Arts, Mitrani Hall. One hundred sixty-five students received master’s degrees Friday, while 500 bachelor’s degrees were conferred on Saturday.

Another fall semester comes to a close

Winter commencement capped an eventful and productive fall semester at BU, highlighted by academic achievement, classroom innovation, campus growth and a stronger connection to the community.

Student Employee of the Year

Kayla Wolfe, who works in the fine Arts and Humanities Living Learning Community and was nominated by Stephanie Schlitz, won a $500 scholarship provided by the BU Foundation as the Student Employee of the Year.

Tobin Adams (left), who works in Intramural Sports and was nominated by Tony Dreckman, won a $200 gift card to the University Store provided by CGA as the runner-up. Student Employment Appreciation Week will also be celebrated in April 2011.

Nursing students add to holiday cheer

BU’s Nurses Christian Fellowship offered their best recipe for holiday cheer this season by baking and decorating cookies for the local community. The event was sponsored by Wesley United Methodist Church, Salvation Army, Agape Ministries, Journey Mates Ministry.
 

Students represent BU on national stage

Members of BU’s Model UN Students Organization represented Bloomsburg this fall at the National Model United Nations in Washington, D.C., and then served as advisors on substance and technique to a number of high school students who attended the UN Security Council simulation at BU in December with roughly 40 high school students and teachers in attendance.
 
Abdullah Albahrani, assistant professor of economics, will serve as the advisor to the BU Model UN Students Organization starting this semester. He will accompany most of these students in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative at the Osgood Center for International Studies, Washington, D.C. in March. Pictured: (front) Guy Snyder, Joel Boyer, Michael Gerber; (back) Matt Albertson, Amro Elansari, Joseph Albanese.

PCM brightens holidays for needy children

Protestant Campus Ministry, in cooperation with residence life, DASL, and Catholic Campus Ministry, participated in Operation Christmas Child — a worldwide project to provide Christmas gifts to children in developing countries.

The groups collected 235 shoeboxes, which were gift-wrapped and delivered to the local collection site. Pictured: PCM members Chelsea Zoltowski, Jess Stevenson and Haley Boyko wrap shoeboxes.

Collaborative work published

Fourteen students in the fall honors course, Introduction to Digital Humanities, taught by Stephanie Schlitz, associate professor of English, collaboratively authored a digital humanities manifesto, which was recently published on the Student Voices section of 4Humanities.

Students were Emily Arcuri, Grace Barry, Keenan Chesnick, Julia Fox, Sarah Gorr, Natalie Greenholt, Allison Huber, Erik Kile, Jordyn Koveleski, Amanda Machey, Katrina Merz, Kenneth Myers, John Shilpetski and Derek Weicht.

Health Physics lends hand to CMAVTS

BU’s health physics program loaned a set of Geiger-Mueller radiation detectors to Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School last semester for a set of lab experiments involving low levels of radiation. Their teacher, James Kofskie, a BU physics graduate, said his students greatly enjoyed the experiments.
 
Student use of the equipment at Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech is particularly appropriate since this school is the designated monitoring station in the event of a radiological accident at the PPL Susquehanna plant and was recently used as part of the FEMA emergency drill in October.

Student showcases gender equality research

Kristin Kelly, an anthropology and English major, capped a productive fall semester by presenting her anthropological research on gender equality in the U.S. at the annual American Anthropological Association Annual Meetings, New Orleans. Kelly intends to pursue graduate studies in legal anthropology.

Additionally Kelly, a Board of Governor's Scholar, has been active on campus as a member of the Frederick Douglass Living and Learning Community, community assistant and serving on the CGA.

Anthropology students in national spotlight

A group of anthropology students participated in the 103rd American Anthropological Association Annual Meetings this fall, where they worked as conference volunteers, served in the press room, placement center, registration and exhibit hall.

Students also attended an all-day event that included an employer expo, graduate school fair and numerous professional development and career planning workshops. In addition, Victoria Schlieder, Eva Yuen and Kristin Kelly, who were supported by a College of Liberal Arts Student Professional Development Grant, presented individual research.

Campus unites to honor Civil Rights catalyst

This month marks the 55th anniversary of the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the catalyst for what became the Civil Rights Movement. For 366 days, thousands of people committed to walking in protest of a segregated public transportation. Their dedication crippled the system, causing a nationwide ripple effect.

In honor of them, BU’s Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence held a public Commemorative March on Dec. 6 across campus, from Carver Hall to Waller Administration Building.

Professor discusses trivialization on WITF

Gary Hardcastle, professor of philosophy, was featured on WITF News on Dec. 17, taking a look at the trivial nature of our nation in regards to reality television and infomercials. Hardcastle will also discuss ways society can help “keep civilization on track.”

Holiday Food Drive feeds 36 families

BU’s recent Holiday Food Drive collected enough donations to feed 44 local adults and 46 children. Several departments and individuals sponsored children and provided items such as coats, gloves, hats or clothing. Toys were provided for each child through Toys for Tots. Many students and clubs participated and donated generous quantities of food.

A sincere thank you is extended to the BU community who supported this worthwhile effort. (L-R) Jamie Cotner, Kristina Wood, Audra Halye, Toni Barrile, Traci Boehret, Amanda Frazier, of human resources; Patricia Archey, audiology student organization; Deb Schell, Susan Hayes, Michael John, Civic Engagement LLC; Raylene Brill, Upward Bound/CGA/Chi Alpha Epsilon; Jeremi Ronaldo, BU Iron Club.

Students celebrate advent in style

The 11th Annual Protestant Campus Ministry Advent Banquet was held earlier this month in the Kehr Union Ballroom, where more than 160 guests enjoyed the music of the BU Gospel Choir and guest speaker Reverend Ruth-Aimee Belonni-Rosario from Princeton theological Seminary.

 
(L-R) Mandi Siegfried and Angie Rock, Protestant Campus Ministry co-presidents with Rev. Ruth-Aimee Belonni-Rosario, guest speaker, and Rev. Dr. Maggie Gillespie, Protestant Campus minister.

A fashionable event for Haiti disaster relief

BU's student dance and modeling organization, Vice Versa, recently showed its flair for fashion with an on-campus fundraiser, Genesis: The Beginning, featuring singing and dance anchored around a full-scale fashion show. All proceeds from the show benefitted the Haitian relief effort in response to the catastrophic earthquake earlier this year.

Students get up-close look at nuclear plant

A group of BU physics students, who have volunteered to serve on the Columbia County Radiological Emergency Response Team, recently got a tour of the PPL Susquehanna power plant, Berwick, to learn more about their roles on the team.

Several of the students participated in a FEMA evaluated exercise at the power plant that evaluated the ability of the local counties to respond to an emergency. BU students have served as volunteers in the program for four years and many have found the experience to be valuable in their careers. (L-R) Colt Greer, Kelsey Everett, Kaitlin Hiller, Meredith Woy, Jarrad Barnhart, Aaron Ohl, Jason Vognetz.

English Club boosts TreeFest efforts

The BU English Club, through their fundraising efforts, recently raised money to sponsor a tree at TreeFest. Students also created handmade ornaments from book pages and collected other reading inspired items for their themed tree, “A Literary Masterpiece”.

After the event, trees and ornaments are donated to a needy family in the area. The English Club’s tree was amongst 140 other decorated trees on display for the past two weekends. Students are already thinking about next year’s TreeFest and possible themes.

Biology students help research fund

Beta Beta Beta, the biology honor society, contributed $200 to the Ronald Raab Research Fund. The funds were raised from a variety of events. (L-R) Amanda Kaehler, secretary; Megan Dager, VP; Michael Brabander, treasurer; George Chamuris, chair of biological and allied health sciences; Amy Schultz, historian; and Kyle Correll, president.

Dare to bridge this spaghetti gap?

Introduction to Engineering and Technology students recently competed in designing a bridge from cylindrical spaghetti and epoxy/glue with certain specifications. Tony Tran ended up designing the winning bridge, achieving a performance index of 110 (defined as the ratio of maximum load the bridge can support to its mass).

One key lesson students learned is the importance of manufacturability and quality control in an engineering design process.

Graduate students present research

Michael McCormick, Christine McGlinn and Amy Startzel, each special education majors, presented, “Five Primary Areas for Helping Students Transition to Collegiate Studies,” at the 51st Annual Pennsylvania Association of the Council for Exceptional Children Conference at the Penn Stater in State College on Nov. 11 to 12.

Their research focused on providing teachers and university students with an overview of five areas of instruction that may benefit high school students with I.E.P.’s or 504 Plans as they transition to collegiate studies. A personal account of effective strategies that promoted a successful college career was also presented. Maria Pellechio contributed to the presentation.

A heavy metal lesson at the foundry

 
A group of health physics, engineering technology and physics students toured the 150-year-old Benton Foundry this fall, where they learned technical aspects of gray iron, ductile iron and austempered ductile iron.

The group also received a presentation on CAD drawings, 3D modeling and solidification analysis, as well as a lab presentation on testing and analysis. Joining the trip were Timothy Gildea, Jason Derr, Eric Wieand, Michael Dutko, Juan Castaneda and John Huckans, assistant professor of physics and engineering technology.

CCM students help needy families

BU’s Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) participated in a weekend volunteer service trip this fall to Rochester, N.Y, at a convent with the Sisters of Saint Joseph learning more about Catholic Social Teaching. The group also brought more $800 in toys by the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Danville, to give to children in need.

Half the group volunteered at Bethany House, a Catholic Worker House, which offers temporary residence for homeless women and children. The rest of the group volunteered at Mary’s Place, a drop-in center for refugees. Father Jeff Thoms and Sister Deborah Borneman served as mentors.

Sororities to storm campus dorms

Two nights of food and fun with BU sororities were held in the first-ever Dorm Storm, where students learned more about each sorority and their favorite service project. Dorm Storm is a Panhellenic Council sponsored event where students met members from multiple sororities and got a feel for the uniqueness of each chapter.

Alums gather to celebrate TreeFest

BU alumnae Joanne Berkheiser, ’72, Cindy Arenella , ’71, and Dor Remsen, ’71 decorated the Carver Hall Alumni Chapter’s tree for TreeFest 2010 at the Caldwell Consistory in Bloomsburg. The theme this year is “Bloomsburg University: A Great Place to BU (be you!).” Ornaments feature photos of hundreds of alumni who attended events this year.

TreeFest continues through this weekend, Dec. 3 to 5. Last year, the Carver Hall Chapter’s tree was chosen for the Tree Fest winner’s circle and was featured at the Bloomsburg Fair, where it took a second place in the fair competition.

Senior art on showcase in Haas Art Gallery

A Senior Exit Art Show will be held from Tuesday, Dec. 7, through Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Haas Art Gallery featuring the works of Maryam Cristillo, Matt Wynn, Cate Striplin, Thomas Duggan and Steve Martz.

A reception for the artists will be held Tuesday, from 3 to 5 p.m., to kick off the show. Contact Jason Godeke (570) 389-4187 for more information.

Greeks kick off holiday giving season

More than 40 students participated in Theta Tau Omega’s recent leaf raking and clean-up at Town Park, which was followed by Kappa Sigma’s bake sale at Wal-Mart benefitting The Fisher House — a home away from home for military families to be close to loved ones who are hospitalized.

In addition, Sigma Iota Omega helped organize a bingo raffle table at the Orangeville Fire Company to benefit the local public library. Once again, Greek Life has been actively involved with TreeFest in decorating and cleaning the local consistory.

Students kick up support for Haiti

BU’s Biology and Allied Health Sciences Club contributed $300 to the Red Cross for relief efforts in Haiti, from funds raised through a kickball tournament. (L-R) standing: Katrina Rohr, Stephen Paliswiat, Heather Ressler and Gina Grasso. Kneeling: Megan Dager, Michael Stipanovic and Heather Kinney.

Behrent honored with STRIVE Award

Dale Behrent, of facilities management, was honored with a STRIVE (Staff and Teams Recognized in their Valuable Efforts) Award for the second quarter for his determination, work ethic and ability to bring out the best in everyone to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Behrent was nominated by Catherine Wagner, Nancy Miller, Jackie Fowler and Kathy Valovage, who said, “He encourages everyone to work to the best of their ability and they step up. His skills in dealing with groups of individuals down to a one-on-one relationship shows he also possess the leadership (lead role). His demeanor and caring shows through every time he works with you. Whether it is a request for help with a tear-down or set-up of an event, he is there to lend a hand.”

Campus Alert Update: Dec. 14, 2010

Bloomsburg University Police arrested two suspects in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, in front of Elwell Residence Hall. Both suspects were committed to Columbia County Prison. Police have not ruled out other arrests in connection with the incident.