Creative math and science camps to grow

BU’s College of Science and Technology and the BU Foundation recently received a $15,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation to support math and science camps for middle and high school students this upcoming summer. John Polhill, assistant dean of the College of Science and Technology, and John Karas, assistant director of development for the BU Foundation, wrote the grant with the help of local Alcoa representatives at Kawneer.

In past years, these camps have included such topics as renewable energy, chemical forensics, secret codes, and computer programming. This year, with the addition of a planetarium, campers will get to experience the solar system in a new and dynamic way.

Psychology Association raffle a huge success

BU’s Psychology Association raised $1,416 for local flood relief through a community raffle awarding prizes to nearly 20 winners. Proceeds were given to the Bloomsburg Red Cross to help with the local flood relief efforts. Several psychology students volunteered to coordinate the raffle. #BUServes

Alpha Sigma Tau plants trees

BU’s Alpha Sigma Tau recently gave back to the community by planting trees for the Town of Bloomsburg. The sisters, who learned how to plant bare root trees, volunteered to plant 32 new trees for the town. #BUServes

Gender Studies Minor honors graduates

BU’s Gender Studies Minor program recently honored its fall 2011 graduates with a reception, where students were given green cords to wear at commencement. Back (L-R): Heather Feldhaus (GSM board member), Emily Bolick, Meghan Drumheller, Ferda Asya (GSM director), Deanna Kellett (GSM work study student). Front: Christina Francis (GSM board member), Taylor Roberts, Eva Yuen. Not pictured: Debra McCracken, Jahzaree Sexton.

Arabic Club explores issues in Washington D.C.

BU's Arabic Club recently participated in the Model Arab League (MAL) in Washington, D.C., which offered the students an opportunity to acquire and develop practical leadership skills related to the United States and one of the world's most vital regions. In the process, students learned about the social, economic, cultural and political issues facing Arab leaders and ordinary citizens.

BU's delegates, who represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were: Ahmed I. Althuqaiqeb, Sameerah Abdullah, Michael Curry, Carly Hustedt, Robert Nixon (Head Delegate), Vanessa Pellechio, Matthew Reeder, and Ashlea Zantene. Nixon participating in the Palestenian Affairs Council, won an Outstanding Delegate Award and Zantene, participating in the Environmental Affairs Council, won an Honorable Mention Award. The students are pictured with H.R.H Prince Abdul-Aziz bin Talal bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.

BU tutoring research on national display

A group of BU students representing eight majors from all four colleges recently presented research at the National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing at Florida International University's Biscayne Campus. Their trip was supported in part by their colleges and in part through Academic Affairs.

Students present research in Florida

Students of sociology, social work and criminal justice recently presented research at the Southern Demographic Association, Tallahassee, Fla. (L-R) Kelsey Hurst, Eowna Young Harrison, Samantha Levin and Randy Schubert. Megumi Omori, Ph.D., associate professor, served as research mentor for the students and present research herself.
 

• Interracial Marriage: Comparison of Common Characteristics — Eowna Young Harrison
• Violence among Young Adults: Contributing Factors — Kelsey Hurst and Megumi Omori
• Illicit Drug Use and Abuse: A Study of Trends in Drug Usage among America’s Youth — Randy D. Schubert
• High School Students’ Attitude toward Attending College — Samantha Levin
• Asian Immigrants’ Labor Force Participation: Economic Versus Family Motive to Migrate to the United States — Megumi Omori

Broaden your education with CLS

The United States Department of State will hold the 2012 scholarship competition for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program for overseas intensive summer (seven to 10 weeks) language institutes. Students may apply for one language, and will be placed at institute sites based on language evaluations after selection.

Languages accepted are: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, and Urdu. Interested applicants should review the full eligibility and application information on the CLS Program website. Students from all academic disciplines, including business, engineering, law, medicine, sciences, and humanities are encouraged to apply.

Forensics Team showcases talent in tourney

BU’s Forensics (Speech and Debate) Team recently placed sixth at the Annual Collegiate Forensic Association’s Fall Tournament at Shepherd University. BU seniors Joe Wright and Mary Pellant won third place in Parliamentary Debate out of 12 debate teams. Wright also won the top speaker award in Parliamentary Debate, first place in Extemporaneous speaking, and sixth place in Impromptu speaking.

Lauren Grose, Joshua Hooks, Erika Mohr, Tito Cantres, and Kaycee Gutsie also competed for BU. Harry C. “Neil” Strine IV, director of forensics, served as a speech and debate judge at the tournament. BU will next compete at Morgan State University on Nov. 11 to 12.

Happy 45th to Delta Epsilon Beta

BU’s chapter of Delta Epsilon Beta, the first social sorority at BU, recently celebrated its 45th anniversary on campus. Over the years, DEB has been been very involved with St Jude's Children's Research Hospital and more recently the Bloomsburg flood relief effort, among other community service events. DEB also welcomed its 89th pledge class last month.

Catch a glimpse of economics

BU’s Economics Club is a fun, enriching way to understand more about economics, as well as meet others who share similar interests. Students from all majors are welcome and encouraged to join. The club meets biweekly to discuss current economic events, read subject related material, plan events and have a good time. Get a glimpse of the Economics Club at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, in the KUB Multipurpose A with guest speaker Dominick Salvatore, director of Ph.D. Program in Economics at Fordham University.

Grad Finalé for December grads

A Grad Finalé for graduating seniors on Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the KUB Ballroom. At this event, soon-to-be graduates will be able to verify graduation approval, purchase cap, gown and tassel ($25), have yearbook photo taken, purchase graduation announcements and class rings and many other graduation tasks. Parking will be permitted in the tri-level parking garage lower level. Also, visit the Alumni Association table for a chance to win a 32” Panasonic LCD HDTV!

The yearbook needs you!

Calling all interested students ... if you're interested in helping out the yearbook, please take a brief three question survey and your response and photo could make the yearbook!

Student research showcased in Chicago

Hannah Long (left) and Rana George (right) recently joined Nicole Defenbaugh, assistant professor of communication studies, at the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language and Gender Conference in Chicago, where they presented research done in Defenbaugh’s Gender Issues in Communication class, a course cross-listed in Communication Studies and Gender Studies.
 
Also, Defenbaugh presented a performance piece in addition to serving on the OSCLG executive board and the editorial board for Women & Language (an affiliated journal).

Who's Who Among … You?

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

Sad news for our Husky family

We're sorry to inform the BU community of the passing of an extended BU family member last week. Robin Hrinda, the daughter of long-time staff members Cindy and Charlie Harris, lost her battle with breast cancer. As Robin requested, the family will hold a celebration of her life in the spring. Keep Charlie, Cindy and all of their family in your thoughts.

Student Employee of the Year

Student employment supervisors, it’s time to nominate your exceptional employee(s) for the Student Employee of the Year Award. The winner receives a $500 scholarship. Announcement of the winner will be made on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 12:20 p.m. in the Warren Student Services Center atrium.

Nominees may be either undergraduate or graduate students with at least one semester of attendance remaining, who will have worked a minimum of six months part-time between June 2011 and May 2012. The nomination form (Campus Nomination Process Form) is available on the S-drive within the BU Documents folder. Deadline is Monday, Nov. 21.

Nominate a student for academic excellence

BU students are invited to nominate an outstanding senior for the annual Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence, sponsored by PASSHE. Ali-Zaidi, a charter member of PASSHE’s Board of Governors, established the award to inspire and honor system students who excel in the pursuit of knowledge. The 2012 award recipient will receive a medallion and $1,000; two semi-finalists will receive $500. You may nominate yourself or another senior no later than Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Forensics Team showcases talent in tourney

BU’s Forensics (Speech and Debate) Team recently placed sixth at the Annual Collegiate Forensic Association’s Fall Tournament at Shepherd University. BU seniors Joe Wright and Mary Pellant won third place in Parliamentary Debate out of 12 debate teams. Wright also won the top speaker award in Parliamentary Debate, first place in Extemporaneous speaking, and sixth place in Impromptu speaking.

Lauren Grose, Joshua Hooks, Erika Mohr, Tito Cantres, and Kaycee Gutsie also competed for BU. Harry C. “Neil” Strine IV, director of forensics, served as a speech and debate judge at the tournament. BU will next compete at Morgan State University on Nov. 11 to 12.

Get ready for your senior portrait

December 2011 and May 2012 graduates will appear in the same yearbook, so pictures must be taken and submitted during this time period in order to appear in the Obiter. There is no sitting fee charged and the background color will be tan. Suggested attire is business attire. Photos will be taken on Nov. 14, 16 and 17 in KUB 411. When scheduling, be sure to use school code 166.

Intramural football advances to nationals

BU’s Intramural Select Flag Football team has advanced to the NIRSA National Championship tournament at Texas A&M University, Jan. 4-6, after winning the NIRSA Region I Flag Football Tournament in Springfield, Mass. (L-R) Tony Peregrin, Wallace Jamison, Braheem Ford, Bobby Chorpenning, Stephen Rossi, T.J. Jones. Standing: Tobin Adams (Coach), Joey Britto (Tournament MVP), Je’Voughn Smith, Keith Weidemoyer, Josh Encarnacion (Coach), Khristain Mayfield. #HuskyPride

Carving together a spooky celebration

BU’s Global Awareness Society International (GASI), International Living and Learning Community and International Student Association recently celebrated Halloween with a pumpkin carving social. The groups celebrated the tradition of pumpkin carving, pumpkin themed foods and pumpkin painting.

Surviving the "Junior Slump"

Is there such a thing as a junior slump? Robert Marande, dean of the College of Science and Technology, says yes and uncovers the warning signs, as well as offers tips on how to make sure your junior year is a springboard to a landmark senior year.

Flood Buddies raise nearly $1,000

The Bloomsburg Flood Buddies raised more than $840 from a bake sale at the Bloomsburg Area High School Homecoming on Oct. 7 to benefit local children displaced by the recent flooding. Richard Ganahl’s senior public relations class worked closely with Bloomsburg’s National Honor Society students and advisor, Rachel Mollette, to coordinate the event. Find the Flood Buddies on Facebook to get involved in more fundraising efforts. #BUServes

Bocce Ball, volunteerism takes center court

BU's Exceptionality Programs hosted the annual Bocce Ball Tournament for the Special Olympics in Nelson Field House on Saturday, Oct. 22, featuring nine bocce courts filled with 236 athletes from 17 counties participating. The day-long event was staffed by 380 BU student volunteers from a variety of organizations; Helping Others Club, BU Women's Club soccer team, Student Council for Exceptional Children, ASA, Education Living and Learning Community, PSEA, and Kappa Sig, working for various lengths of time.

English conference reels in digital tech expert

Keynote speaker Jerome McGann (right) spoke to conference participants after his lecture on Oct. 14 in Kehr Union at the English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities Conference. McGann is an English professor at the University of Virginia who has written several books on using digital technology in the humanities. The conference attracted approximately 100 faculty and student participants from throughout PASSHE and other college school systems.

Act 101/EOP lends hand as mentors

Deborah Acevedo, Michelle Vera, and Shayna Jackson recently helped Sharon Solloway, professor of mindsets and mindfulness practice, in the "Ally Behavior" segment of the Diversity Program at Southern Columbia School District. The BU students worked with small groups of the Southern students to process the information about being an "ally" when bullying is witnessed.

Sunshine Week essay contest

Andruss Library’s Government Documents Unit is sponsoring the 2011-12 Sunshine Week essay contest, a national initiative to increase the public's awareness of their right to know about what their government is doing. To enter, right 600 to 700 words on “WikiLeaks: Responsible Journalism or Dangerous Leaks?” by Monday, Nov. 28 for a chance to win cash prizes between $100 to $250. The winning essay will be published in the Press Enterprise during Sunshine Week, in March 2012. Contact Katie Yelinek, government documents coordinator, for more information.

Spring 2012 Vehicle Registration

Online vehicle registration will begin on Dec. 5, 2011 for parking permits for commuters and residents for the upcoming spring semester. Please apply through ThePermitStore.com. Enter Bloomsburg as the destination. Students will be responsible to pay a $4.95 handling fee when prompted during the ordering process. The decal charge of $75 for residents and $37 for commuters will be added to student accounts.

Dear Campus Community ...

We are all deeply concerned about the handling of the allegations of sexual abuse/sexual assault of minor children by a former Penn State coach. Therefore, I am immediately instituting a full review of the following policies and procedures (including reporting requirements, where reports can be made, how reports are made, etc.) at BU:

• Sexual harassment
• Abuse, sexual and otherwise
• Unwanted sexual activity
• Illegal activity, such as child pornography

If you see, hear about or know about possible child abuse on our campus, please immediately contact University Police at (570) 389-4168. After making this phone call, inform your immediate supervisor who in turn will contact his/her respective vice president. These individuals will also immediately contact University Police. What is essential is that university police are notified immediately. Nothing is more important that the health and safety of all members of the Bloomsburg University community and visitors to our campus, particularly children.

— David L. Soltz, President

Broaden your education with CLS

The United States Department of State will hold the 2012 scholarship competition for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program for overseas intensive summer (seven to 10 weeks) language institutes. Students may apply for one language, and will be placed at institute sites based on language evaluations after selection.

Languages accepted are: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, and Urdu. Interested applicants should review the full eligibility and application information on the CLS Program website. Students from all academic disciplines, including business, engineering, law, medicine, sciences, and humanities are encouraged to apply.

Campus Alert - Wednesday, Nov. 9

This incident was reported to BU Police Department on Wednesday, Nov. 9. At approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, a female student was the victim of a purse snatching on the foot bridge across Lightstreet Road, commonly referred to as the “cat walk.” The student was returning to her off-campus residence after leaving work at Kehr Union.

A lone white male ran past the victim, grabbed her purse and fled in the direction of Honeysuckle Apartments. The male subject, who was wearing a red hoodie, is described as being approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall and about 20 years old. The victim was not injured during the accident. In case of an emergency, students should call (570) 389-4168.