HOSTED BY ALLEGHENY VALLEY HOSPITAL AND
ALLE-KISKI SOCIETY 

More than 50 alumni, friends and students attended "Penn State A.M.," the free breakfast social held May 15, at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, Pa.

Co-hosted by Ned Laubacher, the hospital’s chief executive officer, and the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, the breakfast offered Penn Staters a chance to get together and hear about issues in healthcare and higher education. The guest speakers were Dr. Thomas McClure, chief medical officer for the hospital, and Alan Janesch, director of the Grassroots Network of the Penn State Alumni Association.

McClure’s talk, “Health Care in Transformation,” focused on the changes needed in the health care model in the United States. Other countries use one of four basic systems -- Beveridge Model; Bismarck Model; National Health Insurance Model; and Out-of-Pocket Model -- and costs are lower than in the U.S. McClure noted that the American system is a hybrid of the four models, and its costs are the highest in the world with no commensurate improvement in quality.

McClure, who received his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh, was named to the chief’s post in 2011. He is responsible for providing management and leadership to the hospital’s medical staff to enhance the quality of patient care and the effective utilization of resources.

Janesch, a Penn State alumnus, spoke about “Politics Is Everything: And What That Might Mean to You.” He urged students and alumni to get involved in advocacy and fight for issues that concern them. He pointed out that tuition increases at Penn State are inversely correlated to funding decreases by the state. Since tuition revenues and the state appropriation are the two main funding sources for delivering education to students in the classrooms and labs, cuts in state funding put a lot of pressure on the University to increase tuition revenues. According to Janesch, in 1970-71, as percentages of Penn State’s education and general budget, tuition accounted for 32 percent of budget revenues and state support provided 62 percent. By 2011-12, those numbers had shifted dramatically, with tuition at 78 percent and state appropriations at 14 percent.

As network director, Janesch works with some 30,000 volunteers to keep Penn State alumni informed about legislative issues important to Penn State in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., and to help them reach out to their elected officials on Penn State’s behalf.

The annual breakfast socials have been a staple of the Alle-Kiski Society's alumni outreach program. The recent breakfast was Allegheny Valley Hospital’s third social, the most of any organization in the region. The hospital’s first breakfast was in 2004 in Natrona Heights. In 2007, the breakfast was held at Destination Wellness at the Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer Township. Destination Wellness is a community health and wellness education resource center sponsored by the hospital.

Since its inception in 2003 at Kennametal Inc. in Latrobe, Pa., breakfasts have been held at various businesses in greater Pittsburgh. Kennametal hosted its second breakfast in 2007. Previous venues were: Medrad in Indianola twice; Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in Pittsburgh; Tribune-Review printing facility in Warrendale; Allegheny Ludlum in Brackenridge; Leed's in Upper Burrell Township; Alcoa Technical Center in Upper Burrell; Site Signatures in Tarentum; Respironics in Murrysville; Phillips Respironics in Upper Burrell; Electro-Optics Center in Sarver, Westinghouse Electric Co. in Cranberry; Century 21 American Heritage Realty in Allegheny Township; and McCutcheon Enterprises Inc. in Apollo.

Planning is underway for future breakfast socials. Alumni and friends who are interested in hosting an event can contact Bill Woodard, alumni and public relations specialist, at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu

ALUMNI BREAKFAST ALL-TIME VENUES
2003-13

Kennametal Inc. (Latrobe), 2003
Allegheny Valley Hospital (Natrona Heights), 2004
Allegheny Ludlum (Brackenridge) 2005
Respironics Inc. (Murrysville), 2005
Medrad Inc. (Indianola), 2006
Electro-Optics Center (Sarver), 2006
Alcoa Technical Center (Upper Burrell), 2006
Kennametal, 2007
Destination Wellness-AVH (Frazer Township), 2007
Leed's (Upper Burrell) 2007
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh), 2008
Site Signatures (Tarentum), 2008
Tribune-Review Printing Facility (Warrendale), 2009
Phillips Respironics (Upper Burrell), 2009
Medrad, 2010
Westinghouse Electric Co. (Cranberry), 2010
Century 21 American Heritage Realty (Allegheny Township) 2011
McCutcheon Enterprises (Apollo), 2011
Allegheny Valley Hospital, 2013

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

LAVARR MCBRIDE PROVIDES AN
OVERLOOKED VIEW OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Co-Authored Account of
Former Prisoners Who Shed Their Pasts

A book that provides a different perspective of the criminal justice system, co-written by LaVarr McBride, instructor in administration of justice at Penn State New Kensington, was published in May by the Kendall Hunt Publishing Co.

"Through a Convict’s Eyes: An Overlooked View of the Criminal Justice System,” is a first-hand account of former prisoners who shed their pasts to become productive members of society. McBride challenges the conventional wisdom that those who have done time in prison will always be life’s failures, a belief that is often shared by the offenders themselves. McBride co-authored the book with Eric Wicklund, a convicted felon.

“Many offenders feel that the communities do not believe they can change, and the stigma of being a felon will always keep them from succeeding,” said McBride, who has worked in the field of criminal justice for 29 years. “An individual is not bound to the label of a felon."

Prior to his career in academia, McBride worked as a senior probation officer for the United State Probation Service. Wicklund was 39-years old and had spent half his adult life in prison when he was released to McBride’s supervision in 2000. After much contemplation, rumination and speculation between the two men, the supervisor-offender relationship evolved into a lifelong friendship. Since that serendipitous encounter, Wicklund has stayed out of prison for nearly 14 years.

“It was an exciting adventure to write a book with someone that I had on probation,” said McBride, who also served as a correctional officer on Death Row at Utah State Prison. “The fusing of the thoughts of a probation officer and a convicted felon provided a unique perspective of the current dynamic criminal justice system.”

Wicklund changed his life because of his willingness to accept full responsibility for his actions. He found strength in his wife, Denise, whom he met soon after he was released from prison. According to McBride, support is vital, and Eric and Denise’s relationship had a great impact on his success.

“Eric has completely changed his life because he believes in himself and has a wonderful support system in Denise,” McBride said. “He no longer needs the drugs and a life of crime to give him substance."

While Wicklund is the central character in the story, McBride details the rehabilitation of many other released prisoners. Accountability is a major theme throughout the book. McBride stresses that in order to change behavior, it is essential for felons to answer to their victims.

“I address the absolute need for offenders to be accountable to their victims,” said McBride, who came to the New Kensington campus from Weber State (Utah) University. “Those that are accountable are the most likely to succeed because they realize the harm they have caused to their victims. This is critical for success.”

A consultant for nine years, McBride has performed mediation between defense teams and victims in capital murder cases throughout the country. He continues to work with families in death penalty and violent crime cases. He addresses their needs and helps find answers to their questions.

“We must involve the victims more within the process and empower them to feel that they are being heard and respected,” McBride said.

The book is the first for McBride. He is contracted to write a second book on victimology, which is the study of the relationships between victims, offenders and the criminal justice system. “Finding Their New Normal,” will be published in 2014. He previously wrote a piece, “Officer Suicide,” for the National Federal Probation and Pretrial Services Association Publication in August 2000.

 
Co-authors LaVarr McBride, left, and Eric Wicklund.

“The fusing of the thoughts of a probation officer and a convicted felon provided a unique perspective of the current dynamic criminal justice system.”
-- LaVarr McBride

McBride earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Weber State and a multidisciplinary master’s degree in Sociology, Public Administration and Economics at the Utah State University. He joined the campus faculty in 2011 and teaches upper- and lower-level administration of justice courses and specialized courses in serial murderers, interrogation, and victimology.

In addition to his teaching load, McBride is the Administration of Justice coordinator and internship supervisor for the New Kensington campus, as well as for Penn State Shenango and Penn State Beaver. The three campuses share authorization to deliver the bachelor’s degree program. Courses are offered in a blended delivery at each campus via the classroom and online.

“I thoroughly enjoy the students at Penn State New Kensington,” McBride said. “This is a wonderful campus, and the students are great to work with.”

A native of Rexburg, Idaho, McBride resides in Beaver Borough with his wife, Carol. They have four sons: Mitchell, who is married to Jenny and has a daughter, Charley; Justin who has a daughter, Izabelle;  and Nathan and Nicholas.

For more information, contact McBride at lwm13@psu.edu

For more about the book, visit http://www.kendallhunt.com/store-product.aspx?id=91955

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

ALLE-KISKI ALUMNI SOCIETY'S SUMMER FUNDRAISER
BENEFITS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Date: 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9
Place: Links at Spring Church, Apollo, Pa.
Registration: $110 per person includes green fee, lunch, dinner, prizes, refreshments on course
Sponsorships: “The Pride” Tournament Sponsor: $3,000;
“For the Future” Dinner Sponsor: $1,500;
“The Nittany” Lunch Sponsor: $500;
“Roaring Lion” Beverage Cart Sponsor: $500;
“Blue/White” Tee Sponsor: $100;
“The Lions Paw” Prize Donor 
 

Registration and sponsorship forms for the 14th annual Alumni Golf Scramble are available on the Penn State New Kensington website. Sponsored by the Alle-Kiski Society, the tournament tees it up at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9, at the Links at Spring Church in Apollo, Pa.

The shotgun-start tournament is open to alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The entry fee is $110 and includes green fee and cart, lunch, dinner, prizes, and refreshments on course. Foursome may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team.

Various golf packages are available including foursomes, tee sponsorships, and "dinner only." Tee sponsorships are available for $100.

Proceeds benefit the society's endowed scholarship that is awarded annually to New Kensington campus students. Lauren Richards and Brandi Ritenour received a total of $3,200 for the 2012-13 academic year. Since 1998, the local alumni society has awarded $36,000 to 45 campus students.

For information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu

For more about the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm

ALLE-KISKI SOCIETY
13th ANNUAL ALUMNI GOLF SCRAMBLE
Registration and Sponsorship Forms

SPONSORSHIPS
“The Pride”
Tournament Sponsor: $3,000 (Executive sponsor of the Alumni Golf Scramble)
*Your name and company logo on a banner in the clubhouse and on the practice green and driving range
*Foursome in the tournament
*A sign on an exclusive tee box and green
*Recognition on PSNK website
*Recognition on the program front cover and
on all marketing materials

“For the Future”
Dinner Sponsor: $1,500 (Sponsorship of dinner and awards ceremony)
*Your name and company logo on a banner in the clubhouse
*Foursome in the tournament
*A sign on an exclusive tee box and green
*Recognition on PSNK website
*Recognition on the program back cover

“The Nittany”
Lunch Sponsor: $500 (Sponsorship of lunch)
*Your name and company logo on a banner in the clubhouse
*Your name and company logo on a tee box
*Recognition on PSNK website
*Recognition in the program

“Roaring Lion”
Beverage Cart Sponsor: $500 (Hole/tee sponsorship)
*Your name and company logo on cart
*Your name and company logo on a tee box
*Recognition on PSNK website
*Recognition in the program

“Blue/White”
Tee Sponsor: $100
*Your name and company logo on a tee box
*Recognition on PSNK website
*Recognition in the program

“The Lions Paw”
Prize Donor (Donate items for raffle or door prizes)
*Company name and logo at prize table

GOLF AND SPONSORSHIPS PACKAGES
Lion’s Share I: $490
Foursome, tee sponsor, lunch, on-course beverages, dinner and awards

Lion’s Share II: $290
Twosome, tee sponsor, lunch, on-course beverages, dinner and awards

Lion’s Share III: $190
One golfer, tee sponsor, lunch, on-course beverages, dinner and awards

Lion’s Share IV: $110
Individual golfer, lunch, on-course beverages, dinner and awards

Non-Golfer Dinner: $30
Can't make the links? Join us for dinner.

Company/Individual Name____________________________________________________________________

Name on Sign/Banner________________________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________Email________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________

City______________________________________ State_____________ Zip___________________________

Golf Team Name____________________________________________________________________________

Golfer 1 Name______________________________________________________________________________

Golfer 2 Name______________________________________________________________________________

Golfer 3 Name______________________________________________________________________________

Golfer 4 Name______________________________________________________________________________

Mail completed registration form and check to:
ATTN: Bill Woodard
Alle-Kiski Society
3550 Seventh Street Road
Upper Burrell PA 15068

To make payment with credit card (MC or VISA only):
Call Tina Sluss at 724-334-6056

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF YOUTH PROGRAMS

“Rockin’ Robots: World Tour”
Presented by Carnegie Science Center
11:30 a.m., Friday, July 12

“Wild World of Animals”
Wildlife Show
11:30 a.m., Friday, July 19

“25th Anniversary Time Capsule Dedication”
Capsule Designed and Donated by Alcoa Technical Center
2:30 p.m., Friday, July 19

Young students' imaginations will soar to great heights this summer as Penn State New Kensington celebrates 25 years of its Kids in College program.

For a quarter of a century, the Office of Continuing Education has offered a variety of academic and sports activities for students in grades one through 12. Each year, more than 400 youths participate in the hands-on camps. For the past 10 years, the program blended its traditional camps with the Pennsylvania STEM.

“The camp was established to provide students with a fun learning experience, while exposing them to a college campus atmosphere,” said Debra Novak, coordinator of STEM programs at the campus. “Over the past 25 years, we have had more than 7,000 students participate in the program.”

This year’s line-up features 38 camps, including 16 new classes and 18 STEM classes. In addition, there are three sports camps -- basketball, soccer and volleyball --- as well as an SAT prep course for high school students.

The camps, which run from June to August, are arranged by grade levels. There are seven classes for children in grades 1-3 and seven classes for grades 2-5. Five courses are available for students in grades 4-8, and 10 camps are designated for students in grades 5-8. A babysitting class is offered to students in grades 6-11 and a biology class for grades 7-11. The sports camps cover all grades.

“We continue to have gifted instructors who provide creative courses that enrich our students in a variety of topics,” said Novak, who joined the campus community in October. “The number of courses offered each year has continued to grow in size and material content. Due to the program’s success, we presently have second-generation students attending the camps.”

New to the schedule this summer are Music Adventures and Exploration (grades 1-3), Through the Eyes of an American Girl Doll, (2-5), Cooking Creations (4-6), and Animal Sculptures and More (5-8). First-time STEM offerings include Voyage to the Arctic (1-3), Black Holes and Other Curiosities (4-6), and Masters of Game Design (5-8). In addition, old favorites include Math Rocks (2-5), Robotics for Beginners (4-6), Rocketry (4-8), and Introduction to Photography (5-8).

The perennial front-runner, Theatre Camp, is back for a two-week run beginning with auditions on June 10. Director Joe Truesdell brings an adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” to the Forum Theatre stage. The camp is split into two sections: 8:30 a.m. to noon (grades 2-5) and noon to 3:30 p.m. (6-12). The sections come together on the last day of camp, June 27, for a grand performance.

The cast of Annie Jr. in rehearsal at the 2003 Theatre camp.

To help the campus celebrate the silver anniversary, Novak has developed three special events that will feature balloons, popcorn and cake for the campers. The first event, presented by the Carnegie Science Center, is “Rockin’ Robots: World Tour” on Friday, July 12. A week later, on July 19, the “Wild World of Animals” wildlife show comes to the campus. Special activities conclude on July 19 with the “25th Anniversary Time Capsule Dedication.” The time capsule was designed and manufactured by the Alcoa Technical Center and donated to the campus.

“Each class at this year’s camp will provide a token to be included in the time capsule,” said Novak, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh. “We would love to have the kids in the community enroll in a camp and join us in celebrating.”

The Kids in College program is funded, in part, by a grant from the Grable Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the academic, artistic and social experiences for at-risk youth living in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The grant is earmarked for scholarships and materials. A limited number of scholarships are available. Students are encouraged to register early.

Based in Pittsburgh, the Grable Foundation supports community and youth organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania. The foundation reflects the philanthropic philosophy of Erret and Minnie Grable who were strong believers in the importance of education in helping children build productive, self-sustaining, and meaningful lives.

For more information, call 724-334-6010.

For a brochure on the youth programs, information on scholarships, or to register, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/CE/41091.htm

LEAVE A LEGACY AT THE CAMPUS

The Penn State New Kensington Office of Development is taking orders for engraved bricks for the Nittany Lion Shrine on campus. Orders placed by June 30 will be installed by fall in time for the campus' Fall Festival.

The bricks make excellent graduation gifts. Parents and spouses of new graduates can leave a legacy for them and build a path to the future with an engraved brick that leads to campus' Lion Shrine. Penn Staters also can give their spouses and parents a big "thank you" that will last forever.

The special bricks form the border of the herringbone-style pathway on the right and left side of the shrine. Engraved bricks replace plain bricks on an ongoing basis. More than 200 of the 1,200 bricks in the two pathways have been engraved. The Heinz Warneke sculpture sits on a natural monolithic sandstone block in a cove of spruce trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, seasonal plants, and perennials. The base of the shrine is surrounded by flagstone slabs filled in with other ornamental grasses.

Bricks can be purchased in two sizes: 8 x 4" for $75; 8 x 8" for $150.

To order a brick, contact Donna Speer, director of development, 724-334-6057, dms46@psu.edu

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

FEMALES INTERESTED IN REACHING FOR SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TO END 21-YEAR RUN

The 21st Females Interested in Reaching for Science, Technology and Engineering (FIRSTE) program is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 7 and 8, at Penn State New Kensington.

FIRSTE is a two-day summer program that targets potential college-bound ninth-through-11th-grade girls who are considering a career in science, technology or engineering. The object of the program is to foster involvement of girls in these traditionally male fields by reaching them during the career-formative years of high school. The program aims to allay the concerns of young women and to give them career options.

"Making a decision about career choices or areas of academic study in science and engineering can be overwhelming to high school students," said Tracie Brockhoff, co-director of the program and equipment specialist in the campus' biology and chemistry departments. "The program exposes the girls to many potential career fields in science and engineering so that they can eliminate choices and focus on what appeals to them."

Twelve females from high schools in Allegheny, Butler, Indiana, Armstrong and Westmoreland counties are selected each year for the program on the basis of their application and their intellectual curiosity.

"The program brings together females who develop and sustain a sense of support for one another," said Joan Kowalski, senior instructor in engineering at the New Kensington campus. "They share concerns, fears and uncertainties surrounding these nontraditional careers."

The curriculum focuses on computer-based design, practical laboratory applications and technical report writing as a means of introduction to the engineering and science fields. Students are provided with meals and are housed at the Nittany Highland Apartments, which are adjacent to the campus.

"Science and engineering are exciting and interesting to women on a multitude of levels," Brockhoff said. "Through FIRSTE, students experience a variety of science and engineering concepts to determine what fields of study interest them and what fields do not."

The 21st edition of FIRSTE will be the last. With the development of numerous STEM (Science, Math, Engineering and Technology) initiatives during the past several years at the campus, the objectives of the FIRSTE program duplicate those of the newer STEM programs, such as GECKO, STEM Academy and COMETS.

“After twenty-one years, I think FIRSTE has run its course and accomplished its objectives,” Kowalski said. “Moreover, because of STEM initiatives, there are many other activities now in existence to continue the mission.”

Since its inception in 1993, FIRSTE has provided 170 participants with a variety of skills to enhance their opportunity for success in the engineering and science fields. The program has been supported by grants from Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP), Bozzone Foundation, PPG Industries, Medrad, American Nuclear Society - Pittsburgh Section, and Penn State Division of Undergraduate Studies, College of Engineering.

An evening banquet on the second day of the program has been a tradition since the beginning. The banquet brings together participants, families, and donors.

The final keynote speaker will be Curt Radcliffe, a retired chemist for PPG Industries. Radcliffe has been a member of SACP, a professional society, for more than 30 years. Through its foundation, the Pittsburgh Conference, SACP and its sister society, Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh, promote science education in the form of science outreach programs, scholarships and grants to students, teachers and schools in the tri-state area and across the country.

On the recommendation of the Scholarships and Grants subcommittee, SACP provided the initial grant to the FIRSTE Program in 1996. Three years later, Radcliffe assumed the chairmanship subcommittee, a position he still holds, and the grants were renewed yearly.

“SACP believes the FIRSTE program is a worthwhile program to help young women decide if they want to pursue a career in science, technology and engineering,” said Radcliffe. “There are many careers possible in science, technology and engineering, and they are all needed to keep our society going. “

As dusk sets on FIRSTE, Kowalski and Brockoff will still be involved in the STEM fields, but will switch gears from recruiting secondary school students to retaining college students.

For a third consecutive summer, Penn State New Kensington is offering a preparatory program for incoming freshmen that is tailored to engineering students.

Summer Preparation for Academics in the College of Engineering, or SPACE as it is known on campus, is a two-week academic session during the summer. The sessions are designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and experience of those seeking to major in engineering. The program includes classes in pre-calculus, chemistry, physics, and English, as well as workshops on study skills and course scheduling strategies. Peer mentoring and networking with current students helps ease the transition from high school to college.

"The SPACE program is an excellent opportunity for freshmen to gain familiarity with basic subject matter in engineering," said Kowalski, the program director. "When the fall semester begins, they should feel more comfortable with some of the material in their courses."

Kowalski and Brockoff will be working on expanding the program next summer from two weeks to three weeks.

STEM Programs at the Campus
STEM is a statewide effort dedicated to preparing Pennsylvania students for global competitiveness through a strategy of enhanced education and career development opportunities. The initiatives are designed to increase the number of students, especially females, minorities and the underrepresented, in the STEM fields.

The two-year GECKO program allows freshman and sophomore education and science majors at the campus to share lessons with local students, from kindergarten to the eighth grade, in Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland county school districts. GECKO is supported by a grant from the Buhl Foundation.

STEM Academy targets high school students. The program provides dual-enrollment courses that are focused on STEM majors. Students are given options for courses that can be taken at the New Kensington campus.

Courses On Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science, also known as COMETS, began in March to provide online career mentoring for middle school females. The program targets seventh- and eighth-grade girls who have an interest in the STEM fields.

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

ALLE-KISKI SOCIETY
6:30 p.m., Monday, May 20, Conference Center

New and recent graduates are invited to the next meeting of the Alle-Kiski Society at 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 20, in the Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington.

Input is needed for discussion of the funding of alumni and campus projects for the 2013-14 year. Society president Kerry Kelly inducted 90 spring graduates into the Penn State Alumni Association May 4 during New Kensington commencement ceremonies.

Representing more than 7,000 alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley, the society encourages new and recent graduates, as well as parents and friends, to stay connected with the campus and Penn State.

For more about the society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm

 
AKS president Kerry Kelly has the honor of inducting new grads into the PSAA.

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

WIN IN IMAGING ANALYSIS COMPETITION COMPLETES
'TRIPLE CROWN' FOR CAMPUS AT PSRT CONFERENCE

A team of radiological science students from Penn State New Kensington gained experience and earned recognition in April at the annual Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists (PSRT) conference in Allentown, Pa.

Debra Majetic, coordinator of the radiological science program, and Marcia Curler, instructor in radiological sciences, escorted 16 second-year students to the annual meeting. The students will graduate in August with an associate degree and will be eligible for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for professional certification.

“Students are our future and will service all our imaging needs,” said Majetic, who is a graduate of the campus' radiological sciences program and holds a master’s degree in higher education from Geneva College. “We hope this experience sparks an interest in our students to get involved with professional organizations after graduation.”

The purpose of the trip was two-fold. Students had the opportunity to meet with soon-to-be colleagues in a conference setting and compete with fellow students in various categories -- research presentations, image analysis, and Techni-bowl.

“It was nice to network with technologists and students from across the state,” said Heather Pranskey of Aliquippa, Pa., who will earn an associate degree in August. “I thought the speakers were all very interesting.”

Stephenie Fox and Tori Claypoole received the second place award for their research project, “Radiation Travel Exposure.” The Kittanning residents’ project focused on whole body scanners, the radiation doses travelers received while in flight, and the ways to ensure radiation protection guidelines are followed. Eighty projects, presented in poster format, were entered into the competition.

Fox also teamed with Samantha Miller of Union City and Nicala Wisnik of Natrona Heights, to win the image analysis contest. The three classmates selected the correct pathology on each x-ray image.

“The conference was a good experience, and the image analysis was interesting” Wisnik said. "It felt nice to win because I never win anything.”

Garnering awards and accolades at the society meetings is becoming a tradition for Majetic’s students. In the past four years, the up-and-coming radiographers have taken a first and a second or third in each of the competitive categories.

Leah Brown, Anne Boyd and Megan Walters started the winning streak in 2010 by capturing first place with their research project, “Radiation for Safety.” The following year, Mallory Randas and Colin Lischy took third-place honors in the inaugural Techni-bowl, a jeopardy-style competition. Last year, Bill Henry and Lydia Johnson won the Techni-bowl and Keaton Truit and Caitlin Gallagher placed in the image analysis. Fox, Miller and Wisnik’s image analysis victory this year completed the “triple crown” for the campus.

"The opportunity for our students to not only participate in the competition but to also attend the state meeting was invaluable," said Majetic, who joined the campus faculty in 2005. "Imaging professionals recognize the importance of networking with others, sharing new technologies, promoting the profession and supporting education and new technologies entering the field."

About the Radiological Sciences Program at Penn State New Kensington
Radiography is a science combining medical imaging technology with human compassion. Radiographers use their knowledge of physics, human anatomy and physiology to create permanent medical radiographic images. These imaging professionals provide a wide range of services using technology founded on theoretical knowledge and scientific concepts.

As a part of the health care team, radiographers provide patient care using safe radiation practices, operate sophisticated technical equipment and make independent judgments and decisions daily. Radiological services are offered in a variety of settings such as hospitals, health-care facilities, physicians' offices, research centers and equipment sales offices. Careers in radiography offer flexible work schedules that accommodate various lifestyles and employment needs.

The radiological sciences program at Penn State New Kensington offers students an associate degree, and graduates are eligible for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The 72-credit, academic- and clinical-based curriculum begins in the fall of each year and requires 24 consecutive months of study, including summer sessions.

“In the past two years, the certification examination pass rate for our graduates was 100 percent,” said Majetic. “The five year average is 96 percent.”

For more about the Radiological Sciences program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44310.htm

About Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists
PSRT is an affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). An organized group of radiologic technologists who live in a specific region or state, affiliates share a common mission and purpose with ASRT.

Affiliates provide services for their members, such as conferences, grass-roots networking, social networking, leadership opportunities and community awareness in support of local radiologic technologists.

"One of the greatest strengths of ARST is its 54 affiliate societies, which represent the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico and Guam,” said Majetic.

The local society supports student research for the purpose of expanding knowledge of the radiology profession.

For more about PSRT, visit http://psrtonline.org/

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

PENN STATE A.M. FEATURES DR. THOMAS MCCLURE,
ALAN JANESCH, GRASSROOTS DIRECTOR FOR PSAA
8 a.m., Wednesday, May 15,
Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights

Dr. Thomas McClure, chief medical officer for Allegheny Valley Hospital (AVH) and Alan Janesch, director of the Grassroots Network of the Penn State Alumni Association, are the featured speakers at the next Alle-Kiski Society alumni breakfast that is set for 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, at AVH in Natrona Heights, Pa.

The alumni breakfast is an informal one-hour breakfast for Penn State alumni and friends who have the opportunity to get "inside the ropes" of the health care industry. With Happy Valley's famous "grilled stickies" highlighting the menu, the free breakfast is geared to Penn Staters who live and work in the greater Pittsburgh region.

McClure, who was named to the post in 2011, is responsible for providing management and leadership to the hospital’s medical staff to enhance the quality of patient care and the effective utilization of resources.  The topic of his talk is “Health Care in Transformation.” After completing his undergraduate studies at Thiel College, McClure received his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where he also completed his internal medicine residency.  Dr. McClure is board-certified in Internal Medicine and holds academic honors and awards including the National Committee for Quality Assurance certification in Diabetes Mellitus, Congestive Heart Failure and Stroke, the Health Insurance Association of America certification for Parts A and B of Managed Care, and Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Bernhard A. Goldmann Award and  Arkwin Award for Academic Excellence.

As network director, Janesch works with some 30,000 volunteers to keep Penn State alumni informed about legislative issues important to Penn State in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., and to help them reach out to their elected officials on Penn State’s behalf.

Janesch is a Penn State alumnus and a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association. His background includes stints on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in higher education communications at Penn State and Bucknell University, and as a newspaper reporter. Janesch holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English.

Prior starting the higher education phase of his career, Janesch worked in Washington, D.C., for 12 years, mostly for the National Governors Association. He was also press aide for former U.S. Rep. Don Ritter, from the Lehigh Valley.

The event is co-hosted by Ned Laubacher, executive vice president of the eastern corridor and chief executive officer for Allegheny Valley Hospital and Forbes Regional Hospital of the West Penn Allegheny Health System. With more than 22 years in managing healthcare organizations, Laubacher has considerable experience in the areas of finance, strategic planning, outpatient and service line development, mergers and acquisitions, large medical group operations, and business development. He is responsible for strategy, operations and performance for the Allegheny Valley and Forbes Regional hospitals. During his four-year tenure as Allegheny Valley CEO, the health care facility was named the fifth best hospital in Western Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report.

Allegheny Valley Hospital CEO Ned Laubacher delivered the commencement address May 4 at Penn State New Kensington.
He co-hosts of the alumni breakfast.

Based at Penn State New Kensington, the Alle-Kiski Society is the local society of the PSAA. Representing more than 7,000 alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley, the society encourages new and recent graduates, as well as parents and friends, to stay connected with the campus and Penn State.The society engages in various campus projects throughout the year, including fundraising events and networking activities.

Recently, the society held its 11th annual Alumni Bowl-a-thon that raised $6,000 for campus projects and scholarships. In the past three years, the alumni society has pledged $10,000 to the campus' Athletic Department to renovate a weight room for free weights and heavy equipment; awarded $7,000 in scholarships to campus students; and pledged $25,000 to increase its endowed scholarship from $51,000 to $76,000.

In addition to the free breakfast, there will be special door prizes, courtesy of the hospital and a tour of the emergency department and the LifeFlight facilities.

To RSVP for the breakfast, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu.

Contact: 

Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu

Work Phone: 

724-334-6049

Cell Phone: 

724-594-8421

Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

NINETY DEGREES CONFERRED;
NED LAUBACHER DELIVERS ADDRESS

Chancellor Kevin Snider conferred degrees to 90 graduates on May 4 at the 54th spring commencement exercises at Penn State New Kensington.

Ned Laubacher, executive vice president of the eastern corridor and chief executive officer for Allegheny Valley Hospital and Forbes Regional Hospital of the West Penn Allegheny Health System, delivered the commencement address, "Your Future is Seeking a Team Player."

Kerry Kelly, president of the Alle-Kiski Society, inducted the new alumni into the Penn State Alumni Association. Jordan Miller, president of the Student Government Association, addressed the graduates. Danielle Dortenzo, who received her B.S. in Psychology degree at the exercises, sang the National Anthem and the Alma Mater. 

Four undergraduate students were awarded degrees with highest distinction, high distinction, and distinction, based on their cumulative grade-point averages. The graduate with highest distinction was Samantha L. Polons, who was awarded a bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology. Polons, a resident of Plum Borough, graduated in three years with a 3.99 GPA. Those with high distinction were Justin D. Brown of Vandergrift (B.S. Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology), Brian J. Ferraccio of Apollo (B.S. Psychology) and Shana L. Williams of Apollo (B.A. Applied Psychology).

Among the graduates were two adult learners, Pamela Jo Lang of New Kensington and Randall Frain of Springdale. As youngsters, Lang and Frain were classmates at the former Ridge Avenue Junior High School in New Kensington. After Frain moved to Lower Burrell, the two went to different high schools and lost contact with each other. Marriage, children and grandchildren followed before they reunited in 2011 in the Race, Gender and Employment course.

“Randall and I were in homeroom together for a few years because my maiden name was Ferma,” said Lang, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Sciences and Technology. “When I saw him in my class two years ago, I remembered his name was Frain. We both remembered each other and shared information about our health, families, work and school experience at the campus.”

Former junior high school classmates Pamela Jo Lang and Randy Frain reunited at
Penn State New Kensington and graduated together in the spring.

“We sat across from each other in homeroom and talked each morning,” recalled Frain, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. “When Pam sat down beside me in the employment course and said, ‘Hello, do I know you?’ my mind seemed to go into slow motion, and then I remembered her. Seeing Pam again is like pulling on your favorite sweater and going out the door on a cool, crisp, spring morning.”

Both returned to college to enhance their careers. Lang is the staff technician and data management and precious metals coordinator at the Alcoa Technical Center in Upper Burrell, four miles from the campus. Her IST degree complements her job responsibilities. The IST major gives graduates a background in the core technical areas of networking, databases, programming, and system integration.

Frain is looking to start a second career in management. He retired from the United States Postal Service and enrolled in the OLEAD program, which is geared to adult students and serves as a foundation of communication skills with strong attention to workplace-specific courses such as organizational leadership, industrial relations, employment relations, and ethics. Frain finished at the top of his OLEAD senior class and was recognized in April at the annual Academic and Student Achievement Awards ceremony. He also earned a minor in Labor and Employer Relations.

The Penn State New Kensington class of 2013 is a continuation of a tradition that began in 1960 with 28 men earning associate degrees. It has evolved into men and women receiving bachelor's and associate degrees. Since that inaugural class, more than 10,000 alumni have attended Penn State New Kensington and have earned a Penn State degree.

For photos of the ceremony, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/

LIST OF GRADUATES

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

School of Business, Bachelor of Science, Management Information Systems

Armand J. D'Alessandro

College of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology

Kriss O. Bookwalter, Justin D. Brown ##, Tyler A. Davis, Jeffrey M. Enos,

Michael J. Fox, Adam L.Housholder, Timothy J. Kerrigan, Michael R. Klaric,

Joshua C. Mastruserio, Samantha L. Polons #, Stefan E. Sadock, Steven P. Schroeder,

Dylan Thomas, Adam R. Zottola

College of Health and Human Development, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology

Brian A. Smith

College of Information Sciences and Technology, Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology

Matthew W. Brueggeman, Pamela Jo Lang

College of Liberal Arts

Bachelor of Science, Organizational Leadership

Randall C. Frain, Beverly L. Matchett, Steven R. Turpin

University College

Bachelor of Science, Administration of Justice

Mario F. Devine, Andrew V. Holodnik, Matthew E. Lecocq,

Nicole A. Opielowski, Justin M. Reed, Brittany M. Yanoff

Bachelor of Arts, Applied Psychology

Shanna L. Williams ##

Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology

Jon D. Benson, Derek T. Laughery, Justin L. Fitzpatrick, Nicholas C. Siple,

David A. Smouse, Amber E. Thompson

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Jolene N. Bierer, Christopher P. Deet, Brandi A. Dickerhoff,

Amber L. Griest, Richard J. Hofscher, Erin L. Steele

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Danielle L. Dortenzo, Brian J. Ferraccio ##, Brittany L. Walker

Bachelor of Science, Business

Zachary M. Albert, Zachary E. Bunting, Katie D. Colbert, Steven M. Digirolamo,

Anthony J. Dimatteo, Kalie D. Montgomery, Nicole A. Thoma

Bachelor of Arts, Communications

Shawn M. Annarelli, Christina B. Horner, Jamie L. Mazzotta

World Campus, Bachelor of Science, Business Information Sciences and Technology

Nicole L. Huck

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

College of Engineering

Biomedical Engineering Technology

Evan G. Adams*, Jacob R. Babinsack*, Matthew J. Bilby*, Zachery M. Craven*,

Kevin R. Dougherty*, Bradley R.  Harkless*, Ryan E. Jenkins, Jordan M.  Lane*,

Nathan S. Tomporoski*, Lawrence N. Utchel*, Keirstin N. Walker*

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Adam T. Bombalski, Dylan R. Kasprzyk, David M. Marullo, Joseph G. Miller,

William M. Staniszewski, Shane A. Wawrzyniak, David L. Yohe

University College

Business Administration

Jason M. Emerick

Information Sciences and Technology

Austin J. McFall, Chi-Craig Wee

Radiological Science

Tori Claypoole*, Hannah E. Cook*, Arianne Z. Damico*, Jade T. Elliott*,

Stephenie M. Fox*, Andrew M. Gengler*, Hailabe Hailu*, Jayme L. Kruse*,

Samantha R. Miller*, Taran P. Opitz*, Katie L. Pesci*, Heather R. Pranskey*,

Kristen M. Santry*, Emily M. Westover*, Kierston A. Wilkinson*, Nicala M. Wisnick*

# Highest Distinction                          ## High Distinction                            ### Distinction

*Intends to fulfill degree requirements during summer 2013

"Each fresh generation of students brings in a new fresh life.

The young men and young women who are going out today not only carry

 with them a new flood of life… but they will carry with them recollections of the

 men and women who have led them forward with the hope and promise to this occasion.

It is a scene that is always full of inspiration…that no time can wither nor custom stale."

Commencement Address, 1897, George W. Atherton, President, The Pennsylvania State University, 1882-1906

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

MARIA FRANCO DE GOMEZ SAYS 'ADIOS'
STUDENTS SAY 'GRACIAS'

To Penn State New Kensington students, she is known simply as “Senora.” She makes learning a foreign language fun and informative as lively banter in Spanish reverberates through the classroom.

After 19 years of “hola” and “hasta luego,” it is time for Maria Franco de Gomez, instructor in Spanish, to say adios. Senora retired at the end of the spring semester. And a generation of campus students says gracias.

“Looking back on my teaching career, every class was unique and had its own character,” Franco de Gomez, said. “I enjoyed teaching Spanish to help students to communicate in a foreign language. I have had wonderful experiences with most of my classes, and every class has been equally important to me.”

And her students concur. In 2011, she was honored with the 2011 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching. The University-wide award, named after Penn State’s seventh president, is presented each year to faculty members who have devoted substantial effort to and developed a record of excellence in undergraduate teaching. Nominations are accepted from the University community, including students and colleagues. A former student spoke for many when submitting a nomination.

"Learning a second language is always difficult and intimidating," the student wrote, "but Senora ensures that all of her students find her classes casual and fun, while also being challenging and informative. She strives to give her students the confidence to learn through practice and conversation."

A native of Mexico, Franco de Gomez joined the campus faculty in 1994, teaching upper- and lower-level courses. She has taught elementary and intermediate Spanish conversation, grammar and composition, as well as a course on Latin-American civilization.

Prior to arriving at the New Kensington campus, Franco de Gomez held teaching positions at the University of Arizona in Tucson and the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a master's degree in Latin American Literature from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor's degree in mathematics from La Normal Superior Nueva Galicia in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“Having the privilege to teach at Penn State New Kensington has totally exceeded my expectations, and I have never taken this opportunity for granted,” Franco de Gomez said. “The campus gave me the chance to do so many things that I love -- teaching, learning, knowing wonderful life time friends, interacting and traveling with students and faculty."

Her interest in teaching was piqued while she was an undergraduate. She had a young math professor who simplified the course material by making it logical and interesting.

“This professor sparked my interest in understanding the material thoroughly and also learning how to teach the material effectively,” Franco de Gomez said. “Years later, this professor became my best friend, colleague and companion for life.”

Javier Gomez-Calderon, professor of mathematics at the campus, is the husband of Senora. After teaching a summer course in June, he will join his wife in retirement.

The establishment of the campus’ international travel program is a proud moment for Franco de Gomez. She and a colleague, Bill Hamilton, assistant professor of biology and a 2003 Atherton Teaching Award recipient, developed the travel abroad program in 2004. For eight years, they coordinated trips during spring break. The program provided students with the opportunity to directly experience other countries and other cultures.

“One of my favorite memories at the campus is my work with Dr Hamilton in organizing the first international campus trip to Spain,” Franco de Gomez said. “I enjoyed teaching classes to prepare students for our international trips. It is a nice memory that I will never forget.”

Franco de Gomez and Hamilton sandwiched student excursions to Spain (2004 and 2011) between journeys to France, Italy, Greece, China, Peru and Ecuador. The program has since been renamed Global Programs and is coordinated by Ahbinav Aima, instructor in communications, Gary Heberling, instructor in information sciences and technology, and Amy Rustic, reference librarian. During the past spring break, students visit Ireland.

In addition to the Atherton award, the Plum Borough, Pa., resident is a two-time recipient of the campus' Excellence in Teaching Award, 1998 and 2004. The award recognizes faculty performance in the classroom, as well as in other activities such as advising, supervision of learning outside the classroom, and course development.

“There have always been some students in my classes that have inspired me to continue doing my best and allowed me to love my job,” Franco de Gomez said. “I will always remember this period of my life with gratitude and respect.”

Excellence in teaching runs run in the family. Her husband was the 2007 recipient of the Eisenhower Award that recognizes excellence in teaching and student support among tenured faculty. Like his wife, Gomez-Calderon has been honored twice with the campus' Excellence in Teaching Award.

Retirement for Franco de Gomez means maintaining her roots in Plum. Her increased leisure time will be devoted to her interest in reading, writing, gardening, walking and hiking, as well as “watching my little grandson.”

The couple has three grown children: a son, Javier Gomez-Franco and two daughters, Angie Martelli who is married to Steve Martelli, and Liliana Gomez-Franco who is married to Wayne Kirley.

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

COURSES ON MATH, ENGINEERING,
TECHNOLOGY, AND SCIENCE PROGRAM PROVIDES
GUEST SPEAKERS FROM HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 11, Conference Center

The next event of Penn State New Kensington’s new STEM program, Courses on Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science, also known as COMETS, features guest speakers from the health care industry. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, in the campus Conference Center.

COMETS targets seventh- and eighth-grade girls who have an interest in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields. Volunteer mentors, drawn from Penn State alumna and friends in STEM-related professions, share their experiences on career opportunities in their fields. In addition to mentoring and guest speakers, the eight-month program features demonstrations, projects and a monthly “Saturday Brunch” series.

“The program combines an online mentoring program with hands-on presentations in a wide range of STEM fields,” said Debra Novak, coordinator of STEM programs at the campus. “The mentors provide new perspectives on their careers, as well as perspectives on other STEM careers for the girls.”

The speakers for the May 11 event are three women in the medical research and medical sales fields. A hands-on activity for the students will be a part of each talk.

The two researchers are from the University of Pittsburgh. Kelsey Magee, research assistant in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, and Kathryn Lemon, Health Science Research Fellow in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, will discuss their work and their academic career paths. The interactive portion of the talks will give students the opportunity to identify different blood types.

Representing the sales side of the medical field will be Sarah Reifschneider, diabetes clinical nurse manager for Medtronics, the world’s largest medical technology company with its world headquarters in Minnesota. Reifschneider will discuss her career and various pathways available to people who work in the nursing profession. She will provide an activity for the students that correlates with diabetes and healthy eating.

The COMETS initiative began in January when students were introduced to their mentors, and it continued in March with presentations by Engineering Ambassadors, a Penn State University Park student organization that motivates grade-school students to challenge conventional ideas about science and engineering.

“It was a great opportunity for the girls to interact with college students who are currently enrolled in engineering majors,” said Novak, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh. “The students asked questions about college classes, majors, and possible industries that involves engineering.”

Thirty-three students from five public school districts, Burrell, Kiski Area, Leechburg, New Kensington/Arnold, and Plum, and a private school, Mary Queen of Apostles in New Kensington, are participating in the inaugural program. Eighteen mentors are assigned to students, and they hold weekly online sessions of 20-30 minutes with their mentees.

The next program is set for June 8 and the topic of discussion will be industrial engineering, and manufacturing for coal cleaning equipment. Presentations and activities pertaining to computer science will follow on July 13.

For more information, contact Novak at dsn2@psu.edu via email.

Campus STEM Initiatives
STEM is a statewide effort dedicated to preparing Pennsylvania students for global competitiveness through a strategy of enhanced education and career development opportunities. The initiatives are designed to increase the number of students, especially females, minorities and the underrepresented, in the STEM fields.

The seed for the COMETS program was planted in 2010 when the campus hosted the “Women in STEM Symposium.” More than 300 high school females attended the event that featured a panel discussion on career possibilities for women in STEM-related fields. The panelists, Sara Sibenaller, software engineer for Philips Respironics Inc., Renee Leroy, research engineer for the Penn State Electro-Optics Center and a Penn State New Kensington graduate, and Amy Peters, senior bioassay scientist for Thermo Fisher Scientific, extolled the different perspectives that women can bring to these traditionally male-dominated fields. They advised the audience to take advantage of internships at local companies to gain experience in their prospective vocations.

Novak, who joined the campus community in October, coordinates the campus’ four STEM programs -- Kids in College, Green Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach (GECKO), STEM Academy and COMETS. Her responsibilities include increasing the interest of grade-school students in the four core disciplines critical to the development of technological innovations. She develops and manages STEM initiatives by bringing together representatives from the campus, local school districts and regional industries. The initiatives are geared to elementary and secondary students.

Kids in College, celebrating its 25th year in June, is a summer program that combines hands-on activities and STEM camps for students in grades one to 12. The STEM-related classes include courses like " Daring Designs" where students draw scale plans for a bedroom or game room using a scientific perspective and the "Rocketry" class, which is an opportunity for students to build their own model rockets and launch them. Kids in College is sponsored by the Grable Foundation.

The two-year GECKO program allows freshman and sophomore education and science majors at the campus to share lessons with local students, from kindergarten to the eighth grade, in Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland county school districts. GECKO is supported by a grant from the Buhl Foundation.

STEM Academy targets high school students. The program provides dual-enrollment courses that are focused on STEM majors. Students are given options for courses that can be taken at the New Kensington campus.

“The academy provides students with the advantages of earning college credits while in high school and exploring a career path that is STEM-related," said Novak, who teaches English as a second language in the Burrell School District. “It also provides an opportunity for high school teachers to work with campus faculty to develop the talents of college-bound and workforce-bound students whose career interests will require advanced knowledge of STEM areas.”  The campus’ four STEM projects complement Novak’s charge to coalesce interdisciplinary teams of grade school teachers and administrators, higher education students and faculty, and industry representatives to determine the best approach to STEM literacy in the region.

“STEM-related growth is expected to expand immensely in the near future for the Alle-Kiski Valley,” said Novak, who lives in Lower Burrell with her husband and four children. “Our programs are directed at introducing and supporting the necessary pathways for students in our area districts for success in STEM jobs.”

Contact:
Bill Woodard, uxw1@psu.edu
Work Phone:
724-334-6049
Cell Phone:
724-594-8421
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist

LADY LIONS FINISH A GAME OUT IN FIFTH PLACE

“Help me, Cassius, or I sink.” -- William Shakespeare,

Julius Caesar: Act I, Scene 2

Alas, the Penn State New Kensington softball team had no Cassius around while swimming in the Tiber of the PSUAC conference standings.

After losing five of their final six Penn State University Athletic Conference regular season games, the New Kensington Lady Lions sank from second place to fifth place in the standings, a game out of fourth and the last playoff berth. The team needed the help of a Cassius, which would be Penn State Worthington Scranton, to split with Penn State Hazleton in the season-ending doubleheader, and pull New Kensington into a tie with Hazleton. Like Julius Caesar, Scranton succumbed, 1-0, and 14-0, dashing the hopes of Lady Lions.

Coach Mike Marsili’s squad ended the 2103 campaign ranked 16th nationally in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association with a 9-7 PSUAC record and a 10-12 overall mark. With a blend of clutch hitting, power, and speed, the team batted .285 with 14 home runs (fourth in the USCAA), 95 runs scored and 25 stolen bases. The pitching staff combined for two shutouts, 118 strike outs and a 2.91 ERA.

Individually, the Lady Lions were led by junior pitcher Tarra Oravec of Kiski Township.  Oravec was among the USCAA national leaders in five hitting and pitching categories. She was second in home runs, 8, fourth in RBIs, 29, and 11th in average, .444. She was also seventh in strike outs, 86, and 12th in ERA, 3.27. She picked up numerous awards throughout the season including national pitcher of the week. She was a three-time PSUAC pitcher or player of the week. At the campus’ annual student awards ceremony April, 26, the Kiski Area graduate was named Female Athlete of the Year.

Freshman catcher Rachel Lojas (Norwin High School) was second on the team in home runs (4); hits (24), runs (16) and RBIs (11). She was third in batting average with .353. Freshman first baseman Sabrina Johns was second on the team in batting average at .359. Rojas was seventh nationally in home runs.

The outlook for next season is encouraging as senior outfielder Katie Colbert (Fox Chapel), a four-year starter and the team’s leading base stealer, is the lone casualty of graduation. Colbert earns a bachelor’s degree in Business May 4 at Spring Commencement. Marsili returns eight starters, including three seniors – Oravec, pitcher/outfielder Jenna Swank and second baseman Sarah Kutchko.

JAVIER GOMEZ-CALDERON LIVES HIS DREAM OF

TEACHING COLLEGE STUDENTS

His research interests involve abstract algebra, such as finite fields, and polynomials. His teaching interest involves basic math, such as number theory and vector calculus. Since 1986, Javier Gomez-Calderon, professor of mathematics at Penn State New Kensington, has introduced generations of campus students to the wonders of trigonometry, calculus, matrices and number theory.

A finite number class is appropriate this semester as Gomez-Calderon’s number is 27 – that is, years at the campus before he retires in June after teaching a final summer class.

“I have enjoyed teaching all courses, but I do love teaching basic math, especially number theory and vector calculus,” said Gomez-Calderon, who teaches upper- and lower-level mathematics courses. “I love interacting with  my students every day, and teaching them how to solve problems and equations.”

Ever since he was a boy growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, Gomez-Calderon dreamed about teaching at the university level.  After teaching mathematics for eight years at several Mexican institutions and seven years as a graduate associate and teaching assistant at the University of Arizona, where he earned his master's and doctorate degrees in mathematics, he realized his dream when he joined the New Kensington mathematics department.

“I have always liked mathematics and talked math with my young friends,” Gomez-Calderon said.” Mathematics is universal, and it is just beautiful to me."

In 1996, he was awarded full professorship, the campus’ second full professor. Former chancellor, Roy Myers, professor emeritus of engineering, was the first.  Charles “Bud” Gibbons, professor of visual arts, earned membership in the exclusive club in 2008. Full professor is the highest rank attained by Penn State faculty members.

“I have spent the best years of my life at New Kensington, and I cannot imagine a better way of spending this part of my life,” Gomez-Calderon said. “I respect the work, dedication and kindness of the faculty.  It has been a real honor to be part of it.”

During his tenure at the campus, Gomez-Calderon has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards. In 2007, he was selected for the Milton S. Eisenhower Award for Distinguished Teaching. The Eisenhower Award is a University-wide honor that recognizes excellence in teaching and student support among tenured faculty members in the Penn State system. Milton Eisenhower, brother of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, served as president of Penn State from 1950 to 1956.

"I have been living my dream of teaching mathematics for more than two-thirds of my life," the self-effacing Gomez-Calderon said. "I am not an outstanding teacher nor am I an important mathematician. I simply enjoy doing my job"

He pursued his profession because of the demands it places on teaching and learning; both concerning students and colleagues. He encourages student questions and suggestions and serves as mentor for and mentee of peers and friends.

"In my opinion, teaching and learning always go together," Gomez-Calderon said. "How can I teach if I am not learning?"

In addition to the Eisenhower award, Gomez-Calderon is a two-time recipient of the campus' Excellence in Teaching Award, 1989 and 1997. The award recognizes faculty performance in the classroom, as well as in other activities such as advising, supervision of learning outside the classroom, and course development. In 2002, he was honored with the Commonwealth College Outstanding Research Award and in 1996 with the Teresa Cohen Mathematics Service Award.

"It has been an honor to work with Javier whose passion for math is exceeded only by his devotion to his students, and he has truly set the bar high for teaching and learning on our campus,” said Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs.  “When I meet campus alumni, they often inquire about their former teachers, and Javier is one of the first professors they ask about.  It's an inspiration to witness how many lives he has reached through his dedication and instruction."

The New Kensington campus hasn’t been the only beneficiary of Gomez-Calderon’s mathematical dexterity. For four years, 2002-06, he served as the Mathematics Division Head for 14 Penn State campuses across the state.

"I supervised the curriculum, maintained academic consistency across the campuses, and communicated with faculty and academic administrators," said Gomez-Calderon, who has authored or co-authored 32 articles and four books.

Professor Javier Gomez-Calderon works in his office during the last day of spring classes.

Excellence in teaching runs in his family. His wife, Maria Franco de Gomez, instructor in Spanish at the campus, also has won the Excellence in Teaching award twice — 1998 as a part-time instructor and 2004 as a full-time instructor. Franco de Gomez, is also retiring at the end of the semester. In addition, she was honored with the 2011 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching. The University-wide award, named after Penn State's seventh president, is presented each year to six full-time faculty members who have devoted substantial effort to and developed a record of excellence in undergraduate teaching.

The 64-year-old Gomez-Calderon's passions are not limited to academia. Soccer has been a lifelong avocation, both as a player and a coach. He played indoor and outdoor soccer until the age of 55 and coached high school soccer as recently as 2011.

He was the head coach of the girls soccer team at Plum High School for seven years, 1998-2006, guiding the Mustangs into the playoffs three times. In 2001, he was named Coach of the Year by the Valley News Dispatch.

A back injury sidelined "Coach G", as he is known on the pitch, and he resigned the position. After rehabilitation, he was lured out of retirement in 2006 by Mike Spangnolo to serve as assistant coach for the girls' team at Burrell High School. In 2008, he returned to the head coaching ranks and succeeded Spangnolo. He served three years at Burrell before retiring for good in 2011.

"I have great memories of my tenure at Plum, and the team did well after I left," said Coach G., a resident of Plum Borough. "I left Plum assuming that I was done with soccer, but Mike invited me to join him and be part of another great soccer team.”

Retirement for Gomez-Calderon won’t involve soccer, save for watching World Cup matches, but it will involve mathematics. Without a set academic schedule, Gomez-Calderon has the freedom to continue his pursuit of teaching and learning.

“I’ll have time to read more and to think and reflect on mathematics,” said Gomez-Calderon. “My dream of teaching is still alive. Nothing is set for the future, so I am open to all opportunities.” \

“Maybe someone will hire me to teach a seminar across the globe,” he said with a laugh.

For 42 years, Gomez-Calderon has stood in front of a chalkboard, writing equations, manipulating numbers and explaining theories. For the professor, it was always about educating the students.  Letting go of that is the downside to moving on to the next phase of life.

“I have always had a substantial group of students who have made my teaching life extremely enjoyable and rewarding,” Gomez-Calderon said. “I have been very lucky."

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION REORGANIZES FOR FALL

The Student Government Association at Penn State New Kensington reorganized in May and selected a new slate of officers for the officers for 2013-14 academic year.

Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, works closely with the SGA board. According to Blum, the students are looking forward to serving their student body.  Blum and Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs, are co-advisers for the SGA.  

“The new officers are excited and already jumping into their duties and roles with enthusiasm,” Blum said.

The 2013-14 officers:

President – Chelsea Leaks of Saxonburg (Knoch High School), sophomore, Risk Management

Vice President – Marissa Russo of Plum Borough, Pa. (Plum HS), sophomore, Information Sciences and Technology

Treasurer – Cody Shoemaker of Parks Township, Pa. (Kiski Area HS),  sophomore,

Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology

Secretary – Caitlyn Cody of Huston, Texas (Cypress Falls HS), sophomore, Information Sciences and Technology

Upperclassmen Faculty Senate Representative – Ryan Barton of Cabot, Pa. (Evangel Heights Christian Academy HS),

junior, Information Sciences and Technology

Underclassmen Faculty Senate Representatives – Samantha Muhhuku of Kampala, Uganda (Uganda Martyrs Senior\

Secondary School), sophomore, Biomedical Engineering Technology

Ethan Ritzert of Chicora, Pa. (Karns City HS), sophomore, Aerospace Engineering

The SGA represents the campus’ students, providing support and advocacy and helping them experience what the University has to offer.

For more about the SGA, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentLife/sga.htm online

GRADUATES TO RECEIVE
BACHELOR'S AND ASSOCIATE DEGREES
10:00 A.M., SATURDAY, MAY 4, ATHLETICS CENTER

Nearly 100 graduates will receive baccalaureate and associate degrees at Penn State New Kensington's 54th commencement exercises at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 4, in the campus Athletics Center.

Chancellor Kevin Snider will confer undergraduate degrees to candidates. Ned Laubacher, executive vice president of the eastern corridor and chief executive officer for Allegheny Valley Hospital and Forbes Regional Hospital of the West Penn Allegheny Health System, is scheduled to deliver the commencement address. Kerry Kelly, president of the Alle-Kiski Society, will induct the new Penn Staters into the Penn State Alumni Association.

The class of 2013 is the 54th graduating class at the New Kensington campus. What began in 1960 with 28 men earning associate degrees has evolved into 92 men and women receiving bachelor's and associate degrees. Since that inaugural class, more than 10,000 alumni have attended Penn State New Kensington and have earned a Penn State degree.

 The campus was born in 1958 as the New Kensington Center, which opened in the First Ward School Building in the heart of the city of New Kensington with 79 students enrolled in the electrical and mechanical engineering associate degree programs. In 1963, the center moved to the former Parnassus Junior High School and began offering the first two years of baccalaureate programs in education, liberal arts, business administration, and human development. In the same year, Alcoa offered to give the University a 35-acre tract of land in Upper Burrell Township, four miles east of the city. Three years later, the current campus was born and classes convened in the Engineering Building. Today, more than 700 students matriculate on campus and are studying in 14 associate and bachelor's programs.

 As the campus and student body evolved, the mission of Penn State New Kensington also has evolved. The campus was founded as a response to a local need for higher education opportunities in the Alle-Kiski Valley, and it remains committed to fulfilling that responsibility. But the campus also plays an important role in the development of the region, and actively promotes partnerships with local and national businesses. With the establishment of programs such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and WEDIG (Westmoreland Economic and Development Initiative for Growth), the campus seeks to bridge the gap between education and industry.

 Penn State New Kensington continues to evolve as it is firmly ensconced in its sixth decade of service to the citizens of the Alle-Kiski Valley. It is relentless in expanding course offerings to meet industry’s changing needs. This greatly enhances Penn State’s historic mission of teaching, research and service.

For more on the commencement and speaker, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/45356.htm

LIST OF CANDIDATES

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

School of Business, Bachelor of Science, Management Information Systems

Armand J. D'Alessandro

College of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology

Kriss O. Bookwalter, Justin D. Brown ##, Tyler A. Davis, Jeffrey M. Enos,

Michael J. Fox, Adam L.Housholder, Timothy J. Kerrigan, Michael R. Klaric,

Joshua C. Mastruserio, Samantha L. Polons #, Stefan E. Sadock, Steven P. Schroeder,

Dylan Thomas, Adam R. Zottola

College of Health and Human Development, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology

Brian A. Smith

College of Information Sciences and Technology, Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology

Matthew W. Brueggeman, Pamela Jo Lang

College of Liberal Arts

Bachelor of Science, Organizational Leadership

Randall C. Frain, Beverly L. Matchett, Steven R. Turpin

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Erin L. Steele

University College

Bachelor of Science, Administration of Justice

Mario F. Devine, Andrew V. Holodnik, Matthew E. Lecocq,

Nicole A. Opielowski, Justin M. Reed, Brittany M. Yanoff

Bachelor of Arts, Applied Psychology

Shanna L. Williams ##

Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology

Jon D. Benson, Derek T. Laughery, Justin L. Fitzpatrick, Nicholas C. Siple,

David A. Smouse, Amber E. Thompson

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Jolene N. Bierer, Christopher P. Deet, Brandi A. Dickerhoff,

Amber L. Griest, Richard J. Hofscher

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Danielle L. Dortenzo, Brian J. Ferraccio ##, Brittany L. Walker

Bachelor of Science, Business

Zachary M. Albert, Zachary E. Bunting, Katie D. Colbert, Steven M. Digirolamo,

Anthony J. Dimatteo, Kalie D. Montgomery, Nicole A. Thoma

Bachelor of Arts, Communications

Shawn M. Annarelli, Christina B. Horner, Jamie L. Mazzotta

World Campus, Bachelor of Science, Business Information Sciences and Technology

Nicole L. Huck

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

College of Engineering

Biomedical Engineering Technology

Evan G. Adams*, Jacob R. Babinsack*, Matthew J. Bilby*, Zachery M. Craven*,

Kevin R. Dougherty*, Bradley R.  Harkless*, Ryan E. Jenkins, Jordan M.  Lane*,

Nathan S. Tomporoski*, Lawrence N. Utchel*, Keirstin N. Walker*

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Adam T. Bombalski, Dylan R. Kasprzyk, David M. Marullo, Joseph G. Miller,

William M. Staniszewski, Shane A. Wawrzyniak, David L. Yohe

University College

Business Administration

Jason M. Emerick

Information Sciences and Technology

Austin J. McFall, Chi-Craig Wee

Radiological Science

Tori Claypoole*, Hannah E. Cook*, Arianne Z. Damico*, Jade T. Elliott*,

Stephenie M. Fox*, Andrew M. Gengler*, Hailabe Hailu*, Jayme L. Kruse*,

Samantha R. Miller*, Taran P. Opitz*, Katie L. Pesci*, Heather R. Pranskey*,

Kristen M. Santry*, Emily M. Westover*, Kierston A. Wilkinson*, Nicala M. Wisnick*

# Highest Distinction                          ## High Distinction                            ### Distinction

*Intends to fulfill degree requirements during summer 2013

"Each fresh generation of students brings in a new fresh life.

The young men and young women who are going out today not only carry

 with them a new flood of life… but they will carry with them recollections of the

 men and women who have led them forward with the hope and promise to this occasion.

It is a scene that is always full of inspiration…that no time can wither nor custom stale."

Commencement Address, 1897, George W. Atherton, President, The Pennsylvania State University, 1882-1906

VETERAN PERFORMER CHRIS CAPO
FALLS BACKSTAGE DURING ‘BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL’
Treated and Released from Hospital

The final two performances of Penn State New Kensington’s spring stage production, “Bat Boy: The Musical,” were cancelled April 19 and 20 due to an injury to the lead actor.

Chris Capo, a sophomore chemical engineering major, fell backstage on stairs as he was heading to the changing room between scenes. The fall opened a gash on his head, and he was transported by ambulance to the Allegheny Valley Hospital. Capo was treated and released from the hospital the same night.

“I talked to Chris on Saturday, and he wanted to perform the final show very much,” said Bill Mitas, director of the play and instructor in theatre at the campus. “But we did not want to jeopardize his health and safely and cancelled the final performance.”

A veteran of numerous campus productions, Capo had a feature role in the fall play, “The Glass Menagerie.” He will be honored for his thespian acumen April 26 when he receives the Performing Arts Award for Best Performer at the annual Academic and Student Achievement Awards ceremony. The award recognizes students in performing arts, including acting, singing and production. Besides being a cast member, the Valley High School graduate was a member of the set crew.

Extracurricular activities are a part of Capo’s DNA. In addition to being in the spot light, he was the starting defender for the men’s soccer team that reached the semifinals of the Penn State University Athletic Conference championship. His academic accomplishments also earned him a berth on the Academic All-Conference team, which is reserved for student-athletes who earn a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. In addition, Capo is a recipient of the campus’ John Evans Scholar/Athlete Memorial Award for outstanding academic achievement while participating in an intercollegiate sport.

The accident did not dampen the spirits of the “Bat Boy” cast and crew. Some went to the hospital to offer moral support. Others kept in constant contact through text messages and Facebook postings. The old theatrical adage, “The show must go on,” may still ring true as Mitas is looking into reprising the show in the fall. Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, had praise for Capo and the cast and crew.

“Chris is one of our most seasoned and talented actors, dedicated to the theater,” said Kevin Snider, a musical performer who sings and plays the guitar. “Our hearts go out to Chris and the entire cast and crew who worked to pull this performance off, but I fully expect all will be back to entertain us next season.”

LADY LIONS NEED HELP FROM RIVALS

A pair of conference doubleheaders in the Pennsylvania towns of Schuylkill Haven and Hazleton will determine the playoff fate of Penn State New Kensington. And the Lady Lions will not be on the field.

After a regular season-ending doubleheader loss April 21 at home against Penn State Mont Alto, 4-3 and 8-2, coach Mike Marsili’s team dropped from second place to fifth place in the Penn State University Athletic Conference with a 9-7 record. The team's chances of advancing to the four-team playoffs hinge on two losses April 24 by Penn State Schuylkill, 9-5, to visiting Penn College, 6-6,or a split April 25 by Penn State Hazleton, 8-6, with visiting Penn State Worthington Scranton, 0-14. However, two losses by Schuylkill will elevate Penn College into the playoff hunt. The Wildcats have two games remaining on April 27 at Penn State Greater Allegheny, 2-10.

The New Kensington Lady Lions lost five of six games during a four-day span last week to forfeit control of their destiny. A doubleheader sweep April 18 by Penn State Fayette started the downward spiral that included a split at home April 20 with Schuylkill.

Despite the slide, junior pitcher Tarra Oravec continued to rack-up conference awards. For the third time in April, Oravec was named PSUAC Pitcher of the Week, April 15-21. The Kiski Area High School graduate won two games against Hazleton and Schuylkill, going 12 innings and allowing two runs while striking out 15. She helped her own cause at the plate, hitting .600 (9-15) with 3 homers and 9 RBIs.

The do-it-all Oravec is among the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s national leaders in five hitting and pitching categories. She is second in home runs, 8, fourth in RBIs, 29, and 11th in average, .444. She is also seventh in strike outs, 86, and 12th in ERA, 3.27.

Freshman catcher Rachel Lojas is seventh in home runs with 4. As the team, the New Kensington Lady Lions are fourth in the nation in home runs with 15.

The top four teams in the nine-team league advance to the double-elimination PSUAC championship. The tournament begins May 6 at Penn State Mont Alto.

NED LAUBACHER TO SPEAK TO SPRING 2013 GRADUATES
10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 4, Athletics Center

Ned Laubacher, executive vice president of the eastern corridor and chief executive officer for Allegheny Valley Hospital and Forbes Regional Hospital of the West Penn Allegheny Health System, will be the principle speaker at Penn State New Kensington’s spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 4, in the Athletics Center.

Laubacher is responsible for strategy, operations and performance for both hospitals. With more than 22 years in managing healthcare organizations, he has considerable experience in the areas of finance, strategic planning, outpatient and service line development, mergers and acquisitions, large medical group operations, and business development.

During his four-year tenure as Allegheny Valley CEO, the health care facility was named the fifth best hospital in Western Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report. Prior to joining the hospital, Laubacher was the CEO of an outpatient surgery center, a durable medical equipment company, a home health and hospice company and a national radiation oncology business.  He also served as the chief operating officer of the healthcare consulting practice for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Laubacher is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned dual master’s degrees -- Health Services Management and MBA. He resides in Wexford with his wife and four children.

‘PENN STATE A.M.’ HOSTED BY
CEO NED LAUBACHER
8:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, Natrona Heights

The beginning of summer is right around the corner and so is the spring alumni breakfast, "Penn State A.M."  The annual breakfast social has been a staple for the Alle-Kiski Society and Penn State New Kensington since 2003.

The event goes retro this year with Allegheny Valley Hospital hosting the next breakfast at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at its facility in Natrona Heights. The hospital hosted the 2004 breakfast event. Participants will be able to start the work day by joining fellow Penn Staters for a free breakfast featuring Happy Valley's famous "grilled stickies."

Co-hosted by Ned Laubacher, executive vice president of the eastern corridor for Allegheny Valley Hospital and Forbes Regional Hospital of the West Penn Allegheny Health System and the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, the event is geared to alumni who live and work in the greater Alle-Kiski Valley area. It is a chance to get together with old friends and receive an update on the current buzz at Penn State and the region.

Special guest speakers include Laubacher, who will speak on “Changes in the Health Care Industry,” and Alan Janesch, director of the Grassroots Network of the Penn State Alumni Association, who will give an update on what is trending at Penn State. A tour of the emergency department and lifeflight facilities will be available after the breakfast.

In addition to the free breakfast, there are special door prizes including a free entry fee ($110 value) for the 14th annual Alumni Golf Scramble, scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, Aug. 12, at The Links at Spring Church.

To RSVP for the breakfast, contact Bill Woodard, at 724 334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu.

RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSROOM

James Melnyk, a sophomore wrestler at Penn State New Kensington, was named to a national Academic All-America team.

Melnyk was recognized for his academic achievements by the National Collegiate Wrestling Association, the national governing body for the New Kensington wrestling program. The NCWA recognizes student-athletes who have grade-point averages of 3.5 and above. Melnyk is the first campus wrestler to receive the honor.

The award complements his selection to the Penn State University Athletic Conference Academic All-Conference team. In addition, Melnyk is a recipient of the campus’ John Evans Scholar/Athlete Memorial Award for outstanding academic achievement while participating in an intercollegiate sport.

A product of Schenley High School, Melnyk was invited to the NCWA nationals by finishing in the top six of the Mid-East Regionals. He was ranked 63rd out of 172 opponents in his 168-pound weight class and went 1-2 in the tournament to earn a Top 25 ranking.

Melnyk lost his first match in the 165-pound class, climbed up the consolation ladder with a win over Will Royster of the University of Michigan, and ended the tournament with a loss to Stephen Kemp of Lindenwood. A 157-pounder during the regular season, Melnyk wrestled up a class at the nationals.

During the regular season, Melnyk sported a 4-8 mark, including three pins. He earned an honorable mention on the Penn State University Athletic Conference All-Conference team.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Derek Caldwell, the New Kensington Lions finished the season with a 7-13 record in dual competition. Caldwell has helped resuscitate a program that was dormant from 1975 to 2010. Wrestling was a staple of the campus athletic program in the early 1970s.

"CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE"
RECOGNIZES STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
7:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, Forum Theatre

The Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association will co-sponsor the reception for student honorees at Penn State New Kensington's annual Academic and Student Achievement awards ceremony.

The society, based at Penn State New Kensington, donated $500 to help recognize more than 100 students for their accomplishments during the fall and spring semesters. The "Celebration of Excellence" awards ceremony is set for 7 p.m., Friday, April 26, in the campus' Forum Theatre. The event is co-sponsored by the campus’ Student Government Association.

The highlight of the evening is the awarding of the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award to the student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship and leadership contribute to the prestige of the campus. In addition, faculty will be recognized for excellence in teaching, and the society will present its annual Penn State Spirit award to the campus student who exhibits integrity and character as a leader, demonstrates outstanding dedication to the campus, and exemplifies the meaning of Penn State pride. Kerry Kelly, president of the Alle-Kiski Society, will present the award.

The society engages in various campus projects throughout the year, interacting with former and current students by social and fundraising events and other networking activities. Recently, the society held its 11th annual Alumni Bowl-a-thon that raised $6,000 for campus projects and scholarships and hosted an alumni social after a New Kensington Lions men's basketball game.

In the past two years, the alumni society has pledged $10,000 to the campus Athletic Department to renovate a weight room for free weights and heavy equipment; awarded $7,000 in scholarships to campus students; and pledged $25,000 to increase its endowed scholarship from $51,000 to $76,000.

The society plans to fund the endowed scholarship commitment with proceeds from its annual alumni golf scramble. The 14th edition is set for 11 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9, at the Links at Spring Church.

Penn State alumni, students, parents and friends from the Penn State New Kensington service area -- Westmoreland, Allegheny, Butler, Armstrong and Indiana counties -- are encouraged to re-connect with the University and campus by attending Alle-Kiski Society monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. The next meeting is May 20 in the campus Conference Center.

For more information on the society and its events, contact uxw1@psu.edu

NEW KENSINGTON CONTINGENT VISITED

DUBLIN, KILLARNEY, CORK, KILKENNEY AND BELFAST

From Dublin in the Republic of Ireland to Belfast in Northern Ireland, Penn State New Kensington students experienced a week of Irish culture over spring break in early March.

Arranged by New Kensington faculty -- Abhinav Aima, instructor in communications; Gary Heberling, instructor in information sciences and technology; and Amy Rustic, reference librarian -- the international trip to five cities in Ireland was an opportunity for students to travel abroad and explore Irish customs that have been influenced by a variety of ancient peoples including the Normans and the British.

The traveling party included students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The focus of the trip were the cities of Dublin, Killarney, Cork, Kilkenney and Belfast.

“Ireland is a beautiful, aged land that has endured many hardships in its time but has emerged as a flourishing nation through it all,” said Shanna Williams, a senior applied psychology major.  “The trip gave me the opportunity to see both the serene, green countryside of Ireland filled with sheep and other livestock, as well as the hustle and bustle of their city life, as well as everything in between.”

The itinerary included guided tours and walking tours of historical buildings and landmarks, as well as free time for shopping and night life. Highlights included visits to Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Bog Museum, and the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the four Gospels written in Latin by Celtic monks in the seventh century.

In conjunction with the trips, students are required to take a related course that enriches their understanding of Ireland and its heritage. Williams is taking a communications course, “Newspaper Practicum,” taught by Aima.

“I wrote two articles pertaining to Ireland; one about before and after perceptions of Ireland and one about the visit to the Guinness Storehouse,” said Williams, who graduates in May.  “I am also putting together a multimedia video project including my photos and video clips from the trip.”

For Williams, the Ireland trip was her second international adventure sponsored by the campus. She initially wasn’t going on the journey because she traveled to Spain two years ago during spring break.

“I am so glad that I went to Ireland because I may never have this educational opportunity again to share with my friends,” said Williams, a product of the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. “I loved Ireland as much as Spain, if not more. My mother and I wear matching Claddagh rings every day now. I purchased them in Ireland as a symbol of friendship, love, and loyalty.”

The sojourn across the pond is a part of the Penn State Global Programs initiative that provides students with a variety of opportunities to study in foreign lands for varying periods of time--week, summer, semester, or full year. The objective is to offer students a broader education than can be obtained through classroom experiences.

For the past six years, the campus has embarked on the promotion of greater awareness and understanding of world issues, international trends and global policy debates. Each year, the campus adopts a country or region of the world to inspire teaching and scholarship. Ireland and the United Kingdom were this year’s “Countries of Focus.”

LADY LIONS END REGULAR SEASON WITH PSUAC DOUBLEHEADERS



Top Three Teams in League at Wolf Pack Park

2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 20, Penn State Schuylkill

Noon, Sunday, April 21, Penn State Mont Alto

PITCHER TARRA ORAVEC AND CATCHER RACHEL LOJAS



EARN WEEKLY CONFERENCE AWARDS

Sandwiching an eight-game winning streak between two losses, the Penn State New Kensington softball team concludes its regular season schedule, April 20 and 21, with a four-game conference homestand at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell, Pa.

The New Kensington Lady Lions, 8-2 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference and 9-7 overall, play a doubleheader at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, against Penn State Schuylkill and turn it around the next day at noon versus Penn State Mont Alto. Playoffs berths and seeding are on the line for all three PSUAC teams.

Coach Mike Marsili’s squad, ranked 17th nationally in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, sits in second place in the PSUAC standings (prior to April 18 doubleheader at Penn State Fayette). Mont Alto, 7-1, and Schuylkill, 6-2, are in first and third place, respectively. The top four teams in the nine-team league advance to the double-elimination PSUAC tournament.

After a conference opener loss to Penn College in the first game of a doubleheader, the New Kensington Lady Lions reeled off eight consecutive victories, including sweeps of Penn State Beaver, Penn State Greater Allegheny and Penn State Worthington-Scranton, before falling April 15 in the nightcap of a twin bill at fourth-place Penn State Hazleton. In the first game at Hazleton, junior Tarra Oravec hit and pitched her way to a 9-7 extra-inning win. At the plate, Oravec had 6 RBIs, going 3-4 with a double and home run. On the mound, she picked up her team-leading fifth victory, going nine innings while allowing two earned runs and striking out eight. Oravec’s hitting proficiency increased her batting average to .468, which moved her to 10th nationally in the USCAA.

During the winning streak, Oravec and catcher Rachel Lojas earned conference awards for the week of April 1-7. Oravec, an administration of justice major from Kiski Area High School, was named PSUAC Pitcher of the Week for going 18 innings and giving up two runs, a 0.76 ERA. She picked up two wins while striking out 19.

Lojas, a freshman nuclear engineering major from Norwin High School, was named PSUAC Player of the Week.  In wins over Beaver and Penn College, she went 8-15, a .533 batting average. The power-hitting catcher had 2 doubles, a triple and a home run, 4 RBIs and scored 7 runs.

On the year, the battery mates are supplying a majority of the team’s offense. Oravec leads the team in average, RBIs (21), triples (2), and home runs (5). She is tied with sophomore shortstop Bridget Fisher (Burrell HS) in stolen bases with 4. Lojas tops the squad in runs (17) and doubles (4). She is second in average (.393), RBIs (10) and home runs (3). On the mound, Oravec is 5-4, with a 2.62 ERA and a shutout. She has 56 strikeouts in 61.1 innings.

New Kensington, undefeated at home, 4-0, faces two national ranked opponents. Schuylkill is 6th in the USCAA and is led by senior outfielder Tia Lyons, .537 average, and sophomore pitcher Bryanna Snowell, .488. Sowell is also the ace of the staff with a 9-4 record and a 2.53 ERA. The 9th-ranked Mont Alto is lead by freshman second baseman Jenna Rhodes, who is hitting .452, and sophomore outfielder Mackensie Trafka at .439.

For New Kensington’s schedule, results and statistics, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/index

USCAA HONORS JUNIOR PITCHER FOR TWO WINS, SHUTOUT

Allows Eight Hits with 15 Strikeouts

Hits .714 with Six RBIs and Home Run

Blending solid pitching with good hitting, Penn State New Kensington’s junior pitcher Tarra Oravec was named the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s Pitcher of the Week in softball for the period April 8-14.

Oravec, a graduate of Kiski Area High School, scattered eight hits with 15 strikeouts in picking up a pair of conference victories over Penn State Greater Allegheny, 5-2, and Penn State Worthington Scranton, 11-0. She contributed offensively to both wins by going 5-7, a .714 average, with 6 RBIs, a triple and home run.

“Tarra throws hard, and changes speeds to keep opposing players off balance,” said Mike Marsili, the fifth-year head coach. “At the plate, she hits for power and average, and she has deceptive speed.”

Oravec validated her USCAA honor the next game, April 15, by pitching and hitting the New Kensington Lady Lions to a 9-7 extra-inning win at Penn State Hazleton. At the plate, Oravec matched her output of the two games that fueled her national recognition. She batted .750 with 6 RBIs, a double and home run. On the mound, she picked up her team-leading fifth victory, going nine innings while allowing two earned runs and striking out eight. Oravec’s hitting proficiency over the last six games increased her batting average to .468, which moved her to 10th nationally in the USCAA.

National awards are becoming an annual tradition for Oravec. A year ago, she became the first softball student-athlete to be accorded the honor by earning pitching accolades for allowing one run and three hits in a pair of victories at home against Scranton.

When she’s not on the mound, Oravec is a stalwart in the outfield. The Allegheny Township resident has an excellent glove that complements her power and average. Oravec’s athletic dexterity on the field is equaled by her academic acumen in the classroom. She is on the Dean’s List, whose membership is reserved for students earning grade-point averages of 3.5 or higher. She expects to earn her bachelor’s degree in 2014 and continue her education in law school.

In addition to her national award, Oravec was named Pitcher and Player of the Week by the Penn State University Athletic Conference for the same period. It was the second PSUAC pitching award of the season for Oravec. Two weeks ago, Oravec and catcher Rachel Lojas earned the two conference awards.  Oravec was honored for going 18 innings and giving up two runs, a 0.76 ERA. She picked up two wins while striking out 19. Lojas, a freshman nuclear engineering major from Norwin High School, was named PSUAC Player of the Week.  In wins over Beaver and Penn College, she went 8-15, a .533 batting average. The power-hitting catcher had 2 doubles, a triple and a home run, 4 RBIs and scored 7 runs.

On the year, the battery mates are supplying a majority of the team’s offense. Oravec leads the team in average, RBIs (21), triples (2), and home runs (5). She is tied with sophomore shortstop Bridget Fisher (Burrell HS) in stolen bases with 4. Lojas tops the squad in runs (17) and doubles (4). She is second in average (.393), RBIs (10) and home runs (3). On the mound, Oravec is 5-4, with a 2.62 ERA and a shutout. She has 56 strikeouts in 61.1 innings.

Oravec joins a select group of Penn State New Kensington student-athletes who have garnered two USCAA Player of the Week honors.  In men’s basketball, Justin Reed turned the trick in 2010 and 2009.  Golfer Adam Stawski, current PSUAC individual champion, was honored in 2012 and 2009.

National honors have been a staple of the campus athletics program since it joined the USCAA in 2005. In the past seven seasons, five student-athletes have been named to the All-America team: Mende Hicks, women’s volleyball (2006-07); Jeremy Hurt, men’s basketball (2007-08); R.J. Hurt, men’s basketball (2007-08); Matt Miller, golf (2008-09); and Stawski (2012-13 and 2009-10).

In addition, five student-athletes were selected to the USCAA Academic All-America team: Stawski (2012-13); Matt Knapp, golf (2011-12), Kayla M. Smail, women's volleyball (2008-09); Jeremy Hurt (2006-07 and 2007-08); and Christy Heasley, women’s volleyball (2006-07).

The USCAA is a national organization that is geared to provide athletic opportunities to small colleges — those with enrollments of less than 2,500. It sponsors 11 national championship tournaments in men's and women's sports. Established in 2001, the USCAA was incorporated to provide an opportunity for members to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of similar size and athletic programs. Headquartered in Newport News, Va., the organization has more than 82 member institutions in 24 states, stretching from Maine to California.

Penn State New Kensington's summer classes comprise five sessions of three weeks, five weeks, eight weeks or 12 weeks. The first session runs three weeks, May 6 to 23, followed by the 12-week session that runs from May 6 to July 25.

The first five-week session begins May 28 and ends June 27; the eight-week session is scheduled May 28 to July 18; and the second five-week session starts on July 1 and goes until Aug. 1. A variety of classes are available during all sessions.

For summer scheduling information, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/courses.htm online.

The Alle-Kiski Society's 14th annual Alumni Golf Scramble is set for 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9, at The Links at Spring Church in Apollo.

Co-hosted by Penn State New Kensington, the tournament is open to alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The $110 entry fee includes dinner, refreshments and awards. Various golf packages are available including foursomes, tee sponsorships and "dinner only." Tee sponsorships are available for $100.

Proceeds benefit the society's endowed scholarship that is awarded annually to New Kensington campus students. Senior Lauren Richards and junior Brandi Ritenour were awarded a total of $3,200 for the 2012-13 academic year. Since 1998, the local alumni society has awarded $36,000 to 45 campus students.

For more information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu.

THREE-DAY RUN OF ANNUAL STUDENT STAGE PRODUCTION
Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20, Forum Theatre

After three months of rehearsal, the Penn State New Kensington student cast members of "Bat Boy" have learned their lines, developed a stage presence and perfected the timing, so when the curtain goes up at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 18, in the Forum Theatre, they will be ready. The Penn State Players are in fine voice and anxious to open the three-day run of the musical production at the campus.

Directed by Bill Mitas, instructor in theater arts, the show stars Chris Capo as  Edgar, the bat boy, and Emily Urbaniak as Meredith Parker, the foster mother who takes the bat boy into her home.  Tickets are $8 for students and $12 for the general public and are available by calling 724-334-6062.

For more about the production, cast list, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/45316.htm#NEWS45316

Students, faculty and staff will be recognized for their accomplishments at the annual academic and student achievement awards ceremony, "A Celebration of Excellence," at 7 p.m., Friday, April 26, in the Forum Theatre at Penn State New Kensington.

One of the highlights of the evening is the awarding of the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award to the student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship and leadership contribute to the prestige of the campus. In addition, faculty will be recognized for excellence in teaching.

For more about the celebration, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentLife/stulifeawards.htm

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR VISITS HIGH SCHOOLS IN PUERTO RICO
Extolls the Benefits of a Penn State Education

Nine states are represented by students matriculating at Penn State New Kensington. For the fall semester, the unofficial “51st state” may be represented as well.

In keeping with Chancellor Kevin Snider's recruiting initiatives, the campus admissions office is making inroads into the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Danielle DeStefano, assistant director of enrollment management, spent a week in early March in the unincorporated territory of the United States, where she visited high schools throughout the island in cities such as San Juan, Ponce, Myaguez, Caguas, Carolina, and Bayamon. 

“Penn State is quite popular and very well known in Puerto Rico, so the name itself is a big draw,” said DeStefano, who joined the admissions staff in 2008.  “When students and families hear that a degree at New Kensington is the same as the degree at University Park, they get even more interested in our campus.”

In the past year, the campus’ enrollment has become more culturally diverse, according to Penn State’s annual snapshot count taken at the end of the sixth week of the  fall semester.  A first-year group of international students increased the campus total to six from China, India, Uganda and Ghana. The number of veterans at the campus continues to rise as the Iraq and Afghanistan wars wind down and more military personnel fulfill their service obligations and return to civilian status. Eight states, from California to Texas to Maryland, have sent residents to study at New Kensington. Targeting American citizens from an overseas possession seems like a natural fit for the campus.

“Puerto Rican students would provide additional diversity to our student body,” said DeStefano, who earned a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology at the campus.  “There is a strong interest in soccer on the island, so we may have some potential athletes from there as well.”

Another draw for the campus is the funding opportunities available to these students. Unlike international students, Puerto Ricans are eligible for financial aid, including scholarships. This year, new and returning students at the New Kensington campus earned a total of $293,000 in scholarship money. The campus has 50 scholarship endowments, annual gifts and program awards that funded 183 students this year with an average award of $2,000 per student.

“Because they are considered U.S. citizens, Puerto Rican students are classified as out-of-state students and can receive financial aid,” said DeStefano, a 2006 recipient of the Walker Award, the campus’ most prestigious student award.  “This makes the cost of tuition much more affordable to them than an international student.” 

Travelling outside the campus’ traditional recruiting base of the greater Pittsburgh region is becoming a ritual for DeStefano. In November, she journeyed to Toronto to visit 25 high schools in the Ontario province in Canada. Her itinerary included visiting five high schools each day and attending college fairs each night. Future trips are in the offing. DeStefano expects to get a few students from Puerto Rico and Canada for the fall semester.

“Programs like this typically take about three years to grow,” said DeStefano, a native of Washington Township. ”Once we get our first group of students , they will then be able to help us promote the campus by word of mouth back home and possibly bring us even more in the future.”

For more about Penn State New Kensington, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/\

About Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, Spanish for “rich port,” is an archipelago comprising four islands in the in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. San Juan is the capital of the main island of Puerto Rico, which is located between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands. The “island of enchantment” is a part of a group of islands that includes Cuba, Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) and Jamaica that constitute the Greater Antilles.

A possession of Spain for more than 400 years, Puerto Rico was ceded to the U.S. in 1898 as a result of the Spanish-American War. The inhabitants elect their own governor but are not represented in the U.S. Congress, which holds sway over the territory. The 3.7 million Puerto Rican people cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections. 

MOSHE BARAN GIVES A FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF
ATROCITIES OF THE HOLOCAUST
Noon, Wednesday, April 17, Conference Center

Penn State New Kensington will hold its annual "Holocaust, In Remembrance" program from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, in the campus conference center. Lois Rubin, associate professor of English, annually arranges for guest speakers in an effort to educate students about the atrocities of the Holocaust. The program is free to the public.

Moshe Baran is a survivor of the Horodok ghetto in Poland, his hometown, and the Krasny forced labor camp in Byelorussia, a satellite republic of Russia (now the independent Republic of Balarus). Baran, who escaped Kransy and joined the resistance movement, gives a first-hand account of the atrocities of the Holocaust.

 "He will tell his story, giving first-hand accounts of the war, separating from his family, escaping the camp, hiding in the forest, and rescuing his family," said Rubin, who teaches composition and literature courses. "After being liberated, he eventually made his way to the United States."

Born in 1920, Baran was the oldest of four siblings that included a brother and twin sisters. When the Nazis invaded Holodok in 1942, the family was sent to Krasny. Baran, then a strapping 22-year-old, was forced to work laying railroad ties. With the help of a friendly guard, he secured a military weapon, dug under the camp fence, and escaped into the forest and swamps near Wileyka-Ilia, Belarussia, to join the resistance movement. For two years, he lived in hiding and took part in sabotage missions such as mining roads and planning ambushes. He arranged for the rescue of his brother, sister and mother, all who survived. His father stayed behind at Krasny to care for one of the twins who was ill. Both perished when the ghetto was destroyed by the Nazis. In 1944 the region was liberated.

After the war ended, Baran made his way to Linz, Austria, met his future wife, Malka Klin, a survivor of Treblinka, and eventually immigrated to New York City in 1954. He began a career in real estate management and had two daughters. Malka had a 35-year career as an early-childhood educator. Upon retirement, the couple moved to Pittsburgh in 1993 to be near a daughter. Malka died in 2007. Moshe lives next door to his sister. His brother lives in Los Angeles. The 92-year-old survivor is active in the Jewish community and serves as president of the Holocaust Survivors of Pittsburgh.

Since 1992, Rubin has brought 21 Holocaust survivors to the New Kensington campus to speak in April, the month of Holocaust Remembrance Day. According to the Pittsburgh native, the recollections by speakers such as Baran remind the world of the lesson of respecting the humanity of those who are different.

"I continue to do the program because I think we still need to be mindful of the terrible consequences of hatred and prejudice," said Rubin, who earned a doctorate degree from Carnegie-Mellon University. "Time is passing, and members of the World War II generation are aging. In a few years, the survivors of the Holocaust will not be around to tell us their stories in person."

Co-sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, the event usually has a large turnout. Seating is limited and group reservations are recommended. For information or to make a group reservation, call 724-334-6062.

EXPO AND JOB FAIR HIGHLIGHTS CAMPUS STUDENTS
Tuesday, April 9, Athletics Center

Poster and Oral Presentations: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Company Recruiters: 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

From the effects of nicotine on cognition, to interfacing electroactive polymers with software for capacitance sensing, to improving the meaningful life of undergraduate students, to using community engagement in a positive psychology course, students at Penn State New Kensington explored a variety of issues during the fall and spring semesters. The results of their research will be unveiled publicly at the 11th annual Research and Creative Exposition from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, in the campus Athletics Center.

Student researchers will display their current research as posters or oral presentations at the annual event. The exposition provides students, under the guidance of a faculty adviser, with the opportunity to conduct research, draw conclusions and present their information in a public setting. This year, 86 students researched 55 projects that will be exhibited in a poster format or delivered orally.

The poster category is designed to convey the project's significance to scholars in the field and potential significance to the general public. The student's written research is translated into a poster and presented in public. Participants are judged on content, display and oral defense of their project.

The oral presentation category is designed to take written research and present it in an engaging 10-minute presentation. Presenters are judged on written materials, topic significance, objectives, methods, responsible knowledge, invention, preparation and delivery.

Also, in conjunction with the Expo, Penn State New Kensington will host the fourth annual Career Day from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on April 9, in the Athletics Center. Career Day complements the Expo by creating new opportunities for the students and faculty to build stronger contacts with local industries through sharing of career information while also highlighting the campus' many research and creative activities.

Representatives from more than 25 companies will discuss career options, internships and job opportunities for current students and recent graduates. Organizations attending Career Day represent a variety of fields including business, engineering, science, information technology, psychology, marketing, administration of justice, communications, finance, accounting, social services and human services. The campus faculty is encouraged to attend as companies will focus on career paths within their organizations that relate to academic disciplines.

"The combination of the Career Day with the Research and Creative Expo creates a major annual event for the campus while giving students significant opportunities to present their best work to local professionals and employers," said Jim Shields, career services coordinator at the campus. "At the same time, it's another chance to showcase Penn State New Kensington as a vital resource for local communities and businesses."

Career Day is more than just a job and internship fair. The goals for the event are three-fold: career information-sharing with students; networking among students, faculty and local businesses; and recruitment for internships and jobs. A directory with more information about opportunities with each employer will be available before the event to help students prepare for their interactions with the representatives.

The event is open to current Penn State students and recent graduates, and admission is free. For more information, contact Jim Shields, career services coordinator, at 724-334-6095 or jshields@psu.edu online.

Author(s), Research Project, Faculty Mentor

Richard Andraay, The Effect of Music on Memory, Dr. Richard Harnish

Jolene Bierer, The Advantages of Visual Imagery on Memory Retention, Dr. Richard Harnish

Emily Bolewitz, The Effectiveness of Disinfectant Use in The Penn State New Kensington Gymnasium,
Deborah Sillman & Tracie Brockhoff

Brady Boyer, Study on the Behavior of the Brown Marorated Stink Bug, Dr. Hamilton

Alexis Bradburn, Gabby Grillo, Perceptions of the Elderly in the Media, Dr. Jyotsa Kalavar

Alexis Bradburn, The Effects of Nicotine on Cognition, Dr. Richard Harnish

Michael Cavazza, Development of Renewable Based Polymer Additives to Improve Diesel Fuel Blends,
Dr. Robert T. Mathers

Katie Colbert, Heather Gulotta, Kalie Montgomery, The Relationship Between Merchandise Return Experience and Customer Loyalty, Dr. Rujirutana Mandhachitara,

Michael Daly, Attentional Priming for Working Memory Tasks, Dr. Richard Harnish

Cordell Delzer, Possible Techniques for Deposition of MoS2 on a Silicon Wafer,
Dr. Robert T. Mathers

Danielle Dortenzo, Christopher P. Deet, Late-Life Living Arrangements of the Elderly, Dr. Jyotsa Kalavar

Danielle Dortenzo, The Effects of Sugar on Memory, Dr. Richard Harnish

Brian Ferraccio, Do You Smile Because You Are Happy or Are You Happy Because You Smile?: Facial Expressions and Affective State, Dr. Richard Harnish

Bridget Fisher, Do You Use Music As A Motivator? The Relationship of Music And Exercise,
Dr. Richard Harnish

Tyler Flohr, Solubility and Thermodynamics of Various Fuel Blends, Dr. Robert T. Mathers

Stephenie Fox, Tori Claypoole, Radiation Effects Associated With Air Travel, Debra Majetic

Chelsea Gearhart, The Effects of Chewing Pepperment Gum on Math Test Performance, Dr. Richard Harnish

Samantha Geisel, Ecology of the Galapagos Martin, Dr. Hamilton

Andy Gengler, Hannah Cook, Lung Neoplasms, Marcia Curler

Gabriella Grillo, Criminality and Perception, Dr. Richard Harnish

Hailabe Hailu, Samantha Miller, Emily Westover, Kristen Santry, Radon, Marcia Curler

Nathan Hand, Christine Patroski, Paige Campbell, Compost: Comparing and Contrasting Different Material Compositions During the Creation of Compost, Dr. Hamilton

Jake Howard, Music in Medicine, Douglas Starr

Dana Huskuliak, The Effects of Light on Happiness, Dr. Richard Harnish

Christian Kamenic, Database Security in the Modern World, Gary Heberling

Brianna Klems, Colors' Effect on Memory, Dr. Richard Harnish

Heather Lach, Memorization of Words with Classical Music and No Music, Dr. Richard Harnish

Schram Lauren, Shanna Williams, Domestic Violence Hurts … Everyone, Dr. Kristine Artello

Andrew Lee, The Effect Cell Phone Usage Has on Reaction Time When Identifying Traffic Signs,
Dr. Richard Harnish

Michael Lockerman, Strength in Safety Helmet Design, Joan Kowalski

John Maholic, Alisha Roudebush, Brandi Dickerhoff, Penn State New Kensington Student's Grandparent Population Who is Working and Living Longer, Dr. Jyotsa Kalavar

Anthony Maiolo, Cody Shoemaker, Forces for Dummies, Joan Kowalski

Joe, Maltese, Jimmy Cook, Kylee Danko, Comparison of Microarthropod Communities in Two Forsted Sites,
Dr. Hamilton and Deborah Sillman

Bradley Mayo, Automated Code Formatting and Standardization, Dr. Hal Smith

Matthew Peretic, Interfacing Electroactive Polymers With Software For Capacitance Sensing,
Dr. Robert T. Mathers, Dr. Hal Smith

Matthew Peretic, Nicholas E. Kirkland, Denver V. Moyer, Christopher S. Weimann, The IPT - The First Step Towards Eliminating the Electrical Grid, Joan Kowalski

Katie Pesci, Taran Opitz, Jade Elliott, Malignant Pleural Effusion, Debbie Majetic

Jennifer Phillips, Memory Priming Using Lyricless Music, Dr. Richard Harnish

Joshua Pilat, One Nation Under God: American Exceptionalism, Obama and The Newsroom,
Dr. Jennifer Wood

Samantha Polons, Maze Solving Robot, Dr. Frank Kadi

John Ramsey, The Effect of Post-Traumatic Triggers and Anxiety on Memory Functions,
Dr. Richard Harnish

John Rearick, Rearick, Brandi Ritenour, Parametric Variations of Kinematic Analysis,
Joan Kowalski and Dr. Fred Ridener

Carolina Ribo, The Color of Memory: How Color Affects Memory Recall,
Dr. Richard Harnish

Brandi Ritenour, John Rearick, Mike Lockerman, Parametric Variations of Stress Analysis, Joan Kowalski

Ethan Ritzert, Themes in Popular Female Literature, Dr. Lois Rubin

Brandon Short, Culturing Paramecium, Dr. Hamilton and Deborah Sillman

Bil, Staniszewski, Adam Bombalski, Joe Miller, Dave Yohe, Shane Wawrzyniak, Design and Analysis of a Can Crusher, Joan Kowalski

Joshua Swinehart, The Limitations of Short Term Memory:  Chunking and the Memorization of Words,
Dr. Richard Harnish

Vicky Tran, Lindzy Hall, The Ferns on the PSU-NK Nature Trail, Dr. Hamilton and Deborah Sillman

Vanessa Trecki, How Music Affects Reaction Time on College Students, Dr. Richard Harnish

Kiki, Wilkinson, Nicala Wisnick, Arianne Damico, Heather Pranskey, Hidden Radiation in Your Daily Life,
Debra Majetic

Shanna Williams, Heather Lach, Andrew Lee, Fitness Level of Middle/Late and Young Adults,
Dr. Jyotsa Kalavar

Shanna Williams, A Contemporary Look at Early Recollections, Joy Krumenacker

Shanna Williams, Joshua Swinehart, Improving the Meaningful Life of Undergraduate Students:  Using Community Engagement in a Positive Psychology Course, Dr. K.R. Bridges

Payton Wranich, Promoting Homosexual Teaching Encourages Tolerance and Changes the World,
Dr. Lois Rubin

Career Day Employers

Aflac
Alcoa Technical Center
Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center, Inc.
American Red Cross
ATI Allegheny Ludlum
Beyond Spots & Dots
Blackburn’s
Bottom Dollar Food
CASA of Westmoreland, Inc.
Chromalox, Inc.
Commonwealth of PA Civil Service Commission
Community Alternatives, Inc.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Family Behavioral Resources
Federal Bureau of Investigation
First Commonwealth Bank
Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Gray Matter Systems LLC
Lab Report
Leedsworld, Inc.
Lifesteps
NHS Human Services
Oakmont Country Club
PA CareerLink
Pennsylvania State Police
PNC Financial Services
Premier Automation
Radio Disney AM 1250
Target
The Callos Companies
The Summit Academy
UPMC
US Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Services
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
West Penn Allegheny Health System
Westmoreland Casemanagement and Supports, Inc.

DONATIONS INCREASE
BLOOD SUPPLY IN ALLE-KISKI VALLEY

Thanks to the unselfishness of the campus and community, Penn State New Kensington donated 30 units of blood during the semiannual blood drive on April 3.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends showed that the blue and white of Penn State could bleed red for the community. The donations helped to increase the blood supply in the local community in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The spring 2011 drive netted 50 units, second best in campus history.

"The students at Penn State New Kensington are a pleasure to work with during the blood drives," said Debra Kaminski, a medical technologist for the Allegheny Valley Hospital. "They have that community spirit, and the number of donors seems to increase each year."

AVH staff reported that not only did the red cell units increase their inventory, but that they were able to make platelets and fresh frozen plasma so several patients at the hospital could benefit from the one donation. The next campus blood drive is in October. Donors are eligible again in 56 days after giving.

“Bat Boy: The Musical”
8:00 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20, Forum Theatre

The cast of the spring stage production, "Bat Boy: The Musical" is currently in rehearsal at Penn State New Kensington. The three shows performed by the Penn State Players are set for 8 p.m., April 18 to 20, in the campus' Forum Theatre.

Bill Mitas directs the musical that is based on a 1992 story in the tabloid Weekly World News about a human-like creature, half-boy, half-vampire bat, found living in a cave. He is given succor by the Parkers, who become his adoptive family. Trying to fit into society, the bat boy faces prejudice, violence and jealousy. The book was written by Kaythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe, who is best known for writing the score of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

 “After a few revisions, the cast has been finalized, and the students are working hard with lines," said Mitas, adjunct instructor in theatre at the campus. "They will be ready for show time."

The cast includes Chris Capo, Emily Urbaniak, Matt Mlynarski, Kylee Danko, Meghan Marsh, Mike Hamilla, Vinnie Palombo, Brenna Burns, Jennifer Deblasio, Beth Minda, Megan Henderson, Aaron Shreve, and Patrick Lang.

The crew features: Megan Henderson, choreographer; Taryn Clopton, stage manager; Monica Bell, props; Rebecca McGowan, Michael Toney, lights;  Simrit Singh, sound; Palombo, Lang, Clopton, Capo, Singh and Toney, set crew.

A cult classic, "Bat Boy" opened off-Broadway in 2001 and moved to London’s West End and the Edinburgh Festival before entering regional theatre in 2002. The award-winning play is set in the fictional town of Hope Falls, West Virginia.

Tickets for the production are $8 for students and $12 for the general public and are available by calling 724-334-6062.

“BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL”
CAST AND CREW

CHRIS CAPO, Edgar, the bat boy
EMILY URBANIAK, Meredith Parker, wife of Thomas.
MATT MLYNARSKI- Thomas Parker, town veterinarian, husband of Meredith.
KYLEE DANKO, Shelley Parker, rebellious daughter of Thomas and Meredith, girlfriend of Rick, falls in love with Edgar.
MEGHAN MARSH, Sheriff Reynolds, local sheriff, coming up for re-election
MIKE HAMILLA, Rick Taylor, rowdy, spelunking teenager, boyfriend of Shelley, son of Mrs. Taylor
VINNIE PALOMBO, Ron Taylor, rowdy, spelunking teenager,.
BRENNA BURNS, Ruthie Taylor, rowdy, spelunking teenager, daughter of Mrs. Taylor
JENNIFER DEBLASIO, Mrs. Taylor, overprotective, aggressive mother.
BETH MINDA, Maggie, mayor of Hope Falls.
MEGAN HENDERSON- Pan, Greek satyr-god of nature.
AARON SHREVE, Rev. Billy Hightower, preacher and faith healer who holds a travelling Tent Revival/Barbecue
PATRICK LANG, Doctor, rancher

Director - WILLIAM R. MITAS
Choreographer - MEGAN HENDERSON
Stage Manager - TARYN CLOPTON
Props - MONICA BELL
Lights - REBECCA McGOWAN, MICHAEL TONEY
Sound - SIMRIT SINGH

Set Crew - PATRICK LANG, VINNIE PALOMBO, SIMRIT SINGH, TARYN CLOPTON, CHRIS CAPO, MICHAEL TONEY

6:30 P.M., TUESDAY, APRIL 16
Penn State New Kensington Conference Center

The Alle-Kiski Society will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, in the Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington. Friends, parents and alumni of Penn State are encouraged to attend and reconnect with the campus.

The meeting was moved back a day, to the third Tuesday of the month, due to scheduling conflicts. The normal meeting schedule, third Monday, will resume in May.

For information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu via email.

For more about the society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM INSPIRING RESPONSIBLE ECONOMICS
Designed to help students make informed decisions about their finances

A new scholarship program at Penn State New Kensington is the antithesis of the traditional awarding of scholarships. Instead of earning a scholarship to help pay for tuition after enrolling at the campus; recipients will receive a scholarship to help pay down debt after graduation from the campus.

ASPIRE (A Scholarship Program Inspiring Responsible Economics) was established last year as a support system to educate students on the importance of making healthy financial decisions. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn from financial professionals during on-campus workshops that are held twice during each semester, and to get advice from Jennifer Marino, financial aid coordinator at the campus, throughout the year. The workshops are designed to help students make informed decisions about their finances while they are attending school and after graduation.

“The focus of the program is to learn about finances, spending responsibly and borrowing wisely,” said Marino, who serves as ASPIRE coordinator. “Our goal is to help students to save money while attending college and to graduate with less debt.”

Believed to be the first of its kind at any Penn State campus, ASPIRE is a collaborative effort by four campus units – Chancellor’s Office, Admissions and Financial Aid offices, and the  campus Advisory Board. The program was conceived by Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, and Joe Defilippi, a member of the advisory board.

Defilippi developed the framework for helping students understand the economics behind a college education.  Snider expanded the framework to help students curb their financial behavior by rewarding them at the end of their academic careers. Patty Brady, director of enrollment management, and Marino massaged the details, refined the project, and implemented the program. 

“Joe and I had concerns about the rising debt that students face after graduation,” Snider said. ”We are committed to the success of our students and are passionate about educating them on financial matters."

In thinking about student debt, Snider and Defilippi identified three elements: higher education institutions, government investment, and students themselves.

“I understand that higher education needs to control its costs, and I believe that state governments, in particular, need to increase their investment in education,” said Snider, who was named the campus’ eighth chancellor in 2008. “But, students also need to be responsible for their spending behavior. They need to consider costs and make lifestyle choices that allow them to live within their means and to borrow less.  It is a joint effort.”

Snider was referring specifically to the need to adjust personal spending habits, particularly when it comes to using student loan funding or credit cards.  The workshops demonstrated how credit interest can greatly increase the cost of a product. The program strives to produce educated consumers who make correct spending decisions.

“Buying the latest cell phone or high definition television on credit can double the cost in the long run,” Snider said. “Students need to be aware of the economic pitfalls of these purchases and to make the sacrifice of holding off on big-ticket items until after graduation when they are in the workforce and more financially secure.”

Defilippi, an advisory board member since 1983, was a special guest speaker at the second workshop, and his presentation addressed the chancellor’s argument. He created a series of spreadsheets that showed the participants the full costs of a college education.

Other workshop topics included budgeting money while in school, the importance of saving, the dangers of debt, explanation of interest rates, and loan repayment strategies. In addition, the ASPIRE charter members received individualized instruction. Undergraduates who complete the program, and earn a degree from the campus, are awarded $1,000 for a bachelor’s degree or $500 for an associate degree.

“The scholarship is meant to assist students when they leave the campus as Penn State alumni,” Marino said. “We encourage them to use the funds to begin repaying educational loans.”

The inaugural ASPIRE class was formed in the fall semester of the 2012-13 academic year. With the spring semester winding down, 11 undergraduates have completed the first year of the program. The students are crediting the initiative for improving their financial acumen.

“ASPIRE has certainly been beneficial to me,” said Amy Kudranski, a junior in the Business program. “It has taught me to be more aware of my finances as a college student.”

“The program has helped me understand how money actually works,” said Ryan Long, a freshman Administration of Justice major. “I have changed a little bit in the ways I spend and save money.”

The program is open to students in the campus’ eight four-year programs (Administration of Justice, Business, Communications, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, Information Sciences and Technology, Nursing, Organizational Leadership and Psychology) and five two-year programs (Biomedical Engineering Technology, Business, Information Sciences and Technology, Letters, Arts and Sciences and Radiological Sciences). Enrollment begins in the fall. For more information, contact Marino at 724-334-6046 or jam884@psu.edu via email.

Since coming to the campus, Snider has been at the forefront of numerous student-centered initiatives. Community partnerships are the cornerstone of Snider’s vision to make the Alle-Kiski Valley a better place to live, work and learn. The initiatives include: Chancellor’s Fellowships, a program that allows students to collaborate with faculty on specific projects; GECKO (Green Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach), which allows freshman and sophomore education and science majors at the campus to share lessons with local elementary students; and GREAT (Growing Regional Engineering through Academics and Training), a collaboration of the New Kensington campus, the Electro-Optics Center and industries in the region that establish internships at local companies for engineering students.

A retired director of product technology research for U.S. Steel, Defilippi has supported the campus in a number of ways, among them as a donor and a volunteer. Along with his wife, he established the Joseph and Bonnie Defilippi Internship Scholarship, a $100,000 planned gift that provides financial assistance to students participating in an internship program which helps students define career goals, develop skills and network. Defilippi holds a doctorate degree in materials science and engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, where he also earned his bachelors and masters degrees. In 2012, Defilippi was formally recognized as an honorary alumnus by the Penn State Alumni Association at a black-tie dinner June 2 at University Park. The award is given to those who, while not graduates of Penn State, make important contributions to the University.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR MATT SAEGER
CHALLENGED HIMSELF BY TAKING TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVES
Enters Information Sciences and Technology Program in the Fall

After exhausting the computer and technology electives at Plum High School during his junior year, Matt Saeger challenged himself by taking technology electives at Penn State New Kensington. The result was 10 Penn State credits and acceptance into the campus’ Information Sciences and Technology (IST) program in the fall as a full-time student.

“My senior year would have consisted of study halls and electives that I was not at all interested in,” said Saeger, who graduates from Plum in June. “So instead of wasting time in boring study halls, I figured it would be smart to get a head start on college. It would be something to challenge me, and I could work on my future while still attending high school.”

Saeger did a little research and signed-up for Penn State New Kensington's Dual Enrollment program, which offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take college courses at a 50 percent tuition reduction. Participants receive both secondary and postsecondary credit for the coursework. Saeger has been taking IST courses at the campus since the fall semester.

Last semester he earned an “A” in the 3-credit course Information, People and Technology. This semester he is taking seven credits in two sophomore-level courses -- Networking and Telecommunications and Organization of Data. College life appeals to Saeger.

“I like being treated like an adult, with the freedom and the responsibility,” Saeger said. “The program exposed to me what college classes are really like. I enjoy being challenged and love the atmosphere of college.”

With a combination of Penn State credits earned on campus and other college credit he earned at Plum for advanced work, Saeger enters the IST program with 23 credits, seven shy of official status as a sophomore. The IST major gives students a background in the core technical areas of networking, databases, programming, and system integration.

Fascination with technology runs in the Saeger’s family. His father graduated from Penn State with a degree in electrical engineering technology. Over the years, Matt has experimented with all aspects of computing from programming to graphic design. He plans on focusing on networking.

“I have always used technology to simplify, or overcomplicate, anything and everything,” said Saeger, who has built several websites. “I found that I genuinely enjoyed computer networking the most and from there decided I wanted my career to be based upon that.”

When he is not on campus, delving into signal modulation and database manipulation, Saeger keeps his hand on the technology tiller by writing reviews for a gaming blog, TheGamerAccess.com. For the past two years, he attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas as a member of the working press. CES is the biggest technology-related trade show in the world. A non-public event geared to industry insiders, the January show drew more than 150,000  executives, exhibitors, analysts and media to look at the latest in personal technology.

For more on the IST program at the campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44621.htm

About Dual Enrollment Program
The Dual Enrollment program offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take college courses at a 50% tuition reduction. The program enables students to get a real jump on their college careers by earning college credits while still in high school. Students can choose from a variety of Penn State courses offered during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Dual Enrollment helps to introduce more students to the advantages of postsecondary education and helps students have a more successful transition into the culture and expectations that are present in postsecondary institutions. For more on dual enrollment, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/30339.htm

ALLE-KISKI ALUMNI SOCIETY'S
SPRING FUNDRAISER BENEFITS CAMPUS SCHOLARSHIPS
Date: 1:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 7
Place: Wildlife Lanes, Lower Burrell, Pa.
Registration: $20 per person
Sponsorships: $50-Nittany Lion; $100-Big Ten
Contact: John Spadaro, 724-337-8536

TOURNAMENT SPONSOR
Phil and Jill Binotto

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ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

Registration and sponsorship forms for the alumni society's 11th annual Alumni Bowl-a-thon are available on the Penn State New Kensington website.

Sponsored by the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, the Bowl-a-thon is slated for 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell, Pa. This is a family-fun event for students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team.

The bowl-a-thon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring, and the proceeds support the society's endowed scholarship and campus projects. Lane sponsorships are available for $50 and $100.

For information, call John Spadaro, 724-337-8536.

Download Registration Form
Download Sponsorship Form

BOWL-A-THON SPONSORS

SEMIANNUAL EVENT AT OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
BRINGS TOGETHER DONORS AND RECIPIENTS

Penn State New Kensington's scholarship receptions are semiannual events that bring together scholarship recipients and donors. The socials give students who receive New Kensington campus scholarships a chance to meet their benefactors face to face.

The spring reception, held March 22 at Oakmont Country Club, recognized current students who earned scholarships for the second semester and incoming freshmen who were awarded scholarships for the 2013 fall semester. More than 60 students and donors attended the reception.

Students Mikaela Dunegan, a freshman in the Health and Human Development program and Bill Staniszewski, a senior in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program, were the special guest speakers. Dunegan is a recipient of the Shaffer Family Trustee Scholarship, and Staniszewski earned the William and Claudia Harbaugh Trustee Scholarship. Dunegan thanked her benefactor Suzette Schultz, a former campus student, for the scholarship support. Dunegan, a Plum Borough resident, noted that scholarships help students realize their dreams and achieve their goals  without additional stress and anxiety. Staniszewski expressed appreciation for Bill and Claudia Harbaugh who established the trustee scholarship.  He explained that their support will help him earn his associate degree without incurring debt.

Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs, gave brief remarks on the quality of a Penn State education and John “Craig” Hammond, assistant professor of history, spoke about the importance of higher education. A question-and-answer session followed the speakers’ remarks.

Campus scholarships are awarded to eligible students on the basis of academic promise, leadership qualities, community service and financial need. This year, new and returning students at the New Kensington campus earned a total of $293,000 in scholarship money. The campus has 50 scholarship endowments, annual gifts and program awards that funded 183 students this year with an average award of $2,000 per student.

Penn State New Kensington is part of "For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students," a University-wide effort to raise private donations to strengthen support for students, faculty and programs. All gifts enhance Penn State's historic mission of teaching, research and service to society. For more on giving to the campus, call Donna Speer, director of development, 724-334-6057 or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Giving/givetoday.htm online.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND RECIPIENTS

Charles H. Booth Jr. Trustee Scholarship: Chelsea Gearhart
Thelma M. Clausner Scholarship: Jordan Lane
G.E. Marquette Medical Systems: Derek Faltot
William and Claudia Harbaugh Trustee Scholarship: William Staniszewski
The Hyman Family Foundation Scholarship: Andrew Sheffler
Dr. N.A. Kopelman and Freda D. Kopelman Trustee Scholarship: Christopher Capo, Jamie Mazzotta
Patrick Kopnicky and Mardelle Sacco Kopnicky Trustee Scholarship: Nicole Thoma
Gregory and Xenia Kotyk Memorial Trustee Scholarship: Michael Dixon, Lauren Essel, Jesse Vulgris
Penn State Alumni Association Trustee Scholarship: Andrew Valicenti, Brandi Dickerhoff, Angela Jones
Penn State Campus Scholarship: Jacob Johnson
Penn State New Kensington Advisory Board Trustee Scholarship: Samantha Geisel
Penn State New Kensington Campus Endowment: Jonathan Simmen
Rotarian Trustee Scholarship: Chelsea Gearhart
Shaffer Family Trustee Scholarship: Aubri Covol, Mikaela Dunegan

GREEN TEAM OFFERS GUIDE FOR
STARTING A COMPOSTING PROGRAM
 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday, April 15, Art Gallery

Penn State New Kensington offers a guide to starting a composting program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, April 15, in the campus Art Gallery.

Sponsored by the campus Green Team and Penn State’s Sustainability Institute, the first “Composting Conference” features speakers from the institute and other Penn State campuses. Guest speakers include Jeremy Bean, education program associate, Sustainability Institute; Ann Quinn, lecturer in biology, Penn State Erie: The Behrend Campus; and Kim Berry, chief operating officer, Penn State Berks.   Presenters will share their experiences in starting and maintaining a composting program.

In addition, New Kensington undergraduates in the biology program will share the results of a research project on small scale composting. Prior to the conference, the student researchers will present their projects publicly at the campus’ 11th annual Research and Creative Expo on April 9.  The conference is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/psnkcompost online.

The composting conference is a part of New Kensington’s ongoing sustainability initiatives under the guidance of the campus Green Team,  a group of campus faculty, staff, and students who are committed to reducing waste and exploring ways to use resources responsibly. Charged by Chancellor Kevin Snider to take specific actions to help the campus operate in a more efficient, innovative, and healthy way, the team has paved the way for the campus to become more environmentally friendly during the past four years.

The initial phase targeted the campus and local community by installing water bottle refilling stations and implementing single stream recycling. The hydration stations have decreased the use of plastic bottles and alleviated the amount of trash that winds up in landfills. The outdoor single stream recycling bins allow end-users to discard plastics, paper, and cans into one container. Recently, the team focused on individual efforts of students, faculty and staff by increasing recycling awareness in Café 780, promoting a “Rideshare” program to reduce emissions, and encouraging event organizers to utilize the campus’ online calendar in lieu of posters and handbills.

The campus team operates under the "Green Paw" program of the Penn State Campus Sustainability Institute. Established in 2008, the institute promotes and ensures environmentally-safe activity at Penn State. Its initiatives protect and enhance the financial, human, and ecological resources of the University, and the planet.

For more about the composting conference, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/45255.htm

For information on joining the campus green team, contact Ruth Herstek, team chair, at 724-334-6032 or rah32@psu.edu via e-mail.

For more about the “Green Paws” program, visit http://clc.its.psu.edu/UnivServices/SysMan/powermanagement online.

For more on the Sustainability Institute, visit http://news.psu.edu/tag/sustainability-institute

NURSING MANAGEMENT AND
NURSING INFORMATICS FOR REGISTERED NURSES

The Nursing program at Penn State New Kensington is offering certificate programs in management and infomatics for registered nurses.

The Nursing Management Certificate program is designed for registered nurses in management positions or for those who aspire to be managers. The program comprises four, 3-credit courses that cover different aspects of nursing management: nursing system, personnel, information, and system manager. The certificate helps nurse managers understand the basics of health care organizations and administration, collect, analyze, and manage data within the system, apply the latest concepts and techniques to managing personnel within the system, and work more effectively and satisfyingly within the system.

The Nursing Informatics Certificate provides registered nurses with informatics knowledge and prepares them to support the implementation of efficient, ethical and safe use of clinical and nursing informatics tools in today’s health care environments. The three, 3-credit courses emphasize the use of informatics tools such as electronic health records, clinical decision support tools, database management and data mining. In addition, the classwork covers patient safety technologies, including Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, home care monitoring, smart pumps and other health care technologies.

For more information, contact Dolores O’Hara, nursing program coordinator and  instructor in nursing, at 724.334.6725 or dmo6@psu.edu via email.

About the Nursing Program at New Kensington
The nursing program at Penn State New Kensington offers registered nurses the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing at the campus. The 120-credit curriculum is fully accredited, and graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that is identical to the degree earned at the School of Nursing at Penn State's University Park campus. The mode of delivery is adjusted to permit adults with community, family and occupational time constraints to pursue the degree with relative convenience in their home area. Scholarships are available to minority students in the program. The Mittie B. Hightower Memorial Scholarship was created in 2001 by Hightower Scholars Inc. to support minority students majoring in nursing or science.

For more the nursing program at the campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/nursing_overview.htm online.

BRIAN FERRACCIO DISCUSSES WORK WITH

 STATE REP. ELI EVANKOVICH
19th Annual Undergraduate Research at the Capitol-Pennsylvania

An adult learner and senior psychology major at Penn State New Kensington represented the University March 19 at the Pennsylvania legislature’s undergraduate research conference in Harrisburg.

Brian Ferraccio was one of eight Penn State students invited to the state capital for the 19th annual “Undergraduate Research at the Capitol-Pennsylvania.” The event provides an opportunity for students from across the commonwealth to showcase their research to state representatives and senators.

“My research, which focused on how to improve advertising effectiveness, was presented to legislators and other students,” said Ferraccio, a four-year member of the Dean’s List. “I enjoyed the opportunity to learn about other research that is being conducted at other Penn State campuses and colleges. I also enjoyed meeting senators and representatives at the capitol. We were warmly welcomed and recognized by the Senate while the senators were in session.”

Colleges and universities in Pennsylvania are allowed to send one undergraduate student per 10,000 students enrolled to the conference. With the number of undergraduates in Penn State’s statewide campus system, the University was represented by six students from the University Park campus and one from Penn State Altoona. Ferraccio was the only undergraduate selected from Penn State’s 14 University College campuses, which includes the western campuses such as Beaver, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny and Shenango.

“The fact that Brian was only one of eight undergraduate students out of approximately 19,000 in the University system speaks volumes about Brian’s scholarship,” said Rick Harnish, associate professor of psychology at the campus.  “His dedication to his academic career is laudable; he seizes every opportunity seriously and maximizes every possible moment.  I only wish all students had the same zest for learning.”

Participants shared experiences and ideas with fellow invitees and met their local legislators. Rep. Eli Evankovich, R-Murrysville, who represents Allegheny Township, Ferraccio’s hometown, and Upper Burrell Township, where the New Kensington campus is located, visited Ferraccio’s exhibit. The two discussed the benefits of undergraduate research.

“I told him about the importance of higher education and the value the state obtains by ensuring Pennsylvania students continue to have adequate research and educational funding,” said Ferraccio, a recipient of campus’ Hyman Family Foundation Scholarship.  “He was very gracious to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with me and discuss the research. He seemed to see the value in its implications for advertising and congratulated me on the research project.”

Advertising is the focus of Ferraccio’s psychology research. Working under the direction of Harnish, Ferraccio’s project, “An Exploration of Prestige Seeking in Mall Haul Videos: The Effect of Self-Monitoring,” was designed to provide advertisers with a study of how mall haul videos fulfill the motivational needs of high and low self-monitors.

“My prior career was in business, and I always enjoyed advertising,” said Ferraccio, a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights. “Dr. Harnish was working on earlier phases of the mall haul topic, and its implications for the future of advertising intrigued me.”

Self-monitoring is a theory that deals with how people view their public appearance. A haul video is a personal recording posted on the internet, such as Facebook or YouTube, that displays items that the person recently purchased, usually at the mall. The purchaser goes into great detail about the items -- price, quality, brand name, etc. Ferraccio explored the impact of self-monitoring on the interest in viewing haul videos from high-status specialty stores, mid-status department stores and low-status discount stores.

Ferraccio chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the New Kensington campus because of the quality of its program and its commitment to undergraduate research. He plans on continuing his education in a graduate program.

“Penn State New Kensington’s psychology department has an excellent reputation, and I knew that earning my degree from there would prepare me well for graduate school,” said Ferraccio, who volunteers at Big Brothers and Big Sisters. “Undergraduates can work with faculty on research projects, something that is rare at the local state-owned colleges.”

Ferraccio graduates in May with a bachelor of science degree. He has been accepted into the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He credits Harnish and Robert Bridges, associate professor of psychology, for his success.

“Dr. Harnish and Dr. Bridges provided me with all of the tools and opportunities I needed to excel and prepare for a professional career in psychology,” said Ferraccio, who is president of the campus chapter of the Psi Chi Honors Society. “I really could not be more pleased to have had the chance to learn with them. My primary pursuit is now my psychology career.”

New Kensington has been the educational springboard for Ferraccio’s family. His wife, Nikki, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law attended the campus. His father-in-law gave the campus a miss and headed straight to University Park. Nikki is a kindergarten teacher in the Kiski Area School District.

Students, faculty and staff, as well as the local community will have an opportunity to see and talk to Ferraccio about his research project at the 19th annual Research and Creative Exposition that runs from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, in the Athletics Center. The exposition provides New Kensington students, under the guidance of a faculty adviser, the opportunity to choose a topic, conduct research, draw conclusions and present their information in a public setting. A concurrent job fair in the Athletics Center also gives visitors the chance to speak with potential employers from the region.

Psychology Program
Psychology is the study of thinking and behavior. New Kensington offers two four-year degrees in psychology: bachelor of arts and bachelor of science. Hands-on involvement in research provides students a basic foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills that can lead to a range of careers.

The bachelor of arts degree prepares students for careers that require a basic psychology and broader liberal arts background. Because the program is broadly based, the degree is geared to students who may be unsure of their future psychology career paths.

The bachelor of science degree includes options in science or business to suit a student's career goals. The science option helps prepare students for careers in developmental, clinical, social, or health psychology. The business option helps prepare students for careers in industrial and organizational psychology or social psychology. Public and private sector jobs include the fields of personnel services, management, advertising and marketing.

For more on the research expo, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/ugradresearch.htm

For more on the Psychology program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/28550.htm

GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST
Five Mondays, April 8 to May 6
Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry, Pa.

Penn State New Kensington is offering  preparation courses for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry, Pa. The 15-hour noncredit courses will be offered from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on five consecutive Mondays, April 8 to May 6. The cost is $225.

GMAT is used by business schools as a predictor for academic success at the graduate level. The exam measures verbal, mathematical, analytical writing skills and general reasoning ability. The preparation course provides an understanding of the test questions and strategies and techniques for earning good scores.

The course will be team-taught by Penn State New Kensington adjunct faculty member Marilyn Bartolacci, instructor in communications, and Greg DePalma, instructor in mathematics. They will work with the textbook, “Cracking the New GMAT.” Written by the Princeton Review, it contains practice questions and tests, as well as sample problems and drills.

The preparation sessions coincide with the upcoming application deadline, June 21, for admission to the new Penn State MBA program that begins in the fall. Applicants need to take the GMAT prior to the deadline. The course is offered through the campus’ Continuing Education office. For more information or to register, call 724-334-6010.

Penn State New Kensington is partnering with Penn State Erie, The Behrend College to offer the master of business administration degree at the Regional Leaning Alliance. The program is offered in a blended delivery whereby students will meet face-to-face once per month with the remainder of the course online. Each three-credit course will involve four class meetings per semester at the RLA with the remaining instruction delivered online. Depending on prior undergraduate courses, it will take approximately five to eight semesters to complete the program. This format is ideal for working adults.

The Regional Learning Alliance was established in 2004 with the cooperation of educational institutions in the region. It offers a variety of degree programs and workforce training for adult and traditional students. Penn State New Kensington is a charter member of the alliance.

For more about the MBA program, visit http://psbehrend.psu.edu/admissions-financial-aid/graduate-admissions/master-of-business-administration online.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND ADULT LEARNERS CAN
DISCOVER BENEFITS OF THE CAMPUS

Prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to discover the benefits of attending Penn State New Kensington at the spring open house at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13.

The event gives prospective students and families a chance to explore the University, meet with campus staff and faculty, and tour the campus with current students as hosts. Patty Brady, director of enrollment management, and the Admissions staff will talk about the admission process and student-aid opportunities.

The open house is one of several programs in the spring and summer to acquaint prospective students with the campus and Penn State's wide variety of academic programs. To register for the event, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.

For more on admissions, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions online.

For videos about the campus, visit http://iyt.psu.edu/newkensington?utm_source=psnk&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=iytvideos

“PENN STATE A.M.” GOES INSIDE THE
ROPES OF THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY
8:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, AVH, Natrona Heights, Pa.

Penn State New Kensington's annual Alumni Breakfast is set for 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, at the Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, Pa.

The morning social, formally called "Penn State A.M.," is an informal, one-hour breakfast for Penn State alumni and friends who have the opportunity to get "inside the ropes" of the health care industry. The free breakfast, with Happy Valley's famous grilled stickies highlighting the menu, will feature guest speakers from the West Penn Allegheny Health System and the Penn State Alumni Association.

The event is geared to alumni who live and work in the greater Alle-Kiski Valley area. It is a chance to get together with old friends and receive an update on the current buzz at Penn State and the region.

For more information on the breakfast, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu.

PSUAC RIVALS  RANKED NATIONALLY IN USCAA
2:00 p.m.,  Saturday, April 6,
Doubleheader, Wolf Pack Park, Lower Burrell

LADY LIONS OPEN SEASON WITH SPLIT AT PENN COLLEGE

The Penn State New Kensington softball team, ranked 21 in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association takes the field for its twice-delayed home opener at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 6, with a conference doubleheader against 18th-ranked Penn State Beaver at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell, Pa.

The New Kensington Lady Lions, 1-1 in the conference, continue the four-game homestand at 2 p.m., Wednesday with a Penn State University Athletic Conference twin bill against Penn State Greater Allegheny.

After weather issues forces postponement of first eight games of the regular season, the New Kensington Lady Lions opened the 2013 campaign on the road April 2 with a split of a PSUAC doubleheader at Penn College in Williamsport, Pa.  Coach Mike Marsili’s squad dropped the first game, 8-7, in extra innings before rebounding with an 8-7 victory in the nightcap. Junior pitcher Jenna Swank (Ford City High School) went the distance for the win and helped her own cause at the plate by going 2-4 with an rbi. Swank’s battery mate, freshman catcher Rachel Rojas (Norwin) went 3-3 with a home run,  two rbi, and two runs scored to lead the offense in a five-run seventh inning. 

For a season prospectus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/45277.htm

For the roster, schedule and results, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/index

PROMOTING WELLNESS FOR BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Friday, April 5, Conference Center

Promoting wellness for the mind, body and spirit is the theme of Penn State New Kensington's Holistic Nursing Conference that is set from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, in the campus Conference Center.

Caring for the whole person is central to the nursing profession. The program can help nurses gain insights into holistic care, which is caring for the whole person. Topics of presentations include spirituality, and therapeutic use of reiki, aromatherapy and acupuncture. Participants can earn 5.25 continuing education units. Registration is $75 and includes lunch.

The conference is sponsored by the campus' RN to BS Nursing program, which offers registered nurses the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in their profession.

For more information and to register for the conference, call 724-334-6012 or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/nursing online.

ANNUAL SHOW HIGHLIGHTS THE WORKS FROM
BUD GIBBONS' PAINTING, DRAWING AND DESIGN CLASSES
April 1-30, Art Gallery

Artwork by Penn State New Kensington students will be on display from April 1 to 30 in the campus Art Gallery.

The Penn State Student Exhibition features the art projects for three courses -- painting, drawing and design -- taught by Bud Gibbons, professor of visual arts, and Shenyu Xu, associate professor of art at Northeastern University in Shenyang. Xu, a visiting scholar, joined the campus faculty last year for the 2012 spring and fall semesters.

The exhibit is free to the public. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends.

For more information, call 724-334-6032.

FOUR-GAME PSUAC HOMESTAND
2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, Doubleheader,
Penn State Beaver, Wolf Pack Park

2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, Doubleheader,
Penn State Greater Allegheny, Wolf Pack Park

The old adage of March coming in like a Nittany lion and going out like a Tennessee lamb is being compromised this year. The lamb has bundled up in the lion’s clothing.

After a couple of false starts due to weather, the Penn State New Kensington softball team will make a third attempt to open its home schedule at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 6, with a conference doubleheader against Penn State Beaver at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell. The New Kensington Lady Lions return four days later at 2 p.m. with a Penn State University Athletic Conference twin bill against Penn State Greater Allegheny.

Coach Mike Marsili's team will attempt to open the season and Penn State University Athletic Conference play at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, at Penn College in Williamsport, Pa.

Two non-conference home games, March 24 against Westmoreland County Community College and March 27 against Point Park University, were wiped out due to unplayable field conditions. Two non-conference road matches, March 19 at Carlow University and March 23 Chatham University, fell victim to inhospitable early spring weather of the region.

The extended forecast for getting the 2013 campaign underway looks promising with temperatures expected to be in the 50s with no rain next week in Lower Burrell and Williamsport.

To check on the status of the game, visit the softball homepage at http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/index

For the full schedule, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/2012-13/schedule

STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, ALUMNI, AND
LOCAL RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO GIVE
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, Art Gallery

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the local community have two donating options at Penn State New Kensington's semiannual blood drive, to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, in the campus' Art Gallery.

Donors can choose between the whole blood or apheresis methods. Both methods are safe and both draw approximately a pint of fluid from the donors. The whole-blood method is the typical method where the blood is drawn manually, collected in a pint bag, and stored unprocessed. It is later separated into red blood cells and plasma. The apheresis method draws blood from the donor, separates it using a centrifuge or a filter, stores the desired part, and returns the rest to the donor. This process is done with a machine specifically designed for this purpose.

The Allegheny Valley Hospital Blood Bank will collect, store and deliver the blood. Donors of all blood types from the campus and the local community are encouraged to help increase the blood supply in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Last spring's donations totaled 42 units, second highest spring total in campus history. Appointments are not necessary as walk-ins are welcome. A free cholesterol screening is available to each donor.

The blood drive is made possible through the efforts of donors, canteen volunteers and Elaine Zarichnak, the campus nurse.

For information about the blood drive, contact Zarichnak at emz3@psu.edu or 724-334-6066.

"ROBIN HOOD AIN'T LOOKIN' SO GOOD"
6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 4, Cafe 780

Is Robin Hood a hood? That's what audience members will have to figure out at Penn State New Kensington's interactive murder mystery dinner theatre, "Robin Hood Ain't Lookin' So Good," at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 4, in the campus' Cafe 780.

Set in Sherwood Forest in 16th century England, the action revolves around the philanthropic outlaw and a body that has assumed room temperature. The cast, Mystery's Most Wanted, a Pittsburgh-based troupe, will help the audience of Sherwood sherlocks solve the murder.

Tickets are $5 for students with ID, $15 for faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public. Price includes dinner and theatre.

To reserve your seat, contact Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, at 724- 334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu via email.

GOOD PITCHING, STRONG DEFENSE AND
CLUTCH HITTING ARE KEYS TO MAKING A RUN AT CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

“I believe that we can play with anyone in the conference. With our pitching, we should be in every game with a chance to win it at the end.” -- Mike Marsili, Head Coach

With two months of indoor practice and seven games in Florida sunshine under their belts, the Penn State New Kensington softball team is ready to start the regular season under Pennsylvania’s overcast skies.

Since returning March 8 from a swing through Orlando, the New Kensington Lady Lions have yet to set foot on the diamond. A combination of late winter and early spring snow and rain have rendered the home field at Wolf Pack Park unplayable and forced the squad to continue hitting, fielding and pitching inside the campus Athletics Center. Even with a synthetic turf field,  the season opener March 19 at Carlow University was postponed because of the windy and cold weather patterns that have stalled over western Pennsylvania.

Coach Mike Marsili, beginning his fifth year at the helm, is anxious for the regular season to get underway. The Lady Lions went 1-5 down south against formidable competition and were able to groove their swings and solidify their defense. Since resuscitating a dormant program in 2009, Marsili has been steadily building toward a conference championship. Last year, the team finished third in the Penn State University Athletic Conference with an 11-7 record and reached the Final Four of the PSUAC playoffs.

“I am expecting to make the playoffs again and challenge for the conference title,” said Marsili, a resident of Vandergrift. “We have all three pitchers back from last year, so I am expecting our pitching to keep us in most games.”

According to Marsili, the keys to the season are good pitching, strong defense, and clutch hitting. Excellent team speed complements both the defense and offense.

“We will rely heavily on our defense, as is the case every year, being strong up the middle and having good speed in the outfield,” said Marsili, the dean of campus coaches. “Offensively, we have a strong hitting team as our players are good contact hitters who will hit to all fields and lay a bunt down when needed. We hit for power last year; hopefully, that will continue this year.”

The double play combo of shortstop Bridget Fisher and second baseman Sarah Kutchko
is back  for a second year. Three-year starting first baseman Katie Colbert, who was
second nationally in fielding percentage, moves to left field this season.

With a solid nucleus of veterans augmented by a talented group of newcomers, the Lady Lions are poised to go deep into the playoffs. A veteran infield and pitching staff will be the backbone of the team.

Heading the list of returnees are junior pitchers Tarra Oravec (Kiski Area High School) and Jenna Swank (Ford City). The hard-throwing Oravec is the ace of the staff, and her dexterity with changing speeds keeps opposing players off balance. When she is not on the mound, Oravec will patrol the outfield. She is equally adept with the bat, hitting for power and average.  An All-PSUAC selection and national Player of the Week last year, Oravec led the team in home runs and rbi's last and is slated to bat clean-up. Swank will take the hill when called upon and will be at first base when Oravec pitches. She provides power in the middle of the line-up.

The Lady Lions are strong up the middle with sophomore centerfielder Brooke Churma (Kiski Area), junior shortstop Bridget Fisher (Burrell), junior second baseman Sarah Kutchko (Deer Lakes), and freshman catcher Rachel Lojas (Norwin). Churma has exceptional speed and can run down hits in the gap and keep opposing runners from taking the extra base. A switch hitter, Churma can slap it around or drag bunt to get on base.

Fisher has good range and a strong arm. She is also an effective relief pitcher who can come in and throw strikes. Kutchko has great hands and blossomed into a team leader last year. A good hitter, she was third on the team in batting average. Rojas is a good gap hitter and can hit for power. She handles pitchers well and has a good knowledge of the game.

Flanking Chuma in the outfield will be senior left fielder Katie Colbert (Fox Chapel) and freshman right fielder Cassie Stivason (Leechburg). Colbert moves to the outfield after three years as a starter at first base where she was second in fielding percentage in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, the national governing body for campus athletics. Her speed and inate capablilities should help her adapt to the new position. Stivason has good outfield instincts and a strong arm.

At the hot corner is freshman Sabrina Johns (Karns City). Johns brings a strong arm and a good bat to the third base position. Jessica George (Burrell) is Marsili’s top utility player. She is equally comfortable in the outfield, infield or behind the plate. Pushing for starting positions are junior outfielder Breana Cass (Plum) and sophomore outfielder Jordan Miller (Harvest Baptist Academy). In addition to softball, Milller was on the volleyball team and is president of the Student Government Association.

Junior Jenna Swank lays down a bunt last year against Penn State Fayette. With excellent team speed,
Coach Mike Marsili utiizes the bunt to move runners around the bases.

 “We are long on talent but short on depth,” Marsili said. “We are strong up the middle, and our speed will surprise a lot of teams. We will be bunting runners into scoring position and using our speed to get them home.”

Marsili's squad is set to play six home doubleheaders at Wolf Pack Park. Located at the intersection of Wild Life Lodge and Garvers Ferry roads, the municipal field has served as home to the softball team the past five years. The 22-game schedule features 16 Penn State University Athletic Conference games and six nonconference contests.

“I believe that we can play with anyone in the conference," Marsili said. “With our pitching, we should be in every game with a chance to win it at the end.”

A former assistant coach at Kiski Area High School, Marsili begins his fifth year as head coach. He is a certified coach and conducts numerous clinics throughout the year. His assistant is Brian Eshbaugh, who was the head coach of the Lady Lions for three years, 2002-05. Eshbaugh guided New Kensington to two PSUAC championships.

For the full softball schedule, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/2012-13/schedule online.

ENGLAND NATIVE TABBED TO
BUILD ON THE SUCCESSES OF THREE-YEAR PROGRAM

Jordan Valentine was named head coach for Penn State New Kensington’s men's soccer program, it was announced recently by Dave Murray, director of athletics at the campus.

Valentine takes over for Pat Cavanaugh who last season guided the New Kensington Lions to the Final Four of the Penn State University Athletic Conference. Cavanaugh assumed the head position in August after the resignation of the team’s first coach, Jack Adams. Cavanaugh will remain on Valentine’s staff as assistant coach.

A native of Preston, England, Valentine brings a wealth of energy and passion to the position. His charge is to build on the successes of the three-year program. Murray expects Valentine’s leadership experience and coaching ambitions to serve him well as he builds toward a national championship.

Valentine earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Ohio Valley University in West Virginia after graduating from Preston College, a high school in his hometown. At Ohio Valley, he was a four-year starter as a midfielder and twice was named to the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Conference team. In 2008, he was selected for the Great Britain National University soccer team.

A resident of Pittsburgh, Valentine brings a wealth of coaching experience to the position. He holds English Football Association Level 1 and Level 2 coaching license. Prior to joining the New Kensington athletics staff, Valentine was head coach and international trials and combine manager at the Midwest Soccer Academy in Fenton, Michigan. He was responsible for the development of more than 100 players on nine teams.

His organizational skills as well as his soccer acumen are a good fit for a program that in three years of existence has reached the playoffs every year. Valentine’s team philosophy is to meld athletics and academics. He believes that success in the classroom leads to success on the field, a philosophy shared by Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus.

“Student-athletes must hit the books before the field,” said Valentine, who had try-outs for numerous professional soccer teams in England. “Without the right grades, players will not be able to see the field, so players need to remind themselves to always be a student first and an athlete second.”

The first challenge for Valentine is recruiting in unfamiliar territory. The Alle-Kiski Valley is fertile recruiting ground for soccer, and high schools such as Burrell, Kiski Area, Valley and Springdale have strong, competitive programs. Valentine is starting locally and planning to extend the prospective player base.

“I’m making a lot of phone calls and sending emails, and we are starting to make breakthroughs,” said Valentine. “Interest is coming from as close as local high schools in the area to as far as Puerto Rico and England.”

Valentine's coaching style is possession soccer. He preaches making the opposition work for the ball and then counterattacking. Players that fit Valentine’s mold are coachable and driven.

“I understand the needs and wants of a student-athlete at the collegiate level, and I know what it takes to be a successful player on the field and in the class room,” said Valentine. “By allowing the players to enjoy and express themselves on the field, we can ultimately compete for the conference championship.

Campus athletic teams compete in the Penn State University Athletic Conference and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The PSUAC comprises 15 Penn State campuses that are located throughout the state. Conference champions earn an automatic bid to the USCAA tournaments. The USCAA is a national organization that is geared to provide athletic opportunities to small colleges — those with enrollments of less than 2,500. It sponsors 11 national championship tournaments in men's and women's sports. Established in 2001, the USCAA was incorporated to provide an opportunity for members to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of similar size and athletic programs. Headquartered in Newport News, Va., the organization has more than 82 member institutions in 24 states, stretching from Maine to California. Since joining the USCAA in 2005, the New Kensington campus has produced five All-Americans and nine Academic All-Americans.

For more about campus athletics, visit http://www.psnkathletics.com/landing/index online.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4, Art Gallery

GUEST SPEAKERS
Judge Samuel Goldstrohm, Magisterial District Judge, Armstrong County
Kristine Artello, Assistant Professor of Administration of Justice
LaVarr McBride, Instructor in Administration of Justice
Patty Brady, Director of Enrollment Management

Prospective students can explore opportunities in the field of criminal justice at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, during Penn State New Kensington's open house in the campus Art Gallery.

Sponsored by the campus' Administration of Justice program, the open house is geared to high school seniors and juniors, college transfers, and adult learners, as well as parents and spouses. Participants can learn about the potential of the degree with guest speakers from campus discussing the flexibility of the Administration of Justice bachelor's degree, the technological aspects of the Security and Risk Analysis minor, and hands-on internships in local communities.

The keynote speaker is Judge Samuel Goldstrohm, magisterial district judge for Armstrong County and adjunct instructor in administration of justice at the campus, Goldstrohm's talk is "The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society: A New Look into the Future." A five-year member of the faculty, Goldstrohm teaches a course on criminology and takes his students on a field trip each semester to a criminal justice agency or facility. 

Kristine Artello, assistant professor of administration of justice, will discuss “Advantages of Administration of Justice and the Job Market.”  Artello, who holds a doctorate in criminology, law and society from the University of California, Irvine, teaches courses on the American criminal justice system, violent crime, and race, crime, and justice.

“The Aftermath of a Shooting: My Experience at the Aurora, Colorado Theatre Shooting” is the topic of a talk by LaVarr McBride, instructor in administration of justice. McBride serves as program coordinator and internship supervisor for the three Penn State campuses –Beaver, New Kensington and Shenango -- that jointly deliver the Administration of Justice program. He holds a master’s degree in sociology from Utah State University and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Weber State University.

Patty Brady, director of enrollment management, will give an overview of the campus. Brady has headed the admissions department since 2002.

"The open house offers prospective students a valuable tool for making an intelligent career choice," said Artello, who joined the campus faculty in 2010. "The students have the opportunity to speak with program faculty and current students, and learn about the criminal investigative skills that will be needed in the future."

The Administration of Justice program at Penn State New Kensington focuses on the interrelated components of the criminal justice system -- public and private sector enforcement and investigation, legal systems, correctional treatment, and community services. Through a combination of formal classroom instruction, practical training in laboratory courses, individual study, and field experience, students in the program will be well prepared to pursue an array of career opportunities in federal, state and local law enforcement and correction agencies, court-related services, probation and parole services, and private-sector security.

Following the program will be a tour of the campus.

To register for the open house, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.

For more information on the Administration of Justice program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/43065.htm

“CONNECT WITH US” SERIES
DISCUSSES ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND ANSWERS QUESTIONS

Administration of Justice Faculty
3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 28

Psychology Faculty:
3:00 - 4:00 p.m., Friday, April 5

Prospective students who can’t make it to Penn State New Kensington for admissions events can still reap the benefits of the recruiting programs with a new online initiative that provides access to campus faculty.

“Connect with Us” is a series of live chats with various departmental faculty discussing academic programs and answering questions. High school students and adult learners can submit questions online, and faculty will answer in real-time. Participants who fill out the attendance form and apply to the campus will have the $50 application fee waived.

The next two chats highlight the bachelor’s degree programs in Administration of Justice and Psychology. Faculty from the Administration of Justice program will be online from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28.  The four-year degree focuses on the interrelated components of the criminal justice system: public and private sector enforcement and investigation, legal systems, correctional treatment and community services. The program is designed for students interested in entry-level employment, academic or research positions, or graduate education. In addition to chatting online with Administration of Justice faculty, prospective students can talk with faculty in-person at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, during an open house in the campus Art Gallery.

Psychology faculty will be available to chat from 3 to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 5. The program offers degrees in bachelor of science and bachelor of arts. The science component prepares students for careers in clinical, cognitive, developmental, health, and industrial/organizational or social psychology. The arts component combines the knowledge, skills and values of psychology with a thorough  liberal arts foundation.

The chats are hosted by Adobe Connect. Participants are encouraged to read the connection instructions in advance to ensure a smooth process. For instructions and more information, visit www.nk.psu.edu/connectwithus.

Previous chats focused on the Information Sciences and Technology and Communications programs. For those who missed it, videos of the sessions are available and can be viewed at http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/45197.htm

The sessions complement the popular "Be a Penn State Student for a Day" program that allows high school students and adult learners to sit in on college classes, interact with current students and take in the campus' atmosphere. The next “Be a Student” program is set from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27. Attendees are welcome to enjoy a free lunch in the campus' Cafe 780.To RSVP, call 724-334-LION or 1-888-968-PAWS.

For more on admissions events, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm online.

LADY LIONS RANKED 13TH NATIONALLY IN
USCAA PRESEASON POLL

The Penn State New Kensington softball team, ranked 13th nationally in the United State Collegiate Athletic Association’s preseason poll,  begins its 2013 home schedule at noon, Sunday, March 24, with a non-conference doubleheader against Westmoreland County Community College at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell.

The field, located at the intersection of Wild Life Lodge and Garvers Ferry roads, has served as home to the softball team the past five years. The softball team's original season opener on March 19 at Carlow University was canceled because of weather. A make-up date has not been scheduled. Coach Mike Marsili’s squad will open the season on the road at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23, with a non-conference doubleheader against Chatham University in Pittsburgh.

The New Kensington Lady Lions, fresh from a preseason trip to Florida, continue a four-game home stand on Wednesday, March 27, with a 3 p.m. non-conference doubleheader against Point Park University.

To check on the status of the game, visit the softball homepage at http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/index online.

For the full schedule, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/2012-13/schedule online.

JOHN DOPPELHAUER AND JAMES MELNYK GO 1-2 at
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE WRESTLING ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT

Penn State New Kensington wrestlers John Dopplehauer and James Melnyk finished with 1-2 records March 16 at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association national championships in Allen, Texas.

Dopplehauer, a freshman from Penn-Trafford High School, was ranked 18th in the 285-pound division. He won his opening match, 2-1, over John Carlyle of Lindenwood (Mo.) University before dropping the next two, 3-0 and 7-3. Dopplehauer finished in the top third, 24th overall, of the 80-man heavyweight class.

Melnyk, a sophomore from Schenley High School, lost his first match in the 165-pound class, climbed up the consolation ladder with a win over Will Royster of the University of Michigan, and ended the tournament with a loss to Stephen Kemp of Lindenwood. Like Dopplehauer, Melynk’s final ranking was 24th. A 157-pounder during the regular season, Meynyk wrestled up a class at the nationals.

The New Kensington duo earned berths in the nationals with quality finishes on March 2 at the NCWA Mid-East Regional Qualifier. Both finished in the top six of the Mid-East Regional. Throughout the year, Doppelhauer was the cornerstone of the campus' third-year wrestling program. The Jeannette, Pa., native was a solid performer all year, posting a 7-4 record, and a team best four pins. Melnyk arrived at the nationals with a 4-8 mark, including three pins.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Derek Caldwell, the New Kensington Lions concluded the season with a 7-13 record in dual competition. Caldwell has helped resuscitated a program that was dormant from 1975 to 2010. Wrestling was a staple of the campus athletic program in the early 1970s.

The campus ties to the NCWA are strong. Former Penn State New Kensington student Jim Giunta, a wrestler for the original campus program in the early '70s, is the founder and executive director of the organization.

Giunta, a 1971 graduate of Burrell High School, was a biology major at the campus. He switched to education after transferring to Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master’s degree in exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation. After graduation, he began teaching high school in Richardson, a North Dallas suburb, and served as the head wrestling coach there for seven years.

A resident of Dallas, he launched the Texas Interscholastic Wrestling Association in 1987 to promote wrestling in high schools. He formed the NCWA in 1997. Giunta was honored in 2004 with a lifetime achievement award by the Texas Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

11TH ANNUAL RESEARCH AND CREATIVE EXPOSITION
 Tuesday, April 9, Athletics Center
Poster and Oral Presentations: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

FIFTH ANNUAL CAREER DAY
12:30 - 3:30 p.m., Athletics Center

Students at Penn State New Kensington will present their research in a public forum at the 11th annual Research and Creative Exposition on Tuesday, April 9, in the campus Athletics Center. Also, in conjunction with the expo, the campus hosts the fifth annual Career Day from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m..

The exposition provides students, under the guidance of a faculty adviser, with the opportunity to conduct research, draw conclusions and present their information in a public setting. Last year, 62 students researched projects that were exhibited in a poster format or delivered orally.

The poster category is designed to convey the project's significance to scholars in the field and potential significance to the general public. The student's written research is translated into a poster and presented in public. Participants are judged on content, display and oral defense of their project.

The oral presentation category is designed to take written research and present it in an engaging 10-minute presentation. Presenters are judged on written materials, topic significance, objectives, methods, responsible knowledge, invention, preparation and delivery.

Career Day complements the expo by creating new opportunities for the students and faculty to build stronger contacts with local industries through sharing of career information while also highlighting the campus' many research and creative activities. Students and graduates can learn about career paths in their majors and make connections for internship and job opportunities. The event is open to current Penn State students and recent graduates, and admission is free.

For more information on the research expo, contact Tracie Brockhoff, demonstration and equipment specialist for biology and chemistry, at 724-334-6742 or tzb1@psu.edu via email.

For more information on Career Day, contact Jim Shields, career services coordinator, at 724-334-6065 or jshields@psu.edu via email.

ALLE-KISKI ARTS CONSORTIUM “CHANGES”

Monday, March 25
Visual Arts: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Performing Arts: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

A reception for high school visual artists and performing artists of the Alle-Kiski Arts Consortium is slated for Monday, March 25, at Penn State New Kensington.

Visual artists will discuss their works from 5 to 7 p.m. in the campus Art Gallery. Performing artists will showcase their talents from 7to 9 p.m. in the Forum Theatre. Both events are free to the public.

“Changes” is the theme of the annual student art exhibit that runs through March 30 in the gallery. The show is sponsored by the consortium, a group of local educators dedicated to bringing performing and visual arts to area students. Prissy Pakulski, visual arts educator at Valley High School in the New Kensington-Arnold School District, is the coordinator of the event.

“The gallery at Penn State New Kensington produces an ambiance of professionalism, and students get a real gallery exhibition experience,” said Pakulski, a visual artist who previously has shown her work at the campus. "The performing arts component is an opportunity for students to perform a solo or small group recital.”

Artwork by high school students from four area school districts -- Deer Lakes, Highlands, Kiski Area and New Kensington-Arnold -- is featured in the show. More than 500 two- and three-dimensional pieces, including paintings, drawings, sculpture and jewelry will be hung salon style, a European technique that dates back to the 17th century. Salon style features a single exhibition room with artwork covering all the walls in a collage-like pattern.

 “The salon style furthers the uniqueness of the young emerging artists,” said Pakulski, who works in stained glass. “In addition, easels and pedestals will further showcase the creations.”

The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on the weekends. For more information, contact Pakulski at 724-337-4536 ext. 2010 or ppakulski@nkasd.com.

"BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL"
8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20, Forum Theatre

The cast of Penn State New Kensington's spring stage production "Bat Boy: The Musical" has been finalized by director Bill Mitas. The three shows performed by the Penn State Players are set for 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20, in the Forum Theatre.

Mitas, instructor in theater arts at the campus, is directing the comedy/horror play that is based on a 1992 story in the tabloid Weekly World News about a human-like creature, half-boy, half-vampire bat, found living in a cave. He is given succor by the Parkers, who become his adoptive family. Trying to fit into society, the bat boy faces prejudice, violence and jealousy. The book was written by Kaythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe, who is best known for the writing the score of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

For the campus version, Chris Capo won the role as Edgar, the bat boy, who was discovered by three teenage spelunkers. Emily Urbaniak was tapped to play Meredith Parker, the foster mother who takes the bat boy into her home, and Matt Mlynarski plays Thomas Parker, the town veterinarian and husband of Meredith, who is jealous of Edgar. Capo had a feature role in the campus’ fall play, “The Glass Menagerie.”

The supporting cast includes Kylee Danko, Meghan Marsh, Mike Hamilla, Vinnie Palombo, Brenna Burns, Jennifer Deblasio, Beth Minda, Megan Henderson, Aaron Shreve, and Patrick Lang.

The production crew is a hybrid of college students and New Kensington Civic Theatre members. Mitas utilizes the onstage and backstage talents of 10 campus students supplemented by three theatre majors from Seton Hill University and four members of the Civic Theatre, one of the oldest, continuously performing, all volunteer community theatres in the country.

 “Rehearsals have been going really well as cast and crew are working hard and having lots of fun,” said Mitas, who holds a master’s degree in Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University. “It’s a great mix with lots of talent."

A cult classic, "Bat Boy" opened off-Broadway in 2001 and moved to London’s West End and the Edinburgh Festival before entering regional theatre in 2002. The award-winning play is set in the fictional town of Hope Falls, West Virginia.

Tickets for the production are $5 for students and $8 for the general public and are available by calling 724-334-6062.

For more information, contact Mitas at wrm14@psu.edu.

“BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL” CAST AND CREW

CHRIS CAPO, Edgar, the bat boy
EMILY URBANIAK, Meredith Parker, wife of Thomas.
MATT MLYNARSKI- Thomas Parker, town veterinarian, husband of Meredith.
KYLEE DANKO, Shelley Parker, rebellious daughter of Thomas and Meredith, girlfriend of Rick, falls in love with Edgar.
MEGHAN MARSH, Sheriff Reynolds, local sheriff, coming up for re-election
MIKE HAMILLA, Rick Taylor, rowdy, spelunking teenager, boyfriend of Shelley, son of Mrs. Taylor
VINNIE PALOMBO, Ron Taylor, rowdy, spelunking teenager,.
BRENNA BURNS, Ruthie Taylor, rowdy, spelunking teenager, daughter of Mrs. Taylor
JENNIFER DEBLASIO, Mrs. Taylor, overprotective, aggressive mother.
BETH MINDA, Maggie, mayor of Hope Falls.
MEGAN HENDERSON- Pan, Greek satyr-god of nature.
AARON SHREVE, Rev. Billy Hightower, preacher and faith healer who holds a travelling Tent Revival/Barbecue
PATRICK LANG, Doctor, rancher
 

Director - WILLIAM R. MITAS                                      
Choreographer - MEGAN HENDERSON
Stage Manager - TARYN CLOPTON
Props - MONICA BELL 
Lights - REBECCA McGOWAN, MICHAEL TONEY
Sound - SIMRIT SINGH
Set Crew - PATRICK LANG, VINNIE PALOMBO, SIMRIT SINGH, TARYN CLOPTON, CHRIS CAPO, MICHAEL TONEY

KYLE WOLSKI’S CREATIVITY AND CONFIDENCE
LEAD TO BUDDING CAREER AS CYBER SECURITY ENGINEER

Illusionist Criss Angel uses skill, creativity and confidence to turn dollar bills into twenty dollar bills. Penn State New Kensington alumnus Kyle Wolski used the same traits to turn an internship into a budding career.

Wolski, a December 2012 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in information sciences and technology, earned an internship last summer at Westinghouse Electric Co. in Cranberry. His interest in the nuclear industry led him to Westinghouse, which provides fuel, services, technology, plant design, and equipment for the commercial nuclear electric power industry.

He excelled as a member of a team of engineers, and his performance impressed the team leaders who relayed the information to Dave Peffer, cyber security product manager for Westinghouse’s nuclear automation department. Peffer hired Woski in February as a cyber security engineer. The work he is doing as an employee is a continuation of the work he performed as an intern.

“Kyle was one of the best interns we had in a while, and I wanted to give him an opportunity to come on board with the team,” said Peffer, who heads the group that provides consulting and technologies to nuclear plants. “He has a very good attitude and interacted well with the team.”

The internship, a requirement for the campus’ Information Sciences and Technology (IST) program, provided valuable work experience as he was allowed to work on his own on many occasions. He performed various tasks that helped to secure the digital systems for nuclear power plant customers. Assignments included assessments, training, documentation, product installation and configuration, and implementing cyber security programs.

“I would get my assignment for the day from my lead engineer and usually was let go and free to complete it and ask questions as needed,” said Wolski, who earned a minor in Security and Risk Analysis. “I knew I would get real world experience with the internship.”

The summer job went hand-in-hand with what he was learning in the IST program. Concepts from the classroom were applied to the workplace.

“Attention to detail, planning ahead, and general knowledge of the operating system were the main concepts,” said Wolski, a graduate of Seneca Valley High School. “My networking class helped with working on the sever, and knowledge of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model helped me and another engineer solve a problem with setting up an isolated environment for demonstration for a customer.”

The New Kensington IST program provides students with a background in the core technical areas of networking, databases, programming, and system integration. Graduates are prepared to enter the work force since they can opt to take classes that integrate industry-standard software applications, such as Oracle (database software), SAP (business enterprise software) and GIS (geographic information systems).

In addition, IST students are trained in key business areas, such as project management and organization theory. Students develop essential teamwork and problem solving skills through team projects. Students gain real-world work experience through a required internship and a fourth-year capstone project. During the capstone experience, teams of students engage in finding solutions to the real problems of major local companies.

“I feel this degree gives me the opportunity to go to many different industries, and I feel that I will always have job and career opportunities,” said Wolski, a three-year member of the campus’ Dean’s List.

Penn State’s  blue and white spirit runs through the Wolski family. Kyle’s brother has a bachelor’s degree in IST, and his sister has a bachelor’s in education, both earned at Penn State University Park. Kyle broke the mold and stayed at the New Kensington campus, a decision that is validated daily.

“I had very good experiences with all of my professors at Penn State New Kensington, and I feel I learned a lot from the IST professors and the concepts that they taught,” said Wolski, who grew up in Evans City. “I was able to take away different lessons learned from each professor which I felt was very beneficial.”

Wolski has high praise for the internship program at the campus. His advice to current students is to put a concerted effort into the job, and rewards may follow.

“I feel you get out what you put in. Companies take note of the interns they hire, and they remember the good interns and bad interns,” Wolski said. “Even if they can't offer a position after the internship, if you do a good job most managers would willingly give you a good reference and help you get a job with another company or another department within the company.”

Following Wolski’s lead on a Westinghouse internship are two current IST students, senior Nicole McMahon (Kiski Area High School) and junior Jesse Vulgris (Lenape Vocational-Technical School).  By happenstance, they interviewed together in December at Westinghouse’s "Intern Café," an annual event for more than 200 college students seeking summer internships at the company. Both were selected for the program.

“I went to the "Intern Café" and had some casual interviews,” said McMahon, who earned a 4.0 grade-point average last semester. “After lunch, I interviewed with Jesse, and we must have done well together because we both got jobs. I will be working in the SAP Portal Services department.”

“While attending the event, I saw Nicole, and we walked around together, getting interviewed by various Westinghouse members," said Vulgris, a member of the campus’ dean’s list. “After a week, I was notified by Westinghouse that I got accepted for the Human System Interface Applications department.”

For more on the IST program at the campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44621.htm

For more about Westinghouse’s Intern Café, visit http://www.westinghousenuclear.com/Careers/University_Relations/intern_cafe.shtm

ALLE-KISKI SOCIETY SPRING FUNDRAISER
BENEFITS CAMPUS PROJECTS
1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 7
Wildlife Lanes, Lower Burrell, Pa.

Penn State New Kensington students will be the beneficiaries of the Alle-Kiski Society's Alumni bowl-a-thon that is set for 1 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at the Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell, Pa.

Proceeds from the 11th annual edition benefit campus projects and the Alle-Kiski Society's Endowed Scholarship that funds yearly awards to campus undergraduates. For 2012-13, the society awarded $3,000 in scholarships to Lauren Richards of Pittsburgh and Brandi Ritenour of Murrysville, Pa. Since 1998, the society has awarded $36,000 to 45 campus students.

The scholarship amount is expected to rise dramatically in the future as the alumni group grows its endowment level by 50 percent over the next 18 months. Three years ago, the society pledged to increase the principal by $25,000, from its current total of $51,000 to $76,000 by June 2014. To reach its target number, the alumni group is relying on lane sponsorships. With varying perks, the sponsorships are available on two levels, “Big Ten” for $100 and “Nittany Lion,” for $50. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to invest in campus students by taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities.

For bowlers, the entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team. Faculty, staff, alumni and friends are encouraged to roll a few “strikes’ to raise dollars for the society's scholarship fund.

For information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu via email.

To download the registration and sponsorship forms, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/45166.htm#NEWS45166 online.

RESPONSIBLE FOR RECRUITING AND
COUNSELING PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Corinne Coulson was named admissions counselor at Penn State New Kensington, it was announced recently by Patty Brady, director of enrollment management.

Coulson is responsible for recruiting and counseling prospective students with the focus on traditional aged students. In addition, she will co-advise  the Lion Ambassadors, a student organization found on every campus of Penn State. Their mission is to serve the University, the student body and alumni by acting as representatives of the University.

"Corinne brings both knowledge and enthusiasm about Penn State to this position," said Brady, who was named director in 2002. "She is passionate about the benefits of attending the New Kensington campus."

Coulson joins the admissions staff after six years as program director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County, a program of the Butler County  Family YMCA. Prior to working with the YMCA, she was news director and reporter for a southwestern Pennsylvania cable news station and producer for WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh.

Coulson earned a bachelor's degree in communications media at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the dean’s list, WIUP-TV and recipient of the National Collegiate Communications Award.

To contact Coulson, call 724-334-6018 or send an email to crc26@psu.edu

For more about admissions, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/default.htm

FRESHMAN JOHN DOPPELHAUER

285-lb Class; Ranked 18th

SOPHOMORE JAMES MELNYK

165-lb Class; Ranked 63rd

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE WRESTLING ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 14-16, Allen Events Center, Allen, Texas

With quality finishes at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Mid-East Regional Qualifier, Penn State New Kensington placed two wrestlers in the NCWA national championships, March 14-16 at the Allen Events Center in Allen, Texas.

Freshman John Dopplehauer and sophomore James Melnyk will represent the New Kensington campus in the individual championships. Both finished in the top six of the Mid-East Regional March 2.

Doppelhauer, the cornerstone of the campus' third-year wrestling program, is ranked 18th in the 285-pound weight class. His bracket features 80 of the top wrestlers from across the country. A product of Penn-Trafford High School, Dopplehauer came in third in the regional to earn his ticket to the nationals. The Jeannette, Pa., native was a solid performer all year, posting a 7-4 record, and a team best four pins.

Melnyk, a graduate of Schenley High School, received a wildcard invitation to the nationals. He is ranked 63rd in his weight class of 172 opponents. Melnyk arrived in Texas with a 4-8 mark, including three pins.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Derek Caldwell, the New Kensington Lions finished the team-portion of the season with a 7-13 record in dual competition. Caldwell has helped resuscitated a program that was dormant from 1975 to 2010. Wrestling was a staple of the campus athletic program in the early 1970s.

NCWA is the governing body for collegiate club wrestling teams in the United States and Canada. It is divided into seven regional conferences: Mid-East; Northeast; Mid-Atlantic; Southeast; North Central; Southwest; and West coast. The New Kensington Lions compete in the 18-member Mid-East region that includes programs from the University of Pittsburgh, Rutgers University, University of Delaware and Lehigh University.

The campus ties to the NCWA are strong. Former Penn State New Kensington student Jim Giunta, a wrestler for the original campus program in the early '70s, is the founder and executive director of the organization.

Giunta, a 1971 graduate of Burrell High School, was a biology major at the campus. He switched to education after transferring to Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master’s degree in exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation. After graduation, he began teaching high school in Richardson, a North Dallas suburb, and served as the head wrestling coach there for seven years.

A resident of Dallas, he launched the Texas Interscholastic Wrestling Association in 1987 to promote wrestling in high schools. He formed the NCWA in 1997. Giunta was honored in 2004 with a lifetime achievement award by the Texas Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

For schedule and results of the NCWA tournament, visit http://ncwa.net/

BOWL-A-THON IS TOP AGENDA ITEM
6:30 p.m., Conference Center

The Alle-Kiski Society will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, in the Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington. Friends, parents and alumni of Penn State are encouraged to attend and reconnect with the campus.

The March monthly meeting, as well as April’s meeting, were moved back a day, to the third Tuesday of the month, due to scheduling conflicts. The normal meeting schedule, third Monday, will resume in May.

Top agenda item is the society’s annual Alumni Bowl-a-Thon, set for 1 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell, Pa. Proceeds from the 11th annual edition benefit campus projects and the Alle-Kiski Society Endowed Scholarship, which funds yearly awards to campus undergraduates.

The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team. Commensurate with their ten-pin acumen, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are encouraged to roll a few “turkeys" (three consecutive strikes) or “Buzzards” (three consecutive open frames) to raise dollars for the society's scholarship fund.

Lane sponsorships are the backbone of the fundraising effort. With varying perks, the sponsorships are available on two levels, “Big Ten” for $100 and “Nittany Lion,” for $50. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to invest in campus students by taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities.

For information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu via email.

To download the registration and sponsorship forms, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/45166.htm#NEWS45166 online.

For more about the society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

CAMPUS BIOLOGIST BILL HAMILTON PAYS
TRIBUTE TO SKUNK CABBAGE
"Ecologist's Notebook:
Reflections on the Natural World of Western Pennsylvania"

With fauna hogging the spotlight of the first six blogs, flora gets to bloom  in the sun with blog seven of the "Ecologist's Notebook: Reflections on the Natural World of Western Pennsylvania," a report by Bill Hamilton, assistant professor of biology, and Deborah Sillman, senior instructor in biology,  a team of Penn State New Kensington biologists.

“Skunk Cabbage on the Nature Trail” was written Feb. 19 by Hamilton after traversing the campus’ 1.5-mile nature trail. Also known as clumpfoot cabbage, swamp lantern, and polecat weed, skunk cabbage is a large, flowering plant found in wet woodlands, marshes, and alongside streams throughout most of eastern and mid-western United States and Canada. Hamilton observed seven skunk cabbage spathes (the cone of leaves that encases the flower structure) that had pushed through the cold, wet soil of freshly melted snow. The odiferous plant is able to nudge away the snow and frozen soil because of its ability to metabolically generate heat.

“These internal temperatures may be up to 20 degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding environment,” wrote Hamilton, who along with Sillman oversees the maintenance of the trail.  “The skunk cabbage is a ‘warm-blooded’ plant.”

Hamilton has been blogging about the upcoming spring since Jan. 13. Recent entries include “Bird Feeders, Cycles, and Counts” on Feb. 12 and “Great Blue Herons” on Feb. 5.

For all of Hamilton's blogs and comments, visit http://www.personal.psu.edu/hw7/blogs/nature/ online.

INCREASE OF ADULT LEARNERS AND EVENING CLASSES
PROMPTS ADDITIONAL HOURS ON MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS

To accommodate the increase of adult learners and evening classes, Penn State New Kensington expanded its academic services in March, after the students returned from spring break.

Adult learners, including veterans, comprise approximately 29 percent of the student population at the campus. The number of vets at the campus is expected to rise in the next few years as the Iraq and Afghanistan wars wind down and more military personnel fulfill their service obligations and return to civilian status.

Evening programs are an essential component of class offerings for this segment of students, many of whom work full-time jobs. Four campus bachelor’s programs -- Business, Information Sciences and Technology, Nursing and Organizational Leadership -- can be completed at night.

“We already have many evening students and anticipate building more programs into the evening hours,” said Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs. “In order to serve current students better and to meet the needs of possible new students, we are expanding our services. “

To provide additional resources for the night time population, selected departments are extending office hours until 7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays through May 2. The offices of Admissions, Business/Finance, Registrar, and Chancellor are open late on Mondays, and the offices of Academic Affairs and Continuing Education are open late on Thursdays.

The Academic and Career Success Center, a collaboration of three departments, Academic Advising, Learning Center, and Career Services, is open on both nights with each department providing services at least once a week. The Learning Center will be open on both days augmented by advising services on Mondays and career services on Thursdays.There will be no extended hours during the summer; the evening schedule resumes in the fall.

The Students Affairs office will continue its longtime policy of opening until 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday.

“We want to offer our evening students, many of whom are working adults, the services at night that will help them to best navigate Penn State and that will help them to succeed,” said Adolph, who was named to her position in 2012. “We are welcoming evening students and want to be responsive to their needs.”

The evening schedule complements another support feature for non-traditional students, the Adult Learner Resource Center and Lounge, which gives adult learners their own space on the campus. Located next to the Student Life office on the lower level of the Administration building, the lounge includes a small library of resource books, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, a computer and printer, white board, table and chairs for small group study and comfortable chairs for relaxation. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

For more on evening programs, visit http://nk.psu.edu/Admissions/45195.htm

"GUIDELINES FOR CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT"
6:00 - 7:30 p.m., March 20, Conference Center
Free to the public

Penn State New Kensington and Allegheny Valley Hospital are sponsoring a free educational program on managing concussions from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, in the campus Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington.

“Guidelines for Initial Concussion Management,” is a series of talks by physicians and clinical staff of the West Penn Allegheny Health System. The seminar features information on management of concussion symptoms and innovations in concussion care.

Topics include: “The Concussion Epidemic” by Dr. Jack Wilberger, neurosurgeon and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the West Penn Allegheny Health System; “Approach to Management of Symptoms,” by Dr. Troy Desai, neurologist at Allegheny Valley; “Evaluation Standards for Suspected Concussions” by Dr. Kevin Kelly, neurologist and professor of neurology at Drexel University; and “The Safety and Youth Sports Act and Return to Play Protocols” by Missy Bauer, physician assistant and certified athletic trainer.

The program is free to the public. It is designed to help coaches, athletic trainers, parents and others involved in the care of young athletes to learn the proper way to handle sports-related concussions. Light refreshments will be served.

The campus and hospital have a long history of collaborating on educational programming. Allegheny Valley serves as one of the clinical components of the curriculums for the Radiological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Technology associate degrees at the campus. In addition, registered nurses at the hospital can earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing on a part-time basis at the New Kensington campus.

Allegheny General Hospital provides athletic training and medical oversight to 15 high schools and several colleges in the region and serves as the official medical provider for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A primary goal of the Center’s educational mission is to help athletes, coaches and parents more readily identify and respond to the warning signs of concussion.

RSVP by calling 412-330-4469, or register online, 
http://www.wpahs.org/events/guidelines-concussion-management. Deadline is March 18.

For more on the Radiological Sciences program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44310.htm

For more on the Biomedical Engineering Technology program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/bet.html

For more on the Nursing program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/nursing_overview.htm

For more about Allegheny Valley Hospital, visit http://www.wpahs.org/locations/allegheny-valley-hospital

v 

INDIVIDUAL STUDY AREA IN
LIBRARY/COMPUTER CENTER EQUIPPED WITH
ARMCHAIRS, STUDY CARRELS, AND ROUND TABLES

A new study area has opened on the lower level of the Elisabeth S. Blissell Library at Penn State New Kensington. The Quiet Study Lounge, located adjacent to the Computer Center, provides individual study space for campus students.

“The impetus for creating the lounge was a groundswell of student comments about the lack of quiet study space on campus,” said Jennifer Gilley, head librarian for Blissell Library. “As group studying becomes more pervasive, communal areas like the main library space and the lounge outside the theater are often not quiet enough for individual study.”
 
The study lounge, which opened in February, is equipped with armchairs, study carrels, and round tables. There are no computers in the room as the neighboring computer center can handle the exigencies of research and scholarly activity. The room has wireless coverage so laptops are allowed in the area. The lounge’s hours mirror those of the library – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The building is closed on Saturday.

“With the introduction of the Quiet Study Lounge, we have seamlessly connected the library and computer center spaces,” said Jim Rounce, director of information technology at the campus. “The space will be ideal for individuals that are looking for a quiet space to read or study.” 

The opening of the lounge completes the first phase of Knowledge Commons, a University-wide concept that includes developing spaces for students to work together, access technology, get help, and work individually. Knowledge Commons at the New Kensington campus refers to the Blissell building, which houses both the library and the computer center. The project is a collaboration between the campus and University Libraries, which oversees the Penn State’s library system.

“Knowledge Commons is intended as a reconceptualization of the library and computer center as one student-centered facility where a student can get help with their academic assignments,” said Gilley, who co-chaired the Knowledge Commons committee with Rounce. “Today's class assignments frequently involve both the finding of information and the presentation of information in a multimedia format, and professionals from the library, computer center, and Media Commons are all located in one place to help with those projects.”

Media Commons is a University-wide initiative to provide a variety of services to help students, faculty and staff produce and publish multimedia projects. The studio is equipped with an HD camera, studio lighting, green screen, and microphones, and can be utilized for video or audio productions. Consultants, training opportunities and audio/video production facilities are available to beginners as well as advanced users. Editing stations, featuring the new iMac computer, are located in the library and the computer center, as well as in the main Media Commons room on the lower level of the Conference Center.

For more about Media Commons, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/IT/mediacommons.htm

For more on Blissell Library, visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/newkensington.html/index.html

For more about Information Technology at the campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/IT/cs.htm

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND ADULT LEARNERS
GET A GLIMPSE OF COLLEGE LIFE
8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 27
RSVP: 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS

High school students and adult learners have one more opportunity during the spring semester to get a glimpse of college life first-hand at Penn State New Kensington.

The third and final spring "Be a Penn State Student for a Day" program is set from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27. Prospective students can sit in on college classes, interact with current students and take in the campus' atmosphere. Participants who have not yet applied for Fall 2013 may do so and have their application fee waived.

Attendees are welcome to enjoy a free lunch in the campus' Cafe 780.

To reserve a spot, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.

Another admissions event of the semester is the "Spring Open House" at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13. Prospective students and their families can explore the university, meet with campus staff and faculty, and tour campus with current students. Additional activities will be held during the summer.

For more on admissions events, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm online.

LADY LIONS OPEN AT CARLOW UNIVERSITY
3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, Doubleheader

Playing outdoors for the first time, the Penn State New Kensington softball team defeated St. Vincent College 3-1, during spring break, March 4-8, in Orlando, Florida.

Behind the pitching of sophomore Tarra Oravek (Kiski Area), the New Kensington Lady Lions defeated the Bearcats, an NCAA-Division-III team. Sophomore shortstop Bridget Fisher provided the winning margin with a two-run homer in the top of the seventh. St. Vincent took the second game of the doubleheader, 13-2.

" We played some excellent teams in Florida, and the team saw how the good teams go about their business,” said Marsili, beginning his fifth year at the helm.  “They know what we need to improve on. Sometimes you need to face adversity to jell as a unit, and I think they see the light.”

Squeezing seven games into five days, coach Mike Masili’s squad finished with a 1-6 preseason record against teams from Massachusetts, Michigan, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. New Kensington fell to Anna Maria (Ma.) College, 6-1, Finlandia (Mi.) University, 9-2, Coe (La.) College, 15-1, and  Susquehanna (Pa.) University, 11-1. Freshman catcher Rachel Lojas (Norwin) connected for her first collegiate home run against Coe.

“Even in the games we lost though, the team played hard to the end,” said Marsili, a resident of Vandergrift. “Hopefully we will use the experience, and this will motivate us to get off to a fast start in conference play.”

Returning to campus means back to indoor workouts, as the fields in the area remain unplayable due to the weather. The New Kensington Lady Lions have a week to practice before opening the season at 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, for a doubleheader at Carlow University in Pittsburgh. Marsili hopes the team's home field at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell will be playable for the home opener March 24 against Westmoreland County Community College.

"We have had so much precipitation, the fields will take time to dry out," said Marsili, who reconstituted the dormant softball program in 2009. "I scheduled Carlow as an away game because they have a synthetic turf field. I don't expect to get on our field until the end of the month."

Myrtle Beach was the preseason destination in 2012. The trip helped jump start the New Kensington Lady Lions to a 9-1 record en route to the semifinals of the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs. The team finished with an 11-7 PSUAC record and in third place in the PSUAC.

For the full softball schedule, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/2012-13/schedule online

FLORIDA PRESEASON RESULTS
March 5-8, Orlando, Fla.

ANNA MARIE   6
PSNK                1
 
FINLANDIA       9
PSNK                2
 
PSNK                   3
ST. VINCENT      1
Tarra Oravec picked up the win. Bridget Fisher hit a 2 run go ahead home run in the top of the seventh
 
ST. VINCENT        13
PSNK                       2
 
SUSQUEHANNA      11
PSNK                           1
 
COE COLLEGE           15
PSNK                              1
Rachel Lojas hit a home run

“LINK UP” AND “STUDENT REUNION 2013” GEARED TO
STUDENTS CONSIDERING A CHANGE OF CAMPUS
Bus Trips Planned for Both Events
Link UP: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, HUB-Robeson Center
Student Reunion 2013: 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center

Penn State New Kensington students who plan to transition to Penn State University Park are encouraged to attend a special program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 6, in the HUB-Robeson Center at Penn State University Park.

The program, “Link UP,” provides an opportunity for first-year students to learn about Penn State campuses as well as the change-of-campus process. The schedule includes college meetings, a student panel discussion, resource fair and tour of the University Park campus. Breakfast and lunch will be served to attendees. The event is free.

The New Kensington campus will sponsor a bus trip to the event. The bus departs the campus at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 7:30 p.m. There is no cost for the bus service.  A $10 deposit is required when registering, and will e returned when students board the bus. To reserving a spot, call 724-334-6062 or contact Lauren Gigler, leg16@psu.edu via email. Deadline is March 12.

Complementing the Link UP program is a “Student Reunion 2013” that is set to run from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the University Park campus. Current New Kensington students are invited to meet with former campus students who made the transition to University Park. The University Park students will offer advice on preparing for the transition, both academically and socially.

A bus will leave campus at 2 p.m. and return after the reunion. There is no cost for students riding the bus. To RSVP, call 724-334-6062 or contact Gigler, leg16@psu.edu via email. Deadline is March 20.

SALTSBURG BOARDING SCHOOL CAPTURES
FOURTH CONSECUTIVE TITLE
Kiski Area is Runner-up; Freeport Places;
Champion and Runner-Up Have Combined for the Past 15 Crowns

Math League Overall Championships (1987-2013)
Kiski Area, 14; Kiski School, 6; Burrell, 3; Apollo-Ridge, 2; Valley, 1

The Kiski School has its tetrad. The college preparatory boarding school in Saltsburg, Pa., captured its fourth consecutive championship of the StrongLand Chamber of Commerce Math League competition Feb. 28 at Penn State New Kensington. 

Kiski School compiled 93 points to pull away from Kiski Area High with 73 points. A tight battle for third place went to Freeport Area High School, 69 points, followed by Valley High School, 68, and Burrell High School, 67. The two-day competition, spread out over the fall and spring semesters, featured more than 100 students from eight area high schools answering mathematical questions.

Sponsored by the StrongLand Chamber of Commerce's Educational Committee, the annual competition brings together students from Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Ford City, Freeport, Kiski Area, Kiski School, Kittanning, Leechburg and Valley high schools and gives them the chance to go head-to-head with each other in an academic competition. Each school can field up to three teams of five students, competing against all the other teams in each round. Students answer two sets of eight questions. They are allowed 25 minutes to answer each set. The questions in algebra, geometry and other areas of mathematics are developed by Mu, instructor in mathematics at Penn State New Kensington.

“It is very encouraging to witness the young generation participating in the contest with strong passions towards mathematics,” said Mu, first-year director of the event. “As we all know, the whole nation is working very hard on the education in STEM fields.”

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is a statewide effort dedicated to preparing Pennsylvania students for global competitiveness through a strategy of enhanced education and career development opportunities. The initiatives are designed to increase the number of students, especially females, minorities and the underrepresented, in the STEM fields.

The Match League competitions began in 1986 under the direction of David Wells, associate professor of mathematics at the campus, who retired last year. Mu replaced Wells on the campus faculty and as head of the math competition. In the 27 years of competition, five schools have hoisted the championship trophy.  Kiski  Area earned 14 titles, including a record eight consecutive, 1999-2005. Kiski School follows with six. The two schools have captured the previous 15 crowns, from 1999 to the present. Burrell owns three trophies and Apollo-Ridge has two. Valley was the inaugural winner.

 “The Math League serves as a wonderful way to motivate our students to achieve their best study potentials in mathematics,” said Mu, who joined the campus faculty in fall 2012.

Mu holds a master of arts in mathematics degree from Penn State University Park, where she taught mathematics for two years before arriving at the New Kensington campus.  A native of China, Mu has written two books, “Being an Undergraduate in the U.S.” that was published by Heilongjiang Education Press in 2006 and “Comprehensive College Algebra – Building Mathematics Insights through Logic and Exercises” that was published by Cognella Academic Publishing in 2013. The first book was written when she was an undergraduate and is based on her experiences at Louisiana State University. She was recognized for her publication at LSU’s commencement ceremony in 2008.

A resident of Plum Borough for only eight months, Mu has already made a mark in the community. Besides running the math league, she organized and administered the American Mathematics Competition and headed up StrongLand’s Invention Convention Showcase. In addition, she volunteers for campus STEM programs.

For additional information, contact Mu at 724-334-6749 or dmw6@psu.edu.

Ge Mu, instructor in mathematics at Penn State New Kensington and director of the Math League, addresses competitors
during the fall match at the campus. Mu participates in numerous community activities.

LOCAL AND NATIONAL RECRUITERS
REPRESENT A WIDE VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 13,
Monroeville Convention Center

WestPACS is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, at the Monroeville Convention Center on Route 22 in Monroeville, Pa. The job fair events are open to current students and graduates of two- and four-year programs.

More than 120 national and local employers offering internships and jobs will be on hand at the Western Pennsylvania Career Services (WestPACS) Association Spring Job and Internship Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa.  Recruiters from a wide variety of industries including telecommunications, engineering, technologies, health care, government, human services, retail, hospitality and financial services will attend. The fair is geared toward fall 2012 and spring 2013 graduates and recent alumni with program certificates and degrees in all majors. There are also many internship opportunities for current undergraduates.

Jim Shields, career services coordinator at Penn State New Kensington, is an executive board member of WestPACS. According to Shields, the event features full- and part-time employment, internship and co-op opportunities, both regionally and nationally.

"Job seekers will be able to discuss current openings and network with employers hiring in more than 22 career fields," said Shields. "It is the biggest job fair event for college students and graduates in western Pennsylvania.”

Sponsored by the WestPACS Consortium of 44 colleges and universities in western Pennsylvania, the job fair is open to students and graduates from two- and four-year degree programs. Registration is free for Penn State New Kensington students and graduates who preregister by March 11 on the WestPACS website at www.westpacs.org or in the campus’ Career Services office located in the Academic and Career Success Center on the lower level of the Student Union Building, adjacent to the bookstore. Jim Shields can be reached at 724-334-6065 or xjs8@psu.edu.

Walk-in registration also is available with a cost of $10 collected at the door. Parking is free; a resume and professional dress are required for entrance into the fair.

The next job fair is “Spring Career Days” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, March 20 and 21, in the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University Park. For more information, visit http://careerfairs.psu.edu/spring/

For more information on career assistance at Penn State New Kensington, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/CareerServices/careers.htm online.

INITIATIVE LEAVES ENERGY-SAVING FOOTPRINT ON CAMPUS

The “green paw” of Penn State continues to leave an energy-saving footprint at Penn State New Kensington.

Idle campus computers will power down after a predetermined time by utilizing a function of the campus’ power management system. The new settings will allow monitors and hard drives to go to sleep or go to standby, as early as five minutes if no one is logged-in or 120 (minutes if a user is logged-in. The measures are expected to save the campus $56 per computer. With 234 computers on campus, that total annual savings will be about $13,000.  Phase I of the University-wide effort will focus on classroom computers. Phase II will focus on faculty and staff computers.

The initiative by the Information Technology department is a part of New Kensington’s ongoing sustainability program that operates under the "Green Paw" program of the Penn State Campus Sustainability Office. The office is charged with ensuring that Penn State is ecologically sound, socially responsible, and financially strong, while serving as a living laboratory for global sustainability to educate and serve our students. Penn State has been the leader in sustainability initiatives among colleges and universities. The Sustainability office, established in 2008, promotes and ensures environmentally-safe activity at Penn State. Its initiatives protect and enhance the financial, human, and ecological resources of the University, and the planet.

For more about the “Green Paws” program, visit http://clc.its.psu.edu/UnivServices/SysMan/powermanagement online.

THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH IN
CAMPUS CONFERENCE CENTER
6:30 p.m., March 19 and April 15

Due to scheduling conflicts, the March and April meetings of the Alle-Kiski Society have been moved back a day to the third Tuesday of the month, March 19 and April 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington.

The society’s usual meeting date is the third Monday of the month. New and recent Penn State graduates are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings.

Based at the New Kensington campus, the Alle-Kiski Society is the local chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and represents the 7,000 Penn State alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The society engages in campus and community projects throughout the year, including social and fundraising events that benefit the society's endowed scholarship.

The spring fundraiser is the annual Bowl-a-thon, and it is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell. This is a family fun event for students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team. The bowl-a-thon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring, and the proceeds support the society’s endowed scholarship and campus projects. Lane sponsorships are available for $50 and $100.

For information on the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, call 724-334-6049, or uxw1@psu.edu via email or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

ECLECTIC MIX OF AFTERNOON AND EVENING PROGRAMS AND
ENTERTAINMENT FOR MARCH AND APRIL
"Poverty Dinner Games", 7 p.m., Thursday, March 14, Café 780
Student Jazz Ensemble, Noon, Monday, March 18, Café 780
Cooking with Chef Mike,” 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, Café 780
James Busch, Training Coordinator, Trib Total Media, Noon, Monday, March 25
Katie Wirsing, Spoken Word Artist and Poet, 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, Café 780
Murder-Mystery Dinner Theatre, "Robin Hood Aint That Good," 6 p.m., Thursday, April 4, Cafe 780
"Holocaust, In Remembrance," Noon, Wednesday, April 17, Guest Speaker: Moshe Baran
"Bat Boy: The Musical," 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20, Forum Theatre

All events are free to the public, except for
"Robin Hood Aint That Good” and “Bat Boy: The Musical”

With seven weeks remaining in the semester after the annual spring break, Penn State New Kensington has put together a variety of events in March and April for the campus and local communities.

The “Cultural and Special Event Series,” is a blend of eight afternoon and evening programs. The series features guest speakers, a Holocaust survivor, a spoken word artist, musical performers, and a chef, as well as a murder-mystery dinner, and a student stage production. All events are free to the public, except for the murder-mystery dinner and a student stage production, which charge an admission fee.

The post-break schedule opens with at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 14, with “Poverty Dinner Games” in Café 780. Guest speaker Scott McMannis, director of Circles Initiative for Westmoreland Community Action, will lead a discussion on poverty and hunger through an interactive dining experience. Through a random lottery, audience members will be served meals based on national and local statistics of poverty levels. Entrees will range from eating a full course meal at a table served by wait staff to chowing down on ramen noodles while sitting on a blanket. Circles is a national campaign that supports families who want to move from poverty to self-sufficiency. To RSVP, call 724-334-6064.

The campus Student Jazz Ensemble makes its spring debut at noon, Monday, March 18, in Café 780. Under the direction of Doug Starr, adjunct instructor in music, the group will perform jazz standards. The show is a practical application of Starr's “Jazz Ensemble” class that teaches the fundamentals of jazz playing, rhythm, articulation and harmony. A public performance is a major component of the course work. Since there isn't a major in music at the New Kensington campus, the group comprises students from a variety of academic disciplines. For more information, call 724-334-6062.

A celebration of Irish culture continues with “Cooking with Chef Mike,” at 5 p.m,. Wednesday, March 20, in Café 780. Mike Tokarek, head chef and resident director of campus food services, will provide tips for making Guinness stew and a cream dessert. Guests can slake their thirsts with a pint of root beer. Throughout the fall and spring semesters, the campus has honored Ireland and Great Britain with its Countries of Focus program, a year-long, campus celebration of international cultures. For the past six years, the campus has embarked on the promotion of greater awareness and understanding of world issues, international trends and global policy debates. Each year, the campus adopts a country or region of the world to inspire teaching and scholarship. Students, faculty and staff explore and reflect on various aspects of Ireland's and Great Britain's history, culture and economic, social and political reality. During spring break, the campus sponsored a weeklong trip to Ireland that featured visits to the cities of Dublin, Killarney, Cork, and Kilkenney in the Republic of Ireland, and Belfast in Northern Ireland. For more information, call 724-334-6062.

A look into the world of business and communications takes place at noon on Monday, March 25, with a talk by James Busch, training coordinator for Trib Total Media. As a sales/leadership trainer, Busch mentors young professional sales people. Trib Total Media is a multimedia network of daily and weekly newspapers, weekly shoppers, niche magazines, and websites that reach more than 1.2 million readers across Western Pennsylvania every week. The Valley News Dispatch, the local daily newspaper for the Alle-Kiski Valley community, is a part of the corporation that publishes the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. For more information, call 724-334-6062.

Katie Wirsing, a spoken word artist and poet, brings her brand of storytelling to the campus at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, in Café 780. Wirsing has toured college campuses across the country speaking on issues from gender, love, sexuality, and spirituality to jello wrestling and her grandmother’s love of hot dogs. She was the 2007 Denver Poetry Slam champion and competed in the Women of the World Poetry Slam. For more information, call 724-334-6062. For video clips of Wirsing’s poetry, visit http://www.katiewirsing.com/video/

The “Merry Men” not as blithesome as advertised? The “Men in Tights” more Alphonse Capone than Alfred Noble? Say it aint so, Mel Brooks. Audience sleuths will have to sift through the flora and fauna of Sherwood Forest to figure out at the interactive murder mystery dinner theatre, "Robin Hood Aint That Good," at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 4, in the campus' Cafe 780. The cast, Mystery's Most Wanted, a Pittsburgh-based troupe, will help the guest gumshoes solve the murder. Tickets are $5 for students with ID, $15 for faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public. Price includes dinner and theatre. To reserve your seat, contact Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, at 724- 334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu via email.

Survivor Moshe Baran will give a first-hand account of
the atrocities of the Holocaust at noon on Wednesday, April 17.

The cultural series takes on a more somber visage at noon on Wednesday, April 17, with the annual “Holocaust, In Remembrance.” The guest speaker is Moshe Baran, a survivor of the Horodok ghetto in Poland, his hometown, and Krasny forced labor camp in Byelorussia, a satellite republic of Russia (now the independent Republic of Balarus). Baran, who escaped Kransy and joined the resistance movement, gives a first-hand account of the atrocities of the Holocaust. The Remembrance program is sponsored by Lois Rubin, associate professor of English, and the Office of Student Affairs. For information, call 724-334-6062.

The curtain comes down on with the student stage production of "Bat Boy: The Musical." The off-Broadway cult classic will run for three days, Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20, in the campus' Forum Theatre. The curtain rises at 8 p.m. each night. The comedy/horror musical is based on a 1992 story in the tabloid Weekly World News about a human-like creature, half-boy, half-vampire bat, found living in a cave. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 724-334-6032.

After the final curtain call, there is one week left in the semester before finals begin on April 29. Commencement is set for 10 a.m., Saturday, May 4, in the Forum Theatre. Summer classes come right on the heels of the graduation exercises. The first two summer sessions, intersession and the 12-week session, begin May 6. For more information, contact the admissions office at 724-334-LION.

NO CLASSES AS STUDENTS HEAD OUT
FOR PARTS UNKNOWN MARCH 4-8

Penn State New Kensington students are heading for parts unknown as the annual spring break begins after classes end on Friday, March 1.

Classes resume on Monday, March 11; the campus will remain open for staff during the break. After the break, there are seven weeks remaining in the semester. Final exams conclude on May 3, and commencement is scheduled for May 4. The first two summer sessions, intersession and the 12-week session, begin May 6.

FRESHMAN CHOSE CAMPUS FOR ITS WORLD-CLASS
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Samantha Muhhuku of Uganda, a freshman at Penn State New Kensington, is in a situation where she thrives and one that’s engineered for her success. Muhhuku is the first Ugandan to attend the campus, and she is the only female in the freshman class of the Biomedical Engineering Technology (BET) program, which is traditionally dominated by males.

“It doesn’t matter whether I am in a classroom full of males or females because I believe that we all have an equal chance of excelling,” said Muhhuku, who lives in the Nittany Highlands Apartments, a campus-affiliated, privately-owned housing complex adjacent to campus. “It probably is a bit of an advantage to me though because I have to make sure I am always on top of my game, so I have to make sure my grades are always up.”

Muhhuku gravitated toward the New Kensington campus because of the BET program, one of only three accredited programs in the country. Biomedical technicians operate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair medical equipment.

“I originally wanted to get into dental surgery, but during the application process, with the help of my dad, I did a little bit of research about medical related courses,” said Muhhuku, who expects to earn an associate degree in 2014.  “BET stood out as a very excellent course, so I decided to have it as my major. Penn State New Kensington is one of the best colleges in the profession.”

Muhhuku grew up in Kampala, the capital of Uganda and home to 1.7 million residents. She attended Uganda Martyrs Senior Secondary School, one of the country’s leading high schools. The 20-year-old was accepted originally into the Biomedical Laboratory Technology bachelor’s program at Makerere University, the largest university in Uganda. Had she enrolled at Makerere, 45 percent of her first-year biomedical class would have been female. She eschewed the comfortable surroundings of a big city institution of 40,000 students, and travelled 7,400 miles for the uncharted territory of the rural western Pennsylvania campus of 800 students.

“I needed to get out of my comfort zone and try out something new, build up a strong resume and have a feel of what life is like outside Uganda,” said Muhhuku, who is adapting to living so far from home. “Besides, Penn State New Kensington is one of the best colleges in the profession.”
 
Since matriculating in the fall, Muhhuku has found her comfort zone at the campus. She spends her leisure time participating in extra-curricular activities, watching movies and listening to music. Last semester she joined the theatre group as props manager for the student stage production of ‘The Glass Menagerie.’

“The hardest part is adapting to a whole new culture, and learning the do’s and don’ts of the new society,” said Muhhuku, whose hometown is the largest city in the country. “The best parts of campus life are the activities, like the games and movies. I have a great time at the campus.”

Samantha Muhhuku talks with a classmate before her psychology class.

Higher education is a tradition for the Muhhuku family. Samantha is the second of seven children and her siblings include four sisters and two brothers. Her parents are college graduates. The father is a consultant for AGRA, a Tanzania-based company that specializes in sustainable agricultural growth for Africa. The mother handles the family assets and investments, and according to Samantha “makes sure everything is in order all the time.” The eldest sister will earn her bachelor’s degree this summer at Cardiff University in Wales. A younger sister recently graduated high school and is headed for college in the fall. The other Muhhuku children are still in high school or primary school.

After graduation, Muhhuku will continue her stay in the United States for a period of time to gain the training and experience in the biomedical field before embarking on an engineering career in her native country. She appreciates the support she is receiving from home and the campus.

“My family and friends have been very supportive in helping me achieve my dreams. I do not think I would get this far without them," Muhhuku said. “I would like to say thank you to everyone at PSNK who has taken interest in me and is making my stay here very pleasant.”

Muhhuku is one of a group of international students matriculating at the campus this semester. They hail from China, Ghana and India, as well as Uganda. Internationals are a growing segment of Penn State’s student population, and the New Kensington campus is doing its part in bringing in quality students from foreign countries.

The Republic of Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa. It is bordered by Kenya, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. It gained its independence from Great Britain in 1962, and English is the official language.

LADY LIONS MAKE PRESEASON PILGRIMAGE TO ORLANDO

With western Pennsylvania coping with the winter mix weather cycle of snow-rain-ice, the Penn State New Kensington softball team is breaking out the shorts and sunscreen and heading to sunny Florida.
The New Kensington Lady Lions begin spring training March 4, in Orlando, Fla., with preseason practices and games. While the 32-degree weather keeps other Pittsburgh teams inside, the 72-degree climate on the east coast of central Florida gives coach Mike Marsili's squad its first chance to play outside.

"Going south will give the players as much field time as possible before we have to face conference opponents,” said Marsili, beginning his fifth season as head coach. “The outfielders can actually shag fly balls, and we can face live pitching instead of hitting off of the machine.”

During January and February, Marsili had the team doing its conditioning, fielding, and hitting in the Athletics Center. The squad worked out in the weight room, fielded grounders in the gymnasium, and took swings inside the batting cage. In addition, pitchers threw on the sidelines while position players executed defensive drills.
"We can only do so much in the gym, so I'll be excited to get them on the field and see what they can do," said Marsili, a resident of Vandergrift. "The Florida schedule gives the coaches an opportunity to analyze players' strengths and determine their positions."

The team will spend a five days in Florida and will play seven preseason games against Anna Maria College from Massachusetts, Finlandia University from Michigan, Coe College from Iowa, and St. Vincent College and Susquehanna University from Pennsylvania. The schedule is not all diamond-related as it provides time for a waterpark adventure and a trip to Disney World. And in keeping with the spirit of the campus' spring break, which coincides with the Florida excursion, the players will also have some beach time.

“We want everyone to have a good time and get to know their new teammates,” said Marsili, who guided the squad to the playoffs last year. “I hope to use the Florida experience to get off to a fast start like last year.”

Myrtle Beach was the preseason destination in 2012. The trip helped jump start the New Kensington Lady Lions to a 9-1 record en route to the semifinals of the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs.  The team finished with an 11-7 PSUAC record and in third place after a 6-6 campaign and sixth place in 2011.

“In Myrtle Beach, we beat some teams that we didn't expect to beat and were competitive in the games we lost,” Marsili said. “We had confidence coming back north, and it propelled us to the playoffs.”

After spring break, classes begin March 11 and that means back to indoor workouts. The New Kensington Lady Lions will have a week to adapt to Pittsburgh's version of March weather before opening the season at 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, with a non-conference game at Carlow University in Pittsburgh. Marsili hopes the team's home field at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell will be playable for the home opener March 24. "We have had so much snow, the fields will take a long time to dry out," said Marsili. "I scheduled Carlow as an away game because they have synthetic turf field."

Marsili is a certified coach and conducts numerous clinics throughout the year. His assistant, Brian Eshbaugh, was the head coach of the Lady Lions for three years, 2002-05. Eshbaugh guided New Kensington to two PSUAC championships.

For the full softball schedule, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/2012-13/schedule online.

Pitcher Tarra Oravec and catcher Rachel Lojas warm up as coach Bob White hits grounders to infielders.
The Athletics Center is indispensable as indoor practice is a necessity because of the caprious western Pennsylvania weather.
 

COMETS (COURSES ON MATH, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY, AND SCIENCE) PROVIDES ONLINE CAREER MENTORING FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL FEMALES.

Inaugural Camp
10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23

A new Penn State New Kensington program, Courses on Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science, also known as COMETS, begins in March to provide online career mentoring for middle school females.

The initiative targets seventh- and eighth-grade girls who have an interest in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields. Volunteer mentors, drawn from Penn State alumna and friends in STEM-related professions, will share their experiences on career opportunities in their fields. In addition to mentoring, the 10-week program features guest speakers, demonstrations and projects.

“The program combines an on-line mentoring program with hands-on presentations in a wide range of STEM fields,” said Debra Novak, coordinator of STEM programs at the campus. “The mentors will provide new perspectives on their careers, as well as perspectives on other STEM careers for the girls.”

The inaugural COMETS Camp is set from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the campus. The camp is the hands-on portion of the program.  Presentations will be conducted by Engineering Ambassadors, a Penn State University Park student organization that motivates grade-school students to challenge conventional ideas about science and engineering. The middle school participants will form teams to create a roller coaster or design a prosthetic device. 

“This is a great opportunity for the girls to interact with college students who are currently enrolled in engineering majors,” said Novak, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh. “The students will be able to ask questions about college classes, majors, and possible industries that involves engineering.”

Thirty-three students from five public school districts, Burrell, Kiski Area , Leechburg, New Kensington/Arnold, and Plum, and a private school, Mary Queen of Apostles in New Kensington, will participate in the inaugural program. Eighteen mentors will be assigned students and will hold weekly online sessions of 20-30 minutes with their mentees.

STEM is a statewide effort dedicated to preparing Pennsylvania students for global competitiveness through a strategy of enhanced education and career development opportunities. The initiatives are designed to increase the number of students, especially females, minorities and the underrepresented, in the STEM fields.

The seed for the COMETS program was planted in 2010 when the campus hosted the “Women in STEM Symposium.” More than 300 high school females attended the event that featured a panel discussion on career possibilities for women in STEM-related fields. The panelists, Sara Sibenaller, software engineer for Philips Respironics Inc, Renee Leroy, research engineer for the Penn State Electro-Optics Center and a Penn State New Kensington graduate, and Amy Peters, senior bioassay scientist for Thermo Fisher Scientific, extolled the different perspectives that women can bring to these traditionally male-dominated fields. They advised the audience to take advantage of internships at local companies to gain experience in their prospective vocations.

Novak, who joined the campus community in October, coordinates the campus’ four STEM programs -- Kids in College, Green Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach (GECKO), STEM Academy and COMETS. Her responsibilities include increasing the interest of grade-school students in the four core disciplines critical to the development of technological innovations. She develops and manages STEM initiatives by bringing together representatives from the campus, local school districts and regional industries. The initiatives are geared to elementary and secondary students.

Kids in College, celebrating its 25th year in June, is a summer program that combines hands-on activities and STEM camps for students in grades one to 12. The STEM-related classes include courses like " Daring Designs" where students draw scale plans for a bedroom or game room using a scientific perspective and "Rocketry" class, which is an opportunity for students to build their own model rockets and launch them. Kids in College is sponsored by the Grable Foundation.

The two-year GECKO program allows freshman and sophomore education and science majors at the campus to share lessons with local students, from kindergarten to the eighth grade, in Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland county school districts. GECKO is supported by a grant from the Buhl Foundation.

STEM Academy targets high school students. The program provides dual-enrollment courses that are focused on STEM majors. Students are given options for courses that can be taken at the New Kensington campus.

“The academy provides students with the advantages of earning college credits while in high school and exploring a career path that is STEM-related," said Novak, who teaches English as a second language in the Burrell School District. “It also provides an opportunity for high school teachers to work with campus faculty to develop the talents of college-bound and workforce-bound students whose career interests will require advanced knowledge of STEM areas.”

The campus’ four STEM projects complement Novak’s charge to coalesce interdisciplinary teams of grade school teachers and administrators, higher education students and faculty, and industry representatives to determine the best approach to STEM literacy in the region.

“STEM-related growth is expected to expand immensely in the near future for the Alle-Kiski Valley,” said Novak, who lives in Lower Burrell with her husband and four children. “Our programs are directed at introducing and supporting the necessary pathways for students in our area districts for success in STEM jobs.”

For more information, contact Novak at dsn2@psu.edu via email.

Panelists discuss career possibilities for women in STEM-related fields at the "Women in STEM' symposium.
From left to right, Sara Sibenaller, software engineer for Philips Respironics Inc, Renee Leroy, research
engineer for Penn State Electro-Optics Center and a Penn State New Kensington graduate, and Amy Peters,
senior bioassay scientist for Thermo Fisher Scientific extolled the different perspectives that women can bring
to these traditionally male-dominated fields.They advised the audience to take advantage of internships at local
companies to gain experience in their prospective vocations.

CHANCELLOR’S CUP UP FOR GRABS
Daily’s Juicers Focusing on Defending the Title
Old Timers Looking to “Climbing the Stairway to 'Seventh’ Heaven'
Mean Four Overdue for Third Trophy

The Chancellor's Cup, emblematic of bowling supremacy at Penn State New Kensington, is up for grabs once again as campus students, faculty and staff test their mettle in the annual event to determine the best bowlers on campus.

The cup currently resides with Daileys’ Juicers, a staff-affiliated team of Bill Christy, Mike Hopf, Carl Arabia and Mike Digirolamo. Last year, the Juicers shed their “bridesmaid” mantle and won their first cup by knocking off six-time champions Old Timers. The exhiled kings vow to reclaim the throne. Also in the championship mix is Mean Four. The all-women team captured the title in 2004 and 2008. They are overdue for notching their name on a third trophy.

The intramural tournament is held in conjunction with the Alle-Kiski Society's 11th annual alumni bowl-a-thon from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at the Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell, Pa. The bowl-a-thon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring, and the proceeds support the society's endowed scholarship and campus projects. Lane sponsorships are available for $50 and $100.

For information, contact Bill Woodard, 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu via email. For more on the bowl-a-thon and to download the registration and lane sponsorship form, go to http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

Captain Bill Christy leaves the eight pin upright but later picks up the spare to help Dailys' Juicers to its inaugural
Chancellor's Cup. The victory ended the three-year reign of the Old Timers.

RECEIVES FREDERICK J. BERGER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
FROM TAU ALPHA PI

Penn State New Kensington engineering student Samantha Polons was selected as the 2012-13 recipient of the Frederick J. Berger Scholarship Award by the Tau Alpha Pi engineering honor society.

Polons, a senior electro-mechanical engineering technology major, was recognized for academic excellence and community service. The $500 scholarship is named after Frederick Berger, founder of the national society for students in engineering technology. Berger endowed the award at Penn State 15 years ago.

“Samantha has consistently excelled in her academics while serving as an officer for not just Tau Alpha Pi, but other clubs on campus,” said Joan Kowalski, senior instructor in engineering and faculty adviser for the society. “She has undertaken several research projects as an honors option and presented her research at the annual Research and Creative Exposition that is held on campus every spring semester.”

Excellence in academics has been Polons’ calling card since arriving on campus in fall 2010. She studies in the Honors program, researches as a member of the campus’ Chancellor’s Fellows program, and interns at Premier Automation in Monroeville. In addition, she works a half-time job during the school year and full-time during the summer. Her community service includes working with WEDIG (Westmoreland Economic Development Initiative for Growth) to help revitalize Westmoreland county.

“I am responsible for a large part of my educational expenses, so the scholarship helps to reduce the amount of student loans and the time I need to work during the semester, so I can spend more time on my classes,” said Polons, a product of Plum High School.

Polons covers tuition with a combination of scholarships, stipends, salary, loans and help from her parents. Despite the workload, she will graduate in May, earning her bachelor’s degree a year ahead of schedule. She carries a 4.0 grade-point average.

“I am trying to minimize the amount of post-graduate debt I will incur,” said Polons, who each year has received the top engineering award for her class.  “With this in mind, I have taken heavy credit loads each semester in order to complete my degree in three instead of four years.”

Polons credits the fellowship and internship programs as the incentives for her to enroll at the New Kensington campus to earn an engineering degree.  Faculty and staff draw praise for their support of her academic quests.

“I chose Penn State to earn an engineering degree, and the New Kensington campus to provide academic opportunities,” said Polons, an officer for the Engineering and Science student clubs. “The class sizes are small and personal. The teachers are knowledgeable and accommodating, and the assistance with internship opportunities was helpful and abundant. I work hard, but without the help of the teachers and administration, I would not be able to graduate in three years.”

Attending Penn State New Kensington may have been not so much of a choice, as a tradition. The Polons women, Samantha’s mother and two sisters, all attended the campus for two or four years before earning their Penn State degrees. The Polons men, her father and brother, are Penn State alumni but did not follow the New Kensington route, opting instead for four years at the University Park campus.

After graduating in May, Polons hopes to change her classification at Premier Automation from intern to employee. Premier is an engineered solutions company that specializes in providing automation, drive, and electrical control solutions and services to industrial markets.

For more about the Electro-Mechanical Engineering technology program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/emet

AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION (AMC) ADMINISTERED
ANNUALLY TO 200,000 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Penn State New Kensington was the host site Feb. 20 for the American Mathematics Competition in the campus' Forum Theatre.

More than 85 students from high schools in the western Pennsylvania region, including Apollo Ridge, Burrell, Kiski Area, and Valley — took the 25-question, 75-minute, multiple-choice examination in secondary school mathematics. The problems are solved with pre-calculus concepts.

Ge Mu, instructor in mathematics at the campus, organized the event, and administered the test. Mu, who joined the campus faculty in the fall, delivered the keynote address.

AMC 12 and AMC 10 are administered annually to more than 200,000 high school students to help identify the students with truly exceptional mathematics talent. The main purpose of the competitions is to spur interest in mathematics and to develop talent through solving challenging problems in a timed multiple-choice format. The AMC 10 is restricted to students in grades 10 and below, while the AMC 12 is open to all students through grade 12.

The AMC 12 is one in a series of examinations, followed in the United States by the American Invitational Examination and the USA Mathematical Olympiad, that culminate in participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad, the most prestigious and difficult secondary mathematics examination in the world. Students who are among the very best receive indication of how they stand relative to other students in the country and around the globe.

In addition to organizing national contests, Mu is the director of the Mathematics League, an annual academic competition among the eight local high schools. Sponsored by the StrongLand Chamber of Commerce and held on the New Kensington campus, the league puts the students' math skills to the test by giving them the opportunity to go head-to-head with each other. The questions in algebra, geometry and other areas of mathematics are developed by Mu.

The Kiski School will defend its Math League title for the third consecutive year on Thursday, Feb. 28, in the campus’ Forum Theatre. The college preparatory boarding school in Saltsburg, Pa, takes a commanding lead into the final round after earning 49 points in the opening round, 11 points clear of second-place Kiski Area High School with 38 points.

For more information, conatct Mu, gxm929@psu.edu via email.

For more on AMC, visit http://www.unl.edu/amc/

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS CAN EXPLORE THE WORLD OF IMAGING
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 12;
5 p.m. Tuesday, March 19;
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9
 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 24
11 a.m. Monday, April 29

Prospective students can explore the world of imaging in the field of radiology at five information sessions in March and April at Penn State New Kensington.

The sessions are scheduled on three Tuesdays -- 9:30 a.m., March 12; 5 p.m., March 19; and 9:30 a.m., April 9 -- and 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, and 11 a.m., Monday, April 29.

Sponsored by the campus' Radiological Sciences department, the presentations are geared to high school seniors and juniors and adult learners, as well as parents and spouses. Participants can review information about the program, meet with faculty and staff,  and find out what the New Kensington campus has to offer. Faculty and staff will provide information on various aspects of the health discipline.

"The information sessions offer prospective students a valuable tool for making an intelligent career choice," said Debra Majetic, program coordinator at the campus. "The students have the opportunity to speak with program faculty and current students, followed by a tour of the departments."

As a part of the health care team, radiographers provide patient care using safe radiation practices, operate sophisticated technical equipment and make independent judgments and decisions daily. Radiological services are offered in a variety of settings such as hospitals, health-care facilities, physicians' offices, research centers and equipment sales offices. Careers in radiography offer flexible work schedules that accommodate various lifestyles and employment needs.

The radiological sciences program at Penn State New Kensington offers students an associate degree, and graduates are eligible for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The 72-credit, academic- and clinical-based curriculum begins in the fall of each year and requires 24 consecutive months of study, including summer sessions.

“In the past two years, the certification examination pass rate for our graduates was 100 percent,” said Majetic, a 1979 graduate of the New Kensington program. “The five year average is 96 percent.”

To RSVP for any of the sessions, contact Majetic at 724-334-6722 or dak25@psu.edu via email.

For more about the radiological Sciences program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44310.htm online.

UNSUNG HEROS OF ACADEMIA GIVE
THEIR TIME TO THE CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY

Adjunct instructors are the unsung heroes of academia. A staple of most colleges and universities, adjunct faculty supplement the teaching loads of full-time faculty.

At Penn State New Kensington, adjuncts do more than teach. The part-time instructors, who specialize in a variety of disciplines, are indispensable outside of the classroom as well as inside the classroom.

“We are very fortunate to have a group of adjunct faculty who are loyal to our campus and who serve in a wide variety of service roles,” said Donald Bruckner, assistant director of academic affairs. "The extra effort of these professionals helps the campus to be the focus of activity that it is, and not merely a place where learning takes place in classrooms and labs.”

Adjuncts at the campus are active in a variety of extra-curricular activities that serve the campus and the local community. Some work with students, some work with faculty and staff, and some work with the administration.

Jane Viti, adjunct instructor in biology, serves as a volunteer mentor for the campus’ annual Females Interested in Reaching for Science, Technology and Engineering (FIRSTE) program. The summer program targets ninth through 11th-grade girls considering careers in science, technology or engineering. The Fox Chapel resident joined the campus faculty in 2001. She teaches courses in anatomy, physiology and microbiology.

“The FIRSTE program provides an invaluable service by fostering young girls’ interest in science as a career choice and in exposing them to a college environment,"  said Viti, who holds a doctorate in neurobiology from the University of Pittsburgh. “The campus creates a very supportive environment.”

Adjunct instructors Frances Blanco-Yu (Chemistry), Tamanna Sultanna (Chemistry) and Dave Wohleber (Chemistry and Computer Science) also serve as mentors in the FIRSTE program.

Alumnus John Powell, adjunct instructor in engineering, played a pivotal role in reconfiguring the Engineering lab, including designing and building new programmable logic controller training modules. He also teamed with fellow engineering adjunct Mark Ripepi to lend their expertise to the Summer Preparation for Academics in the College of Engineering, or SPACE as it is known on campus. SPACE is a two-week academic session designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and experience of those seeking to major in engineering. The program includes classes in pre-calculus, chemistry, physics, and English, as well as workshops on study skills and course scheduling strategies. Peer mentoring and networking with current students help ease the transition from high school to college.

Powell’s campus service isn’t limited to the academics. He was a member of the campus Advisory Board and served as the board’s president for two years. In the fall, he collaborated with Danielle DeStefano, assistant director of admissions, on organizing a Motorcycle Run for the campus' annual Fall Festival.

Many adjuncts are asked to be faculty advisers to student clubs. Rebecca Mertz, adjunct instructor in English, was the adviser to the Anime Club. Anime is a Japanese animation style that is characterized by colorful graphics, characters and themes. Dave Nixon, adjunct instructor in radiological sciences, works with the X-ray club that is geared to students in the Radiological Sciences program. Nixon also sits on the program’s Assessment and Advisory committees that oversee the three-year accreditation cycle.

In addition to teaching, adjuncts are a vital part of campus committees. Carole Walcher, adjunct instructor in business administration, and Stewart Lewis, adjunct instructor in chemistry, serve on the campus’ Green Team. The Green Team takes specific actions to help the campus operate in a more efficient, innovative, and healthy way. The group operates under the Penn State Campus Sustainability Office that is charged with ensuring that Penn State is ecologically sound, socially responsible, and financially strong, while serving as a living laboratory for global sustainability to educate and serve our students. Leslie Wolf (Business) and David Jordan (Business) are adjunct faculty representatives to the Faculty Senate. The senate is the legislative body representing the campus' academic unit in matters such as instructional programs, courses and programs of study, academic admissions standards, graduation requirements and scholarships and honors.

Jane Viti, adjunct instructor in biology, has a bone to pick with a student about  anatomy.

Bruckner, a former adjunct at the campus, emphasized that while full-time faculty are obligated to perform service activities such these as part of their faculty appointments, adjunct faculty contractual obligations extend only to the courses they are teaching. 

“That’s what makes this kind of service so impressive, so appreciated, and so clearly above and beyond the call of duty,” said Bruckner, who earned his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh.  “We have a ton of adjuncts who are volunteering for these and other service activities out of the kindness of their hearts, because they believe in what we’re doing here and want to be a part of it.”

Bruckner, who assumed his administrative position in 2003, continues with his teaching responsibilities as assistant professor of philosophy. He teaches courses on ethics, logic and environmental philosophy.

While adjuncts are part-time faculty, a majority of the campus group have enjoyed a long term relationship with the campus. Last August, thirty-seven adjunct faculty were honored for service of five years or more. Wohleber tops the list with 21 years of service followed by Carol Dilliott, adjunct instructor in nutrition, with 20 years of service.

Faculty receive public recognition in April at the campus’ Academic and Student Achievement Awards ceremony. A committee of students, previous award recipients, and the Director of Academic Affairs selects one full-time and one part-time faculty member to receive the “Excellence in Teaching” award. The award is given for excellent classroom performance including teaching methods, techniques or activities. Excellence in other activities such as advising, supervision of learning outside the classroom, and course development are also considered. James “Frank” Roach, adjunct instructor in physics, was the 2012 recipient.

 THEME OF ANNUAL SHOW IS “CHANGES”
March 4-30, Penn State New Kensington

Artists’ Reception
Monday, March 25
Visual Artists: 5:00 – 7:00, Art Gallery
Performing Artists: 7:00 – 9:00, Forum Theatre

"Changes" is the theme of the annual student art exhibit, March 4 to 30, in the Art Gallery at Penn State New Kensington.

The show is sponsored by the Alle-Kiski Arts Consortium, a group of local educators dedicated to bringing performing and visual arts to area students. Prissy Pakulski, visual arts educator at Valley High School in the New Kensington-Arnold School District, is the coordinator of the event.

“The art exhibit is a wonderful cooperative experience for the art students in the districts,” said Pakulski, a visual artist who previously has shown her work at the campus. “The gallery at Penn State New Kensington produces an ambiance of professionalism, and students get a real gallery exhibition experience.”

Artwork by high school students from four area school districts -- Deer Lakes, Highlands, Kiski Area and New Kensington-Arnold -- is featured in the show. More than 500 two- and three-dimensional pieces, including paintings, drawings, sculpture and jewelry, will be hung salon-style, a European technique that dates back to the 17th century. Salon-style features a single exhibition room with artwork covering all the walls in a collage-like pattern.

“The salon style furthers the uniqueness of the young emerging artists,” said Pakulski, who works in stained glass. “In addition, easels and pedestals will further showcase the creations.”

A reception for the artists is set from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 25, in the art gallery. In conjunction with the reception is the High School Performing Arts Showcase, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the campus’ Forum Theatre.

"The performing arts component is an opportunity for students to perform a solo or small group recital,” Pakulski said.

The exhibit, reception and performances are free to the public. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on the weekends. For more information, contact Pakulski at 724-337-4536 ext. 2010 or ppakulski@nkasd.com.

SIX HOME DOUBLEHEADERS
Wolfpack Park, Lower Burrell

PRESEASON GAMES IN FLORIDA
Orlando, March 4-8

The Penn State New Kensington softball team will put western Pennsylvania’s capricious weather patterns in the rearview mirror March 3 as they head to Orlando, Florida, during spring break for sunshine and dry fields.

The preseason schedule begins March 4 with spring training at Hancock Park in Clermont. The New Kensington Lady Lions will play seven preseason games against Anna Maria College from Massachusetts, Finlandia University from Michigan, Coe College from Iowa, and St. Vincent College and Susquehanna University from Pennsylvania. The itinerary is not all bats, bunts, and bases. In keeping with the spirit of the campus' spring break, the players also will have some beach time.

The Lady Lions are in the midst of conditioning, fielding and hitting in the Athletics Center. Coach Mike Marsili's squad is working out in the weight room, doing drills in the gymnasium and taking batting practice from the pitching machine inside a 50-foot enclosed net. In addition, pitchers are throwing on the sidelines. When the weather breaks, the team can utilize the multi-purpose grass practice field behind the Athletics Center.

The 2013 campaign gets under way at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, with a nonconference game at Carlow University in Pittsburgh. The home opener is set for noon, Sunday, Mar. 24, with a double header against Westmoreland County Community College at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell, Pa.

Marsili's squad is set to play six home doubleheaders at Wolf Pack Park. Located at the intersection of Wild Life Lodge and Garvers Ferry roads, the municipal field has served as home to the softball team the past five years. The 22-game schedule features 16 Penn State University Athletic Conference games and six nonconference contests.

Last year, Marsili guided the team to a 11-7 PSUAC record and a third-place finish in the conference. The Lady Lions earned a berth in the conference playoffs and lost in the semifinals to Penn State Mont Alto, 2-0.

A former assistant coach at Kiski Area High School, Marsili begins his fifth year as head coach. He is a certified coach and conducts numerous clinics throughout the year. His assistant is Brian Eshbaugh, who was the head coach of the Lady Lions for three years, 2002-05. Eshbaugh guided New Kensington to two PSUAC championships.

For the full softball schedule, visit http://psnkathletics.com/sports/sball/2012-13/schedule online.

SIXTH BEST AMONG ALL
PENN STATE COMMONWEALTH CAMPUSES

The THON committee at Penn State New Kensington, headed by sophomore Kelsie Nury, raised $43,000 for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) that benefits the Four Diamonds Fund and the fight against pediatric cancer. The total is the third best in campus history.

The four New Kensington campus student dancers -- Aric Fellers, Leigh Hastings, Courtney Rockwell, and Bill Staniszewski -- joined more than 700 dancers from across the University and stayed on their feet for the entire 46-hour event, Feb. 15-17, in the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University Park.

“THON weekend was amazing and unforgettable,” said Nury, a hotel, restaurant, and institutional management major.  “Our students were great moralers in the stands, and our dancers were phenomenal”

Nury, a product of Burrell High School, is an experienced THON participant, first as a dancer in 2012, then as campus THON chair this year.  During her two years in a THON leadership role, the New Kensington campus has raised more than $93,000, the most for any student who served as chair or dancer. The second best total is $82,000 by Deanna Mazur, a 2011 graduate from the campus’ business administration program. Mazur took an opposite track of Nury and chaired the THON committee before turning to dancing. She served as chair for two years and set the then-campus record of $23,000 in 2010. As a dancer, she helped set the current standard of $52,000 a year later. Kelly Sieja, who earned a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology in 2011, chaired the historic record-setting event.

In the past three years, the New Kensington THON committee has collected more than $144,000, more than double the total from the past nine years combined. Since 2002, campus students have raised $260,000 to support pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers.

Overall, THON set a new record, raising $12,374,034.46 for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, surpassing last year's record $10.68 million. Funds raised by THON go to support the Four Diamonds Fund and its pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital who are working to find better treatments and, ultimately, cures for forms of cancer that afflict children. First held in 1973, THON has partnered with the Four Diamonds Fund since 1977 and in that time has raised more than $100 million FTK -- "For The Kids." More than 15,000 students participated in making THON 2013 happen, including the thousands of students who helped them raise funds throughout the year, and thousands more who volunteered during THON weekend to boost dancers' morale, kept them fed and entertained, made sure they stayed safe and shared the THON experience around the world via streaming video.

“I could not imagine anything greater than taking four great dancers with 25 great students and walking out of the BJC with a total of $12.3 million,” said Nury, a resident of Lower Burrell.

The campus total is sixth best among all Penn State commonwealth campuses and second among the western campuses that comprise Beaver, Fayette, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Shenango and New Kensington.

Donations continue to be accepted online can by visiting
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1218/thon/2012/wide.aspx?sid=1218&gid=1&pgid=920&cid=3683.
To credit the New Kensington campus, donors should go to “Gift and Dancer Support,” click the button “Click to support the THON Organization or Dancer of your choice” and designate New Kensington, which is listed under General Organizations.

For more on campus THON, contact Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu via email.
For more on THON, visit http://www.thon.org/ online.

Twenty-five students from the New Kensington campus were among the more than
16,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who went to the Bryce Jordan Center
to support the THON dancers.

CAMPUS GRADUATE AND FORMER PLAYER

Art McCray, supervisor and head varsity boys basketball coach at Summit Academy, was named head men's basketball coach at Penn State New Kensington, it was announced Feb. 13 by Dave Murray, director of athletics.

McCray, a graduate and former player at the campus, takes over for Joe Mandak, who served as interim head coach for the past month. Former head coach Doug Schneider resigned in January.

As basketball coach at Summit for the past three years, McCray compiled a 23-11 section record and a 39-31 overall record that included two section titles, an appearance in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) Elite Eight, and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Sweet 16. The titles were the first for Summit in any sport.

Summit Academy is a high school in Butler County for court-adjudicated youth. Students are usually there for one year. Many leave on a positive note and return home because they fulfilled the requirements of their assigned program. McCray never coached a player for more than one season.

“Given the circumstances of not having returning players, losing starters due to positive completion of the program, and students coming from different backgrounds and areas, it (winning section titles) was a great accomplishment for those young men, and it was great to be a part of it,” said McCray, who is in the middle of putting together a coaching staff. “Now my staff and I come into a situation with student- athletes who have played together and have a decent basketball IQ.  This gives us confidence that we can be successful at Penn State New Kensington.”

The 36-year-old McCray brings extensive coaching and playing experience into the new position. At the New Kensington campus, he played under Paul Holzshu and Lance Maha. At Chartiers Valley High School, he played for Tim McConnell. All three are coaching stalwarts of WPIAL basketball and produced successful programs through in-season and off-season preparation. McCray draws upon the best elements from each one.

“Those three have taught me a lot, and for that I thank them,” said McCray, who was named team captain by all three coaches. “The way they attack their off-season workouts, conditioning programs and how they prepare for games is what make them successful. I plan on using the same approach at New Kensington.”

As a player at the campus, McCray was a solid defender, leading the team in rebounding and blocked shots. The 6’6 power forward/center helped the New Kensington Lions to two conference championships in 1996 and 1997. As a student, he earned an associate degree from the campus before receiving a basketball scholarship to play at Lock Haven University. He completed his bachelor’s degree work in Rehabilitation Sciences at Penn State University Park.

Since 2001, he has been an administrator and teacher at Summit Academy. For the past two years he has served as an assistant to the principal with the responsibility of supervising the instructional program and discipline of the school.

McCray expects to play a major role in helping New Kensington student-athletes achieve their academic and athletic goals. His previous experiences at the campus give him an appreciation of the academic responsibilities as well as the athletic responsibilities that come with being a member of an intercollegiate program.

“Student athletes must understand that their first priority is to accomplish their academic goal of receiving a degree,” McCray said. “They will dive on the floor for books before they will be given a chance to dive for a loose ball, meaning they will understand the importance of academics. Playing basketball at Penn State New Kensington is a privilege, and it comes second to academics.” 

With his penchant for rebounds and blocked shots, it is no surprise that McCray’s basketball philosophy revolves around defense. He expects defense to be his new team’s greatest strength.

“I am a firm believer that defense wins championships,” McCray said. “That will be reflected by tough ball-hawking, in-your-face defense. Lazy defense will not be tolerated.”

McCray takes over a basketball program that hasn’t had a winning season since the 2008-09 when Ryan Shank’s squad finished with a 22-6 record and ranked sixth nationally in the United State Collegiate Athletic Association.  This year’s team, inexperienced and dominated by freshmen, went 1-17. All five starters will return, including freshman forward Rashon Boone, who played for McCray last year as a starter on the academy’s title team. The new coach wants to build on the current roster, so scouting and recruiting begins in earnest right away. McCray’s first foray into collegiate recruiting begins with the WPIAL playoffs that opened Feb. 19. His connections to WPIAL coaches should make the challenge a little less daunting.

“As far as recruiting goes we are late in the game, but the response from local coaches and players has been great,” said McCray, who was raised in Rennerdale, Pennsylvania. “The current roster gives us a canvas to work on, and we are building a team that plays under control and with aggression.”

Campus athletic teams compete in the Penn State University Athletic Conference and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The PSUAC comprises 15 Penn State campuses that are located throughout the state. New Kensington has won a record 14 PSUAC (formerly called the Commonwealth Campus Athletic Conference) men’s basketball titles.

“As a former student, Coach McCray is familiar with the campus and comfortable in the environment,” Murray said. “He has the ability to turn this program around and get us back to the top of the PSUAC.”

Conference champions earn an automatic bid to the USCAA tournaments. The USCAA is a national organization that is geared to provide athletic opportunities to small colleges — those with enrollments of less than 2,500. It sponsors 11 national championship tournaments in men's and women's sports. Established in 2001, the USCAA was incorporated to provide an opportunity for members to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of similar size and athletic programs. Headquartered in Newport News, Va., the organization has more than 82 member institutions in 24 states, stretching from Maine to California. Since joining the USCAA in 2005, the New Kensington campus has produced five All-Americans and nine Academic All-Americans.

McCray is a resident of Apollo where he lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their four children, Keyvahn 9, Sydney 7, Jaden 5, and Mikayla 3.

ALLE-KISKI SOCIETY'S 14TH ANNUAL OUTING
BENEFITS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
11:00 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9, Links at Spring Church, Apollo, Pa.
Brunch, Dinner, Green Fee, Cart, On-Course Beverages

The Alle-Kiski Society's 14th annual Alumni Golf Scramble is set for 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9, at the Links at Spring Church in Apollo. Co-hosted by Penn State New Kensington, the tournament is open to alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State.

The $110 entry fee includes dinner, refreshments and awards. Various golf packages are available including foursomes, tee sponsorships and "dinner only." Tee sponsorships are available for $100.

Proceeds benefit the society's endowed scholarship that is awarded annually to New Kensington campus students. Five students were awarded a total of $3,000 for the 2011-12 academic year. Since 1998, the local alumni society has awarded $33,000 to campus students.

For more information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu via email.

Team DJ Double K, headed by Alle-Kiski Society president Kerry Kelly, sinks a long birdie putt on the 15th hole
at the Links at Spring Church en route to a 15-under par round that bested the 21-team field by two shots.
Kelly's squad sandwiched alumni tournament titles in 2009 and 2012 around championships by Bills are Due (2010) and Minuteman Press (2011).

PITTSBURGH BAND OPENED FOR BB KING
Blending of Blues, Rock and Indie Music
Noon – 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, Forum Theatre

Penn State New Kensington concludes its celebration of Black History Month with a performance by the Mahajibee Blues Band from noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the campus’ Forum Theatre.

Mahajibee performs a blend of blues, rock and indie music. The five-man band features Tim Ambrass, bass; Brent McConnell, drums; Pat Tevis, keys/harp/vocals; Tim Vitullo, guitar/vocals; and Earl Schwalm, guitar/vocals.

Based in Pittsburgh, the group has played at numerous festivals thoughout the country including the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Arkansas and the Summertime Blues Festival in Maryland. Mahajibee has opened for blues legend BB King.

The performance is free to the public. For more information, contact Lauren Blum, student events coordinator, at ldb14@psu.edu or 724-334-6063.

For more on Mahajibee Blues Band, visit http://www.playcrossroads.com/u/Desnovel online.

ENCOURAGES LOCAL PENN STATERS TO
SUPPORT NEW KENSINGTON CAMPUS STUDENTS
Alle-Kiski Society 11th Annual Bowl-a-thon
1:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 7
Wildlife Lanes, Lower Burrell

The Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association is sponsoring the 11th annual Alumni Bowl-a-thon from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell, Pa. The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team. The bowl-a-thon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring, and the proceeds support the society's scholarship and campus projects. Lane sponsorships are available for $50 and $100. John Spadaro, board member of the society and bowl-a-thon chair, has written an open letter to alumni and friends of Penn State, encouraging participation in the post-Easter event. For more information, call John Spadaro 724-337-8536. To download the registration and sponsorship forms, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm

7 February 2013

Alumni and Friends:
The Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association represents over 7,500 alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Our mission is to represent all current and former students and friends of Penn State through interaction and service to improve the New Kensington campus and the University. The society develops, promotes and supports the campus and enhances communication between students, alumni, friends, and the University. We are responsible for the development of programs, both educational and recreational, to further strengthen our relationship with the New Kensington campus.

As a way of raising funds, the society is sponsoring the 11th annual Bowl-A-Thon on Sunday, April 7, 2013, at the Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. We are asking you to support this event by sponsoring a lane.

As a $50 lane sponsor, your company’s name will be prominently displayed during the event, and you will be included in the event program that each bowler will receive. 

As a $100 lane sponsor, in addition to the above perks, you will be included in live announcements throughout the event and your name will be posted on the campus website and newswire stories.  If you are interested in supporting this event, please complete the enclosed form and mail it to:

Mr. John Spadaro
508 Greenridge Road
New Kensington, PA 15068

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 724-337-8536.  We thank you in advance for your support.

For the Glory,

John

Board of Directors
Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association

PSNK vs PENN COLLEGE
Saturday, Feb. 9, Athletics Center
Game: Noon
Pizza Social: 1:30 p.m.

Offering a brief respite from the winter doldrums and the capricious weather of western Pennsylvania, the Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association is sponsoring a "Pizza Social" in conjunction with the Penn State New Kensington men’s basketball team game at noon, Saturday, Feb. 9, against Penn College at the Athletics Center.

Penn State alumni and friends are invited to join fellow Penn Staters to cheer on the New Kensington Lions and to enjoy free pizza during post-game festivities in lobby of the center. The team will be looking for the first win for new head coach Joe Mandak. An assistant coach for three years, Mandak took over for Doug Schneider, who resigned in January. Admission to both the game and pizza social is free to the public.

Based at Penn State New Kensington, the Alle-Kiski Society is the local chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and represents the 7,000 Penn State alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The society engages in campus and community projects throughout the year, including social and fundraising events that benefit the society's endowed scholarship.

The spring fundraiser is the annual Bowl-a-thon, and it is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell. This is a family fun event for students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team. The bowl-a-thon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring, and the proceeds support the society’s endowed scholarship and campus projects. Lane sponsorships are available for $50 and $100.

New and recent Penn State graduates are encouraged to attend the monthly board meetings held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the Conference Center on campus. The next meeting is Monday, Feb. 18.

For information on the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, call 724-334-6049, or uxw1@psu.edu via email or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

Last year's "Pizza Social" game came down to the final shot in the Lions 57-56 loss to Penn State Hazleton.

CAMPUS BIOLOGISTS BILL HAMILTON AND
DEBORAH SILLMAN'S BLOG
"Ecologist's Notebook:
Reflections on the Natural World of Western Pennsylvania"

Penn State New Kensington’s biologist bloggers, Bill Hamilton, assistant professor of biology, and Deborah Sillman, senior instructor in biology, have posted the fourth installment to their blog site, Ecologist's Notebook: Reflections on the Natural World of Western Pennsylvania.

“Signs of Spring 4: The robins are coming,” was written Jan. 30. Traditionally, the American robin arrives in the area around Feb. 14, according to Hamilton. However, it seems that this new generation is an iconoclastic flock and is determined to be fashionably ahead of schedule. The robin’s diet of fruits and berries plays a role in their literal belief in the “early bird gets the worm" mindset.

“Birds primarily migrate out of northern areas because of the necessity of finding food,” said Hamilton, who earned a doctorate from Syracuse University. “Robins, turning exclusively to fruit for winter sustenance, have the opportunity to skip the long, energetically expensive and individually perilous migration flight south. With luck, and with abundant apples, pears, and holly berries, they can survive the winter and potentially claim the best local nesting sites before the migrating individuals come back on the scene.”

The husband-and-wife team, who started blogging in 2008, have been publishing the first posts earlier and earlier. During the embryonic stages of the blog, evidence of the passing of winter was posted in March. Then February became the starting point. Now, January is the bellwether for Hamilton as his spring guests arrive for a yard party.  If the pattern continues, just as the sun rises Dec. 20 for the winter solstice at Stonehenge, a “critter flash mob” will show up at Hamilton’s door.

Hamilton and Sillman oversee the maintenance of the campus Nature Trail that was constructed in 1985. Each year, they write about the birds, insects, mammals and flowers that herald the arrival of spring. They report on their observations around their Apollo house and on local nature trails, as well as the campus trail.

To view Hamilton's blogs and to make a comment, visit http://www.personal.psu.edu/hw7/blogs/nature/.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS CAN GET
A GLIMPSE OF COLLEGE LIFE
8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27

RSVP: 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS

Get a glimpse of college life first-hand at the Penn State New Kensington campus from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, as a part of the "Be a Penn State Student for a Day" program.

High school students and adult learners can sit in on college classes, interact with current students and take in the campus' atmosphere. Participants will learn about making the transition from high school to college, and attendees can enjoy a free lunch in Cafe 780.

The final "Be a Student for a Day" for the spring semester is March 27. To reserve a spot, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.

For more on admissions events, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm online.

ARIC FELLERS, LEIGH HASTINGS,
COURTNEY ROCKWELL, BILL STANISZEWSKI
READY FOR PENN STATE IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON
Friday-Sunday, Feb. 15-17, Bryce Jordan Center

Featuring First Global Coordinated Line Dance for Charity
THON Live webcast, http://webcast.thon.psu.edu/

“...I think you people have proven something to the world, that a half a million young people can get together and have three days of fun and music and have nothing but fun and music...” -
--Max Yasgur, Dairy Farmer, 1969
Day Three, Woodstock Music and Arts Fair

For the past month, Penn State New Kensington students Aric Fellers, Leigh Hastings, Courtney Rockwell, and Bill Staniszewski have fine-tuned their bodies, polished their dancing skills and honed their mental faculties in preparation for THON. Like Woodstock almost 45 years ago, they are preparing for the three days of fun and music. Unlike Woodstock, the event will raise millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research.

The campus quartet is packed and ready for their trip this weekend, Friday to Sunday, Feb. 15 to 17, to Penn State University Park, for the 41st edition of the annual Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (affectionately known as THON), a University-wide event whose goal is to defeat pediatric cancer in the world.

“I got involved in THON because I love to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Courtney Rockwell, a sophomore Kinesiology major from New Kensington. “While at THON weekend, you are letting the children forget that they are fighting cancer, and they are enjoying their time as a child.”

The New Kensington dancers will join more than 700 Penn State students from all the campuses at the Jordan Center during the 46-hour, no sitting, no sleeping marathon. All monies raised through the dance marathon directly benefit the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

“I have been blessed with good health and a good family in life, so I believe I should give back to others, and one way of doing so is philanthropy,” said Hastings, a sophomore meteorology major and graduate of Greensburg-Salem High School. “Therefore, joining THON was an easy and quick decision for me to make.”

According to Kelsie Nury, THON committee chair for the New Kensington campus, the number of dancers going to University Park from each campus is based on the amount of money raised by the campus the previous year. Last year, New Kensington students raised $50,437, second best total in campus history. The $52,390 raised in 2010 is the New Kensington standard. 

The four dancers were chosen by a seven-member interview committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni. The selections were based on participation in campus THON activities --canning, meetings, and raising at least $1,000 apiece.

“My brother Brett participated in THON ahead of me, and I remember him telling my parents how it changed his life forever,” said Fellers, a junior who will transfer to University Park in the fall to complete his studies in energy, business and finance.

For the past month, the four hoofers have planned for the rigors of long-term dancing. By exercising, watching the calories, and eliminating caffeinated drinks, they are ready for the challenge. Staniszewski had a novel and fun approach for getting himself in top shape.

“I go skiing as often as possible,” said Staniszewski, a sophomore Mechanical Engineering Technology major who will earn an associate degree in May.

The campus reps won’t be left to their own devices once they hit the dance floor. The University Park THON committee assigns each dancer a moraler who can attend to their needs during the marathon. Be it food, drink, or inspiration, the moraler's responsibility is to help the dancers get through the event.

In addition, the campus is supporting the dancers with about 50 students and friends in the stands who will provide an upbeat atmosphere throughout the marathon. Another group of campus students will lend support by making a day trip by bus on Saturday to the Jordan Center. Nury, who was a campus dancer last year, is the “motivator in chief” for the campus. She offers a good mental tip for the participants.

“When you are down on the floor and feeling tired and sore, just look around and remember you have thousands of other Penn State students encouraging you,” said Nury, a sophomore from Lower Burrell.

More than 50 campus students will support the New Kensington dancers throughout the weekend.
Another group of supporters will make a day trip to THON.

In addition to Penn State students, alumni and friends from around the world will join in the celebration via “Dance With Us,” a fun and interactive call to action for people who are not at the University Park campus and want to get involved in the THON Weekend dance festivities. Midway through the event, at 6:45 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, Feb. 16, THON is inviting everyone, everywhere to take part in "Dance With Us," the first global coordinated line dance for charity, to raise awareness of childhood cancer. The program provides the opportunity for participants, no matter their location, to dance along with the THON dancers and experience the spirit, energy and atmosphere of THON while supporting the fight against pediatric cancer. A 30-second instructional line dance video, offering a tutorial for participants to learn the lyrics and moves, is posted on THON’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/394954170599517/

“We anticipate this program to inspire line dances and viewing parties for THON Weekend across the globe,” said Will Martin, overall chairperson for THON. “This will allow Penn State fans and pediatric cancer fighters to feel like they are in the Bryce Jordan Center from any location.”

 The University Park contingent will be joined by participants from around the world.

The final totals for New Kensington and all the other Penn State units will be announced at the conclusion of the marathon. Since 1977, THON has raised $89 million for the charity. In the past three years, the New Kensington THON committee has collected more than $122,000 to support pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers. Since 2002, the total is $216,000. Approximately 100 new families receive support each year.

Nury set New Kensington's goal at $55,000, the most ambitious total in campus history. Since last semester, campus students have been fundraising in earnest, sponsoring a variety of activities, including a spaghetti dinner, zumba night and a pie throwing contest, for what is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

Canning stands out as the most fun and the most lucrative fundraising vehicle for Nury’s cadre of volunteers. Rain or shine, the students stood outside area businesses, explaining the THON mission and collecting money from patrons. The cheerful demeanors of the volunteers provided the impetus for patrons to connect with their philanthropic inner being.

“Canning weekends are my favorite because you meet people who know about THON,” said Rockwell, a Valley High School graduate and a member of numerous campus organization and committees. “You get to  listen to their stories while you share your stories. Canning weekends are what got me pumped up for THON.”

The New Kensington dancers will have a grand send-off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, with a campus-wide "pot-luck" dinner. The terpsichoreans need to “carbo-load,” and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to bring an assortment of pastas and other high-energy foods to help the foursome boogie all weekend.

“I wanted to be involved in a charitable organization that supported both cancer research and dealing with child loss and illness,” said Staniszewski, a graduate of St. Joseph High School. “My grandfather died of cancer, and my mother has had several miscarriages.”

Donations can be made by visiting
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1218/thon/2012/wide.aspx?sid=1218&gid=1&pgid=920&cid=3683 online.

To credit the New Kensington campus, donors should go to “Gift and Dancer Support,” click the button “Click to support the THON Organization or Dancer of your choice” and designate New Kensington, which is listed under General Organizations.

To RSVP for the THON send-off dinner, contact Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu via email.

ACCESS POINTS IN FOUR ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS
Science, Arbuckle Technology, Administration and Conference Center

With the installation of access points in four additional buildings, wireless coverage has expanded at Penn State New Kensington. Users should notice improvement of Wireless 2.0 signal strength in the Science, Arbuckle Technology Administration and Conference Center buildings.

The conversion to 2.0 from 1.0 began in summer 2012 and included improvements to performance, security and usability when moving from building to building. Focusing on academic areas, the campus initiated its wireless coverage in 2004 to enable laptops to remain portable. Students, faculty and staff can now move within a wireless area from offices to classrooms to meetings, while browsing the web.

For the Wireless 2.0 Reference guide, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Documents/IT/general_wireless2.pdf

For more on wireless 2.0 and a list of locations, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/IT/24682.htm

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH STIPEND
COMPLEMENTS CHANCELLOR FELLOWSHIP
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Major
Analyzing Fuel Additives

Many college freshmen spend the first semester getting acclimated to the academic life by scheduling 15 credits of electives and holding off on declaring a major. Penn State New Kensington freshman engineering student Mike Cavazza spent his initial semester in the chemistry lab researching alternatives to petroleum-based polyesters using soybean oil.

Cavazza, who is majoring in petroleum and natural gas engineering, was selected for a Chancellor Fellowship, a program that allows students to collaborate with faculty on specific projects. In the fall, Cavazza worked with Robert Mathers, associate professor of chemistry, analyzing the kinetics of a soybean-based polymer that could be an alternative to petroleum-based polyesters. This semester, Cavazza is continuing the research as a part of the Undergraduate Research Stipend program. He is working more on his own than side-by-side with his faculty mentor.

“Dr. Mathers gives me a general direction and goals for my research projects but leaves most of the details up to me,” said Cavazza, a resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania. “I have learned so much more this way because I am forced to learn from my own mistakes.”

The Research Stipend program supports student research by encouraging faculty members to design undergraduate research projects. The projects are often an extension of the faculty member’s interests. Students receive academic credit as well as a $500 stipend.

“Mike is investigating methods to convert plant oils to plastics,” said Mathers, who holds a doctorate in polymer science from the University of Akron.  “It’s part of the research theme in my lab -- using renewable resources to create sustainable materials.”

“I am learning everything from laboratory techniques to how to use the equipment, from chemical principles and data analysis to trouble shooting and problem solving,’ said Cavazza, a graduate of Marion Center High School.

Cavazza applied for the stipend with the short-term goal of maintaining the research from his fellowship and earning additional financial assistance. As a bonus, the project has sharpened his analytical skills that will serve him well in the long-term.

“In any career you are going to run into problems and be forced to overcome them,” said Cavazza, a member of the Penn State Schreyer Honors Program.  “In doing this research, my ability to troubleshoot and find different ways to solve problems will help me in the future when I run into these situations.”

Michael Cavazza prepares to mix chemicals in the fume hood in the campus' Chemistry lab.

When not in class or doing his research, Cavazza can be found, well, in the chemistry lab, doing what else, research. As a chemistry lab technician for the campus, he does different types of research, such as the mechanical analysis of various polymers used for medical applications, which are unrelated to the fellowship and stipend, but equally rewarding.

“My favorite aspect of research has to be those rare times when your ideas and procedures actually work,” said Cavazza, who will earn his bachelor’s degree in 2016. “I have learned that when it comes to research, the probability of success is very low, so it is very rewarding when your results match what you set out to achieve.”

Research runs through the Cavazza family. Matt Cavazza, Mike’s older brother, blazed the fellowship trail in 2009 as he was awarded the first Chancellor Fellowship at the campus. A senior in the petroleum and natural gas engineering program at Penn State University Park, Matt also studied under Mathers. Their father, Eric Cavazza, attended Penn State Dubois before finishing his bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering at University Park.

While fuel additives and petroleum-based polyesters consume a majority of Cavazza’s time, research is just a part of Cavazza’s collegiate odyssey that will eventually land him at University Park, like his father and brother before him. His extra-curricular activities include the campus THON committee and lifting in the campus Fitness Center.

“I commute everyday, so I don’t spend as much time on campus as others,” Cavaza said. “My experience at the campus has been good, and the teachers have been great.”

RECENT GRADS, LOCAL ALUMNI ENCOURAGED TO
RECONNECT WITH THE UNIVERSITY AND CAMPUS
6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18,
Conference Center, Penn State New Kensington

People don't have to be an alumna or alumnus of Penn State New Kensington to belong to the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society.
Parents of Penn State graduates or current Penn State students are welcome to join. Penn State alumni who attended another campus but live in the Alle-Kiski Valley can stay connected to the University through the society, as are people who never attended Penn State but believe in its mission.

Based at Penn State New Kensington, the Alle-Kiski Society is the local chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and represents the 7,000 Penn State alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The society engages in campus and community projects throughout the year, including social and fundraising events that benefit the society's endowed scholarship.

The spring fundraiser is the annual Bowl-a-thon, and it is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell. This is a family fun event for students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team. The bowl-a-thon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring, and the proceeds support the society’s endowed scholarship and campus projects. Lane sponsorships are available for $50 and $100.

New and recent Penn State graduates are encouraged to attend the monthly board meetings held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the Conference Center on campus. The next meeting is Monday, Feb. 18.

For information on the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, call 724-334-6049, or uxw1@psu.edu via email or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

CAMPUS STUDENTS HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO
PRESENT THEIR RESEARCH IN PUBLIC

JOB FAIR COMPLEMENTS EXPO
Tuesday, April 9, Athletics Center

Students at Penn State New Kensington will have the opportunity to present their research in a public forum at the seventh annual Research and Creative Exposition, Tuesday, April 9, in the campus Athletics Center.

The exposition provides students, under the guidance of a faculty adviser, with the opportunity to choose a topic, conduct research, draw conclusions and present their information in a public setting. A concurrent job fair in the Athletics Center also gives visitors the chance to speak with potential employers from the region.

The competition is divided into two categories: posters and oral presentations. The poster category is designed to convey the project's significance to scholars in the field and potential significance to the general public. The student's written research is translated into a poster. Participants are judged on content, display and oral defense of their project.

The oral presentation category is designed to take written research and present it in an engaging 10-minute presentation. Presenters are judged on written materials, topic significance, objectives, methods, responsible knowledge, invention, preparation and delivery.

Last year, a record 50 students researched 37 projects that were exhibited in a poster format or delivered orally.

For more on the research exposition, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/ugradresearch.htm online.

STILL TIME FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS TO
APPLY FOR FALL SEMESTER
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18
RSVP: 724-334-LION

It is not too late to apply to Penn State New Kensington for fall. The campus' admissions office is holding Application Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 18, for high school students and adult learners.

The New Kensington admissions staff will be on-hand to guide prospective students through the application process. Those who complete the application will receive a waiver for the $50 application fee. Additionally, applicants to New Kensington may receive an admissions decision immediately if they bring a high school transcript and their SAT or ACT scores.

Students and their families are invited to stop by the admissions office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Appointments are recommended, but not required. A series of videos, “It’s Your Time,” provides testimonies form current students, alumni, faculty and staff. 

To reserve a spot, call 724-334-LION. 

To view the videos, visit http://iyt.psu.edu/newkensington?utm_source=psnk&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=iytvideos

For other admission events, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm online.

CAMPUS BIOLOGISTS BILL HAMILTON AND DEBORAH SILLMAN'S
"Ecologist's Notebook:
Reflections on the Natural World of Western Pennsylvania"

Bill Hamilton, assistant professor of biology, and Deborah Sillman, senior instructor in biology, are a team at Penn State New Kensington who oversee the maintenance of the campus Nature Trail that was constructed in 1985.

Each year, they write about the birds, insects, mammals and flowers that herald the arrival of spring. On their blog site, "Ecologist's Notebook: Reflections on the Natural World of Western Pennsylvania," they report on their observations around their Apollo house and on local nature trails, as well as the campus trail.

This year, the biologists bloggers are getting a mid-winter start. The first entry, "Signs of Spring #1: An Unexpected Visitor," was written Jan. 13 by Hamilton and deals with a wood thrush sighting in his back yard. Since Wood thrushes migrate to southern Mexico or Central America in September and October and do not usually return to the area until late March or early April, Hamilton surmised that his hungry guest was either four months late leaving or two months early returning.

The second blog, "Honeybees," was written Jan. 16. The unseasonably warm temperatures of almost 70 degrees enticed the bees to a nectar and pollen happy hour. Alas, it was quixotic search as western Pennsylvania is laid bare of flowers during the winter season. And the bees expended valuable energy reserves that may hinder the survival of the hive until spring.

The third installment, "Groundhog Day," was written Jan. 21. Hamilton recounts his battle with and ultimate surrender to the ubiquitous woodchuck, which because of nearby Punxsutawney, has gained legendary status as a one-day meteorologist. Although Hamilton downplays the rodent’s Nostradamus-esque acumen, most people believe the batting average of local weathermen aint much better, despite the fact that 25 percent of meteorologists are Penn State graduates.

For Hamilton's blogs and comments, visit http://www.personal.psu.edu/hw7/blogs/nature/ online.

CHOOSES PSNK OVER NAVAL ACADEMY FOR
PAID INTERNSHIP AT ELECTRO-OPTICS CENTER

Tyler Leatherwood is in his second year working on laser weapons at Penn State’s Electro-Optics Center (EOC). He’ll be working at the center for at least two more years as he helps design, test and build components for the high-powered defense systems used by the United States military. By the way, he is a fulltime sophomore in the engineering program at Penn State New Kensington.

Last year, as a freshman, Leatherwood was selected as the charter member of a new campus program, GREAT (Growing Regional Engineering through Academics and Training). A collaboration of the New Kensington campus, Electro-Optics Center and industries in the region, GREAT establishes internships at local companies for engineering students. Whereas most internships are geared to juniors and seniors, GREAT interns can begin as soon as their first year in college.

 “I never thought I would be getting the hands-on training like I am, learning the ins and outs of laser weapons systems and how they operate,” said Leatherwood, an electro-mechanical engineering technology major. “I could not ask for better mentors as they challenge me with new tasks every day, but also support me as I learn. It has helped me financially as well.”

Leatherwood’s internship is year round -- part-time, 10 hours, during the fall and spring semesters, and fulltime, 40 hours, during the summer. He is paid $12 an hour and performs a variety of tasks. His work schedule is based around his class schedule.

“They are very flexible and understanding with my educational needs,” said Leatherwood, a 2011 graduate of Kiski Area High School. “I show up and help anyone that needs assistance. I helped build a circuit that can record multiple temperatures at the same time that will be used on a big Navy project.”

The Electro-Optics Center was established in 1999 under a cooperative agreement with the Office of Naval Research. Managed by Penn State, the Freeport-based company serves as a national resource to advance electro-optics and related technologies by partnering with government and commercial customers for the primary benefit of the defense of the country.

For selection into the GREAT program, qualified engineering majors go through a competitive interview process with campus faculty and the business partners. Promising students are awarded four-year paid internships that provide opportunities to develop professional skills and gain workplace experience.

"Unlike other internships that are often sporadic and unaccompanied by enrichment, the GREAT Program provides four years of a consistent, challenging work environment, coupled with constant mentoring in the workplace and extra classroom seminars instructed by professionals," said Bill Kiser, senior director of the Penn State Electro-Optics Center.

GREAT students have access to professional development seminars that are held at various times each semester. Leatherwood views the internship as a precursor to his foray two years hence into the workforce.

“The internship is an advantage in getting an early start on competition,” said Leatherwood, a resident of Apollo. “I am getting a feel for industry while building a resume and building experience.

GREAT proved to be the draw for Leatherwood to enroll at Penn State New Kensington. Originally, he had set his sights on an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. However, a serendipitous encounter with a campus marketing piece whetted his risk-taking appetite. The lure of a four-year paid internship proved stronger than the lure of the seas.

“I happened to see a brochure for the GREAT program on my kitchen table, and right then I knew I wanted to take a chance to earn the internship,” said Leatherwood, an officer of the Engineering Club, a student organization on campus.  “I committed to Penn State New Kensington, and sure enough I got the job at the EOC.

The quality of the EMET program was not lost on Leatherwood. Graduates of the program learn the skills necessary to apply current methods and technology to the development, design, operation, and management of electro-mechanical systems. Penn State is recognized nationally as a leader in engineering technology

“Penn State New Kensington is a very good engineering school,” said Leatherwood, who uses a combination of scholarships, grants and loans to pay for his education. “All the professors I have had are amazing.”

During the summer months, the 40-hour work week allows him a certain degree of creativity and fun. In addition to working in the Laser Weapons division, Leatherwood helps instruct an electro-optics camp and two robotics camps. 

“I recently built a robot out of NXT legos that solves Rubik’s cube,” Leatherwood said.  “It was a demonstration robot for a camp.”

Since he arrived on campus, creativity has been the hallmark of Leatherwood’s collegiate career. As a part of a class project, he set a campus record by transmitting sound via light at a distance of a quarter of a mile. The previous record was an eighth of a mile. His internship played a pivotal role in his accomplishment.

 “I actually asked some of my mentors at work how I could improve my original 100 feet distance, and they gave me ideas to use telescopes,” Leatherwood said. “I used the optics of two telescopes to manipulate the light to give me a better signal on the receiver end. So my job actually helped with school which was pretty cool.”

A year ago, he was part of a team of student engineering majors at the campus that took up a challenge from his mentors, a team of professional engineers at the EOC . Each side built a trebuchet, a type of catapult, for a Cantaloupe Chunkin contest. After seven hurls, the EOC squad claimed the trophy by “lobbin the ‘loupe’ a bit farther than the students.

“The trebuchet project was a blast, and we competed against the company I work for, which made the contest quite interesting,” Leatherwood said.  “EOC ended up taking home the gold, but the overall purpose of working together to build relationships, communication and time management skills, and to enhance project design experience was accomplished.”

Leatherwood expects to earn his bachelor’s degree in 2015. Whether his career continues with the EOC or another engineering firm, he is ready for the challenges that await.

“I get a job somewhere and work my way up the ladder,” he said. “The internship will hopefully open up a lot of opportunities for me.”

For more about the GREAT Program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/44200.htm

 
Tyler Leatherwood was a member of the Penn State New Kensington engineering student team that
designed a trebuchet to compete against the Electro-Optics Center in a Cantaloupe Chunkin contest. 

ARTIST DAN BOLICK
“In Your Face” Presentation
Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 6, Art Gallery

COMEDIAN PREACHER MOSS
“End of Racism” Lecture
Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 6, Café 780

MAHAJIBEE BLUES BAND
Blending  of Blues, Rock and Indie Music
Noon – 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, Forum Theatre

A talk and exhibit by artist Dan Bolick about his show, “In Your Face,” a discussion of diversity by comedian Preacher Moss, and a performance by Mahajibee Blues Band are a part of Penn State New Kensington's celebration of Black History Month.

Bolick’s talk is slated for noon on Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the campus art gallery. A question-and-answer session follows the talk. The one-man exhibit comprises 35 portraits, or faces, hence the title, and features paintings and drawings that have a story. The show runs until Feb. 28. The art gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends. For more on Bolick, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/45106.htm#NEWS45106 online.

Moss’ comedy and lecture tour makes a stop at the New Kensington campus at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 6, in Café 780. His show, “End of Racism.” discusses poverty, racism, multiculturalism, and civil rights with a combination of intellect and comedic ability. Moss, who earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Marquette University, is a regular on college campuses throughout the country.

At noon on Wednesday, Feb. 20, Mahajibee brings its blues sounds to the Forum Theatre on campus. The five-piece band--Tim Ambrass, bass; Brent McConnell, drums; Pat Tevis, keys/harp/vocals; Tim Vitullo, guitar/vocals; and Earl Schwalm, guitar/vocals--performs a blend of blues, rock and indie music. The Pittsburgh-based group has opened for blues legend BB King. For more on Mahajibee Blues Band, visit http://www.playcrossroads.com/u/Desnovel online.

All talks, exhibits and performances are free to the public. For more information, contact Lauren Blum, student events coordinator, at ldb14@psu.edu or 724-334-6063.

 LANDSCAPING BUSINESS HELPS 
SOPHOMORE ENGINEERING MAJOR TO
GRADUATE WITHOUT DEBT

Bill Staniszewski will graduate from Penn State New Kensington without debt. While many college students get help from their parents, he is getting help from Mother Nature.

Staniszewski, a sophomore in the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program, is paying tuition with the profits from his landscaping business. While in high school, he, along with his brothers, Joe and Rick, co-founded Parkview Lawn and Landscapes LLC for the purpose of financing their college educations. The start-up business was partially funded through the Entrepreneur Program of the StrongLand Chamber of Commerce.

“My brothers and I started the company to pay for college,” said Staniszewski, a graduate of St. Joseph High School. “StrongLand’s young entrepreneur program really helped us to get off the ground.”

StrongLand, which serves Armstrong and Westmoreland counties, offers the program to 10th, 11th and 12th graders who are interested in starting their own business. Thirty-two high schools students have gone through the program in the last four years.

Staniszewski and his brothers participated in the seven-week, 14-hour course that includes instruction on deciding a business direction, writing a business plan, and developing marketing materials. His business model was selected for start-up funding.

“Strongland provided us not only with money but also with invaluable information about how to run a business and make it successful,” said Staniszewski, a New Kensington resident.

The company, based in New Kensington, provides professional landscape and design and installation services, as well as lawn care services including fertilization, hedge trimming, seasonal cleanup, and grass cutting. The brothers, along with their parents, Bill and Margie Staniszewski, run the day-to-day operations. Joe is a freshman at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and Rick attends St. Joseph. Bill Sr. is a Penn State alumnus. Younger brothers Ben, an eighth grader at Mary Queen of Apostles and Danny, a home-schooled first-grader, will join the family business in the future. Bill Jr. is the jack-of-all-trades for the company.

“I work in all areas of the company from sales to customer service to the financial and legal aspects,” Staniszewski said. “I also do the actual manual labor which includes building walls, moving mulch, and mowing lawns.”

Although there is tuition gold in the green grass provided by Mother Nature, Staniszewski wants to move away from the mowing side of the business and concentrate on mulching and landscape design. He purchased CAD (computer-aided design) software to facilitate the process. The brothers will market their new services at StrongLand’s annual Home Expo, Feb. 8-10, at the Pittsburgh Mills mall.

“Our best method of marketing is word of mouth, followed by the StrongLand home show,” Staniszewski said. “We have had a booth in the home show for the past several years. We have also run direct mail ads and go door to door.”

Although Staniszewski runs a business while being a fulltime student, he still has time to enjoy the extra-curricular activities associated with college life.  He is president of the Engineering Club and vice president of the Lion Ambassadors, two student organizations, and a member of the campus’ THON committee. THON is a University-wide dance marathon that raises money for pediatric cancer research.

He was recently honored by being selected as one of four dancers to represent the campus at THON, Feb. 17-19, at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University Park. The 46-hour, no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Last year, THON raised more than $10 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

“I got involved with THON because I wanted to be involved in a charitable organization that supported both cancer research, and dealing with child loss and illness,” Staniszewski said. “My grandfather died of cancer, and my mother has had several miscarriages.”

Staniszewski will earn his associate degree in May. He plans to continue his MET studies in the bachelor’s program at Penn state Erie, the Behrend College or join Joe at Franciscan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business.

For more Staniszewski’s landscaping business, visit http://www.parkviewlawnandlandscapes.com/

RUJIRUTANA “DR. A” MANDHACHITARA SELECTED FOR
TEAM TEACHING OF HYBRID CLASS
“Demand, Operations, and Firm Performance”
Delivered Online and In-Class

Rujirutana Mandhachitara, associate professor of business administration at Penn State New Kensington, was selected to teach a spring course for Penn State’s new Master of Business Administration program at the Regional Learning Alliance Center in Cranberry, Pennsylvania.

Mandhachitara, known affectionately by her students as “Dr A,” is one of three instructors for the course, “Demand, Operations, and Firm Performance.” The course is a part of the second semester curriculum of the program. Administered by Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, the program is a hybrid of 75 percent online instruction and 25 percent in-class instruction and is geared to working professionals from the Pittsburg region. Begun in fall 2012, the MBA is offered in a blended delivery whereby students get classroom instruction once per month and online instruction for the remainder of the course. It is the same curriculum that is offered in the traditional format at Behrend College. 

“I am enthusiastic about this hybrid teaching approach of combining the online medium with face-to-face sessions,” said Mandhachitara, who was appointed faculty member of the Black School of Business at Penn State Erie.  “I am getting to know the students personally so that I can provide more constructive feedback to their online assignments.” 

Dr. A talks about the psychology of the consumer with her marketing class.

Teaching classes online or on the MBA-level is not a novel concept to Mandhachitara. For the past five years, she has taught “Negotiation,” a course she designed for Penn State World Campus. The World Campus delivers graduate, undergraduate and professional education programs through online formats.  In addition, she has taught marketing elements of MBA courses both in the United States and abroad.

“I feel that up coming challenge of teaching a hybrid class to be one of the most important professional challenges of my career at Penn State New Kensington,” said Mandhachitara, who earned a bachelor’s degree at the age of 19.

The Pittsburgh resident holds a doctorate in marketing from Thammasat University in Thailand, her native country. She joined the New Kensington faculty in 2007 after four years at Long Island University. An accomplished researcher, Mandhachitara has published 10 articles in blind peer-reviewed journals, 14 conference papers and four book chapters and cases. Her current research projects include an analysis of retail cluster propinquity in Bangkok and a study of female body image and consumer behavior in New York, London and Bangkok.

A recipient of numerous teaching awards, Mandhachitara received tenure and was promoted to associate professor in 2012. Two years ago she earned the campus’ “Excellence in Teaching” award. She serves as adviser to two of the campus’ student clubs, Business and Multi-Cultural.

ALLE-KISKI SOCIETY LENDS A
HELPING HAND TO LOCAL FOOD BANKS

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches and
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Coordinate
Monthly Food Distribution Program

Board members of the Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association volunteered December 11 for a food distribution program at the Valley News Dispatch in Tarentum. “Produce for People,” a monthly program for low-income families, provided groceries to 360 local residents during a two-hour period.

Organized by the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the program is held the second Tuesday of the month, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at two distribution sites, one for cold weather and one for warm weather. During the winter months, December to April, the distribution site is the newspaper’s mailroom. During the spring, summer and fall months, the site is Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Harrison.

The society members joined 30 other volunteers in setting up tables, opening bags of produce, handing out canned goods, fresh vegetables, and frozen poultry, and helping to carry groceries for families and individuals.

The next distribution is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the newspaper’s Fourth Street employee entrance. Volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to volunteer, call 724-226-0606.

PRODUCE FOR PEOPLE UPCOMING DISTRIBUTION DATES
Second Tuesday of the Month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
February, March, April, Valley News Dispatch

Tuesday, Feb. 12
Tuesday, March 12
Tuesday, April 9

SENIORS KATIE COLBERT, HEATHER GULOTTA,
PERRY NICKLEACH AND KALIE MONTGOMERY
GET A SOCIAL MEDIA PRIMER

Four Penn State New Kensington business students attended a professional marketing summit last semester and came away with information on social media that may prove helpful in their future endeavors.

The graduating seniors -- Katie Colbert, Heather Gulotta, Perry Nickleach and Kalie Montgomery -- accompanied by Rujirutana “Dr. A” Mandhachitara, associate professor of business administration at the campus, participated last semester in the Digital Marketing Best Practices Summit, a series of panel discussions that focused on updated applications of social network tools in brand building, including optimizing the results, or hits, from search engines such as Google. Coordinated by Mandhachitara and organized by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Marketing Association, the event’s guest speakers were drawn from senior marketing and advertising executives in the region.

“The panelists discussed different methods of branding, such as using the right keywords and extending the searched terms to achieve that goal,” said Mandhachitara, who holds a doctorate in marketing from Thammasat University in Thailand.

While the topics focused on search engine branding, the New Kensington students each had various takes on applying the information to their future careers.

Colbert, a graduate of Fox Chapel High School and a four-year starter for the campus softball team, plans on pursuing an MBA degree after securing a position in the marketing field. She was partial to the talk on social commerce which addressed how social media sites contribute to the purchase of products and services and how social media can influence careers in marketing/management.

“One decision the summit brought to my attention about my career was knowledge of social media sites,” said Colbert, who is doing an internship in the Career Services office at the campus. “You need to be an expert on one site, have a general knowledge about most social media sites, or have an in-depth understanding in a couple of the most used sites.”

Search Engine Optimizing (SEO), which increases the number of people who access a company’s website through a search engine, was an intriguing topic for Gulotta. The Valley High School graduate wants to apply her newly acquired knowledge about optimizing to the campus’ four-year business program.

“It was interesting to learn about key words and how to make your company's website show up within the first few pages of a Google search,” said Gulotta, who works part-time as an environmental services aide for HealthSouth Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital.  “To promote the business program, we need to implement SEO. We need content that will get Penn State New Kensington to show up in a search for business programs in Pittsburgh.”

Nickleach viewed the social media information from an entrepreneurial standpoint. Buying habits of consumers, especially in the younger generations, have changed as social media influences their purchasing behaviors. Internet purchases are increasing through the use of smart phones and tablets. 

“The summit provided an in-depth look into how search engines and social media really influence how consumers make their buying decisions,” said Nickleach, who hails from Ford City.  “The techniques for monitoring advertising and consumer usage are changing daily. It is very important to have people working for you that are up to date and ready to take on all of the technological change ahead."

The question-and-answer segments were especially enlightening for Montgomery. She enjoyed the give-and-take of the professional marketers in the audience and on the dais.

“Listening to the Q & A sessions was insightful because the people asking the questions were real world marketers,” said Montgomery, a native of Worthington. “It was helpful to hear their questions and gauge their jobs.”

Montgomery favored the overall experience of the summit.  She appreciated the ambiance as much as the content of the summit.

“Even if you weren't interested in what was being discussed, it was a great atmosphere,” said Montgomery, the current recipient of the campus’ Dr. Saul and Emma Fleegler Family Scholarship. “You could gauge what to wear to business conferences, how to interact with people, what to bring and what kinds of questions to ask. It is beneficial to attend events like this, so that we are better prepared socially when we attend marketing keynotes as a working professional.”

“The students appreciated the learning from the seminar as much as the opportunity to meet and connect with marketing executives,” said Mandhachitara, who joined the campus faculty in 2007. “On a daily basis, these professionals implement the skills that students are currently learning in their marketing classes.”

For more about the business program at Penn State New Kensington, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/business_bsb.htm online.

WESTPACS JOB FAIR 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, Monroeville Convention Center

PENN STATE CAREER DAYS

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, March 20 and 21, Bryce Jordan Center

Registration: 724-334-6065

The Office of Career Services at Penn State New Kensington has scheduled two job fairs -- Penn State Spring Career Days and the Western Pennsylvania Career Services Association (WestPACS) -- to help recent and soon-to-be graduates get started on a career. Employers will be interviewing for full-time positions, internships and summer jobs at both events.

The Spring Career Days are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, March 20 and 21, in the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.

WestPACS is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, at the Monroeville Convention Center on Route 22 in Monroeville, Pa. The job events are open to current students and graduates of two- and four-year programs.

Preregistration for all events can be made by contacting Jim Shields at xjs8@psu.edu or 724-334-6065.

For more on job fairs and Career Services, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/CareerServices/29179.htm online.

ARIC FELLERS, LEIGH HASTINGS,
COURTNEY ROCKWELL AND BILL STANISZEWSKI
REPRESENTING CAMPUS AT UNIVERSITY-WIDE FUNDRAISER
Friday-Sunday, Feb. 15-17, Bryce Jordan Center,
Penn State University Park

Move over Kim and Kourtney, Snookie and Jwow, and Honey Boo Boo and Mama June. A new group of “reality” stars is about to debut--Penn State New Kensington’s THON dancers.

Aric Fellers, Leigh Hastings, Courtney Rockwell and Bill Staniszewski were selected as this year’s campus representatives for the annual Penn State Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon, affectionately known as THON. As opposed to Pete Rose’s scripted reality, THON is real reality.

More than 700 Penn State students, from all Penn State campuses, will converge Feb. 15 at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus for a 46-hour, no sitting, no sleeping marathon fundraiser. All money raised through the dance marathon directly benefits the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. A live webcast will be available at http://webcast.thon.psu.edu/.

The four New Kensington terpsichoreans were chosen by an interview committee, and the selections were based on participation in campus THON activities that began in September -- canning hours, meetings attended, and fundraising totals. In Greek mythology, Terpsichore was the muse of dancing.

“They were chosen not only because they worked extremely hard, but because it’s been from the heart," said Nury, chair of the campus THON committee. “They each raised more than $1,000.”

Fellers is a junior business administration major from Lower Burrell. Hastings is a junior in the meteorology program and a Delmont resident. Rockwell is a junior kinesiology major from New Kensington. Staniszewsk is a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering Technology program and a New Kensington resident.

The interview committee comprised seven members from the campus: Kevin Snider, chancellor; Mike Tagliati, advisory board; Elaine Zarichnak, nurse; Jim Shields, career services coordinator; Jordan Miller, student government president; Vera Spina Greenwald, alumnae; and Nicole Thoma, student and 2011 THON dancer.

The number of dancers going to University Park from each campus is based on the amount of money raised by the campus the previous year. In 2012, New Kensington students brought in $50,437, second best total in campus history.

The four hoofers are preparing for the rigors of long-term dancing by fine-tuning their bodies through exercise and healthy eating habits. Nury offers some additional tips to her charges.

“Start sleeping regularly, and drink lots of water,” said the sophomore hotel, restaurant, and institutional management major. “

Nury speaks from experience. Last year, she was one of the four campus dancers. Since the Lower Burrell resident knows all aspects THON activities, she feels confident in setting an ambitious campus goal of $55,000

The $52,396 total in 2011 remains the campus standard. In the past three years, the New Kensington THON committee has collected more than $122,000 to support pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers. Since 2002, the total is $216,000.

Donations can be made by visiting
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1218/thon/2012/wide.aspx?sid=1218&gid=1&pgid=920&cid=3683 online.

To credit the New Kensington campus, donors should go to “Gift and Dancer Support,”  click the button “Click to support the THON Organization or Dancer of your choice” and designate New Kensington, which is listed under General Organizations.

For more about THON events, contact Nury at 724-462-1779 or kcn5033@psu.edu or Lauren Blum at 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu.

REMEMBERING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

“MAKE IT A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF”
Penn State New Kensington, Beaver, Fayette,
Greater Allegheny, and Shenango Partner for
Community Service Projects at Penn State DuBois

"A CELEBRATION OF UNITY"
Campus, Community, Local Businesses, Neighborhood Churches
Non-Profit Volunteer Fair; Panel Discussion; Dinner;
Lighting of the Unity Candle; August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble

In honor of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., student volunteers from Penn State New Kensington and other Penn State campuses in western Pennsylvania took on community service projects in DuBois, Pennsylvania. Billed as “Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off,” the activities were a part of the University’s celebration of King’s birthday. Jan. 21 was a federal holiday and there were no classes that day.

The multi-campus community service project is an annual event that moves around the region. Penn State DuBois was the host campus this year. Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, and Kelli O’Connor, graduate assistant, accompanied nine New Kensington students -- Kelsie Nury, Jordan Miller, Bill Staniszewski, Courtney Rockwell, Leigh Hastings, Emily McDaniel, Jenna Swank, Brooke Churma and Craig Synan – to the DuBois campus. They joined 60 of their counterparts from the Penn State campuses of Beaver, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, and Shenango and traveled in groups to help with the daily activities of various community organizations in the greater DuBois area, including Goodwill Industries, the Humane Society, DuBois Nursing Home, and DuBois Historical Society.

“Penn State encourages the community service aspect of the holiday,’ said Blum, who holds a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. “Students volunteered to give up their day off at school to assist the organizations with cleaning, painting, organizing--whatever needed to be done.”

 Campus students at the Unity Day panel discussion.

The celebration of the life of and works of King continued the next day when students, faculty and staff came together with Hightower Scholars Inc. and the community, local businesses and neighborhood churches. "A Celebration of Unity" featured a fair on volunteering at non-profit organizations, a panel discussion on hunger and homelessness, a potluck dinner, and a performance by the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of unity candle by members of the campus, community, local businesses and neighborhood churches.

Diane Hightower, executive director of Hightower Scholars, a nonprofit organization, and Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs at the campus, developed the multimedia program for the 84th anniversary of King's birth. Kevin Snider, chancellor at the New Kensington campus, delivered the opening remarks. Audrey Murrell, associate professor of Business Administration, Psychology, Public and International Affairs and director of the David Berg Center for Ethics and Leadership and Associate at the University of Pittsburgh, moderated the panel discussion. Non-profits groups at the fair included Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, Family Services of Western Pennsylvania, Penn State New Kensington THON, Tri-City Life Center and Valley Points YMCA.

Dr. Audrey Murrell moderated a panel discussion on "Hunger, Homelessness and Education."

DIRECTOR BILL MITAS TO CAST
TEN ASPIRING THESPIANS FOR
COMEDY/HORROR STAGE PRODUCTION
Auditions; 7:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29 and Thursday, Jan. 31

Bill Mitas, instructor of theatre arts at Penn State New Kensington, is putting out a call to the campus and community to attend open auditions for the spring production of "Bat Boy: The Musical" from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, Jan. 31, in the campus' Forum Theatre.

The comedy/horror musical is based on a 1992 story in the tabloid Weekly World News about a human-like creature, half-boy, half-vampire bat, found living in a cave. The book was written by Kaythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe, who is best known for the writing the score of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”

A cult classic, "Bat Boy" opened off-Broadway in 2001 and moved to London’s West End and the Edinburgh Festival before entering regional theatre in 2002. The award-winning play features 10 characters and is set in West Virginia. Aspiring thespians are asked to prepare a song with sheet music or a musical recording.

The campus production will run for three days, Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20. The curtain rises at 8 p.m. each night.

For more information, contact Mitas at wrm14@psu.edu.

JUNIOR JACK RAMSEY TUTORS STUDENTS IN
A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS
Administration of Justice Major Served Six Years in the Military

Whether it’s helping fellow soldiers on a base in Iraq or fellow students in the learning center at Penn State New Kensington, Jack Ramsey has a knack for teaching.

Ramsey, a junior in the Administration of Justice program and U.S. Army veteran, is a tutor for the campus’ Academic and Career Success Center. The center serves as an academic support unit for students in a variety of subjects, including writing and math. Each year, nearly 400 students take advantage of the tutorial services.

“For some reason, helping people comes easy to me, as does teaching,” said Ramsey, who served six years in the military.  “I believe my military time helped tremendously.” 

An Army specialist, Ramsey supervised the company’s medics and headed the base’s behavioral health unit. He was responsible for organizing and teaching combat life-saving courses. The 40-hour courses, a blend of classroom work and hands-on experiences, included topics such "Care Under Fire," which involves placing tourniquets and moving wounded soldiers to a safer location, and "Tactical Field Care," which emphasized, among other things, the proper technique for inserting a catheter into the chest cavity. Classes of more than 100 soldiers were not uncommon.

“These courses were typically taught as ongoing classes, so whenever there was down time, we would fill the space with something relevant,” said Ramsey, who deployed twice to Iraq. “I also taught a more involved course, under the direction of the supervising physician's assistant, for Iraqi’s who were ambulance drivers for their local cities.”

After receiving an honorable discharge, Ramsey enrolled at Penn State. The Post 9-11 GI Bill provided the wherewithal for a post-secondary degree, and the New Kensington campus provided the means to that end.

“I initially chose Penn State New Kensington because it was close to home, and my relatives and friends are doing well with their Penn State degrees,” said Ramsey, who expects to earn a bachelor’s degree in 2014. “Once I was here, I’ve found that the professors are excellent, well versed and passionate about their fields. The smaller class sizes lead to a much better teacher-student rapport.”

His initial foray into tutoring came a year ago at the behest of Craig Hammond, assistant professor of history. Hammond, who also serves as the coordinator for Academic Mentoring program for the campus' athletic teams, asked Ramsey to help tutor student-athletes at the campus.

“When Jack enrolled in my history class, I was immediately impressed with his work,” said Hammond, who joined the campus faculty in 2008. “The veterans and adult learners on campus are a very strong group academically. Jack immediately stood out as the best of that group. Over the past two years he has been a tremendous asset to our campus.” 

“I think that Professor Hammond was impressed with my writing ability and wanted me to serve as tutor for the basketball team,” said Ramsey, a graduate of Shaler Area High School.  “This year, it has exploded in scope, from doing three different teams, to adding specific classes to my palette.”

Other professors took note of his pedagogic knack and enlisted his aid. In addition to writing, he tutors students in statistics and criminal justice classes. And it is a reciprocal arrangement. While Ramsey benefits others, he serendipitously benefits himself.

“Tutoring lets me get back into the work from prior courses and allows me to retain much more of the information,” said Ramsey, a resident of Pittsburgh.  “So, while helping others, I am also helping myself.”

"It’s always great to pair up a returning veteran like Jack with traditional students,” said Hammond, who holds a doctorate in history from the University of Kentucky. “Veterans and adult students add something special to classes. Jack goes beyond that with his tutoring. Not only does he help students succeed in the classroom, but he also serves as a great mentor.”

Besides connecting with fellow students, the 29-year-old Ramsey connects with fellow veterans. More than 31 percent of the campus population comprises veterans and adult learners.

“Vets seem to find each other and offer an area of support,” Ramsey said. “No one knows vets better than other vets, and as such, I think it has been invaluable having so many of us here.”

After graduation, Ramsey plans a career with the FBI. If his military and collegiate experiences are any indicator, his aspirations will be realized.

For information on Veterans Services at the campus, contact Diana Hill at 724-334-6047or duh3@psu.edu via email.

For more on admissions, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/default.htm online.

Jack Ramsey with students in a criminal justice class. The junior Administration of Justice
major will earn a bachelor's degree in 2014.

“CELEBRATION OF UNITY”
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22
Free to the Public

Information Booths, “Non-Profit Volunteer Fair”
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Front Lobby and Theatre Lobby

Panel Discussion, “Hunger, Homelessness and Education”
4:30-6:00 p.m., Forum Theatre

Fellowship Dinner
6:00 p.m., Conference Center

“Lighting of Unity Candle,” 
7:00 p.m., Conference Center

“Diversity of Dance,” August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble
7:30 p.m., Forum Theatre

Penn State New Kensington and Hightower Scholars Inc., in conjunction with the local church community, will join together on Tuesday, Jan. 22, for a series of activities that honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

"Celebration of Unity" will feature a volunteer fair, a panel discussion, dinner, and the traditional lighting of the unity candle by members of the campus, community, local businesses and neighborhood churches. The daylong celebration concludes with a performance by the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble. All events will be held at the New Kensington campus on State Route 780 in Upper Burrell Township.

The celebration begins at 11 a.m. with the Nonprofit Organization Volunteer Fair in the lobbies of the Forum Theatre and front entrance. Charitable groups will set up booths to talk about community service options that are available at the organizations. Faith in Action, Habitat for Humanity and Westmoreland County Food Bank are a few of the organizations that will discuss the volunteering options that are available in the local community. The fair runs until 3 p.m.

“The goal of the fair is to provide students and community members with volunteer opportunities by connecting them to local non-profit organizations,” said Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs at the campus.

August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble performs in the Forum Theatre.

Following the fair at 4:30 p.m. will be a 90-minute panel discussion, “Hunger, Homelessness and Education,” in the theatre. The moderator is Audrey Murrell, associate professor of Business Administration, Psychology, Public and International Affairs and director of the David Berg Center for Ethics and Leadership and Associate at the University of Pittsburgh. Murrell, who holds a doctorate degree from the University of Delaware, teaches undergraduate, graduate and doctoral classes. She conducts research and works with organizations on strategies to enhance overall effectiveness by utilizing human and social capital. Her work has been published in management and psychology journals as well as book chapters and special issues. Murrell serves as a consultant in the areas of mentoring, organizational effectiveness, teamwork, diversity, and leadership development. Her clients have included Alcoa, IBM, and Heinz.

The panel features Lori Brooks, coordinator for Family and Community Action Partnership (Headstart); Patrick Coulson, director of Westmoreland County Community College in New Kensington;  Samuel Goldstrohm, magisterial district judge for Armstrong County and adjunct instructor in administration of justice at the New Kensington campus; Scott McMannis, director of  Circles Initiative for Westmoreland Community Action; John Pallone, superintendent of the New Kensington-Arnold School District; and Karen Snair, director of the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches.

Pastor Asa Roberts, right, at last year's panel discussion, is a fixture at the Unity Day celebrations.

The Unity fellowship dinner begins at 6 p.m. in the Conference Center and features potluck entrees. Guests are asked to bring a covered dish that can feed 10-15 people. Following dinner is the lighting of the unity candle by members of the campus, community, local businesses and neighborhood churches.

The celebration concludes with the “Diversity of Dance” performance at 7:30 p.m. by the August Wilson Ensemble in the Forum Theatre. The ensemble comprises seven dancers of different backgrounds and styles, under the tutelage of Greer Reed, artistic director of the company. Reed’s signature program features two interpretations, Regality and New Second Line, each designed by a different choreographer. Darrell Grand Moultrie’s Regality explores the regal technicality of movement through energy, passion and artistry. Camille Brown’s New Second Line, inspired by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, commemorates the spirit and culture of the people of New Orleans.

All events are free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for the dinner at 724-334-6062.

Children from the local community play a prominent role in honoring MLK. 

Diane Hightower, executive director of Hightower Scholars, a nonprofit organization, and Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs at the campus, developed the multimedia program for the 83nd anniversary of King's birth. Kevin Snider, chancellor at the New Kensington campus, delivers the opening remarks. Community service and community partnerships are the cornerstone of Snider’s vision to make the Alle-Kiski Valley an even better place to live, work and learn.

Headquartered in Lower Burrell, Pa., Hightower Scholars assists students with their preparation for a postsecondary education at a college or university. The campus scholarship, Mittie B. Hightower Memorial Scholarship, was established to support a minority student majoring in allied health fields or science programs. The current recipient is DeAndra Barron, a nursing student.
The federal holiday in honor of the slain civil rights leader is Monday, Jan. 21. There will be no classes at Penn State New Kensington that day. However, the campus will be open and staffed.

For more information, call 724-334-6032.

The Lighting of the Unity Day candle highlights the the day's activities.

UNITY DAY SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Tuesday, January 22

Non-Profit Volunteer Fair
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Theatre Lobby

PARTICIPATING GROUPS
Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society
Allegheny Valley Association of Churches
Alle-Kiski Faith in Action
Alle-Kiski Hope Center Inc.
American Red Cross, Westmoreland County-Chestnut Ridge Chapter
Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley
ARC Manor, Addiction Recovery Center
Blackburn Center
Connellsville Community Ministries
Family Services of Western Pennsylvania
Habitat for Humanity, Allegheny Valley
HAVIN
Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania
Penn State New Kensington THON
Salvation Army, New Kensington Worship and Service Center
Tri-City Life Center
Valley Points YMCA
Westmoreland Community Action
Westmoreland County Food Bank

Panel Discussion 
Hunger, Homelessness and Education  
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.  Forum Theatre

MODERATOR
Dr. Audrey Murrell, Associate Professor of Business Administration, Psychology, Public and International Affairs; Director of the David Berg Center for Ethics and Leadership, University of Pittsburgh

PANELISTS
Lori Brooks, Family and Community Action Partnership Coordinator (Headstart)
Patrick Coulson, Director of the Westmoreland County Community College Center for Education in New Kensington;  Director of the New Ken Community Garden
Judge Sam Goldstrohm, Magisterial District Court Justice for Armstrong County; adjunct faculty in Administration of Justice Program, Penn State New Kensington
Scott McMannis, Circles Initiative Director, Westmoreland Community Action
John Pallone, Superintendent, New Kensington-Arnold School District
Karen Snair – Director of the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches 

Unity Day Dinner
6:00 p.m , Conference Center

Lighting of the Unity Candle
7:00 p.m., Conference Center

“Diversity of Dance” Performance
7:30 p.m., August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble, Forum Theatre

MARDELLE AND PATRICK KOPNICKY DEEM EVENT
"A HUGE SUCCESS"

The new Penn State ice hockey team received rave reviews from Penn Staters over the holiday break as more than 20,000 fans attended the inaugural Three Rivers Classic, Dec. 28-29, in the Consol Energy Center. And Penn State New Kensington played an active role in igniting the local alumni base.

The Nittany Lions, in their first year of NCAA-Division I play, took third-place in the four-team tournament, falling to eventual champion Robert Morris University, 6-0, in the opener and defeating Big Ten rival Ohio State, 5-4, in the consolation game.

Patrick and Mardelle Kopnicky, co-chairs of the campus’ "For the Future" campaign, organized alumni socials for both days of the tournament. The socials were co-sponsored by the Penn State Alumni Association and the Nittany Lion Club.

A "Meet the Lions" event followed the Robert Morris game. Alumni had an opportunity to talk with head coach Guy Gadowsky and his players. Gadowsky gave the fans an “inside-the-ropes" perspective of the 2012-13 team.

For the second game, the Kopnickys secured the Lexus Club, the exclusive multi-purpose facility on the upper-level of the Consol Center that offers an expansive view of the Pittsburgh skyline. Following the game, Penn State alumni headed to the club for food and refreshments and to listen to Joe Battista, associate athletic director for hockey operations, talk about Penn State’s ice hockey program and next year’s opening of the Pegula Ice Arena, the Nittany Lions’ new campus home. The coach and team captain Tommy Olczyk also addressed the Penn State faithful.

“The evening was huge success as guests streamed into the Lexus Club before and after the game to socialize and network,” said Mardelle Kopnicky, who was named to the campaign post in 2011. “After the game the room was packed with 500 Penn Staters. Joe Battista was ‘blown away’ by the response from alumni.”

In addition to the Kopnickys, Penn State New Kensington was represented by campus students.  Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, accompanied the students to the game.

“The students in attendance were very appreciative of the opportunity to attend the event and network with alumni,” said Blum, who holds a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. “Future games and receptions could turn out to be a really great opportunity for the University to show appreciation to the Pittsburgh region’s support of Penn State.”

Penn State ice hockey in Pittsburgh will continue for at least another year. The Nittany Lions, as well as Robert Morris, have been invited to 2013 classic in December. The other two participants will be announced at a later date.  

Penn Staters filled the Lexus Club after the game to listen to Joe Batista, Coach Gadowsky and team captain Tommy Olczyk .
More than 20,0000 fans attended the two-day tournament at the Consol Center in Pittsburgh.

The Kopnickys, residents of Natrona Heights, Pa., are leading the committee charged with securing $3 million in new support for the campus by June 2014. They have offered their financial support as well as their time and energy to the campus, providing annual gifts to scholarships for many years and creating the Patrick and Mardelle Sacco Trustee Scholarship in 2008.

The Penn Staters, who met as students at University Park, have been married for 44 years, and they are lifetime members of the Penn State Alumni Association. They are now retired. Patrick was principal architect for Kvaerner Metals in Pittsburgh, and Mardelle was owner of Kopnicky Nationwide Insurance in Brackenridge. Though neither attended Penn State New Kensington, they became involved with the Alle-Kiski Society, a regional chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association based at the campus, in the 1980s. Both served terms as president of the society.

The Kopnickys have served as leaders for a number of organizations in the region. Mardelle is the past president of the Allegheny Valley Chamber of Commerce and Allegheny Valley YMCA, and Patrick is the past president of the Council of Friends of Harrison Hills Park. In 1994, they were recognized for their community service by the Penn State Alumni Council.

For more information, contact Lauren Blum at 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu via email.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS CAN GET
A GLIMPSE OF COLLEGE LIFE
8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30
Call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS

Get a glimpse of college life first-hand at the Penn State New Kensington campus from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, as a part of the "Be a Penn State Student for a Day" program. High school students and adult learners can sit in on college classes, interact with current students and take in the campus' atmosphere. Participants will learn about admissions requirements and the financial aid process. Attendees can enjoy a free lunch in Cafe 780. The next Spend a Day events are Feb. 27 and March 27. To reserve a spot, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.

For more on admissions events, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm online.

PROCEEDS FIGHT CHILDHOOD CANCER

Night of Fitness 
5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, Athletics Center

Spaghetti Dinner
Noon – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 20,
St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church, Lower Burrell

With a month to go before the granddaddy of fundraising events, Penn State New Kensington is picking up the donations pace in January with a series of activities that supports Penn State’s annual dance marathon, aka THON. The schedule includes a fitness night, spaghetti dinner and tossing pies at your favorite professors.

The campus THON committee, headed by Kelsie Nury, is sponsoring a series of events in January to raise funds for the University-wide event that benefits the Four Diamonds Fund, whose goal is to fight childhood cancer, at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. THON, formally known as Penn State Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon, culminates with a 46-hour, no sitting, no sleeping marathon from Feb. 15-19, at the University Park campus. Over the next four weeks, students from all Penn State campuses will be raising money for what is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

The fundraising cycle cranked up during the fall semester with two canning weekends, a zumba night and a spaghetti dinner. The spring semester opens at 5:30 to 9 p.m., Thursday, January 17, with a Night of Fitness in the Athletics Center. Carol Sheffler, fitness instructor, will lead Zumba, and Pepsi Umberger, instructor in kinesiology at the campus, will direct the yoga activities that are geared to beginners (low impact) and veterans (high impact). The cost is $10 per person, and water, granola bars, fruit and other healthy snacks will be available to participants. Students are admitted for $5 with valid Penn State ID cards. In addition to the workouts, raffles for baskets of goodies will be offered throughout the evening.

The spaghetti dinner is set from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, at St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church in Lower Burrell, Pa. The menu features salad, bread, tea/orange juice/water/coffee, spaghetti with meat sauce or plain marinara, and various desserts. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children under 10, and free for children 3 years old and younger. Takeout is available. Baskets of goodies will be raffled off.

Campus faculty will take one for the team at the annual “Pie Your Professor,” a one-sided food fight that is set from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Café 780. Students, aided by staff and abetted by the less courageous or more sensible faculty colleagues, can get in their professors’ faces with a healthy heaping of whipped cream. Although the distance for the throw is a challenging three feet, there is a two feet-11 inch margin of error. With those tolerances, collateral damage will be minimal.

Nury, a sophomore in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program has set a goal of $55,000, which would be the campus' high water mark. A graduate of Burrell High School, Nury represented the campus as a dancer at the 2012 marathon event and helped raise $50,437, second best total in campus history. The $52,000 in 2011 total is the campus standard. In the past three years, the New Kensington THON committee has collected more than $122,000 to support pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers. Since 2002, the total is $216,000.

For more about THON events, contact Nury at 724-462-1779 or kcn5033@psu.edu  or Lauren Blum at 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu.

PITTSBURGH ARTIST’S EXHIBIT "IN YOUR FACE" FEATURES 
A NEW STYLE AND WORKS FROM 2010 SHOW “RESURRECTED”
January 7 – February 28

Displaying a new creative style, Pittsburgh artist Dan Bolick returns to the art gallery at Penn State New Kensington for a two-month show beginning Jan. 7.

The one-man exhibit, “In Your Face,” comprises 35 portraits, or faces, hence the title, and features paintings and drawings that have a story. Text is incorporated into some of the pieces.

The show is an integration of his traditional expressionistic style and his neo-three-dimensional style. An expressionist working in acrylic and latex or pen, pencil and marker, Bolick developed in the past year the new style that utilizes the assemblage/collage approach.

“As an artist I believe that it is important to try new things and to go to certain creative areas that I am not totally comfortable with,” said Bolick, a retired art teacher from the Pittsburgh Public School System. “Also, I get easily bored and creatively stagnant constantly working in the same format.  Especially when creating portraits.  That is why I am attempting this new three-dimensional approach”.

Nine of the “In Your Face” pieces, including three of his family, reflect his novel style. His wife, Iphiyenia, son, Eli, and daughter, Sabrina, are portrayed using wooden assemblage. Bolick’s “Self-Portrait” is painted in his customary acrylic and latex.

“I have been painting or drawing my family for years. My studio is in my house. They are here. They are my muse,” said Bolick, a graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in fine arts.  “They appear in a number of my works.  Hopefully their portraits will be passed down to their children and to their children's children.”

Included in the show are 10 pieces, five paintings and five drawings, from Bolick’s "Resurrected" travelling exhibit that made a stop at the campus in 2010. That exhibit featured 10 men who were freed from prison after years of sitting on death row or facing life sentences.

“The paintings from my ‘Resurrected’ series fit with the exhibit in that, in and of themselves, they are faces,” said Bolick, who recently showed the 10 works in the East Village in New York.  “Two of the pieces were not in the exhibit three years ago.”

Bolick took up the cause in 2007 to help wrongfully incarcerated prisoners. Working with the Innocence Institute of Point Park University, a nonprofit organization that investigates possible wrongful convictions, Bolick met the subjects of his exhibit face-to-face. He used his paint brush to humanize the men and to make an argument against the death penalty.

“I was able to help these people who truly were wronged by society, said Bolick, who donates a percentage of sales from the ‘Resurrected’ series to the Innocence Project Network. “Stylistically speaking, it let me see that the usage of text in the background of my portraits visually works.”

His involvement with the Innocence Institute came about after a previous project, “The ABCs of Crime,” stalled in the early going. He had planned a series of 26 portraits, A through Z, of actual criminals who committed the crimes beginning with that particular letter of the alphabet. 

“I was going to try to get into each criminals’ mindset through the use of text in the background,” said Bolick, who taught at Schiller Classical Academy for 20 years. “The whole project was filled with problems from the start, not the least of which was the fact that I was dealing with mug shot photo files and would never actually be able to sit with the actual person. And there were legal ramifications. Also, what crime begins with an X ?”

Sitting down with the subjects was paramount for Bolick. Overcoming the legal obstacles might have been possible; however, the logistics involved with painting the portraits would be nearly impossible to surmount.

“Portrait artists always face a certain dilemma. Since portraiture is a two-way activity, how can I depict the individuality of my subject as if they were not being closely observed?  But I can only accomplish this by observing them closely,” said Bolick, a member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. “I enjoy this dilemma. Perhaps the true subject of each portrait is the interchange that occurs between the person depicted and myself.”

After two paintings, Bolick abandoned the project and focused on his quest to fight wrongful convictions. The two finished pieces, “Arson” and Burglary,” are a part of the campus exhibit.

“I glad I started it though, because it led to my investigations of convicted people who were actually innocent,” said Bolick, who won the Gallery Chiz Award at the 101st Annual Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Juried Exhibition in 2011.  “They were people who I could, and did, actually meet.”

Bolick brings his style to the New Kensington campus at the request of colleague and campus faculty member Bud Gibbons, professor of visual arts and director of the Art Gallery. Both award-winning artists have exhibited at the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Many of Bolick's portraits are for sale.

A talk by the artist is set for noon, Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the Art Gallery. The exhibit and talk are free to the public. The exhibit runs until Feb. 28. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends.

For more information, contact Bolick at danielbolick@comcast.net.
For more about the artist, visit www.danielbolick.com online.

 
"Sabrina" assemblage by Dan Bolick.

From Dan Bolick's "Resurrected" exhibit: left to right, John Thompson, Nancy Smith, Clarence Elkins, and Drew Whitley. All were exonerated after serving years in prison. Thompson was on death row.

"Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off,"
Penn State’s Six Western Campuses Join Forces as
Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, Jan. 21, Penn State DuBois

In honor of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., student volunteers from Penn State New Kensington and other Penn State campuses in western Pennsylvania will take on community service projects Monday, Jan. 21, in the local area.

Billed as "Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off," the activities are a part of the University's celebration of King's birthday. January 21 is a federal holiday, and there are no classes that day. The multi-campus community service project is an annual event that moves around the region. DuBois is the host campus this year. New Kensington was the host in 2012.

New Kensington students, along with their counterparts from the Penn State campuses of Beaver, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, and Shenango will travel in groups to various community organizations in the DuBois area.

For more information, contact Lauren Blum at 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu via email.

NINE EVENTS GEARED TO
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

The Admissions Office at Penn State New Kensington is holding nine events during the spring semester for prospective students and parents. The events include:

-- "Be a Student for a Day" on Jan. 30, Feb. 27, and March 27.
Be a Student for a Day events give future students the opportunity to attend classes with a current student.

-- Accepted Student Reception on Jan. 30 and April 24.
Students who have been offered admission to Penn State New Kensington and their families can learn about what they need to do between their acceptance and their first day of class.

-- Application Day on Feb. 18.
Application Day provides prospective students with help in filling out an application and allows for on-the-spot admissions decisions. The $50 application fee will also be waived during this event.

--Athletics Dinner on March 13
Prospective athletes and parents can learn more about the campus athletic programs.

-- Scholarship Luncheon on Mar. 22
A special reception for incoming students who earned Penn State New Kensington scholarships.

-- Spring Open House on April 13.
The open house is a chance for prospective students and their families to explore the University and meet with campus students, faculty, staff and alumni.

To register for any of the programs listed above, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS. For more about admissions, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/default.htm online.

NEW AND RECENT GRADS ENCOURAGED TO
STAY CONNECTED TO CAMPUS
6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 21, Conference Center

New and recent graduates of Penn State New Kensington can connect with fellow Penn Staters at the next monthly meeting of the Alle-Kiski Society at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 21, in the campus Conference Center.

Alumni who can’t make the meeting can still exercise their Penn State spirit at the society’s “Alumni Social and Basketball Game,” on Saturday, Feb 9. Graduates in the area are invited to cheer on the New Kensington Lions against Penn College at 3 p.m. in the campus Athletics Center. The social follows at 5 p.m. at Woodpeckers Bar and Grill, located adjacent to the campus on State Route 780 and Myers Drive in Upper Burrell. The social includes free food and cash bar.

The Alle-Kiski Society, the campus-based chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, engages in various projects throughout the year, interacting with other Penn State campuses and current students by social and fundraising events and other networking activities. Social events include a reception for student award winners and a bus trip to a Penn State football game. In addition, the alumni group co-sponsors campus events including the semi-annual Alumni Breakfast socials in the spring for local alumni.

Penn State alumni, students, parents, and friends from the Penn State New Kensington service area -- Westmoreland, Allegheny, Butler, Armstrong and Indiana counties -- are encouraged to re-connect with the University and campus by attending meetings. For more information on the society and its events, call 724-334-6049 or send an email to uxw1@psu.edu.

For more about the society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

AKS vice president Tim Oberlin, left, with director Barb Arnold, secretary Vera Spina and
Chancellor Kevin Snider at the 2012 basketball social.

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE MAJORS GET
FIRST-HAND LOOK AT INNER WORKINGS OF
THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
Andrew Holodnik Plans on Joining U.S. Federal Marshals Service

Penn State New Kensington student Andrew Holodnik’s major is preparing him for a career with the United States Marshals Service. Recently, an instructor for one of his courses provided an opportunity for Holodnik to talk with federal marshals and gain first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day activities of the service.

Judge Samuel Goldstrohm, magisterial district judge for Armstrong County and adjunct instructor in administration of justice at the campus, accompanied 25 campus students in his criminal justice class to United States District Court in Pittsburgh. Judges and staff of the court, which serves the western district of Pennsylvania, held a series of panel discussions that described the inner-workings of the court system.

“Judge Goldstrohm believes that learning can occur outside of the classroom and can be applied to the information we are learning in his course,” said Holodnik, a senior in the Administration of Justice program. “We had the opportunity to talk to the people who make the courtroom procedures happen.”

“I take my students on a field trip each semester to a criminal justice agency or facility because it is the very best way to demonstrate lecture materials,” said Goldstrohm, who has taught at the campus for five years.  “Students will long remember the first-hand observation of a federal courthouse or a maximum security prison.”

The daylong trip, which included lunch with the staff, featured discussions that delved into the roles of federal marshals, prosecutors and public defenders, judges and law clerks, and support staff in the court system. Students had the chances to ask questions and interact with the speakers.

Two deputy marshals, Jason Byham and Andy Balint, talked about their duties and demonstrated the various tools, such as bullet-proof vests and shackles, used in their positions with the service. As to be expected, the topic was a favorite of Holodnik.

“I learned about the subdivisions that include fugitive task force, judicial protection, witness protection, special operations, and diplomat protection,” said Holodnik, a graduate of Penn Hills High School. “The marshals also talked to us about how to apply, look, and prepare for jobs in federal agencies.”

During the second panel discussion, the student contingent was exposed to both two sides of the criminal justice system. Soo Song, first assistant U.S. attorney and Michael Navaro, public defender, explained the process of prosecuting and defending federal criminal cases.

The third panel comprised court support staff--courtroom deputy, jury clerk, docket clerk, court reporter, information technology manager, financial supervisor, and personnel supervisor. Each presenter talked about their role in court operations. Holodnik found this to be beneficial to students majoring in a variety of disciplines, especially information science and technology, business administration and finance.

“This trip was not just for administration of justice majors,” said Holodnik, a member of the Lion Ambassadors club at the campus. “Courtrooms are now more high tech with recording devices, computers, projection equipment, and many more electronics. The financial supervisor deals with payments of court costs, as well as retribution to the plaintiffs.”

Highlight of the trip was the panel discussion that featured three judges and their law clerks. U.S. District Judge Mark Hornak, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Lenihan, and Magistrate Judge Robert Mitchell explained their judicial functions, as well as their judicial philosophies that are applied to the administration of law. Clerks Tony Kovalchick, Janine Englehart and Carol Hesz talked about their research responsibilities and how the work impacts human lives on a daily basis. Holodnik felt privileged to be able to talk with the judges, and said that Hornak, the newest member of the court, offered students the most poignant advice.

“Judge Hornak told us to be open to opportunity knocking,” said Holodnik, a resident of Penn Hills, a suburb of Pittsburgh and the largest municipality in Allegheny County. “He mentioned that every offer may provide people with more knowledge, new knowledge that they may have not received if they passed up on the opportunity.”

Holodnik’s opportunities will begin knocking soon. He expects to earn his second Penn State degree, a bachelor’s, in May 2013. He received an associate degree in business administration last year. When the campus established the administration of justice program in fall 2010, Holodnik’s saw a chance to expand his career options and fulfill an aspiration.

“After witnessing an aggravated assault and rendering first aid to the victim, I realized that I wanted a career that I could give back to the community,” said Holodnik, who will attend a police academy after graduation. “I was able to obtain some very useful knowledge from the Marshals Byham and Balint and hope to become a deputy marshal.”

The Marshals office is the oldest federal agency and is a part of the executive branch of government. It is responsible for the protection of court officers and buildings and the operation of the judiciary. The service handles fugitive investigation, apprehension and prisoner transport, and it serves arrest warrants.

“DIVERSITY OF DANCE”
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 22, Forum Theatre

“CELEBRATION OF UNITY”
HONORING THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Information Booths, “Non-Profit Volunteer Fair,”
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Front Lobby and Theatre Lobby

Panel Discussion, “Hunger, Homelessness and Education,”
4:30-6:00 p.m., Forum Theatre

Dinner, “Lighting of Unity Candle,” 
6:00-7:30 p.m., Conference Center

A performance by the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble on Tuesday, Jan. 22, highlights the celebration of the life Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Penn State New Kensington.

The ensemble’s “Diversity of Dance” is set for 7:30 p.m. in the campus’ Forum Theatre. The Pittsburgh-based company’s performance is the grand finale of the daylong “Celebration of Unity” that pays tribute to the legacy of King. The celebration includes a “Non-Profit Volunteer Fair,” 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a panel discussion, “Hunger, Homelessness and Education,” 4:30 to 6 p.m., and a community dinner, 6 to 7:30 p.m. All events are free to the public.

The August Wilson ensemble comprises seven dancers of different backgrounds and styles, under the tutelage of Greer Reed, artistic director of the company. Reed’s signature program, “Diversity of Dance,” features two interpretations, Regality and New Second Line, each designed by a different choreographer. Darrell Grand Moultrie’s Regality explores the regal technicality of movement through energy, passion and artistry. Camille Brown’s New Second Line, inspired by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, commemorates the spirit and culture of the people of New Orleans.

Named for Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright and Pittsburgh native August Wilson, the August Wilson Center for African American Culture is a non-profit organization which preserves and celebrates the art, culture and history of African-Americans. The center, located in the Cultural District of downtown Pittsburgh, offers multiple exhibition galleries, a 486-seat theatre for performances in all genres, an education center for classes, lectures and hands-on learning, and spaces for community programs and events.

Unity day activities are sponsored by a partnership of the campus and Hightower Scholars Inc., in conjunction with the local churches and community organizations. For more information, call 724-334-6062.

“ATTITUDE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE”
Former Campus Student George Adda Stresses
Faith, Confidence and Respect

"Your attitude will always control your actions, and your attitude will also always determine your altitude (or success) in your career and in your life. You must realize that you, and only you, control your attitude by the thoughts that you hold."
-- George Adda, Commencement Address, 22 December 2012,
Penn State New Kensington.

The fall commencement address, “Attitude Makes the Difference,” delivered Dec. 22 by George Adda to the fall class of 2012 at Penn State New Kensington, is posted on the campus website. Mixing humor with sage advice, Adda, a former New Kensington student, prepared the new Penn Staters for life after college. Adda, vice president for corporate marketing for the Elliott Group, earned his bachelor's and degree at Penn State University Park. He stressed to the new alumni that attitude will always control their actions, and their success can only be maximized when they have faith, confidence, and mutual respect for others.

Fifty graduates earned their baccalaureate and associate degrees. Kevin Snider, chancellor, and Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs, conferred the four- and two-year degrees. The new graduates were inducted into the Penn State Alumni Association by Kerry Kelly, president of the Alle-Kiski Society, the local chapter of the PSAA. For photos of the ceremony, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/

"Your productivity, and ultimately your success, can only and will only be maximized when you have faith, confidence, and mutual respect for each other. And you will be no greater than that respect. Underlying that respect must be faith that each of you was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness!"
-- George Adda, Commencement Address, 22 December 2012, Penn State New Kensington.

“Attitude Makes the Difference”
by George Adda

Good morning.

Dr. Snider, faculty, staff, advisory board members, and, most importantly, students and their families who are here this morning, congratulations, and thank you for the opportunity to share in this moment. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be here and to be associated with such an outstanding University. I'm very proud of Penn State, and grateful that Penn State has a local campus in New Kensington that provides students with an opportunity, not a guarantee, but an opportunity to get a world class education at an affordable price.

It's hard to believe that over 38 years have passed since I attended my own commencement at
University Park in Beaver Stadium on Saturday, June 1, 1974. I had one day off before beginning a new journey in life. A career that began with Lufkin Industries on Monday morning, June 3, 1974, with great anticipation and excitement, spanning over 38 years until my retirement this past June. Well, it didn't take long to fail my very first test in retirement, as I didn't heed the advice of Lufkin’s board chairman who said, "George, for the first year of retirement, when the phone rings, just pick it up, say no, and hang up.” It was an unexpected and very humbling experience when I received five unsolicited job inquiries during the first nine days of retirement. So, I began a new journey and launched a second career with Elliott Group in Jeannette at the end of September. I have it on very good authority that this career will not last another 38 years.

This morning, I want to talk to you about the journey you are about to begin, while briefly touching on the subjects of accountability, responsibility, productivity, and respect for each other.

There are really only two distinct and very different paths that you may choose to travel. You can journey down the path to happiness and success in your career and in your life, or you can journey down the path to mediocrity and failure. Each of you will be individually accountable and responsible for your actions and performance, and ultimately for the path that you choose to travel.

Let’s examine the different groups of people and the characteristics that lead to traveling one path or the other. I believe there are three basic groups of people in the world today, whether it’s in relation to their employment situation or in relation to their situation in life in general.

Group 1 – People who Make things happen!
Group 2 – People who Watch things happen!
Group 3 – People who Wonder, “What happened?”

Let’s begin by briefly considering the traits of those in Group 3, the people who wonder what happened. These people are experts in the area of making decisions. That may surprise some of you, but they frequently make no decision, and no decision is, in fact, a decision! It’s a decision to do nothing! And, that’s basically what they do. These people just don’t care. They don’t kid themselves, and they certainly don’t fool their management. They never give or seek assistance, and they always take the glory, but never share the credit. These people are always more concerned with how they appear to look to their management than they are concerned with doing a good job.

Next, let’s consider the traits of those in Group 2, the people who watch things happen. These people usually do more wishing than they do working. They go through the motions or mechanics of the job all right, but that’s about where they believe their responsibility ends.
Down deep, they realize that there are many stones left unturned, but they never admit it. They only kid themselves and believe that they are fooling their management. They usually do what’s easy, rather than digging in and facing new challenges head on. They resist change, which reminds me of a story of the guy whose wife sent him to the store to buy a ham. When he came home, his wife asked if he remembered to get the end of the ham cut off. He said, “No.” She said, “I thought you knew that I always get the end of the ham cut off.” He said “Why?” She said “I get the end of the ham cut off because my mama gets the end of the ham cut off.” He said, “Well, your mama’s in the kitchen, so let’s go ask her.” They went into the kitchen and said, “Mama, why do you get the end of the ham cut off?” And she said, “I get the end of the ham cut off because my mama gets the end of the ham cut off.” He said, “Well, let’s just call Grandma and solve this three generation mystery.” So, he called Grandma and asked, “Grandma, why do you get the end of the ham cut off?” Grandma said, “I get the end of the ham cut off because my roaster’s too short!” Let’s remember, in order to make progress and improve ourselves, we must learn to "live in the fringes of fear,” doing things that we haven’t done before.

There’s an old Hindu proverb that says true nobility is not being superior to another man, but rather, true nobility is being superior to one’s previous self! And, so when we ask ourselves as individuals if we are doing something today to make ourselves better than yesterday, then we can’t help but lay the foundation for a better tomorrow – a better tomorrow for each of us as individuals, as families, as universities, and yes, a better tomorrow for this country.

After a period of time, people who watch things happen will often begin to rationalize their own limited success and to consider the more successful people, or the people who make things happen, as “just lucky.” I believe that most of us have an old standby expression we use when we see someone else succeed – we call it luck. And I have also come to believe that this is the expression we use for successful people who we do not like! Think about it – all the people you like are smart and work hard. It’s the ones who you don’t like and envy that are lucky, aren’t they? I believe that people who make things happen, whether they are in sales, engineering, education, or whatever – life in general – are in fact lucky! Yes, they’re lucky that they aren’t lazy! And if that’s the only luck you have, that’s enough! A wise man once said that a lazy man is full of excuses, and an excuse is a thin shell of truth stuffed with a lie.

I once heard a story that sums up excuses about as plainly and clearly as I think you will ever hear. The story goes that a man wanted to borrow his neighbor’s axe. When he asked to borrow the axe, his neighbor said, “I can’t loan you my axe because I am cooking vegetable soup.” So the man asked, “What in the world does that have to do with you not being able to loan me your axe?” And the neighbor said, “Well, it really doesn’t have anything to do with it, but if I don’t want to loan you my axe, one excuse is just as good as another!” Remember, successful people do the things that unsuccessful people don’t like to do, or are unwilling to do; they might not like to do them either, but they just do them anyway.

Now let’s consider Group No. 1, the people who make things happen, keeping in mind that these traits apply to whatever your profession or endeavor in life may be. People in Group 1, the people who make things happen, believe that they can accomplish anything they make up their minds to do. Because they believe it, they develop a burning desire to achieve it. Their actions reflect this burning desire and belief that they can, and will, become “the best at what they do.” Remember, it’s always better to shoot for the moon and land in the mud than it is to shoot for the mud and hit. And, I am certain that those in Group 1 would much rather attempt something great and fail, than attempt nothing and succeed.

People who make things happen never leave a stone unturned. Their comments and criticism are always given with the best interest of progress in mind. They stand for what they believe in, and clearly understand that if you don’t stand for something, then you stand for nothing; people who stand for nothing make few mistakes, are seldom criticized, and never accomplish much in their careers or in their lives. As Winston Churchill said, “People who make things happen never, never, never quit.” They exemplify the attitude that while they might go onto the battlefield and not win, they go out there determined not to lose. Personally, I prefer the way General Patton said it: “You didn’t come here to die for your country; you came here to make them die for their country.”

People in Group 1 know, appreciate, and understand the value of developing warm, lasting relationships built on dependability, honesty, and trust. People who make things happen are team players in every respect, and always give and seek assistance as required. They never take the glory, but always share the credit. They clearly understand that you can never, ever, be one type of leader and another type of person. They exemplify the attitude that “what you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say!” In other words, people watch your feet, not your lips; they watch what you do, not what you say; and they judge you on your performance, not your promises! One of President Reagan’s favorite sayings was a General Omar Bradley quote which he displayed on Harry Truman’s hand-carved wooden desk in the oval office, “You can accomplish anything if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

Now that we have identified the paths that we can travel, let’s consider the basic difference between people in Groups 1, 2, and 3. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the one basic, obvious difference between the people in these three groups is the difference in their attitudes. And, that’s the title of this speech, “Attitude Makes the Difference.” Your attitude will always control your actions, and your attitude will also always determine your altitude (or success) in your career and in your life. You must realize that you, and only you, control your attitude by the thoughts that you hold. Most of the time, when you are not talking to another person, you are talking to yourself; therefore, it is extremely important to be very careful what you talk to yourself about, because your thoughts control your attitude, your attitude controls your actions, and your actions ultimately determine your success.

As you begin your journey in life, and as we pause for a few moments to celebrate your achievement this morning, I urge each and every one of you to remember something. Your productivity, and ultimately your success, can only and will only be maximized when you have faith, confidence, and mutual respect for each other. And you will be no greater than that respect. Underlying that respect must be faith that each of you was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness! So, let’s lift each other up, encourage each other, and as we celebrate your achievement, let’s also dedicate ourselves to being the best and most productive people that we know how to be!

Thank you.

The traditional recessional of new Penn State alumni.

LIST OF GRADUATES
Fall 2012

BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
College of Information Sciences and Technology
Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology
Michael T. Clark, Christopher W.C. Gurosik, Steven T. Markilinski,
Christopher L. Ross, Brian L. Schroeder, Shawn A. Swartz, Alyssa M. Weidow

College of Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Science, Organizational Leadership
Matthew D. Frantz ##, Darin L. Hepler, Shawn P. Simpson, Stephen R. Turpin, Ronald E. Wolfe ###

School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Cynthia L. Arnold, Deandra F. Barron, Cari A. Chavira, Brittany M. Coleman,
Christina Danzuso, Allison L. Sakala, Maddison A. Stimmler, Raymone L. Thomas, Amanda L. Vasilopus

Smeal College of Business
Bachelor of Science, Supply Chain and Information Systems
Derek R. Ralph

University College
Bachelor of Science, Administration of Justice
Hunter M. Chechak, Jacob H. Quast

Bachelor of Arts, Applied Psychology
Erin L. Holleran, Alexa N. Kreger , Haley D. Shaffer

Bachelor of Science, Business
Megan L. Emanuel, Michael J. Gromley, Lambra Nemeth, Michael P. Palumbo,
Lisa M. Pattock ###, Vanessa R. Peck, Alexa M. Prosky

Bachelor of Arts, Communications
Amanda D. Blystone, Candis M. Downey, Heidi M. Kolar, Erica L. Seifert, Megan E. Zidek

Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology
Ryan J. Kalmar, Mark S. Messina, Christopher M. Rae, Lauren E. Richards,
Matthew C. Schrader, Kyle J. Wolski

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Laura A. Sciamanna-Dinsmo

Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Alisha J. Roudebush

World Campus
Bachelor of Science, Business
Alexandra C. Ventura

ASSOCIATE DEGREES
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Tomas A. Berkemeijer, Matthew L. Summers ##

College of Liberal Arts
Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Jenna E. Herstek

# Highest Distinction ## High Distinction ### Distinction

FIFTY NEW GRADS TO RECEIVE
BACHELOR’S AND ASSOCIATE DEGREES
10:00 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, Forum Theatre

Fifty Penn State New Kensington graduates earned their baccalaureate and associate degrees Dec. 22, in the campus Forum Theatre. George Adda, former campus student and vice president for corporate marketing for the Elliott Group, delivered the commencement address, "Attitude Makes the Difference." Kevin Snider, chancellor, and Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs, conferred the four- and two-year degrees. The new graduates were inducted into the Penn State Alumni Association by Kerry Kelly, president of the Alle-Kiski Society, the local chapter of the PSAA.

LIST OF GRADUATES
Fall 2012

BACCALAUREATE DEGREE 
College of Information Sciences and Technology
Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology
 Michael T. Clark, Christopher W.C. Gurosik, Steven T. Markilinski,
Christopher L. Ross, Brian L. Schroeder, Shawn A. Swartz, Alyssa M. Weidow

College of Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Science, Organizational Leadership
Matthew D. Frantz ##, Darin L. Hepler, Shawn P. Simpson, Stephen R. Turpin, Ronald E. Wolfe ###

School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Cynthia L. Arnold, Deandra F. Barron, Cari A. Chavira, Brittany M. Coleman,
Christina Danzuso, Allison L. Sakala, Maddison A. Stimmler, Raymone L. Thomas, Amanda L. Vasilopus

Smeal College of Business
Bachelor of Science, Supply Chain and Information Systems
Derek R. Ralph

University College
Bachelor of Science, Administration of Justice
Hunter M. Chechak, Jacob H. Quast 

Bachelor of Arts, Applied Psychology 
Erin L. Holleran, Alexa N. Kreger , Haley D. Shaffer

Bachelor of Science, Business
Megan L. Emanuel, Michael J. Gromley, Lambra Nemeth, Michael P. Palumbo,
Lisa M. Pattock ###, Vanessa R. Peck, Alexa M. Prosky

Bachelor of Arts, Communications
Amanda D. Blystone, Candis M. Downey, Heidi M. Kolar, Erica L. Seifert, Megan E. Zidek

Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology
Ryan J. Kalmar, Mark S. Messina, Christopher M. Rae, Lauren E. Richards,
Matthew C. Schrader, Kyle J. Wolski

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Laura A. Sciamanna-Dinsmo

Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Alisha J. Roudebush

World Campus
Bachelor of Science, Business
Alexandra C. Ventura  

ASSOCIATE DEGREES
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Tomas A. Berkemeijer, Matthew L. Summers ##

College of Liberal Arts
Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Jenna E. Herstek

# Highest Distinction  ## High Distinction  ### Distinction

CAMPUS EVENTS CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Front Lobby and Theatre Lobby, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Penn State New Kensington, in conjunction with the local community, is celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a daylong commemoration that includes a volunteer fair.

“Unity Day Non-Profit Volunteer Fair,” runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22, in the campus’ Forum Theatre and the main entrance lobbies. Charitable groups will set up booths to talk about community service options that are available at the organizations. Faith in Action, Allegheny Food Bank, and Allegheny Valley Association of Churches are a few of the organizations that will discuss the volunteering options that are available in the local community.

“The goal of the fair is to provide students and community members with volunteer opportunities by connecting them to local non-profit organizations,” said Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs at the campus. 

After the fair, the campus’ third annual tribute to King’s life, “Celebration of Unity” will continue into the evening. Activities include a panel discussion, presentations, pot luck dinner and lighting of the unity candle by members of the campus, community, local businesses and neighborhood churches. All events are free to the public.

Non-profits in the Alle-Kiski Valley are encouraged to participate in the fair to showcase their volunteer opportunities. For more information, call 724-334-6062.

FRESHMAN KENSIE KNAPP EARNS
PSUAC HONORABLE MENTION

Penn State New Kensington freshman Kensie Knapp was named to the All-Conference team for women’s volleyball. Knapp earned an honorable mention selection for the Penn State University Athletic Conference. The 5’11 middle hitter led the New Kensington Lady Lions with 19 blocks.

“After a two-year hiatus from the game, Kensie grew into her position as middle hitter,” said Dave McGeary, third-year head coach. “She was a steady performer, both in hitting as well as blocking.”

A graduate of Riverview High School, Knapp is majoring in engineering. During the summer, she is a caddie at Oakmont Country Club, host of the 2016 U.S. Open.

MICHAEL CLEAR,
PSUAC First Team
USCAA Academic All-America

CASEY CAVANAUGH AND ADAM BOMBALSKI
PSUAC Second Team

Penn State New Kensington placed three players on the all-conference soccer teams of the Penn State University Athletic Conference. Michael Clear earned first team honors, and Casey Cavanaugh and Adam Bombalski received second team recognition.

Clear, a sophomore forward from Burrell High School, scored seven goals, second best on the team, and had four assists. His 18 total points topped the squad. In addition to conference recognition, he was named to the Academic All-America team by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Cavanaugh, a freshman center back from Burrell, tallied four goals and three assists. Bombalski, an all-conference defender, moved to midfield this season and responded with two goals and an assist. The junior from Freeport High School has been selected to the all-conference team in each of his three seasons with the team.

The New Kensington Lions, under the direction of first-year head coach Pat Cavanaugh finished with a 6-3 PSUAC record and a 7-8 overall mark. The soccer program, in its third year of intercollegiate competition, reached the PSUAC Final Four for the third consecutive season. With no seniors on the team, and all starters returning, the team is poised to make a run at the title in 2013.

The campus’ three fall sports teams--men’s soccer, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s golf--produced a record six student-athletes on the 2012 USCAA Academic All-America teams. Clear joins a select team that includes sophomore volleyball players Kara Shaley (West Shamokin High School), Melissa Daugherty (Plum), Thamy Ferreira (Penn-Trafford) and Melissa Betush (PA Leadership Charter), and junior golfer Adam Stawski (Plum). The USCAA, the national governing body for New Kensington’s athletic teams, recognizes student-athletes who have grade-point averages of 3.5 and above.

 
Casey Cavanaugh, second team                                       Adam Bombalski, second team

ANNUAL EVENT RECOGNIZES FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Faculty publications, awards, tenure and sabbaticals were reasons to celebrate Dec. 11, at a special reception in Blissell Library at Penn State New Kensington. Jennifer Gilley, head librarian, hosted the tenth annual faculty publications party, meant to honor the accomplishments of faculty members at the New Kensington campus.

“New Kensington campus faculty produce a breadth of excellent scholarship, and this is a time when we can showcase the knowledge that they bring to their academic disciplines and to their classrooms,” said Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs at the campus. “Our students are the beneficiaries of an amazing range of scholarly and creative talent."

Honored for receiving a 2012 Excellence in Teaching award were John “Craig” Hammond, assistant professor of history (full-time), James “Frank” Roach, adjunct instructor in physics (part-time), and Joseph Stahl, adjunct faculty (Continuing Education).

Tenure was garnered by Yang Xu and Rujirutana “Dr. A” Mandhachitara. Both were promoted to associate professor of business administration.  Richard Harnish, associate professor of psychology, earned a sabbatical.

Among the numerous articles written by the New Kensington faculty was a book of inspirational poetry by adult student Hannah McBean, a junior in the Organizational Leadership program. “Silence Speaks: Sounds from Within” features poetic verses that help people take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of their own lives. The book delves into three phases of life--The Struggle; The Mountaintop; and The Awakening--that are essential to living a meaningful life.

Reference librarian Amy Rustic, library assistant Yesenia Figueroa-Lifschitz and staff assistant Beth Matocha assisted in planning the afternoon reception.

2012 HONOREES

PUBLICATIONS
Dr. Robert Bridges, associate professor of psychology, Dr. Richard Harnish, associate professor of psychology, and Deborah Sillman, senior instructor in biology,  co-authored an article, “Teaching Undergraduate Positive Psychology: An Active Learning Approach Using Student Blogs,” for  Psychology Learning & Teaching. Drs. Bridges and Harnish co-authored an article, “Promoting Student Engagement: Using Community Service-Learning Projects in Undergraduate Psychology,” for PRISM: A Journal of Regional Engagement.

Dr. Donald Bruckner, assistant director of academic affairs and assistant professor of philosophy, wrote an article, “Against the Tedium of Immortality” for the International Journal of Philosophical Studies.

Jennifer Gilley, head librarian, wrote an article, “This Book is an Action: A Case for the Study of Feminist Publishing,” for The International Journal of the Book.

Dr. William Hamilton, assistant professor of biology, and Deborah Sillman, senior instructor in biology, blogged “Ecologist’s Notebook” for their “Hiking Western PA: Observations of Western PA’s Ecosystems.”

Dr. John “Craig” Hammond, assistant professor of history, wrote an article, “Slavery, Settlement, and Empire: The Expansion and Growth of Slavery in the Interior of the North American Continent, 1770-1820,” for the Journal of the Early Republic, and co-authored an article, “Evaluating Advice: Self-Presentational Biases Between High and Low Self-Monitors,” for Psychology & Marketing.

Myron Hartman, instructor in engineering, authored a series of articles for TechNation Magazine: “The Future: What I Did During My Summer of 2011,” “The Future: An Idea or a Plan,” “The Future: Top Skill Needed for an Entry Level BMET,” and “The Future: Back to the Future.”

Dr. Jyotsna “Josi” Kalavar, associate director of human development and family studies, wrote an article, “Elder Abuse in India: Extrapolating from the Experiences of Seniors in India’s ‘Pay and Stay’ Homes,” for the Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect.

Ronald Land, Ronald, associate professor of engineering, wrote an article, “Engineering Technologists are Engineers,” for the Journal of Engineering Technology.

Dr. Robert Mathers, assistant professor of chemistry, co-authored an article, “Cationic Olefin Polymerization using Tris (pentafluorophenyl) Gallium and Aluminum, and wrote an article, “How Well Can Renewable Resources Mimic Commodity Monomers and Polymers?” for the Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry. He co-authored two articles for Macromolecular Rapid Communications: “Lactide Cyclopolymerization by an Alumitrane-Inspired Catalyst” and “Critical Evaluation of Microwave Effect on Radical (co)Polymerizations” and another article, “Ligands for Highly Active ATRP Catalysts,” for ACS Macro Lett.

Dr. Michael McGinnis, associate professor of business administration, co-authored two articles, “Cross-Cultural Validation of the Factorial Structure of a Logistics Strategy Model: A Three-Country Study,” for the Journal of Transportation Management and “An Empirical Study Comparing Guatemalan and United States Logistics Strategies,” for the International Journal of Logistics Management.

SPECIAL STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Hanna McBean, a junior in the Organizational Leadership program, wrote a book,
“Silence Speaks: Sounds from Within.”

TENURE
Dr. Yang Xu, promoted to associate professor of business administration
Dr. Rujirutana “Dr. A” Mandhachitara, promoted to associate professor of business administration

SABBATICALS
Dr. Richard Harnish, associate professor of psychology

AWARDS
Dr. Jyotsna “Josi” Kalavar, associate director of human development and family studies, was the 2012 recipient of the John Romano Faculty Diversity Recognition Award. She is also completing her master’s degree work in Sanskrit.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARDS
Dr. John “Craig” Hammond, assistant professor of history (full-time)
Dr. James “Frank” Roach, adjunct instructor in physics (part-time)
Dr. Joseph Stahl, adjunct instructor in organizational leadership (Continuing Education)

PSEAS OUTSTANDING TEACHING AWARD
Myron Hartman, instructor in engineering and coordinator of Biomedical Engineering Technology program

FIVE VIGNETTES HIGHLIGHT ADVANTAGES OF A
PENN STATE DEGREE AT NEW KENSIONTON CAMPUS
"Opportunities," "Choose Your Path,"  "Classes," "Lion Tour," "Student Life"

Prospective students can hear about what Penn State New Kensington offers, from academics to college life to career choices, directly from students and young alumni with a series of three-minute videos which are posted on the campus homepage.

“It’s Your Time” is a Penn State initiative that features five vignettes that extoll the advantages of enrolling at the New Kensington campus. Students and alumni talk about career opportunities, education paths, classes, and student life at the campus. Even the iconic Nittany Lion gets some screen time, hosting a tour of the campus.

In the first video, “Opportunities,” students talk about internships, research projects and study-abroad programs that help campus students with career decisions. The “Choose Your Path,” video highlights the advantages of earning a four-year degree  at the New Kensington campus or taking lower-level courses at the campus and completing bachelor’s degree work at the University Park campus.

“Classes” points out that the small class sizes allow hands-on learning and one-on-one relationships with professors. “Lion Tour” provides an up-close view of the campus by the Nittany Lion. Since the aphonic mascot receives top-billing in the movie, it is, naturally, a “silent” film. However, the background music is as entertaining as the Lion. The last video, “Student Life,” features the extra-curricular activities that are available to campus students. Activities include intercollegiate athletics, clubs and organizations, and fitness facilities.

To view the videos, visit
http://iyt.psu.edu/newkensington?utm_source=psnk&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=iytvideos online.

WINTER BREAK INFORMATION:

HOLIDAY CLOSING: Saturday, Dec. 22 - Tuesday, Jan. 1

CAMPUS REOPENS: Wednesday, Jan. 2
SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS: Monday, Jan. 7

ART GALLERY: OPEN LIMITED DAYS AND HOURS
Noon - 5:00 p.m.,
Saturday - Sunday, Dec. 22-23,
 Wednesday - Sunday, Dec. 26-30

ART GALLERY CLOSED: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,
New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day

ADMISSIONS OFFICE CLOSED:  Apply online any time!

Penn State New Kensington will close at 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21, and reopen at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2. The first day of classes for the spring semester is Monday, Jan. 7. 

The Art Gallery and the East Suburban Artists League exhibit will be open from noon to 5 p.m. through the holiday break except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

For Admissions information during the holiday break, please visit our website and apply online.  

SUBSCRIBE TO PSUTX
http://live.psu.edu/psutxt

In the event of snow, severe storms or other emergencies, official word of Penn State New Kensington's closing or class delays can be received via text message and on the campus' website.

Cell phone users who subscribe to PSUTXT, Penn State's text message alert system, will receive a text message when incidents occur that may impact the campus community. Subscription to PSUTXT is free, although individual cell phone carriers may charge for text messaging. To subscribe to PSUTXT, visit http://live.psu.edu/psutxt online and follow the instructions at the bottom of the page under the PSUTXT heading.

Weather and emergency information also is available under the "News and Events" section on the campus homepage. When there is breaking news, an alert icon will appear in the headlines box along with general information of the nature the emergency. Clicking on the icon provides detailed information.

The decision to cancel or delay classes will be made as early as possible, usually by 6 a.m. for day classes and 4 p.m. for evening classes. If a two-hour delay is announced, classes will start at 10 a.m. and will last 45 minutes. After a decision on the status of the campus is made, a text message is automatically sent to members. An alert also will appear on the campus homepage, under the "News and Events" section.

Information also is available on radio stations (KDKA-1020 AM, B 94-FM 93.7 and Y 108-FM 107.9) and television stations (KDKA-TV Channel 2, WTAE-TV Channel 4 and WPXI-TV Channel 11). In addition to multiple formats, cancellation and delay information for students and faculty/staff can be accessed by phone on a prerecorded message: students call 724-334-6006; faculty and staff call 724-334-6005.

For the delayed class schedules, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/weather.htm online.

WOMEN MENTORS NEEDED FROM
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH FIELDS
Ten-Week Program Features Guest Speakers and Demonstrations

An innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiative at Penn State New Kensington will provide online career mentoring for middle school females.

The new program, Courses on Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science, also known as COMETS, targets seventh- and eighth-grade girls who have an interest in the STEM fields. Volunteer mentors, drawn from Penn State alumna and friends in STEM-related professions, will share their experiences on career opportunities in their fields. In addition to mentoring, the 10-week program features guest speakers and demonstrations.

“The mentors will provide new perspectives on their careers, as well as perspectives on other STEM careers for the girls,” said Debra Novak, coordinator of STEM programs at the campus. “In addition, the mentors will give support to the students.”

The COMETS program begins in January 2013, and Novak is recruiting volunteer mentors for the first class that is expected to enroll 25-30 girls. Mentors will hold weekly online sessions of 20-30 minutes with their mentees.

“I'm looking for women in STEM-related careers,” said Novak, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh. “There will be a short online orientation to assist the volunteers in the mentoring role. I welcome any alumni or friends of Penn State who would be willing to participate in our program.”

STEM is a statewide effort dedicated to preparing Pennsylvania students for global competitiveness through a strategy of enhanced education and career development opportunities. The initiatives are designed to increase the number of students, especially females, minorities and the underrepresented, in the STEM fields.

Novak, who joined the campus community in October, coordinates the campus’ four STEM programs--Kids in College, GECKO, STEM Academy and COMETS. Her responsibilities include increasing the interest of grade-school students in the four core disciplines critical to the development of technological innovations. She develops and manages STEM initiatives by bringing together representatives from the campus, local school districts and regional industries. The initiatives are geared to elementary and secondary students.

Kids in College, celebrating its 25th year in June, is a summer program that combines hands-on activities and STEM camps for students in grades one to 12. The STEM-related classes include courses like the Daring Designs where students draw scale plans for a bedroom or game room using a scientific perspective, and Rocketry class, which is an opportunity for students to build their own model rockets and launch them. Kids in College is sponsored by the Grable Foundation.

The two-year GECKO program allows freshman and sophomore education and science majors at the campus to share lessons with local students, from kindergarten to the eighth grade, in Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland county school districts. The acronym stands for “Green Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach” and is supported by a grant from the Buhl Foundation.

STEM Academy, which began in fall 2012, targets high school students.  The program provides dual enrollment courses that are focused on STEM majors. Students are given options for courses that can be taken at the New Kensington campus. 

“The academy provides students with the advantages of earning college credits while in high school and exploring a career path that is STEM related," said Novak, who teaches English as a second language in the Burrell School District.  “It also provides an opportunity for high school teachers to work with campus faculty to develop the talents of college-bound and workforce-bound students whose career interests will require advanced knowledge of STEM areas.”

The campus’ four STEM projects complement Novak’s charge to coalesce interdisciplinary teams of grade school teachers and administrators, higher education students and faculty, and industry representatives to determine the best approach to STEM literacy in the region.

“STEM-related growth is expected to expand immensely in the near future for the Alle-Kiski Valley,” said Novak, who lives in Lower Burrell with her husband and four children. “Our programs are directed at introducing and supporting the necessary pathways for students in our area districts for success in STEM jobs.”

For more information, contact Novak at dsn2@psu.edu via email.

ALLE-KISKI SOCIETY INVITES
LOCAL PENN STATERS TO RECONNECT WITH THE UNIVERSITY
Saturday, Feb. 9
Game: 3:00 p.m., PSNK vs. Penn College, Athletics Center
Social: 4:00 p.m., TBA

The Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association, in conjunction with a Penn State New Kensington men's basketball home game, is sponsoring an "Alumni Social" on Saturday, Feb. 9, following the conference contest.

Penn State alumni and friends are invited to join fellow Penn Staters to cheer on the New Kensington Lions when they take on Penn College at 3 p.m. in a Penn State University Athletic Conference match in the campus' Athletics Center. Postgame festivities will continue at an off-campus venue that will be determined.

For more information or to RSVP for the social, contact Bill Woodard at uxw1@psu.edu.

For more about the Alle-Kiski Society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

PSAA AND NLC SPONSOR RECEPTION SATURDAY IN
LEXUS CLUB AT CONSOL ENERGY CENTER ;
FREE ADMISSION FOR  THREE RIVERS CLASSIC TICKETHOLDERS
3:30 – 9:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 29
Consolation Game: 4:30 p.m.
Championship Game: 7:30 p.m.

NITTANY LIONS OPEN TOURNEY FRIDAY
AGAINST ROBERT MORRIS
4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28, Consol Energy Center
Post-game “Meet and Greet” Reception:
Location announced during the game

Alumni and friends of Penn State hockey have access to hospitality rooms for the inaugural Three Rivers Classic, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28 and 29, at the Consol Energy Center, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Penn State, in its first NCAA-I season, opens the tournament at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28, against Robert Morris University. Ohio State University faces Miami (Ohio) University at 7:30 p.m. in the second game. The two winners meet in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. the next night. The consolation game is set for 4:30 p.m.

The Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA) and the Nittany Lion Club (NLC) are sponsoring receptions for the Nittany Lion games. Held inside the Consol Center, the two alumni socials are free to tournament ticket holders.

On Friday, a "Meet the Lions" event is scheduled for an hour following the Robert Morris game. Alumni will have the opportunity to talk with head coach Guy Gadowsky and his players. Gadowsky will give the fans an “inside-the-ropes’ perspective of the 2012-13 team. The roster includes three student-athletes from the Pittsburgh region: senior forwards Michael Longo of Allison Park and George Saad of Wexford; and freshman goalie Matthew Skoff of McKees Rocks. The room location for the reception will be announced at the game.

On Saturday, alumni are encouraged to connect with fellow Penn Staters before the game, between periods, and after the game in the Lexus Club. Joe Battista, associate athletic director for hockey operations, will talk about Penn State’s hockey program and next year’s opening of the Nittany Lions’ new campus home, the Pegula Ice Arena. The PSAA and NLC will offer Penn State give-a-ways.

The Lexus Club is an exclusive multi-purpose facility that offers an expansive view of the iconic Pittsburgh skyline. The club will be open for the consolation and championships games, from 3:30 to 9:00 p.m. A cash bar will be available and food can be purchased from Consol Center vendors and brought into the club. The club has six TV monitors that offer a live feed from the games.

Tournament tickets range from $25-$55 for the two-day packages and $12.50-$35 for single games. Sections 113-117 have been set aside as reserved seating for Penn State alumni and friends. Deadline for reserving tickets in the Penn State block is Dec. 26.

For tickets and more information, contact Scott Black, group sales manager at the Consol Center, at 412-804-7904 or groupsales@consolenergycenter.com via email.

KARA SHALEY, MELISSA DAUGHERTY,
THAMY FERREIRA AND MELISSA BETUSH
HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE CLASSROOM

The women’s volleyball team at Penn State New Kensington placed a campus-record four players on the USCAA 2012 Academic All-America team.

Sophomores Kara Shaley, Melissa Daugherty, Thamy Ferreira and Melissa Betush were honored for their academic prowess by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, the national governing body for New Kensington’s athletic teams. The USCAA recognizes student-athletes who have grade-point averages of 3.5 and above.

Shaley, a kinesiology major from West Shamokin High School, is a 5’4" outside hitter and co-captain. She led the team in kills (115) and digs (203). Daugherty, a civil engineering major from Plum H.S., topped the squad is service aces (46). The 5’4" outside hitter was co-captain along with Staley.

“Kara’s energy, attitude and leadership had a significant impact on the chemistry of our team,” said Dave McGeary, third-year head coach. “Melissa is a complete player: she can hit, set, dig and serve, and she does all of them well.”

Ferreira, a nuclear engineering major, has led the team in assists the past two seasons. The 5’3" setter is a graduate of Penn-Trafford H.S. A 5’4" defensive specialist, Betush is a philosophy major who is a product of the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School.

“Thamy has a very smooth set and a very short but tricky serve,” said McGeary, who guided the New Kensington Lady Lions to a 6-17 record. “Melissa provided consistent back row play all season.”

Since joining the USCAA in 2005, the campus has produced nine academic All-Americans. Volleyball is the standard bearer for campus athletics with six selections including Christy Heasley (2007) and Kayla Smail (2009). The others are Jeremy Hurt, men's basketball (2008 and 2009), Matt Knapp, golf (2011) and Adam Stawski, golf (2012).

The USCAA is a national organization that is geared to provide athletic opportunities to small colleges — those with enrollments of less than 2,500. It sponsors 11 national championship tournaments in men's and women's sports. Established in 2001, the USCAA was incorporated to provide an opportunity for members to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of similar size and athletic programs. Headquartered in Newport News, Va., the organization has more than 82 member institutions in 24 states, stretching from Maine to California.

COMMUNITY EVENTS DRAW 250 SUPPORTERS
Burrell Bucs “Dance for a Cure”
Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church Hosts Pasta Feast

More than 250 people from the community participated recently in two Penn State New Kensington fundraisers for pediatric cancer research.

The off-campus events—Burrell Bucs Dance for a Cure and Spaghetti Dinner—brought in $6,288 for THON, formally known as the Penn State Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon. The 46-hour, no sitting, no sleeping marathon in February at Penn State University Park raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

Kelsie Nury, a sophomore in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program, is the THON chair for the New Kensington campus. She has set a goal of $55,000, which would be the campus' high water mark.

The Bucs dance featured students from Burrell High School conducting a mini-THON. The students collected money for two months, and announced the total Nov. 17 after a night of bogeying. Eighty participants stayed on the dance floor from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and raised $4,353.

The spaghetti supper attracted 180 diners Nov. 18 to the Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania. The eat-in or take-out pasta feast raised $1,935.

Over the next three months, campus students will be hosting various events, including Pie Your Professor, to raise money for what is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON is a University-wide event that is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Feb. 15-17, at the Bryce Jordan Center.

A year ago, Nury, a graduate of Burrell High School, represented the campus as a dancer at the marathon event and helped raise $50,437, second best total in campus history. The $52,000 in 2011 total is the campus standard. In the past three years, the New Kensington THON committee has collected more than $122,000 to support pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers. Since 2002, the total is $216,000.

For information on upcoming campus THON events, contact Lauren Blum at 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu via email.

GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR NEW GRADS OR
A FAMILY THANK YOU

The Penn State New Kensington Office of Development is taking orders through Dec. 22 for engraved bricks near the Nittany Lion Shrine on campus.

The bricks make excellent gifts for December graduates. Parents and spouses of new graduates can leave a legacy for them and build a path to the future with an engraved brick that leads to campus' Lion Shrine. An engraved brick is a perfect gift for the Penn Stater in your life who already has everything blue and white.

Penn Staters also can give their spouses and parents a big "thank you" that will last forever. A Certificate of Legacy will be sent to the brick sponsor that can be presented as a gift for the holidays. Orders placed by Dec. 22 will be installed in the spring.

The personalized engraved bricks come in two sizes:  4 x 8” (three lines, 14 characters per line) for $75 or 8 x 8” (five lines, 14 characters per line) for $150. Our bricks also make special gifts for all holidays, weddings and anniversaries, and any festive occasion. Proceeds support scholarships for students at the campus.

Located adjacent to the bridge entrance, the Lion Shrine’s pathway displays the sentiments of more than 200 alumni and friends. The shrine area was upgraded recently with new seating niches, green space and landscaping.

The special bricks form the border of the herringbone-style pathway on the right and left side of the shrine. Engraved bricks replace plain bricks on an ongoing basis. More than 200 of the 1,200 bricks in the two pathways have been engraved. The Heinz Warneke sculpture sits on a natural monolithic sandstone block in a cove of spruce trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, seasonal plants, and perennials. The base of the shrine is surrounded by flagstone slabs filled in with other ornamental grasses.

For more information and to reserve a brick today, contact Bill Woodard, Alumni and Public Relations, at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu via email.

BRICK ORDER FORM

HELP PAVE THE WAY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Purchasing a brick ensures that your name and donation to the campus will never be forgotten.
It is also tax deductible and benefits the PSNK Lion Shrine Fund. 
____ 4x8” Brick(s) @ $75 each                                                                   
____ 8x8” Brick(s) @ $150 each     

$75 Brick (Three lines, fourteen characters per line)     
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Please make checks payable to “Penn State New Kensington”
Mail to: Penn State New Kensington
Office of Development
3550 Seventh Street Rd.
Upper Burrell, PA 15068

MULTI-MEDIA EXHIBIT RUNS THROUGH DEC 30
Reception: 7:00-9:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, Art Gallery
Free to the Public

A reception for artists of the East Suburban Artist League (ESAL) is set to run from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, in the Art Gallery at Penn State New Kensington.

Artwork created by ESAL members is on display until Dec. 30 in the campus gallery. The reception and exhibit are free to the public. More than 80 paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, intarsia (wood inlays), quilts and paper crafts are part of the multi-media exhibit, and many are for sale at prices ranging from $50 to $1,200.

Ted Scanga, a longtime ESAL member, is coordinating the exhibit. Scanga previously exhibited at the campus Art Gallery in 2008 and 2003, sharing top billing with his brother-in-law, John Pastorek. The pieces by Scanga include woodwork, multi-colored turned vases and paintings. Painting is a hobby for this Lower Burrell resident, who retired from Alcoa as a technical marketing manager in 1992 after 32 years. He uses photographs and his imagination as a basis for most of his paintings. In between painting periods, he likes to work in other art forms, especially woodwork.

The ESAL exhibit will be open through the holiday break except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

For information on ESAL, contact Ted Scanga at 724 339 8890 or tpstts@comcast.net via email.

NAMED DIETZ & WATSON SCHOLAR OF THE GAME
Awarded $500 Spirit Scholarship; Another $500 Donated to THON

Lauren Richards, a senior at Penn State New Kensington, was honored Nov. 24, at halftime of the Penn State-Wisconsin football game at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.

Richards received the Dietz & Watson Campus Spirit Scholar of the Game award for her success in the classroom and commitments outside the classroom. The Penn Hills resident earned a $500 scholarship, and a $500 donation was made in her name to THON, a student-run charity that benefits the Four Diamonds Fund and the fight against pediatric cancer.

“It was amazing to be at a Penn State home game, center stage, on the big screen, and thousands of fans were cheering with Penn State pride,” said Richards, who graduates Dec. 22. “It was a once in a lifetime experience to be on that field and represent Penn State New Kensington.”

In addition to the scholarship and charitable donation, Richards received four tickets to the game as well as hospitality passes. Her award was announced on the Penn State radio network prior to the game. Dietz & Watson honors one Penn State student at each Nittany Lion home game.

An information science and technology major, Richards carries a 3.35 grade-point average. She participates in numerous extra-curricular activities, including serving as chair of the campus THON committee that last year raised $50,467 for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. The total is the second best in campus history, topped only by $52,392 that was collected in 2011. She is pulling for this year’s THON team, which has set a goal of $55,000, to establish a new standard.

“I chose THON as my charity because it's close to my heart,” said Richards, who turned her chair responsibilities over to sophomore Kelsie Nury. “I want to help the team to set a record at our campus this year, and of course help the kids; it's all for the kids.”

Richards also serves as president of the Lion Ambassadors, a student organization found on every campus of Penn State. Their mission is to serve the University, the student body and alumni by acting as representatives of the University. She was named Lion Ambassador of the Year and received the Community Service award at the Academic and Student Achievement Awards ceremony in April.

Community service is a part of her genetic make-up. After final exams in May, she participated in a campus- and Rotary-sponsored trip to South Dakota where 14 New Kensington students, faculty and staff installed computers at a women’s shelter and a children’s home, spent time with children at a Native American school and learned about the history and culture of the area.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Dietz & Watson is one of the largest preparers of deli meats and artisan cheeses, with distribution at super markets and neighborhood delis throughout the United States.

The Dietz & Watson award was the second scholarship that Richards earned this year. In September, she was the recipient of the Alle-Kiski Society scholarship. The local alumni society awarded $3,200 in scholarships to Richards and Brandi Ritenour. Since 1998, the society has awarded $36,000 to 45 campus students.

FALL 2012 GRADUATION
10:00 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, Forum Theatre

Former Penn State New Kensington student George Adda, vice president for corporate marketing for the Elliott Group, will be the principle speaker at the campus' fall commencement ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, in the Forum Theatre. The title of the address is “Attitude Makes the Difference."  Fifty graduates will receive baccalaureate and associate degrees.

Adda attended the campus for two years before completing his bachelor’s degree in psychology at University Park in 1974, and joining Lufkin Industries. He was with the company for almost 40 years and retired as director of worldwide sales and marketing. His executive experience includes sales and marketing of new equipment, parts, repairs and aftermarket services After a short retirement, he started a second career with Elliott. The Jeannette, Pennsylvania company designs and manufactures centrifugal compressor and steam turbines that are used in the oil and gas industry.

He serves on the campus Advisory Board and is a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association. Adda is a frequent guest speaker in business classes at the campus. He resides in Lower Burrell with his wife Sharon. Two of his daughters are Penn State alumnae.

For more on commencement, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/academics/graduation.htm online.

ASHUTOSH PANDEY OF MUMBAI, INDIA
Accomplished Student in IST Program;
Leading Scorer on Soccer Team

After two years studying computer science at Thakur College of Science and Commerce, Ashutosh Pandey is completing an information sciences and technology degree at Penn State New Kensington. He travelled 8,000 miles to his first class.

Pandey is a native of Mumbai, India, and one of a group of international students matriculating at the campus this semester. They hail from China, Ghana and Uganda, as well as India. Internationals are a growing segment of Penn State’s student population and the New Kensington campus is doing its part in bringing in quality students from foreign countries. In the past year, the campus increased its enrollment from one international student to six.

“I was a part of a program which allows students at Thakur to transfer to one of eight Penn State campuses to complete their bachelor’s degrees,” said Pandey, who also earned his high school diploma at Thakur, which doubles as a secondary and post-secondary institution. “I chose New Kensington based on what I saw on their website, its location and discussions with friends. I made a good choice.”

It was a difficult decision to leave his family, but Pandey decided to trade the bustling urban center of Mumbai for the tranquil rural township of Upper Burrell, home of the New Kensington campus. Mumbai, with a population of more than 12 million, is one of the most crowded cities in the world. In contrast, the tri-city area of Upper Burrell, Lower Burrell and New Kensington has about 27,000 residents.

“I really wanted to go to a place which was a bit different,” said Pandey, whose hometown is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. “Penn State New Kensington provided the required change I needed in my life, from fast to a more comfortable and relaxed pace. Also when I miss my city life, I can always travel to Pittsburgh which is a half-hour away from the campus.”

A junior in the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) program, Pandey brings an impressive resume to the campus. He is an accomplished researcher and presented two papers at national and international conferences while attending Thakur. His papers on 4G technology and speech recognition technology were published in international journals.

“During my time at Thakur, a big and wonderful institution, I accomplished a few things that really helped me in my overall development,” said Pandey, whose passion for computer technology first drew him to the campus. “At Penn State, the IST courses include everything which is going to help me when I start my career."

The IST program provides students with a background of the core technical areas of networking, databases, programming, and system integration.  In addition, students are trained in key business areas, such as project management and organization theory.

“The classes teach me how to work efficiently in a day-to-day environment and how to tackle obstacles that will come up during work,” said Pandey, an active participant in classroom discussions. “The professors here are just excellent. They are well qualified and have the entire knowledge about what they are teaching.”

Pandey expects to earn his bachelor’s degree in 2014. He plans on entering the workforce while going graduate school to complete a master’s degree in IST. Starting his own business is a part of his grand plan.

“The moment I graduate I will be qualified enough to be a project manager or to work in a similar position,” said Pandey.  “I want to work for three or four years and then start my own technology business either in the United States or back at home in India.”

Ashu juggles academics and athletics. His research on speech recognition was published in an international journal and he was the leading scorer of the Lions soccer team that reached the PSUAC Final Four.

Academic excellence is not Pandey’s only quality that brings prestige to the campus. His South Asia football acumen was on display in the fall for the New Kensington’s men’s soccer team. At Thackur, Pandey was a gifted goal scorer, leading his collegiate to a championship. For the New Kensington Lions, he was the leading scorer on a team that reached the Penn State University Athletic Conference Final Four. Soccer provided the lynchpin that eased the transition to a foreign country.

“My parents and I were nervous on how hard and long it will take to adjust to living in the United States and mix up with people out here,” said Pandey, who scored eight goals for the campus team. “My soccer coach (Pat Cavanaugh) and teammates helped me meet other students on campus. The experience has been heartwarming and wonderful since the moment I arrived here.”

When he is not in the classroom or on the soccer field, Pandey enjoys the life of a typical college student. He spends his leisure time with friends either hanging out in the student apartments or participating in campus activities. The Student Life office sponsors a variety of events throughout the semester, including movies, comedy acts, bands and intramurals. The weekly Get Rec’d Nite in the Athletics Center is his favorite pastime.

“Get Rec'd on Tuesday nights is super fun with all the students on campus meeting together and playing a new game every week,” Pandey said. “The most enjoyable part of campus life is that you do not get bored because there is always some student event going on at the campus in which you can participate and enjoy with your friends.”

Pandey is not averse to learning a new sport. Ice hockey has piqued his interest, despite the NHL lock-out that has cancelled games through mid-December. He plans on lacing up the skates and learning a sport that is not indigenous to the India subcontinent.

“I have played hockey at home but that was field hockey,” Pandey said with a laugh. “Playing it on ice while you skate will be really different.”

Although Pandey misses Mumbai--parents, friends, India cuisine--he is not homesick. He credits the congeniality of the campus community with making the area feel like home.

“Everyone here is so helpful and sweet that I never have a chance to miss home,” said Pandey. “Right from the first day I have enjoyed and loved my stay here.”

Western Pennsylvania’s weather may be the only negative mark on his campus grade sheet. Pandey thrives in tropical conditions. His hometown is located on the west coast of India, on the Arabian Sea. Its location ensures moderate temperatures throughout the year. Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, has three seasons: winter (November to February), summer (March to May), and monsoon (June to October). Regardless of the season, the weather is warm. The current nightly temperatures for the middle of November were running in the 70s. Upper Burrell, on the other hand, had overnight lows in the 30s during the same time period.

“The weather here is freezing for me as I have never lived in such a cold climate,” Pandey said. “In Mumbai, it never gets below 50 degrees. But I am slowly getting used to it.”

Despite having to double his wardrobe to accommodate the region’s capricious weather systems, Pandey is content with his decision to travel a third of the way around the world to attend Penn State New Kensington. Quality academics, intercollegiate sports and campus activities validate his choice to relocate in Upper Burrell.

“I have really loved my time at this campus and it has only been three months,” Pandey said. “I have met some of the sweetest people ever. Everything just makes my decision to come up here at this campus so correct.” 

MOONLIGHT BREAKFAST
10:00 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12

Non-Stress Week Activities
Monday-Friday, Dec. 17-21

Late-night study sessions before finals week may have student brain synapses in a state of chaos, but at Penn State New Kensington, student digestive systems will be in a state of serenity. Chancellor Kevin Snider, who oversees the feeding of student minds, has taken on the additional responsibility of feeding their stomachs.

Snider will personally serve the sustenance at the campus’ first “Moonlight Breakfast” that opens its doors from 10-11 p.m., Wednesday, December 12, in Café 780, the campus cafeteria. The chancellor, along with Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, will dish out free waffles, along with the accoutrements--strawberries, blueberries, chocolate and whipped cream. Juice and coffee will be available to keep the students slaked and those neurons firing.

As an added bonus, the chancellor will swap his serving spoon for a guitar and play a few riffs for students. Snider, who keeps his acoustical guitar in the office, is a solo artist who performs occasional gigs at various campus functions.

“Students are on campus studying for finals at all hours of the night,” Blum said. “We will be encouraging students to take a much needed study break.”

The breakfast is the newest addition to the campus’ annual “Non-Stress Week” schedule of activities. During the final week of classes, Dec. 10-14, students can enjoy the calm before the finals storm with daily activities designed to reduce stress and promote a laid-back atmosphere, at least for five days. Finals run Dec. 17-21.

The best tension-relieving activity is “Massage on the Go,” which features a free chair message by professional therapists. Tired neck muscles and general tightness of the back, brought on by eight consecutive hours of researching the polymerization of oxiranes with a lithium-containing initiator, can be alleviated by the gifted hand of the masseuse. And while the students are in the chair, they can indulge in paraffin wax treatments that moisturize and soften the skin, especially the hands and feet. Massages will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11, in the lobby of the Forum Theatre.

Other activities include: men’s basketball home games at 7 p.m., Dec. 11, against Penn State Fayette, and 8 p.m., Dec. 14, versus Penn State DuBois; Board Game Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 12, in Café 780; and Bubbles, Coloring and De-stressers, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 13, in Café 780. All non-stress week events are free.

“All activities are opportunities for students to relax and have a stress-free study week before finals,” Blum said.

THREE RIVERS CLASSIC
4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28, Consol Energy Center
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Robert Morris University Colonials
Post-game Reception: TBA

There will be a hockey night in Pittsburgh after all. With the NHL operating under lockout conditions, Penn State fills the void with its participation in the Three Rivers Classic that is slated for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28 and 29, at the Consol Energy Center, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Nittany Lions, in their inaugural season, open the tournament at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28, against Robert Morris University. Ohio State University faces the University of Miami at 7:30 p.m. in the second game. The two winners meet in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. the next night. The consolation game is set for 4:30 p.m.

Penn State receptions are being planned for each day of the tournament. A post-game "Meet the Lions" event is set for the Penn State game on Friday. Penn Staters will have the opportunity to meet head coach Guy Gadowsky and his players. On Saturday, an alumni reception is in the planning stages. Additional details will be available at a later date.

Tournament tickets range from $25-$55 for the two-day packages and $12.50-$35 for single games. Sections 113-117 have been set aside as reserved seating for Penn State alumni and friends.

THREE-DAY RUN FOR
DRAMA CLUB'S FALL STAGE PRODUCTION
Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec 1

A graying Southern belle who was abandoned by her husband and is trying to raise two children under dire financial conditions is the backdrop for “The Glass Menagerie," the Tennessee Williams’ drama at Penn State New Kensington. The play's three-night run begins at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 1, in the campus' Forum Theatre.

Bill Mitas, instructor in theatre at the New Kensington campus, directs the campus Drama Club's fall production. The student cast  features Pamela Farneth, Chris Capo, Kylee Danko and Josh Milan.

The play revolves around a domineering mother, an extroverted son and an introverted daughter. The “The Glass Menagerie” opened on Broadway in 1945 and won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. It was Williams’ first successful production, and he followed it with other classics including “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Williams is regarded as one of the top American playwrights. The play is considered by many to be autobiographical.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 724-334-6032.

For a list of cast and characters, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/45031.htm online.

The offices of Student Life and Health Services at Penn State New Kensington sponsored two weeklong events to increase recognition of alcohol abuse and breast and testicular cancer. The activities provided education regarding screening, warning signs, risk factor and, symptoms.

Alcohol Awareness Week, Oct. 22-26, is an annual campus initiative to prevent alcohol abuse in a collegiate environment. Geared to students under the age of 21, the daily activities are designed to promote healthy behavior. Highlight of the week was “A Shot of Reality,” a series of audience-participation sketches that provided a humorous and sober look at the effects of alcohol on campuses. A 2008 report by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that 25 percent of college students report that the academic consequences of their drinking includes missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams, and receiving lower grades overall.

“The week went really well,” said Lauren Blum, student life coordinator.  “We had a lot of participation from students who really enjoyed the full week of activities."

Cancer Awareness Week, Nov. 12-16, focused on raising consciousness of breast and testicular cancers. More than 75 students competed in the Pink Ball volleyball games and Blue Ball dodge ball contests. Activities concluded with the 37th annual Great American Smoke Out which encourages people to give up smoking and raises the awareness of lung cancer.

“Testicular cancer is the most common but treatable cancer found in the male college population,” said Elaine Zarichnak, campus nurse. “While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stage.”

Alcohol and cancer awareness activities were organized by Zarichnak and Blum, in partnership with Adagio Health. The activities provided education regarding screening, warning signs & symptoms. 

For more information, call 724-334-6063

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR VISITS 25 HIGH SCHOOLS IN TORONTO
Extolls the Benefits of a Penn State Education

Strains of “O’ Canada,” cheers of “Go Leafs” and sentences ending in “eh” may soon emanate from the student apartments at Penn State New Kensington. Hockey night in Pittsburgh won’t necessarily mean the Penguins playing on television; it might be the Toronto Maple Leafs streaming on a laptop.

In keeping with Chancellor Kevin Snider's international recruiting initiatives, the campus admissions office is beginning to make forays into Canada. Danielle DeStefano, assistant director of enrollment management, spent a pre-Thanksgiving week in the True North, as the denizens of 10 provinces and three territories call their country, where she visited high schools in the Ontario province.

“It was a great opportunity to promote Penn State New Kensington to students in the greater Toronto area,” said DeStefano, who joined the admissions staff in 2008 after earning a bachelor’s degree at the campus. “I talk a lot about the quality of a Penn State education and the benefits of starting out at a smaller campus.”

Penn State’s recent enrollment report cited the increase of international students on campus from one to six. The new group of internationals, from China, India, Uganda and Ghana, makes the campus more culturally diverse.

Targeting our neighbors along the international boundary, the longest border in the world between two countries, seems like a natural progression in bolstering enrollment. DeSefano visited more than 25 high schools and reached thousands of students from across Ontario.”

The biggest challenge in recruiting in Ontario is the local colleges, such as the University of Toronto, a major research institution, similar to Penn State.  Residents of the province have access to higher education at universities that have lower tuition rates than those in the United States. DeStefano counters this advantage by extolling the career benefits of attending Penn State.

“Internships and experiences in a foreign country are the big selling points,” said DeStefano, who was promoted to her position a year ago. “If they are planning to remain in the U.S. after graduation, then internships can open doors to career choices. If they are returning home to begin their careers, then exposure to a foreign culture can enhance their resumes.”

With Penn State New Kensington’s Canadian recruiting strategy in its nascent stage, Penguins games will still dominate the airways and the Pirates’ fortunes will still be discussed in the apartments and cafeteria. However, the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays (MLB), Raptors (NBA), Argonauts (CFL) and Toronto FC (MLS) may soon have a fan base in Upper Burrell.

“Recruitment ventures like this take time, so the hope is that we begin with at least one or two students and then grow the population from there,” DeStefano said.

12TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TRADITION
7:00-11:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14, Magnolia Room, Creighton

The fall semester ends, and the holiday season continues with the 12th annual Blue and White Ball from 7 to 11 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 14, at the Magnolia Room in Creighton, Pa.

Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, the semi-formal affair is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends. The ball features a sit-down dinner, music by a disc jockey and casino games.

Tickets are $25 for students and $35 for the general public and are available in the Student Life Office on campus. The Magnolia Room is located at 879 Freeport Road, Creighton, Pa., 15030.

For tickets and information, contact Lauren Blum, student life coordinator, 724-334-6063, ldb14@psu.edu or Jenna Swank, qvs5023@psu.edu via email.

MULTI-MEDIA DISPLAY DEC 1-30
Paintings, Drawings, Photographs, Sculptures, Intarsia, Quilts, Paper Crafts
Artists’ Reception: 7:00-9:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, Art Gallery

Artwork by members of the East Suburban Artists League is on display from Dec. 1 through 30, in the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery.

More than 80 paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, intarsia (wood inlays), quilts and paper crafts are part of the multi-media exhibit, and many are for sale at prices ranging from $50 to $500. An artists' reception is slated for 7 to 9 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 7, in the gallery.

Ted Scanga, a longtime ESAL member, is coordinating the exhibit. Scanga previously exhibited at the campus Art Gallery in 2008 and 2003, sharing top billing with his brother-in-law, John Pastorek. The pieces by Scanga include woodwork, multi-colored turned vases and paintings. Painting is a hobby for this Lower Burrell resident, who retired from Alcoa as a technical marketing manager in 1992 after 32 years. He uses photographs and his imagination as a basis for most of his paintings. In between painting periods, he likes to work in other art forms, especially woodwork.

The Art Gallery and the East Suburban Artists League exhibit will be open through the holiday break except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday. The reception and exhibit are free to the public.

For information on ESAL, contact Ted Scanga at 724 339 8890 or tpstts@comcast.net via email.

JUNIOR HANNAH MCBEAN HONORED WITH
"OUTSTANDING STUDENT” AWARD

Four students from Penn State New Kensington attended the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Nov. 2-4, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Junior Hanna McBean, sophomore Shahara Seimah and freshmen Diamond Barnett and Jevon Hankins were a part of a 350-student contingent that participated in the three-day annual event. The conference helps students develop leadership skills in addition to pursing their educational and career goals. 

McBean was recognized at the conference as one of five students selected for the Outstanding Student award. An adult student in the four-year organizational leadership program, McBean is the 2012 recipient of the Black Conference’s K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship. The organization awarded $9,000 in scholarships to nine African-American students from institutions from across the commonwealth. 

“I would like have my own corporation that offers extensive outreach to underprivileged youth and others facing difficult situations in life,” said McBean, who lives in New Kensington with her husband and their six children.

The Black Conference comprises professionals from the public and private sectors--education, business, social services, law and government--who are committed to improving and ensuring the education of blacks and other underrepresented groups at Pennsylvania colleges and universities. 

For more information, contact Angie Fisher, 724-334-6062 or arc1@psu.edu.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR COMPUTING DEVICES

Need tips on securing mobile devices? Creating a good password? Or distinguishing between real and fake emails? Then a new electronic newsletter from the Information Technology Services office at Penn State New Kensington may be helpful for the campus and community.

Kevin Churik, information technology specialist at the New Kensington campus, produces the monthly publication that keeps students, faculty and staff, as well as the general public, informed on current technology issues. The newsletter contains short articles on general information technology strategies plus tips and tricks for all computing devices.  In addition, Churik solicits suggestions for future articles.

The September and October editions are online. For more information, contact Churik at 724-334-6091 or krc5016@psu.edu via email.

To view the newsletters, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/IT/44961.htm

"A" TEAM OPENS ELEVEN POINT LEAD ON ON
"B" SQUAD AND KISKI AREA "A"

Students from eight area high schools had their math skills put to the test Nov. 14, for the first day of the StrongLand Interscholastic Mathematics League at Penn State New Kensington.

Sponsored by the StrongLand Chamber of Commerce's Educational Committee, the annual competition brings together students from Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Freeport, Kiski Area, Kiski School, Kittanning, Leechburg and Valley high schools and gives them the chance to go head-to-head with each other in an academic competition.

Each school is allowed three teams of five students, competing against all the other teams in each round. Students answer two sets of eight questions. They have 25 minutes to answer each set. The questions in algebra, geometry and other areas of mathematics are developed by Ge Mu, instructor in mathematics at Penn State New Kensington.

At the end of the first day, the leaderboard looks familiar as the Kiski School “A” team scored a record 49 points to open an eleven point advantage on Kiski School “B” and Kiski Area “A,” both with 38 points. The “A” teams of Freeport and Valley are at 34 points and within striking distance of earning a medal. Scores carry over to the final round in the spring in the campus' Forum Theatre where team and individual champions will be crowned.

Kiski School, a college preparatory boarding school in Saltsburg, Pa., is the three-time defending champion.

For additional information, contact Ge Mu, instructor in mathematics, at 724-334-6030 or gxm929@psu.edu.

 Kiski School students relax between rounds. The "A" team holds a commanding eleven point lead going into the final round during the spring semester.

LEADERBOARD TOP TEN
Kiski School “A” - 49
Kiski School “B” - 38
Kiski Area “A” - 38
Freeport “A” - 34
Valley “A” - 34
Kittanning “A” - 32
Burrell “A” - 29
Leechburg “A” - 28
Apollo Ridge “A” - 28
Freeport “B” - 27

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND ALLY
WORKSHOPS AND DISCUSSIONS
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec.1, Conference Center

Penn State New Kensington hosts the LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally) Student Leadership Retreat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, for Penn State’s western campuses. The conference was originally scheduled for Nov. 3.

The annual retreat provides workshops and discussions that focus on communication, conflict resolution, diversity, self-awareness, and team building. The event promotes leadership and growth among our students. The retreat is geared to students who are interested in leadership roles in GLBTA or diverse communities.
Attendees will be representing the Penn State campuses of Beaver, Erie, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, New Kensington and Shenango.

The event is co-sponsored by the LGBTA Student Resource Center and the Diversity Committee at the New Kensington campus. The center provides programming, education, information and advocacy services to create and maintain an open, safe, and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students at Penn State.

For more about the Penn State LGBTA Student Resource Center, visit http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/lgbta/. 

STUDENTS WANT A VOICE IN CHOOSING THE COUNTRY’S LEADERS

Tayla Barnard was among the many first-time voters at Penn State New Kensington’s Election Day Party where students, faculty and staff gathered Nov. 6 in the campus’ Café 780 to discuss the election.

Barnard, a junior business administration major, was excited, as well as nervous, about casting her inaugural ballot. She was eager to be a part of the election process but not sure of what to expect.

“I don’t know how these things go, but I feel privileged to be able to take part in such a historical moment,” said Barnard, a graduate of Penn Hills High School.

Barnard’s thoughts mimicked those of many of the first-time voters at the campus. The common theme among the 18-22-year-olds was having a say in who will be running the country for the next four years.

“I had a different view on the Obama Care,” said Barnard, who voted for Mitt Romney. “But I had the opportunity to have my voice heard. Now that Obama has a second chance, hopefully he can stay on my good side.”

The thrill of going to the polls was not limited to the first-timers. Parents of rookie voters derived a vicarious pleasure from their offspring exercising their franchise. Kevin Snider, chancellor of the New Kensington campus, along with his wife, Sarah, accompanied their 18-year-old son Tyler to the polls.

“It was a thrill to see him take that responsibility seriously,” said Snider, a resident of Allegheny Township. “It is extremely important for young Americans to get educated and take the initiative to vote.”

The Election Day social was sponsored by the Student Government Association. SGA, which represents the campus students and encourages extracurricular activities, hosted TV viewing parties during the presidential debates.

For more on the SGA, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentLife/sga.htm online.

(Public Relations intern Erica Seifert conducted the interviews and is co-author of the story)

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS GET
FIRST-HAND GLIMPSE OF COLLEGE LIFE
8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28
Free Lunch

Prospective students have the final chance this semester to get a first-hand glimpse of college life at Penn State New Kensington, from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, as part of the campus' "Be a Penn State Student for a Day" program.

High school students and adult learners can sit in on college classes, interact with current students and take in the campus' atmosphere. Participants will learn about making a successful taransition to college. Attendees can enjoy a free lunch in Cafe 780.

Additional "Be a Student" days will be held during the spring semester in 2013.

To reserve a spot, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS. For more on admissions events, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm online.

FOOD DRIVE HELD IN CONJUCTION WITH TV FOOTBALL GAME

Penn State community spirit matched its football spirit Nov. 3 as the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society collected food and money for a local food bank at its TV football tailgate party at the Elks Lodge #644 in Tarentum, Pa.

Alumni and friends stepped up when it counted and donated eight large boxes of non-perishable items. Society board member Lorri Wilde delivered the goods to the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank.

"The response was amazing,” said Wilde, immediate past president of the alumni society. "The generosity of Penn State alumni, family and friends once again demonstrates our commitment to our community and those less fortunate."

Located in Natrona Heights, Pa., the food bank provides canned goods, boxed foods, produce, meats, and dairy products to more than 480 families in the region. The service area includes the communities of Brackenridge, East Deer Township, Fawn Township, Frazier Township, Harrison Township, Tarentum, West Deer Township, New Kensington, Lower Burrell, Verona and Arnold. In addition, eligible families receive Christmas and Easter food baskets and turkey vouchers, as well as winter coats, hats and mittens. Toys and gifts are distributed during the Christmas holiday.

The Alle-Kiski Society’s community service project was held in conjunction with the annual football social. More than 70 Penn State fans brought donations to the Elks Club and cheered for the Nittany Lions who played at Purdue University. The football team fulfilled its duty and rewarded the Blue and White faithful with a 34-9 victory.

For photos of the event, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/ online.

For more on the Alle-Kiski Society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

FALL STAGE PRODUCTION
8:00 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Forum Theatre

The cast and crew of "The Glass Menagerie" are in rehearsal at Penn State New Kensington. The three shows performed by the Drama Club are set for 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 1, in the campus' Forum Theatre.

Directed by Bill Mitas, instructor in theatre arts at the campus, the drama revolves around a domineering mother, an extroverted son and introverted daughter. The play was written by Tennessee Williams and is considered by many to be autobiographical.

"The students are working hard with lines and music," said Mitas, in his fifth year as director of campus productions. "They will be ready for show time."

The four-member student cast features Pamela Farneth (Amanda Wingfield) Chris Capo (Tom Wingfield), Kylee Danko (Laura Wingfield) and Josh Milan (Gentleman Caller).

Assisting Mitas with the production are: Erin Holleran, stage manager; Samantha Ndungu Muhhuku, props master; Anthony Maiolo and Cody Shoemaker, set; Joshua Marfin and Qi Shi, sound; Zachary Montgomery and Toney Michael, lighting; Simrit Singh, video; and Angie Mitas, costumes.

The “The Glass Menagerie” opened on Broadway in 1945 and won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. It was Williams’ first successful production, and he followed it with other classics including “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Williams is regarded as one of the top American playwrights.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 724-334-6032.

CHARACTERS AND CAST

Amanda Wingfield (Pamela Farneth)
A faded Southern belle abandoned by her husband who is trying to raise her two children under harsh financial conditions. Amanda yearns for the comforts from her youth and also longs for her children to have the same comforts, but her devotion to them has made her – as she admits at one point – to almost be "hateful" towards them.

Tom Wingfield (Chris Capo)
Amanda's son and Laura's younger brother. Tom works at a shoe warehouse to support his family but is frustrated by his job and aspires to be a poet. He escapes from reality through nightly trips to the movies and local bars. Tom feels both obligated toward yet burdened by his family. He feels he is grossly misunderstood by his mother.

Laura Wingfield (Kylee Danko)
Amanda's daughter and Tom's older sister. A childhood illness has left her with a limp, and she has an inferiority complex that has caused her to be isolated from the outside world. She has created a world of her own symbolized by her collection of glass figurines.

A Gentleman Caller (Josh Milan)
An old high school acquaintance of Tom and Laura. Jim was a popular athlete during his days at Soldan High School and is now a shipping clerk at the same shoe warehouse in which Tom works.

Mr. Wingfield
Amanda's absentee husband and Laura and Tom’s father. Mr. Wingfield was a handsome man who worked for a telephone company and "fell in love with long distance," abandoning his family 16 years before the play's action. Although he doesn't appear onstage, Mr. Wingfield is frequently referred to by Amanda and his picture is prominently displayed in the Wingfields' living room.

CREW

Erin Holleran- Stage Manage
Samantha Ndungu Muhhuku- Props Master
Anthony Maiolo-Set
Joshua Marfin-Sound
Zachary Montgomery-Lights
Qi Shi-Sound
Cody Shoemaker-Set
Simrit Singh- Video
Toney Michael- Lights
Costumes- Angie Mitas

DIRECTOR

William Mitas

THIRTY-THIRD ANNUAL TRADITION RUNS
THROUGH CAMPUS AND UPPER BURRELL
Classic 5K: 10:00 a.m.
One-Mile Fun Run/Walk: 10:15 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17, Athletics Center

With distances that cater to the tastes of running enthusiasts, joggers, and casual walkers, the Penn State New Kensington Turkey Trot gets under way at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, at the campus Athletics Center.

A 33-year tradition at the campus, the pre-Thanksgiving race has grown from an informal weekday 2-miler into a classic weekend 5K, a 3.1-mile run through Upper Burrell. Held in conjunction with the 5K is a low-key 1-mile fun run or walk that starts at 10:15 a.m.

The feature race begins at the Athletics Center, crosses the upper parking lot and heads down Myers Drive to the turnaround point. Participants then backtrack to the finish line at the Athletics Center. The 1-miler will stay within the parameters of the campus.

Fourth-year race coordinator Pepsi Umberger, instructor in kinesiology at the campus, developed the three-race format to accommodate alumni, friends and families in the local communities. The Saturday date and open registration dovetails with Chancellor Kevin Snider’s vision of using the resources of Penn State to engage the community and enhance the quality of life in the region. In addition, Umberger has partnered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help children and adults with the debilitating disease.

"November kicks off the holiday season, and it is a great time of year to create a level of health and wellness awareness in the community and among students, faculty and staff," said Umberger, who also serves as director of the campus’ intramurals program. "I believe people are looking for fun events and good causes to get together with family and friends."

The entry fee is $15 for college and high school students with ID; $20 for campus faculty and staff; and $25 for local residents. A special family fee of $25 allows four family members to participate in the distances of their choosing. Frozen turkeys will be awarded to the winners of each of the four age categories: 18-24; 25-32; 33-44; 45-and over. All registrants receive a "Turkey Trot" T-shirt and a goodies bag.

The one-mile fun run is a family event.

All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Western Pennsylvania Chapter. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, leads to life-threatening lung infections, obstructs the pancreas, and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

"It is a great time of year to reach out and get people involved in a great cause," said Umberger, who earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Kent State University. "The race provides fun for the campus and community, while benefiting people who are impacted by Cystic Fibrosis."

Last year, 100 runners took up the challenge, and the race raised more than $2,000 for the family of Patrolman Derek Kotecki, the Lower Burrell police officer who was slain in 2011 in the line of duty.

For more information, call or email Umberger at 724-334-6747 or plh20@psu.edu.

NINE STUDENTS ATTEND SECOND-YEAR CONFERENCE

Penn State New Kensington is on the verge of getting an infusion of new student leaders. Nine campus students attended a leadership conference, Nov. 9-10, and if history repeats itself, most will assume leadership berths on various campus committees and organizations.

LeaderQuest is a two-day event that brings together emerging student leaders from the Penn State campuses in western Pennsylvania--Beaver, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Shenango and New Kensington.  Held at Penn State’s Stone Valley Recreation Center Stone in Huntingdon County, about 17 miles from the University Park campus, the conference’s mission is to foster a culture of new leaders on each participating campus.

“We specifically target students who have yet to hold a leadership position on campus but have fantastic potential to do so in the future,” said Lauren Blum, coordinator of student life at the New Kensington campus. 

The conference helps aspiring student leaders develop their dormant skills by recognizing personal values and leadership styles and understanding the importance of multicultural competency. Coupled with increased communication skills and respect for the community, attendees are poised to become the vanguard of campus activities.

A year ago, 12 campus students, including freshmen Kelsie Nury, Bill Staniszewski and Courtney Rockwell, made the 131-mile trip to the inaugural conference. None of them had previously held leadership positions at the campus. Today, all three are deeply involved in extra-curricular activities at the campus and appreciate the opportunities opened for them by the conference experience.

“None of the students was more than a little involved on campus,” said Blum, who holds a master's degree in student affairs from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  “Now they are very much involved and served as orientation leaders for fall orientation. They wanted to attend LeaderQuest again this year.”

After last year’s conference, Nury joined THON, a student-run, University-wide fundraiser that benefits pediatric cancer patients, families and research. She earned the coveted role as a dancer at the marathon event and helped the campus raise $50,437, second best total in New Kensington history. This year, she oversees the campus’ fundraising effort as the campus’ THON committee chair. She has set an ambitious goal of $55,000.

 “I had a fabulous time, learned a lot about being a leader, and it definitely helped me feel confident in stepping up as the THON chair this year,” said Nury, who is studying in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program.

Staniszewski emerged from the conference and landed board positions on two student clubs. He is president of Engineering Club and vice president of Lion Ambassadors, a service organization found on every campus of Penn State. In addition, he is associated with THON and the Campus Activities Board (CAB), which assists the Student Life Office in planning campus events and activities.

“LeaderQuest really helped me to step out of my shell, and now I am involved with a lot of campus organizations,” said Staniszewski, an electro-mechanical engineering technology major. “I learned a lot and made some great friends. I just love doing stuff on campus as much as I can.”

Working with THON seems to be a common denominator for LeaerQuest conferees. Rockwell is on the THON committee and is a member of the Lion Ambassadors. She also serves as marketing chair for CAB.

“I made some really great longtime friends, both from our campus and from other campuses,” said Rockwell, who is majoring in health and human development.  “LeaderQuest also helped me step up this year more confidently.”

For more on clubs and organizations on campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentLife/ClubsAndOrganizations/clubs.htm online.

STUDENTS ON BREAK:
Monday, Nov. 19 - Friday, Nov. 23

OFFICES AND ART GALLERY OPEN:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 20, 21

CAMPUS CLOSED:
Thursday-Friday, Nov. 22-23

CAMPUS OPEN AND CLASSES RESUME:
8:00 a.m., Monday, Nov. 26

No classes are scheduled at Penn State New Kensington Monday to Friday, Nov. 19 to 23, during the Thanksgiving break.

The campus will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Wednesday, Nov. 19 to 21; campus will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22 and 23. Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 26.

The fall semester ends on Dec. 14, and final exams run from Dec. 17 to 21. Commencement is set for 10 a.m. on Dec. 22, in the Forum Theatre.

 ...no classes Monday-Friday...

 ...Art Gallery is closed on Thursday-Friday.
Weekend hours, noon-5:00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday.

BRANDEN CITERONI 
Served in Iraq; Earned EMET Degree at Campus;
Hired by Industrial Automation and Control

From securing convoys in Iraq to earning a bachelor’s degree in Upper Burrell to designing automated controls in Washington Township, Branden Citeroni drew upon global and local resources and extracted valuable experiences.

Citeroni, a U.S. Army veteran and Penn State New Kensington alumnus, parlayed his knack for learning and passion for knowledge into a career as an automation engineer for Industrial Automation and Control Inc. His military service as a mechanic charted the course for his degree in engineering. His Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology was complemented by an internship in his chosen discipline. The internship morphed into a full-time position. Throughout the three-pronged career process -- military, college, vocation – Citeroni utilized experiences in each endeavor to lay the foundation for his vocation.

The Pittsburgh resident served in the Army for four years, including a one-year tour in Iraq in 2005. His unit was in charge of convoy security for base supplies. He rose to the rank of Specialist, or E-4 in Army parlance, and was honorably discharged in 2007.

“My military experience prepared me for an engineering career,” said Citeroni, a mechanic who worked on the unit’s Humvees and five-ton pickup trucks. “The military teaches attention to detail, and I have found that to be a very valuable trait with engineering.”

Armed with the Montgomery G.I. Bill and the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and an interest in electro-mechanical engineering, Citeroni enrolled at Penn State New Kensington. He chose the New Kensington campus for its small classes, easy access to faculty, and the “real-world” educational opportunities, espoused by campus faculty, which included taking the lessons in the classroom out into the workforce.

“I benefitted from a very hands-on education that prepared me for working very closely with other engineers,” said Citeroni, a native of Latrobe, Pa.  “I met a lot of working professionals as well as sales and manufacturing professionals.”

Citeroni also availed himself of the learning resources at the campus, such as Math 97, a one-credit class that provided tutoring and mentoring for all levels of mathematics classes. Mathematics is a staple of engineering classes. In Math 97, Citeroni was given an opportunity to ask questions about concepts from earlier levels of math that were crucial to succeeding in higher-level engineering courses.

“I took the class because I had been out of school for a few years and wanted to brush up on my skills,” said Citeroni, who twice earned the College of Engineering award at the annual Academic and Student Achievement Awards ceremony.  “I learned a lot, built a solid mathematical foundation, and finished with the confidence I needed to move forward in the engineering program. Also, the class allowed me to work very closely with my professors and earn their respect.”

"Branden’s perseverance for learning was clearly manifested through the math courses he took with me, including MATH 97,” said Javier Gomez-Calderon, professor of mathematics at the campus.

His engineering acumen landed him an internship with Industrial Automation and Control, a company that brought him onboard after he graduated with distinction in May. Robert “Doc” Mueller, associate professor of engineering at the campus, was the conduit for the internship and the job. Mueller teaches upper-level courses in electro-mechanical engineering and lower-level courses in computer engineering technology, and he is the founder of Industrial Automation and Control, a consulting firm that provides engineering solutions for control system problems. The company is located in the Westmoreland County Business and Research Park on Pennsylvania State Route 780, about four miles from campus.

“I hired Branden as an intern because he was a very good student,” said Mueller, who spent more than 30 years in the private industry working with industrial control systems. “I hired him after he graduated because he demonstrated a great work ethic during his internship and while he was working on his senior project.  Smart guys with a great work ethic are hard to beat.”

Citeroni and his wife, Janice, have been married for six years and are active in the community. Both volunteer at Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley.

For more about the EMET program at the campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/39807.htm

ATTENDEES EARN SEVEN CATEGORY A
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS

The Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists and Penn State New Kensington joined forces for the inaugural PSRT Mini-Conference Nov. 3 at the campus.

Organized by Debra Majetic, coordinator and instructor for the Radiological Sciences program at the New Kensington campus, the conference was geared to technologists in the imaging field of the health care system. More than 200 professionals and undergraduates attended the event that offered career development topics that ranged from understanding cultural diversity to radiation risks of diagnostic imaging. Attendees can earn seven Category A continuing education credits approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

“The conference helps radiographers stay abreast of innovative changes in the field by receiving much needed continuing education credit,” said Majetic, a 1979 graduate of the campus’ radiological sciences program.

The guest speakers included: Dolores O’Hara, coordinator of Nursing program at the New Kensington campus; Natasha Garrett, director of international student services at La Roche College; Mark Straub manager of radiology informatics at West Penn Allegheny Health Systems; Margaret Blackwood, system director of radiation physics and radiation safety officer at West Penn Allegheny Health System; Myron Hartman, coordinator of the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at the New Kensington campus; and Marcia Curler, clinical coordinator for the Radiological Sciences program at Penn State New Kensington.

Radiography is a science combining medical imaging technology with human compassion. Radiographers use their knowledge of physics, human anatomy and physiology to create permanent medical radiographic images. These imaging professionals provide a wide range of services using technology founded on theoretical knowledge and scientific concepts. Radiological services are offered in a variety of settings such as hospitals, health-care facilities, physicians' offices, research centers and equipment sales offices.

Because of its focus on health care, Pittsburgh has long been a hotbed for careers in radiology. The Radiological Sciences program at Penn State New Kensington offers students an associate degree, and graduates are eligible for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The 72-credit program begins in the fall of each year and requires 24 consecutive months of study, including summer sessions. The program is conducted in cooperation with the hospitals of West Penn, Butler Memorial, and Allegheny General, Alle-Kiski Medical Center, and Allegheny Imaging of McCandless. Careers in radiography offer flexible work schedules that accommodate various lifestyles and employment needs.

For photos of the conference, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/ online.

For more about the conference, contact Majetic at 724-334-6738 or dak25@psu.edu via email.

For more on the Radiological Sciences program at Penn State New Kensington, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44310.htm online.

While showing their Penn State spirit, students in the campus' Radiolgical Sciences program learn that the quest for knowledge continues after graduation and in the workforce.

NEW KENSINGTON STUDENTS
GEARING UP FOR 2013 DANCE MARATHON
Noon-6:00 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18,
Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church, Penn Hills, Pa.

With THON 2013 only four months away, Penn State New Kensington students are stepping up the fundraising activities with a spaghetti dinner from noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania.

The menu features salad, bread, tea/orange juice/water/coffee, spaghetti with meat sauce or plain marinara, and various desserts. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children under 10, and free for children 3 years old and younger. Takeout is available.

The Penn State Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon, aka THON, is a University-wide event that is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Feb. 15-17, at the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State’s University Park campus.  Kelsie Nury, a sophomore in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program, is the THON chair for the New Kensington campus. She has set a goal of $55,000, which would be the campus' highwater mark.

A year ago, Nury, a graduate of Burrell High School, represented the campus as a dancer at the marathon event and helped raise $50,437, second best total in campus history. The $52,000 in 2011 total is the campus standard. In the past three years, the New Kensington THON committee has collected more than $122,000 to support pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers. Since 2002, the total is $216,000.
 

Fundraising activities will continue through February as campus students will be hosting various events and canning outside businesses in the region to raise money for what is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church is located at 12106 Frankstown Road, in Penn Hills. For more about the spaghetti dinner, contact Kelsie Nury at 724-462-1779 or kcn5033@psu.edu via email.

For information on other campus THON events, contact Lauren Blum at 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu via email

STUDENTS LAUREN SCHRAM AND STEVEN YUSKO
TROUBLESHOOT TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
Serve as Conduits Between Fellow Students and Campus Faculty

Penn State New Kensington students Lauren Schram and Steven Yusko earned positions that provide perspectives from both sides of the academic vista. As facilitators for the campus’ telecommunications system, Schram and Yusko serve as conduits between fellow students and campus professors.

Known as Polycom, the telecommunications system allows collaboration among geographically dispersed groups, such as students at other campuses, via video and voice distribution. The two students troubleshoot problems that may arise during classroom use of Polycom services.

“I set up the connection and make sure nothing goes wrong,” said Schram, a junior administration of justice major. “I am involved with both the students and the professors, which is my favorite part of the job”

“I am actively involved with the professors in helping them telecommunicate between the New Kensington and the DuBois campuses,” said Yusko, a junior information sciences and technology major. “I am responsible for establishing and maintaining the connection for the duration of the class. I find solutions to problems that may occur.”

The New Kensington campus utilizes Polycom classes for students majoring in Administration of Justice, Information Sciences and Technology (IST), and French. For the fall semester, there are seven student facilitators covering nine classes.

"The facilitators provide a valuable resource for the campus as we move toward more innovative ways to offer programming,” said Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs.  “The students also benefit as they learn new skills and new technologies."

Schram is a facilitator for the French and Administration of Justice programs. While the campus does not offer a French degree, some of its bachelor’s programs, such as Administration of Justice and IST, require three semesters of a foreign language. The Administration of Justice bachelor’s degree program is offered jointly by the Penn State campuses of Beaver, Shenango and New Kensington. All courses needed for the degree are offered at each campus through a combination of Web-based technology and the traditional classroom setting.

“I also organize the paperwork,” said Schram, a native of Munhall and graduate of Steel Valley High School. “I pass out tests and quizzes and send results to the professor at the Beaver campus.”

Yusko is a facilitator for the IST program, which is a four-year program at the New Kensington campus but not at Penn State DuBois. Yusko helps DuBois students with classes that originate at New Kensington. While he sits in on the classes, Yusko takes advantage of the learning opportunity.

“Since I am an IST major, I am learning the material of the upper-level courses,” said Yushko, who was raised in Monroeville. “I usually incorporate what I learn into my current classes.”

When he is not on campus, Yusko can be found completing his internship at Club Profit Systems, a company that offers a comprehensive and cost-effective golf club management software system.

“I test for bugs and problems in new versions of the company’s software,” said Yusko, a graduate of Gateway High School.” If the software passes, it is released to our customers.  If it fails, I write up a report and submit it to our programmers to fix.”

 
Facilitator Lauren Schram, center,  works with a student during a French polycom class.

The Administration of Justice program focuses on the interrelated components of the criminal justice system: public and private sector enforcement and investigation, legal systems, correctional treatment and community services. Through a combination of formal classroom instruction, practical training in laboratory courses, individual study and field experience, students in the program will be well prepared to pursue an array of career opportunities in federal, state and local law enforcement and correction agencies, court-related services, probation and parole services, and private-sector security. Schram expects to graduate in May 2014 and plans to continue her education in graduate school.

The Information Sciences and Technology major gives graduates a background in the core technical areas of networking, databases, programming, and system integration. Students are trained in key business areas, such as project management and organization theory. Students develop essential teamwork and problem solving skills through team projects. Students gain real-world work experience through a required internship and a fourth-year capstone project. During the capstone experience, teams of students engage in finding solutions to the real problems of major local companies. Yuskon graduates in December 2013 and hopes to turn his internship into a full-time position at the software company.

HIGHLANDS, BURRELL, OAKMONT, FOX CHAPEL AND
NEW KENSINGTON AREA PARTNER ON ENDOWMENT

Five Rotary clubs in the Alle-Kiski Valley joined forces to establish the $50,000 Rotarian Trustee Scholarship at Penn State New Kensington.

The scholarship was announced Oct. 23 at Oakmont Country Club during the 75th anniversary celebration of the New Kensington Area Rotary Club. In attendance was Sakuji Tanaka of Japan, who is serving a one-year term as president of the International Rotary.

The five local rotary clubs--Highlands, Burrell, Oakmont, Fox Chapel and New Kensington Area –as well as several individual donors, created the endowment to assist local area students with their chosen career paths.  Robert Arbuckle, former campus executive officer at Penn State New Kensington and past district governor of the Pittsburgh Area Rotary Clubs, spearheaded the initiative. Arbuckle has been a member of the New Kensington Area club since 1975. 

Hannah McBean, an adult student at the New Kensington campus, opened the anniversary celebration by singing the national anthems of the United States and Japan. McBean is a published author, poet, singer/songwriter, radio host, and motivational speaker. Her book, “Silent Spring,” features inspirational poetry that she uses in her motivational speeches. A junior in the Organizational Leadership program, she expects to graduate in 2014 and begin a start-up company that addresses issues of at-risk children. The Organizational Leadership program is designed for adult learners such as McBean, a wife and mother of six children. The program’s flexibility allows her to take traditional classroom instruction and to study online from home.

Rotary International is an organization whose main objective is service in the community, in the workplace, and around the world. There are more than 34,000 Rotary clubs and 1.2 million members located in nearly every country around the globe. Open to people of all cultures and ethnicities and not affiliated with any political or religious organizations, the clubs volunteer in communities at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation conditions, and eradicate polio.

For a list of scholarships at Penn State New Kensington, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Giving/endowments.htm online.

TONY NOVOSEL, SENIOR LECTURER OF HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
"From Civil Rights to Civil War and Back: Northern Ireland 1967-1994"
Noon, Monday, Nov. 12, Conference Center

The conflict in Northern Ireland is the topic of a talk at noon, Monday, Nov. 12, in the Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington.

Tony Novosel, senior lecturer of history at the University of Pittsburgh, will discuss "From Civil Rights to Civil War and Back: Northern Ireland 1967-1994" and focus on the violence and the peace process. Novosel has traveled extensively in Northern Ireland since 1974, and teaches a class at the University of Pittsburgh about the history of Northern Ireland.  Novosel holds a doctorate in Soviet History from Pittsburgh, where he has taught history since 1990.

The discussion is a part of "Countries of Focus: Ireland and Great Britain," the year-long, campus celebration of international cultures. The talk is free to the public.

For the past six years, the campus has embarked on the promotion of greater awareness and understanding of world issues, international trends and global policy debates. Each year, the campus adopts a country or region of the world to inspire teaching and scholarship. Students, faculty and staff will explore and reflect on various aspects of Ireland's and Great Britain's history, culture and economic, social and political reality. During the 2013 spring break, the campus is sponsoring a weeklong trip to Ireland The itinerary, March 2 to 9, features visits to the cities of Dublin, Killarney, Cork, and Kilkenney in the Republic of Ireland, and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

“The trip to Ireland is a great opportunity for students who have not traveled internationally before,” said Amy Rustic, reference librarian at the campus’ Blissell Library and a member of the International Trip Committee. “The trip will include many interesting stops and will be a great introduction to the culture of Ireland.”

Since 2004, more than 130 campus students have traveled to Spain, France, Italy, China, Greece, Peru and the Galapagos Islands. In conjunction with the trips, students are required to take a related course that enriches their understanding of the destination and its culture. Upon return, participants present their experiences through narratives and slideshows to the entire campus community. These presentations both enable others to share in the immediate travel experience and help to generate excitement in students, as well as faculty and staff, to become involved in future trips.

For more on the country of focus program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/InternationalPrograms/43845.htm online.

TWO LARGE COMPUTER SCREENS ALLOW
MULTIPLE PARTICIPANTS TO WORK ON DOCUMENT OR PROJECT

Penn State New Kensington’s Blissell Library recently unveiled a two-monitor computer system that is designed for group projects and meetings.

The Collaborative Workstation allows multiple participants to work on a document or project by viewing large computer screens. The area is equipped with a conference table and six chairs. Up to six laptops or ipads can connect into the hub in the center of the table. The monitors can display two of the laptop screens simultaneously, so the group can work as a team.

“It is starting to catch on with the students as student groups began using it last week,” said Jennifer Gilley, head librarian. “We have also had faculty and staff use it for meetings that involved technology.”

There is no formal reservation system set-up, but requests can be made at the library’s front desk. Laptops can be signed out for use at the site. The collaborative station is free to students, faculty, staff and the general public.

Blissell Library is a government depository library, which means that it serves to make selected government documents accessible to the citizens of Westmoreland County. It is only the second library in the county to serve in this capacity and the only Penn State campus library other than University Park to be so designated.

Because of the University's status as a state-related institution and its strong public service commitment, the resources of Blissell Library are available for use by the public. These resources include all online databases. To take advantage of the library's resources, come in and fill out a form to receive a Penn State library card.

For more about Blissell library and the workstation, visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/newkensington.html/index.html online.

CHEMISTRY LAB REMODELED;
PARKING LOT RECONFIGURED;
ATHLETICS CENTER COURTYARD REVAMPED
Rain gardens provide barriers to Myers Drive; Lion Shrine area gets a facelift

With the days getting shorter and temperatures getting lower, the construction season is winding down at Penn State New Kensington.

For the past seven months, a series of renovation projects were underway on the campus. Capital improvements include redesigned parking lots, upgrades of chemistry labs and refurbishing the entrance to the Athletics Center.

“The primary intent was to improve the safety and accessibility while using the opportunity to improve the image of the campus exterior,.” said Jason Bush, director of business and finance. “I think the last time the upper parking lot was reconstructed was over 20 years ago.”

The parking lot improvements were highlighted by the removal of the front entrance off Myers Drive that leads to the upper lot. A new road connects the back parking lot with the access ramp. The reconfiguration allows for the addition of 10 new parking spaces and increased handicapped and visitor parking. The entire lot was torn-up and graded, and a new concrete base was poured and paved with asphalt.

The chemistry lab in the Science Building was thoroughly renovated. The upgrades improved safety and will allow for more hands-on instruction that support requirements for chemistry and other disciplines.

The “greening” of the campus moved forward with the additions of two environmentally-friendly rain gardens that control storm water. The gardens serve as a barrier to the closed Myers Drive entrance. Other improvements include seating niches, green space and landscaping in the Nittany Lion shrine area near the front lot.

“These are improvements that you get to see, so they will be more appealing to students,” Bush said.

The Athletics Center exterior is also new and improved. The parking lot for the soccer field as well as the access road underwent the same reconstruction as the upper lot. Other improvements that are in the final stages of completion are the beautification of the courtyard area. Concrete was replaced and reconfigured. ADA accessibility was improved for the front entrance to the building. An outdoor bike rack was added for pedaling enthusiasts and a seating wall, expected to be completed by the end of November, will provide more leisure space for students.

Aerial view of the campus after the upgrades.

Upgrading athletic facilities is one of the objectives of the campus’ “For the Future” campaign to raise $3 million by June 2014. Envisioned as a four-phase process, the athletic facilities upgrades are geared to both students and athletes at the campus. When the seat wall is finished, the third phase will be finished as well.

The second phase ended a year ago and concentrated on the interior of Athletics Center. Enhancements involved refurbishing the Fitness Center, moving the women’s locker room upstairs and giving it a complete makeover, renovating the downstairs room to make way for cardiovascular equipment, and setting up a pilates/yoga studio. In addition to the indoor amenities, an artificial putting green and driving cage were installed outside the Athletics Center for the men’s and women’s golf team.

Plans for the final phase, an on-campus softball diamond, are underway and awaiting funding. The Lady’ Lions new home will be constructed on a parcel of campus property located below the soccer field. Support from alumni and friends is vital for the project to come to fruition. The softball team, ranked 19th nationally in the final 2012 United States Collegiate Athletic Association poll, currently plays its home games at a municipal field, Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell.

NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS COLLECTED AT DOOR

NITTANY LIONS AT PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
3:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3,
Tarentum Elks Lodge #644, Tarentum, Pa.

Pre-game Reception: 2:30 p.m.

The Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association is sponsoring a food drive Saturday, Nov. 3, in conjunction with its televised football game tailgate party at the Tarentum Elks Lodge No. 644.

Kickoff for the Nittany Lions and the Purdue Boilermakers is 3:30 p.m. The pregame reception begins at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments are provided along with a cash bar.

Penn State fans are encouraged to bring canned food and nonperishable items, such as paper products and infant/baby supplies, to the game at the lodge on Sixth Street in Tarentum, Pa. The society will donate the collected items to the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank, which serves the local region.

The Alle-Kiski Society is based at Penn State New Kensington and represents more than 7,000 Penn State alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

For more information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu.

For more on the society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

THE LAST MEETING OF THE FALL SEMESTER
6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19, J.G.’s Tarentum Station, Tarentum, Pa.

The last meeting of the fall semester for the Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association is set for 6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19, at J.G.’s Tarentum Station in Tarentum, Pa.

The top agenda items are ideas for future fundraising projects. All students, alumni and friends, especially recent Penn State graduates living in the Alle-Kiski Valley, are encouraged to attend the meeting and become involved in society activities.

For more information, email uxw1@psu.edu or call 724-334-6049. For more about AKS, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS DUTY OR
SEEKING A CAREER CHANGE
Information Session Helps Navigate the Challenges of Higher Education
6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, Conference Center

The number of veterans deciding to start or return to college continues to rise as the Iraq and Afghanistan wars wind down and more military personnel fulfill their service obligations and return to civilian status. The ranks of adult learners, those classified as at least 24 years old, are also expanding as more displaced workers look for a career change or seek additional education.

To help nontraditional students navigate the many challenges associated with the higher education decision, an information session is set for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington. The Veterans/Adult Learners Open House provides prospective nontraditional students with information on the various certificate, associate, and baccalaureate degrees offered at the campus. The sessions include tips on how to finance a Penn State education.

There are numerous academic options available to veterans and adults, including: selecting from more than 200 noncredit, certificate and degree programs; choosing full- or part-time status; and scheduling day or evening classes. The enrollment management staff at the campus will be on-hand to assist prospective students with application forms. The $50 application fee will be waived during the open house.

Veterans and adult learners, who comprise approximately 31 percent of the Penn State New Kensington student population, have their own space on the campus at the Adult Learner Resource Center and Lounge, which is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The lounge includes a small library of resource books, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, a computer and printer, white board, table and chairs for small group study and comfortable chairs for relaxation. Penn State New Kensington strives to support these students in reaching their academic goals while maintaining a healthy life balance.

The catalyst for veterans matriculating at the campus is the Post-9/11 GI-Bill that provides financial support for education and housing. Under the bill's Yellow Ribbon program, veterans who served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, are entitled to educational benefits through the Veterans Administration.

For more information or to reserve a spot at the open house, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.

ROAD TO THE ISLES PERFORMS
FOLKSONG TRADITIONS OF TWO ANCIENT CULTURES
Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 7, Forum Theatre
Free to the Public

Penn State New Kensington continues its “Countries of Focus: Ireland and Great Britain” at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 7, with a performance by Road to the Isles in the Forum Theatre.

The ensemble of musicians and dancers draws from their wealth of experiences to perform the instrumental music, dance, and folksong traditions of Ireland and Scotland. The show includes the sword dance, highland fling, sean triubhas, Irish reel and jig, slip jig, and hornpipe, complemented by songs, stories, and instrumental solos, duets, and trios. Based in Pittsburgh, the group portrays a view of the similarities and differences between the music and dance traditions of the two ancient cultures. The show is free to the public.

The musicians include George Balderose, highland pipes and smallpipes; Oliver Browne: Irish fiddle; Melinda Crawford: Scottish fiddle; and Richard Hughes: great flute, guitar, and vocals. The dancers are Becky Craig, Scottish dance, and Cliodhna Graven, Irish dance. Craig and Graven represent two different traditions of dancing, and each has successfully competed at Irish Feis and Highland Games throughout Northeast United States.

The Countries of Focus program is a year-long, campus celebration of international cultures. For the past six years, the campus has embarked on the promotion of greater awareness and understanding of world issues, international trends and global policy debates. Each year, the campus adopts a country or region of the world to inspire teaching and scholarship. Students, faculty and staff explore and reflect on various aspects of Ireland's and Great Britain's history, culture and economic, social and political reality.

During the 2013 spring break, the campus is sponsoring a weeklong trip to Ireland.  The itinerary, from March 2 to 9, features visits to the cities of Dublin, Killarney, Cork, and Kilkenney in the Republic of Ireland, and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

“The trip to Ireland is a great opportunity for students who have not traveled internationally before,” said Amy Rustic, reference librarian at the campus’ Blissell Library and a member of the International Trip Committee. “The trip will include many interesting stops and will be a great introduction to the culture of Ireland.”

Since 2004, more than 130 campus students have traveled to Spain, France, Italy, China, Greece, Peru and the Galapagos Islands. In conjunction with the trips, students are required to take a related course that enriches their understanding of the destination and its culture. Upon return, participants present their experiences through narratives and slideshows to the entire campus community. These presentations both enable others to share in the immediate travel experience and help to generate excitement in students, as well as faculty and staff, to become involved in future trips.

For more information on the Ireland trip, contact Abhinav Aima, aka11@psu.edu or Gary Heberling, glh10@psu.edu via email.

For more on the country of focus program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/InternationalPrograms/43845.htm online.

For more on Road to the Isles, visit http://roadtotheisles.org/ online.

PRE-THANKSGIVING FIXTURE SINCE 1980
10:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, Athletics Center Parking Lot
Classic 3.1 Mile Run and One-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk

Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and runners are training as Penn State New Kensington’s 33rd annual Turkey Trot 5K is set for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, starting in front of the campus’ Athletics Center.

A pre-Thanksgiving fixture at the campus since 1980, the race has grown into a 5K, one of the classic distances of running events. Open to the public, the 3.1–mile course meanders through the campus and Upper Burrell Township. There also is a one-mile family fun run/walk that starts at 10:15 a.m.

"I think it is important to continue a tradition for students and their families and friends," said Pepsi Umberger, race coordinator and instructor in kinesiology at the campus. "Our goal is to sponsor a fun, family-friendly race to promote health and wellness in the community."

The 5K course begins at the Athletics Center, crosses the upper parking lot and heads down Myers Drive to the turnaround point. Participants backtracked to the finish line at the Athletics Center.

The entry fee is $15 for college and high school students with ID; $20 for campus faculty and staff; and $25 for local residents. A special family fee of $25 allows four family members to participate in the distances of their choosing. Frozen turkeys will be awarded to the winners of each of the four age categories: 18-24; 25-32; 33-44; 45-and over. All registrants receive a "Turkey Trot" T-shirt and a goodies bag.

All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Western Pennsylvania Chapter. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, leads to life-threatening lung infections, obstructs the pancreas, and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

"It is a great time of year to reach out and get people involved in a great cause," Umberger said. "The race provides fun for the campus and community, while benefiting people who are impacted by Cystic Fibrosis."

Last year, 100 runners took up the challenge, and the race raised more than $2,000 for the family of Patrolman Derek Kotecki, the Lower Burrell police officer who was slain in 2011 in the line of duty

For more information, call or email Umberger at 724-334-6747 or plh20@psu.edu.

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND ALLY
“Providing a Welcoming Environment for LGBTA Individuals on Campus”
New Date: TBA

Penn State New Kensington is hosting a LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally) Workshop from noon to 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 2, in the campus Conference Center.

The workshop, “Providing a Welcoming Environment for LGBTA Individuals on Campus,” focuses on activities and discussions that will help participants to better understand students, staff and faculty who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally. Featured presenters are staff from the LGBTA Student Resource Center at Penn State University Park. Topics include understanding definitions, how to be an ally and making your campus welcoming to the LGBTA community. 

The free workshop is geared to faculty and staff at the New Kensington campus. Lunch will be provided.

The event is co-sponsored by the LGBTA Student Resource Center and the Diversity Committee at the New Kensington campus. The center provides programming, education, information and advocacy services to create and maintain an open, safe, and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students at Penn State

“Our hope is to create an environment on campus where all students can be successful, feel comfortable and valued as a contributing member of the Penn State community,” said Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs at the campus. “An important piece of making that happen is to ensure that faculty and staff have a greater understanding of the challenges that the LGBT community members and their allies face each day."

In addition to promoting diversity, the campus committee has instituted a Safe Zone system for faculty and staff. Members of the Safe Zone undergo training in GLBTA issues and embrace an open door policy that provides support and information on matters regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

To register for the event, call 724-334-6062 or arc1@psu.edu via email.

For more about the Penn State LGBTA Student Resource Center, visit http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/lgbta/. 

CAMPUS AND UNIVERSITY RAISE AWARENESS OF
PRIVATE GIVING AND IMPACT ON STUDENTS
Thursday, Nov. 15, www.NOV15.psu.edu

Penn State New Kensington, in conjunction with other Penn State campuses, is participating in a University-wide philanthropy initiative on Thursday, Nov. 15. The second “Penn State Day of Philanthropy” is intended to raise awareness of private giving’s impact on the University and its students.

“These are challenging fiscal times for Penn State and for the New Kensington campus,” said Chancellor Kevin Snider.  “Higher education is not supported at the same percentage as it was when many of us were in school.  Our ability to continue being accessible is going to depend on scholarships, fellowships, paid internships and other programs designed to help struggling students through the burden of paying for higher education. “ 

Alumni and friends are encouraged to support the campus giving online. By designating Penn State New Kensington, your gift benefit the Future Fund at the campus. The Future Fund holds unrestricted gifts that are essential to the continued success of the campus. Chancellor Snider depends on these flexible resources to address the New Kensington campus’ most pressing needs and to create opportunities. These funds are applied to areas with the greatest need, like student aid and academic initiatives.

Penn State Day of Philanthropy coincides with National Philanthropy Day, an annual event to acknowledge the role nonprofit and charity organizations play in the lives of individuals and communities. “National Philanthropy Day is a day intended to encourage individuals to support organizations that have a positive influence on their lives or communities,” said Rodney P. Kirsch, senior vice president for development and alumni relations. “So on November 15, we ask Penn State alumni and friends to think about how the University has influenced their lives and to make a gift to ensure those same opportunities are available for future generations.”

Penn State Day of Philanthropy is a part of" For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students," which is directed toward a shared vision of Penn State as the most comprehensive, student-centered research university in America. The campaign’s top priority is keeping a Penn State degree affordable for students and families. The" For the Future" campaign is the most ambitious effort of its kind in Penn State’s history, with the goal of securing $2 billion by 2014. The New Kensington campus is responsible for $3 million of the total.

For more information on the event or to give online, visit www.NOV15.psu.edu.

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY DONATE 43 UNITS

Thanks to the unselfishness of the campus and community, Penn State New Kensington donated 43 units of blood during the semi-annual blood drive on Oct. 24.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends showed that the blue and white of Penn State could bleed red for the community. The donations helped increase the blood supply in the local community in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The staff of the Alle-Kiski Medical Center reported that not only did the red cell units increase their inventory, but that they were able to make platelets and fresh frozen plasma so several patients at AKMC could benefit from the one donation.

Since 2006, the campus community and alumni have donated more than 600 units of blood to AKMC for use in the local area. The blood drive was made possible through the efforts of donors, canteen volunteers and Elaine Zarichnak, the campus nurse.

The next campus blood drive is in April. Donors are eligible again in 56 days after giving, so the campus community doesn't have to wait until the spring drive to give blood.

INCREASES IN INTERNATIONAL,
VETERAN AND ADULT STUDENTS

With the addition of five international students, 35 students receiving veterans benefits, and nine out-of-state students, Penn State New Kensington’s enrollment has become more culturally diverse, according to Penn State’s annual snapshot count taken at the end of the sixth week of fall semester classes.

The new group of international students increases the campus total to six from China, India, Uganda and Ghana. The number of veterans at the campus continues to rise as the Iraq and Afghanistan wars wind down and more military personnel fulfill their service obligations and return to civilian status. Eight states, from California to Texas to Maryland, have sent residents to study at the New Kensington campus. The upticks are a result of several initiatives supported by Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus.

The campus’ eight bachelor’s degree programs are a major draw for incoming students. Eighty-six percent of the 166 freshmen seek four-year degrees, with engineering being the most popular major. The remaining 14 percent are on track for an associate degree, with radiological sciences the top choice. The 2012 freshman class represents 55 different high schools; 48 percent of the class earned a Penn State scholarship.

Penn State’s Oct. 17 report shows the total enrollment at its 24 campuses has remained steady from 2011 to 2012. The University saw a slight increase in students to 96,562, up from last year’s final total of 96,519.

“Penn State’s enrollment numbers continue to reflect the University’s strength in attracting the best students, from Pennsylvania and around the world. The University continues to be among the most popular in the nation,” said Rob Pangborn, interim executive vice president and provost. “The numbers also reflect the demographic and economic realities faced by the Commonwealth. While we are experiencing a decline in the number of high school graduates in portions of the state, at the same time we are seeing higher demand for online programs as adult learners seek to advance their education and improve their economic outlook by returning to the classroom.”

Commonwealth campus student enrollment is 31,559, a 4.2 percent decline from 2011, or a decrease of 1,369 students across the 19 Commonwealth campuses. Contributing factors include falling numbers of high school graduates in Pennsylvania, especially in the west, a trend that has long been predicted by demographers and one that is expected to continue into the future. Also contributing are the decline of dual-enrolled high school students with the elimination of state funding for the initiative, and a continued, long-term downward trend in associate degree enrollments. Shifts in on-campus graduate enrollments to professional masters degrees offered through the World Campus also have had an impact.

New Kensington’s enrollment mirrors the decline in enrollment of all but one of the state institutions in Western Pennsylvania. The campus experienced a dip of 11 percent, from 800 students to 715. Across Pennsylvania, 11 of the 14 state-owned universities saw a drop in their enrollments.

“Much of this loss is due to the declining high school demographics and the economy,’ said Patty Brady, director of enrollment management at the campus. “Over the past decade, we have seen ups and downs in our enrollment figures. Fluctuations are a part of the cycle.”

For a list of enrollments by campus, visit http://www.budget.psu.edu/factbook/StudentDynamic/HistoricalEnrolbyLocationSummary5year.aspx?ReportCode=Summary&YearCode=2012&FBPlusIndc=N online.

RECIPIENT SHANNA WILLIAMS’ PASSION FOR
ACADEMICS AND HORSES LEAD TO CAREER CHOICE
Benefactors’ Generosity Supports Her Aspirations

Melding academic prowess with a passion for horses, Penn State New Kensington student Shanna Williams desires to start a new business after graduation. Penn State alumnus Mike Kotyk funds a campus scholarship that is helping Williams fulfill her desire.

Williams, a senior in the Applied Psychology program, was the guest speaker Oct. 23 at the campus’ annual Scholarship Reception, an event that brings together recipients and donors. The reception gives students who receive scholarships and benefactors who establish scholarships, a chance to meet face to face. Students attending the reception were able to deliver personal thanks to their donors, who in turn were able to see the personification of their philanthropic endeavors.

Williams is the recipient of the Gregory and Xenia Kotyk Memorial Trustee Family Scholarship. The $50,000 endowment was established in 2011 by Kotyk in honor of his parents.

“I cannot thank Mr. Kotyk enough for his generosity and kindness that has been beneficial to me in so many ways,” said Williams, a product of the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. “I never imagined being able to afford college. By working hard academically, and with the scholarships, grants and some loans, I have seen the fruits of my labor through the helping hands extended to me by Mr. Kotyk and other scholarship donors.”

Campus scholarships are awarded to eligible students on the basis of academic promise, leadership qualities, community service and financial need. This year, new and returning students at the New Kensington campus earned a total of $293,000 in scholarship money. The campus has 50 scholarship endowments, annual gifts and program awards that funded 183 students this year with an average award of $2,000 per student.

A strong academic ethic is one part of Williams’ genetic makeup. The Apollo resident has been a member of the dean’s list for each of the six semesters she has attended the campus. The dean's list recognizes students earning a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. William carries a 3.95 GPA in the Honors program, an academic initiative that is designed for only the best students in all majors.

Her classroom acumen has resulted in numerous campus scholarships that helped pay tuition during the past four years. In addition to the Kotyk scholarship, Williams was awarded the Hazel L. Hug Scholarship, Penn State Alumni Association Scholarship, Alle-Kiski Society Scholarship, and Bozzone Family Foundation Scholarship.

“Growing up as an only child of a single mother, we have always struggled financially,’ said Williams, a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Psi Chi honor societies. ”Scholarships have aided me in taking a new step to a brighter future for myself, my family and my community.”

The classroom is not the only place that Williams excels. Her extra-curricular activities include tutoring fellow students in a myriad of academic subjects. The tutoring is complemented by her position as work-study student in the Academic and Career Success Center. She assists students with major and career exploration decisions and helps them navigate the center’s resources.

Williams holds leadership positions for two student clubs--president of the Group Investigating God and secretary of the Psychological Association. A component of all campus clubs’ mission statement is community service, and through her association with the clubs, Williams has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Rachel Carson’s Homestead. 

“Penn State New Kensington has helped me develop leadership skills that I never imagined I could develop as an undergrad,” said Williams, who will earn her bachelor’s degree in May 2013. “The faculty and staff have supported me every step of the way throughout my education here and I am so thankful to all of them.”

 Shanna Williams and her appaloosa mare Divine.

When not on campus, Williams’ leisure time is spent caring for her three horses and her fiancé’s two horses. The equine herd is stabled at his farm in Apollo. During the summer, she rides local trials during the week and takes part in riding contest on the weekends.

“My favorite riding trail is Summers Allegheny Trail that runs through the mountains of the Allegheny National Forest,” Williams said. “I like the judged trail competitions at Northmoreland Park and Crooked Creek Horse Park. The competitions are essentially obstacle courses in the woods.”

Riding horses goes hand-in-hand with her career aspirations. After graduation, Williams plans to get a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, and open a therapeutic horseback riding practice to help children and young adults with disabilities. To that end, she volunteers for Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania.

“I help disabled children reap the physical and emotional benefits of horseback riding,” said Williams, who is studying to be a psychologist. “Because of the horses, I see my riding students flourish and grow in ways that I never would have imagined.” 

Williams works with children of various disabilities—blindness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and autism. While working on a class research project, she delved into the little-known topic of the social, emotional, and behavioral benefits of horseback riding. Most research studies extolled only the physical benefits. Her findings spawned the idea of starting her own business.

“Many parents enroll their children in therapeutic horseback riding for the physical benefits,” Williams said. “I want to open a practice exclusively for children and adolescents with social, emotional, and behavioral problems, including chronic mental illness.”

More than 50 students and donors attended the reception. Mardelle and Patrick Kopnicky, benefactors of an endowed scholarship at Penn State New Kensington, gave brief remarks on the importance of giving back to the campus and the community. Both are Penn State alumni and both are active in their Harrison Hills community. They sat with their  scholarship recipients, Michael Daly, Craig McNair, Christopher Rae, and Edwin Sosa.

Scholarships are the lifeblood of the campus. They provide a source of financial support as well as encourage academic and personal growth. Penn State New Kensington is a part of "For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students," a University-wide effort to raise private donations to strengthen support for students. All gifts enhance Penn State's historic mission of teaching, research and service to society. The Kopnickys co-chair the campus campaign that is charged with raising $3 million by July 2014. The University’s overall goal is $2 billion.

Alumni and friends can contribute to the campus by establishing an endowment or by contributing to already established campus endowments or funds. Gifts can be in the form of a one-time gift in cash or securities or a pledge commitment to be paid over a specified number of years. Gifts can also be created through bequests or in the form of a deferred gift designed to provide a life income for the donor or his or her dependents.

For more on giving to the campus, call Donna Speer, director of development, 724-334-6057 or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Giving/givetoday.htm online.

For photos of the reception, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/

The campus has 50 scholarship endowments, annual gifts and program awards that funded 183 students with an average award of $2,000 per student.

DONORS AND RECIPIENTS

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

Alle Kiski Society Scholarship: Lauren Richards, Brandi Ritenour
Elizabeth S. Blissell Scholarship: Joshua Pilat
Charles H. Booth Family Scholarship: Jon Benson, Samuel Boswell, Christopher Weimann
Charles H. Booth Jr. Trustee Scholarship: Jacob Baird, Matthew Brueggeman, Abigail Cush, Veta Obazenu, Hunter Reinsfelder, Kyle Shreckengost
Laura Lee “Lolly” Benner-Booth Trustee Scholarship: Abby Deluisio, Bhawani Harrell, Denver Moyer,
Brian Oyenik, Christina Spahn
Gertrude A. “Trudi” Miller-Clements-Booth Trustee Scholarship: Justin Koscianski
Thelma M. Clausner Scholarship: Bradley Mayo, Jessica Noland, Kelsey Nulph, Brandi Ritenour
Bozzone Family Foundation Scholarship: Brady Boyer, John Fetchko, Crystal Greenlund
Roger H. and Barbara L. Claypoole Scholarship: Jacob Johnson
Dr. Saul and Emma Fleegler Family Scholarship: Kalie Montgomery
Francis C. Frary Scholarship: John Fetchko, Alina Fokina, Matthew Peretic
Ganassi Family Scholarship: Emily Bolewitz
G.E. Marquette Medical Systems: Tyler Craft
Bernard and Geraldine Guss Endowed Scholarship: Connor Minford
William and Claudia Harbaugh Trustee Scholarship: Matthew Kepple, Tyler Lloyd
Elbert S. Howarth Endowed Scholarship: Brad LeDonne, Marissa Russo
Hazel L. Hug Scholarship: Brad LeDonne, Alexander Rudolf, Cody Shoemaker,
Hannah Sribniak, Sarah Steighner
The Hyman Family Foundation Scholarship: Brad LeDonne, Amanda Stumme, Jessica Summerhill
Internal CES Scholarship: Adam Albright, Frederick Alston, Michael Cavazza, Matthew Collins,
John Creighton, Liam Fitzgerald, Talah Furrakh, Nicholas Guzik, Christa Hampshire, Adam Hand, Chelsea Leake, Joseph Maltese, Jacob Matis, Zachary Metzler, Jacob Woodside
Jerome-Little Endowed Scholarship: William Vaughn
Dr. N.A. Kopelman and Freda D. Kopelman Trustee Scholarship: Melissa Betush,
Michael Palumbo, Ronald Wolfe
Patrick Kopnicky and Mardelle Sacco Kopnicky Trustee Scholarship: Michael Daly, Craig McNair, Christopher Rae, Edwin Sosa
Gregory and Xenia Kotyk Memorial Trustee Scholarship: Shanna Williams
Evelyn Barker Krepley Scholarship: Joseph Schreckengost, Jacalyn Thomas,
Tracey Samuel, Joshua Swinehart
Bayard D. and Ethel M. Kunkle Scholarship: Melissa Anthony, Nina Miranda, Michael Pintea
Erik Sean Link Memorial Scholarship: Rebecca McGowan
Moore Family Scholarship: Brandon Defalco, Brittany Walker
Doc and Linda Mueller Trustee Scholarship: Michael Klaric, Brittany Logesky
New Kensington Faculty and Staff Scholarship: Jeremy Kowalczyk
Penn State Alumni Association Trustee Scholarship: Payton Wranich, Joe Mandak
Penn State Campus Scholarship: Vincent Palombo
Penn State New Kensington Advisory Board Endowed Scholarship: Mark Ankrah
Penn State New Kensington Advisory Board Trustee Scholarship: Kylee Danko,
Daniel Daugherty, Ryan Duke
Hyman Family Foundation: Brian Ferraccio, Kelly Haugh, Ryan McLaughlin,
He Mei, Samantha Polons, Brandon Smail, Anthony Stimmel, James Stull
Lora Lee Phillips Memorial Scholarship: Caitlyn Cody
PNC Financial Corporation Scholarship: Ryan Jessup
Presidential CES Scholarship: Cordell Dilzer, Ethan Ritzert
Rotarian Trustee Scholarship: Darren Myers, Michael Rivi
Honorable L. Alexander Sculco Scholarship: Jake Howard
Shaffer Family Trustee Scholarship: Christopher Deet, Bobbie Knotts
R.P. Simmons Family Trustee Scholarship: Kriss Bookwalter, Aaron Hoover, Tyler Flohr,
Michael Lockerman, Brittany Logesky
Ruth and Harry Stein Scholarship: Christian Kamenic
Technical Employees of Alcoa Metallurgical Award: Emily Bolewitz
Trustee Scholarship Fund for Penn State New Kensington: Kelly Kabel, Jennifer White, Jonathan Rearick
John H. Yeamans Family Endowed Scholarship Fund: Cari Chavira, Chelsy Cessna

SCHOLARSHIP GIFTS

Mittie B. Hightower Memorial Scholarship: DeAndra Barron
Doc and Lynn Ramage Scholarship Gift: Donna Camp
Joseph C. Culp Scholarship Gift: Brandon Short

PROGRAM AWARDS

J & M Quarato Nursing Program Award: Nancy Graham
MD Publishing Program Award for BET: Jamie Connelly

Jamie Connelly, a second-year student in the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at Penn State New Kensington, is the 2012-13 recipient of the TechNation scholarship. The award was based on an essay written by the student. Connelly’s winning essay was published in the July issue of TechNation magazine by MD Publishing.

A single mother of two boys, Connelly juggles family responsibilities and academic requirements, providing a nurturing atmosphere at home while maintaining the regimented schedule in the classroom. She expects to graduate in 2013.

“I absolutely love the learning experience, and I have been fortunate to work with Professor (Myron) Hartman,” said Connelly, who is president of the BET Club, a student organization. “During my first year, he gave me the chance to study some of the equipment in the lab. He is always available for questions or comments, and he treats his students like family.”

Hartman is the program coordinator of the campus’ BET program. The associate degree program trains students to operate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair medical equipment. The curriculum includes hands-on medical equipment instruction that covers operation, inspection procedures, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.

Connelly’s interest in the biomedical field was piqued in high school when she attended the FIRSTE (Females Interested in Reaching for Science, Technology and Engineering) program at the New Kensington campus. FIRSTE is a two-day summer program that targets potential college-bound ninth-through-11th grade girls who are considering a career in science, technology or engineering. The object of the program is to foster involvement of girls in these traditionally male fields by reaching them during the career-formative years of high school. The program celebrated its 20th anniversary in May.

The TechNation scholarship was established in 2011 by Hartman, who is on the editorial board for two of MD Publishing's magazines, Medical Dealer and TechNation. In addition, Hartman writes three articles a year for TechNation. His yearly stipend for the articles and funding from John Kreig, publisher of MD Publishing, supports the awards. Based in Peachtree City, Georgia, the publishing company is an online source for dealers and manufacturers of medical and surgical equipment.

To read Connelly’s essay, visit http://1technation.com/technation-myron-hartman-scholarship-winner/ online.

For more on the BET program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/bet.html online.

ANNUAL TAILGATE  EVENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH FOOD DRIVE
Saturday, Nov. 3, Tarentum Elks Lodge #644, Tarentum, Pa.
Game Time: TBA

The Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association invites all Penn State fans to a televised football game party on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Tarentum Elks Lodge #644 on Sixth Avenue in Tarentum, Pa.

The Nittany Lions take on the Purdue Boilermakers in a Big Ten battle in West Lafayette, Indiana. The pregame reception will begin an hour before kickoff. Refreshments are provided along with a cash bar. Game time has yet to be determined officially, but it is expected to be at noon or 3:30 p.m.

The Alle-Kiski Society is based at Penn State New Kensington and represents more than 7,000 Penn State alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley. For more information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu via email.

For more on the society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm?cn613 online.

The exhibit of works of the late artist Bill Gravatt continues during November in the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery. The memorial exhibit features more than 35 paintings from Michael Karkowsky’s collection of Gravatt’s works.

A New Kensington native, Gravatt died in 2000 at the age of 81. Working mostly with oil on canvas, Gravatt's paintings reflect his neo-impressionist and divisionism techniques and philosophies. Neo-impressionists favor modern urban scenes, landscapes and seashores. Divisionism is characterized by the separation of colors into individual dots or patches which interact optically. Gravatt earned critical praise for his work.

For more information, call 724-334-6032.

For more about the Gravatt and Karkowski, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/44918.htm#NEWS44918 online.

PROCEEDS BENEFIT CAMPUS PROJECTS
1:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 7,
Wildlife Lanes, Lower Burrell, Pa.

The Alle-Kiski Society's 11th annual Bowl-a-thon is set for 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell, Pa.

Hosted by the local society of the Penn State Alumni Association, the tournament is open to alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team.

The bowl-a-thon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring, and the proceeds support the society's campus projects. Lane sponsorships are available for $50 and $100.

For information, call John Spadaro 724-337-8536.

For more on the alumni society, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm online.

WHOLE BLOOD OR APHERESIS METHODS
AVAILBLE AT BIANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENT
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24, Art Gallery

LOCAL RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO GIVE A PINT

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and the local community have two donating options at Penn State New Kensington's semi-annual Alumni Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Art Gallery.

Donors can choose between the whole blood or apheresis methods. Both methods are safe and both draw approximately a pint of fluid from the donors.

The whole blood method is the typical method where the blood is drawn manually, collected in a pint bag, and stored unprocessed. It is later separated into red blood cells and plasma.

The apheresis method draws blood from the donor, separates it using a centrifuge or a filter, stores the desired part, and returns the rest to the donor. This process is done with a machine specifically designed for this purpose.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Alle-Kiski Medical Center Blood Bank will collect, store and deliver the blood. Donors of all blood types from the campus and the local community are encouraged to help increase the blood supply in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Last fall's donations totaled 50 units, second-highest total in campus history.

Appointments are not necessary as walk-ins are welcome. A free cholesterol screening is available to each donor.

For more information about the blood drive, contact Elaine Zarichnak at emz3@psu.edu or 724-334-6066.

FALL STAGE PRODUCTION
8:00 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Forum Theatre

The cast is set for the stage production "The Glass Menagerie" at Penn State New Kensington. The three shows performed by the campus Drama Club are set for 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 1, in the Forum Theatre.

Bill Mitas, instructor in theatre arts at the campus, directs the fall production for the fifth year.

Danielle Dortenzo was tapped for the lead role as Amanda Wingfield. Chris Capo was chosen for the role of Tom Wingfield, Amanda’s son. Kylee Danko is Laura Wingfield, the daughter, and Nathan Vasquez is Jim O’Connor, the gentleman caller.

The play was written by Tennessee Williams and is considered by many to be autobiographical. The story revolves around the lives of a domineering mother, an extroverted son and introverted daughter. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students.

For more information, call 724-334-6032.

SOCCER WIN WRAPS UP HOME FIELD ADVATAGE FOR
FIRST ROUND OF PSUAC PLAYOFFS
AWAY: Saturday, Oct. 20, Penn State York, 1:00 p.m., York, Pa.

VOLLEYBALL AIMS FOR FIRST PLAY-OFF BERTH IN FOUR YEARS
HOME: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, Penn State Beaver
6:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, Penn State Greater Allegheny
2:00 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 21, Penn State Fayette
Athletics Center

The Penn State New Kensington men’s soccer and women’s volleyball teams conclude their regular seasons this week with both teams looking to continue on to the post-season.

Soccer is looking to lock-up the third-seed in the upcoming Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs. Coach Pat Cavanaugh’s team heads east for its final PSUAC match at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Penn State York. The New Kensington Lions are 6-2 and in third-place in the PSUAC, a half-game ahead of fourth-place Penn State Brandywine, 5-2. A win over York assures the team the number three seed and a first-round home game. New Kensington holds the tie-breaker over Brandywine by virtue of its 2-0 victory on Sept. 29. York is in fifth-place, with a 4-3 record. The top eight teams earn playoff berths. The PSUAC opening round begins Monday Oct. 22. The Final Four is slated for Wednesday, Oct. 24, with the championship game set for Saturday, Oct. 27. All playoff games will be held at Penn State Beaver in Monaca, Pa.

Volleyball has the inside track on its first playoff berth since 2008. The New Kensington Lady Lions end the regular season at home with matches at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, against Penn State Beaver, noon on Saturday, Oct. 20, with Penn State Greater Allegheny, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21, versus Penn State Fayette. All matches will be held in the Athletics Center. Coach Dave McGeary’s squad is riding a three-game win streak that propelled New Kensington into eighth place, with a  5-6 record, a game and a half ahead of Penn State DuBois, 4-8. The eight-team PSUAC playoffs begin Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the home of the higher seed. The New Kensington Lady Lions have knocked off DuBois (3-0), Penn State Wilkes-Barre (3-0) and Penn State Worthington-Scranton (3-1) during the streak.

The men’s and women’s golf team concluded its season Oct. 9 with a third place finish at the PSUAC championships. Junior Adam Stawski won the individual conference title with a 36-hole total of 78-74-152. He earned All-America honors for his fifth-place finish in the concurrent United State Collegiate Athletic Association national championships. Stawski is the second New Kensington Lion to win the conference title. John Hook captured the crown in 2007.

For more on campus sports, visit http://www.psnkathletics.com/landing/index online.

RAD SCI ALUMNI ENCOURAGED TO RETURN
FOR SEVEN, CATEGORY A CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, Forum Theatre
724-334-6738

The Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists (PSRT) is holding a mini-conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Penn State New Kensington. Attendees can earn seven Category A continuing education credits approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Four morning sessions and two afternoon sessions comprise the seven-credit agenda that will be held in the campus' Forum Theatre. Topics include “Understanding the Importance of Cultural Diversity,” “Bridging the Gap: Modern Migration and Transitional Competence in the Health Professions,” “Image Integration and Interoperability,” “Responding to TJC Sentinel Event Alert 47,” “Radiation Risks of Diagnostic Imaging,”  “Challenges and Recommendations with Focus on CT Doses,” “Radiation Physics Review: Back to the Basics,” and “Assessment of Students in the Clinic Setting – Myth vs. Reality.”

The guest speakers include: Dolores O’Hara, coordinator of Nursing program at the New Kensington campus; Natasha Garrett, director of international student services at La Roche College; Mark Straub manager of radiology informatics at West Penn Allegheny Health Systems; Margaret Blackwood, system director of radiation physics and radiation safety officer at West  Penn Allegheny Health System; Myron Hartman, coordinator of the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at the New Kensington campus; and Marcia Curler, clinical coordinator for the Radiological Sciences program at Penn State New Kensington.

Each speaker’s session, except Hartman’s, runs for one hour, and attendees receive one credit. Hartman’s session is two-hours and good for two credits.

Debra Majetic, conference coordinator and program coordinator for the Radiological Sciences program, is encouraging alumni of the program to return to their alma mater and take advantage of a dual opportunity. Majetic envisions the conference as a professional development seminar and a mini-homecoming event.

“We invite our alumni to attend the conference and  meet old friends and classmates while reminiscing memorable experiences and sharing stories of success,’ said Majetic, a 1979 graduate of the campus’ radiological sciences program. “The conference will help former students to stay abreast of innovative changes in the field by receiving much needed continuing education credit.  And we can renew our commitment to Penn State where we all began our career.”

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a light breakfast. Lunch will be provided at noon. There is no cost for PSRT members. Non-members pay $5 per credit and students pay $3 per credit. The annual membership fee for PSRT is $15.

To register for the conference or for more information, contact Debra Majetic, coordinator of the Radiological sciences program at the New Kensington campus, at 724-334-6738 or dak25@psu.edu via email.

PSRT MINI-CONFERENCE
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3,
Penn State New Kensington, Forum Theatre

AGENDA
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Registration, breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. (1 credit)
“Understanding the Importance of Cultural Diversity”
Dolores O’Hara, Coordinator of Bachelor of Science in Nursing,
Penn State New Kensington

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. (1 credit)
“Bridging the Gap: Modern Migration and Transitional Competence in the Health Professions”
Natasha Garrett, Director of International Student Services,
La Roche College

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (1 credit)
“Image Integration and Interoperability”
Mark Straub, Manager, Radiology Informatics,
West Penn Allegheny Health Systems

11:00 a.m. – Noon (1 credit) 
“Responding to TJC Sentinel Event Alert 47”
“Radiation Risks of Diagnostic Imaging”
“Challenges and Recommendations with Focus on CT Doses”
Margaret Blackwood, System Director, Radiation Physics, Radiation Safety Officer,
West  Penn Allegheny Health System

Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (2 credits)
“Radiation Physics Review: Back to the Basics,”
Myron Hartman, Program Coordinator, Biomedical Engineering Technology,
Penn State New Kensington

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (1 credit)
“Assessment of Students in the Clinic Setting – Myth vs. Reality”
Marcia Curler, Clinical Coordinator, Radiological Sciences,
Penn State New Kensington

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS CAN SIT IN ON CLASSES
8:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24

Get a glimpse of college life first-hand at the Penn State New Kensington campus from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 24, as a part of the "Be a Penn State Student for a Day" program.

High school students and adult learners can sit in on college classes, interact with current students and take in the campus' atmosphere. Participants will learn about making a successful transition from high school to college. Attendees can enjoy a free lunch in Cafe 780.

To reserve a spot, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.

For more on admissions events, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm?cn11 online.

TREASURES ON SALE FOR TWO DAYS
Opening Day: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, Conference Center
Half-Price Day: 10:00 a.m.-3;00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 7, Conference Center

ITEM DONATIONS ACCEPTED
Monday-Friday, Oct. 29-Nov. 2, Conference Center

Laying the groundwork for THON 2013, Penn State New Kensington is holding its first “Flea Market,” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, in the campus Conference Center.

In order to provide a variety of items, the campus THON committee is accepting items for the sale from Monday, Oct. 29 through Friday, Nov. 2. Alumni and friends in the community are encouraged to clean out their closets and bring their “treasures” to the Conference Center that week.  They are invited back the following week to shop until they drop and refill the now empty closets. The public is invited to donate and buy items. Articles not sold on Nov. 6 will be tagged at half-price and sold from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7. All proceeds benefit THON

The Penn State Interfraternity Council/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon, aka THON, is a University-wide event. All monies raised through the dance marathon directly benefit the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Sophomore Kelsie Nury, a dancer at last year’s event, is THON chair for the New Kensington campus.

Over the next four months, campus students will be hosting various events and canning outside businesses in the region to raise money for what is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

For more about the flea market, contact the Continuing Education office, 724-334-6010.

"BLUE AND WHITE LIONS NIGHT" SETS FUNDRAISING RECORD
Community at its Philanthropic Best

With the Athletics Center decked out in “blue and white” and alumni and friends adding a touch of “green,” Penn State New Kensington's Chancellor's Gala on Sept. 28, proved to be an excellent vehicle for increasing the funding of student scholarships. The gala, which is a part of the University-wide fundraising effort, "For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students," brought in more than $21,000, a new record for the four-year-old event.

The gala featured an evening of dancing, socializing and networking on campus for 120 campus supporters -- donors, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. The theme was "Blue and White Lions Night," and the Penn State spirit permeated the room, as did the sounds of Dr. Zoot and the enthusiasm of Penn State alumnus and men’s volleyball coach Mark Pavlik, who served as master of ceremonies. Guests demonstrated their giving acumen by bidding on auction items, purchasing raffle tickets, and acquiring mystery boxes.

"It was an exceptional night and we are thankful for the support that benefits scholarships at the campus," said Donna Speer, director of development. "The community was at its philanthropic best.”

In addition to fundraising, the gala served as a platform for the campus to honor its special donors. The Grable Foundation was named the fourth recipient of the Corporate/Foundation Partner of the Year award. Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, presented the award to the foundation for its support of the University and the campus during the past three decades. The inscription on the plaque denoted the organization’s "leadership, support, and assistance in the advancement, growth, and development of Penn State New Kensington and the surrounding communities." Kristin Burns, associate director for the Grable Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation. Based in Pittsburgh, the Grable Foundation supports community and youth organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania

Robert and Lorraine Arbuckle, Robert “Doc” and Linda Mueller, and Suzette Shaffer Schultz were inducted as the 2012 members of the Arch Recognition Society.  They join the ranks of 24 alumni and friends who were honored at the gala during the past two years. The donor society's membership is reserved for campus supporters who have contributed a total of $25,000 to the campus.

With a recent estate gift of $100,000, the Arbuckles established the Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Arbuckle Technology Fund. The campus’ endowment encourages current and future professors and researchers to examine their assumptions about technology and education and imagine new possibilities for bringing them together. The Muellers established the Doc and Linda Mueller Trustee Scholarship at the campus. The $50,000 endowment is a need-based scholarship, and new and current students are eligible to receive the annual awards. First preference will be given to students in the four-year Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) program. Schultz, a former Penn State New Kensington student, pledged $50,000 to create the Shaffer Family Trustee Matching Scholarship. Schultz’s gift establishes the 11th trustee matching scholarship at the campus.

Proceeds from the gala will be added to the Advisory Board's endowed trustee scholarship. Spearheaded by former board president Robin Rarie, the scholarship initiative was established in 2008 as part of the board's leadership gift to the campaign. The scholarship is geared toward upperclassmen who are campus leaders, i.e., Lion Ambassadors, Student Government Association officials and student club officers. The current board, headed by president Al Weber, hosted the gala.

Penn State New Kensington continues the "For the Future" campaign that helps create educational, cultural, and economic opportunities that campus students and community residents need. The campaign is a University-wide effort to raise $2 billion by June 2014. Penn State New Kensington is responsible for $3 million of the total.

For more on the "For the Future" campaign, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Giving/givetoday.htm online.

FINAL ROUND 74 SECURES
CONFERENCE TITLE BY FOUR STROKES
Earns All America and Academic All America Honors

TEAM TAKES THIRD

Penn State New Kensington junior Adam Stawski (Plum) shot a 2-over 74 for a two-round total of 152 (78-74) to win the Penn State University Athletic Conference individual title at the Penn State Blue Course in State College, Pa.

Stawski came back from a three-shot first-round deficit with a one-under 35 on the back nine (his front nine), that included an eagle at the par-5 18th.  The PSUAC crown avenged his runner-up finish as a freshman in 2009.

As a team, the New Kensington Lions held onto third place in the eight-team conference championships, 12 strokes behind second-place Penn College (339-339-678). Penn State Mont Alto won the title with a 313-336-649 tally.

Sophomore Ben Hammel (Riverview) carded an 85-84-169 to finish in eighth place and join Stawski on the PSUAC ALL-Conference team. Senior Matt Schrader (West Shamokin) shot 82-92-174. Freshman Corey Boback (Hempfield) shot his collegiate-best 92 in the final round to secure third place for New Kensington at 348-342-690.  During the regular season, New Kensington could muster a finish of no better than fifth in three conference tournaments.

“The team improved as the season progressed, and all four players shot their best rounds of the year at championships,” said Bill Woodard, in his 11th-year as head coach at New Kensington. “Consistency is the hallmark of Adam's game, and he played to his potential.”

 
Adam Stawski accepts PSUAC championship trophy from conference commissioner John Fritz.

The United States Collegiate Athletic Association national championships ran concurrent with the PSUAC tournament. Stawski finished fifth nationally, eight strokes behind the victor, Kyle Kapturowsk of Daemen (NY) College, 75-69-144, and earning USCAA All-America honors for the second time. He was fourth in the 2009 tournament. In addition to his golfing prowess, Stawski was named to the USCAA Academic All-America team, completing a rare All-America double. Then New Kensington Lions finished 12th-nationally in the 23-team field. Daemen took the first-place trophy with a 304-301-605.

"I know that the guys are a little disappointed in their own efforts, thinking they could have scored better, but I'm proud of what they did in the tournament and throughout the year,” said Woodard, who is the alumni and public relations specialist at the campus. “My assistant coach, John Mandak, worked with them all season, and his efforts came to fruition as the players responded when it counted most.”

Stawski is the second New Kensington player the win the PSUAC individual golf title.  John Hook won the 2007 crown. Stawski is the second USCAA All-America golf selection with Matt Miller earning the honor in 2008. Stawski and Jeremy Hurt (men’s basketball, 2007-08) are the only New Kensington student-athletes to garner both USCAA All-America and Academic All-America in the same season.

The USCAA is a national organization that is geared to provide athletic opportunities to small colleges — those with enrollments of less than 2,500. It sponsors 11 national championship tournaments in men's and women's sports. Established in 2001, the USCAA was incorporated to provide an opportunity for members to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of similar size and athletic programs. Headquartered in Newport News, Va., the organization has more than 82 member institutions in 24 states, stretching from Maine to California.

For photos of the championships, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/ online.

Penn State New Kensington 348 342 690
Adam Stawski 78 74 152
Ben Hammel 85 84 169
Matt Schrader 83 92 175
Corey Bobak 110 92 202
Chuck May 103 108 211
Liam Fitzgerald 102 110 212

PSUAC TOP TEN INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Adam Stawski New Kensington 78 74 152
Adam Poulson Mont Alto 77 79 156
Chase King Mont Alto 75 83 158
Matt Boozer Wilkes-Barre 84 78 162
Jake Hoover Mont Alto 79 88 167
Jesse Newman Penn College 84 84 168
Will Fulton Wilkes-Barre 86 82 168
Ben Hammel New Kensington 85 84 169
Corey Teeple Penn College 91 79 170
Bryce Petersheim Penn College 82 89 171

PSUAC TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Penn State Mont Alto 313-336-649
Penn College 339-339-678
Penn State New Kensington 348-342-690
Penn State Wilkes-Barre 699
Penn State Schuylkill 735
Penn State Hazelton 749
Penn State Brandywine 750
Penn State Lehigh Valley 765

USCAA TOP TEN INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Kyle Kapturowski Daemen Co. 75 69 144 E
Ben Hunter Apprentice 77 70 147 +3
Justin Robinson LndnwoodIL 77 72 149 +5
Kyle Mutter Apprentice 75 76 151 +7
Adam Stawski New Kensington 78 74 152 +8
Andy Levins NHTI 77 75 152 +8
Jake Roth LndnwoodIL 82 73 155 +11
Jered Hogan LndnwoodIL 78 77 155 +11
Kyle Harman Daemen Co. 80 76 156 +12
Reynold Brown UMPI 77 79 156 +12
Ryan Kapanowski RochesterC 81 75 156 +12
Adam Poulson Mont Alto 77 79 156 +12

USCAA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
1 Daemen College 304 301 605
2 Lindenwood-Bellevill 315 305 620
3 NHTI 319 310 629
4 Apprentice School 329 307 636
5 Rochester College 321 321 642
6 Penn State Mont Alto 313 336 649
7 Maine, U of Presque 339 328 667
8 SUNY Canton 335 343 678
Penn College 339 339 678
10 SUNY-ESF 340 342 682
11 West Virginia Tech 341 347 688
12 Penn State New Kensington 348 342 690
13 Cleary University 349 344 693
14 PSU Wilkes-Barre 358 341 699
15 Penn State Schuykill 365 370 735
16 Maine Augusta 363 380 743
17 Penn State Hazleton 379 370 749
18 Penn State Brandywin 364 386 750
19 PSU Lehigh Valley 390 375 765

MEN'S SOCCER
THURSDAY, OCT.11,
Penn College, 3:00 p.m., Valley High School

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
SATURDAY, OCT. 13,
Penn State Wilkes-Barre, 6:00 p.m.
Penn State DuBois, 8:00 p.m., Athletics Center

The Penn State New Kensington men’s soccer and women’s volleyball teams are home this week for conference matches that will influence the postseason playoffs.

Soccer, ranked sixth nationally in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, meets eighth-ranked Penn College at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Valley high School in New Kensington, Pa. The showdown features the second-place New Kensington Lions, 6-1, and the first-place  PC Wildcats, 7-0.

The volleyball team makes a push for a playoff berth on Saturday, Oct. 13, with a PSUAC tri-match in the Athletics Center. The New Kensington Lady Lions face Penn State Wilkes-Barre at 6 p.m. and Penn State DuBois at 8 p.m.

For more on campus sports, visit http://www.psnkathletics.com/landing/index online

GEARED TO CURRENT STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2,
Monroeville Convention Center

More than 120 national and local employers offering internships and jobs will be on hand at the Western Pennsylvania Career Services (WestPACS) Association Spring Job and Internship Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa.

Recruiters from a wide variety of industries, government agencies and nonprofit organizations will attend. The fair is geared toward fall and spring graduates and recent alumni with program certificates and degrees in all majors.

Jim Shields, career services coordinator at Penn State New Kensington, is the chair of the student marketing committee of WestPACS. According to Shields, the event features full- and part-time employment, internships and co-op opportunities, both regionally and nationally.

"Job seekers will be able to discuss current openings and network with employers hiring in numerous career fields," said Shields. "It is the premier job fair for college students and graduates in Western Pennsylvania.”

Sponsored by the WestPACS Consortium of 44 colleges and universities in western Pennsylvania, the job fair is open to students and graduates from two- and four-year degree programs. Advance registration is free until Oct. 31. The cost is $5 at the door.

A resume, college ID and professional dress are required for entrance into the fair. Free parking is available. Register online at www.westpacs.org or contact Shields at (724) 334-6065 or xjs8@psu.edu via e-mail.

For a list of employers and job openings at the job fair, visit http://www.westpacs.org/ online.

For information on career assistance at Penn State New Kensington, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/CareerServices/35579.htm online.

"INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT"
6:00 to 8:15 p.m., Monday, Oct. 22 to Dec. 17,
Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Woods

“WORD II”
6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8 and 15, Campus Conference Center

“HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE WHILE USING THE INTERNET”
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, Campus Conference Center

“SOCIAL NETWORKING 101”
6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8 and 15, Campus Conference Center

Professionals needing career development, senior citizens wanting to get online, or adults looking for leisure-time activities can hone their skills during the fall 2012 semester at Penn State New Kensington.

The Continuing Education Office sponsors a series of noncredit courses throughout October and November that includes courses on project management, internet safety, social networking, and Word software. The courses feature certificate programs, seminars and workshops, and short courses. The courses do not carry college credit and are often part of a certificate program or are designed to meet the needs of specific skill development.

Although a majority of the classes are held at the New Kensington campus in Upper Burrell, some classes may be taken at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry, Pa. The alliance is a cooperative venture that offers education and training programs in the greater Pittsburgh region.

The professional development series opens with "Introduction to Project Management" from 6 to 8:15 p.m., on nine consecutive Mondays, Oct. 22 to Dec. 17, at the Regional Learning Alliance. The course discusses the role of the project manager and how to plan a project using a Work Breakdown Structure, a system that defines and groups a project's discrete work elements in a way that helps organize and define the total work scope of the project. The cost is $450 and includes text and materials. To register, contact Beth Nury, at 724-334-6011 or bxn10@psu.edu via email.
 
The next software program class, “Word II,” runs from 6 to 9 p.m,. on two Thursdays, Nov. 8 and 15. Participants can learn to develop complex documents by adding components such as tables, charts, and graphics. The course is designed for experienced Word users who want  advanced training. The cost of the course is $95.

Offerings concerned with internet acumen include “How to Keep Yourself and Your Family Safe While Using the Internet,” from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, and “Social Networking 101,” from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 and 15. Both classes are held in the Conference Center.

The internet safety course focuses on the areas of the internet that pose real dangers such as. illegal and improper use, addiction, con artists, and inaccurate information. The program coordinator will demonstrate the hazards of the internet. The cost is $20.The social networking class is a hands-on workshop that is designed to help participants learn about the Facebook, MySpace and Twitter tools. The cost is $95. To register for either class, call 724-334-6010.

Additional classes will be offered in the spring. For more on continuing education at the campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/CE/cesched.htm online.

RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
SESSIONS GEARED TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, Allegheny General Hospital

Prospective Penn State New Kensington students can explore opportunities in the field of radiology and biomedical technology at an open house event that is set for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Allegheny General is a clinical affiliate of the campus’ Radiological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering technology programs.

The joint open house is geared to high school seniors and juniors and adult learners, as well as parents and spouses. Participants can review information about the programs, meet with faculty and staff, learn about financial aid, and find out what the New Kensington campus has to offer. Faculty and staff will provide information on various aspects of the two health disciplines.

The next open house is an on-campus event slated for 9 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14, in the Conference Center.
To register for any of the open house events, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm online.

For more about the radiological sciences program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/radsci online.
For more about the biomedical engineering technology program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/bet online

TV FOOTBALL TAILGATE PARTY TOPS AGENDA
6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct 15, PSNK Conference Center

The next meeting for the Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association is set for 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, in the Conference Center at Penn State New Kensington.

The top agenda item is the TV football tailgate party that is set for Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Tarentum Elks Lodge No. 644. The Nittany Lions visit the Purdue Boilermakers in a Big Ten matchup. Game time has yet to be announced. In conjunction with the game, the society is sponsoring a food drive in cooperation with the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank. Penn State fans are encouraged to bring canned food and nonperishable items, such as paper products and infant/baby supplies, to the game at the lodge on Sixth Street in Tarentum, Pa.

All students, alumni and friends, especially recent Penn State graduates living in the Alle-Kiski Valley, are encouraged to attend the meeting and become involved in the society's activities. The alumni society hosts numerous alumni events throughout the year.

For more information, email uxw1@psu.edu or call 724-334-6049.For more about AKS, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Alumni/alumorg.htm?cn613 online.

NEIGHBORS ACROSS THE POND ARE COUNTRIES OF FOCUS
Ireland is Destination of Spring Break Trip

Penn State New Kensington continues its countries of focus program with a musical performance at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the Forum Theatre. “Road to the Isles” performs pipe and fiddle music, dance and folksongs that celebrate the culture and heritage of Ireland and Scotland.

The musical entertainment is a part of "Countries of Focus: Ireland and Great Britain," the year-long, campus celebration of international cultures. The show is free to the public.

The celebration of our neighbors across the pond began Sept. 18 with author Tony Hawks who discussed his book, “Round Ireland with a Fridge.” Hawk chronicled his quest to hitchhike around the circumference of Ireland in 30 days while, as the title says, accompanied by a refrigerator.

Hawks’ book was the selected book for the Freshman Summer Reading Program at the campus. The program was instituted at the campus in 2005 to encourage reading and critical thinking and to provide a shared experience among new students. First-year students at the campus had a homework assignment over the summer -- read the book, chosen by a committee of campus faculty and staff and prepare to discuss it during orientation. Small group discussions are slated with fellow students, faculty and staff throughout the semester.

For the past six years, the campus has embarked on the promotion of greater awareness and understanding of world issues, international trends and global policy debates. Each year, the campus adopts a country or region of the world to inspire teaching and scholarship. Students, faculty and staff will explore and reflect on various aspects of Ireland's and Great Britain's history, culture and economic, social and political reality.

During the 2013 spring break, the campus is sponsoring a weeklong trip to Ireland The itinerary, March 2 to 9, features visits to the cities of Dublin, Killarney, Cork, and Kilkenney in the Republic of Ireland, and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

“The trip to Ireland is a great opportunity for students who have not traveled internationally before,” said Amy Rustic, reference librarian at the campus’ Blissell Library and a member of the International Trip Committee. “The trip will include many interesting stops and will be a great introduction to the culture of Ireland.”

Since 2004, more than 130 campus students have traveled to Spain, France, Italy, China, Greece, Peru and the Galapagos Islands. In conjunction with the trips, students are required to take a related course that enriches their understanding of the destination and its culture. Upon return, participants present their experiences through narratives and slideshows to the entire campus community. These presentations both enable others to share in the immediate travel experience and help to generate excitement in students, as well as faculty and staff, to become involved in future trips.

For more information on the Ireland trip, contact Abhinav Aima, aka11@psu.edu or Gary Heberling, glh10@psu.edu via email.

For more on the country of focus program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/InternationalPrograms/43845.htm online.

CHRISTOPHER STALEY, DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF CERAMIC ARTS
Talk Focused on How Wisdom is Revealed at the Intersection of Art and Life

Penn State Laureate Christopher Staley led a discussion about "Art and Life: Where They Intersect," on Sept. 28, at Penn State New Kensington. Staley’s lecture focused on how wisdom is revealed at the intersection of art and life.

Staley, distinguished professor of ceramic arts at the University Park campus, addressed how living in a time of unprecedented change has affected how we relate to objects, and each other and our sense of place. He also explored questions such as how our sense of time has been affected, how does art provide a unique perspective on how we live, and what is the difference between representation and presentation?

He is the fifth Penn State laureate, succeeding Linda Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington. Miller, Robin Becker, professor of English and women's studies, and inaugural laureate Kim Cook, professor of music in cello, have previously visited the campus.

The laureate is a full-time University faculty member in the humanities or fine arts who is assigned for one academic year to bring an enhanced level of social, cultural, artistic and human perspective and awareness to a broad array of audiences. The laureate is a highly visible representative of Penn State who appears regularly at events University-wide and throughout the Commonwealth at community and statewide events.

Staley joined the University faculty in 1990, teaching ceramics in the School of Visual Arts. His ceramic pieces are included in the International Museum of Ceramic Art, Fuping, China; the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England; and the Smithsonian National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C., among others. He is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics, based in Geneva, Switzerland, and serves as chair of the board of directors at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, an international craft school in Deer Isle, Maine. In February 2012, he gave a talk at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India.

MORE THAN 45 COMPANIES HIRING,
400 PEOPLE SEEKING CAREERS
Sponsored by Penn State New Kensington and
Pennsylvania CareerLink of Alle-Kiski.

More than 400 prospective employees and employers came together at Penn State New Kensington for the fifth annual Alle-Kiski Job Fair on Oct. 4 in the Athletics Center.

Forty-six regional companies with a total of 110 representatives were on hand to interview local job seekers and to provide career options for current students and recent graduates, as well as those in the community who were seeking a change in vocation.

"Once again we had the opportunity to provide the community with the chance to meet local employers who are hiring," said Jim Shields, career services coordinator at the New Kensington campus and a member of the committee that organized the fair. "There are jobs out there, and I think it’s great the campus can play a role in meeting the needs of the community."

The event featured full- and part-time employment, internships and co-op opportunities, both regionally and nationally. Employment opportunities were available in a variety of fields, including health care, finance, retail and manufacturing. The job fair was sponsored by Penn State New Kensington and Pennsylvania CareerLink of Alle-Kiski.

"I’m glad to be able to provide these resources and local contacts to our students and graduates," Shields said. "Through this continued partnership with the CareerLink, we are able to help connect employers and job seekers in this region."

The next job fair is sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Career Services (WESTPACS) Association. The College Job and Internship Fair is set from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa. Recruiters from a wide variety of industries, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations will attend. The fair is geared toward fall 2012 and spring 2013 graduates and recent alumni with program certificates and degrees in all majors.

"Job seekers will be able to discuss current openings and network with employers hiring in more than 20 career fields," said Shields. "It is the premier job fair for college students and graduates in Western Pennsylvania.” Sponsored by the WestPACS Consortium of 44 colleges and universities in western Pennsylvania, the job fair is open to students and graduates from two- and four-year degree programs. Preregistration is available at http://www.westpacs.org/ online.

For more about other job fairs and career services at the New Kensington campus, contact Shields at 724-334-6065 or at xjs8@psu.edu via email or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/CareerServices/29179.htm online.

MORE THAN 35 PIECES FROM
MICHAEL KARKOWSKY’S COLLECTION
Retired Penn Hills Teacher Owns Bulk of Late Artist's Works

The works of the late artist Bill Gravatt are on display throughout October in the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery. The memorial exhibit features more than 35 paintings from Michael Karkowsky’s collection of Gravatt’s works. A New Kensington native, Gravatt died in 2000 at the age of 81.

“I’ve been collecting Bill’s art for more than 25 years,” said Karkowsky, a retired art teacher and commercial artist f