Fall commencement ceremonies were held on Thursday evening in Hiller Auditorium, marking the graduation of nearly 50 students from Penn State DuBois this fall semester.  Bachelor and associate degrees were conferred in a wide range of disciplines.

Jim Kuterbach, campus instructor of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) offered the commencement address.  Kuterbach began teaching at Penn State DuBois in 2004. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical psychology.  He successfully defended his thesis for his Ph.D. in educational theory and policy in October, and will receive that degree in May. Kuterbach's HDFS students go on to work in fields such as mental health, addiction counseling, behavioral counseling, probation, and more. 

Kuterbach was named the DuBois Educational Foundation (DEF) Educator of the Year for 2011-12.  Nominations for the Educator of the Year Award come from campus students who feel a faculty member has had a significant impact in the lives of those they teach.  Besides his classroom duties, Kuterbach acts as the academic advisor for many of the HDFS students, assisting them with scheduling classes, and providing job and graduate school guidance.  He assists in advising the HDFS Club, serves on the Enrollment Management Team, the Library committee, and the Early Intervention Team.  He also supervises and mentors undergraduate research for several HDFS students.

"Every one of you in this room will go on and accomplish something great, that is something that I have no doubt about," Kuterbach told the graduates.  "Whether it is starting a business, starting a family, doing great works, or helping out your fellow man, you will all make an impact on the world.  And regardless if that impact seems large or small, that is accomplishing something great."

Kuterbach stressed to his audience that they had already accomplished something great by earning a college degree.  He noted many ways in which that degree would then help them to accomplish more great things.  He said, "Your college degree doesn’t just make you more marketable; it doesn’t just make you educated; your diploma is piece of paper, but it is a piece of paper that sums up that you not only have learned something, but that you know how to learn for yourself.  And it is that ability to learn that will serve you the most in your new beginning."

Penn State DuBois now offers a certificate program that will introduce individuals to the many career opportunities in the ever-growing healthcare industry, and prepare them for further education in almost any of those careers.

The Health Sciences Professions Certificate program provides classes in health science and basic academic requirements for a variety of fields, without committing students to any particular job or specialty within the healthcare field.  It will afford students an early look at their options and allow them to decide later what career path they want to take.

"This certificate provides a unique opportunity to explore healthcare programs and career options, while at the same time take courses that can articulate into a healthcare major," said John Blasdell, interim director of Continuing Education at Penn State DuBois. "We are excited about this unique option for our prospective students. The health care industry never stops growing and evolving, and that means there are always good jobs available in a variety health related fields.  We want to help put people in those jobs."

Classes in the certificate program include subject areas such as anatomy, chemistry, nutrition, and more.  The program also affords individuals the flexibility to build their own curriculum and choose classes that will fit their specific needs.  The 33 credit Health Sciences Professions Certificate program can be completed in as little as one year.  Additionally, credits from this program could count toward a Letters, Arts and Sciences associate degree, or other degrees, which students could earn in as little as eight additional months.

Spring semester classes begin January 7.  To view an e-book with detailed information on the Health Sciences Professions Certificate, visit http://www.ds.psu.edu/CE/32696.htm 

For registration information, contact Sueann at srd145@psu.edu or 814-375-4716

Ping Werner has been named interim chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State DuBois effective January 1, 2013, following the retirement of current chancellor Anita McDonald.  In this role, Werner will be responsible for the administrative oversight of the campus, as well as the direction of its academic functions.

She will serve as interim chancellor until a permanent chancellor is identified, likely during the spring semester.

Werner is a professor of engineering at Penn State DuBois, and began teaching at the campus as an instructor in 1990.  She rose through the ranks of assistant professor and associate professor, and was promoted to professor in 2005. 

Werner's concentration is in electrical engineering, and she has taught a variety of courses in that field at the campus. Her research interests include theoretical and computational electromagnetics with applications to antenna theory and design, electromagnetic metamaterials, wireless and personal communication systems, fractal electrodynamics, and genetic algorithms. Her work has primarily involved developing novel antenna design technologies.  She has developed several new techniques useful for designing miniature and multiband/broadband antennas as well as miniature arrays. Her work on genetically engineered fractal/stochastic antennas has been developed and applied as part of several funded research contracts. She has two US patents, over 100 publications and has written five book chapters.

Among her accomplishments and recognitions, Werner has been selected as a Leonhard Center Fellow and awarded funding for developing and improving undergraduate courses from The Leonhard Center, College of Engineering. She was a recipient of the College of Engineering PSES Outstanding Teaching Award. She is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), as well as a member of Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Xi.

The Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society recently made donations to two organizations that have missions to serve children.  A portion of the proceeds from the honor society's annual haunted house have been donated to THON, the Penn State dance marathon that benefits pediatric cancer research.  Another portion was donated to Western Pennsylvania Cares for Kids, a Brookville based child advocacy center that helps children who have been victims or witnesses of abuse.

THON received $825 from Delta Mu, and Cares for Kids received $400. 

"I'm honored to be able to help children who have gone through a rough time, or who are now dealing with illness," said Delta Mu chairman Adam Snyder.  "We're trying to do our part to give them a little peace and a better life." 

People representing the organizations who received these gifts expressed gratitude for the honor society's support of their causes. 

"The children we see go through unspeakable experiences and to have the community recognize and assist us in providing them with a less traumatic experience when they talk about what happened to them is immeasurable," said Pat Berger, director of Western Pennsylvania Cares for Kids.

"This means the world to us because we start from scratch every year to raise as much as we can for the kids," said Rebecca Horner, chair of the Penn State DuBois THON Committee.  "Everything people do to support us like this helps to make a better life for the kids."

The Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society organizes a haunted house each Halloween as a fundraiser for THON and other area organizations. The honor society also reaches out to DuBois and the surrounding area each year by offering community service such as a "Dine Out" event at Luigi's Restaurant, with part of the proceeds benefiting scholarship funds, and by volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. 

Students in Penn State DuBois' Wildlife Technology Program put their skills and knowledge to the test recently when they were asked to switch sides of the desk and become teachers, themselves.  The students visited fourth graders at the Moshannon Valley Elementary School. They introduced the youngsters to several exotic species of animals found in Pennsylvania using interactive games and activities.

"An exotic species is a species not native to an area," explained Wildlife Technology Instructor Keely Roen.  "All of these were non-native species to Pennsylvania that have either become problems or are in competition with native species."  Roen said those species are usually artificially introduced in a variety of ways.  Sometimes it's because people have let exotic pets free in the wild.  Other times it's because the species came to this country or state as stowaways in shipments of plants or other cargo from other countries. 

The species that the Penn State students made presentations on included red-eared sliders, a variety of turtle native only to the southern United States, but a popular pet turtle that often finds freedom in natural areas where it does not belong.  Students also presented information on stink bugs, feral pigs, European starlings, and the chestnut blight, a fungus native to Asia that nearly wiped out the American chestnut tree in the early 1900's. 

To make the presentations both educational and fun, the Penn State DuBois students guided children through art activities like making feral pigs out of clay, and using paper plates to make model turtles.  The wildlife students also used colorful posters with photos of animals and insects to give the children visual examples of the species being covered. 

According to Nisa Makowiecki, fourth grade teacher at Moshannon Valley, her students learned a great deal, and the timing of the visit was just right. She said, "The Moshannon Valley fourth grade students have been learning about how changes in ecosystems affect our world.  The Penn State DuBois Exotic Species Presentations gave the students a visual depiction of the concepts they have been learning in their science class.  The Penn State students created engaging, hands-on projects that brought their science book to life."  

"I think it was important to introduce the students to a topic that isn't normally talked about in class," said Penn State DuBois student Mandy Marconi.  "Overall, we wanted to make the youth aware of the exotic species in a fun way that both educators and learners could enjoy." 

According to Roen, the lesson plans, games, and activities that her Penn State DuBois students designed for this visit were a valuable part of their education, as well.

"If they end up in a job working as a park ranger, or for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, or for any number of conservation agencies, they'll have to create games and lessons to educate the public and interested groups," said Roen.  "In those professions, you never know when you might be asked to do a program.  These professionals are asked to instruct programs for kids and organizations all the time.  This prepares them for that." 

In gauging feedback from these demonstrations, the wildlife students from Penn State DuBois are already skilled presenters.  Makowiecki said, "The fourth grade students wrote reflective essays about what they learned from the Penn State presentations.   For example, one fourth grader wrote that she learned about how a change in a food web affects all the animals.  Another student wrote that he now knows that releasing a non-native turtle like the red-eared slider into the wild could harm the native turtles.  These are just a few examples of the many concepts the fourth grade students learned from the Penn State DuBois Exotic Species Presentations."

The Penn State DuBois Office of Student Life regrets to announce that the Cultural Holiday Family Night planned for the evening of Friday, December 14, at the Second Ward Fire Hall in Ridgway has been canceled. 

Please watch the Penn State DuBois website for more upcoming activities. 

A short story written by Penn State DuBois Distinguished Professor of English Richard Kopley has been chosen for inclusion in this year's edition of an exclusive international anthology of fiction literature compiled and printed in England.  The Lightship Anthology 2 (Lightship Publishing) is the second collection of short stories, poems, and flash fiction written by authors from around the globe.  It is meant to discover the best new literary voices writing in English.  Kopley's work is one of 10 selected for inclusion in the anthology's short story category, out of a total of 552 submissions. 

Kopley’s story, "The Hideous and Intolerable Bookshop," was inspired by Manhattan’s Book Row, a now vanished part of a New York City neighborhood that was once home to an extensive assemblage of eclectic bookshops.  Kopley’s fantasy of visiting the site of the extinct Book Row to discover a little-known shop still operating prompted him to write the story. Told in the first person, the story features a hero who finds both familiar comfort and unexpected mystery once he enters the forgotten store.

Kopley is no stranger to seeing his work in print. His academic work, such as research into literary legends like Edgar Allan Poe has been published extensively.  In that vein, he published his analytical volume Edgar Allan Poe and the Dupin Mysteries (Palgrave Macmillan) in 2008, in which he examines the structure, sources, and autobiographical significance of Poe's detective stories, which many say inspired the entire detective genre in modern literature. 

Notably, Kopley is about to break into the children’s fiction realm with the soon-to-be-published "The Remarkable David Wordsworth," and he hopes to keep his momentum going in the fiction genre.

"I’m very happy to have my story published in Lightship Anthology 2," Kopley said.  

"The book is very new, but my dream of becoming a fiction writer is very old.  So I’m especially pleased.  I hope to publish a collection of short stories someday." 

Kopley recently returned from a literary awards ceremony in Hull, England where he was recognized for his work and its inclusion in the anthology.    

The Lightship Anthology 2 is available at www.almabooks.com/lightship-anthology-2-p-433-book.html  and at amazon.com 

Penn State DuBois will offer the ShaleNET Floor Hand Training Class again this February to meet the Natural Gas Industry's demand of skilled workers in entry-level jobs.

Individuals interested in the class should attend one of two information sessions scheduled for 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8; and 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, in Room 209 of the DEF Building at Penn State DuBois.  The information sessions will cover the details of the training program, review the job demands and expectations of floor hands, and complete the registration process for the full class in February.

This is the second Floor Hand Training Class to be offered at the campus.  All graduates of the first class, held last February, were placed in jobs shortly after completing the program.

Penn State DuBois has partnered with several organizations connected to the Natural Gas Industry to offer training that will prepare individuals for careers in the Marcellus Shale boom at very little cost.  The Floor Hand Training Program provides all of the training and certifications the students in the program need to enter the workforce on a gas well drilling site as a floor hand.  All costs for this class and the ShaleNET program are covered by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Floor hands operate and maintain drilling systems and pumps by connecting and disconnecting pipes, inspecting derricks, cleaning and oiling derricks, and performing other general maintenance tasks around the rig.

Military veterans returning from active service and dislocated workers interested in Shale Industry jobs are encouraged to attend the information session.

This training program is a product of the collaboration between the Shale Training and Education Center (ShaleTEC) at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, ShaleNet, the North Central Workforce Investment Board, Superior Energy Resources, Pennsylvania CareerLink, and Penn State DuBois. 

Once the training program is completed, the graduates will also have the opportunity to attend a job fair at Penn State DuBois that will help them land a job right away.

According to ShaleNET, the Marcellus Shale deposit will yield decades of gas production. The drilling of a single well requires 400 people working in nearly 150 occupations.

Class size is limited to a total number of 17 students.  To reserve your seat for either information session, click http://www.ds.psu.edu/CE/32678.htm

Penn State DuBois, in conjunction with the Central Intermediate Unit #10 (CIU #10), will offer a free course in mathematics, beginning in January, for adults who want to brush up on their basic skills. 

This refresher course is intended for any adult who wants to improve math skills to help further their education, or simply to advance their abilities for use in everyday life. For those who have considered enrolling, or reenrolling in college, the course will prepare them for math classes required in most degree programs.

"This is a great opportunity for people who want to update their math skills," said Adult Student and Veteran Services Coordinator Sueann Doran.   "What they learn here can really give them an edge if they choose to enroll in college; or they can simply come away from this with a better knowledge that they can apply to their day-to-day lives." Doran explained that there is no obligation to enroll in additional courses for those who take advantage of this free opportunity.

Students in the course will receive an assessment of their math skills at the beginning, and another assessment at the end to determine how much they learned.

The math improvement course is sponsored by CIU #10, one of 29 regional education delivery organizations in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's Intermediate Units are funded by the Department of Education and local school districts. They can provide special education services, student counseling services, staff continuing education opportunities, and program planning assistance to the public and non-public schools.

Space is limited for this math improvement program.  Classes will meet from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Mondays beginning January 7, and ending on April 26, in room 204 of the DEF Building at Penn State DuBois.

To register, or for more information, call the Clearfield Development Center for Adults at 814-765-1131, or the Penn State DuBois Office for Adult Student and Veteran Services at 814-375-4772. 

Penn State DuBois will hold Fall Commencement Ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20, in the Hiller Auditorium.  Friends and family members of graduates, as well as all members of the community are welcome to attend. 

The commencement speaker is Penn State DuBois Instructor of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) James Kuterbach.  He was named the DuBois Educational Foundation (DEF) Educator of the Year for 2011-12.  Nominations for the Educator of the Year Award come from campus students who feel a faculty member has had a significant impact in the lives of those they teach.  Kuterbach's HDFS students go on to work in fields such as mental health, addiction counseling, behavioral counseling, probation, and more.  Kuterbach has taught at Penn State DuBois since 2008.  He successfully defended his thesis for his Ph.D. in educational theory and policy in October, and will receive that degree in May.

In addition to teaching, Kuterbach also serves on the campus Early Intervention Committee, which assists students dealing with emotional, behavioral, or academic issues. He also serves on the campus Enrollment Management Committee. 

A reception for graduates and guests will be held in the Lion's Den Cafe, Hiller Building, immediately following the graduation exercises.

The Penn State DuBois Office of Student Life has planned a Cultural Holiday Family Night in Ridgway, made possible by the Stackpole Hall Diversity Grant.

This family friendly event is intended to be a fun way to educate children about holiday traditions in a variety of cultures from around the globe. 

The evening will feature activities and discussions surrounding holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and more.  Details about these holidays, including their similarities and differences will be covered.  Food, games, and education will make the event fun and informative for all.

Cultural Holiday Family Night is planned for 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14, at the Second Ward Fire Hall in Ridgway.  It is free and open to the public.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by December 12, by calling Marly at 814-375-4764 or by email at mag374@psu.edu

Members of the Penn State DuBois Alumni Society invite all campus alumni, friends, and members of the community to the annual Alumni Society Holiday Mixer.  Each year, the mixer provides alumni and members of the community the chance to catch up and reconnect during the holiday season.

This year's mixer is slated for 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14, at the Pine Inn, 15 Main Street, Fall Creek, PA. 

A cash bar opens at 6:00 p.m. A buffet dinner at a cost of $10 per person is set to begin at 6:30 p.m., which will include a choice of chicken or pasta, with vegetables, salad, and dessert. 

You're asked to RSVP by December 12, to the Alumni Relations Office at (814) 375-4775 or jad62@psu.edu

Some Penn State DuBois students have used a class project to start a support effort for local women in need, and achieved surprising results.  Students Brittany Meckley and Ian Claycomb devised the idea of Support the Unsupported, and launched their efforts in November.  For the entire month they collected a total of more than 200 new or gently used bras.  They have now donated the bras to the Salvation Army, which will then distribute them in packages with other clothing items to area women who may not have the money to buy such items on their own. 

"People don't donate things like bras," Claycomb said.  "People don't think about things like that, but they are things that people need." 

Those on the front lines fighting for the less fortunate couldn't agree more with Meckley and Claycomb.  Major Robin Maddock of the Salvation Army Worship and Service Center of DuBois received the donation.  She said, "That's an item we don't often get, they are not typically donated, but we do serve a population where it certainly is a blessing.  We have women, young and old, who can benefit.  These are a necessity, and I think this is very thoughtful." 

Maddock said the timing of the donation of the bras was just right.  It took place between October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Christmas season, when many women are not thinking about themselves, even if they are in need.  She said, "With Christmas around the corner, over 200 women will benefit from this generosity." 

Support the Unsupported all started in the classroom as a project for the Intro to Women's Studies course, taught by instructor Jackie Atkins.  The course focuses on women's issues, and how women have overcome struggles to succeed.

"One of the projects my students do is what I call an activism project," Atkins explained.  "I have students doing a variety of things, from hosting a spaghetti dinner to support a food pantry, to making informational pamphlets."

Atkins' students were able to choose their own project, so Meckley and Claycomb decided to partner up to do something that no one else had ever done. 

"I wanted to support women in a way you don't usually see," Meckley said. 

That voyage into uncharted waters paid off with unexpected results.  Claycomb said, "I didn't think we were going to get as many as we did.  I'm surprised, but it's good." 

Meckley agreed, saying, "I'm shocked.  I never thought it would take off the way it did.  It just got out into the community more than I thought it would." 

In the end, those 200 bras would have cost around $600.  Meckley and Claycomb said area Wal-Mart stores were enormously generous in donating a large number of bras from their stores.  The remainder came from members of the campus community who dropped the garments in collection boxes on campus. 

The students say this initial campaign saw enough success that it will likely become an annual event.

More than 200 people turned out to celebrate the career and accomplishments of Chancellor Anita McDonald during her recent retirement celebration at the DuBois Country Club. Guests included friends, family members who traveled from Arizona, Colorado, Washington D.C. and Michigan, members of the business community, government leaders, members of Penn State University leadership, and Penn State DuBois faculty, staff and students.  All wished McDonald well in her upcoming retirement, which will begin January 1.   

Most of those in attendance also contributed to the Anita D. McDonald Endowment Supporting Children and Youth Programs, which now boasts a total of $113,000 in pledges and gifts.  Penn State DuBois friends, supporters, and donors at the Fairman Family Foundation recently established the endowment in the chancellor's honor. It is intended to provide scholarship support for Kids in College (KIC), The Art, Science and Technology Institute (AST), athletic camps, and other Penn State DuBois programs for children and youth between the ages of 4 and 15.  Mark Freemer, chair of the campus' For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students committee announced the total during the evening's program.

"To establish an endowment here at Penn State, you need to raise $25,000," Freemer said. "Not only did the committee succeed in doing so, they surpassed it."

Following Freemer, a list of other speakers offered remarks on McDonald and her accomplishments.

"You are indeed leaving a grand legacy," said Madlyn Hanes, vice president of the Commonwealth Campuses and dean of the University College of Penn State.  "The vitality of this campus and the central role it plays in the economic vitality of this region are of your making." 

"Penn State DuBois and our community are both better today as a result of your efforts," said Ed Nasuti, campus donor, DuBois Educational Foundation board member, and president of the engineering firm Lee-Simpson Associates, Inc. "Anita, we wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement and thank you for your service to our campus."

Lisa Taylor, the chancellor's administrative assistant, shared a special surprise for McDonald.  She read from a letter written by First Lady Michelle Obama to McDonald.  She read, "I am so pleased to join your family and friends in congratulating you on your retirement. As you look back on your career, I hope you take pride in all that you've accomplished and contributed over the years. I wish you the best as you begin the next chapter of your life.  Sincerely, Michelle Obama." 

State Representative Matt Gabler presented McDonald with a letter of commendation on behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania's 75^th legislative district.  He said, "As somebody who grew up in DuBois, and recognizes how important Penn State DuBois is to our area, I want to thank you for your leadership and for doing everything you've done to make our community the very best place it can be." 

"Dr. McDonald has been a great help in advancing our academics.  She has also opened the door for students to come to DuBois and participate in athletics," said student athlete Joe Shields, who spoke of McDonald's work to reestablish varsity athletic programs on campus.  "On behalf of the athletes, I just want to say thank you." 

Campus Director of Information Technology Brian Hart presented McDonald with a gift from the faculty and staff.  That gift is a small scale replica of a mosaic that hangs on a wall in the campus' Swift Building. The circular mosaic depicts people of varying ethnic backgrounds and different countries, as well as species of animals found around the world. The piece is meant to symbolize the power of diversity and the commitment the campus community has made to promote and foster diversity, an effort that McDonald has always championed.  McDonald said, "The mosaic carries deep meaning for me and for my efforts at the campus.  To know that there are only two such beautiful pieces in the world and that one is on campus and the other will always be with me is more than I could hope for.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

McDonald also expressed her gratitude for the entire celebration and the effort that campus employees and friends put into planning the event.  She said, "My retirement celebration was absolutely magnificent.  Every aspect had some personal significance for me. I am still filled with emotion from the many kind words expressed that evening."

The Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society at Penn State DuBois invites everyone in the community to Sweets and a Movie on campus.  There will be one afternoon and one evening showing.  

The film, Elf, staring Will Ferrell will be screened in the Hiller Auditorium.  Hot chocolate and pastries will be served in the Lion's Den, across from the auditorium.  Admission is free, but Delta Mu members ask that those attending bring items for donation to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.   They will accept non-perishable food items, gently used or new clothing, cleaning supplies, and monetary donations.  

Sweets and a Movie is planned for Wednesday, December 12, from noon until 1:30 p.m., and again from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Only seven students in the entire Penn State University system will receive the Dietz and Watson Campus Spirit Scholarship Award this year, and two of them are from Penn State DuBois.  Hillary Yarger of Brisbin and Tony Schneider of Brockport have both been picked to receive the award, which will help to fund their education, as well as help them support causes they care about.  Dietz and Watson, a Philadelphia based manufacturer of premium deli products, will award each student with $500 in scholarship funds, plus, the company will make a $500 donation to the campus organization of the students' choice.  

Dietz and Watson awards the Campus Spirit Scholarship to Penn State students who demonstrate success in the classroom, and have the courage and commitment outside the classroom to make a difference in the Penn State Community. 

Schneider, an eight year veteran of the United States Air Force, was chosen because of his active role in the Penn State DuBois community.  He is involved in both the Engineering Club and the Veterans Club.  He chose to contribute the gift portion of his scholarship to the Veteran's Endowed Scholarship Fund.  He said, "This is a great honor. Awarding a scholarship such as the Dietz and Watson scholarship speaks volumes about the company and employee commitment to giving back to the community while promoting the educational goals of college students. It's a humbling feeling to be awarded a scholarship of this magnitude, and it speaks to their generosity by making a charitable donation on my behalf to the Veterans Endowed Scholarship fund."

Yarger has been recognized by Dietz and Watson for her tireless service to others.  She has served as president of the Service Above Self (SAS) Club, and participated in multiple spring break service trips to volunteer in communities around the country.  She also helps to organize blood drives and food drives. 

"I was extremely surprised and honored to receive this scholarship for my community service throughout the years," Yarger said.   "I am thankful for the scholarship from Dietz and Watson."   

All winners also received four tickets and hospitality passes for the November 24, Penn State vs. Wisconsin game.

Some of the most accomplished individuals in the Penn State DuBois community were honored for their success during the Penn State DuBois Alumni Society Awards Banquet, held Thursday at the DuBois Country Club.  The society presented awards to four people this year, based on their professional accomplishments and the support they've offered the campus and their communities.

This year's honorees are: Carrie Wood, recipient of the Dave Shaffer Outstanding Young Alumni Award; David Spigelmyer, recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award; Stephen Johnson, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Aaron Beatty, recipient of the Distinguished Ambassador Award.

Aaron Beatty accepted the Distinguished Ambassador award first during the evening's program.  This award is given to an individual who may or may not be an alumnus, but has made outstanding contributions to the campus and its mission. Beatty has served as chair of the Penn State DuBois Athletics Golf Benefit for the past two years.  He has also volunteered with the planning of the Lion Wine and Cheese fundraiser for athletics.  During his involvement, these two events have raised over $20,000 for campus athletics. 

Beatty is the human resources director for Beatty Restaurant Enterprises, which operates McDonald's of DuBois and Brockway, as well as human resources director for LiJo Incorporated.  He also works as shop manager for Treasure Lake golf courses.

Beatty's friend, Brian Elias of DuBois, presented the award.  Elias said of Beatty, "He's a real go-getter, and has done wonderful things for Penn State DuBois athletics.  I remember how he would always come to me and ask me to donate to the golf outing and to the wine and cheese." 

Beatty commented, "I've been extremely lucky for the friends and family who have supported me in everything I do."  One of the most impactful things he's found support in doing, Beatty said, is volunteering with athletic programs at the campus.

"To have a campus of one of the greatest universities in the world right in your home town is amazing," he said.  "Supporting the campus and the teams is a great cause.  All you need to do is come to a sporting event and see the drive these young people have and you'll know that they'll go on to be exceptional citizens."

Next, Carrie Wood was presented with the Dave Shaffer Outstanding Young Alumni Award.  Wood is the CEO of Timberland Federal Credit Union in DuBois.  She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Penn State in 2002.  Previously, she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in business administration and Spanish from Juniata College in 1998. 

Wood currently serves as chair of the development committee for the DuBois Educational Foundation (DEF), which provides financial support to Penn State DuBois.  She is also a past president of the Penn State DuBois Alumni Society, and continues to be an active member of the society.  Additionally, Wood is president of the Shortway Chapter of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.  She volunteers with the GFWC Curwensville Woman’s Club and the Curwensville United Methodist Church, and serves on various professional committees. Wood's award was presented to her by her own mother, Lois Richards, who is also a past recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award.  Richards spoke of her daughter's dedication and hard work, noting that it only took Wood four years from her date of hire at Timberland to become the CEO.

"She dedicates herself to something and she does it," Richards said.  "She sets high goals for herself, and she reaches them." 

Richards also explained that above all of her professional and volunteer responsibilities, Wood finds time to make family her top priority.  She said, "No matter how busy she is, Carrie always makes time for her family, and puts her two wonderful children first." 

Dave Spigelmyer then received the Outstanding Alumni Award.  Spigelmyer currently serves as vice president of government relations for Chesapeake Energy in its Eastern Division operations. He is chairman of the Marcellus Shale Coalition and is a founding member in the development of that organization. Spigelmyer is responsible for Chesapeake Energy’s state government relations program in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia.  He is a 1982 Graduate of Penn State with a bachelor's Degree in Public Service.

Spigelmyer has built a 29-year career in the natural gas industry, building bridges between state and local government officials, communities and community leaders, philanthropic organizations and advocacy groups.  He began his career working as a director in his hometown YMCA and then moved into the natural gas industry in 1983. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Moraine Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, is a former President of the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association, and is a member of a variety of additional professional organizations.

Spigelmyer's long-time friend Rawley Cogan presented the award.  Cogan spoke of his friend's direct, yet careful approach to his work in the natural gas industry. Cogan said, "He's a true professional, a good communicator.  He was born right here in Clearfield County, right here in DuBois.  He understands what it takes to have clean air and clean water.  He didn't read about it in a book, he lived it.  He is connected to the outdoors and conservation."

In his comments, Spigelmyer echoed those sentiments about the quality of the environment in the DuBois area; that in the natural environment, and that created by the people.

"When I think of a definition of home, I think of a great place to raise a family," Spigelmyer said.  He also shared insight on his experience of becoming successful with integrity.  He said, "Success is driven by how one treats others.  Treat everyone with compassion and a level of respect." 

Stephen Johnson was then presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Johnson is the vice president for Cornell University Government and Community Relations. He directs the university’s legislative efforts and coordinates its involvement with government-focused higher education associations.  He earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Penn State in 1967, and a master's degree in Public Administration from Maxwell Graduate School of Syracuse University. 

In his 41-year tenure at Cornell, Johnson has been closely associated with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Program, state relations, and federal advocacy. He serves on the board of the local economic development agency, Tompkins County Area Development, and Excell Partners, a regional economic development partnership focused on Upstate New York.

Ross Donahue, Johnson's life-long friend, presented the award.  Donahue said, "Steve cares about the community.  He's willing to do anything he can to help.  He lives with honesty and integrity.  I'm proud to be his friend." 

Upon receiving his award, Johnson said, "I want to thank the association, I'm very honored."  He then shared reflections on receiving the Lifetime Achievement award, and on how things have changed since he first started to make those achievements. 

"When I learned I was being considered for this award, I thought, 'wow', " Johnson said. "I started at the campus in 1963.  The campus was very different in 1963.  Our first year there were 110 students.  Today, I look at what the campus has become, and I'm very proud." 

In closing, Chancellor Anita McDonald thanked the award recipients for the deeds that they had been recognized for throughout the evening.  She encouraged them to stay engaged, and to continue to inspire future generations of students and alumni.

"Please continue to stay involved with the campus," McDonald said.  "Your efforts have made, and do continue to make a difference.  We wouldn't be able to do the things that we do without such support from dedicated people." 

Clearfield Area High School students who are enrolled in physics courses visited Penn State DuBois this week to learn how physics and other sciences can be applied to exciting careers.  In all, 33 students toured the campus and took in presentations from faculty members in the engineering and Information Sciences and Technology (IST) departments. 

"They're seeing physics and science and how it applies to engineering and other areas," said Susan Spaid, the senior class guidance counselor at Clearfield High.   "We want our students to see that these fields are real, and that there are good jobs in these areas." 

Spaid said the demonstrations from IST and engineering faculty members showed students that jobs in such fields are more than just office work.  She hoped that they realized how education in the sciences can be applied to hands-on careers.  She said, "So often they think that a career after college is just sitting at a desk. I want them to see that a career in an interesting field is possible, where they can be active and solve problems."  

The Penn State DuBois faculty members showcased the hands-on education that they offer, which trains students for the kinds of stimulating careers Spaid had in mind.  In the IST lab, students learned how the variety of the tasks that professionals complete can make for interesting work. In creating and maintaining vast computer and communications networks, professionals in IST often perform all tasks related to networking, from running cables, to writing software programs. 

In the engineering lab, students got a close-up look at the new face of manufacturing.  Modern work in powder metals, for example, requires the use of computer-aided machines to produce precise parts for use in automobiles, home appliances, and more.  People who enter these careers are those who have a strong education in the field, but also are not afraid to get their hands dirty.

Engineering and powder metal professionals are also in high demand in today's economy, which means plenty of opportunity for graduates of engineering programs.

"There are a lot of career opportunities in engineering," said Craig Stringer, assistant professor of engineering at Penn State DuBois.  "We can help them get into those careers.  Education is a key to that. It will open up opportunities for them."

Spaid said the campus visit went a long way in showing her Clearfield High School students the opportunities they'll have in the future, and that they don't have to go far from home to get it. "We want to broaden the knowledge these kids have. We want to provide the opportunity for them to see what college is like," she said.  "This is only 20 miles away from home; it's close." 

Penn State DuBois students and the Office of Student Life are conducting the Project Hurricane Sandy Donation Drive now through November 30.  Everyone on campus and in the surrounding community is encouraged to donate items that victims of the disaster are in need of.  The most needed items include:

·         Water

·         Non-perishable food

·         Can openers

·         Cleaning supplies and tools, including work gloves, shovels, garbage bags, rakes.

·         Hygiene and toiletry items such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, towels, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, diapers.

·         Unopened packages of underwear and socks – Note: no other clothing can be accepted.  

Drop off boxes are located in the campus library, and in the student union, both in the Hiller Building.  Boxes will remain in place through November 30.

The eighteenth Video Game Day event held in the DEF Building at Penn State DuBois on Saturday, November 10, saw a record 163 gamers in attendance.  This breaks the previous record of 156 attendees set in the fall of 2009.

Held twice each academic year, Video Game Day is organized and hosted by the campus Information Technology (IT) Club. It is open to anyone interested in playing computer games, and offers participants the opportunity to try the latest games and game systems available. 

"The biggest reason we do this is to offer a fun, safe environment for students and gamers of all ages to get together and play some videogames and enjoy themselves," said IT Club advisor and senior instructor in Information Science and Technology (IST) Jason Long. 

Long said the other side of the coin, however, is the enormous learning opportunities that this event provides for his IST students and student members of the IT Club. He said, "The work they do for this event is a large scale, real life version of the laboratory exercises they do while getting their education here."  Long explained that the students are responsible for the complete construction of a complex network of over 100 computers and 10 servers used to run the games during Video Game Day.  Various gaming consoles and systems are also tied into the network, and it must be reliable enough to support the 160-plus gamers for the entire event.  It's a huge undertaking, but it is work that hits close to home for IST majors, whose degree will prepare them for careers in computer programing, networking, information system administration, and more. 

"We built a complete network just for the gaming computers, separate from anything else on campus," said IST major Jessica Noland.  "We became network administrators and system administrators, while supporting the client computers, which in this case are the gaming computers. It gave us the whole experience of working in IT support within any business." 

In all, 25 members of the campus IT club worked as system administrators for Video Game Day. 

For more information on Video Game Day, visit http://istlab.ds.psu.edu/

The Penn State DuBois Student Government Association will hold its 18^th Annual Breakfast with Santa this holiday season.  The event is planned for Saturday, December 8, in the Student Union at Penn State DuBois.  Breakfast will be served throughout the morning at timeslots of 8:00, 8:45, 9:30, and 10:15.  

Children will have the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and, of course, sit on Santa’s knee and tell him what they want for Christmas.  Kids can play games and win prizes, and Santa will have a gift for each child.

The cost is $4.00 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.  Reservations are a must.  To reserve your time, call Marly Doty in the Student Life Office at (814) 375-4764, or email studentactivities@psu.edu or make your reservations online at www.dubois.psu.edu/breakfastwithsanta

The Penn State DuBois Veterans Club is currently holding a collection for Toys for Tots on campus.  All members of the community are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy. 

Collection boxes for Toys for Tots will remain in the campus library in the Hiller Building, and in the Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) in the Swift Building until December 14.  An additional collection will take place from Noon until 1:30 p.m. on December 5, and December 6, in the Student Union.   

Toys for Tots is sponsored and organized by the United States Marine Corps. Reserve, and started with the work of one Marine reservist in 1947. According to the program organizers, the primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

For more information, contact Sueann Doran at 814-375-4716.

Veterans of the armed forces were honored at the annual Penn State DuBois Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday.  Held in the Schoch Plaza, the ceremony was organized by the campus Veterans Club.

The ceremony opened with the Penn State DuBois Choir singing The Star Spangled Banner.  Amazing Grace was performed on the bagpipes by Sandy Township Police Chief Don Routch. 

Greg Stanek, vice president of the campus Veterans Club offered remarks.  A Marine Corps Veteran himself, Stanek said, "It's important to remember that while we're here at home, or at school, there are always people out there protecting or freedom and everything else we enjoy in our lives." 

The first home contest for the Penn State DuBois men’s basketball squad was a scrimmage against their alumni in the first ever alumni game. The 2012-13 Nittany Lions defeated the alumni 109-62 in the Penn State DuBois gymnasium on Saturday.

Chancellor Anita McDonald presented the members of the 2011-12 PSUAC Championship team and the coaching staff with championship rings prior to tip-off.

The game started off with the alumni jumping out to an 8-2 lead in the first four minutes, but the young Nittany Lions went on a 21 point run with long range shots from Darrian Brown, Salim Wyche, and Isaiah Jordan.  With the alumni shooting going cold the current Nittany Lions finished the first half shooting 67% from the floor including 69% from thre point land. The half time score was 63-27 in favor of the 2012-13 Nittany Lion squad

Leading scorer was Darrian Brown with 26 points, 10-14 shooting including 4-4 on 3 point attempts. Other scores in double figures were Isaiah Jordan with 20, Salim Wyche 14, and Kashawn McLaughlin with 10 points.  Overall Coach Bennett was very pleased with the defense play, the shot selection and the flow of the offense.

For more on the athletes who returned to play in the alumni game, see http://www.ds.psu.edu/32623.htm

Both the Penn State DuBois women's and men's teams will start their official season with a home double header on Wednesday, Nov. 14, when they host Pitt-Titusville.  The women start at 6:00 p.m. followed by the men at 8:00. 

Penn State DuBois Women's Studies students will hold a spaghetti dinner to benefit the Brockway Helping Hand food pantry this month.  The dinner is planned for 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, at the Moorhead United Methodist Church on Main Street in Brockway. 

The cost is $6.00 for eat-in, and $7.00 for takeout.  Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad and a roll, as well as a drink.

A new accelerated program offered at Penn State DuBois will provide professionals an edge in the realm of human resources and related areas, and will put new credentials in their hands quickly.  The new Labor Studies and Employment Relations (LER) Certificate will utilize a combination of conventional classroom lessons and video conferencing classes through the Penn State Video Learning Network (VLN), and the entire 12-credit certificate can be earned in as little as two semesters.

The program is designed to educate individuals on workplace employment issues from both the employee and employer perspective.  Courses cover topics including employment law, the changing role of unions, collective bargaining, growing workplace diversity, and new methods of conflict resolution. All classes in the program are credit classes, meaning they can also count toward a Penn State degree. 

"This certificate will benefit current human resource managers as well as students and other individuals who are interested in working in the field of human resources," said Interim Assistant Director of Continuing Education Jeannine Hanes.  "The courses are a nice supplement for individuals who already hold certifications of Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Penn State DuBois additionally offers the 40-hour SHRM Learning System program to help professionals prepare for the PHR or SPHR examinations."

The first two courses begin this spring. Courses are offered in an accelerated evening format of once a week for seven weeks.  Instruction includes video-conferencing, classroom lectures, and online learning components.

Registration is now open.  Early registration is encouraged, as the limited number of seats in the program is expected to fill up quickly.

For information, contact Jeannine Hanes at 814-375-4836 or jhanes@psu.edu

The Penn State DuBois Men's Basketball team will kick off its 2012-13 season with the Alumni Game on November 10. The contest will feature some of the most talented players from the past, taking on this year's 2012-13 team. 

Alumni players will include Marcus Genevro, Kevin Genevro, Josh Salter, Jimmy Higgins, and Kyle Mahoney, all from Elk County Catholic; Jonny Songer and Kyle Vogt, from Cameron County; Gabe Rosenberg and Pat Brown from DuBois Area High; Mark Shannon from Brockway Area; Kyle Dynda of Austin; Dylan Howard from Oswayo Valley; Neil Hanes of St. Marys; Derek Burdick of Coudersport; and Jovan Brown of Sayre High School.   

The Alumni Game is slated for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, in the Penn State DuBois gymnasium.  Before tipoff, Chancellor Anita McDonald will present Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) championship rings to the players and coaching staff of the 2011-12 team, who brought home the PSUAC title last year. 

This is the second PSUAC championship title won by the campus since the athletic programs were reinstated.  The 2006-07 basketball team captured the PSUAC title and finished second in the USCAA National Tournament in 2007.  Several of the alumni playing in Saturday's game are members of that championship team, including Howard, Dynda, Vogt, Songer, Pat Brown, Rosenberg, Marcus Genevro, Kevin Genevro, and Hanes. 

Athletic Coordinator Ken Nellis said, "I can't think of a better way to recognize the accomplishments of the 2012 team than with the alumni on hand who created the tradition and pride that we have on campus for Penn State DuBois basketball.   This will be a fun day and great way for fans to see a lot of the players they enjoyed watching over the years.  I anticipate the gym to be full and great basketball skills to be on display." 

For more information on the winter sports teams visit Penn State DuBois Athletics' home on the web at www.psuduboisathletics.com

A Penn State DuBois student in the four-year general engineering program is one of only six students across the country to receive a prestigious scholarship from a national organization with a mission to support powder metal (PM) research and education.  Kevryn Boser, from Bradford, PA, has been awarded the $4,000 Clayton Family Scholarship for Studies in Powder Metallurgy from the Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology (CPMT) in Princeton, New Jersey.  

Boser completed the two-year Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program at the campus this spring, and has reenrolled for her current four-year program with junior status.  She said the scholarship she just earned will relieve a lot of financial pressure.

"It really helps.  I'm trying to do everything on my own, and this is a great opportunity to further my education," Boser said. 

Part of making it on her own means working through college, which Boser is doing as an intern at American Refining Group, in her home town of Bradford.  There, she works in the plant, solving engineering problems with equipment and machinery used to refine and produce wax lubricants and oil.  She landed the position shortly after her initial enrollment in the campus MET program, and will have the opportunity to go to work there, full time, following her graduation from the baccalaureate program.  The experience has been an ideal supplement to her education, and helped to put her on the path to a promising career.  It also helped her to secure the CPMT scholarship.

"She got it because of her hard work and experience, and the real-world experience she has, which is really critical," said Craig Stringer, assistant professor of engineering at Penn State DuBois.

Stringer will make sure Boser continues to get that real-world experience as he calls on her to assist with research in the Penn State DuBois Engineering Lab, and to make a presentation at a national conference next year.  Together, teacher and student will conduct research into lubricants and other additives that can be applied to powder metal parts during the machining process, which they theorize will make the parts easier to manipulate.  They'll present their findings at the Powder Metal Industry International Conference to be held in Chicago in June.  While this is not a requirement of the CPMT scholarship, it is something Stringer requires of his students who are recognized on the national level.

"This organization has selected her to be a leader by granting her this scholarship," Stringer said.  "So, we want to give the industry something in return; the dissemination of knowledge." 

"For me, I'm excited about the chance to do this project and present it to other professionals," Boser said.

For Stringer, the excitement comes from seeing one of his students already on a clear path to professional success.  He said, "It indicates the effort put forth by campus faculty to educate and support students, and to form partnerships in industry." 

A published author with some very strong and unique ties to the world of engineering and powder metals (PM) is scheduled to speak at Penn State DuBois in November.   The campus engineering club will host Kristine Gasbarre, author of How to Love an American Man (Harper Collins), who will discuss her book, and relationship with her family and the PM industry. 

Gasbarre's family has a rich history in PM, and their DuBois-based company, Gasbarre Products, continues to be a global leader the industry.  Gasbarre's book is a memoir of a year that she spent with her grandmother garnering advice on life and love.  Her grandmother recounted tales of the support she offered her husband, Kristine's grandfather, as he worked day and night to launch a family business that would become a world-wide industrial frontrunner. 

All are welcome to attend the presentation, free of charge, at Noon on Friday, November, 16, in Room 209 of the DEF Building at Penn State DuBois.  For more information, contact Craig Stringer, assistant professor of engineering at cjs206@psu.edu or Kevryn Boser, engineering club president, at krb5314@psu.edu

Four people who are among the most accomplished of alumni and friends of Penn State DuBois will be honored for their achievements and support during the annual Penn State DuBois Alumni Society Awards Banquet. 

This year's honorees include Carrie Wood, recipient of the Dave Shaffer Outstanding Young Alumni Award; David Spigelmyer, recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award; Stephen Johnson, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Aaron Beatty, recipient of the Distinguished Ambassador Award.

Carrie Wood is the CEO of Timberland Federal Credit Union in DuBois.  She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Penn State in 2002.  Previously, she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in business administration and Spanish from Juniata College in 1998. 

Wood currently serves as chair of the development committee for the DuBois Educational Foundation (DEF), which provides financial support to Penn State DuBois.  She is also a past president of the Penn State DuBois Alumni Society, and continues to be an active member of the society.  Additionally, Wood is president of the Shortway Chapter of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.  She volunteers with the GFWC Curwensville Woman’s Club and the Curwensville United Methodist Church, and serves on various professional committees. 

Dave Spigelmyer currently serves as vice president of government relations for Chesapeake Energy in its Eastern Division operations. He is chairman of the Marcellus Shale Coalition and is a founding member in the development of that organization. Spigelmyer is responsible for Chesapeake Energy’s state government relations program in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia.  He is a 1982 Graduate of Penn State with a bachelor's Degree in Public Service.

Spigelmyer has built a 29-year career in the natural gas industry, building bridges between state and local government officials, communities and community leaders, philanthropic organizations and advocacy groups.  He began his career working as a director in his hometown YMCA and then moved into the natural gas industry in 1983. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Moraine Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, is a former President of the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association, and is a member of a variety of additional professional organizations.

Stephen Johnson is the vice president for Cornell University Government and Community Relations. He directs the university’s legislative efforts and coordinates its involvement with government-focused higher education associations.  He earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Penn State in 1967, and a master's degree in Public Administration from Maxwell Graduate School of Syracuse University. 

In his 41-year tenure at Cornell, Johnson has been closely associated with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Program, state relations, and federal advocacy. He serves on the board of the local economic development agency, Tompkins County Area Development, and Excell Partners, a regional economic development partnership focused on Upstate New York.

Aaron Beatty is the human resources director for Beatty Restaurant Enterprises, which operates McDonald's of DuBois and Brockway, as well as human resources director for LiJo Incorporated.  He also works as shop manager for Treasure Lake golf courses.

Beatty has served as chair of the Penn State DuBois Athletics Golf Benefit for the past two years.  He has also volunteered with the planning of the Lion Wine and Cheese fundraiser for athletics.  During his involvement, these two events have raised over $20,000 for campus athletics. 

The Penn State DuBois Alumni Society Awards Banquet is slated for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, at the DuBois Country Club.  Featuring dinner and the awards ceremony, the evening's activities are open to the public at a cost of $25 per person. 

To make reservations to attend, contact the Alumni Relations Office at 814-375-4775, or duboisalumni@psu.ed    

Students on the Penn State DuBois THON committee will host a Kid's Day fundraising event from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, at the DuBois Mall.  All children and their parents and guardians are invited to attend and have fun, while making a positive impact in the battle against childhood cancer.

Kids will be able to take part in dancing, face painting, and letter writing, plus get their picture taken with the Nittany Lion, and much more.  Look for the Penn State DuBois students to be set up near the former location of the store Wear Else. 

All proceeds will benefit THON, the Penn State Dance Marathon.  The DuBois committee supports efforts for THON that reach throughout all of Penn State.  Money raised by THON is donated, each year, to the Four Diamonds Fund, a leader in the support of childhood cancer research.  University-wide, THON raised over $10.6 million last year.  The Penn State DuBois THON committee also broke their own record by raising $16,235 for the cause. 

THON takes place every February at Bryce Jordan Center at University Park, when student dancers stay on their feet for 46 hours straight, to raise money and awareness for the Four Diamonds Fund.   

Members of the Penn State DuBois Diversity Committee, in conjunction with the Student Life Office, organized programs in The Stackpole Hall Diversity Series this week to help inform the campus community of the global crisis surrounding human trafficking.  According to the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, an estimated 2.5 million people are in forced labor, including sexual exploitation, at any given time as a result of human trafficking. 

The programs educated those who attended by featuring the film Not My Life, a documentary on human trafficking.  Organizers also hosted an expert speaker on the subject, Jason Connell. The series was made possible by a grant from the Stackpole Hall Foundation, a St. Marys based organization that supports the enhancement of social welfare and education. 

Students, faculty members, and staff members met Thursday for a lunch-time discussion to wrap up the series, and summarize what they learned. 

"The goal of our program is really to raise awareness, and inspire people to do their part to make a difference," said campus assistant director of student affairs Marly Doty.  Doty explained that human trafficking is really modern day slavery, with victims being sold into the harshest of work conditions, or often being kidnapped and forced to work in sweatshops, or in prostitution.  The majority of the victims are between the ages of 18 and 24, yet 1.2 million children also become victims each year. 

Human trafficking is a dark reality that affects every continent on the planet, and countries with every type of economy.  Doty cited cases of forced labor that were under investigation in cities as close as Pittsburgh.  In one instance in Pittsburgh, people were trafficked from other countries because they were promised the opportunity to make money for themselves and their families.  In reality, they were forced to work in a restaurant for long hours, for little or no pay, and held in apartments above the restaurant when they were allowed to rest.  Doty said, "It's shocking, it's scary, and people don't understand that it's happening right outside their backdoor." 

Facts like this, some of which were highlighted in the film, hit close to home for some who attended the programs.  Student Allyn Brown said, "The film really got me thinking about the people taken from their families, and what if that happened to me?  What if it happened to my little niece, who is four?  It almost made me cry." 

Doty also noted that Pennsylvania is one of few states in the country with no specific laws regulating human sex trafficking, which is also an issue of overwhelming proportions around the country.  Often young women and their families are fraudulently convinced that they're being offered opportunity for good employment, but are instead taken away from home and forced to work in prostitution. 

"I never realized how much of this happens because people are not educated about what they're being told," said student Louise Whyte, highlighting why educational programs like this are so vital. 

At other times, people make decisions to enter, or allow family members to enter forced labor because of dire circumstances like extreme poverty.  Tharren Thompson, the campus' international and multicultural student services coordinator shared an example of a personal brush with people in such despair that happened while he was on a mission trip. 

"I had a woman at a train station in India ask me to take her child home with me.  She knew nothing about me except that I had white skin and looked like an American.  That's how bad it can be for people.  Imagine that; asking a total stranger to take your child, and you'd never see them again, because it's so bad where you are that they can't stay there." 

In the end, program organizers said each person can make a difference.  They suggested buying American made products, which decreases the chances you're buying something made in a sweat shop by children.  They also told students that their voices could be heard by state legislators; that new laws against human sex trafficking would be an enormous step forward in the fight against these heinous acts. 

"There are so many things you can do.  You can make a difference," Thompson said.

A Penn State DuBois partner in education and training, The Marcellus Shale Education Training Center (MSETC) at the Pennsylvania College of Technology is officially changing its name to ShaleTEC. TEC is meant to stand for Training and Education Center, and the new name is thought to be more inclusive of the current and future industry expansion into other shale and tight sand formations beyond Marcellus Shale.

Located inside Penn College’s Center for Business & Workforce Development, ShaleTEC provides a centralized location for industry, students and the public to obtain information regarding shale and tight sand workforce-development initiatives.  It features participation from Penn College and Penn State Extension, which has provided workforce development analysis, economic needs assessment and training services since 2008. Since its inception, ShaleTEC, formerly MSETC, has also trained more than 8,500 people in natural gas related courses. These courses have benefited employees currently working in the oil and natural gas industry as well as individuals seeking a career change including the unemployed.

Penn State DuBois partnered with ShaleTEC last year, in efforts to bring their quality training programs to DuBois and the surrounding area. Interim Director of Continuing Education at Penn State DuBois John Blasdell said, "As an affiliate of ShaleTEC, Penn State DuBois acquires expanded curriculum and instructional capability needed to train and educate existing employees of gas companies, and those who want to enter the natural gas industry."  He explained that students who enroll for Marcellus Shale training programs at Penn State DuBois will have access to a wide range of resources offered at ShaleTEC, which addresses a multitude of training and educational needs of the natural gas industry.

The ShaleTEC name will extend the reach of the initial MSETC throughout the entire Appalachian Basin including Ohio, West Virginia, New York and other emerging plays throughout the United States. Penn College also has several affiliate agreements with other Penn State campuses across the Commonwealth with plans to enter into additional agreements with training providers in Ohio and New York.  Through these affiliates, ShaleTEC is able to offer its comprehensive list of courses across a broader geographical area to better serve the oil and natural gas training needs of local employers and residents.  Customized courses can also be developed to meet the specific training needs of an employer and offered on-site if preferred.

"This continues Penn College’s commitment to support the various workforce-development needs of the natural gas industry," said Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour. "As shale activity and the natural gas industry continue to expand and evolve in the Appalachian Basin, Penn College and its strategic partners are committed to providing the infrastructure and support services required to serve the area’s workforce needs."

According to Tracy Brundage, Assistant Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development at Penn College, "The rebranding of the Center is critical to our outreach efforts in the Appalachian Basin and beyond.  Our new name allows us to better market our services and programs to stakeholders beyond the Marcellus play. The Center provides a centralized point of contact for natural gas workforce-development initiatives and information.  We have many program offerings, as well as funding, to offset the workforce-training costs associated with training industry personnel and individuals pursuing a career with this exciting new industry."

"In addition to the Marcellus, at least five other shale zones are actively being explored in Pennsylvania today," said Thomas B. Murphy, co-director of the Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research at Penn State. "The value of workforce research and training programs available through the Shale Training and Education Center reach well beyond the Marcellus. Having a one-stop location for all shale and tight sand workforce needs is certainly key to providing a skilled workforce and meeting local employment demand."

For more information on ShaleTEC, workforce and economic analysis on the oil and natural gas industry and available courses, visit www.ShaleTEC.org or call 570-327-4775.

Professionals with expertise in environmental and wildlife conservation are in high demand today, and a group of future college students got an up-close look at some career options in those fields at Penn State DuBois recently.  More than 40 students from gifted programs at eight area school districts participated in a Gifted Workshop on campus.  Open to middle school or high school students enrolled in a gifted program, the workshop was designed to introduce those bright students to educational opportunities that would get them working in careers related to environmental stewardship.  To that end, faculty members from the campus' Wildlife Technology Program held sample classes and labs that provided hands-on lessons and field experience.

"Some of my students are involved in scouting, some are interested in outdoor experiences, and they were very interested in these programs.  I could see some of them going into things like environmental engineering," said Della Kurtzhals, the gifted program coordinator at Clarion Area High School.  "This shows them that they have good options for that education close to home." 

In fact, the Wildlife Technology Degree is an option exclusive to DuBois, explained Admissions Counselor Holli Lashinsky.  She said, "Wildlife Technology is unique to Penn State DuBois; we're the only campus in the Penn State system to offer it.  The great thing about it is that we provide extensive lab and field experience, so students get hands-on learning opportunities."

Some of those hands-on experiences the students sampled included learning how to estimate the age of white-tailed deer by examining their jaws and teeth.  This is information that wildlife professionals would use to manage a deer herd and its habitat.

They also had the opportunity to participate in placing leg bands on song birds, a tactic that professionals use to track movement and migration patterns.  Additionally, students used radio-tracking equipment to locate radio collars hidden in a near-by forested area.  This simulated the real-world work that experts do when tracking animals that have been tranquilized and equipped with radio collars.  Once an animal is outfitted with a radio collar, they can be tracked using specialized radio equipment so that their migration patterns, feeding patterns, and more can be recorded.  It's a technology that is used on everything from deer and elk, to bears, and even pheasants. 

Overall, each of the activities represented the gathering of information that wildlife professionals use to manage animal populations and habitats in the wild, for the overall best quality of life for animals, people, and the environment. 

"These workshops help students explore different opportunities that they may want to pursue in the future," Lashinsky said.  "Or, it may introduce them to opportunities they never thought of before."  She explained that many graduates of the Wildlife Technology Program go on to enjoy careers with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and numerous private organizations devoted to the study and preservation of wildlife and habitat. 

The fact that workshops like this allow students to see the important work that happens behind the scenes, that they may not be aware of, is what makes them so valuable according to some educators.  Anne Young, the secondary gifted program coordinator at DuBois Area High School said, "This allows the students to come to Penn State DuBois and see exactly what is offered, and to see what the classes and courses of study are like.  It allows them to think about their options and their higher education early, and really get the ball rolling and start thinking about college." 

In addition to gifted workshops, Wildlife Visitation Day is held three times each semester at Penn State DuBois. The day serves as an open house for the Wildlife Technology Program, where prospective students meet with program faculty members, tour campus, and receive enrollment and financial aid information. Wildlife Visitation Days are open to prospective students of any age, who want more information about the program and the careers for which it prepares graduates. For more information, call 814-375-4720, or visit www.ds.psu.edu/wildlife

A group of Penn State DuBois students raised nearly $1,000 for an area shelter over the past weekend, by sleeping outside in cardboard boxes on campus. The "Sleep Out for Hunger" took place Friday night, with a dozen students bundling up and enduring the sub 30 degree temperatures until 7:00 a.m. They'll donate the money to Haven House, a DuBois shelter open to individuals and families, free of charge, who need temporary shelter.

Students who participated said they wanted to raise awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness in the United States, and raise money to help combat it.  They sought sponsorships from people who would make a donation for each hour they spent in their cardboard city. 

"I think it's important when you're raising awareness to make a statement. Sleeping out on campus definitely got the attention we were hoping for," said student Louise Whyte, who helped to organize the event in coordination with the campus student life office.  "Not only did we raise a lot of money for the Haven House, but we made more people aware that there was a homeless shelter in DuBois."

Whyte said that often, through no fault of their own, people are not aware of problems around them that they might lend a hand to if they only knew more.   

"Awareness is key. Sometimes people think because we're not in a big city we don't need these kinds of services, but we do," Whyte said.  "We are lucky to have the Haven House and its volunteers. We are just glad we could do something to help give back to them."

Haven House serves people who have become homeless due to circumstances that were beyond their control.  Many of the guests include victims of fire or natural disaster, and people who have lost their homes due to foreclosures caused by job loss.  Staff members at Haven House work with guests to help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible, so that they can move on to their own home once again.  Haven House is operated entirely by volunteers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Since its inception, the shelter has served over 343 homeless people, including 50 children.  In all, it adds up to 10,260 nights slept and 20,520 meals served.

Penn State DuBois Associate Professor of Biology, Emeritus, Hank Webster recently came back to campus to make an informative presentation on some of the biggest trees on earth, the Giant Sequoia and Coast Redwoods of California.   Webster and his wife, Marianne, made a trip to California this spring, where they got an up close look at these enormous trees.  Webster used the knowledge he gained about these impressive species to construct a presentation for the campus' Natural Resources Colloquium.  The colloquium is the periodic gathering of the natural resources scientific community on campus, which features lectures and discussions on topics in the realm of natural sciences.  The meetings are also open to all members of the public and campus community.

Webster fascinated his audience with personal photos of the trees he encountered at various locations, including Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and others.  With the images as a backdrop, projected onto a screen behind him, Webster noted some incredible statistics about the trees. Redwoods, he said, can grow to nearly 400 feet high and 26 feet in diameter, and live for 1,200 to 1,800 years or more. Sequoias can grow larger in volume, but usually not as tall. They can live up to 3,000 years.   Webster also shared some facts about the continued purposes these species serve in society, which many people may not realize.

"These trees are fire resistant, with thick bark.  They are rot resistant and insect resistant," Webster explained.  "These characteristics make them good for constructing outside furniture, like picnic tables.  They are still harvested commercially." 

In places like the national parks, however, the ancient giants are protected.  Many of the landmark trees are surrounded by fences, or stand beyond reach from designated walkways, so that visitors can look, but not touch. 

"In spite of their size, the root structures can be fragile," Webster said.  "They really don't like people walking around the bases of the trees."

Before there was the National Park Service, the Sequoia and Redwoods enjoyed the protection that their very size and physical makeup offered.  Early settlers who attempted to harvest the trees using traditional logging methods found that they not only were difficult to fell due to their size, but that also, once a tree impacted the ground, the lumber usually did not survive. Webster explained, "The wood is actually very brittle.  When the trees fell to the ground, they would simply splinter under such weight.  The settlers soon learned cutting the trees was not worth the effort." 

So, the Sequoia and Redwood forests of California still stand today, much the same as they were a thousand years ago, or more.  Not only are the natural wonders of such monumental trees there for visitors to view today, but cultures of the past have managed to find preservation under the canopy of the tall conifers, as well.  According to the National Park Service, in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks alone, more than 500 Native American archeological sites and over 100 historical sites still exist, and will remain protected.

Three Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) students from Penn State DuBois recently made a presentation on their circular and extra circular work at the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association’s (POTA) annual conference in Lancaster, PA.  It provided the students with opportunities to showcase their accomplishments, and to network with professionals in the occupational therapy field. 

Accompanied by LuAnn Demi, instructor and campus coordinator of the OTA program, the students presented a poster session featuring photos and information about the hands-on learning experiences they've had while enrolled in the campus program.  Their presentation focused on CarFit, a clinic styled program that students offer periodically.  During CarFit clinics, students work with other health care professionals to help senior citizen drivers stay safe and comfortable behind the wheel.  Seniors who attend the clinic receive help adjusting their seats, steering wheels, and mirrors for maximum comfort and safety, in a way that best suits each individual.  Through their presentation, the students were able to show OT professionals the impact that real-world learning opportunities have had on their education. 

"This was a great opportunity for students to take knowledge they have gained during their education to a new level," Demi said.   "The students shared information and experiences they’ve had serving the community through CarFit with occupational therapy professionals in the field who hadn’t even heard of the program.  I think presenting a poster at a professional conference gave the students confidence and experience that will continue to benefit them in their future careers in occupational therapy."

The students said that they couldn't agree more.  OTA student Colleen Prechtl said, "Getting to be a part of the CarFit POTA presentation was a great experience. It allowed us to educate others in the OT field about this great program for senior drivers and how they can also get out in their communities to spread the word of how OT can help make this world a better place."

"I feel that the POTA Conference was a great experience for me because I was able to spread the word about the program, CarFit, as well as mingle with some other people of the OT profession," said student Katrina Anderson.

A live performance of a play that attempts to educate the audience on issues surrounding Marcellus Shale is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, at the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center.

Modeled after an old fashioned radio show, Marcellus Shale: Living with Risk Can Give You Gas, is part of a Penn State research project that examines how we perceive and understand the risks, rewards and uncertainties in natural gas development. The research is supported by the National Science Foundation.  The show will both educate and entertain, as it features songs, sketches and live music, in the format of the classic live radio shows of the past.

"We want to explore how people are responding to information about Marcellus Shale development and how they determine whether to trust that information," said Bill Doan, Penn State professor of theatre.

The evening is also an opportunity for people to engage with several Penn State scientists with expertise in energy development, and with the artists involved in the production.

Marcellus Shale: Living With Risk Can Give You Gas is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact William Doan, at wjd13@psu.edu or 814-863-0408.  You can also write to marcellus@psu.edu or call 814-865-1587.

A disability Awareness Fair held this week in the gymnasium at Penn State DuBois provided a venue for people with disabilities and their families to connect with others who can help them to meet their life goals.  The one day event hosted by Penn State DuBois Disability Services, in conjunction with the advocacy group, The Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties, was organized with the aim to educate others on the various disabilities and services available, and to offer resources to those in need of disability services and supports.  The event was free and open to everyone.

"We want to make people more aware of the challenges faced by people of different ability levels, and what they can do for people with disabilities," said Diana Kreydt, campus disability services coordinator.

Representatives from dozens of area service organizations and agencies were on hand at the fair to answer questions, or provide general information, face-to-face, about the services they offer and their roles in providing assistance to those with disabilities.

The fair also featured displays of some of today's assistive technologies, provided by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). 

Additionally, some local businesses were there for recruitment purposes, promoting the employment opportunities they offer for people of all capabilities. 

"We're looking for individuals to work in our warehouse, sorting goods, and getting items into our stores," said Shane Dietz, a community resource specialist with Goodwill Industries of North Central Pennsylvania. "This event has helped us reach out to people.  We're finding people looking for work."

Roberta Wingard, a caseworker with Skills of Central Pennsylvania, works with people who have disabilities, helping them to adjust and grow in their community.  She came to the Disability Awareness Fair with a client who she's helping to become more independent.

"By coming here, we can see what the programs are that can help us; what they offer."  Wingard said.  "We're finding resources here, and making contacts to help make the right choices." 

This program was funded, in part, with funds given to The Arc from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant.

The Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society at Penn State DuBois inducted its new members for the Fall 2012 semester at the annual induction luncheon Monday.  The new inductees join the ranks of nearly 150 honor society members on campus.    

In order to qualify for membership students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, and be involved in campus or community service.

"We would like to congratulate you for achieving your academic success and being inducted into one of the most prestigious and oldest of honors societies at Penn State University," Delta Mu Sigma Board Chairman Adam Snyder told his fellow students. "We are not just an honors society; we are also a community service organization which helps many people around our campus and community.  It is our hope that you will become involved with our various campus events." 

Delta Mu Sigma reaches out to DuBois and the surrounding area by offering community service such as a "Dine Out" event at Luigi's Restaurant, with part of the proceeds benefiting scholarship funds.  Members have volunteered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, and organize a haunted house on campus each Halloween and donate proceeds to local charities.  This year's haunted house is planned for October 18, 19, and 20, on campus. 

Pictured is the Delta Mu Board with new members who attended the induction luncheon. 

Row 1, left to right: Kyle Bauer, James Earle, Taylor Neal, Haylee Peace, Mary Mino, Co-Interim Director of Academic Affairs.

Row 2, left to right: Jocelyn Marzella, Mary Transue, Michaela Colavecchi, Jessica Reardon.

Row 3, left to right: Anthony Vallone, Delta Mu Advisor; Emily Callender, secretary; Zach Thayer, co-chair; P.J. Monella, communications director; Rebecca Horner, treasurer; Adam Snyder, chair; Carrie Bishop, advisor.

Penn State DuBois "thinks pink" this month.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and students, faculty, and staff members are showing their support by wearing pink each Friday.  

Pink ribbons are also available to everyone in building lobbies and the Student Union, ready to pin on to your shirt or jacket.  Materials for making the ribbons have been donated by faculty member June Strohm.  Student Government Association President Holly Kiesling led efforts to make the ribbons. 

According to Pink Ribbon, a leading charity in the fight against breast cancer, the pink ribbon represents hope for the future, and the charitable goodness of people and businesses that publicly support the breast cancer movement.

DuBOIS – Murals, drawn and painted by hand, now line a hallway near the Language Lab in Penn State DuBois' Swift Building.  They feature flags from various countries, instantly recognizable landmarks, famous historical figures, and more. Created by students in the Spanish 083S course as a class project, the six new murals showcase the diverse foundations of culture in the United States. 

"Instead of focusing only on the Hispanic Culture, I allowed the students to use diversity in its entirety.  The theme which they were to portray was, 'Diversity United, Building America's Future Today'," explained Associate Professor of Spanish Deborah Gill. "Each small group decided on what that meant to the group and how they were going to portray it."

Spanish 083S is a course that focuses not just on language, but also exposes students to Hispanic culture, and other cultures from around the globe.  The understanding of the culture helps students to better appreciate the language they're studying, and offers a well-rounded educational experience.   Gill thought the murals would afford students a unique vehicle for expressing what they've learned.

"Creating the murals is interdisciplinary, where students take a cultural aspect of something and portray it through art work.  Students learn to take an idea and visually represent and share that with the community through the murals that they create," said Gill. 

"In our mural, we decided to have the shape of America split up into different puzzle pieces, with each puzzle piece depicting another country's flag; then we put all of the pieces together, showing that America is made up of many different people and cultures," said freshman Kendall Neal.  "We also had silhouettes of people with a colorful glow around them, showing that it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, we all share the same hopes and dreams for this country."

Freshman Rachel Stetler of Clearfield explained the learning experience the project provided. She said, "Our mural shows what we've learned in class about the art of murals, about the diverse Hispanic population in America, and about what parts of America have a large Hispanic population. From this project, I learned about where different Hispanic groups live in America, the different careers many have chosen, and about the strong increase in the Hispanic population in America." 

The increase in the Hispanic population that Stetler speaks of is similar to the increase in populations of people from many different backgrounds, nation-wide.  That's why Gill finds lessons like this are such a vital part of a complete education today.

"It is so important in our community today because the community is becoming more diverse and, as our students finish their degrees and move on, it is important that they understand that they live in a diverse world which needs to be nurtured now, and built into the future," Gill said.  "I try to instill the idea of diversity into all of my courses because we do not live in a bubble.  Students need to understand that the world is diverse, that we are not all the same, and that is an integral part of what makes America great; the diversity in all senses of the word that there is here.  If students leave my courses with that idea, then I believe that I have met one of the major objectives of my courses." 

The Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research and the Penn State DuBois Earth Science Club invite all members of the community to attend a free screening of Switch at Penn State DuBois.  The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, in the Hiller Auditorium.  

Switch is a documentary film that investigates all forms of energy production, from natural gas, to oil, to coal, and on to new renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.  The film attempts to answer questions about all forms of energy production, including the safety, environmental impacts, efficiency, and viability of each.  Documentary filmmaker Harry Lynch and geologist Scott Tinker collaborated on the film project, following Tinker's 10 years of research into alternative energy use.

The film is part of the Switch Energy Project, a larger educational program designed to build energy awareness and efficiency, and find practical solutions to the world's energy challenges. The filmmakers remind the audience that energy impacts all parts of our lives, including the economy, water, population, and more.  Their goal is to promote the understanding of energy and the relationship it is has to all of these issues.

"We want our energy to be cheap, reliable and environmentally benign, and this film makes it clear no energy source at this time meets those three criteria," said Michael Arthur, professor of geosciences and co-director of the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research. "Understanding the impacts of each of our energy options is critical as we map out our energy future."

A discussion of the film will immediately follow the screening.

For more information, and to see a trailer for the film, visit http://www.switchenergyproject.com

The Penn State DuBois Service Above Self (SAS) Club and the Student Life Office have organized a Sleep Out for Hunger to take place on campus in October. 

The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the struggles faced by the homeless, as well as to raise money for a local shelter.  Participating students will sleep outside on campus on the night of October 12, plus have the option to participate in a 24 hour fast.  They're now collecting sponsorships for each hour of the sleep out and fast.  Proceeds from sponsorships will benefit the Haven House Shelter.

"We will literally be sleeping outside on campus, along East DuBois Avenue," said SAS Vice President Louise Whyte. "Students are asked to bring themselves, a sleeping bag or blanket, and we will have as many cardboard boxes as we can collect from local businesses to give to students to build their own shelter. We will be sleeping in cardboard boxes, no tents or other shelter."

Haven House is operated entirely by volunteers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.    Since its inception, the shelter has served over 343 homeless people, including 50 children.  In all, it adds up to 10,260 nights slept and 20,520 meals served.

For more information, contact the Penn State DuBois Office of Student Life at 814-375-4764, or email mag374@psu.edu

Christian rock musician Jason Dunn is set to perform at Penn State DuBois in October as part of his fall 2012 Jason Dunn Plays for Change Tour. As the name of the tour implies, show-goers will only be asked to donate the change they have in their pocket.

Dunn, the former lead singer of Canadian Christian rock group Nelson Hawk, battles type 1 diabetes himself, and has launched this tour to raise awareness and money for children and young adults with diabetes.  Local musician Eric Selfridge is slated to open for Dunn.

"There is no cost for the concert, but Jason is asking that people bring loose change to donate to the American Diabetes Association," said Penn State DuBois Campus Minister Kyle Gordon.  "Whatever amount of change is collected, Jason will then match it."    

The concert will be hosted by the Penn State DuBois Christian Student Fellowship (CSF), a club that Gordon oversees. He said of the students in the group, "I have been very proud of the students in Christian Student Fellowship with their efforts to serve the community in so many ways, from our mobile food pantry, to our weekly Bible studies, to annual mission trips, and events like these that offer a positive and encouraging night of entertainment that is great for the whole family."

Jason Dunn is scheduled to perform at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, in Hiller Auditorium at Penn State DuBois.  This family friendly show is open to people of all ages.

Children of all ages and their families are invited to participate in events celebrating Halloween at Penn State DuBois.

Safe Trick-or-Treat Night is planned from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 19, in the Student Union.  Organized by the Student Life Office, members of student clubs will be on hand to pass out candy to young trick-or-treaters.  Children will also be able to take part in Halloween-themed games throughout the evening.  This event is free and open to everyone.  

A haunted house is planned on campus for three evenings.  The Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society will host the haunted house from 7:00 p.m. until midnight on October 19, and 20, and from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on October 21.  Admission is $5.00 per person, with proceeds benefiting Delta Mu Sigma and local charities.  Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 

For information, contact the Student Life Office at 814-375-4764. 

Spencer West, a motivational speaker and author, captivated the audience in Penn State DuBois' Hiller Auditorium with his inspirational story of overcoming his personal challenges during a recent appearance there.  Often using humor to keep things relaxed and interesting, West went on to share tales of how he now helps others find inspiration, and the satisfaction he gets from doing so.

The 31 year old from Toronto knows quite a bit about overcoming adversity to achieve great things.  He lost both of his legs to amputation as a child after a genetic disorder rendered them unusable.  However, this didn't stop West from climbing Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro in June.  At nearly 20,000 feet, Kilimanjaro is the world's tallest stand-alone mountain, and West made the summit almost entirely while walking on his hands.

West credits his "can-do" attitude to a strong foundation of self-confidence and determination instilled in him by his parents beginning when he was a child.

"We were told by the doctors that I probably wouldn't be a functioning member of society.  We were basically told that there was no hope for me," West told the campus audience.  "My family and I set out to prove them wrong."

West chronicled his journey in a book, Standing Tall; My Journey, published last year, which goes into detail about just how much he has proven that those doctors were wrong.  He went back into his history in the book, and in his speech at Penn State DuBois, explaining the events that built the determined attitude that got him to the top of Kilimanjaro.

"I didn't want to just be known as a guy without legs," West said.  I'm a son, a grandson; I want to be a dad someday.  I have an identity.

West went on to further build his identity in high school by participating in cheerleading and other school activities.  From there, he went to college and ended up launching a successful career in sales.  When he found that he had done everything that the doctors once said he could never do, he realized it was now time to do something for others.

"I had a good job as a sales rep, a house, a car. I had everything in life that society says you need to be happy, but I still wasn't happy," West remembered.  "Then, a friend invited me to Kenya to help build a school," he said, noting that he was apprehensive about the idea at first.

Before long, West decided to join the school building effort in Kenya, and joined the charitable organization, Free the Children, who was heading up the project.

"The moment that changed my entire life came when we got to the site of the school," West remembered. He said the Kenyan children had questions about his missing legs. He continued, "A little girl said something to me in Swahili.  It translated to, 'I didn't know that sort of thing could happen to white people, too,'; That told me that I could show them that there are others that have struggles; that they're not alone.  That's when I realized that I could use my story to inspire others." 

While in Kenya, West got the idea to climb Kilimanjaro in order to help spread his inspirational story and to help others. When word got out, donations for the cause started pouring in.  In the end, his climb raised $750,000 for Free the Children.

West continues to work with Free the Children today, sharing their story while he shares his own tale at speaking dates around the globe.  At the campus, the story struck more than one chord.

"He is just phenomenal," said student Adam Snyder.  "His story was just amazing and so inspiring." 

"Spencer West was a great inspirational speaker," added student Katrina Anderson.  "He shows us that everyone has a different purpose and reason in life." 

Penn State DuBois, in conjunction with Service Access and Management, Inc., will offer a new program on campus that is designed to help veterans adapt from military life, to life as a college student. 

From Military to College: A Transition to Campus Life is a free program, funded by Community Connections of Clearfield and Jefferson Counties. It is open to any veteran who is interested in attending college, or to veterans who are already in college.  It is also open to family members or friends of veterans who want to support their loved one's transition into higher education. 

The program will help to prepare those with a service background for life in the classroom.  Additionally, it will offer assistance in transitioning from service life, to life back home.  From Military to College also covers strategies for dealing with issues such as stress and trauma related to military service, and behavioral changes due to combat exposure.  It will teach veterans tactics for reconnecting with family after their tour of duty, and how to deal with cultural issues here at home. 

Veterans interested in attending From Military to College: A Transition to Campus Life can choose from two program times to best accommodate their own schedule.  The program will be offered from 12:15 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on October 1, 3, and 5, and again from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on October 15, 17, and 18.  All classes will be held in room 209 of the DEF Building at Penn State DuBois. 

To register, or for more information, contact the Penn State DuBois Office of Adult Student and Veteran Services at 814-375-4772, or rjm32@psu.edu  

Coming off of two wins in PSUAC matches on Sunday at Wilkes-Barre, the Penn State DuBois ladies' volleyball team hosted conference rival Beaver in Wednesday night action.   DuBois started slow, following behind Beaver 7-1 in game 1, but the ladies regained their composure and passed well and took advantage of strong serving from Ashley Meyer and Taylor Thornhill to win game 1, 25-20.

Game 2 was all DuBois as they rolled to a 25-10 win with setter Kelsey Schwabenbauer placing the ball well at the net for Elainna Hilliard and Thornhill.  Serving out the final 7 points of the game was Julianne Heasley.

Game 3 was a battle for both teams as Beaver refused to go quietly and held the lead the majority of the game, but a late surge brought DuBois from behind to get the 25-23 win and close out the match.

DuBois will travel to PSU New Kensington on Friday, and will be at home on Sunday for a 2:00 p.m. game against PSU Brandywine.

For all of the latest in Penn State DuBois Athletics Action, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

The Club Fair held this week at Penn State DuBois gave students the chance to learn about more than two dozen student clubs on campus, and provided the opportunity for new members to sign up.

Current club members set up tables in the Student Union where they displayed information about their club and what it's all about.  Clubs on campus range from recreational organizations, to service organizations dedicated to helping others and the community. The diverse variety of clubs offers extracurricular involvement for almost any interest. The fair is a one-stop venue where club members can get the word out about their organization, and where students who want to become involved can take the first steps to do so.

 "The fair was a good way for me to come and learn about what clubs there are and gather more information about them," said Trevor Butcher, of Emmaus, PA, who signed up for the Information Technology (IT) Club while at the fair.  He noted that he's a long way from home, and that getting involved helps to make it easier to adjust.  He said, "It's a good way to meet people and make new friends.  I'm four hours away from home.  So, I want to get involved while I'm here and make the most out of college."

Natalie Kadingo, a sophomore from DuBois, joined the campus THON committee during the Club Fair, where she'll help to raise money for Penn State's dance marathon that benefits the fight against pediatric cancer.  She said, "It's a good cause, just something good to be involved in.  I knew I wanted to join, and this made it really easy and convieneninet for me to do that." 

Involvement in college clubs can also do a great deal for a student after graduation.  Assistant Director of Student Affairs Marly Doty said, "Out of class involvement really helps to build a résumé.  It shows employers that graduates applying for jobs with them are motivated.  So, they're more likely to get jobs when the graduate."

Doty also noted that the enjoyment and well-rounded experience that students get from club activities helps them to strike a balance in school and life.  She said, "You need fun and stress relief as a student, too.  It's important to have a balanced life, and this goes a long way toward achieving that." 

Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has named Penn State DuBois to the coveted Military Friendly Schools list. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. This is the second year in a row that Penn State DuBois has earned a spot on the list.

"Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools shows Penn State DuBois' commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students," said Sean Collins, Director for G.I. Jobs and Vice President at Victory Media. "As interest in education grows we’re thrilled to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools."

The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. These schools have world-class programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accreditation, credit policies, flexibility, and other services to those who served. Now in its fourth year, the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-approved schools nationwide.

Something that helped to put Penn State DuBois on the Military Friendly list is the campus' Office for Adult Student and Veteran Services. The office was established last year to provide adults and former service members with the tools they need to succeed in higher education and in a career. Through the office, programs are offered to help veterans, who may have been out of school for many years, adjust to being students again. Refresher courses in basic subjects and tutoring programs are designed to sharpen their skills, while counselors provide assistance with scheduling, financial aid, and other administrative processes that may be new to a soldier-turned-student.

"Education is important, especially when coming out of the military and back into civilian life," said Penn State DuBois Veteran Services Coordinator Sueann Doran. "Education really gives you the edge. With so many people coming out of the military and looking to start new lives now, we see a real need for this and we want to fill that need."

Everyone is welcome to the Penn State Day Open House scheduled for 9:00 a.m. until Noon on Saturday, October 20, at Penn State DuBois.  Visitors will have the opportunity to register to win an iPad 2.

 All area high school students, as well as adult learners of any age, are encouraged to attend and find out what the campus has to offer those who are thinking about enrolling in college.  Information for students of any age will be available.

During visitation, prospective students can learn about admissions, financial aid, and available courses of study.  Campus tours will also be offered, and visitors may sit in on a sample class taught by a Penn State DuBois faculty member. 

Current students, including adult learners and students of traditional age, will be on hand to talk to visitors about their own college experiences. 

An RSVP to Enrollment Services is appreciated, and can be made by calling (814) 375-4720, or by visiting our Penn State Day webpage

The totals are in for the Jordan Andrulonis Memorial Golf Tournament, and the event raised $34,000 to help Penn State DuBois students fund their education.  Specifically, the money raised at the tournament benefits the Jordan Andrulonis Trustee Scholarship at Penn State DuBois. 

Endowed this summer, The Jordan Andrulonis Trustee Scholarship is available to any undergraduate student who is enrolled or plans to enroll at Penn State DuBois who has a financial need.   Jordan's mother, Betty McFadden Freemer, and her husband, Mark Freemer, both of DuBois, established the scholarship in memory of Jordan, who drowned at Treasure Lake in September of 2009.  He was an engineering major and dean's list student at Penn State DuBois, and was a member of the campus wrestling team. 

The Freemers also organized the golf tournament, which was held on August 10, at the DuBois Country Club.  Like Andrulonis, they are both alumni of Penn State DuBois, and Mark is the chair of For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students campus fundraising campaign.  They saw the golf tournament as an opportunity to raise scholarship money to help make a higher education more accessible to all students.

"It was a fabulous day," said McFadden Freemer. "We had 107 golfers, 120 dinner guests, and we raised $34,000 for a fantastic cause and we had a great time doing it. I am thrilled that we are helping Penn State DuBois students with their college education."

McFadden Freemer said the day also provided comfort for those close to Andrulonis.  She said, "It was also a day of healing for Jordan's friends and family.  There was a 90% chance of rain that day.  Instead, the sun was shining more than we saw clouds.  Then during dinner it did rain long enough to finish the day with a beautiful rainbow that was vibrant end to end.  It was a blessing."

The Disability Awareness Fair is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, in the gymnasium at Penn State DuBois. 

Hosted by campus Disability Services, in conjunction with the advocacy group, The Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties, the fair is intended to celebrate October as disability awareness month. The goals of the organizers are to educate others on the various disabilities and services available, and to offer resources to those in need of disability services and supports. 

The fair will feature disability simulations provided by Life and Independence for Today (LIFT), and displays of some of the assistive technologies available, provided by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).  Representatives from several area agencies will be on hand to discuss their roles in providing assistance to those with disabilities.  In addition, several employers will be present to discuss employment for those with disabilities, as well as positions available throughout their organizations.  This program is funded in part with funds given to The Arc from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA #93.786).

For additional information, contact Diana Kreydt, Disability Services Coordinator, at

814-372-3037.

Nathan McCandless, the Penn State DuBois graduate who tragically lost his life in a work related accident this summer, was remembered during a memorial service on campus Wednesday evening.  An American chestnut tree that McCandless planted on campus during his time as a student was also dedicated to his memory. 

McCandless, 21, of Butler, died on Sunday, July 29, while working in Sullivan County as a summer wildlife technician for an independent company.  He had graduated from the Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology Program, and planned to continue his education in wildlife and fisheries science this fall at University Park.  He was a dean's list student, and won the College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society's Outstanding Student in Wildlife Technologies Program Award in 2011.  He graduated from Butler High School in 2009, where he ran track and field, and played soccer. 

Friends, family members, fellow students, and members of the campus faculty and staff filled Hiller Auditorium for the memorial service, and subsequently gathered around the chestnut tree for the dedication.  Among those who spoke about McCandless during the memorial were Chancellor Anita McDonald, Wildlife Technology faculty members Aaron Stottlemyer, Keely Roen, and Hoagy Schaadt, Campus Minister Kyle Gordon, and Christine Voorhees of Wildlife Specialists, a company with which McCandless had interned.

"Nate was a member of our family, and we feel a tremendous loss," said McDonald.  "I find it personally difficult to accept the death of our student, our friend, our family member.  We have all been truly blessed to have Nate come into our lives."

Those who spoke at the service, as well as those in attendance, all remembered McCandless as a happy, outgoing individual with a zest for life, a deep love of animals and nature, and an intense interest in the natural world around him.

"Every kid goes through a 'why' phase, but somewhere along the way they lose that.  What I loved about Nate is that he never lost it.  He had an insatiable curiosity about everything," Roen said, noting the love of learning McCandless possessed that made him an exemplary student.

Numerous friends attending the memorial knew McCandless as the guy who seemed as though nothing ever got him down, and as the one who could always cheer up a friend.  

"He was just one of those people.  You could be in any mood, good or bad, and he could just lift you up," said friend and former Penn State DuBois classmate Michael Coleman.  "He could always bring a smile to your face."

Another former classmate from the campus, Brian Grove, said of McCandless, "Regardless of circumstance, he was always happy.  We would be out for Wildlife labs, and it didn't matter if there was rain, snow, mud, he just always had a smile on his face and was happy to be out there."

Stottlemyer led the dedication of the chestnut tree during the outdoor portion of the evening.  For several years, Stottlemyer has contributed work and research to efforts aimed at bringing the American chestnut tree back from near extinction.  His students participate in studies of the tree species and field work in an area chestnut orchard as part of their course work.  In 2010, McCandless had the honor of planting an American chestnut tree on campus.  The American Chestnut Foundation provided the tree, which is the product of 26 years of research that was dedicated to developing a chestnut that is resistant to the disease that wiped the tree from the American forest in the early 20th century.  Thanks to generations of cross breeding with the disease resistant Chinese chestnut, the tree on campus is still growing strong today, and it could be one of the first American chestnut trees to thrive on this continent in the last century.  Fittingly, it now stands as a tribute to the memory of Nathan McCandless.

"Since I heard of his passing, so many thoughts have crossed my mind," said Stottlemyer.  "At the forefront was the fact that we memorialize people with trees all the time.  Here's a unique opportunity to memorialize a person with a tree they, themselves, planted."

The American Chestnut Foundation sent a letter to the McCandless family offering condolences, and the foundation's blessing for dedicating the tree to their loved one. 

The family has established the Nathan McCandless Scholarship to benefit other students who are aspiring wildlife professionals.  The privately established scholarship will be available for sophomores in the Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology program.

For links to photos and a video featuring McCandless, including photos of the chestnut tree planting, see the story at this link http://www.ds.psu.edu/32487.htm

Penn State Laureate Chris Staley will speak at Penn State DuBois at Noon on Wednesday, September 26, in the Hiller Quite Lounge.  All members of the public and campus community are welcome to attend.

Staley's lecture, Art and Life: Where They Intersect, examines the wisdom that is revealed when art crosses paths with life. He will discuss how living in a time of unprecedented change has affected how people relate to objects and each other. 

Staley, the 2012-13 Penn State Laureate, is a Distinguished Professor of Art.  He joined the university faculty in 1990, teaching ceramics in the School of Visual Arts. Under his leadership, the Ceramics Graduate Program has been ranked number 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. He received Penn State’s Graduate Faculty Teaching Award in 2007. His work can be seen at such prestigious locations as 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.

The Penn State laureate is a full-time university faculty member in the humanities or fine arts who is assigned half-time 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 will be a highly visible representative of Penn State who will appear regularly at events University-wide and throughout the Commonwealth at community and statewide events.

Students and alumni from Penn State DuBois and other Penn State campuses in western Pennsylvania are encouraged to attend the Nittany Lion PRIDE, or Penn State Regional Industry Development Event, in Somerset, PA in September.

Nittany Lion PRIDE is an opportunity to make new connections and enhance existing relationships with area Penn State students, alumni, and employers from across the region. This event will allow participants to learn about opportunities throughout the region in addition to connecting with Penn State’s talent from across a variety of majors.

Majors to be represented at the event include Administration of Justice, Business, Communications, English, Earth Sciences and Wildlife Technology, Engineering / Engineering Technology, health related fields, Human Development and Family Studies, Information Sciences and Technology, Mining Technology, Psychology and more.

A full day of activities is planned for Thursday, September 20, at the Hidden Valley Resort in Somerset, PA.  For more information, including the day's agenda, visit http://alumnipsu.cvent.com/d/hcq21t  or contact the PRIDE Planning Team at 724-773-3953 or 814-865-LINK. 

A special "Welcome Week" breakfast had campus staff members busy at the griddle and the waiter's station in the Lion's Den Café Thursday morning.  The pancake breakfast was offered free to all students, and prepared by Penn State DuBois' very own staffers, who flipped flapjacks and waited on the hungry students.  

"We want the students to feel at home and really welcomed here at Penn State DuBois," said Assistant Director of Student Affairs Marly Doty, who spent the morning mixing batter and flipping cakes on the grill.  "This is another opportunity to serve our students, and provide something extra to welcome them at the beginning of the semester."

Garret Roen, an admissions counselor, worked a shift as a waiter at the breakfast.  He said he enjoyed the chance to reconnect with students that once sat across the desk from him during their application process.

"It's great to interact with the students again after they've gone through the admissions process, and they're actually here and in class now," Roen said.  "We can catch up on how things are going for them this semester so far, and make sure any needs they have are taken care of."   

"Welcome Week" is the first week of Fall Semester classes each year.  The Office of Student Life plans activities for each day of that week to help students get to know each other, their faculty and staff members, and the campus.  In addition to the breakfast, "Welcome Week" also featured lunch, an ice cream social, a stand-up comedy performance, and a caricature artist, all on various days.  All events are free and open to the campus community.

The Penn State DuBois Office of Student Life regrets to announce that the SandStory show scheduled on campus on September 11, has been canceled due to scheduling conflicts that arose due to the artist's current national success.  

Artist Joe Castillo, a current contestant on NBC's America's Got Talent, recently made it to the final rounds of the televised contest.  Due to his success and future appearances on the TV program, he will not be able to appear at the campus on his originally scheduled date.

SandStory is a live-art presentation, performed to music, in which Castillo produces stunning images with sand upon a light table, as it is projected on large screens for the audience to view.  He previously appeared at Penn State DuBois in March.

The Student Life Office extends congratulations to Castillo, and hopes to schedule him to perform on campus again in the near future.  As of this time, no make-up date for the show has been slated, but it will be announced as soon as a date is confirmed.

More than $8,000 was raised to support campus athletics at the Fourth Annual Penn State DuBois Athletics Golf Benefit.  Hosted by the DuBois Educational Foundation and Penn State DuBois, 104 golfers played in the scramble on Saturday, August 25, at the Treasure Lake Silver Course. All proceeds from this event benefit the six intercollegiate athletic programs on campus.

The winning team shot a 15 under par (57) and was comprised of Jason McCaslin, Ian Miller, Judd McCullough, and Mike McCullough.  Each member of the winning team received a new pair of Footjoy golf shoes.  Other winners of skill prize competitions were: Flop Wall Challenge, Mike Stockdale; Putting Contest, Ian Miller; Team Skins, Andy Wiesner, Karl Weisner, Ruth Ross, and Kim Wiesner.

Title Sponsors again for this year’s event were Johnson Motors and Veolia Environmental Services, in addition to 35 businesses and individuals who donated funds or items for the golf benefit. 

"Aaron Beatty, who has been the golf committee chairmen the past two years, organized a great event and we thank Aaron and the 25 volunteers who shared the day with the golfers on the course to make the tournament a huge success," said Penn State DuBois Athletic Coordinator Ken Nellis.  

After golfing, a meal of chicken and ribs was shared by all the participants and skill prizes were handed out for all 18 holes.

For all of the latest Penn State DuBois Athletics news, visit www.psuduboisathletics.com

Students, faculty, and staff members of Penn State DuBois spent Friday, August 24, volunteering at businesses and charitable organizations throughout DuBois and neighboring communities for the annual Outreach Day.  Outreach Day is part of New Student Orientation at the campus, and each freshman has the option to participate. The outreach activities give students the opportunity to help others through volunteering, while they build their own team working skills and get to know their new classmates.

"Getting students actively involved from the beginning is very important to their overall college experience, and helping them become well-rounded members of the community," said Assistant Director of Student Affairs Marly Doty.  "What better way to get involved than by giving back to our surrounding communities?" 

Students volunteered at more than a dozen sites, and performed a variety of tasks to suit the needs of the organizations they visited.  Between the students who participated, their faculty and staff guides, and the student orientation leaders, 171 people completed a combined total of 513 service hours on Friday.

At Rumbarger Cemetery in DuBois, students straightened grave markers that had toppled, or sunken into the ground, and participated in general landscaping and clean up. 

"We get a lot of jobs done that we otherwise just could not get done [without the students]," said Paul Sprague, president of the Rumbarger Cemetery Preservation Society.  "What we lack is volunteers to actually do the work, and these students are helping to do the work that needs done.  This builds on what the last group did, and will leave things better for the next group.  Every little bit helps, and eventually, all will be done." 

At the Reitz Theater in DuBois, students helped to organize costumes and props for the community theater group.  They also helped maintain the outside landscaping, and pulled weeds around the building.

"It's a great bonus for us," said Terry Swope, a member of the Reitz Theater Board of Directors.  "We're an all-volunteer operation, and we sometimes get behind in our chores. It's great to have some young people come in and help. We can also introduce them to our theater programs, and maybe get them involved down the road." 

Freshman Vincent Mammone, of DuBois, volunteered at the theater.  He said it was a great cause, and that working with his fellow students helped to start the building of strong relationships.  Mammone said, "It's nice to be able to volunteer for something like this.  It's a big part of the culture in town.  We also get to work together as a team, and that's a real good way to get to know each other."   

Louise Whyte, a student orientation leader now in her senior year, has taken advantage of volunteer opportunities throughout her student career.  She said the experiences get more rewarding as time goes on, and that she gains more understanding with each outreach project she completes.

"When you first volunteer, it's hard to see the impact you have made.  But afterward, when you think about it, no matter how insignificant you think it is, the work you did is significant to someone."  

Outreach Day is the first of many service events that new Penn State DuBois students will have the chance to participate in.  Student clubs and organizations make community outreach and service a priority among their activities.  Last year, students completed a total of more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work.

"If you were to write a book about your life, what would you call this new chapter that you're just beginning?" Chancellor Anita McDonald asked the 231 new incoming freshmen and their parents, who filled the bleachers in the Penn State DuBois gymnasium during the annual convocation ceremony and New Student Orientation Day on Thursday.   

"The beginning of the rest of my life," came an inspiring reply from one voice in the crowd. 

McDonald went on to explain how the response from that student was quite accurate.

"Attending a university is like no other experience," she said.  "You'll have opportunities to participate in research with faculty, pursue your own interests, and meet new people from around the world.  You'll have opportunities to travel, and to use your own abilities to help others."   

Penn State DuBois' new freshman class is made up of students from nearly 100 different high schools in 5 states, and 32 counties in Pennsylvania, as well as 2 different provinces in China. Approximately 40 of those students are returning adult learners who have decided to further their education or pursue a new career.

"We have diversity on our campus, not just in ethnic background, but in hometowns, economic backgrounds, and life experiences.  Getting to know this diverse group of people will enrich your experience here and enrich your life," McDonald said. 

Student Government Association President Holly Kiesling then took to the podium to encourage freshmen to immerse themselves in the diverse campus culture by getting involved.  She said, "Don't just go to class and then go home.  Get involved.  Meet new people, make new friends, and join one of more than 20 clubs on campus.  You'll enjoy your experience so much more, and learn more in the process." 

McDonald drove home the importance of life-long learning, and pointed to reasons that education should remain a top priority in everyone's life.  McDonald said," Some critics today say a college education is not a necessity.  I say some form of education after high school is important for everybody.  We as a country will not stay competitive globally without an educated society.

"I commend you and your family for making the choice to attend one of the best institutions in the country.  We will need you to lead us into the future, and you'll do that armed with a Penn State degree." 

Among the new students at orientation was Dakota Ott, an occupational therapy major from St. Marys.  The prospect of earning that Penn State degree at DuBois in a diverse, yet comfortable setting is something that she is happy to take advantage of.

"This is close to home, so I can live at home and save a lot of money," Ott said.  "Plus, the class sizes are smaller here, and I like that because you can get a better understanding, it's better teaching, and it's more hands-on."

Jake Wilson, of Reynoldsville, first came to the campus as a high school student.  He participated in a dual enrollment program that allowed him to earn college credits while still in high school.  It got the business major off to a quick start in higher education, and afforded him the chance to learn the ropes of campus life early on.  Wilson said, "I liked the dual enrollment program a lot.  I have half of a semester's classes done already.   I want to find a good job and stay in the area, so this is a good start."

During the remainder of Orientation Day on Thursday, freshmen participated in ice-breaking and team building exercises, met faculty and staff members over a picnic lunch, and became familiar with classrooms and other campus facilities before the beginning of classes on Monday, August 27.  As part of orientation, students also participate in the Annual Community Outreach Day held on the Friday before the start of class.  Community Outreach Day places students in volunteer positions at area businesses and charitable organizations throughout DuBois and the surrounding area. Students complete a variety of service projects, doing their part to give back to the community.   

Members of the Penn State DuBois community will hold a memorial service on campus for Nathan McCandless at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, in the Hiller Auditorium.  The memorial is open to the public.

McCandless, 21, of Butler, died in a work related accident on Sunday, July 29, while working in Sullivan County as a summer wildlife technician for an independent company.  He was a recent graduate of the Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology Program, and planned to continue his education in wildlife and fisheries science this fall at University Park.  He was a dean's list student, and won the College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society's Outstanding Student in Wildlife Technologies Program Award in 2011. 

McCandless graduated from Butler High School in 2009, where he participated in track and field, and soccer.

Friends remember McCandless as a dedicated outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and trapping. He especially enjoyed viewing and photographing wildlife.

In 2010, McCandless had the honor of planting an American chestnut tree on campus.  Made possible by the American Chestnut Foundation, the tree was the product of 26 years of research that was dedicated to developing a chestnut tree that is resistant to a disease that wiped the tree from the American forest in the early 20^th century.  Thanks to generations of cross breeding with the disease resistant Chinese chestnut, the tree on campus is still growing strong today, and it could be one of the first American chestnut trees to thrive on this continent in the last century.  While planting the tree, McCandless said, "It's an honor to be given the opportunity.  It's really something special, and something that no one else can say they had the chance to do." 

To see a video about the Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology Program that features Nathan McCandless, click here. 

For a slide show of images, including the planting of the chestnut tree, click here. 

The story on the chestnut tree planting can be found here. 

Canadian stand-up comic Kelly Taylor is set to perform on campus, kicking off the academic year with a few laughs.  His show is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, in the Hiller Auditorium. 

A huge success on campuses across Canada, Taylor has extensively toured Canadian Colleges, and was named Canadian College Comedian of the Year. He has now become one the busiest comedians on the U.S. college scene. Taylor also starred as the lead role in the movie Sure Shot Dombrowski. His ability to headline clubs, corporate and college events at just three years into his budding career is evidence of his talent.

Taylor's appearance is part of the Penn State DuBois Performing Arts and Lecture Series.  Organized by the Office of Student Life, all Performing Arts and Lecture Series events are free and open to the public.  

For more information on this and future events, visit www.ds.psu.edu/StudentLife

As part of new student orientation, the Penn State DuBois Student Life Office has organized Outreach Day, which will put 150 students, plus faculty and staff members, out into the community to help with various projects at businesses and charitable organizations. New incoming freshmen participate in Outreach Day, with the group serving more than a dozen organizations, including animal shelters, historical societies, housing construction projects, and more. Last year was the inaugural Outreach Day, and organizers say it will now be a yearly event.

"Getting students actively involved from the beginning is very important to their overall college experience, and helping them become well-rounded members of the community," said Student Life Coordinator Marly Doty.  "What better way to get involved than by giving back to our surrounding community?" 

This year's Outreach Day is planned for Friday, August 24.  Be on the lookout for Penn State DuBois students, wearing their campus T-shirts, hard at work throughout the area.

The use of technology is breaking down the barriers of distance at Penn State DuBois.  Campus faculty and staff members are communicating with individuals around the globe, using services like Skype, to better serve students and their families.

Skype is a web-based service that allows people to communicate by voice and video, as well as with instant messages over the internet. 

"We're able to offer more immediate feedback and guidance with this technology," said Tharren Thompson, the campus' international and multicultural student services coordinator.  "We used to use things like traditional mail, or were required to travel and meet with these folks." 

Thompson and academic advisor Sarah Raybuck recently met with international students via Skype to schedule classes for the fall semester, while the students were still thousands of miles away in their home countries. 

"Because we have Skype, we can meet with them as if they're here, face to face.  We can then schedule them before they get here, and basically provide them the same services that we provide domestic students," said Thompson. 

"It's so nice for them to come here having already talked with someone, and having their schedule ready," Raybuck added.  "This way, they're not coming in blind; it's so much easier for them and really helps them prepare to start school here." 

One international student who recently connected with the campus through Skype is Yini Ran, a native of Chongqing, China, who plans to attend Penn State DuBois in the fall to major in business.  From an office on the campus of Penn State DuBois, Thompson and Raybuck linked up with Yini, still at her home in China.  They held advising meetings over the web, and guided the student through the application process.  They offered advice on taking placement tests, and directed her through enrollment procedures.  During one session, they were able to establish Yini's entire fall course schedule.

"Using Skype was very helpful and it let me know many things that I will need to do when I arrive there," Yini said. 

Internet-based phone and video conferencing are experiences that Yini said helped to make her dreams of pursuing higher education in the United State come true.  She said, "I visited America before.  I think American people are quite nice.  I experienced the educational system there, and I like it, and want to be part of that. I'm looking forward to college life, studying my major, and the friends I'm going to make."  

Spencer West, speaker, author, and double-leg amputee who climbed Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro in June, will speak at Penn State DuBois in September.

West shared his inspirational story on CBS News in July. He has also told his tale of overcoming life's hurdles in his book, Standing Tall; My Journey, published last year. 

A 31 year old native of Toronto, Canada, West was born with a genetic disorder that allowed him no use of his legs.  At the age of five, doctors amputated his legs in order to increase his mobility. 

After becoming bored working at his office job, West joined up with a charity called Free the Children and began leading kids from North America to Africa to build schools. It was while he was volunteering in Africa that he became inspired to set his sights higher than ever before, and tackle the world's tallest stand-alone mountain.

When word got out about West's intentions to climb Kilimanjaro, donations for the cause started pouring in.  In the end, his climb raised $750,000 for Free the Children.

With the help of his friends, West climbed Kilimanjaro almost entirely on his hands.  His companions helped him, with the aid of his specially designed wheelchair, only a fraction of the way. The group reached the nearly 20,000 foot summit in seven days.

All members of the public and campus community are invited to hear West recount his inspirational tales.  He'll speak at Noon, on Monday, September 24, in the Hiller Auditorium at Penn State DuBois.  This event is free of charge.

Penn State DuBois, in conjunction with the Central Intermediate Unit #10 (CIU #10), will offer a free course in mathematics for adults who want to brush up on their basic skills. 

This refresher course is intended for any adult who wants to improve math skills to help further their education, or simply to advance their abilities for use in everyday life. For those who have considered enrolling, or reenrolling in college, the course will prepare them for math classes required in most degree programs. It will be offered in two parts; the first session during the fall semester, and the second session during the spring semester.

"This is a great opportunity for people who want to update their math skills," said Adult Student and Veteran Services Coordinator Sueann Doran.   "What they learn here can really give them an edge if they choose to enroll in college; or they can simply come away from this with a better knowledge that they can apply to their day-to-day lives." Doran explained that there is no obligation to enroll in additional courses for those who take advantage of this free opportunity.

Students in the course will receive an assessment of their math skills at the beginning, and another assessment at the end to determine how much they learned.

The math improvement course is sponsored by CIU #10, one of 29 regional education delivery organizations in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's Intermediate Units are funded by the Department of Education and local school districts. They can provide special education services, student counseling services, staff continuing education opportunities, and program planning assistance to the public and non-public schools.

Space is limited for the math improvement class.  Registrations will be accepted until August 24, and the course begins August 27.  To register, or for more information, call the Clearfield Development Center for Adults at 814-765-1131, or the Penn State DuBois Office for Adult Student and Veteran Services at 814-375-4772. 

Movie Night at Penn State DuBois, featuring a screening of Snow White and the Huntsman, will be free of charge and open to all members of the public, students, faculty, and staff. 

Movie Night is planned for Thursday, August 16, outdoors on the campus Event Lawn.  In case of rain, the screening will be moved into the gymnasium.  A barbeque style dinner prepared by Shannon's Catering will be offered before the movie, including hamburgers, hotdogs, sides, and soft drinks. Food will be provided to Penn State students and available for purchase to all others beginning at 7:15 p.m.  Show time is 8:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to studentactivities@psu.edu or 814-375-4764 by August 8.

This event is funded by the student activity fee, and hosted by the Penn State DuBois Student Life Office.

There is still time to sign up for the Fourth Annual Penn State DuBois Athletics Golf Benefit sponsored by the DuBois Educational Foundation, Johnson Motors and Veolia Environmental Services.  The four-person scramble tournament will begin with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start on Saturday, August 25, at the Silver Course at Treasure Lake. 

Entry fees are $75 per person, and $300 per team.  Entry includes green fee, cart, lunch of chicken and ribs, on-course beverages, skill prizes, and team awards.  Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. All proceeds will directly benefit the seven varsity athletic programs at Penn State DuBois.

A hole-in-one contest will be held, featuring the prize of a new car from the Stoltz Family of Dealerships in DuBois.  A putting contest is also slated. The person who sinks the winning putt will take home a new Weber Grill, a $50 gift certificate from Palumbo’s Meats, and a $50 gift certificate from Prontock Distributing.  This year's tournament will also feature all new chipping and "Glass Break" contests, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Drive contests.

A registration form is available at http://www.psuduboisathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2011-12/files/Golf_Benefit-2012.pdf

Call Ken Nellis, Athletic Coordinator, at 814-375-4857 for more information.

For the latest news on all Penn State DuBois athletic programs, schedules, and results, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

Michael White has started his term as president of the Penn State DuBois Alumni Society; an office he will retain until June of 2014.  The outgoing president, Jackie Allen passed the gavel to White at the alumni society's quarterly board meeting this week. 

As president, White will preside over all meetings, be responsible for general supervision of all work completed by the society, and oversee society committees, in addition to other duties.

White graduated from Penn State DuBois with a degree in business administration in 2007.  He came to the campus as a returning adult student after spending eight years in active duty as an aircraft electrician’s mate in the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Currently, White is the marketing manager for Brookville Equipment Corporation.  In addition to managing the marketing efforts, he also works as part of the sales team for the diversified transportation manufacturer, whose product line is sold domestically and internationally.  

For the past seven years, White has organized the Fat Tire Challenge Mountain Bike Race in Clear Creek State Forest in Sigel, PA.  The race averages 120 participants each year.  He also earned his Eagle Scout status with the Boy Scouts of America in 1986. 

White has received several awards from Penn State, including the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award, the Penn State Business Outstanding Junior Award, and the Penn State Program of the Year Award, all in 2006.  He also received the Penn State Terry Hartman Volunteer Service Award in 2007. 

Penn State DuBois' Jason Long has been promoted to the rank of senior instructor within the campus Information Sciences and Technology (IST) Program. 

Students who earn an IST degree are prepared to enter careers in computer programing, networking, information system administration, and more. 

Long has been an instructor of IST at Penn State DuBois since 2001.  He also serves as the IST program leader.  In 2010, Long won the DuBois Educational Foundation Educator of the Year Award, which is given each year to an educator that students feel is the most deserving.  He was also named the College of IST Statewide Faculty Member of the Year for all of Penn State for 2011-2012. Additionally, he was honored as Tech Prep Educator of the Year from the North Central Pennsylvania Tech Prep Consortium in 2006, and Penn State DuBois’ Penn Stater of the Quarter in the Spring of 2006.  Long has also been recognized by DELL for his innovative approach to teaching IST, using DELL’s servers.

Long is the founder of the Video Game Day events on campus.  These events are held each semester, and bring Penn State students, high school students, and other members of the community together in a fun, safe environment to play videogames.  Long also uses the events as an educational tool, with his students setting up the computer networks used during Video Game Day. 

"Mr. Long has been an exemplary faculty member. He is an excellent instructor who has made continuous and significant contributions to the IST Program," said Co-Director of Academic Affairs Mary Mino.  He creates instructional opportunities that engage students in ways that allow them to transfer their classroom experiences into practical application in professional settings. He sets high standards in the areas of learning, scholarship, and conduct and his students value his expertise as a teacher and role model. He is very devoted to his students and our campus. In all, we are very pleased to have Mr. Long as a faculty member and a colleague. We are delighted that he has received acknowledgement for his outstanding academic accomplishments."

Long expressed his excitement over attaining the senior instructor position, but said that he will retain the same passion for his work no matter what level he reaches.  He said, "I'm very happy about this achievement.  But, it won't stop me from continuing to build the IST program.  I want to make it bigger, and bigger, and keep improving.  I like to look at something, and see how I can build upon it, or if there are new ways of doing things.  I never like to be stagnant."  He added, "I love doing my job." 

Outside of Penn State, Long volunteers his time to St. John's Elementary School in Bellefonte by serving as the IT director. He also coaches soccer and baseball for local youth leagues. Long lives in Bellefonte with his wife, Vicki, and their children, Abagail, CJ, and Lauren. 

Artist Joe Castillo, a current contestant on NBC's America's Got Talent, will bring his unique program, SandStory, to Penn State DuBois in September for a special 9/11 show.  His performance on campus follows his July 24/25 America's Got Talent appearance.   

SandStory is a live-art presentation, performed to music, in which Castillo produces stunning images with sand upon a light table, as it is projected on large screens for the audience to view.  He previously appeared at Penn State DuBois in February.

Born in Mexico City, the artistic hub of Latin America, Castillo grew up in a bilingual home, surrounded by art and the cosmopolitan culture of this international city. He developed a passion for telling stories using artwork early in life and SandStory was born.

The performance is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, in Hiller Auditorium.  This event is free and open to the public.

Anyone who already holds an associate degree can still sign up to take advantage of an opportunity to turn that associate's into a bachelor's with Penn State DuBois' Bachelor of Science in Business Completion Program (BSB) with a management/marketing option.

With classes held in DuBois and St. Marys, during the day and evening, and online, the BSB program will offer course options to fit the schedule of most any working professional.  It can be taken as a fast-track, allowing a student to complete their undergraduate degree in an accelerated time frame of less than two years, or it can be taken over a period as long as three to four years if additional flexibility is needed.   

A business degree is statistically one of the most sought after degrees in the United States for new students as well as those who are already employed. The degree prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings including business, government, and nonprofit. They learn how to negotiate, improve written and oral communication skills, think strategically, and solve problems in teams.  Continuing Education professionals at Penn State DuBois have established the BSB program in response to a growing need in the workforce for such educational options. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the year 2014, 14 million new job openings will require an undergraduate degree. The Occupational Employment Statistics Survey indicates that jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree will grow about 17 percent.  In Pennsylvania alone, it is projected that by 2018, 57 percent of jobs will require a bachelor’s degree.

"A Penn State degree is recognized throughout the country and the world," said Continuing Education Representative Jeannine Hanes.  "We've been ranked number one by recruiters in a Wall Street Journal study for supplying the most qualified graduates to employers.  What we're offering here is our effort to help get people working, or to help people excel and advance at current jobs, and help get the economy back on track." 

Classes begin August 27. Scholarships are available.  For more information, contact Mike at 814-834-3593 or mjb75@psu.edu or Jeannine at 814-375-4836 or jhanes@psu.edu

Students in the Penn State DuBois Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program recently worked with area senior citizen drivers to assure they are as safe as possible when behind the wheel.

The students collaborated with healthcare professionals at Christ the King Manor Nursing Home in DuBois to offer a CarFit clinic at the facility.  Drivers who attended the clinic learned how to best "fit" in their cars to ensure they are traveling comfortably and safely.  Small adjustments were made to parts of vehicles when needed, including the gas and brake pedals, steering wheel, seat, seat belt, and mirrors to achieve optimum safety and comfort.

"As we age, driving becomes more challenging.  Loss of vision, decreased range of motion, pain, lack of strength and diminished posture all can hinder our abilities behind the wheel," said Trish Hopkins, an occupational therapist at Christ the King Manor who helped to organize the CarFit clinic. "Whether it's specialized seats, mirrors, or techniques, CarFit will show you the tools available to improve your driving experience for years to come."

"This is the third CarFit event Penn State DuBois OTA students have hosted in DuBois in the past year and a half," said Penn State DuBois OTA instructor LuAnn Demi. "To date, approximately 20 OTA students have been trained to be CarFit Technicians.  This is a national certification and the students will be able to use this training in their future careers as OTAs, plus they provide a service to the community while they learn." 

"I love to work with people and this is such a great experience to get hands on education and work with occupational therapists, as well as people from the community," said OTA student Rachel Wells, of Reynoldsville.  "CarFit is a great program because it helps make older adults more aware of their driving environment and makes driving safer and easier."

Another student, Colleen Prechtl of St. Marys agreed saying, "During CarFit we not only get to help seniors to drive longer and safer, but we also receive hands on experience which will benefit our careers as OTA's."

Students were required to be certified by AAA and the AARP to participate in the program the CarFit program.

Shane Chapman of Knox, PA was drawn as the winner of a new Kindle Fire electronic reader at Penn State DuBois' Spend a Summer Day event on Wednesday, July 11.  Each person who participated in the event had their name entered into a drawing for the prize.

Spend a Summer Day is organized by the campus admissions office and offers prospective students the opportunity to tour the campus, attend informational presentations about campus programs, and meet faculty and staff members.   

A new scholarship fund at Penn State DuBois has been endowed in the name of a student who tragically lost his life while enrolled at the campus.  The Jordan Andrulonis Trustee Scholarship has been established by Jordan's mother, Betty McFadden Freemer, and her husband, Mark Freemer, both of DuBois.  The scholarship will be available to any undergraduate student who is enrolled or plans to enroll at Penn State DuBois who has a financial need.     

An engineering major and dean's list student at Penn State DuBois, Andrulonis was also a member of the campus wrestling team and active in intramural athletics.  He drowned at Treasure Lake in September of 2009. 

The Freemers, like Andrulonis, are both alumni of Penn State DuBois. Jordan's brother, as well as his uncles, aunt, and cousins all attended the campus, as well. Additionally, Mark Freemer is the chair of For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students campus fundraising campaign.  The family truly has a deep connection to the campus.

"Having Jordan’s name connected to Penn State DuBois thrills us.  He will always be remembered at the campus he attended," said Betty McFadden Freemer.  She went on to recognize the enormous impact scholarship dollars have on the lives of students, and explained that she and her husband are glad to be part of that impact. She said, "It is important to help others if you are able.  This scholarship will help students reach their academic goals, and then perhaps someday the recipients will be able to help others."

                                                                                                                                                                                                              In March, the Freemers also dedicated a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork to the campus in Jordan Andrulonis' name; a mosaic titled, "Let Our Diversity Be a Uniting Force".  The work of art was created by artist and assistant professor of education at Penn State Harrisburg, Anju Jolly. After seeing the piece, Mark Freemer decided to fund the artwork project on behalf of his wife, in honor of her son.  At that time, Mark Freemer said, "The timing just seemed perfect for this gift. I forwarded a picture of the mosaic to Betty, and when she saw it, she noted how beautiful it was.  After her response, it just felt like this gift to Jordan from her was meant to be."

The mosaic now hangs on an interior wall in the campus' Swift Building, alongside a plaque that reads:  "Mosaic donated in memory of Jordan J. Andrulonis, by his mother, Betty McFadden Freemer." 

The artwork, like this newly established scholarship, will stand as lasting gifts, representing one of the campus communities' beloved members, who will always remain at Penn State DuBois in spirit.

A golf tournament to benefit the Jordan Andrulonis Trustee Scholarship is planned for August 10, at the DuBois Country Club.  The event will also feature an auction, door prize, and dinner. For more information, contact Betty at 375-7489 or bettyfreemer@yahoo.com.

Two Penn State DuBois faculty members took some honors students on an educational and insightful tour of some of American Literature's most historic sites this spring.  Led by Distinguished Professor of English Richard Kopley and Mathematics Instructor John Tolle, an advisor for the honors program, the students toured historical homes and locations around the Boston, Massachusetts area. Most of the places they visited had significant meaning for American authors of the American Renaissance period of the 19^th Century, such as Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, and others.    

"We visited sites that were historically significant to literature," said Kopley, noting that the group traveled around Boston, Concord, Cambridge, and Salem.  Some of the highlights included the location of Thoreau's cabin on Walden Pond, a home and environment that inspired one of the author's most revered works, Walden.  They also visited the former homes of Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson, a public square honoring the nearby birthplace of Poe, and Author's Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where many of history's famous authors are buried, including Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau. 

"The work and the people that I talk about in my 19^th Century American Literature class became a little more real to the students," Kopley said of touring the historic locals.  "There's Emerson's house, Emerson's desk, there's Emily Dickinson's piano, there's where Thoreau lived.  It reinforces the sense that this really happened, that these were real people who lived in a real world that is reachable and recoverable.  It takes on an added meaning. It also makes it easy to see the relationship between the world these authors lived in and the world they created." 

"I know from doing genealogy, in my copious spare time, that it's one thing to read about people and places, but there's no substitute for standing at a spot and seeing it with your own eyes, seeing where people actually slept, ordinary objects they used, and how they lived," said Tolle.  "It gives you new insight into their lives that imagination alone can't always provide.  That's what makes these trips so indispensable."

Another opportunity for insight into the Massachusetts way of life was the lodging that the group took advantage of while on the trip.  Kopley's father-in-law, Yuda Golahny allowed the group to stay at his Boston area home.  As Kopley said, "It provided a nice atmosphere of home where we could share dinner each night and reflect on all the things we saw that day. 

Tolle said of the hospitality, "We are very grateful for this, as it kept the cost way down and enabled us to offer the opportunity free of charge to the honors students.

Members of the Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) at Penn State DuBois have partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank in Erie, PA, to bring essential food items to area families in need.  The monthly Mobile Food Pantry operates from a refrigerated truck that has been specially equipped by the Second Harvest. It has only been hosted by CSF since February, and is already serving more than 300 people in DuBois and surrounding communities.

Held on the second Saturday of each month at Wasson Elementary School, in DuBois, the Mobile Food Pantry mostly serves families who have children.  Campus Minister Kyle Gordon said those who need help from the food pantry only need to call and register ahead of time, then show up for the distribution.  Gordon explained, "After we have a list of registrants, we send that number to the Second Harvest Food Bank and they send a truck full of food to be distributed for as many people as we have on the list.  As long as they call and register, they are guaranteed food." 

Gordon said he, as well as the CSF students, have found it very rewarding to help these families in need, and that they'll continue to do so for as long as they can.  He said, "The students have really taken ownership of this ministry of service.  It is something that many look forward to each month. I'm very proud of the students' efforts in serving the community through this ministry and look forward to continuing this service in many years to come." 

The next food pantry distribution will take place beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, at Wasson Elementary School.  Anyone who would like to receive food is reminded that they must call (814)-371-7471 to preregister before the distribution. 

Another class of youngsters has completed Penn State DuBois' Summer youth programs, Kids in College (KIC), and the Art, Science and Technology Institute (AST).  The kids who attended the programs this year, just like all those before them, may have a big advantage over others as they move through school and into careers.  Recent studies show that children who participate in supplemental educational programs develop stronger aptitudes for many fields, particularly "STEM" fields, which are Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

"So many of the courses are really designed to help children developmentally," said Summer Youth Program Coordinator Jeannine Hanes.  She explained that many courses offer children early exposure to fields like engineering, forensics, and sciences.  At the same time, teaching methods are designed to hold the attention of the youngest students.  Hanes continued, "Many of the classes use music or hands-on projects to help children learn.  Research shows that music and creative exercises help to increase IQ and increase the ability to learn.  It also makes the classes fun, which makes the kids want to be involved and learn more."

One course, for example, uses advanced Lego systems, and requires the children to design and build simple machines using the blocks and other components in a provided kit.  Another course uses hands-on lessons to demonstrate the history of mapping and navigation and how it has evolved from the use of magnetic compasses to modern Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and from paper maps to 3D computerized images.  Courses like these, Hanes said, help children with the early development of skills related to STEM fields. 

The journal, Education Week, in fact, recently published the results of a long-term study that tracked high-performing students over a 25 year period.  It concluded that students who were exposed to STEM courses at an early age were more likely to pursue advanced studies or careers in sciences and related fields.

Taking place after the school year is completed, KIC and AST programs also keep children engaged in learning during the summer break, and offer unique activities that can supplement their school's curriculum. 

"KIC allows teachers to include hands-on learning experiences that kids may not have the opportunity to participate in during the school year," Hanes said. 

KIC programs are for youth from infants through grade six.  Art, Science, and Technology Institute programs are for youth grades 7-12. AST programs contain enrichment classes specially designed for middle and high school students.

Summer youth programs at Penn State DuBois are keeping young minds engaged in learning during the summer break from school.  Children from age four, through high school age students, have a large variety of courses available to them. The courses mainly focus on the fields of science, technology, engineering, math and art, and directly relate to the academic programs of study offered at Penn State DuBois.

"The Robotics with Lego course introduces students to the field of engineering," said Jeannine Hanes, youth program coordinator.  "They use some advanced systems produced by Lego to learn the fundamentals of engineering.  But, they have fun learning this way, because they're still using the familiar Lego blocks." 

Hanes went on to describe a Technology Tuesday program that introduced youngsters to subjects covered in the campus Wildlife Technology and Earth Science curriculums. It also taught the kids some basic outdoor skills.  Course instructor Keely Roen explained the course saying, "They're learning to use a compass, draw maps, and use maps to identify roads, lakes, and other geographical features.  It's a great starter course for geography and navigation." 

"Preparing youth for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math includes provoking, informing, and stimulating creative thinking. Through hands-on experiments, activities, and projects, students will gain meaningful and relevant learning experiences this summer at Penn State DuBois," Hanes said. 

For additional information regarding youth programs at Penn State DuBois, please visit www.ds.psu.edu/youth  or call Jeannine at 814-375-4836

Basketball camps for boys and girls held this week at Penn State DuBois gave youngsters of all ages the chance to build their basic skills in the game, and offered lessons in sportsmanship and discipline that can be applied to everyday life. 

Offered as part of the Kids in College (KIC) and Art, Science, and Technology Institute Summer Youth Programs, the camps teach the fundamentals of the game, including ball handling, passing, defense, one-on-one moves, layups, and the basics of team play.  Penn State DuBois men's and women's basketball coaches run the camps, and even teach young players drills that they can use to practice at home. 

"We try to focus on the fundamentals, plus we stress the importance of hard work and sportsmanship," said Penn State DuBois head men's basketball coach Dave Bennett. 

This year, camps were available for children in grades one through eight.  Noting the important structure and discipline that children can learn by participating in athletics, Bennett said the camps are a great way to build life-skills. 

"The competitiveness we teach in sports shows children of this age how to strive to do well, work together with team mates, and work hard," Bennett said.  "It goes beyond athletics.  It helps to instill discipline and a work ethic that will extend into their whole life." 

Campus sports camps for this summer are not over yet.  There's still time for boys in grades one through twelve to sign up for the Penn State DuBois Lions Wrestling Camp.

The wresting camp is scheduled for Monday, July 9, through Thursday, July 12.  It will run from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. daily. 

For more information, visit www.ds.psu.edu/youth or call Jeannine at 814-375-4836. 

The Penn State DuBois Alumni Society is seeking nominations for the 2012 Alumni Society Awards, to be held in October.  Anyone can nominate a friend or family member who is an alumnus of Penn State DuBois and fits the criteria for one of the three Awards.

The Dave Shaffer Outstanding Young Alumni Award is granted to a Penn State DuBois alumnus who graduated from or attended campus less than 10 years ago and has achieved significant professional accomplishments, is an active community leader, and is engaged with a campus or alumni group.

The Outstanding Alumni Award is awarded to a Penn State DuBois alumnus who graduated from or attended campus 11 to 40 years ago and demonstrates professional leadership with an impact on society, leadership within their professional field, citizenship in their community, and engagement with a campus or alumni group.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the most significant and prestigious award given by Penn State DuBois.  It shall be awarded to a Penn State DuBois alumnus who graduated from or attended campus 41 years ago or more and demonstrates professional leadership with a significant impact on society, considerable leadership within their professional field, significant citizenship in their community, and engagement with a campus or alumni group.  

For a nomination form, or more information, go to http://www.ds.psu.edu/Alumni

The Office of Alumni Relations can be reached at (814) 375-4775, or duboisalumni@psu.edu

Penn State DuBois Professor of Psychology John Johnson has coauthored a newly published book that examines the psychological impact that literature has on the mind, and how it can influence the behavior of the reader.

Graphing Jane Austen: The Evolutionary Basis of Literary Meaning (Palgrave Macmillan) was written by a group authors, including Johnson and fellow psychologist Dan Kruger from the University of Michigan, and English professors Joe Carroll from the University of Missouri and John Gottschall from Washington and Jefferson College.

"The book is meant for both professionals and ordinary lovers of literature who are curious about how and why literature affects us psychologically," Johnson said.  "I and my coauthors believe that the human mind evolved both to tell stories and to be receptive to stories."

Johnson explained that people can often relate most with the classic "good guys" versus "bad guys" stories. 

"Our research indicates that one of the most important features of stories, both oral and written, is what literary experts call antagonistic structure, or the presence of "good guys" and "bad guys." Most readers are naturally inclined to become imaginatively involved in stories, experiencing specific emotions toward the good and bad characters as if they were real people, and these emotional reactions carry over when we put a book down, motivating moral behaviors in everyday life. "

Johnson and the rest of his coauthors first published an article on their research into the psychology of literature in 2009, titled Hierarchy in the Library: Egalitarian Dynamics in Victorian Novels.  In conducting the initial research for the article, Johnson said the team discovered that reading good guy/bad guy stories may help to keep one's moral compass pointed in the right direction.  In fact, they theorized that some Victorian era authors may have written their works with that in mind.

"We found that protagonists evoked feelings of fondness and admiration, while antagonists aroused feelings of anger and contempt," Johnson said. "We believe that the purpose of this kind of literature is to activate emotions that encourage people to engage in ethical behavior in real life."

Graphing Jane Austen: The Evolutionary Basis of Literary Meaning is available for purchase through Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Graphing-Jane-Austen-EvolutionaryPerformance/dp/1137002409/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337694834&sr= -1

The Fourth Annual Penn State DuBois Athletics Golf Benefit is slated for August 25th at the Silver Course at Treasure Lake.  Sponsored by the DuBois Educational Foundation, Johnson Motors and Veolia Environmental Services, all proceeds will directly benefit the seven varsity athletic programs at Penn State DuBois.

The event will be a four-person scramble with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.  Entry fees are $75 per person, and $300 per team.  Entry includes green fee, cart, brown bag breakfast, lunch of chicken and ribs, on-course beverages, skill prizes, and team awards.  Registration will open at 7:30 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. Prizes for Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive, and Hole-in-one contests will also be available.

Call Ken Nellis, Athletic Coordinator, at 375-4857 for more information.

For the latest news on all Penn State DuBois athletic programs, schedules, and results, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

An introductory course for adults who are thinking of attending college will be offered during Penn State DuBois' Kids in College (KIC) program this summer.  The child of anyone who takes the course will be permitted to attend KIC for free during the June 18-22 session.  Since they're offered at the same time, parents and their kids can conveniently attend classes on campus together, making family scheduling easy.

Since 1985, KIC and other summer programs at Penn State DuBois have provided fun learning opportunities in reading, science, art, and more for thousands of youngsters from infants through high school aged kids.  The main objectives of the programs are to increase students' interest and knowledge in the arts, science, and technology, and to provide challenging experiences which are not part of their regular school curriculum. 

The course for adults, PSU 008, is designed to help people who are interested in returning to school make a smooth transition into becoming a student once again.  An adult learner is anyone who is considered to be above the age range of a traditional age college student, or is 24 years of age or older, a veteran, has assumed multiple roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee or student, or are returning to school after four or more years of employment, homemaking or other activity .    

The course is a first year seminar and will count as one credit toward a Penn State degree. 

It will provide instruction on how to adjust to the high expectations, demanding workload, increased academic requirements, and other aspects of the transition to college life.

Maureen Horan, campus co-director of Academic Affairs will instruct the course.  Horan said, "This course opens the door to all the information you will need to access for a complete educational experience.  We'll learn how to access the databases and all the books in the Penn State Library system for research projects, how to use the computers and software that are available to you, how to do a degree audit to keep track of your coursework for whatever major you choose, how to register yourself for courses, and much more that will help you make the most of your Penn State experience."

Students will also be made aware of tutoring services and other academic support programs on campus that are available to them, including the Office of

Adult Students and Veteran Services.   

PSU 008 is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. until Noon from June 18 through June 22, during the summer's first KIC session.  For tuition fees and registration information, contact Sueann Doran, Adult Student and Veteran Services Coordinator, at 814-375-4716, or srd145@psu.edu

Derek Burdick, a 2012 graduate of Penn State DuBois has received the John Egli Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award from the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) for 2011-12.  The PSUAC selected one male and one female recipient from over 1,300 student-athletes throughout the Commonwealth Campuses. 

The award was established in honor of Assistant Professor John Egli in recognition of his dedication and devotion to the University, where he served as a student, athlete, faculty member and coach. Particularly significant were his service and contributions as the first Commonwealth Campus Coordinator of Athletics. Egli was responsible for establishing and developing the athletic programs currently enjoyed by countless students across the Penn State system, and served as athletic director and men’s basketball coach at Penn State DuBois.

To be considered for the award, a student must have had a distinguished athletic career in a campus athletic program, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, be a full-time, upper-class student, be active in other campus activities and exemplify high morals, leadership and outstanding character.

Burdick earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business Management while playing on the men's basketball team at Penn State DuBois for four years.  He was diagnosed with a severe illness during his senior season, which kept him out of several games and limited his play in others.  However, Burdick did not let his illness prohibit him from being a mentor to the younger players and a key contributor to the team's 2012 PSUAC Championship win. 

Burdick has been recognized by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) as an Academic All-American three times during his career. He also served as team captain for two seasons. 

"Derek's leadership on and off the court were invaluable to Coach Bennett and his staff," said Penn State DuBois Athletic Coordinator Ken Nellis. 

Burdick is the son of Michelle and Paul Burdick of Coudersport, who were on hand at a luncheon at the State College Ramada Inn and Conference Center to see Derek receive his award. 

The female selection for the John Egli award was Bobbie Caprice from Penn State Brandywine.  Also honored at the luncheon was Penn State DuBois head men’s basketball coach Dave Bennett.  Coach Bennett was selected as the PSUAC Coach of the Year for men's basketball.  Bennett thanked his assistant coaches and his players for a year of hard work and achievement. He said he shares the award with all his players and staff.

With just a few summer credits left to earn, Ken Radzieta will graduate from Penn State in August with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in geography.  He has carried a grade point average of either 4.0, or close to it, for much of his time as a student.  However, it's been a long journey for the 30 year old DuBois native. He failed out of the university on his first attempt as a traditional age student.  Looking back, Radzieta now tells a story of hope, and personal inspiration; and has proven to himself that, at one time or another, everyone deserves a second chance.

"It was a combination of distractions," Radzieta remembered of his first years in college.  "I was more interested in social life than I was in academic life."  

Radzieta first enrolled at Penn State DuBois in the fall of 2000, at the age of 18.  After transferring to University Park, his time as a student ended in the fall of 2005.  Getting word that his grades would not allow him to continue at Penn State, Radzieta said, was a wakeup call. 

"The first thing I told myself was that I'm going back," said Radzieta.  However, he had to ride out Penn State's process of academic renewal, which requires a four year waiting period before reenrollment is allowed.  "For that four year waiting period, life kind of had to stop for me," he said. 

During that time, Radzieta continued to live in State College, taking a job at the Center Daily Times newspaper, working in the circulation and advertising departments at different times.  From there, he went to work at Home Depot.  While he was paying the bills, Radzieta still wanted more out of life, and kept waiting for the chance to go back to college.

"One thing that motivated me is that I watched all of my friends advancing through life; graduating, getting their master's, starting careers," Radzieta said.  "Everyone else moved on, and I didn't.  I limited myself too much.  So, I decided that the next time I would grab this university and make it my own." 

The waiting period gave Radzieta the time he needed to prepare himself, as well.  He said, "A significant portion of those four years was dedicated to reinventing myself."

He began exercising, running every day, and shed many pounds that he said he put on due to a previously unhealthy lifestyle.  He joined back up with his Army Reserve unit in St. Marys, that he had previously served with.  There, he rose to the rank of sergeant.   He also became involved with the Civil Air Patrol in the State College area, and ended up leading their cadet program.  He took on the same level of responsibility at work, and continued his full time employment at Home Depot.

In the fall of 2010, Radzieta was ready to give Penn State another try. 

"My first day back at school, I had butterflies in my stomach," he remembered.  "There was now an age difference between me and the other students.  I was in a room filled with 18 year olds." 

The butterflies soon passed, however, as Radzieta became aware that many other adult learners, in fact, are enrolled at Penn State.  He also became used to his new role as an adult student.  He said, "As an adult learner, I wanted to contribute to the classroom."  Which he did, using the life experience he had gained during the academic renewal waiting period. 

As he continued to work full time and go to college, Radzieta also remained dedicated to his Army Reserve and Civil Air Patrol duties.  With much more outside responsibility, he said life as a returning adult student has been much different than life as a traditional age student.  In fact, the differences helped to keep him on track.  He said, "For me, it has been a lot different.  It's the time management that comes into play.  I had no opportunity to waste time any more.  So, every decision I made was made with my future in mind." 

One of the best of those decisions, Radzieta said, was seizing the opportunity to study abroad with Penn State's Parks and People program.  He spent 10 weeks this spring in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, studying and working at a nature reserve, and completing his geography minor.  The Parks and People program integrates teaching, research and service across multiple disciplines related to the management of protected areas, community, social and economic development, and public education in ecosystem services.  Not only did the experience provide academic benefits, but Radzieta said it opened his eyes to global needs and service work.

"It gave me an entirely different lens to view the world through," Radzieta said.  "They took students who live in a very privileged country, and took us to a place where it can be first and third world almost at the same time. It changes the way you look at things here." 

Part of the appreciation he now has for the U.S. comes not just from observing the culture in South Africa, but from becoming a part of it for a short time.

"It's not even exposure to another culture, its cultural emersion," Radzieta said.  "This wasn't a typical study abroad trip where you stay in a nice hotel and eat at nice restaurants.  For 20 days, I lived on a nature reserve, in a cottage with no electricity."

During this time, he also worked with children at the local schools, and learned some of their native language of Xhosa. 

Now, with international travel under his belt, and a bachelor's degree almost in his grasp, Radzieta is weighing his options for the future.  He may continue to get his master's degree.  He may pursue a career in education.  He has the summer to think about it.  One thing, however, he is certain of.  He said, "After going through everything I've been through, and to do what I have now done, I feel like I can do anything." 

An information session is slated at Penn State DuBois where registered nurses can learn more about earning their bachelor's degree in nursing. 

The Accelerated RN to BS Degree offers two program options for registered nurses to quickly earn a B.S. in nursing in either three or four semesters.  Classes will be held at Penn State DuBois, and in St. Marys using teleconferencing that will connect students with instructors at Penn State Altoona, or Penn State Fayette. 

The Penn State Altoona course consists of 12 credits, or four courses, per semester over the course of four semesters.  The classes will meet on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. for the entire length of the program.

The program offered by Penn State Fayette features 18 credits per semester, or six courses per semester, for three semesters.  Classes are scheduled on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The information session on the RN to BS programs at Penn State DuBois is designed to give nurses interested in a bachelor's degree more complete information about the entire program and the two options available.  The session is planned for 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, in room 201 of the DEF Building at Penn State DuBois.

RSVP to Sueann at (814) 375-4716 or sdoran@psu.edu

Anne Ziegler, of Ridgway, graduated from Penn State DuBois on a Saturday, and started her full-time job in the accounting department at Goodwill Industries of North Central Pennsylvania the following Monday.  However, what may appear as a ride on the fast track is really due to Ziegler's ability to work hard and seize good opportunities.

Ziegler returned to college as an adult learner after years of running her own nail salon.  Looking for a career change, Ziegler said she mustered up the courage to enroll at Penn State DuBois and pursue a bachelor's degree in business with an emphasis in accounting.  

"It's a major decision to go back to school as an adult learner," she said.  "But you have to remember that you're not the only one doing it.  We're all doing it together and with support from other adult learners and people on campus, you can do it.  You don't know what doors might open up for you."

The doors that would open for Zeigler included the opportunity to work for Goodwill part-time while completing her degree.  Armed with the same confidence she had built up while making her decision to become a student again, she answered a classified ad Goodwill had placed in the newspaper advertising the part-time accounting job.  She remembered, "I was looking for something to compliment my degree and give me experience that would apply to my new career. I applied for the position not knowing how this would turn out."

It turned out to be the very beginning of Ziegler's new career.  She went to work, part-time, at Goodwill's Falls Creek office in January of 2011, over a year before she graduated with her degree. 

"Goodwill was willing to work with me; work around my schedule, and willing to teach me the things I didn't know yet," Ziegler said, noting that the combination of experience and employment that she had obtained was an ideal fit with her various roles as a wife, mother, and student. 

Then, administrators at Goodwill decided to establish an internship program. With good relationships already established, Ziegler was also able to land the internship at Goodwill, filling a requirement of her curriculum.  

"The internship actually expanded my knowledge of accounting and working with payroll," Ziegler said, explaining that the internship guidelines required her to work beyond the responsibilities of her initial part-time position.  "Goodwill Industries of North Central Pennsylvania employs 400 people at 35 locations, so the payroll work can be complex."

The experience Ziegler gained through her part-time work and internship led to more opportunity as Goodwill looked to expand their accounting department.  With her Penn State degree under her belt, Ziegler rose to the top of the candidate pool. 

"I think the business curriculum at the campus gave me a well-rounded education," Ziegler said.  "I was able to contribute to so many areas, and that opened more doors for me."

Ziegler's supervisor, Chief Financial Officer at Goodwill Industries of North Central Pennsylvania, Tom Glasl agreed.  He said, "She's been fantastic.  She came very prepared, and that's why we gave her the internship here."

Glasl said that before Ziegler, Goodwill did not offer many internships, but that is about to change.

"Her internship here showed us what to do and how well internships can work," Glasl said. 

Goodwill now plans to take on one Penn State DuBois student intern each semester. 

"They get a great experience.  We are a traditional non-profit, but we're run like a business.  So, they get a good look at both non-profit and business operations," said Glasl.   

As an intern, turned employee, Ziegler said the experience was just what she was looking for.  The new Penn State DuBois alumna now looks back fondly at how far she has come, while she looks ahead to future accomplishments.

"I have met a lot of goals that I set for myself five years ago.  I'm very happy," Ziegler said.  Her experience, however, has also inspired her to keep learning.  "I'm planning to take more classes, and maybe go back for a master's."

Nearly 200 seventh grade girls from around the region were introduced to careers that require skills in mathematics and science during the Math Options Program at Penn State DuBois on May 8.  

Math Options is an annual program that is designed teach young girls how to apply mathematics and science skills to a variety of real-world situations.  The goal of the program is to keep these youngsters interested in mathematics by showing them the opportunities and satisfaction that they can realize through its use.  The program is aimed at the specific seventh grade female demographic for a reason.

"Seventh grade is a critical age when girls start to lose interest in math," said Senior Instructor in Education Pamela Hufnagel.  "Programs like this have been proven to help hold that interest.  Strong evidence exists that women are often limited in career options due to early decisions not to study math and science. "

The girls experienced the various ways that mathematics is applied to different fields by participating in workshops held throughout the campus during the day-long program.  The workshops focused on fields including healthcare, geography, geology, marketing, and more.  Hufnagel said, "Our sessions are led by professional women in nontraditional careers who demonstrate real-world perspectives of math, science, and engineering. We're trying to expose the girls to interesting career options.  There are many things that people do for a living that children of this age just aren't aware of." 

"I think it's a great experience and opportunity for the students," said Jackie Mills, a seventh grade math teacher in the Philipsburg-Osceola school district who accompanied her students to the campus.  "They get a feel for the campus and college, but also get a better look at the math and science that they'll use in the future." 

Participating in the program were students from schools in Brockway, Brookville, Clarion, DuBois, Johnsonburg, Kane, Philipsburg-Osceola, Punxsutawney, Redbank Valley, and St. Marys.

Penn State DuBois students also assisted in the instruction and supervision of youth in the program. 

It was a busy, but very eventful weekend for the Pernesky family of Falls Creek.  Jeff and Susanne Pernesky's three daughters all graduated with their own college degrees on the same day, May 5.  Two of the girls, Beth and Emily, graduated together at Penn State DuBois commencement ceremonies.  The third, Carrie, graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Master of International Social Work degree.

"I think it's really unique, not many families can have three kids graduate college in the same year, and none of us are even twins or triplets," said Beth, who just earned her bachelor degree in criminal justice. She graduated from DuBois Central Catholic High School in 2007.

Emily, the new Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) graduate and 2008 Central Catholic grad, agreed. She said, "I think it is pretty awesome.  Our family is unique."  She then went on to explain even more ties the family has to Penn State DuBois.  "Everyone in our family is Penn State.  We all have degrees from here, and we all bleed blue and white." 

It's true that everyone in their family, including the parents, are Penn State DuBois alums.  Carrie, though she completed her graduate work in South Carolina, did attend the campus after graduating from DuBois Central Catholic High School in 2004. She holds two bachelor degrees from Penn State in HDFS and psychology.  Jeff earned an Associate in Business degree at the campus in 1996, and Susanne a degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences in 1979.   Emily and Beth's graduations this spring made the Pernesky home a true Penn State Alumni household. 

What's more is Jeff has been employed at Penn State DuBois for 34 years as a maintenance mechanic. 

"My family is a Penn State family. We eat, sleep, talk, and bleed blue and white," said Carrie. "Most people say 'We are…Penn State.'  We say The Perneskys are…Penn State." 

Jeff and Susanne attended commencement at Penn State DuBois to see Beth and Emily graduate, just as they had attended Carrie's Penn State graduation.  Carrie said she wanted her parents to be there for her sisters.

"What are the odds two universities over 11 hours and five states away would hold graduation on the same day?  I can only imagine how hard of a decision it must have been for my parents regarding our graduations," Carrie said. "It would be selfish of me to deny my sisters and my parents the opportunity to experience their undergraduate graduation ceremony.  I know my family and I, even though we are hundreds of miles apart, remain close in our minds and our hearts." 

As a big sister, a big part of Carrie wanted to be in DuBois for the ceremony, too.  She said, "I am very proud of both of my sisters for their academic accomplishments.  Beth has not only managed a part-time job, but she has also maintained a strong GPA as a student athlete.  Emily has the keen ability to handle multiple tasks at once, all the while having exceptional time management skills.  Emily has juggled a part-time job since her freshmen year of college."

The pride Carrie feels, of course, can only be matched by the pride that Mom and Dad feel. 

"It's been amazing.  Each one of them is so different, and does things their own way, but they're all doing really well," Jeff said.  "I'm equally proud of them.  We've been blessed, truly." 

Jeff said having all three of his girls attend the campus where he works and where he and his wife attended has been a joy, as well.  He said, "You form bonds.  It's life changing.  Penn State DuBois changed our lives.  It changed our lives for the better.  It doesn't matter if you're faculty, staff, or a student, you're family."

Though the impact of the campus on his family has been great, Jeff still keeps things in perspective. 

"Even though Penn State DuBois has been a big part of my life, the best thing that has ever happened to me is the four women from the house in Falls Creek." 

Madlyn Hanes reminded the nearly 100 graduates and their families and friends that support from others is critical to individual success during her commencement address at Penn State DuBois on Saturday.  Hanes is vice president of the Commonwealth Campuses and dean of the University College of the Pennsylvania State University, and served as special guest speaker for commencement ceremonies.  

"Graduates, this is your day, and we are all gathered in celebration and recognition of your good work and knowing that many of you reached your educational goals, and completed your degrees while balancing the demands of work and family along with your pursuit of higher education," Hanes said. "Today’s celebration is a particularly momentous occasion, and a sweet, sweet victory.  Congratulations, graduates. We applaud you."

Hanes then asked the graduates to acknowledge the people who supported them in various ways as they worked toward completing their degrees.

"Most graduates tell me that they were helped along the way by family and friends who encouraged them, supported them, remained patient with them, especially during crunch times when papers and presentations came due and studying for mid-terms and finals required their complete attention," remarked Hanes.  "The graduates before us today have family and friends who kept life’s everyday distractions from interrupting their progress toward graduation.  Today is a shared victory and we have them to thank as well." 

The message Hanes shared about appreciation for support came from her own experiences, which she also shared.  She said, "I, like many of you, was the first in my family to complete college, and go on to graduate school to earn a master’s and Ph.D.

The story of my own educational journey begins, like many others begin, with family.

I could not have succeeded without the help of my family."

Recognizing the closely knit community on campus, Hanes also credited professionals at Penn State DuBois for going above and beyond the call of duty for students.

"Our talented faculty who taught you content, yes, but who inspired and mentored you, who helped you find your voices and express yourselves, who challenged you as learners to aim high and higher still," Hanes said.  "And the dedicated staff and administrators who assisted you in your journey, supported your learning, directed you to needed resources, and engaged you in co-curricular activities and leadership opportunities.

The faculty, staff and administration of Penn State DuBois welcomed you as a valued member of the campus community."

In the end, Hanes stressed that all types of support that students receive is a gift that helps to make the greatest achievements possible.  Among the greatest achievements in anyone's life, Hanes said, is earning an education.

"Education is a great equalizer.  No matter your background, education levels the playing field and opens doors as easily for those who were first in their families to go to college as for those who followed generations of college educated family members," Hanes said. She then asked graduates to, in turn, offer to others the same kindness that has been offered to them.  "I hope that each of you, in time, becomes someone else’s champion, someone else’s hero."

Hanes has executive oversight for the 20 Commonwealth Campuses, including Penn State DuBois. Those campuses enroll 34,000 students in associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees.  She provides leadership for Penn State's multiple missions across the Commonwealth. In addition, as the Dean of the University College, Hanes provides academic leadership on curricular matters and promotion and tenure reviews for 14 of the campuses, which comprise the University College.  

From 2000-2010, Hanes served as Chancellor of Penn State Harrisburg, the Capital College.  Hanes joined Penn State in 1988 as the chief academic officer of Penn State Delaware County, now Penn State Brandywine.  In 1997, she was named chief executive officer of Penn State Great Valley, the graduate campus of Penn State serving southeastern Pennsylvania, and in 1998, founding head of its School of Graduate Professional Studies. 

Hanes earned a B.A. with high honors in English education, M.A. in speech-language pathology, and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, with a specialization in language and literacy development, from the University of Florida.  In 2008, the University of Florida honored her with the University Distinguished Alumnus Award.   

Penn State DuBois Chancellor Anita McDonald presided over the commencement ceremony and conferred degrees.  Senior Instructor in Education Pamela Hufnagel served as faculty marshal. 

"I am confident that each one of you will make contributions to our society and our world in your own, unique way," McDonald told the graduates. 

Instructor of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) James Kuterbach has been named the DuBois Educational Foundation (DEF) Educator of the Year. Nominations for the award come straight from the students themselves, and each year the DEF presents the award to a Penn State DuBois faculty member who has made a difference in the lives of students. 

DEF President James Baker presented the award to Kuterbach.  He also shared some comments from students who nominated Kuterbach for the award. 

One student said, "He has a true love of teaching and can always get his students excited and engaged in learning. Learning is fun when he is teaching, and students always leave his class excited to come back for the next one."

Another student said of Kuterbach, "I have never met such a dedicated person.  He has so many inspiring stories about his experience in HDFS." 

"Mr. Kuterbach has the ability to inspire those that he teaches. He shows respect to his students and goes above and beyond our expectations," said one student nominator. That student also related ways in which Kuterbach was supportive as they dealt with an illness in their family, and the death of a loved one.   The student said, "Needless to say, I missed some classes.  Without the help of Mr. Kuterbach, I could not have stayed on top of my classwork.  He is truly my hero for this semester and totally deserves this award." 

Upon receiving the Educator of the Year Award, Kuterbach said, "I'm overwhelmed. It feels great to know that my students nominated me for this, and said such nice things. It's easy to be a good instructor, though, when you have such great students, and have the support from faculty and staff that we have here."

Kuterbach's HDFS students go on to work in fields such as mental health, addiction counseling, behavioral counseling, probation, and more.

In addition to teaching, Kuterbach also serves on the campus Early Intervention Committee, which assists students dealing with emotional, behavioral, or academic issues. He also serves on the campus Enrollment Management Committee. 

Penn State DuBois employees were recently recognized for their length of service to the campus.  Penn State DuBois annually recognizes faculty and staff members for their years of employment when they reach personal five year milestones.

Those recognized this year, pictured left to right, are:

Front Row, seated: Sandra McChesney, 15 years; Sylvia Roberts, 15 years; Terry Hinton, 5 years; Jeanne Hunter, 10 years; Jeannine Hanes, 5 years; Shelly Luchini, 15 years; Neyda Abreu, 5 years; Carrie Bishop, 5 years, Pamela Hufnagle, 25 yeas. 

Back Row, standing: Steve Harmic, 5 years; Barb Kopshina, 5 years; Diane Gigliotti-Sprat, 15 years; Brian Hart, 15 years; Patti Maholtz, 5 years; Brian Weiner, 25 years; John Johnson, 30 years; Mary Mino, 25 years; Jason Long, 10 years; Dave Sorg, 15 years; Robert Loeb, 25 years; Marge Pendzick, 15 years; Keely Roen, 10 years; Tammy Ott, 5 years; Marly Dotty, 5 years; Heather Parizek, 5 years. 

Members of Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited (PWHU) recently made their annual contribution to the organization's scholarship fund at Penn State DuBois. 

Established in 2001, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited Scholarship provides financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate students enrolled in the Wildlife Technology program at Penn State DuBois. Each year, PWHU contributes $3,000 to the fund.

Three Wildlife Technology students befitted from the scholarship this year.  They are Theresa Ciavarella of Altoona, Kelen Fierst of Mayport, and Nicholas Moore of Brockway. 

"I'm very grateful for this scholarship," said Ciavarella.  "Any money we can get to help pay tuition is a big help; I live on my own, so it can be tough." 

PWHU is a non-profit, volunteer organization based in DuBois. They are made up of local outdoors enthusiasts, environmentalists, and sportsmen and sportswomen.  According to PWHU members, the organization was created in 1985 with the sole purpose of improving and creating wildlife habitat. They create environmental awareness through education and club sponsored projects, working to help sustain all forms of wildlife.

A Penn State DuBois student has been recognized for taking a stand.  Staci Neal has received the Stand Up Award from the Rock Ethics Institute at Penn State.

According to the Rock Ethics Institute, their mission is to promote ethics across the university through education, research and outreach.  Neal was named a Stand Up award winner for her dedication to fair and ethical treatment of all people, from all backgrounds and lifestyles.

To learn more about Staci Neal, and view her Rock Ethics Institute video, visit http://rockethics.psu.edu/leadership/standup/2012/neal.shtml

Students from a wide variety of academic programs, as well as faculty and staff members were honored at the 73rd Annual Delta Mu Sigma Honors Convocation at Penn State DuBois Friday night.  Awards at the Honors Convocation recognize students for an array of accomplishments, ranging from academic excellence, to overcoming hardships to succeed.  Members of the staff and faculty were celebrated for their commitment to supporting students and service to the campus and community.

"We, the faculty and staff, really enjoy taking this time to pause and recognize the students for their achievements," said Chancellor Anita McDonald.  "They've certainly risen to the occasion.  This is a very special time." 

Student and Delta Mu Sigma Chairman Adam Snyder commended his peers by saying, "These students should be proud of themselves.  They have made a difference and made this campus and their community a better place."

Delta Mu Sigma reaches out to DuBois and the surrounding area by offering community service such as a "Dine Out" event at Luigi's Restaurant, with part of the proceeds benefiting scholarship funds.  Members have volunteered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, and organize a haunted house on campus each Halloween and donate proceeds to local charities. 

More than 200 Penn State DuBois students are members of Delta Mu Sigma. In order to qualify for membership, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, and be involved in campus or community service.

Honors Convocation award recipients and campus honors students for 2012 are pictured left to right:

Row 1: PJ Monella, Kirsten Renwick, Colleen Coudriet, Andrew Piccolo, Adam Snyder, Marilyn Lotito, Hillary Yarger, Louise Whyte, Chrissy Lockwood, Lacey Gamble, Daniel Kalgren, Robert Powell, Brandon Genevro.

Row 2: Melissa McTavish, Melanie Gillingham, Josh Kunig, Rebecca Horner, Zachery Thayer, Cori Bus, Dawn Tett, Angela Stahlman, Alexandra Blose, Carol Lee Long, Ann Zeigler, Pam Hufnagel (assistant professor, recipient of Chancellor's Award), John Tolle (instructor, faculty award recipient), Beau Hooftallen, Judith Yablinsky.

Row 3: Terry Hinton (advising coordinator, staff award recipient), Amanda Ickes, April Sperfslage, Wanda Ferguson, Chris Albert, Jennifer Olay, Emily Callender, Kelen Fierst, Kayla Barr, Rachael Fairman, Emily Aiello, Hope Senior, Jason Long (instructor, faculty award recipient), Jessica Noland.

Row 4: Charlie Higgs, Staci Neal, Jaci Gordon, Becca Kear, Chase Lyle, Owen Samuels, Steve Zanoni, Tim Clouser, Nick Moore. 

Penn State DuBois students who received scholarships during this academic year had the chance to meet some of the people who have helped to make their education possible at the annual Scholarship Luncheon held Friday at the DuBois Country Club.  All scholars and scholarship donors where invited to the luncheon. 

Speakers at the event included both scholarship recipients, and those who donated to, or established funds. Aside from hearing personal testimonies about why people give, or how the gifts are appreciated, those on both sides of giving had the chance to meet and interact with one another. 

"It shows that Penn State DuBois appreciates our hard work and is rewarding us," said student Nicholas Lavella, of Kersey, about receiving his scholarship.  "It gives you motivation to work harder." 

For many students, scholarships make education possible when it may otherwise be out of their reach, financially.

"Getting scholarship money means I don't have to work as many jobs, or as many hours at my jobs just to get money to pay for school," said Cameo Parana, of Wilcox. 

The opportunities that scholarship dollars open up for students like Lavella and Parana are the reasons people give to those funds; to help others grow, and make a difference for themselves and their communities. 

"We can't launch kids into the working world with tens of thousands of dollars in debt," said donor Bob Hallstrom, of Hallstrom Construction.  "So, we want to help.  And we give locally to Penn State DuBois, because the campus is an incredible asset to our community, and to our area students." 

As the students got to know the donors, Chancellor Anita McDonald reminded them, "This is the opportunity to put a face with the name or organization that has helped to fund your education.  You can see there are real people who are responsible for providing the funding you received, and that these scholarships have deep meaning for them." 

Brendan Wesdock, an expert in geospatial technology and mapping systems, such as global positioning systems (GPS), offered a comprehensive look at the technology and its global influence during the annual Umbaugh Lecture at Penn State DuBois on April 18.  Wesdock's lecture, "There’s a Map for That:  The History and Influence of Geospatial Technologies in our Everyday Lives",  delved deep into the history of mapping, illustrated the ways in which modern GPS and satellite systems were developed, and provided insight on how geospatial technology will further develop in the future. He pointed to items that people use every day, such as smartphones and Facebook, which were influenced by geospatial technology.

Wesdock is a senior associate and the director of military solutions with GeoDecisions, a division of Gannett Fleming, which specializes in information technology and geographic information systems. He is the program manager for GeoDecisions' IRRIS program, which supports transportation security and logistics for the U.S. Department of Defense. 

Before launching his career, Wesdock grew up in DuBois and Clearfield.  He attended Penn State DuBois, and majored in geography. 

Just as Wesdock's career in geography evolved into working in geospatial disciplines using satellite systems, he explained to his audience that the first basic maps led to the eventual development of today's highly advanced GPS systems.

"It all started with land surveying," Wesdock said.  "People have had maps for centuries, but they weren't the intelligent maps we have now."  He explained that government initiatives in the United States spurred the development of maps that included more information.  It began with U.S. Geological Survey topographical mapping, and spread to the use of aerial photography.  Eventually, Wesdock said, what began as hand drawn maps evolved into technologically advanced systems like Google Earth, which can locate specific locations around the globe with satellites, and show users an actual photo of that location.  He further explained, "Technology has come such a long way, that smartphones with GPS are accurate enough to locate people, not just in an individual house, but even pin-point what room of the house they're in." 

Wesdock went on to describe how such technology is used in other significant areas, such as road construction, management of the earth's forests and other vegetation, and more. IRRIS, the program that he managers, uses the technology to map out safe routes for the transport of military arms, ammunition, and supplies, and to provide real-time weather and traffic updates to the transport teams. 

The lecture was free and open to the public.  The Umbaugh Lecture at Penn State DuBois is made possible each year by the generosity of Robert and Joyce Umbaugh.  Lecture organizer and campus mathematics instructor John Tolle said, "Robert and Joyce Umbaugh established this lectureship to bring knowledgeable speakers in the fields of science and technology to the campus each year.  We are very thankful to them for supporting the campus in this very important way." 

Penn State DuBois students, as well as faculty and staff members, and members of the community rallied in support of victims of violence at the annual Take Back the Night Rally held on campus Wednesday evening.  Organized by members of the campus Students, Allies, Friends and Educators (SAFE) Club and the Penn State DuBois Women's Liaison Committee, the event is held each year to show support for women who have been victims of violence. The rally also provides those victims a venue to tell their stories, and to help others by sharing their experiences.

Leading up to the rally, the SAFE Club held the Clothesline Project on campus. For three days, T-shirts and fabric paint were made available to anyone who wished to decorate a T-shirt to spread their own message against domestic abuse or violence, or to honor someone who has been a victim.  The shirts were then hung in the Student Union and in other areas around campus to raise awareness of these social evils. 

Some survivors of abuse or violence chose to tell their stories at the rally, but were not identified in order to protect their own privacy.  SAFE Club president and cofounder Staci Neal said sharing their experiences is a very important part of the healing process for those survivors.  She said, "Very often, telling the story is what turns a victim into a survivor." 

Because of the healing that comes from sharing, campus students stay inspired to hold the rally each year.  "It's so important for women to have the opportunity to tell their story, and it's rare that you have that opportunity," said Jaci Gordon, the vice president and cofounder of the SAFE Club.  "We want to continue to give them the platform to be heard from." 

Student Marilyn Lotito of Punxsutawney echoed that support for sharing stories of survival as she sat in the Student Union, decorating a shirt for the Clothesline Project.  Lotito said, "Domestic violence happens to women all the time and it's swept under the rug.  People don't want to talk about it because they're ashamed.  This brings it to the forefront where everyone can see it, and then they have to think about it." 

Kids in College (KIC) and the Art, Science, and Technology (AST) Institute summer youth programs at Penn State DuBois have a slightly different appearance this year.  Courses for ages four through kindergarten will be offered on a Monday through Thursday morning or afternoon schedule, but all other courses will be day-long and will explore a new theme daily. The courses will mainly focus on the fields of science, technology, engineering, math and art and directly relate to the academic programs of study offered at Penn State DuBois.

"Preparing youth for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math includes provoking, informing, and stimulating creative thinking. Through hands-on experiments, activities, and projects, students will gain meaningful and relevant learning experiences this summer at Penn State DuBois," said Jeannine Hanes, Youth Program Coordinator.

Youth in Grades one to six can attend one-day courses during the week of June 18-22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or attend all week with a discounted rate. The daily themes are:  Mad Science Monday, Technology Tuesday, Wild Wednesday, Totally Talented Thursday, and Fantasy Fun Friday.

An SAT Preparation course will also be held for students in grades 10 to 12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 12-28, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Penn State DuBois Lions Basketball Camps are scheduled from Monday through Thursday, June 11-14, for boys and girls grades one to four and for boys grades five to eight.  

Unfortunately, the girls' camp for grades five through nine will not be held this year due to scheduling conflicts.

The DuBois Lions Wrestling Camp is scheduled Monday through Thursday, July 9-12, for boys in grades 1-12.

Limited scholarships are available based on financial need.  For a complete list of courses, descriptions, schedules, and registration information, as well as additional information regarding youth programs at Penn State DuBois, please visit www.ds.psu.edu/youth  or call Jeannine at 814-375-4836

Madlyn Hanes, Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses and Dean of the University College of the Pennsylvania State University, will serve as commencement speaker at Penn State DuBois spring commencement ceremonies.  The ceremony is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, in the Multipurpose Building Gymnasium on campus. 

Hanes was named to her current post in 2010. As vice president, Hanes has executive oversight for the 20 Commonwealth Campuses, including Penn State DuBois. Those campuses enroll 34,000 students in associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees.  She provides leadership for Penn State's multiple missions across the Commonwealth, including its core mission of excellence in teaching, research, and service; strategic planning; budgeting; fundraising, alumni relations and outreach; and management of the campuses’ facilities.  In addition, as the Dean of the University College, Hanes provides academic leadership on curricular matters and promotion and tenure reviews for 14 of the campuses, which comprise the University College.

From 2000-2010, Hanes served as Chancellor of Penn State Harrisburg, the Capital College.  Penn State Harrisburg is a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate school of approximately 4,500 degree students, and an additional 3,500 continuing education students.  Hanes joined Penn State University in 1988 as the chief academic officer of Penn State Delaware County, now Penn State Brandywine.  In 1997, she was named chief executive officer of Penn State Great Valley, the graduate campus of Penn State serving southeastern Pennsylvania, and in 1998, founding head of its School of Graduate Professional Studies. 

Hanes holds the rank of Professor and a C.C.C. in speech-language pathology from the Professional Services Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  Hanes earned a B.A. with high honors in English education, M.A. in speech-language pathology, and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, with a specialization in language and literacy development, from the University of Florida.  In 2008, the University of Florida honored her with the University Distinguished Alumnus Award.   

Hanes has served as a consultant to international ministries of education and boards of higher education in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Israel and Korea, including a special appointment to the University Council of Jamaica by the Prime Minister.  Hanes chaired the Penn State University Commission for Undergraduate Education from 1992-95, a presidential commission with strategic oversight of student learning assessment outcomes, curriculum integration, and the evaluation and development of teaching for the undergraduate campuses of the University.  In 1999-2000, she served as the Senior Adviser to the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, overseeing a management review of its 34 higher education institutions in conjunction with the Governor’s budget and policy office.

Hanes is the immediate past chair of the network executive board of the Office of Women in Higher Education and a former member (2006-2011) of the Commission on Women in Higher Education with the American Council on Education (ACE).  She also serves on the executive committee of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).  

For more information on Spring Commencement at Penn State DuBois, visit http://www.ds.psu.edu/Academics/DuBoisCommencement.htm

Penn State DuBois students had the opportunity to meet area business leaders, and received valuable job searching tips at the annual Networking Lunch held on April 16, in the DEF Building. 

Representatives from various companies and alumni working in various fields were invited to meet with students at the luncheon and offer insight into their industries.  Students had the chance to network with these representatives and have their questions answered.

The students and professionals who attended also listened to presentations by Penn State staff and alumni on topics including job search tips, financial planning and management, and the importance of networking and finding a mentor. 

"The classifieds in the newspaper are not the only place to look for jobs anymore," said Penn State Regional Job and Internship Developer Stephanie DeMaro.  "The classifieds are one part of it; today there are so many other places to network and search.  Social media, for example, provides so many networking opportunities."

DeMaro drove home the value that the campus Networking Lunch has for students as another opportunity to jump start their career.  The students agreed.

"This helps with gaining experience in talking and interacting with professionals," said business and marketing major Cori Bus.  "Events like this have given me the courage to network."

"I think events like these are really helpful.  You can find an internship or a job at these," said another business and marketing major, Kendra Chamberlin.  Chamberlin noted that she did, in fact, land an internship for this summer while attending a previous Penn State networking and internship event.   

John Adduci, of Vision Creative Solutions of Punxsutawney, was one of the professionals who attended the luncheon.  His company provides marketing services for other local companies who don't have their own in-house marketing department. He said the events like the luncheon help businesses just as much as they help the student-jobseekers. 

"We're in the market for an intern.  With an intern, we can get more done for our clients," Adduci said.  "I wanted to see if any of the people here had the writing skills or design skills we're looking for.  We're always looking for young talent." 

Student athletes from the Penn State DuBois varsity sports programs were recognized for their achievements over the past season at the annual All Sports Banquet on Sunday evening in the Student Union.  

Coaches and athletes reflected on the highlights of their seasons, including trips to national championships for the men's basketball and wrestling teams.  Other highlights of from this year include the men's basketball team winning the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Championship, coach Dave Bennett being named the PSUAC Coach of the year, and  freshman wrestler Chike Okolo becoming the first Penn State DuBois wrestler to earn the National Collegiate Wrestling Association's (NCWA) All-American honors.

Students received awards for having been named All-American players, All-Conference players, Academic All-American players, and Academic All-Conference players.  Student athletes who receive academic honors must have a semester GPA of at least 3.0 or higher during the semester of competition, or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a completion of 24 credits.

Chancellor Anita McDonald spoke about the lasting influence athletics has on people's lives.  She said, "I see in this room future business people, medical professionals, community leaders, philanthropists, and more.  You're going to be successful, in large part, due to the experience you've had here, being involved with athletics."

McDonald also urged the athletes to take the discipline they've developed in their sport, and apply it to being a good citizen and leader.  "Be a leader.  Be a leader now and in the future, for your community," she said.  "Don't ever forget that you have that ability." 

Student athletes pictured are:

Front row, seated: Alyssa Wetzel, Lauren Topolski, Karly Carnovale, Beth Perneski, Lynnie Schirmer, Karlee Cyphert, Nicole McClain.

Row Two: Nick Bogacki, Sean Schake, Josh Kunig, Casey Haines, Shane Alterio, Garrett Zarecky, Chike Okolo, Derek Burdick, Kai Ahmad, Woody Mitchell, Jovan Brown, Kelsey Rini, Kyley Mickle, Tessa Vargas, Patience McCullough, Kaitlyn Karpinski.

Row Three: Joe Shields, Michael Oleniacz, Isaiah Jordan, Derrick Williams, John Hau, Chris Dickison, Will Welles.

In back: Shakeal Brown. 

For more on all of the accomplishments of the Penn State DuBois athletic teams, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

Colonel Thomas Sexton, United States Air Force, retired, presented his program, Energy and its National Security Implications at Penn State DuBois on Friday.  Sexton retired from the Air Force in 2007, and is now the Air Force Representative for the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  In his current role, he is also the Director of Aerospace Concepts and Doctrine, and Instructor for the Energy and National Security Elective at the Army War College.

Hosted by the Greater Dubois Area Chamber Of Commerce, Sexton's presentation explored the nation's use of energy and the implications it has upon national security.  He said that the ways in which we produce and consume energy must drastically change, and that those changes should have occurred decades ago.  Sexton called the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973-1974 a wakeup call, but said that after nearly 40 years, the country is no closer to finding alternatives to petroleum. His presentation begs the question, "Can we survive an interruption in the flow of oil from the Middle East to our shores?"   Speculation as to what the results of such an event could be, Sexton implies, can be quite alarming. 

Sexton holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Aerospace Science from the Embry-Riddle Aero University in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In 1999, Colonel Sexton got a master’s degree in Military Arts and Sciences from Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. In 2008, Colonel Sexton earned a master's in Military Arts and Sciences in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  He joined the Air Force in September of 1987 and served as a mission pilot. He also worked under United States Special Operations Command as an Air Action Officer at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Sexton assumed the role of Director of Operations and Commander of the 56^th  Rescue Squadron in Nas Keflavik, Iceland in January 2003. Just before taking his current position at the Army War College, Sexton served with the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Trans Sahara where he was Special Operations Command in Europe.

Sexton is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other awards for his service to the United States.

After a long and distinguished career in higher education, Penn State DuBois Chancellor Anita McDonald has announced that she will retire at the end of this calendar year.

Arriving at Penn State in February 2003, McDonald recognized the supportive atmosphere that existed and promised to encourage, nurture and grow that commitment to student success.  Since her arrival she has indeed kept that promise.

Under McDonald’s leadership, the campus has increased degree offerings, including the baccalaureate in general engineering with an Applied Materials focus, important to the Powder Metals industry in the region and the baccalaureate in Earth Sciences which encompasses the fields of geoscience, geography, meteorology, geophysics and soil science, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in the natural gas industry. Other achievements include raising over $10 million to support student scholarships and facility enhancements, increasing grant funding for research and equipment, creating the Office for Technology Transfer to assist entrepreneurs, reestablishing intercollegiate athletics which has provided students the opportunity to compete at the national level, increasing campus diversity and opening the Office of International and Multicultural Student Services in 2010.  In fact, that same year, she and her husband, Bob, established an endowed scholarship, in memory of her parents, to support students with diverse backgrounds. 

With a passion for community service, McDonald has always encouraged the campus, as a member of the community, to partner with others in the community.  Today, student clubs and organizations, along with faculty and staff log more than 8,000 hours of service to their communities each year.  For this, the campus has twice been named to The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. 

"My focus has always been on student success,” McDonald said.  A large part of that is engaging students with their community, and taking advantage of partnerships within the community.”

Before coming to Penn State DuBois, McDonald served as dean of the Extended University, Summer Session, and Evening and Weekend Campus at the University of Arizona, in Tucson.  She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in secondary mathematics from Wayne State University in Detroit, and a Ph.D. in education from St. Louis University. She took graduate courses in Accounting at the University of Detroit and attended Harvard's Management and Leadership Institute.  McDonald has also been involved with the American Council on Education (ACE) for nearly 20 years. She was an ACE Fellow, served on the ACE Commission on Lifelong Learning, and served as chair of the Council of Fellows. 

"I'm looking forward to trying something new," McDonald said about her retirement.  "I truly love what we do on this campus, which is helping individuals achieve their dreams. However, Bob, my husband of 42 years, and I have three children and three grandchildren, with a new grandchild on the way in June.  We look forward to spending more time with them, and to finding more time to pursue other interests."

Friends and family of Penn State DuBois students, as well as all members of the community are invited to attend the 73^rd Annual Delta Mu Sigma Honors Convocation.  It is slated for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, in the Hiller Auditorium. 

Awards will be presented to students in a wide variety of academic programs for their many accomplishments throughout the past academic year. Awards are presented in categories ranging from academic excellence, to overcoming hardships to succeed. 

A reception will follow in the student union, with refreshments provided.

More than 200 Penn State DuBois students are members of the Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society. In order to qualify for membership, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, and be involved in campus or community service.

Delta Mu Sigma reaches out to DuBois and the surrounding area by offering community service and fundraisers with part of the proceeds benefiting scholarship funds.  Members have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and organize a haunted house on campus each Halloween, donating proceeds to local charities. 

The A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust has donated another $30,000 to a scholarship fund that will help students attain an education at Penn State DuBois.  The fund, The Palumbo Scholarship at Penn State DuBois, was established last year with a $50,000 gift from the Palumbo Charitable Trust.  

The scholarship is intended to provide recognition and financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll at Penn State DuBois, who have a demonstrated need for funding.  All students who have achieved superior academic records, or those who show promise of outstanding academic success, will be considered for funding from the scholarship.  However, first consideration will be given to students from Elk County. 

Joe Palumbo, an A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust board member said the trust was created by his late uncle, A.J.  It helps to carry on the legacy of A.J., and his wife, Sigismunda.  Joe Palumbo said, "AJ passed away many years ago, but is still helping people get an education.  He really believed in our youth and in education.  He always said that the more education you have, the better off you are." 

A.J. Palumbo lived from 1906 until 2002, and amassed a fortune through hard work in the coal mining industry.  Today, educational institutions, healthcare facilitates, and youth organizations continue to benefit from his hard work through the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust. 

"Financial support, like that demonstrated through the Palumbo Scholarship, has the power to make dreams come true," said Penn State DuBois Chancellor Anita McDonald.  "For many students, no financial aid means no education.  It just wouldn't be possible for many to attend college without it.  That's why these gifts mean so much." 

Each year, nearly $300,000 in scholarship dollars is awarded to Penn State DuBois students through nearly 50 individual scholarship funds.  The scholarships established through the generosity of donors, with the assistance of the campus’ Office of Development, help to assure an affordable and accessible education remains in reach for area students.

The public is invited to attend the Fifth Annual Penn State DuBois Faculty and Student Research Symposium planned for 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, in the DEF and Hiller buildings on campus.  There is no charge for admission. 

Throughout the day, presentations will be made by students and faculty members from Penn State DuBois, and other campuses within the Penn State system.  They will highlight the research taking place across the university in various disciplines, including engineering business, mathematics, communications, sciences, and more.  The sessions will detail many groundbreaking projects spearheaded by members of the university community.

For more information, log onto http://www.ds.psu.edu/Academics/ugradresearch.htm

Students in gifted programs at area school districts had the opportunity to experience college classes, and prepare for higher education during a recent workshop at Penn State DuBois. More than 40 students in grades six through twelve visited campus from six school districts, including Brockway, Brookville, Punxsutawney, Oil City, Cranberry, and DuBois.

The students participated in sample classes in both the campus' Information Sciences and Technology, and Mechanical Engineering programs.   Faculty members from these programs offered demonstrations of projects they're currently working on with college students, and explained what types of careers a degree in their respective fields could lead to.

"Attending a field trip or visiting a class gives area students the chance to see what exciting careers and opportunities are out there for them in the future," said Enrollment Services Director Melissa Duttry.  "We welcome area students to Penn State DuBois any time.  We want them to visit us and see what we have to offer.  We have such a talented and diverse faculty that we want others to have the opportunity to see and hear about what they teach."

A mandatory state-wide food safety course designed to meet the food certification requirements for establishments in the food service industry will be offered by Penn State DuBois in partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension.

The nationally recognized ServSafe^® program fulfills the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act in the categories of food service, retail, and bakery. Classes will be held in St. Marys, Clearfield and DuBois.  The St. Marys class will be held at the Community Education Council, 4 Erie Avenue on Wednesday, April 11, and Wednesday, April 18.  The Clearfield class will be held at the Hampton Inn, 1777 Industrial Park Road on Tuesday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 8. The DuBois class is planned for Monday, May 14 and Monday, May 21, 2012, at Penn State DuBois. All class sessions are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

To register, call toll-free 1-877-489-1398. For more information, contact Rick Kralj at 814-849-7361.

This year's Umbaugh lecture at Penn State DuBois will feature Brendan Wesdock, an expert in geospatial technology and mapping systems, such as global positioning systems (GPS).  Wesdock is a senior associate and the director of military solutions with GeoDecisions, a division of Gannett Fleming, which specializes in information technology and geographic information systems. He is the program manager for GeoDecisions' IRRIS program, which supports transportation security and logistics for the U.S. Department of Defense. 

Wesdock's lecture, "There’s a Map for That:  The History and Influence of Geospatial Technologies in our Everyday Lives", will focus on the history, technology and growing influence behind applications of geospatial technology. He will cover topics including intelligent maps, global positioning systems, commercial satellite imagery, the Internet, and in-vehicle navigation.

The lecture is free and open to the public.  It is planned for 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, in the Hiller Auditorium at Penn State DuBois.  A question and answer session will follow at 1:30.  Those interested in attending, or in receiving more information on the lecture are asked to contact John Tolle at jut14@psu.edu

Made possible by the generosity of Robert and Joyce Umbaugh, the Umbaugh Lecture brings highly qualified speakers in the fields of science and technology to the campus each year. 

Albert Vicere, Executive Education professor of Strategic Leadership from the Penn State's Smeal College of Business, said economic recovery is in America's future during a recent presentation at Penn State DuBois.  A number of area business leaders attended the lecture.

His presentation, "Strategic leadership: Navigating the Economic Tempest" took a global perspective, accounting for current and projected shifts in population and Gross Domestic Product; and provided insight on what is happening in the United States.

Vicere proposed the U.S. is over half way through the bottom of the recession but, will still have a bumpy ride for a couple of years.

Despite the economic slowdown, Vicere said, the U.S. still leads the world in innovation.  He said times like this are often great times to start a business, especially one dealing with innovative products or services.

Vicere noted that a refocus of innovation is needed in order for organizations to be effective in today’s global marketplace. The traditional models of organization and control will be transformed by networking and relationships partly as a result of the explosion of information technology. He also noted that companies have run out of ways to cut cost, and need to find ways to grow. He suggested establishing anchors for continued innovation. He said,  "Share your vision with your team, focus on the customer, look to develop new products, seek new customer segments, identify new geographic markets, acknowledge new competitors, encourage and reward employees for innovation, form alliances and networking with stakeholders."

Vicere's appearance on campus was funded, in part, by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority; and regional partnerships with Penn State DuBois and the Office of Technology Transfer, North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission, North West Industrial Resource Center, Clarion University Small Business Center, The Greater DuBois Area Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson County Department of Development, and the Clearfield County Economic Development Corporation.

Two groups of students from Penn State DuBois embarked on two separate service trips over this year's spring break.  Rather than spending their time on a beach, or partying, the two groups, made up of  more than 30 campus students, used the time to help others in need.  The campus Student Life Office organized one trip, which took student volunteers to Tuba City, Arizona, where they volunteered on the Navajo Reservation.  The Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) led the other service group, which traveled to Joplin, Missouri to assist in cleaning up and rebuilding the city in the wake of the devastating tornado that hit there in May of last year.

At the Navajo Nation, the Penn State students served Navajo children in their local school, the Tuba City Boarding School, by tutoring them in their basic subjects.  It's something the administrators at the school say is essential, because lifestyles on the reservation offer little time for study outside of school.  They also offered the Navajo children new cultural experiences, just through interacting with them and getting to know them.  As Penn State DuBois Student Life Coordinator Marly Doty noted, life for the Navajo is very different from what the Penn State students know, so the learning experiences were two-sided. Doty, as well as adjunct instructor Bill Allenbaugh and wife, Nancy, accompanied students on the trip.

"It was wonderful to watch our students and the Navajo children work together in a cultural infusion where both left a better person, with broadened perspectives," Doty said.  "The Navajo students really need someone to believe in them and to give them that extra boost in their academics. It’s hard to focus on school when some are responsible for their younger siblings or getting by without running water or electricity."

"This trip was one of the single-most amazing adventures of my life," said student Owen Samuels. "The service done for the Tuba City Boarding School gave me an entirely new perspective of childhood education, as well as an intimate portrait of the Navajo children." 

In Joplin, the experiences were no less life changing for those involved. There, students helped families who are still struggling to get their lives back in order nearly a year after a tornado leveled most for their town.  Homes, businesses, and forests were all leveled throughout Joplin on May 22, 2011. 

"People told us stories that were almost like war stories," said campus minister Kyle Gordon, who, along with International and Multicultural Student Services Coordinator Tharren Thompson, led the CSF on their mission to Missouri. Gordon continued, "We worked with one family who was stopped at a red light in their car when the tornado hit, and it carried them a half mile down the road."

Gordon, Thompson, and the students helped the Joplin residents by working to refurbish damaged buildings. They installed drywall, replaced porches, and did other general construction projects. They also helped to build new homes by framing walls for the new structures.

Students also helped bring the town back to life by planting trees.  Once plentiful in the area, the tornado left almost no trees standing it its path.  Gordon said, "A lot of the area still looks like an open field.  It used to all be forested; now you can step out of someone's door and see houses that you never could have seen before." 

Gordon and Thompson said they are both proud of the work the students did in Joplin, and happy that they had the experiences that they did.

"The people were thankful that the students gave up their spring break to help them; that they gave up spring break to get callused hands and tired backs.  But, trips like this are just as much of a ministry to those who go on them as they are to those who need help.  It shows hope beyond community service for everyone."

"The value of a trip like this for students is that they get to experience, fist hand, the tragedy you see on the news," said Thompson.  "It's one thing to see it on TV, but having been there, the impact is greater, and it shows how great their impact can be, and inspires them to keep serving others." 

The Delta Mu Sigma Honors Society at Penn State DuBois raised $422.00 for campus scholarships during the Annual Dine Out Day at Luigi’s Restaurant in downtown DuBois on Sunday, March 18.

The event was held from 12:00p.m. until 8:00p.m., and included a silent auction with items donated from local business.  Luigi's donated a portion of the profits from each of their sales toward the scholarship fund.

"Ed Tate and Luigi’s were gracious enough to share what they made throughout the day," said Delta Mu Chairman Adam Snyder. "The staff members at Luigi’s and owner Ed Tate were very kind and helpful to us, showing terrific hospitality. Delta Mu Sigma ended up receiving $269.00 form Luigi’s, and $153.00 from the auction."

Honor society members were then presented a check from Luigi's. Pictured, from left, are Zach Thayer, Delta Mu Treasurer; Andrew Piccolo, Delta Mu Co-Chairman; Jennifer Moldenhauer, Luigi's; Adam Snyder, Delta Mu Chairman; and Ed Tate, Luigi's.   

Penn State DuBois has been named to The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the second time, for outstanding service in the year 2011. The campus has been honored by The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the U.S. Department of Education for being among the nation’s leading colleges and universities with a strong commitment of its students, faculty members, and staff to bettering communities through community service and service learning.

Penn State DuBois was admitted to the Honor Roll for its work in community service, education, environmental stewardship, and more. The campus was first named to the Honor Roll in 2010.

"Through service, these institutions are creating the next generation of leaders by challenging students to tackle tough issues and create positive impacts in the community," said Robert Velasco, Acting CEO of CNCS. "We applaud the Honor Roll schools, their faculty and students for their commitment to making service a priority in and out of the classroom. Together, service and learning increase civic engagement while fostering social innovation among students, empowering them to solve challenges within their communities."

"Preparing students to participate in our democracy and providing them with opportunities to take on local and global issues in their course work are as central to the mission of education as boosting college completion and closing the achievement gap," said Eduardo Ochoa, the U.S. Department of Education’s assistant secretary for postsecondary education.  "The Honor Roll schools should be proud of their work to elevate the role of service-learning on their campuses.   Galvanizing their students to become involved in projects that address pressing concerns and enrich their academic experience has a lasting impact – both in the communities in which they work and on their own sense of purpose as citizens of the world. I hope we’ll see more and more colleges and universities following their lead."

The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. Inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, the initiative celebrates the transformative power and volunteer spirit that exists within the higher education community.

Penn State DuBois students were among those who traveled to the Gulf Coast to help rebuild communities following Katrina. Other contributions Penn State DuBois has made to community service include mission trips to tornado-ravaged Joplin, Missouri and the Navajo Nation in Arizona. Students also participate in the Martin Luther King Day of Service each year, when they spend the holiday volunteering with charities.  Additionally, club events such as an annual haunted house and Breakfast with Santa provide family entertainment in the community, while raising funds for local causes. 

"Great pride is the first thought that came to my mind in learning that the campus had been named to the 2011 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll," said Chancellor Anita McDonald.  "Penn State DuBois has had a long tradition of community engagement and service and I am very pleased that the students, faculty and staff have received this prestigious national recognition for their hard work and commitment to serving the people of our region, and beyond." 

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which has administered the Honor Roll since 2006, admitted a total of 642 schools, colleges and universities for their impact on issues from literacy and neighborhood revitalization to supporting at-risk youth. Of that total, 513 were named to the Honor Roll, and 110 received the recognition of Honor Roll with distinction.  For a full list of recipients, visit www.NationalService.gov/HonorRoll

Once school is out for the summer, area teachers can return to the other side of the classroom and further their own education at Penn State DuBois.  This summer, the campus will hold courses that will help educators expand their skill sets, learn about the latest classroom trends, and fill the state's continuing education requirements for teachers.

Courses will be available in areas ranging from guidance counseling, to statistics, to classroom computer technology. The summer session will provide valuable lessons and curriculum requirements for most people pursuing a post-baccalaureate education degree.

Courses are scheduled to run at various times throughout the summer session, from May until August.  For a complete class schedule, registration information, and more, contact Sueann Doran, Adult Student and Veteran Services Coordinator, at 814-375-4716 or sdoran@psu.edu

The Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) has announced its selection of All-Conference players for the 2011-12 season.  The selections are determined by PSUAC conference coaches who vote on players nominated by their head coaches.

The PSUAC Women’s All-Conference selection for Penn State DuBois is Tessa Vargas.

Vargas is a senior guard who played basketball for three and a half years for Coach Pat Lewis.  Tessa lead the team in scoring and was a destructive force on defense with her scrappy play.  Tessa averaged 17.9 points a game and recorded 72 steals this season.  Tessa was recognized twice during the season as PSUAC Player of the week.

Also recognized this season as a PSUAC Honorable Mention is Karlee Cyphert.  She is a sophomore who will transfer to University Park next semester.  Cyphert has developed in key areas to help lead the Penn State DuBois team to a 16-7 record.  She averaged 6.8 points a game with 119 rebounds.

The PSUAC Men’s All Conference Selections for DuBois are Chris Dickison and Jovan Brown.

Dickison is a senior who led the team in scoring with 20.9 average and 7.9 rebounds per game.  He concludes his Penn State DuBois career as the second leading scorer in campus history with 1,746 points.

Brown is also a senior who was selected as tri-captain of the basketball team, which won the PSUAC Team Title and finished the season with a 21-9 record.  Brown averaged 15.5 points a game with 4.7 rebounds per game.  He became the sixth player to score over 1,000 points in his career with 1,051 points.

Woody Mitchell was named as an Honorable Mention selection to this year's All-Conference basketball team.  Woody averaged 10.5 points a game and was a threat from three point range where he made 57 threes on the season and hit on 36% of his three point attempts.

Campus Athletic Coordinator Ken Nellis said, "We congratulate all these individuals for their performance this season, and for how they represented the campus. Their hard work and dedication has been recognized by their peers from the rest of the Penn State University Athletic Conference."

For the latest news on all Penn State DuBois athletic programs, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

Coach Dave Bennett was selected as the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Coach of the Year for men’s basketball.  Bennett’s team finished the season with a 21-9 record.  Along the way the team won the PSUAC Team Title and was awarded an automatic bid to play in the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA) National basketball Championships.

The recipient of the Coach of the Year Award is selected by men's basketball coaches in the PSUAC, who cast votes for who they believe is the most deserving coach.

"Being named as the PSUAC Coach of the Year is an honor for our entire coaching staff," said Bennett, giving credit to his team and fellow coaches for their support.  "This is a tribute to the hard work put in by our players and the dedication of our assistant coaches." 

Bennett is in his sixth season at the helm of the basketball program. He assisted one year prior to taking over the reins in October of 2006.

In his first year as head coach, Bennett led the team to a 24-7 record and a second place finish in the USCAA National Basketball Championship.  He followed that up with another trip to the USCAA Championships in 2010, finishing in fourth place with a record of 22-8.

For the latest news on all Penn State DuBois athletic programs, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

While still in his sophomore year of the General Engineering degree program at Penn State DuBois, student Robert Powell will have an opportunity that few professionals ever have in their entire careers. Powell has been invited to make a presentation on his current research project at the PowderMET2012 International Conference on Powder Metallurgy and Particulate Materials, to be held in June in Nashville, Tennessee.  What's more, is Powell has also received a $1500.00 grant from the Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology (CPMT) and Axel Madsen Conference Grant Program, which will cover his travel and registration costs for attending the conference. Winning the grant and the chance to present his research on the merit of his work, Powell was chosen as one of only five CPMT grant recipients in the country for 2012. 

A returning adult student and native of Brookville, PA, Powell is working on a project with the St. Marys based company, Abbott Furnace.  Abbott produces furnaces used in the powder metal (PM) industry to bake and cure parts during the production process, in addition to providing services on the fundamental understandings of their products.  Powell is researching ways help the company control lubricants in the material their furnaces bake. 

"A lubricant is a necessary component in the compaction of a powdered metal product," Powell explained.  "This lubricant leaves the part during the early stages of the sintering process that solidifies the part.  The research is based on the reaction the lubricant has inside the furnace," he said, noting that the eventual end result of his research should be an enhanced understanding of lubricant control that can help lead to the discovery of ways to increase the strength and integrity of the parts produced.  

With prior experience as a machinist, Powell decided to continue his education at Penn State DuBois in hopes of furthering his career, and moving on to work in product design.  Penn State DuBois Assistant Professor of Engineering Craig Stringer said Powell is moving in the right direction, by committing to education beyond the lab and classroom.

"He's doing research; he's working with a company to gain real and valuable information.  That's important for students," Stringer said.  "He is very dedicated.  He works hard in class, but also wants more out of his education in addition to his coursework."

Stringer said that the PM industry is coming out of a period of economic hardship and is currently growing. Companies are realizing the need to grow their product portfolios and to look at other potential markets for their products.  He said jobs are plentiful in the field, many of which are located in Central Pennsylvania.  Taking advantage of opportunities like the ones that are now before Powell, Stringer said, will go a long way in getting students the knowledge they need to succeed in the business.

"The idea is to get students involved with national and international leaders in this industry," said Stringer, noting that he strives to help students become involved with real world projects and area companies.  "This shows them where their education plays a role in the development of PM knowledge, and introduces them to a lot of opportunity to be a part of that development."

Powell said he is excited about the opportunities he has had, and looks forward to his future career.  However, he remains humble about his accomplishment, crediting those around him for supporting him in his efforts.  Powell said, "I have to thank my wife, kids, and Dr. Stringer.  My wife has enabled me to do my work at the level that I do, and both she and my kids have sacrificed husband and dad for student. 

"Dr. Stringer has provided me with opportunities and guidance that he was not required to. He does this for all students, and I'm just one of those students." 

Stringer will travel with Powell to the conference in Nashville, along with one other student in the General Engineering degree program, whose conference registration will be covered by campus funds.

Bowl for Kid's Sake is the largest annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Funds raised during the event go directly to matching children with Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers, right here in DuBois and the surrounding area.  Here, and across the country, these volunteers provide friendship and positive influences to children through one-on-one mentoring relationships.

The spaghetti dinner is planned for 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 23, in the Lion's Den in the Hiller Building at Penn State DuBois.  The cost is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for those with a Penn State Student ID, and $4.00 for children ages 4-12.  There is no cost for children under three years of age.

Designed with working professionals in mind, the program operates on a part-time schedule, with classes held in the evenings in St. Marys, and can be completed in three years.  A Management/marketing option is also available in this degree program.

A business degree is statistically one of the most sought after degrees in the United States for new students as well as those who are already employed. The degree prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings including business, government, and nonprofit. They learn how to negotiate, improve written and oral communication skills, think strategically, and solve problems in teams.

The information session is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, in Room 301 of the Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties, 4 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA.  For more information, contact Mike at 814-834-3593 or mjb75@psu.edu

Thousands of tiny pieces of tile, in a wide spectrum of colors, shapes, and sizes have been combined in a single piece of art, which now adorns an interior wall in the newly renovated Swift Building at Penn State DuBois.  The circular mosaic depicts people of varying ethnic backgrounds and different countries, as well as species of animals found around the world. Fittingly, the piece is meant to symbolize the power of diversity and the commitment the campus community has made to promote and foster diversity.  Just like the varied pieces of tile in the work itself, its theme represents the melting pot philosophy of bringing together people from many countries, religions, lifestyles, and backgrounds into one diverse culture.  The work is titled, "Let Our Diversity Be a Uniting Force". 

The mosaic was created by artist and assistant professor of education at Penn State Harrisburg, Anju Jolly. It has also been dedicated to the memory of Jordan Andrulonis, a Penn State DuBois student who tragically drowned at Treasure Lake in September of 2009.  Andrulonis was a mechanical engineering major and Dean's List student.  He was also a member of the Penn State DuBois wrestling team and active in intramural athletics. 

Efforts to get the mosaic in place started when Chancellor Anita McDonald and Co-director of Academic Affairs Maureen Horan decided the wall in the freshly made-over building would be a great place to showcase artwork.  However, the pair believed the artwork should be meaningful, representing something dear to the campus community. Horan contacted Jolly, who was an old friend, and the group brainstormed ideas for a theme.  Jolly's imagination and talent did the rest.

"Each piece represents you, the people that make up the diversity of this campus," Jolly said at the ceremony held recently to dedicate the mosaic. 

The dedication in honor of Andrulonis came together when Jolly first remarked that she did not wish to receive payment for her work, but would instead like to donate the art and see a dollar amount equal to its value donated to campus scholarship funds.  Mark Freemer, of DuBois, who is also the chair of For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students at DuBois decided to make that donation on behalf of his wife, Betty McFadden Freemer, in honor of her son, Andrulonis.   

"The timing just seemed perfect for this gift," Mark Freemer said, recalling the initial conversation he had about the dedication with campus Director of Development Jean Wolf.  "Jean had suggested I consider providing a gift to the campus for this project.  So I forwarded a picture of the mosaic to Betty, and when she saw it, she noted how beautiful it was.  After her response, it just felt like this gift to Jordan from her was meant to be."

The Freemers, like Andrulonis, are both alumni of Penn State DuBois, and feel their family has a deep connection to the campus that has made this even more meaningful for them.  Betty McFadden Freemer said, "I am thrilled that Jordan’s name will be forever part of Penn State DuBois with this beautiful artwork.  Jordan loved being part of the Penn State family."

That campus family is one that has grown in cultural richness in recent years, which the Freemers have also taken notice of, giving them reason to agree that the theme of the mosaic is appropriate. Betty observed, "The campus has become so diverse since Mark and I attended.  It is wonderful that so many students are achieving excellence in the education that Penn State DuBois offers."

The reflection of the campus population that the Freemers see is exactly what the artist had in mind.  Jolly worked at Penn State DuBois in the 1980's and 90's before moving on to teach at Harrisburg, so she knows the campus well. 

"I knew I always wanted to come back and visit and I thought about what makes me come back.  It's the unity of this campus," Jolly said.  "When I worked here, it made no difference where we came from, we were all just one."

Jolly explained her inspiration for the work came from cultures around the globe.  She said, "The people in the outside circle represent people from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and every place around the world.  As do the animals; we have elephants, birds, and fish."

On a plaque that hangs beside the artwork, Jolly's own words describe her creation.  The plaque reads:

"This mosaic depicts a sphere in which all of life is connected. The outer circle represents the diversity of people and cultures on earth.

Other circles show animals from eastern and western geographical regions, reminding us of our global connection to nature and the earth.

Vibrant colors and designs work together to produce a dynamic energy.  The message of this picture is to 'Let Our Diversity Be a Uniting Force'."

On another plaque hanging near the mosaic commemorates the dedication to Andrulonis, which reads:

"Mosaic donated in memory of Jordan J. Andrulonis, by his mother, Betty McFadden Freemer." 

During the dedication ceremony, campus International and Multicultural Student Services Coordinator Tharren Thompson spoke of how diversity, and the campus mission to promote it, extends beyond ethnicity.  He said, "The definition of diversity on this campus is holistic.  It's not just ethnic background; it's adult learners, it's people from different economic backgrounds, and so much more.  Some may think this is not a diverse place until they come onto campus and learn that it really is.  Then, they embrace it." 

The ideal that Thompson conveyed is what spurred Jolly to work so tirelessly on this piece, spending 14 weeks, and 400 hours to create the one-of-a-kind work of art.  Jolly said, "Never will I be able to repeat this again." 

Freshman wrestler Chike Okolo became the first Penn State DuBois wrestler to earn the National Collegiate Wrestling Association's (NCWA) All-American honors over the weekend at the NCWA Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.  Okolo, who came to DuBois from Somerset, New Jersey, competes at the 197 weight class and finished the tournament in 8th place after going 4-3 on the weekend. Coach Matt Park was elated that Chike wrestled so well and became the first wrestler to become an All-American for the campus.

Okolo opened the competition with a 20-4 technical fall over Aaron James of Washington CCC. His second round opponent was eventual 197 pound champion Aaron Thompson from Liberty University.  Okolo lost to Thompson 9-1 which put him into the consolation wrestle backs. Okolo followed up the loss with three straight wins to earn All-American honors.  Including an 11-2 win over Jerad Korte of McKendree College, and a fall over Ben Pema of Iowa State University, and a fall over David Neff of Auburn University.  In Okolo's final two bouts he was defeated by Charlie Farr of Mercer University and Alec Pence of the University of Maryland Baltimore City.

The rest of the DuBois contingent that qualified for the NCWA Championships had a mixed degree of success.  Sophomore Nick Bogacki from DuBois High School was 2-2, as was 141 pound sophomore Garrett Zarecky.   Shane Alterio, at 157 pounds, was 1-2 and Stephen Terwilliger was 0-2 in competition.  Unfortunately, 285 pounder Chris Minarchick was forced to withdrawal in his first match due to a knee injury.

Coach Park stated, “The wrestlers worked hard all season and it was nice to see the payoff at the end of the year with guys wrestling so well against outstanding competition.  Many of the top programs in the NCWA are ahead of us right now, but with continued commitment we will get there in the next few years."  

For the latest news on all Penn State DuBois athletic programs, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

Day two of the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA) Basketball Championships went similar to day one with Penn State DuBois dropping the final game of the season to Central Penn 108-78.   Central Penn entered the tournament as the number one seed, but was knocked off by Berkeley College in the quarter finals.  Penn State DuBois played well, but Central Penn had too much fire power and speed for the Nittany Lions.

Seniors Jovan Brown and Chris Dickison lead the team in scoring with 21 and 18 points respectively.  Woody Mitchell had a solid game with 17 points on 7 for 12 shooting. 

Central Penn shot 66% from the floor in the first half and sprinted out to a 53-35 half time lead, Central Penn was paced by Devon Dorset and Montez Lacy with 26 and 25 points apiece; all told 13 players for Central Penn had tallies on the score sheet.

Penn State DuBois, however, enjoyed a successful year. They are the 2011-12 Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Champions, having defeated Penn State Wilkes Barre 75-68 in the conference championship game on February 25.

DuBois finished the season with a 21-9 record.  Senior Chris Dickison finished his career as the second leading scorer in PSU DuBois history with 1,746 points.  Also, adding his name to the 1,000 point career scoring list this season was Jovan Brown with 1,051 points.

For the latest news on all Penn State DuBois athletic programs, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

Penn State DuBois has partnered with several organizations connected to the Natural Gas Industry to offer training that will prepare individuals for careers in the Marcellus Shale boom, at very little cost. The Floor Hand Training Program currently running at the campus will provide all of the training and certifications the students in the program need to enter the workforce on a gas well drilling site as a floor hand.  Tuition for the program is covered by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Floor hands operate and maintain drilling systems and pumps by connecting and disconnecting pipes, inspecting derricks, cleaning and oiling derricks, and performing other general maintenance tasks around the rig.

In launching the program's initial class, the partners focused on offering the opportunity to military veterans returning from active service and dislocated workers. 

"We have turned attention to those people who want to work, but need some assistance getting the proper training," said John Blasdell, Assistant Director of Continuing Education at Penn State DuBois.  "This strengthens our region's workforce in two ways; it puts people in jobs, and it provides quality employees for companies who need them."

The training program is a product of the collaboration between the Marcellus Shale   Education & Training Center (MSETC) at Pennsylvania College of Technology, ShaleNET, the North Central Workforce Investment Board, Superior Energy Resources, Pennsylvania CareerLink, and Penn State DuBois.  Once the training program is completed, the graduates will also have the opportunity to attend a job fair organized by the training providers that will help them land a job right away.

"It's an intense program that spans three weeks," said Blasdell, noting that those who complete the course can have advantages over workers who try to enter the industry with no prior training. "It prepares floor hand workers for gainful employment in the shale gas industry by giving them a head start.  We know what credentials are needed in the industry and we offer those credentials, plus job placement. This program demonstrates Continuing Education’s ability to serve the various needs of the of our region, from adult students interested in baccalaureate and associate degrees, to providing short-term training opportunities for quick entry into the workforce."

Blasdell added that trained employees who have developed the proper skill sets can also quickly advance in this rapidly growing industry.  He said, "The jobs we help to place people in are front-line, entry level jobs, but with training and a good work record, they have tremendous opportunity for promotion." 

Blasdell said the jobs in the gas industry are also going to be around for a long time.

According to ShaleNET, the Marcellus Shale deposit will yield decades of gas production. The drilling of a single well requires 400 people working in nearly 150 occupations.

For more information, contact Blasdell at 814-375-4822, or jfb12@email.psu.edu

The Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society at Penn State DuBois and Luigi's Ristorante plan to hold a dinning event in March that will benefit the Delta Mu Sigma Scholarship Fund. 

"Munch for Mu," is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, at Luigi's Ristorante, on Brady Street, in DuBois.  Anyone who wishes to support the scholarship fund only needs to come to Luigi's to dine.  During the hours of the event, part of Luigi's proceeds will be donated to the Delta Mu Scholarship Fund, which helps to make a Penn State education more affordable and accessible to area students.

Honor society members will also hold a 50/50 drawing, and a raffle for prizes. 

For more information, contact the Student Life Office at (814) 375-4764.

Anyone interested in following the Penn State DuBois Men's Basketball Team in the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA) National Tournament can watch the games live online.

The team is the number four seed, and will take on number five seed Vermont Tech at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, in the Main Arena at Penn State Fayette.  This and all games in the tournament will stream live on the USCAA's website.  Follow the link below to watch.

http://uscaa.prestosports.com/2012_Basketball_National_Championships/Men-s_Division_II_Page.pdf

For the latest news on all Penn State DuBois athletic programs, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com 

As a slideshow of photos depicting poverty stricken villages played behind her, Hillary Yarger said a recent trip to Haiti changed her life, and gave her direction.  The Penn State DuBois student from Brisbin, PA spent her winter break on a mission trip in Haiti, and made a presentation in order to share her experience with the campus community during a recent luncheon.

"Nine of us traveled to Haiti as a mission team," Yarger said, explaining that the trip was organized through the Elizabethtown Church of God, and the Church of God's charity, Project Help Haiti, which was established in 1967.   

"We did several service projects such as delivering water to farmers, taking school supplies to two schools, delivering hygiene kits and school supplies to a rural mountain village, and cleaning up trash with the local children around their school," Yarger continued.  She then detailed what was possibly the most significant project she and the other missionaries worked on.

"Our largest project was installing two solar panels which will now power a pump that will supply water to the entire village of Borel. This is their first access to clean water these people have had since the 2010 earthquake. They will use it to drink, cook and wash," Yarger explained.

She related other stories about the schools where they volunteered, and an orphanage they visited where a baby boy now lived after being abandoned along a nearby road.  Yarger said these experiences, and others, had a huge impact on her life.

"Seeing two little girls wait all day with their buckets for the first time we turned on the faucet for the clean water; that moment truly changed my life and confirmed to me that God wants me in the mission field for the rest of my life. The trip made me realize that access to clean water and sanitation is not only my biggest passion, it is also my life's calling," Yarger said. 

Penn State DuBois sophomore Chris Albert, of Clearfield, has just completed an internship that provided lessons he'll carry with him throughout his career.  The returning adult student and Secondary Education major interned with New Story, a specialized school that provides support for children with autism and other developmental or emotional challenges.  New Story has locations throughout Pennsylvania, including one in DuBois where Albert completed his internship. 

Albert spent his internship helping students with their in-class reading, math, social studies or computer work, as well as actively assisting the teacher with supervising the students. Though he aspires to teach Social Studies at a middle school or high school, he said some of the skills he honed at New Story are universal to any educational setting.  Albert said, "I gained useful hands-on experience in conducting the day-to-day operations of a classroom as well as how to supervise, engage and motivate students who may have challenges. The most important thing I learned was to have patience."

Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New Story's West Region Dana Monroe agreed that interns like Albert benefit from their experience in a variety of ways, while providing helping hands to teachers and staff members at the school.

"Incorporating interns and pre-service learners into our school environments is an opportunity for New Story to offer students practical experiences to their coursework at Penn State DuBois.  Our environments offer unique experiences to college students that are studying for a myriad of future prospects whether it is in education, speech and language, occupational therapy, counseling, psychology, nursing and others," Monroe said.  She continued, "New Story benefits from having these students in our facilities because it offers us fresh perspectives, additional mentoring and learning opportunities for our staff, and continued collaboration with a local university.  We value and appreciate the partnership with Penn State DuBois and look forward to having many additional students in our buildings."

"Not only do the interns provide a fresh new face within our school setting to help our students continually adjust and practice their social skills with new people, but they also enrich our environment by bringing new ideas, resources and practices to our classrooms," added Lacey Rosman, Education Director at New Story's DuBois School. 

"Although I was only there for a short time, I gained a great deal of experience that I hope to use in furthering my career as an educator," Albert said.  "It’s nice to know that the students have a dedicated and caring staff that is able to give each student individual attention. I’m glad that I got to work with students and help them with their school work or in resolving problems."  

That dedicated staff Albert mentions, could just make it possible for him to teach some of the same students again, in his own Social Studies classroom.  The Goal of New Story, after all, is to provide their students with the skills they need to return to a conventional classroom. 

"At our schools, our goal is for our students to return to their home school district," said Heather Dehnel, a marketing specialist with New Story.   "We are committed to working individually with each child until their educational and behavioral goals are met, and the child has the skills and motivation needed to return to their home school."

Albert returned to college at Penn State DuBois to retrain for a new career in teaching, after being laid off from his job as a sales manager with AT&T in Clearfield and DuBois. 

"I was vacationing in Florida when I got the call that I was laid off. Within a day or two I decided that Penn State DuBois was where I wanted to go," Albert said.   "To anyone thinking about going back to school I would say, 'Go for it,' you'll never regret it."

Students in the honors section of the Penn State DuBois Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program are helping elementary school students learn concentration and focus that will help them complete their school work and other tasks.  The six OTA honors students meet weekly with students in grades three, four and five, at Wasson Elementary School in DuBois, and lead the youngsters in a program called, How Does Your Engine Run?

"Using an analogy of a car engine, it helps children to identify how to get their engines just right in order to be able to concentrate on tasks," said senior instructor and fieldwork coordinator for the Penn State DuBois OTA Program Marge Pendzick.  "With different hands-on activities and discussions, the children learn to recognize when their engine is running too slow or too fast, and learn different strategies to change their engine speed."

Exercises in the program include arts and crafts, and object manipulation, and various other activities that require concentration and focus. One activity involved students filling balloons with dried beans to make a "stress ball".  This not only provided practice in concentration to make the stress ball, but the finished product can also be rolled through the hands to quell stress and anxiety later when students need some relief.

Other activities in the program teach techniques for controlled breathing, and for using sensory stimulation to regulate the body's energy.

"It helps students self-regulate and moderate their behavior using a sensory-cognitive approach," Pendzick said. 

For the Penn State DuBois students, it provides hands-on learning opportunities that will help prepare them for their career. 

"I want to work in pediatrics and work in a school," said OTA major Kylie McGarry of Curwensville.  "This is a really good learning experience for me, because I could end up using programs just like this when I start a career." 

Pendzick said the variety of therapy options used with real patients in this program provides invaluable lessons for her OTA majors.  She said, "It's nice for our students to work with these kids closely, learning how to change therapy if it doesn't work, or to stay with therapy that does work." 

Members of the Penn State DuBois men's basketball and men's wrestling teams were recognized for outstanding seasons as they head to national tournaments, during a send-off ceremony on Wednesday in the Student Union.

The basketball team will play in the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA) National Tournament that is set for next week.  The team is the number four seed, and will take on number five seed Vermont Tech at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, in the Main Arena at Penn State Fayette.

The men's basketball team ended their regular season with a record of 21 and 7, and brought home the Penn State University Athletic Conference Championship, defeating Penn State Wilkes Barre 75-68 on Saturday. 

At the recognition ceremony, team member Jovan Brown told the crowd, "Thank you for all of the support all season long.  We really appreciate it."

Also competing on the national level next week are six wrestlers from the Penn State DuBois wrestling team.   Nick Bogacki, Garrett Zarecky, Shane Alterio, Stephen Terwilliger, Chike Okolo and Chris Minarchick will represent the campus at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association's (NCWA) National Championship, slated for March 8-10 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Minarchick expressed gratitude during the send-off event, saying, "Thanks to everyone in the community for supporting us.  Thanks also to the campus for providing things like our new wrestling room, that gives us a great place to practice."

Chancellor Anita McDonald addressed all of the athletes.  She said, "I think all of you know how proud I am of you; you're going to national tournaments. I’m sure you will perform at your best and represent Penn State and Penn State DuBois extremely well. But, remember, along the way, that this is also an opportunity to meet new people and see new places. Embrace that."

Penn State DuBois will send six wrestlers to a national tournament, following big wins at a qualifying matchup over the weekend.  Nick Bogacki, Garrett Zarecky, Shane Alterio, Stephen Terwilliger, Chike Okolo and Chris Minarchick will represent the campus at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association's (NCWA) National Championship, slated for March 8-10 in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

The DuBois wrestlers primed themselves for national competition at the NCWA Mid-East Conference Tournament held at Valley Forge Military College in King of Prussia, PA, over the weekend. Leading the way for the DuBois Lions was 157 pounder Shane Alterio, claiming the title with an 11-6 win over Tyler Myers of Penn College.  Three other DuBois wrestlers reached the finals but were defeated; 125 pound Nick Bogacki, 141 pound Garrett Zarecky, and 285 pound Chris Minarchick.  Rounding out the NCWA qualifiers were third place winners 174 pound Stephen Terwilliger and 197 pound Chike Okolo. 

The Penn State DuBois Men's Basketball Team is the 2011-12 Penn State University Athletic Conference Champion, having defeated Penn State Wiles Barre 75-68 in the championship game Saturday.

After pulling out a win Friday night against Penn State Brandywine, the team's focus was on avenging their previous loss to Penn State Wilkes Barre earlier in the season. The previous meeting was a defensive battle and this game was no different. DuBois played a fantastic game on both sides of the court. Defensively they were stingy and held Wilkes Barre to one shot. Offensively they moved the ball quickly and effectively until they got a good shot. Breaking the press put on by Wilkes Barre was no problem. Most of the time DuBois was able to break it for lay ups. The physical match up led to a lot of foul calls on both teams. DuBois faced some foul trouble with their three big guys inside, but were able to overcome the obstacle. Chris Dickison, Woody Mitchell, Jovan Brown, and Kai Ahmad all had big games for DuBois. Dickison finished the Championship game with 22 points.

This was a fitting way to go out for the three seniors, Chris Dickison, Jovan Brown, and Derek Burdick. In the last six years Penn State DuBois and Coach Dave Bennett have won the PSUAC two times. Not only did the win give DuBois the conference title, it also gave them a bid to the USCAA National Tournament. The national tournament will be held at Penn State Fayette, and there DuBois will look to accomplish another one of their goals of winning a national championship. DuBois looks to have a good week of practice in preparation for the tournament which will start on March 6th.

For the latest news on all Penn State DuBois athletic programs, visit http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

Approximately 30 eighth graders from Ridgway Area Middle School recently got an up-close look at some options they'll have when choosing a career, and a college to attend.  The group toured Penn State DuBois and sat in on sample classes during a field day, when they also visited DuBois Business College, Triangle Tech, and The Pennsylvania Academy of Cosmetology.

"This gives students examples of what career choices they may look forward to, and gives them an idea of what to expect," said Mark Heindl, an eighth grade Social Studies teacher from Ridgway who accompanied the students.  Heindl noted that even for students in middle school, it's not too early to consider their options.  "Students change their minds so many times about what they want to do, and there are so many things to choose from today," he said.  "The more opportunity they have to see their options, the better. Then, hopefully they'll have their mind made up on a college and a career by the time they're a senior."  

At Penn State DuBois, the students experienced college classes in the Wildlife Technology, and Information Science and Technology (IST) programs.  For the Wildlife portion, Forestry Instructor Aaron Stottlemyer introduced students to dendrology, or the science of studying trees.  He showed specific examples of various tree species and taught students different methods for identifying those species.  It's the kind of education that is necessary in careers such as forestry, biology, and more.

In the IST Lab, Instructor Jason Long introduced the eighth graders to computer networking, and had them logon to the lab computers where they could work on network connections first-hand.  This gave students a glimpse into the life of a computer networking professional, or information technology manager.

Enrollment Services Director Melissa Duttry said she and other campus representatives were happy for the opportunity to help the Ridgway students explore careers, and to showcase the campus.

"We welcome area students to Penn State DuBois any time.  We want them to visit us and see what we have to offer.  We have such a talented and diverse faculty that we want others to have the opportunity to see and hear about what they teach," said Duttry.   "Attending a field trip or visiting a class gives area students the chance to see what exciting careers and opportunities are out there for them in the future."

Winners of an essay contest in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. were announced during a luncheon at Penn State DuBois on Wednesday.  The first place winner is Helen Oswalt, who received a $100 cash prize.  Jaci Gordon took second place and received $75, and Ashley Meyer came in third, taking home a $50 prize. 

The contest was held as part of a month-long celebration of King and his legacy.  Entrants where asked: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said in his last speech, "We shall overcome."  What do you think he meant by that? What adversity or challenges have you had to overcome?

The winning authors each read their essays to the group gathered at the luncheon.

All told deeply personal stories noting their own struggles and how they have overcome them. 

"My mother spoke to me about how change occurs.  She explained that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stopped people in their tracks and silenced them with his words. She said everyone listened and heard what he said," Oswalt read from her paper.  She then related her own battles. 

"I was born with many health problems in life to overcome. I was born with club feet and needed an operation.  I was born smaller than most babies and I suffered numerous ear infections, which caused me a hearing impairment.  I don’t remember having leg operation or wearing braces, fortunately.  I do recall not being able to hear.  While I attended grade school I was held back several years," Oswalt said.  Then, she recounted how she overcame her personal hurdles and fostered her own determination to succeed and to help others overcome their own struggles. She said, "I underwent several ear and sinus operations. After these procedures I was able to hear and acquired the love of learning. 

I have received an undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and I’m working on an undergraduate degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences.  I am also determined to earn a minor in Psychology and look forward to the day when I can help shape someone else’s life."

Chancellor Anita McDonald noted King's legacy during the program, and how his work set the stage for change and acceptance of people from all races and backgrounds.  She said, "I used to cry when I heard the song We Shall Overcome, because we did have so much to overcome.  Now, I don't cry when I hear it, because we have come so far.  While there still are many challenges, we have already overcome so much."  

This month, Occupational Therapy (OT) students at Penn State DuBois doubled down on service projects while also gaining some valuable experience in their field.  The students collected comfort items to donate to injured veterans at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Erie.  Then, to assemble care packages with the items, the Penn State students enlisted the help of Life Skills students from DuBois Area High School.  The Life Skills program is made up of young people with developmental challenges, ages 14 through 21.  Overall, the project benefits the veterans who will receive the packages, the Life Skills students who had the experience of helping with the project, and the Penn State students who had the opportunity use their education to guide the high schoolers through preparing the care packages. 

Beginning in early February, OT students placed donation boxes around campus to collect items for injured veterans who are currently hospitalized, who don’t have the resources to obtain the items themselves.  They asked for things like shaving cream, tooth paste, tooth brushes, combs, hand sanitizer, and other comfort or personal hygiene items.

"We did this to give back to people who have served our country," said OT instructor LuAnn Demi.  "It's important for students to see that there's a lot to do beyond doing your job; that you should reach out and help others in the community." 

The OT students said they did learn that lesson, through working with the Life Skill students, and by knowing they will provide comfort to veterans.  Student Chelsea Rearick of Byrnedale said, "It makes us realize why we're here, and that we can really help people."

Rearick also said the experience provided valuable insight for the careers that lie ahead of the students.  She said, "I think that everything we do like this helps prepare us.  In the medical field, you never know what you'll encounter from day to day." 

Classmate Stacy Otto of Curwensville agreed, saying, "This has given me a lot of help preparing for what I'll see when I graduate.  I'm dealing with people and really loosening up around them.  It's good practice."   

According to Gretchen Clark, a Life Skills teacher at the high school, arrangements like this are working for everybody.

"Some of the Life Skills students do receive occupational or physical therapy, so these Penn State students get the opportunity to work with people who have the kind of disabilities that they might work with in the future.  Our students also have a great time coming to the campus, working on project like this, and having this interaction.  It's great for our kids in and the Penn State students." 

Dancers for THON 2012 broke another record this year, by raising over $10.6 million to benefit the Four Diamonds fund, a leader in the battle against pediatric cancer.  The Penn State DuBois THON committee also broke their own record this year, by raising $16,235 for the cause.  That's up from 2011, the DuBois committee's second best year, when they raised $15,748.

"It's really emotional, because we put so much of ourselves into this," said DuBois THON Committee co-chair Izzy Shaffer.  "It's definitely a delightful surprise when we're able to do this and make such an impact." 

Students on the DuBois committee raised funds in a variety of ways.  Among the most notable fundraisers this year was a hair auction, where volunteers allowed their hair to be cut by those who bid on the chance to hold the shears.  Mathematics instructor John Tolle raised $1600 during this event by sacrificing 18 years of beard and hair growth. Students Steve Zanoni and Joey Schaeffer also volunteered for the hair auction, raising $201 and $278, respectively. 

Committee members also held canning drives, benefit dinners, and a concert event. 

Penn State DuBois students Joey Schaeffer of Lyons, Illinois and Chase Lyle of Brookville were chosen to represent the campus at THON this year.  As the campus dancers, the pair danced at THON at Bryce Jordan Center at University Park for 46 hours straight.   

The Penn State DuBois Information Sciences and Technology (IST) Department and the Information Technology Club will hold their 17th Video Game Day in March. Video Game Day is open to anyone interested in playing computer games, and offers participants the opportunity to try the latest games and game systems available.  This time Video Game Day has gone 'BYOC', or 'Bring Your Own Console', which means gamers will be able to bring their own game systems to the event for the first time. 

"The biggest reason we do this is to offer a fun, safe environment for students and gamers of all ages to get together and play some video games and enjoy themselves," said event organizer and IST program leader Jason Long.  He noted that Video Game Day is held twice each year, once in the spring, and once in the fall. 

Video Game day is planned for 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, in the DEF Building at Penn State DuBois.  A $5.00 admission fee covers all gaming, pizza, snacks, and a drink for each participant.  Online registrations are required.  Log onto www.istlab.net to register. 

Penn State DuBois students Joey Schaeffer of Lyons, Illinois and Chase Lyle of Brookville have been chosen to represent the campus at THON this year.  As the campus dancers, the pair will travel to the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park where they and thousands of others will attempt to dance and stay on their feet for 46 hours.

The DuBois THON Committee broke their own record by raising $15,748 for their cause this year; that's up from the nearly $14,000 they raised last year. The DuBois committee supports the efforts of THON that reach throughout all of Penn State.  Money raised by THON is donated, each year, to the Four Diamonds Fund, a leader in the support of childhood cancer research.  University-wide, THON raised over $9.5 million last year.

THON begins Friday, and will wrap up on Sunday.

Community members are invited to take part in the Natural Resources Colloquium at Penn State DuBois during two upcoming lecture events. The Colloquium is the periodic gathering of the natural resources scientific community on campus. During each meeting students, faculty, and community members listen to a scientific presentation, and engage in discussion.

All faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are invited. Light snacks will be provided.  Programs are free of charge.

Emily Thomas will present the results of her research, "The Effects of Shallow Oil and Gas Development on Songbird Abundance in the Allegheny National Forest" from 12:15 to 1:15 on Friday, February 17, in 228 Swift.  Thomas is a graduate of the Wildlife Technology program at Penn State DuBois, and has gone on to earn baccalaureate and master level degrees while completing her research.

Hank Webster will present "Oversized Landscapes" during his colloquium presentation scheduled for 12:15 to 1:15 on Friday, February 24, in 228 Swift.  He'll share views of Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park, and explore the forces that formed the unique geological features at each location.  Webster is a professor emeritus, who taught Biology at Penn State DuBois from 1980 through 2007.  He graduated with a bachelor degree in Biology from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA in 1963.  He received his Master of Botany from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Botany in 1975 from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.

On Sunday the Penn State DuBois wrestling team took fourth place and collected 98 points in the PSUAC/USCAA National Invitational tournament held at Rec Hall at University Park.  The Apprentice School Ship Builders of Newport News, Virginia took first place, with 168 points.  Lindenwood-Belleville placed second with 167 points, and Penn College rounded out the top three with 108 points.  A total of 10 teams participated in the tournament.

For full results, visit the Penn State DuBois Intercollegiate Athletics homepage at www.psuduboisathletics.com  

Nearly 200 people attended the Fifth Annual Lion Wine and Cheese, held Friday evening in the campus gymnasium.  All proceeds benefit intercollegiate athletic programs at Penn State DuBois. 

Live and silent auctions were held, featuring items like a jersey autographed by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, a jersey autographed by Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, and tickets for club seats at a Pittsburgh Pirates game, as well as Penn State football tickets, a golf vacation package, weekend getaways, and more.

Numerous businesses and individuals donated prizes and auction items.

The Athletic Fundraising Committee thanks the event sponsors for their support.  Those sponsors include:

·         The DuBois Educational Foundation

·         Beatty Restaurant Enterprises

·         Clyde Ferraro and Company

·         Computer Sounds Entertainment

·         Farmers National Bank

·         P.C. Systems

·         Swift Kennedy and Company

·         Timberland Federal Credit Union

See more photos from the evening at http://www.ds.psu.edu/Alumni/32142.htm

There's a face that is being seen around campus at Penn State DuBois for the first time.  It's that of Mathematics Instructor John Tolle.  Though he has taught on campus for a few years now, this is the first time anyone here has seen the face under the beard.  Tolle volunteered to have his hair and beard auctioned off in support of THON during the annual Hair Auction, organized by the DuBois THON Committee. He raised over $1600 for the cause, which supports pediatric cancer research.

Tolle's beard extended to the middle of his chest, and his hair came down to the middle of his back, worn in a ponytail.  He said he's had the beard for 18 years. 

"I lovingly referred to John as 'ZZ Top Math Guy' before I learned his name," remarked English Professor Tony Vallone.  Vallone led the crowd to chant for the new look he wanted to see his colleague take on.  He said, "I wanted to see him go from ZZ Top to Justin Bieber." 

So, as the crowd chanted, "Bieber, Bieber," Chancellor Anita McDonald had the honor of making the first cut, removing the ponytail with one snip of the shears. 

"I was feeling guilty and a little scared," McDonald said.  "Once I started there was no going back."

Student Alice Gyamfi, who is also a licensed beautician, did the rest of the work.  As the hair fell to the floor, the new John Tolle began to emerge. Gyamfi gave the crowd what they wanted: long bangs hanging over Tolle's eyes, parted to one side, and a clean shave.

"I have to be the ugliest Justin Bieber impersonator ever," Tolle joked.  "I didn't expect this look, but I guess it beats some alternatives that were being thrown out there, like a mohawk." 

The donations for Tolle's hair came from two different camps.  A total of $1,452 was raised by those who wanted to see the hair go.  Another smaller, yet loyal group raised $201 to try to save the beard. Since the preservationists did not raise more than the pro-cut crowd, however, the beard and hair met their demise. 

Tolle stepped up for the hair auction when Vallone pledged $1,000 to THON through his own publishing company, Mammoth Books. Vallone said, "Every year we make the Mammoth Match of $1,000 and we ask the campus community to try and match it." 

Tolle decided his hair could bring enough money in to make that match. He said, "Penn State DuBois students are an inspiring group, committed to the kind of personal improvement and character development that makes our world a better place, one person at a time.  THON, in particular, is a cause near and dear to their hearts.  This year I thought I'd offer more than just a round of applause for all their hard work."

Students Steve Zanoni and Joey Schaeffer also volunteered for the hair auction, raising $201 and $278, respectively.  To date, the DuBois THON Committee has raised $15,310 this year.

The DuBois THON Committee supports the efforts of THON that reach throughout all of Penn State.  Money raised by THON is donated, each year, to the Four Diamonds Fund, a leader in the support of childhood cancer research.  This year, THON is scheduled to take place from February 17, through February 19, at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park.  At that time, student dancers from across the university will attempt to stay on their feet for 46 hours in support of efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer.  

The Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society at Penn State DuBois has inducted its new members for the Spring 2012 semester.  In all, 33 new members have joined the society this semester, bringing membership to nearly 200 strong.

In order to qualify for membership students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, and be involved in campus or community service.

"You're now a part of a community that is dedicated to academic excellence and to helping others," Chancellor Anita McDonald told the inductees.  "This is an opportunity for you to practice leadership, and to exercise those skills and prepare for what you'll do when you leave the campus."    

Delta Mu Sigma reaches out to DuBois and the surrounding area by offering community service such as a "Dine Out" event at Luigi's Restaurant, with part of the proceeds benefiting scholarship funds.  Members have volunteered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, and organize a haunted house on campus each Halloween and donate proceeds to local charities.  Tony Vallone, the society's faculty advisor and campus English professor noted the charitable work done by Delta Mu Sigma Members.  He said, "We are evolving as an organization.  We are a service organization, serving the campus and our community." 

Pictured are new inductees with the Delta Mu Sigma Board of Directors.  

Seated, left to right: Makenzie Ceprish, Samantha Smitchko, Angela Stahlman, Alice Gyamfi, Tony Vallone, faculty advisor; Ashley Hilyer, board member; Jaci Gordon, board member; Adam Snyder, board chairman; Andrew Piccolo, board co-chair; Rachel Fairman, board member; Chancellor Anita McDonald. 

Standing, left to right: Zach Thayer, Joshua Kunig, Evan Aravich, Jena Pierotti, Brandon Genevro, Kristen Knisley, Amanda Ickes, Lacey Gamble, Rebecca Horner, Kaitlyn Fenton, Danielle Cyran, Kelley Gentry, Kristen Benwich, Alice Ahn, Tammy Uong, April Sperfslage, Alexandra Blose, Lisa Tinker, P.J. Monella. 

• Shaving cream                                  
• Toothbrushes                          
• Toothpaste
• Baby wipes                            
• Emery boards
• Denture cleaner                      
• Hand sanitizer
• Combs                                    
• Twin blade disposable razors
• Deodorant                  
• Assorted occasion cards
• Shower caps                           
• Sketch pads
• Powder                                               
• Large-print word search books
• Pens
• Brand Name Kleenex

Donation boxes labeled "VA Hospital Donations" will be placed around campus at Penn State DuBois. Those who wish to contribute may also contact LuAnn at 375-4748 or ldb4@psu.edu and arrangements can be made for a student to pick up donations from individuals. Items must be collected by Monday, February 20. 

Author and speaker Daryl Davis captivated the audience in Hiller Auditorium Wednesday evening.  His program, Klan-Destine Relationships, provides an overview of his book by the same name. It delves deep into the Ku Klux Klan, and provides a real and up-close look at racism in America.

An African-American male, Davis says he has, "come in closer contact with members of the Ku Klux Klan than most white non-members and certainly most blacks, short of being on the wrong end of a rope."  He also continues to do so, making him one of the most unique lecturers on the college speaking circuit today.

Over the last ten years, Davis has done such things as set up surprise meetings with Klan leaders unaware of his skin color, and attended KKK rallies, all on a quest to do nothing more than explore racism and gather information for his book.  Through it all, Davis eventually became the recipient of robes and hoods from Klan members who came to him to rescind their beliefs, and inadvertently stumbled upon a successful method of forming friendships between sworn enemies.

"I was really intrigued.  He taught me so much that I never knew before about how African Americans have been treated," said student Adam Snyder of Brockway who attended the program.  Though Snyder said the program revealed shocking cruelties about racism, he believes Davis provides a positive message in the end.  Snyder said, "He teaches all the reasons bigotry and racism shouldn't be part of anyone's life." 

Some one of a kind pieces of sports memorabilia, and many other unique items will be up for bid at the Fifth Annual Lion Wine and Cheese.  During live and silent auctions, bidders will have the opportunity to take home auction items that include a jersey autographed by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, or another jersey autographed by Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin.  Tickets for club seats at a Pittsburgh Pirates game are up for grabs, as well as Penn State football tickets, a golf vacation package, weekend getaways, and a wide variety of other items that will appeal to people of all interests. Numerous businesses and individuals have donated prizes and auction items.

The event is planned for 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, in the Multi-Purpose Building at Penn State DuBois.  Meteorologist Brian Thompson, of WTAJ-TV, will serve as emcee for the evening. 

Organized by the DuBois Educational Foundation Athletics Fundraising Committee, the event will also feature wine and cheese tasting, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and dessert.  Raffles and other games of chance will also be held. 

All proceeds will benefit intercollegiate athletic programs at Penn State DuBois. 

Admission tickets are $30 per person, which also includes a chance at the evening's door prize.  For additional information or to purchase tickets contact Julie Duffee at 375-4786 or jad62@psu.edu

Josh Snedden, a Penn State DuBois alumnus recently returned to campus to make a presentation on the work he is currently doing at Duquesne University. His visit was part of the Natural Resources Colloquium, hosted by the Earth Science program faculty. Snedden earned both an associate degree in Wildlife Technology, and a bachelor degree in Earth and Mineral Science at Penn State DuBois, in 2007 and 2010, respectively. He is now enrolled in a master's level program in Environmental Science and Management at Duquesne, where he is involved with helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the campus in Pittsburgh.   

"The practices we have put into place have lowered Duquesne's carbon footprint by 10,000 metric tons a year, so far," Snedden said. He presented some of the measures Duquesne has taken to reach those numbers. For example, he said all of the university's solid waste is sent to a landfill that practices methane recovery, where gas captured from the waste is used to produce electricity.  The electricity used to power the campus, however, comes from another green alternative.

"As of 2012, Duquesne will purchase almost all of its electricity from wind power," Snedden said, explaining that the electricity they've purchased is generated at a wind farm in Texas and put into a nation-wide grid.

Snedden also noted the Duquesne's plans to use things like "Green Roofs" on buildings, where soil is placed on rooftops, and grass and other vegetation is planted there.  This helps to insulate the building in a natural, environmentally friendly way.  Snedden is involved in studies for this and other such green initiatives to be taken in the future. 

With aspirations to build a career out of environmental stewardship, Snedden said he got his start at Penn State DuBois, and that his undergraduate education laid a firm foundation for his graduate work and his professional accomplishments ahead. He said, "I use what I learned at Penn State DuBois every day in the work that I do now." 

The Natural Resources Colloquium is the periodic gathering of the natural resources scientific community on campus. During each meeting students, faculty, and community members listen to a scientific presentation, and engage in discussion.

The Penn State DuBois Athletic Department will host their annual "White Out" Night on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. The men’s and women’s basketball teams will challenge their PSUAC rivals Penn State Beaver in the Multipurpose Building Gymnasium. The double header will start at 6:00 p.m. with the women’s rivalry, followed at 8:00 p.m. by the men’s contest.  The outcome of these games will go a long way in determining first place in the PSUAC standings for both the women’s and men’s divisions.

The "White Out" Shirts are sponsored by Fullington Bus Company. They will be available in the Student Union on Tuesday from 1:00-3:00 p.m.  Shirts will also be available prior to the games on Tuesday.

For more information on Penn State DuBois Athletics, visit www.psuduboisathletics.com

For those who haven't taken his classes, mathematics Instructor John Tolle is known around the Penn State DuBois Campus as "the guy with the beard".  The beard hangs well below his chest, and is matched by the long hair on his head, that is usually worn in a ponytail.        

Now, after years of letting it all grow out, Tolle has agreed to put all of his hair on the line in support of THON, the Penn State dance marathon that benefits pediatric cancer research. He has volunteered to participate in the annual THON Hair Auction at Penn State DuBois. Those who attend the auction can place bids for the opportunity to cut the hair of those who volunteer.  Knowing his beard and locks would could bring big money, Tolle offered them up, under the agreement that $1,000 must be raised for the hair cut event before he consents to going under the shears.

"If they meet their goal, they can do whatever they want to me, from the neck up.  It's going to be fun," Tolle said, explaining that once the $1,000 mark is reached, he's willing to let the amateur barbers do anything they please.

Tolle said the decision to allow his many years-worth of beard and hair to be removed was easy when he considered the cause, and the students who are the driving force behind it.  He said, "Penn State DuBois students are an inspiring group, committed to the kind of personal improvement and character development that makes our world a better place, one person at a time.  THON, in particular, is a cause near and dear to their hearts.  This year I thought I'd offer more than just a round of applause for all their hard work."

The DuBois THON Committee supports the efforts of THON that reach throughout all of Penn State.  Money raised by THON is donated, each year, to the Four Diamonds Fund, a leader in the support of childhood cancer research.  University-wide, THON raised over $9.5 million last year.  Penn State DuBois contributed a campus record of nearly $14,000 to that total. 

The Hair Auction to Benefit THON is scheduled for noon, on Friday, February 10, in the Student Union at Penn State DuBois.  All members of the public are welcome to join students at the event.

Joe Paterno, who reached legendary status in his 46 years as Penn State's head football coach, was honored during a public memorial and candlelight vigil at Penn State DuBois on Wednesday.  Paterno died Sunday of complications from lung cancer at the age of 85. 

Organized by the Penn State DuBois Student Government Association (SGA), the service in DuBois was held in addition to services and public memorials at University Park.  The campus community was compelled to hold their own memorial because of the personal impact Paterno made at Penn State DuBois. Most recently he helped to raise funds for the Penn State DuBois Alumni Society Trustee Scholarship, and personally contributed to that fund.  During the service, Chancellor Anita McDonald remembered when Paterno visited the campus for the Alumni Scholarship Dinner fundraising event just a few years ago.

"When we had him on campus in 2006, he challenged us; he said, 'reach your goal at this event, and I'll make a contribution to the fund'," McDonald recalled.  "Well, he did.  In fact, I think his check was here before we even had the rest of the money counted. He really showed his dedication to academics."    

SGA President Louise Whyte shared her feelings about Paterno's passing, saying, "I, like most of you, had never met JoePa. The closest I had ever been to him was watching him walk by me from the seventh row of bleachers in Beaver Stadium. But I stand here today feeling a great sadness and loss because I feel like I have lost a loved one. I feel like I have lost a family member, but in my mourning I realized I am not the only one that feels this way. On Sunday we all lost a family member."

Whyte continued, saying, "I think the fact that one man could impact so many thousands of people in such a profound way without them ever really knowing him speaks for itself and speaks for who JoePa was.  JoePa was Penn State. He taught us character, values and morals. He taught all of us to be better students, and he taught our football players to be better players, but most importantly, to be better men."

Campus Minister Kyle Gordon led the crowd in prayer, and offered his own thoughts about a man who was able to exhibit such humility, despite being regarded as a legend to so many.

"I don't know of any football coach as famous as JoePa who had their number and address still listed in the phonebook. I can't think of any other well-known football coach who still walked to home games," Gordon said.  "The amount of respect he got came from the character he had.  It will be very difficult to find a true successor; to find someone who would live so selflessly." 

Other students had the opportunity to share their own feelings; many of them demonstrating the reach of Paterno's influence, and how it transcended football.

"I'm not even a football fan," said student Chrissy Lockwood, recalling a conversation she had with her mother and the realization it brought to her about Paterno's impact.  She said, "If it weren't for him, taking a Penn State degree to an employer wouldn't mean as much as it does.  The exposure and reputation he brought to this university made it more special.  I'm truly grateful for him.  He has set a legacy that the rest of us, as the Penn State family, must live up to." 

The SGA also arranged for a TV and space in the campus Multipurpose Building for students to view the televised memorial for Paterno on Thursday at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park. 

The Paterno family has announced arrangements for Joe Paterno, who died Sunday, Jan. 22.

A public viewing will be held from 1 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on Penn State's University Park campus. A second public viewing is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 25, also at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, with a private family funeral service also on Wednesday.

A public memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State's University Park campus.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania or the Penn State THON (The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon).

For information on donating to THON, go to THON.org or call 800-392-THON (8466).

The Penn State DuBois Lady Lions will host a Pink Zone basketball game against Penn College at 1:00 p.m. on February 4, in the Multipurpose Building Gymnasium at Penn State DuBois.

The Pink Zone game is in collaboration with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone game at University Park, which is set to take place on February 26, as the Lady Lions take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Bryce Jordon Center. The Pink Zone is a cancer awareness program that donates to the following:

·         Mount Nittany Medical Center

·         Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute

·         Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition

·         Kay Yow Cancer Fund

·         J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital

·         Lewistown Hospital

Pink Zone t-shirts will be on sale in the gym on Saturday, January 28, prior to the 1:00 p.m. game with Central Penn College. The shirts will also be available February 4, when the Lady Lions host Penn College.  Adult shirts are $15. And youth sizes are $10.

For more information about this event or any Penn State DuBois Athletic events, log onto www.psuduboisathletics.com  or contact Ken Nellis, Penn State DuBois Athletic Coordinator, by phone 814-375-4857 or email, kcn3@psu.edu

A mandatory state-wide food safety course designed to meet the food certification requirements for establishments in the food service industry will be offered by Penn State DuBois in partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension.

The nationally recognized ServSafe program fulfills The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act in the categories of food service, retail, and bakery.

February classes will be held in Clearfield and DuBois.  All classes are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Clearfield class will be held on Thursday, February 2, and Thursday, February 9, at the Hampton Inn, on Industrial Park Road.  DuBois classes will be held on February 13, and February 20, on campus at Penn State DuBois.   

To register, call toll-free 1-877-489-1398. For more information, contact Rick Kralj at 814-849-7361.

Penn State DuBois students joined students from five other Penn State campuses in Western Pennsylvania on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to volunteer with community service efforts.  Each year, the community of one of the campuses is chosen for the MLK Day of service, and students volunteer in that community.  This year, the students volunteered with community organizations in New Kensington, home of Penn State New Kensington.  Campuses who had students involved in the MLK Day of Service were, DuBois, New Kensington, Greater Allegheny, Shenango, Fayette, and Beaver.  

This year, students volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and at day care centers in the New Kensington area.  They helped to construct shelving and performed stocking and cleaning duties at the Habitat for Humanity store, and cleaned toys and play areas at day cares, making the space safer for the children there.

Penn State DuBois student Hillary Yarger said, "It was great to see Penn State students from several campuses come together to make a difference. It truly shows what Penn State University stands for."

Campus Student Life Assistant Tasha Gilkes and International Student Services Coordinator Tharren Thompson joined the students during the service day. 

"This was a really great day.  It was a great opportunity for the students to do something that matters," Thompson said. "They could have stayed at home in bed; they could have taken an extra day for their own studies, but they didn't.  They decided to go out and do some good in the world, and that is a great way to celebrate Dr. King's legacy." 

Pictured are:

In front, left to right: Student Life Assistant Tasha Gilkes, Rebecca Horner, Joey Schaeffer, and Louise Whyte.

In back, left to right: Chris Albert, Patrick Watkavitch, Hillary Yarger, Morgan Lingle, Holly Kiesling, Alice Gyamfi, and International Student Services Coordinator Tharren Thompson. 

Monday, January 16

Day of Service at New Kensington: The annual day of service at the New Kensington campus.

Tuesday, January 17

Do you have a Dream?: Dr. King had a dream, do you? Post your dreams on the board in the Union all week.

Wednesday January 18:

Lunch and Learn presents “Eyes on the Prize: No Easy Walk”

In celebration of MLK , there will be a screening of a documentary focused on the Civil Rights movement and the efforts of Dr. King to provide equality for all. Lunch will be provided and a discussion will follow the video.

Contact Tasha in Student Life to reserve a seat. The luncheon will be in the Quiet Lounge at 12:00 p.m. Students, Staff, and Faculty are welcome to attend.

Thursday, January 19

Trivia Thursday: Students can test their MLK knowledge and facts to win a prize. Students can pick up the quiz in the Union from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00p.m.

MLK Essay Contest:

Students have the opportunity to write an essay in celebration of Dr. King. The essays are due Feb 8 and a luncheon will be held Feb 22 in honor of the students.

A jersey autographed by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is among the auction items that will be available during the Fifth Annual Lion Wine and Cheese at Penn State DuBois. The event is slated for 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Friday, February 10, in the Multi-Purpose Building on campus. 

Drafted by the Steelers in 1998, Ward has been with the team ever since.  He is a four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, two-time Super Bowl champion, and was named MVP of Super Bowl XL.  He attended the University of Georgia, where he played college football.

Organized by the DuBois Educational Foundation Athletics Fundraising Committee, the Fifth Annual Lion Wine and Cheese will feature wine and cheese tasting, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and dessert.  A live auction will be run by auctioneer Pat Errigo.  A silent auction, raffles, and other games of chance will also be held.  Numerous businesses and individuals in DuBois and the surrounding areas have donated prizes and auction items to the event.  Other auction items include Penn State football tickets, sports memorabilia, area golf packages, artwork, and more.  WTAJ-TV Meteorologist Brian Thompson will serve as emcee for the evening.

All proceeds will benefit intercollegiate athletic programs at Penn State DuBois. 

Admission tickets are $30 per person, which also includes a chance at the evening's door prize.  For additional information or to purchase tickets contact Julie Duffee at 375-4786 or jad62@psu.edu

The workshops are designed to help students understand the process of securing financial aid, which can often offset the cost of pursuing a higher education. 

"Getting started can sometimes be the hardest part," said Penn State DuBois Director of Enrollment Services Melissa Duttry.  "Our program is intended to help all people, attending any institution, comprehend the free application process." 

In all programs, information will be presented on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Other aid programs and important dates to remember will also be covered. 

Workshops are planned for: 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, January  24,  at Brookville Area High School; 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at Redbank Valley High School; 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, at Penn State DuBois (RSVP required for this night);  6:30 p.m.,  Thursday, February 9, at Clearfield Area High School. 

For more information or to RSVP call the Penn State DuBois Financial Aid Office at (814) 375-4760, or1-800-346-7627. 

The Rock-A-THON will take place all weekend from January 20, through the 22. Penn State DuBois students, staff members, and faculty members will take their post in rocking chairs at businesses throughout the area and accept donations for "rocking" all weekend long.  Volunteers will rock from 8:00 a.m. on Friday, until 5:00 p.m. Sunday. 

A benefit concert, featuring several local bands, to raise money for THON will begin at

4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, at the Clarion Hotel in DuBois.  The event is expected to wrap up around 11:00 p.m. The cost is $5 per person.  A raffle for prizes donated from local businesses will also be held.  This is an alcohol free event.

Bands performing for the benefit show include Chessie and the Kittens, Woodsy's Punx, Divider, Artica, Between Us and Them, Ivyside, Wait For It, A Plague Upon Us, and Trophies. 

The dine-out event, Luigi's and THON Fighting Childhood Cancer, is scheduled from 12:00 Noon until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, at Luigi's Restaurant in DuBois.  Luigi's will donate a portion of the proceeds from all purchases made at the restaurant that day to THON.  A silent auction will also run throughout the day, and raffle tickets will be available for purchase.

The DuBois THON Committee supports the efforts of THON that reach throughout all of Penn State.  Money raised by THON is donated, each year, to the Four Diamonds Fund, a leader in the support of childhood cancer research.  University-wide, THON raised over $9.5 million last year.  Penn State DuBois contributed a campus record of nearly $14,000 to that total.  This year, THON is scheduled to take place from February 17, through February 19, at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park.  At that time, student dancers from across the university will attempt to stay on their feet for 46 hours in support of efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer.  

For updates on where and when all Penn State DuBois THON related events are taking place, follow the group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/180923598650108/

Mark Freemer, of DuBois, has been named the new chair of For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students at Penn State DuBois.  The fundraising campaign is aimed at keeping a Penn State education affordable by increasing scholarship opportunities for students, and enhancing the overall student experience.  Each campus has assembled its own committee, which is responsible for seeking funding and gifts that will benefit only that campus' students.  As campaign chair, Freemer will provide leadership and guidance to the rest of the committee as they work to secure the remaining $3 Million needed to reach the campus' campaign goal.

Freemer is a certified public accountant and a partner in the accounting firm, Clyde, Ferraro and Company in DuBois. He is also a Penn State DuBois alumnus.  He has served as a member of the board of the DuBois Educational Foundation, the advisory board which provides scholarships, research support, financial support, and facility project funding to Penn State DuBois.

"I had an interest in becoming involved in this campaign because of the positive impact Penn State, and the DuBois campus, has had on my own professional career," said Freemer. "It provided me an opportunity to get a great education from a nationally known university. By being able to attend Penn State DuBois, it also provided me the ability to get this education at a cost that my family and I could afford."

Freemer replaces former committee chair Dan Kohlhepp.  Kohlhepp resigned from the position when he relocated to the Washington D.C. area in order to accept a position as Academic Director of the Edward St. John Real Estate Program at Johns Hopkins University.  During Kohlhepp's tenure as chair, the committee raised close to $1 Million, including gifts that were used to establish several new scholarships to benefit Penn State DuBois students. 

Freemer graduated from Penn State with a bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1981.  He began his career in Pittsburgh, but was quickly offered a position in DuBois, which he came home to accept in 1982.  He then moved into his position at Clyde, Ferraro and Company, where he eventually became a partner and remains today.  

A community minded professional, Freemer has volunteered with numerous other organizations, including the DuBois Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, the DuBois Area United Way, DuBois Area Catholic Schools, and Goodwill Industries. 

"Mark has a reputation as an extremely caring and devoted individual, who proudly serves his community through many organizations," said Penn State DuBois Chancellor Anita McDonald.  "We are delighted, and honored to have him as the chair of our campaign committee."  

Recognizing the current economic challenges and need for student support, Freemer said choosing to join For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students was an easy decision.  He said, "I believe now is the time to support the educational system of this great university with gifts that will help continue to make the DuBois campus a good option for students wishing to obtain a Penn State degree."

For more information on the campaign and giving opportunities at Penn State DuBois, contact Director of Development Jean Wolf at 814-372-3038

The doors will open to the public at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, at the Clarion Hotel in DuBois.  The event is expected to wrap up around 11:00 p.m. The cost is $5 per person.  A raffle for prizes donated from local businesses will also be held.  This is an alcohol free event.

Bands performing for the benefit show include Chessie and the Kittens, Woodsy's Punx, Divider, Artica, Between Us and Them, Ivyside, Wait For It, A Plague Upon Us, and Trophies. 

The DuBois THON Committee supports the efforts of THON that reach throughout all of Penn State.  Money raised by THON is donated, each year, to the Four Diamonds Fund, a leader in the support of childhood cancer research.  University-wide, THON raised over $9.5 million last year.  Penn State DuBois contributed a campus record of nearly $14,000 to that total.  This year, THON is scheduled to take place from February 17, through February 19, at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park.  At that time, student dancers from across the university will attempt to stay on their feet for 46 hours in support of efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer.  

For updates on where and when all Penn State DuBois THON related events are taking place, follow the group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/180923598650108/

The Fifth Annual Lion Wine and Cheese is slated for 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Friday, February 10, in the Multi-Purpose Building at Penn State DuBois.  Meteorologist Brian Thompson, of WTAJ-TV, will serve as emcee for the evening. 

Organized by the DuBois Educational Foundation Athletics Fundraising Committee, the event will feature wine and cheese tasting, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and dessert.  A live auction will be run by auctioneer Pat Errigo.  A silent auction, raffles, and other games of chance will also be held.  Numerous businesses and individuals in DuBois and the surrounding areas have donated prizes and auction items to the event.  Some of the items up for grabs include Penn State football tickets, sports memorabilia, area golf packages, artwork, and more. 

All proceeds will benefit intercollegiate athletic programs at Penn State DuBois. 

Admission tickets are $30 per person, which also includes a chance at the evening's door prize.  For additional information or to purchase tickets contact Julie Duffee at 375-4786 or jad62@psu.edu

The all-new Penn State DuBois Intercollegiate Athletics website is now live.  This new home on the web for all campus athletic programs provides the latest game results, schedules, rosters, player information, photos, and more. 

Visit the new site at http://www.psuduboisathletics.com

Penn State DuBois, in conjunction with the Central Intermediate Unit #10 (CIU #10), will offer Part II of a free course in mathematics for adults who want to brush up on their basic skills.  Part II begins January 9, but there is still time to sign up by the second class, which will be held January 16.  Students do not have to have taken Part I of the course to enroll in Part II. Part I reviewed basic math operations, using whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers, the metric system, problem solving with formulas, and graphing. Part II reviews signed numbers, the evaluation of algebraic expressions, polynomials, equations and inequalities, factoring, graphing, and word problems.

Class is held Mondays, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., from January 9, through April 27, in Room 204 DEF Building, at Penn State DuBois.   

This refresher course is intended for any adult who wants to improve math skills to help further their education, or simply to advance their abilities for use in everyday life. For those who have considered enrolling, or reenrolling in college, the course will prepare them for math classes required in most degree programs.

"This is a great opportunity for people who want to update their math skills," said Adult Student and Veteran Services Coordinator Sueann Doran.   "What they learn here can really give them an edge if they choose to enroll in college; or they can simply come away from this with a better knowledge of math that they can apply to their day-to-day lives." Doran explained that there is no obligation to enroll in additional courses for those who take advantage of this free opportunity.

Students in the course will receive an assessment of their math skills at the beginning, and another assessment at the end to determine how much they learned.

The math improvement course is sponsored by CIU #10, one of 29 regional education delivery organizations in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's Intermediate Units are funded by the Department of Education and local school districts. They can provide special education services, student counseling services, staff continuing education opportunities, and program planning assistance to the public and non-public schools.

Space is limited for the math improvement class.  To register, or for more information, call the Clearfield Development Center for Adults at 814-765-1131, or the Penn State DuBois Office of Adult and Veteran's Services at 814-375-4716.