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01/12/11--09:53: Commencement photos (chan 1834369)

IMAGES OF NEW GRADUATES ONLINE;
LIST OF BACHELOR'S AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE RECIPIENTS

Individual graduate photos:
http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/photogallery.
htm#id=15K7T556U-0&num=15K7T556U-2
For a digital copy of an grad photo, e-mail rah32@psu.edu

Candid photos:
http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/photogallery.
htm#num=15K20ISAG-1&id=15K20ISAG-0

Thirty-five Penn State New Kensington graduates earned their baccalaureate and associate degrees Dec. 18, at the campus' Fall Commencement ceremonies.

Elizabeth Dietrich, director and actuary for product development and pricing at Prudential Annuities, delivered the commencement address, "Mountains." Chancellor Kevin Snider conferred the undergraduate degrees. Lorri Wildi, president of the Alle-Kiksi Society, inducted the new graduates into the Penn State Alumni Association.

The class of 2010 is the 50th graduating class at the New Kensington campus. What began in 1960 with 28 men earning associate degrees has evolved into 85 men and women receiving master's, bachelor's and associate degrees. Since that inaugural class, more than 10,000 alumni have attended Penn State New Kensington and earned a Penn State degree.

Photos of graduates accepting their diplomas are posted on the campus Web site. A digital copy of each graduate is available by contacting Ruth Herstek at hah32@psu.edu via e-mail.

Information sciences and technology professor Hal Smith (right) presents baccalarueate degree candidate Andrew Marietti to Chancellor Kevin Smith (left) who confers the degree.

2010 FALL GRADUATES

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

College of Health and Human Development
Bachelor of Science, Nursing: Misty G. Baer; Adam J. Canfield; Alexandra L. Sansing

College of Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Science, Organizational Leadership: George V. Becker ##; Susan M. Enciso;
Paul M. Hudak ##; Tracy L. Jones

Eberly College of Science
Bachelor of Science, Microbiology: Lauren L. Heidingsfelder

The School of Information Sciences and Technology
Bachelor of Science, Information Sciences and Technology: Lucas J. Brown;
Megan E. Coriale; Sean C. Erskine; Aaron C. Heitzer; Andrew J. Marietti; Richard A. Pollick;
Ryan A. Slanicka; Francis R. Wayland

University College
Bachelor of Arts, Applied Psychology: Harvey F. Booth; Robert J. Eiben; Ashley E. Isacco

Bachelor of Science, Business: Amber N. Blackwood; Shane T. Culgan;
Holli Anne R. Ehrmentrout; Michael J. Madzy; Justine M. Zollner#

Bachelor of Arts, Communications: Nicholas J. Cardinale; Scott J. Carnahan;
Andrew S. Randas; Brandi N. Staton; Kristen R. Wagner ###

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

The School of Information Sciences and Technology
Information Sciences and Technology: David M. Bone ###; Edward P. Sasinoski ###

University College
Business Administration: Brandon M. Palermo; Robert A.White

Letters, Arts, and Sciences: Lisa M. Shanta

# Highest Distinction ## High Distinction ### Distinction

Elizabeth Dietrich offers advice to fall graduates...

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
The fall commencement speaker was Elizabeth K. Dietrich, director and actuary for product development and pricing at Prudential Annuities. The title of Ms. Dietrich's address was "Mountains."

Ms. Dietrich attended Penn State New Kensington for two years before completing her bachelor's degree in actuarial science at Penn State University Park in 2006. At the University Park campus, she graduated first in her class and was selected as the student marshal for the Department of Actuarial Science and Insurance in the Smeal College of Business. Ms. Dietrich, a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, is a two-time recipient of the Evan Pugh Scholar Award, which is given to the top half percent of Penn State juniors and seniors.

A native of Lower Burrell, Ms. Dietrich and her husband, Daniel, a Penn State graduate, reside in New Haven, Connecticut, where they enjoy hiking, running and downhill and backcountry skiing. Her father, Charles "Bud" Gibbons, is a professor of visual arts at Penn State New Kensington.

... as the Gibbons family, including mother Patti, sister Lindsey, and father Bud,
professor of visual arts at the campus, show their support.

01/12/11--10:13: 'Speed Interviewing Day' (chan 1834369)

EMPLOYERS INVITED TO EXPAND RECRUITING BASE
JOB SEEKERS CAN EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES
2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 22
Call: 724-334-6065 or 724-773-3953

Employers looking to expand their recruiting base are invited to participate in "Speed Recruiting Day," set from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at Penn State New Kensington.

Speed interviewing is an emerging technique where employers and job seekers can explore potential opportunities in a short period of time. Under the format, employers and, in this case, campus students, will meet for 8-10 minutes, form first impressions, and assess possible matches. Speed interviewing allows employers to share information about their organization with a wider audience. Although speed interviews do not replace the traditional interviews, the format allows one-on-one interviews with select candidates.

A diverse field of both graduating seniors and underclassmen will be participating in the interviewing event. A majority of the campus students represent the disciplines of administration of justice, business, communications, engineering, information sciences and technology, and psychology.

Sponsored by the Penn State New Kensington Career Services office, the event was organized by Jim Shields, career services coordinator at the campus, and Stephanie DeMaro, regional job and internship developer for Penn State's western campuses. DeMaro, who was selected to the position recently, serves the campuses of Beaver, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, New Kensington and Shenango. She works with area employers as well as career services staff, faculty and campus administrators on employer development, job and internship development, and facilitation of employer involvement with campuses, students and alumni. She works out of the career services offices at each campus

For more information, contact Shields, 724-334-6065 or jshields@psu.edu or DeMaro, 724-773-3953 or saw163@psu.edu via e-mail.

Employer Registration Form

Please complete the following information to register your company/organization for this event.

*Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis until the event fills.
Send completed form to: saw163@psu.edu or via fax at 724-773-3965

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Company/Organization Name:___________________________________________________________

Website Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________

Contact Name:______________________________________

Contact Phone:________________________________________

Contact Email:________________________________________

Please indicate the type(s) of positions available:

____ Part-time ____ Full-time ____ Internship ____ Summer/Seasonal

Please provide position titles/types, hiring departments, or other information helpful to candidates:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Questions? Call Stephanie DeMaro at 724-773-3953 or email saw163@psu.edu

01/14/11--06:22: Emergency/weather info (chan 1834369)

PSUTXT PROVIDES URGET CAMPUS INFORMATION VIA CELL PHONE
Sign-up: http://live.psu.edu/psutxt

SCHOOL CLOSING OR DELAY ICON
WILL APPEAR ON CAMPUS HOMEPAGE

LOCAL STATIONS
KDKA: http://weather.kdka.com/US/PA/Pittsburgh.html
WTAE: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/weather/grid.html
WPXI: http://www.wpxi.com/weather/index.html

FOR A TWO-HOUR DELAY
Two-Hour Delay Class Schedules: http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/weather.htm?cn71G

In the event of snow, severe storms or other emergencies, official word of Penn State New Kensington closing or delaying classes can be found on personal cell phones and on the homepage of the campus Web site.

Cell phone users who subscribe to PSUTXT, Penn State's text-message alert system, will receive a text message for incidents that may impact the campus community. PSUTXT is a one-way communications tool designed to get emergency information to subscribers. Subscription to PSUTXT is free, although individual cell phone carriers may charge for text messaging.

Weather and emergency information also is available under the "News and Events" section on the campus homepage. When there is breaking news, an alert icon will appear in the headlines box along with general information of the nature the emergency. Clicking on the icon provides detailed information.

The decision to cancel or delay classes will be made as early as possible, usually by 6 a.m. for day classes and 4 p.m. for evening classes. If a two-hour delay is announced, classes will start at 10 a.m. and will last 45 minutes. After a New Kensington administrator makes a decision on the status of the campus, a text message is automatically sent to members.
An alert will also appear on the campus homepage, under the "News and Event" section.

Information also is available on radio stations (KDKA-1020 AM, B 94-FM 93.7 and Y 108-FM 107.9) and television stations (KDKA-TV Channel 2, WTAE-TV Channel 4 and WPXI-TV Channel 11). In addition to multiple formats, cancellation and delay information for students and faculty/staff can be accessed by phone on a pre-recorded message: students, (724) 334-6006; and faculty/staff, (724) 334-6005.

To subscribe to PSUTXT, visit http://live.psu.edu/psutxt online and follow the instructions at the bottom of the page under the PSUTXT heading.

For the delayed class schedules, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/weather.htm?cn71G online.

01/19/11--06:26: Students honor MLK (chan 1834369)

"MAKE IT A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF"
Campus volunteers for Two Community Service Projects
Rachel Carson Homestead, Springdale, Pa.
Social Service Agencies, Uniontown, Pa.

In honor of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., student volunteers from Penn State New Kensington took on two community service projects, Jan. 17, in the local area and in the region.

Students worked at the Rachel Carson Homestead in the borough of Springdale in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania and assisted various social service agencies in the city of Uniontown.

"This was a great opportunity for students to realize the impact they can have on the community learn the benefits of serving the community and helping those in need," said Vanessa Myers, assistant to the director of student affairs at the campus. "By giving up their day off and making it a day-on, the students really displayed their commitment to civic duty.”

The Carson homestead is the birthplace and early home of scientist and author, Rachel Carson (1907-1964). The 19th century farmhouse is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is situated in a suburban neighborhood where visitors can tour the four remaining rooms that Carson shared with her parents, her brother and sister. Her most famous book, "Silent Spring", was a warning about the dangers associated with the use of chemical pesticides and the potentially adverse effect on the environment and human health. Carson promoted the need for more extensive research before releasing chemicals into our environment. The students assisted with general maintenance of the homestead.

Another group of New Kensington students travelled to Uniontown to meet their counterparts from Penn State Fayette and the Penn State campuses of Beaver, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, and Shenango. More than 75 undergraduates from the six western Pennsylvania campuses helped with the daily activities of various community organizations. The multi-campus community service project is an annual event that moves around the region.

Billed as “Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off,” the community service activities were a part of the University’s celebration of King’s birthday.

"Recruiting volunteers was easy," said Myers, who organized the service projects. "The students jumped at the chance to help people in the community."

For more information, contact Myers at vsm10@psu.edu or 724-334-6063.

Students from the six Penn State campuses in western Pa., volunteered at several community servcie organizations in the Uniontown area. PSNK junior Jimmy Baker (third for the right) was a part of a group that worked in the St. Vincent de Paul store.

UNIONTOWN SERVICE SITES

Mt. Macrina Manor: A long-term care facility and provides clinical, rehabilitation, and support services, which is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Basil the Great. Penn State students will assist with a remodelling project by stripping wallpaper.

St. Vincent DePaul: The society operates a thrift store selling recyclable clothing, furniture, and goods. Funds generated from the store operations assist people with a variety of food, clothing, and other solutions to emergency needs. Penn State students will sort and clean donated goods.

Fayette County SPCA: The non-profit organization was established for charitable and educational purposes, including the prevention of cruelty to animals. Its mission is to care for and shelter homeless animals, relieve the suffering among animals from any source, provide humane education, and enforce the Animal Protection Laws of Pennsylvania. Penn State students will clean the animal cages and give attention to the animals such as walking dogs.

City Mission / Gallatin Living Center: The non-profit organization provides for the needs of the county's homeless people. City Mission serves over 500 men, women, and children annually, providing them with an entire continuum of housing. Penn State students will help the Gallatin Living Center by packing up holiday decorations, cleaning the center, and organizing the reference library.

East End Community Center: The center is a safe place for youth that has educationally stimulating learning activities and a caring staff that provides an after school program for students of all ages. Penn State students will work with the children of the community center and handle various cleaning such as wiping down walls.

City of Uniontown: The city was founded by Henry Beeson on July 4, 1776 ,and is the birthplace of General George C. Marshall, Army Chief of Staff during World War II. Uniontown was a part of the Underground Railroad. Penn State students will help to beautify the city by cleaning the municipal parking garages.

01/19/11--07:09: Community celebrates MLK (chan 1834369)

CAMPUS JOINS COMMUNITY IN HONORING
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WITH A
"CELEBRATION OF UNITY

Photos: http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/photogallery.
htm#num=15MF4R8KN-1&id=15MF4R8KN-0

Penn State New Kensington and Hightower Scholars Inc, in conjunction with the local church community, came together on Jan. 18 to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

"A Celebration of Unity" featured dinner and music by community gospel choirs and soloists. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of unity candle by members of the campus, community, local businesses and neighborhood churches.

Diane Hightower, executive director of Hightower Scholars, a nonprofit organization, and Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs at the campus, developed the multi-media program for the 82nd anniversary of King's birth. Kevin Snider, chancellor at the New Kensington campus, delivered the opening remarks. Community service and community partnerships are the cornerstone of Snider’s vision to make the Alle-Kiski Valley an even better place to live, work and learn.

The celebration began with the lighting of the unity candle and the unity dinner. Ethnic cuisine was provided by area churches and AVI, the campus' food service. A video of King's "I have a Dream" speech was shown during dinner.

Following dinner was the "Gospel Festival," which featured musical performances by local singers. Roderick Booker, director of music at Westmoreland County Community College, served as master of ceremonies for the festival.

Headquartered in Lower Burrell, Pa., Hightower Scholars assist students with their preparation for a postsecondary education at a college or university. The campus scholarship, Mittie B. Hightower Memorial Scholarship, was established to support a minority student majoring in allied health fields or science programs. The current recipient is Ashley Reynolds, a sophomore in the Radiological Sciences program.

For more on Hightower Scholars, visit http://www.hscholars.org/ online.

Prior to lighting a Unity candle, Tarashae Butler, a junior at Valley High School and recipient of a Hightower scholarship, reads a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. Ross Sheffler, SGA president, and Thom King, Hightower board member, are a part of the lighting ceremony.

Campus and community come together to honor the 82nd birthday of Dr. King.

MLK delivering the "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo: National Park Serice)

Text of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech,
delivered on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the
Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

01/21/11--10:01: 'Gasland' draws community (chan 1834369)

LOCAL RESIDENTS TURN OUT FOR
FILM ABOUT NATURAL GAS DRILLING

"Our headlong, 'at any cost' rush into harvesting
deep shale natural gas resources is not logical and it is incredibly short-sighted."
--Bill Hamiliton, Apollo, Pa.

Nearly 60 community residents braved the snow and ice Jan. 20 to attend the screening of "Gasland," at Penn State New Kensington. The award-winning documentary Pennsylvania resident Josh Fox detailed the process of drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale layers, and focused on the impact of natural gas drilling on communities across the country. Small group discussions followed the film.

"The film was incredibly effective in its description of an individual's attachment to an area that is likely to be impacted by gas drilling and also in its portrayal of ordinary people across the country whose health and well being have been severely impacted by gas exploration technologies," said Bill Hamilton, assist professor of biology at the campus and a resident of Apollo. "Our headlong, 'at any cost' rush into harvesting deep shale natural gas resources is not logical and it is incredibly short-sighted."

Written and directed by Fox, the documentary is a response to an offer by a natural gas company to lease Fox's land in Milanville, Pa. to drill for gas. Milanville is located in the northeast section of the commonwealth, near the New York border. In an effort to become more informed on extracting process, Fox embarks on a cross-country odyssey to learn about the risks of Marcellus Shale gas drilling, especially method known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, and its adverse effects on the health and well being of local residents. The movie earned numerous awards, including "U.S. Documentary Special Jury Film Prize" at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

The film was sponsored by Concerned Citizrns from Upper Burrell, an affiliate of the Sierra Club.
For more information, call 724-337-7470 or 724-339-1652.

To view the movie trailer, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZe1AeH0Qz8

01/25/11--13:09: Hightower Scholarship competition open to high school students (chan 1834369)

APPLICATION BEING ACCEPTED FOR
CLARENCE JAMES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Hightower Scholars Inc., a nonprofit organization that assists students with their preparation for a postsecondary education at a four-year college or university, is accepting applications for its annual Clarence James Memorial Scholarship.

Headquartered in Lower Burrell, the organization comprises members of the Hightower family who established the scholarship to provide financial assistance to a first-year African-American, Hispanic or American-Indian college student.

The award can be used for books and supplies at any four-year college or university. The scholarship honors the memories of Clarence Graham and James Hightower, the late grandfathers of the organization's founders.

In 2001, the Hightower family created the Mittie B. Hightower Memorial Scholarship at Penn State New Kensington. The $1,500 award supports minority students at the campus. The current recipient is Ashley Reynolds, a sophomore in the Radiological Sciences program.

For more on all Hightower scholarships, visit http://www.hscholars.org/ online.

01/26/11--03:17: Ta-Wayne Steele named national Player of the Week; leads Lions to two victories (chan 1834369)

USCAA HONORS FRESHMAN FOR TWO DOUBLE-DOUBLES
55 POINTS AND 20 REBOUNDS

Penn State New Kensington freshman Ta-Wayne Steele was named the United State Collegiate Athletic Association’s men basketball Division II Player of the Week for the period Jan. 17-23.

Steele, a graduate of Oliver High School, scored 58 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in wins over conference opponents Penn State Fayette and Penn State Brandywine. The 6’1 guard pulled off back-to-back double-doubles (27 pts/10 rebs and 28 pts/10 rebs) to help solidify the New Kensington Lions hold on second-place in the Penn State University Athletic Conference-West Division.

Ta-Wayne is one of the purest athletes I have seen at this level and his potential is unlimited," said Doug Schneider, first-year head coach. "He is starting to understand the effort and focus needed to be successful in the college game, and his adjustments have allowed him to flourish on the court."

The Pittsburgh native is solid under the boards, both offensively and defensively. On the year, Steele is leads the team in rebounding with an 8.1 per game and is second in scoring with a 14 points per game. Nationally, in the USCAA, he is ranked in the top 15 in rebounding.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to coach such a great young man," said Schneider, who served five-years as an assistant under former coach Ryan Shank. "With his drive and focus, Ta-Wayne can have very memorable college career."

The New Kensington Lions, 5-9 overall, are 5-4 in the PSUAC-West, three games behind frontrunner Penn State Beaver, 8-1, and 2.5 games ahead of third-place Penn State DuBois. Schneider's team is on the cusp of a playoff berth for the first time since 2008. The top two teams of each division, plus two "wild cards," are invited to the eight-team conference tournament that begins Feb. 17. The PSUAC conference comprises three divisions (North, South, West), and playoffs champion earns an automatic bid to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association national championship tournament in March.

Steele joins a select company of Penn State New Kensington athletes who have garnered USCAA Player of the Week honors. Teammate Justin Reed, who is nearing the 1,000 career point mark, is a two-time winner of the award. Adam Stawski was named to the honor roll during the 2009 golf season. Jeremy Hurt was recognized during the 2006-07 men’s basketball season and Heather Stewart earned the award during the 2007 women’s volleyball season.

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

The USCAA is a national organization that is geared to provide athletic opportunities to small colleges — those with enrollments of less than 1,500. It sponsors 11 national championship tournaments in men's and women's sports.
Established in 2001, the USCAA was incorporated to provide an opportunity for members to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of similar size and athletic programs. Headquartered in Newport News, Va., the organization has more than 65 member institutions in 24 states, stretching from Maine to California.

02/02/11--12:15: Emergency and weather information; Sign-up for text alerts (chan 1834369)

PSUTXT PROVIDES URGET CAMPUS INFORMATION VIA CELL PHONE
Sign-up: http://live.psu.edu/psutxt

SCHOOL CLOSING OR DELAY ICON
WILL APPEAR ON CAMPUS HOMEPAGE

LOCAL STATIONS
KDKA: http://weather.kdka.com/US/PA/Pittsburgh.html
WTAE: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/weather/grid.html
WPXI: http://www.wpxi.com/weather/index.html

FOR A TWO-HOUR DELAY
Two-Hour Delay Class Schedules: http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/weather.htm?cn71G

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02/08/11--06:02: Mardelle and Patrick Kopnicky named co-chairs of 'For the Future' campaign (chan 1834369)

NATRONA HEIGHTS COUPLE TO
LEAD CAMPUS CAMPAIGN EFFORT
Husband and Wife Alumni Team

A husband-and-wife alumni team has accepted appointments as co-chairs of Penn State New Kensington's efforts in the University's current fundraising initiative, For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students. Beginning Jan. 1, Patrick and Mardelle Kopnicky, residents of Natrona Heights, Pa., are leading the campus committee charged with securing $3 million in new support for the campus by June 2014.

“Supporting Penn State New Kensington has been deeply rewarding for us, and we hope to encourage other friends of the campus to join us in making sure that it can continue to offer a wonderful educational experience to students from every economic background,” said Mardelle Kopnicky, who earned a bachelor of science degree from Penn State in 1964.

“This campaign is an incredible opportunity for Penn Staters to make a difference for future generations, and we are eager to connect with those who share our belief in the future of the New Kensington campus," said Patrick Kopnicky, a 1966 Penn State architecture alumnus.

For the Future is directed toward a vision of Penn State as the most comprehensive, student-centered research university in America, and its top priority is keeping a Penn State degree affordable for students and families. The campaign is the most ambitious effort of its kind in Penn State’s history, with the goal of securing $2 billion by 2014. The priorities of the Penn State New Kensington effort are scholarships, enriching the student campus experience, sustaining a tradition of quality through student and faculty work/study programs and partnerships with American and global businesses.

“The success of the campaign as a whole will depend upon the success of every college and campus in reaching their individual objectives,” said Lee Beard, vice co-chair of the For the Future campaign. “I am delighted that Patrick and Mardelle Kopnicky, who are among the most dedicated and enthusiastic supporters of Penn State New Kensington, have volunteered to lead this important effort for the campus.”

The Kopnickys, who met as students at University Park, have been married for 44 years, and they are lifetime members of the Penn State Alumni Association. Their daughter, Aimee Kopnicky Marmol, earned her Penn State degree in premedicine in 1992. The couple is now retired. Patrick was principal architect for Kvaerner Metals in Pittsburgh, and Mardelle was owner of Kopnicky Nationwide Insurance in Brackenridge. Though neither attended Penn State New Kensington, they became involved with the Alle-Kiski Society, a regional chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association based at the campus, in the 1980s. Both served terms as president of the society.

"Through the Alle-Kiski Society, we found that Penn State New Kensington and its students, alumni, parents and staff are a very special family of individuals, and they remain as such to this day, " said Mardelle. The Kopnickys have offered their financial support as well as their time and energy to the campus, providing annual gifts to scholarships for many years and creating the Patrick and Mardelle Sacco Trustee Scholarship in 2008.

“We are proud to be able to offer scholarships to Penn State New Kensington students,” said Mardelle. “We see scholarship support as a way of honoring our parents who enabled us to attend Penn State. And in the Penn State tradition, by giving a gift that will keep on giving, we are investing in the future of our community.”

The Kopnickys have served as leaders for a number of organizations in the region. Mardelle is the past president of the Allegheny Valley Chamber of Commerce and Allegheny Valley YMCA, and Patrick is the past president of the Council of Friends of Harrison Hills Park. In 1994, they were recognized for their community service by the Penn State Alumni Council.
The Kopnickys succeed Barbara Arnold and Robin Rarie as co-chairs of the campus campaign. Arnold and Rarie, both Penn State graduates and members of the campus advisory board, headed the two-year private phase of the campaign, which began in 2007.

“We are deeply honored and grateful that such extraordinary community leaders have offered their time and talent to our fundraising campaign,” said Kevin Snider, chancellor of Penn State New Kensington.
“Patrick and Mardelle are the ideal team to build upon the remarkable foundation that Barbara and Robin have built. We are confident that with the Kopnickys’ guidance, we will achieve our goals and secure a brighter future for our campus, our students, and our region.”

The Kopnickys will host a private gathering for Penn State alumni and friends who are interested in learning more about For the Future campaign opportunities. To R.S.V.P., call 724-224-4102.

For information about Penn State New Kensington’s campaign goals or to discuss the many giving options available, contact Donna Speer director of development, at 724-334-6057 or dms46@psu.edu.

02/16/11--04:57: MONDAY: Administration of Justice open house explores careers 4:00-7:00 p.m. (chan 1834369)

CAMPUS ADMISSIONS PROGRAM FOR
PROSPECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE STUDENTS
4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, February 21, Conference Center

AJS Career Opportunities: Federal, state and local law enforcement and correction agencies,
court-related services, probation and parole services, and private-sector security

Registration: 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS

Prospective students can explore opportunities in the field of criminal justice from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, during Penn State New Kensington's open house in the campus Conference Center in Upper Burrell, Pennsylvania.

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

The keynote speaker is Edward Strimlan chief forensic investigator for the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office. Strimlan's talk, "How right do they get it on TV?: The CSI Reality," will focus on what really goes on when a crime scene investigator processes a crime scene. A 21-year employee of the medical examiner's office, Strimlan also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the New Kensington campus and at Point Park University.

"The open house offers prospective students a valuable tool for making an intelligent career choice," said Kristine Artello, assistant professor of administration of justice and program coordinator. "The students have the opportunity to speak with program faculty and current students, and learn about the criminal investigative skills that will be needed in the future."

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

Artello, who advises students in the program, joined the New Kensington faculty last year and teaches courses on criminal justice and law. The inaugural class began in the fall 2010.

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

For more information on the program, contact Artello at kma21@psu.edu via e-mail or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/43065.htm online.

AJS OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

4:00 p.m. Registration

4:30 p.m. Keynote Address
Dr. Edward Strimlan Chief Forensic Investigator, Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office
"How right do they get it on TV?: The CSI Reality"

5:10 p.m. Concurrent Sessions (5:10 p.m., 5:40 p.m., 6:00 p.m.)
Students will rotate through each of the following:

"Administration of Justice: What can I do with it?" - Dr. Kristine Artello (AJS Faculty)
Students will explore the potential of the AJS degree at Penn State New Kensington. In this seminar,
students will learn how the degree can be used to find employment and its flexibility within the work
force.

"Cyberbots: The New Form of Terrorism" - Dr. Wayne Smouse (IST Faculty)
As new technologies develop, criminals and criminal enterprises use them to attack. The internet is no
different as seen by the recent attacks by Wiki-leak's supporters against Palin’s website and others. In
this session, the new reality of terrorism will be discussed and how the AOJ degree with minor in Security and Risk Analysis can combat this new criminal enterprise.

"What is Happenning in my Neighborhood? Community Corrections"-
Judge Samuel Goldstrohm (AJS Faculty)
As budgets continue to shrink, communities cannot afford to incarcerate offenders. Communities need to find alternatives to help individuals stop criminal activities and to become productive members of society. Community corrections provide one of the alternatives and also offer opportunities for employment. The AJS program requires an internship and these programs offer excellent opportunities.

6:20 p.m. Reception

6:40 p.m. Campus Tours

02/22/11--03:35: TUESDAY Class delay schedule (chan 1834369)

PSUTXT PROVIDES URGET CAMPUS INFORMATION VIA CELL PHONE
Sign-up: http://live.psu.edu/psutxt
DAILY DELAY SCHEDULES

TUESDAY CLASSES

Normal Period	Weather Delay
08:00 a.m. - 09:15 a.m.	10:00 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
09:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.	11:10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.	12:20 p.m. - 01:25 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 01:45 p.m.	01:30 p.m. - 02:35 p.m.
01:45 p.m. - 03:00 p.m. (CH)	02:35 p.m. - 03:40 p.m. (CH)
03:00 p.m. - 04:15 p.m.	03:40 p.m. - 04:45 p.m.
04:30 p.m. - 05:45 p.m.	04:50 p.m. - 05:55 p.m.
06:00 p.m. - 07:15 p.m.	Normal Period
07:30 p.m. - 08:45 p.m.	Normal Period

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY CLASSES

Normal Period	Weather Delay
08:00 a.m. - 08:50 a.m.	10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
09:00 a.m. - 09:50 a.m.	10:50 a.m. - 11:35 a.m.
10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.	11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.	12:30 p.m. - 01:15 p.m.
12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m. (CH)	01:20 p.m. - 01:50 p.m. (CH)
01:00 p.m. - 01:50 p.m.	01:50 p.m. - 02:35 p.m.
02:00 p.m. - 02:50 p.m.	02:40 p.m. - 03:25 p.m.
03:00 p.m. - 03:50 p.m.	03:30 p.m. - 04:15 p.m.
04:00 p.m. - 04:50 p.m.	04:20 p.m. - 05:05 p.m.
05:00 p.m. - 05:50 p.m.	05:10 p.m. - 05:55 p.m.
06:00 p.m. - 07:15 p.m.	Normal Period
07:30 p.m. - 08:45 p.m.	Normal Period

TUESDAY, THURSDAY CLASSES

Normal Period	Weather Delay
08:00 a.m. - 09:15 a.m.	10:00 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
09:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.	11:10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.	12:20 p.m. - 01:25 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 01:45 p.m.	01:30 p.m. - 02:35 p.m.
01:45 p.m. - 03:00 p.m. (CH)	02:35 p.m. - 03:40 p.m. (CH)
03:00 p.m. - 04:15 p.m.	03:40 p.m. - 04:45 p.m.
04:30 p.m. - 05:45 p.m.	04:50 p.m. - 05:55 p.m.
06:00 p.m. - 07:15 p.m.	Normal Period
07:30 p.m. - 08:45 p.m.	Normal Period

02/23/11--06:48: TODAY: Steel Impressions; steel band, pans, Caribbean flair, noon, Cafe 780 (chan 1834369)

FOUR-PIECE STEEL BAND
Noon, Wednesday, February 23, Cafe 780

WOMEN OF VISIONS EXHIBIT
thru February 25
Campus Art Gallery

Penn State New Kensington continues its celebration of Black History Month at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 23, with a performance by Steel Impressions in Café 780.

The four-piece steel band from New York brings its Caribbean flair will sing, dance, and perform on electric and acoustic instruments. The music is a blend of European classical, rhythm and blues, jazz and popular tunes produced by the unique sound of steel drums, or pans, a family of musical instruments made from 55-gallon oil drums struck with rubber mallets.

The program is free to the public. For more information on Black History month activities at the campus, call 724-334-6062.

Steel Impressions
For more about the band, visit http://www.steelimpressionsband.com/home.html

WOMEN OF VISIONS EXHIBIT
Exhibit Photos
http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/photogallery.
htm#num=15LOPLFUS-1&id=15LOPLFUS-0

Women of Visions Statement
"Women of Visions Inc. and invited guest artists work in fine art medium, as well as the historical mediums such as story quilts telling the history of African American women artists of Pittsburgh. The exhibition invites the viewer to witness where we have been and how we are progressing with our work. This body of work represents the contemporary black artists influences of the past and presents artists of Pittsburgh, paying tribute to the artist who has come before us. Each artists work will express a personal celebration statement of their work by documenting their shared experience with art as artists living and working here. Also, as part of our mission and community outreach, we have invited four guest artists to exhibit with us."

The multi-media exhibit showcasing the works of Women of Visions Inc., a nonprofit women's art collective based in Pittsburgh, runs through Feb. 25, in the Art Gallery at Penn State New Kensington.

The exhibit, "Visions at 30: Celebration of Life," features quilts, drawings, photographs, prints and paintings created by the black artists. Founded in 1981, the organization's mission is to promote the art and history of African American women through exhibitions, education, and community involvement. The group establishes relationships with universities, corporations, art groups, foundations, and individual artists throughout the country to provide its members opportunities to grow professionally. Women of Visions members serve as presenters and facilitators of exhibitions, symposia, workshops, and lecture and film series.

For information on Women of Visions, contact Donna Alexander, public relations and marketing director, at 412-606-0733 or dalexanderwov@live.com via e-mail.

"What Goes Around Comes Back," a 50 x 50 "story quilt by Tina Williams Brewer.

"In my Room," a pen and ink drawing by Delores Dee Currin.

"Soul Armor," fiber/mixed media by LaVerne Kemp.

02/23/11--08:07: SPECIAL REPORT: Campus raises record $52,392 for THON (chan 1834369)

Four diamonds...(l-r) Nicki Thoma, Deanna Mazur, Kiki Wilkinson and Megan Pulaski, danced ...For the Kids...at THON.

NEW KENSINGTON STUDENTS
SHATTER OLD MARK
Kelly Sieja chairs historic event

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.--The THON committee at Penn State New Kensington, headed by senior Kelly Sieja, shattered the campus record by raising $52,392 for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon that benefits the Four Diamonds Fund and the fight against pediatric cancer.

The total topped the stated goal of $40,000 and eclipsed the previous record of $23,000 set just last year. The campus ranked third among Penn State's 19 commonwealth campuses. New Kensington students Nicole Thoma, Deanna Mazur, Megan Pulaski and Kiki Wilkinson represented the campus at the University-wide event.

"This was an absolute amazing weekend and I never anticipated us making our goal, yet we surpassed it," said Sieja, a senior psychology major. "I'm overwhelmed with different emotions and I'm so proud that New Kensington made a difference."

Mazur's participation added another dimension to the project: administrator-turned-dancer. The Natrona Heights native was the event's chair last and guided the effort that set the previous campus standard. She stepped down after serving two terms and raising more than $30,000. After experiencing both sides of the massive fundraising process, her commitment to the Four Diamonds fund was reinforced this year.

"Having seen THON from two different perspectives, chair and dancer, the four diamonds, strength, courage, honesty, and wisdom, mean so much more to me now, then ever before," said Mazur, who graduates in May with a bachelor's degree in business administration. "I want to help lift the burden cancer puts on a family physically, financially, and emotionally.

Throughout the no-sitting, no-sleeping event, dancers were supported by the entertainment and the crowds in the stands. Many of the Four Diamonds families who benefit from the money raised at THON also were in attendance. One family had lost already lost a child to cancer.

"Standing there the last four hours, feet hurting, eyes heavy, and then hearing a father say we (the dancers) are why his family still is at THON, even though his daughter has passed away, put it all into perspective," said Mazur, who devotes numerous hours to a campus and community activities throughout the year.

Overall, THON broke all records again this year, raising more than $9.5 million and bringing the total raised since its inception in 1977 to nearly $80 million. THON is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

More than 15,000 volunteers supported the cause which offers financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer patients and their families and also funds cancer research. Approximately 100 new families receive support each year.

For more information, contact Sieja, kms5745@psu.edu via e-mail. For more on THON, visit http://www.thon.org/ online.

NICKI THOMA, DEANNA MAZUR,
MEGAN PULASKI, KIKI WILKINSON
'Dancing for the Kids' during 46-hour,
no-sitting, no-sleeping fundraiser
Bryce Jordan Center

CAMPUS DANCERS IN THE NEWS
Valley News Dispatch (17 Feb 2011)
http://pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_723339.html

Bed! Bed! I couldn't go to bed! My head's too light to try to set it down!
Sleep! Sleep! I couldn't sleep tonight. Not for all the jewels in the crown!
I could have danced all night! I could have danced all night! And still have begged for more.
I could have spread my wings And done a thousand things I've never done before….
"I Could Have Danced All Night," by Alan Jay Lerner for the musical "My Fair Lady"

Julie Andrews could have danced all night but Penn State New Kensington students Nicole Thoma, Deanna Mazur, Megan Pulaski and Kiki Wilkinson are dancing all night...and day.

The quartet is hoofing it this weekend, Feb. 18 to 20, at University Park, furing the 39th edition of the annual Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (affectionately known as THON), a University-wide event whose goal is to fight childhood cancer. Aided by their morale coaches or "moralers" as they are known in the THON circles, the New Kensington dancers join more than 700 Penn State students from all the campuses at the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State's University Park campus during the 46-hour, no sitting, no sleeping marathon. All monies raised through the dance marathon directly benefit the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

"Becoming a dancer for THON is one of my biggest achievements at the campus," said Megan Pulaski, a nursing student from Murrysville. "Through THON, I have met some amazing people."

According to Kelly Sieja, THON Committee chair for the New Kensington campus, the number of dancers going to University Park from each campus is based on the amount of money raised by the campus previous year. The selection of Thoma, Mazur, Pulaski, and Wilkinson were based on canning hours, meetings attended, and raising at least $800 apiece.

"I always thought I didn't have enough time to get this involved with something at school, but THON changed that for me," said Nicki Thoma, a sophomore business administration major from Saxonburg. "I never witnessed a miracle until I attended THON weekend last year as a supporter. What these kids go through at such a young age is something that none of us will ever face in a lifetime. Until there is a cure, we will dance for love, dance for life, but most of all dance for the kids."

New Kensington's goal is a secret, but suffices to say, it is the most ambitious total in campus history, and 80 percent of the total is already in the bank. Since last semester, campus students have been fundraising in earnest, canning, wrapping Christmas presents and throwing pies for what is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. During canning, Sieja's cadre of volunteers stood outsides areas businesses and collected money from patrons.

"Our THON team put their hearts into this organization, said Sieja, a senior psychology major."There is no doubt in my mind that our efforts will lead to another record-breaking year."

Nicki, Deanna, Kiki and Megan helped shatter the campus fundraising record.

The campus record of $23,000 was set last year. Mazur was the event's chair, and the total shattered the previous campus standard of $13,000 in 2004. Mazur stepped down as THON chair after serving two years and raising more than $30,000. The administrator-turned-dancer is excited and nervous about the opportunity to get right into the mix and be a participant on the floor.

"I'm used to cheering the dancers on and giving pep talks," said Mazur, who will graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in business administration. "Now, to be on the floor and actually dancing for 46 hours is quite a different matter. I'm counting on my moraler."

The University Park THON committee assigns each dancer a moraler who can attend to their needs during the marathon. Be it food, drink, or inspiration, the moraler's responsibility is to help the dancers get through the three-day event. Inspiration won't be a problem for Mazur.

"To know that I am helping to lift the financial and emotional burden that these families face is more than enough motivation for me to stand the entire forty-six hours," said Mazur, the 2010 of the Penn State Spirit award. "Being part of something bigger than me, bigger than this entire university, is the most humbling feeling in the world."

The final totals for New Kensington and all the other Penn State units will be announced after the conclusion of the marathon. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $69 million for the charity During the past nine years, more than $93,000 in donations came from the New Kensington campus.

The campus dancers had a grand send-off on Feb. 17, with a campus-wide “pot-luck’ dinner. The terpsichoreans needed to “carbo-load” and students, faculty and staff brought an assortment of pastas and other high-energy foods to help the foursome boogie all weekend. In Greek mythology, Terpsichore was the muse of dancing. The New Kensington team's inspirational slogan is "Eight feet, four hearts, one cause...for the kids."

In addition to the dinner, the campus is supporting the dancers with 60 other students and friends in the stands, who will cheer on the dancers throughout the marathon. In addition, a group of campus students will make a day tip by bus to the Bryce Jordan Center.

"THON has changed my life in so many ways, it has made me more aware of who I am, and it has shown me how kind the world can be, "said Wilkinson, a first-year student in the Radiological Sciences program."No matter how bad I think my life is, it is a piece of cake compared to the kids who are fighting for their lives, fighting for another smile, fighting for another laugh."

For more information, contact Sieja, kms5745@psu.edu via e-mail. For more on THON, visit http://www.thon.org/ online.

Megan Karl, left, and Sarah Calligan were THON dancers last year.

03/04/11--06:00: Hartman establishes award for BET students (chan 1834369)

Engineering instructor Myron Hartman helped fix medical equipment in Liberia.

ESSAY COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS IN
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Students in the biomedical engineering technology program can earn a $500 award through a new essay competition.

Established by program coordinator Myron Hartman, the award is open to second-year students and the winning essay will be published by MD Publishing. Based in Peachtree City, Georgia, the company is an online source for dealers and manufacturers of medical and surgical equipment.

Hartman is on the editorial board for two of its magazines, Medical Dealer and TechNation. In addition, Hartman writes three articles a year for TechNation. His yearly stipend for the articles will fund the award.

Hartman recently returned the Republic of Liberia to repair medical equipment and train personnel at local hospitals. The trip has spawned a collaborative program to send a Liberian technician to the United States in the summer to develop and maintain skills under Hartman. The technician will be able to acquire the knowledge to teach his fellow technicians at the Liberian hospitals.

For more on Hartman and the BET program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/43722.htm online.

Myron Hartmnan , left, will train Prince, a Liberian technician, on campus during the summer.

DEVELOPING
SUMMER TRAINING PROGRAM FOR LIBERIA HOSPITALS
Biomedical program coordinator travels to Liberia to train hospital technicians

Myron Hartman, program coordinator for the Biomedical Engineering Technology (BET) program at Penn State New Kensington, recently traveled to the Republic of Liberia to repair medical equipment and train personnel at local hospitals.

Based out of the village of Ganta in northeast Liberia, Hartman worked at the United Methodist Hospital with technicians from other local hospitals and provided hands-on training on a variety of equipment including anesthesia gas machines, blood pressure monitors, electrosurgical units, oxygen concentrators, physiological monitors and x-ray machines. The trip was the first step in establishing a training program for the Liberian technicians.

"The technicians I worked with wanted to learn as much as they could during my stay at each hospital" said Hartman, an instructor in engineering in the campus' Engineering department. "I am looking forward to a return trip and several students are interested in going with me to do work on the medical equipment."

As BET coordinator at the campus, Hartman oversees a program that is known for producing well-qualified and knowledgeable technicians. Biomedical technicians tasks include inspections, calibration, troubleshooting and equipment repair. New Kensington's program is one of only three in the nation to be accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The program's facilities include a fully-equipped student Intensive Care Unit (ICU) laboratory that is one of only two in the United States.

Hartman's trip was sponsored by United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a nonprofit global humanitarian aid organization of the United Methodist Church. Headquartered in New York, UMCOR is established in more than 80 countries, and Brother's Brother foundation, a Pittsburgh-based international charity, has provided over $3.4 billion of medical supplies, textbooks, food, seeds, and other humanitarian supplies to people around the world in over 140 countries.

"I am an active member of the Circleville United Methodist Church, so it was a natural fit for being a sponsor for my trip," said, Hartman, a 1979 Penn State graduate and member of the campus' first BET graduating class. "I have done work for the BBF for the past twenty years and my BET students do volunteer work for them such as checking donated medical equipment before it is loaded on to containers for shipment to hospitals throughout the world."

Plans are underway to send a Liberian technician to the United States in the summer to develop and maintain skills under Hartman. The technician will be able to acquire the knowledge to teach his fellow technicians at the Liberian hospitals.

"I am developing a proposal to have a maintenance technician live in my house this summer,'" said Hartman, who holds a master's degree in Health Services Administration from St. Francis University. "I will train him on electricity, electronics and medical equipment support, and teach him to teach others."

Liberia, located on the west coast of Africa, was founded in 1822 by freed slaves from America, and is home to 3.5 million people, of which 85 percent are Christian. After a history of military coups and civil wars, democratic elections were held in 2005, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected president, the position she currently holds. The capital is Monrovia and English is the official language. The country is one of the poorest in the world, and is reliant on foreign assistance for revenue. While security is still fragile, the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country continues.

For more on the BET program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/bet.html online.

03/07/11--13:10: Art exhibit by local high school students (chan 1834369)

"Imagine,' acrylic on canvas by Casey Moses, Burrell senior

ALLE-KISKI ARTS CONSORTIUM
'Arts Alive' Exhibit runs March 1-31
Reception: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, March 7, Art Gallery

Photo Gallery:
http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/photogallery.
htm#id=15POLS6HL-0&num=15POLS6HL-2

"Arts Alive" is the theme of the annual student art exhibit, March 1-31, in the Art Gallery at Penn State New Kensington.

The show is sponsored by the Alle-Kiski Arts Consortium, a group of local educators dedicated to bringing performing and visual artists to area students. Artwork by high school students from six area school districts -- Allegheny Valley, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Highlands, Kiski Area and New Kensington-Arnold -- is featured in the show. More than 500 two- and three-dimensional pieces include paintings, drawings, sculpture and jewelry.

Art submitted for the show must be produced within students' schools, not outside of class. A reception for the artists is set from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 7, in the art gallery. The exhibit and reception are free to the public.

The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends.

For more information, contact call Christy Hedman at christyhedman@yahoo.com or (724) 265-5300.

"Time After Time," mixed media by Gretchen Liska, Kiski Area senior

"Big Brother," pencil by Brianna Brusco, Kiski Area junior

"Pain/Trust," acrylic by Dominque Kaplan, Deer Lakes senior

03/08/11--12:04: GECKO is new K-8 STEM initiative (chan 1834369)

GREEN ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE FOR KIDS OUTREACH
TARGETS ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Campus Collaborates with Local School Districts

Continuing with its commitment to the community, Penn State New Kensington has initiated a new STEM education collaboration with local school districts.

The Green Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach (GECKO) program targets elementary and middle school students to develop their STEM skills. A key component of the K-8 initiative is to stimulate an interest in math and science that will be sustained through high school and onto college.

STEM is the acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the four core disciplines of a statewide effort to prepare students for global competitiveness through a strategy of enhanced education and career development opportunities. STEM skills are the foundation of the region's workforce and are critical to the development of technological innovations.

GECKO is a concerted effort among K-8 students and teachers and campus undergraduates and faculty. Conducted during the academic year and administered at local schools during science class periods, the program is structured to foster an understanding of local and global ecological systems and natural resources.

For grade-school students, it is designed to enrich learning and heighten awareness of environmental issues, including conservation, ecosystems, and waste and recycling. Students will explore environmental and ecology science through hands-on demonstrations and activities.

For teachers, the program provides an activity-based teaching resource. Teachers will have the opportunity to select from five environmental demonstrations which are intended to support environmental science concepts that already exist within a school's science curriculum.

Leading the on-site demonstrations are Penn State New Kensington students who will share their educational experiences with the youngsters. Designed and presented by the students majoring in math, biology, physics, chemistry or education, the demonstrations will include exploring the chemical breakdown of waste materials and the impact of oil spills on plants, animals and humans. All content is reviewed by Penn State faculty for compliance with Pennsylvania academic standards.

"Penn State students have shown great creativity in designing environmental demonstrations that are both informative as well as engaging," said Maureen Ryan, STEM coordinator at the New Kensington campus. "The grade-school students can learn how to apply the hands-on demonstrations outside the classroom to promote a cleaner environment."

Although GECKO activities are scheduled only during each school district's academic year, students can augment their STEM learning throughout the summer with the campus' Kids in College program, a series of academic, artistic, and social camps. The STEM-based camps include a variety of topics ranging from science and rocketry to robotics and oceanography. The one-week classes are offered from June to August.

GECKO is sponsored by a grant from the Buhl Foundation, a private entity that is headquartered in Pittsburgh. Founded in 1927 and funded through the estate of Henry Buhl Jr., a retail store magnate, the foundation contributes to the sustainability and vitality of the community. Its four areas of interest are education, youth development, human services, and economic and community development.

For more information on GECKO, contact Ryan at mar49@psu.edu via e-mail.

For more on Kids in College, contact the Office of Continuing Education at 724-334-6010.

03/09/11--02:31: TODAY President Spanier press conference on budget, 10:30 a.m., watch it live (chan 1834369)

PENN STATE ONLINE
http://www.wpsu.org/live

President Spanier will be giving a press today at 10:30 a.m. related to the recent budget proposal from Gov. Tom Corbett.

Dr. Spanier also will stand for a few questions from media in attendance and will take questions online from media watching the live stream online. He will answer as time permits.

The campus community can watch this important discussion about the future of Penn State online at http://www.wpsu.org/live

03/10/11--05:03: Gardone's wrestling quest begins today; follow it live on the NCWA webcast (chan 1834369)

Sophomore Lou Gardone is an administration of justice major.

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE WRESTLING ASSOCIATION
CHAMPIONSHIPS OPEN TODAY
Live Webcast: www.ncwa.net

Lou Gardone's quest for a national wrestling title begins today with opening of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association championships at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, The three-day tournament, Thursday-Saturday, March 10-12, will identify the country's top wrestlers in the 11 weight classes.

Gardone, the NCWA Mid-East conference champion, squares off against Karl Fong (University of North Florida), the sixth-place finisher in the Southeast conference, in the first round of the 36-man,197-pound bracket. The victor faces the winner of the Brett Buckner (Radford, Mid-Atlantic Conference) and Bryce Wilson (California Baptist, West Coast Conference) bout. Gardone's bracket gets underway at 11:00 a.m. and his will be the eighth match of the 197-pound class.

The tournament will be streamed live beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the NCWA Web site, www.ncwa.net

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE WRESTLING ASSOCIATION
Thursday-Saturday, March 10-12,
Mercer University, Macon, Georgia

With the conference championship trophy safely on the mantle, Penn State New Kensington wrestler Lou Gardone is homing in on a bigger prize: a national championship.

Gardone, the cornerstone of the campus' revived wrestling program, will compete in the 197-pound weight class of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association tournament, Thursday-Saturday, March 10-12, at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. His bracket features 36 of the top wrestlers from across the country.

"Lou is going to have the biggest challenge of his career at the nationals," said Scott Morgan, coach of the first-year program. "But he is wrestling at his best at the right time, and his confidence is high."

"Everyone there is going to be good and I expect to wrestle a tough seven minutes every match," said Gardone, an administrative of justice major. "The competition will be great and it’s going to be a good learning experience."

A product of Burrell High School's storied wrestling program, Gardone earned a berth in the tournament by capturing the NCWA Mid-East Conference championship on Feb. 27. Seeded number one in his weight class, he scored a 4-0 decision over Brandon Banks from West Chester University in the title match.

"Honestly, these types of tournaments are all about where you get seeded," said Gardone, an Upper Burrell native. "I got the number one seed in the bracket which put me in perfect position to win my way into the finals."

After overcoming a knee injury in the fall, Gardone fashioned a 12-6 overall mark during the regular season. His record included three wins over nationally-ranked opponents.

"I wasn’t where I wanted to be early in the season, and I lost a couple close matches that I feel I should have won," said Gardone, who helped Burrell to its first state title in 2008. "The turning point in the season for me was at the UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) Duals where I won 11-10 over a fifteenth ranked opponent. It was the match I needed for a confidence booster."

On the year, Gardone had the best record on the New Kensington Lions team that is in its first season of intercollegiate competition after a 35-year hiatus. He is the first wrestler in the history of the campus to advance to a national tournament.

Morgan resuscitated a program that was dormant since 1975. Wrestling was a staple of the campus athletic program in the early 1970s.

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

CAMPUS' PAST AND PRESENT CONVERGE AT WRESTLING NATIONALS
Former PSNK Wrestler Jim Giunta is Executive Director of NCWA

Separated by 35-year chasm, Penn State New Kensington's past and present wrestling programs converge at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association national championships, Thursday-Saturday, March 10-12, at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

Sophomore Lou Gardone, the cornerstone of the campus' revived wrestling program, is competing for a national title in the 197-pound weight class. If he reaches the medalist round, he may receive a medal from Jim Giunta, a former campus wrestler.

Giunta is the founder and executive director of the NCWA. He wrestled at the New Kensington campus during the halcyon days of the program in the early '70s. Former coach Bob Darby started the original program in1971, and it was disbanded in 1975. Current coach Scott Morgan resuscitated a program this year.

"Jim was an excellent wrestler and a team leader," recalled Darby, who retired as instructor in kinesiology in 2006. "He wrestled at 118 pounds."

A graduate of Burrell High School, Giunta attended the campus for two years before transferring to Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master’s degree in exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation.

After graduation, Giunta taught high school in Richardson, a North Dallas suburb, and served as the school's head wrestling coach for seven years. In 1984, he joined Primemerica, a financial services marketing company, and is currently a senior vice president.

The Dallas resident launched the Texas Interscholastic Wrestling Association in 1987 to promote wrestling in high schools. He was honored in 2004 with a lifetime achievement award by the Texas Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Giunta formed NCWA in 1997. The organization is the governing body for collegiate club wrestling teams in the United States and Canada. It is divided into seven regional conferences: Mid-East; Northeast; Mid-Atlantic; Southeast; North Central; Southwest; and West coast. The New Kensington Lions compete in the 18-member Mid-East region that includes programs from the University of Pittsburgh, Rutgers University, University of Delaware and Lehigh University.

Gardone captured the NCWA Mid-East Conference championship on Feb. 27 to earn a berth in the nationals. He is the first wrestler in the history of the campus to advance to a national tournament. There was no national tournament for campus wrestlers when Giunta was patrolling the mat.

For more on wrestling, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentLife/Athletics/36287.htm online.

Lou Gardone's Mid-East conference title earned him a berth in the nationals.

Lou Gardone works out in the weight room as he prepares for the NCWA championships.

PSNK's Jim Giunta takes top honors at 1974 match.

03/10/11--07:00: Jueves- Viernes (Thursday-Friday) in Madrid: Sábado return home (chan 1834369)

La Rambla, a pedestrian mall in Barcelona, is a popular attaction for tourists and locals.

CAMPUS CONQUISTADORS RETURN MARCH 12
Follow the adventures, view photos and
post comments on the the campus blog
http://www.personal.psu.edu/dys100/blogs/spain/

From LaRambla in Barcelona to Royal Palace of Aranjuez in Madrid, from the Alhambra in Granada to the Giralda in Seville, Penn State New Kensington students are experiencing a week of Spain's culture over spring break.

Arranged by New Kensington's global program directors -- Bill Hamilton, assistant professor of biology, and Maria Franco de Gomez, instructor in Spanish -- the international trip to four cities in Spain is an opportunity for students to travel abroad and explore Spanish customs that has been influenced by a variety of ancient peoples including the Romans, Celtics and Iberians.

The 45-person travelling party includes 18 students, 10 faculty, 12 retired faculty and staff, and five alumni. The eclectic group will leave on March 5 and return on March 12. There are no classes on campus during annual spring recess, March 7-11.

Prado Museum in Madrid Royal Palace of Aranjuez in Madrid

The focus of the trip is the cities of Barcelona, Granada, Seville and Madrid. The itinerary includes guided tours and walking tours of historical buildings and landmarks, as well as free time for shopping and night life. Highlights include visits to: La Rambla, the tree-lined pedestrian mall; the Royal Palace, one of the residences of King Juan Carlos; Alhambra, a 14th-century palace of the Moorish rulers, and the Giralda, a former minaret that was converted into bell tower for the Cathedral of Seville.

In conjunction with the trips, students are required to take a related course that enriches their understanding of Spain and its heritage. For this trip, the students are taking the class "Iberian Civilization," taught by Franco de Gomez, that studies Spanish and Portuguese life from the medieval period to the present.

"We discuss a broad range of topics pertaining to Spain's diverse regions," said Franco de Gomez, the 2004 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award for full-time faculty at the campus. "In addition, they are learning to appreciate Spanish art and architecture by the masters such as El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Miro, Dali, Picasso, and Gaudi."

For two of Franco de Gomez's students, Jimmy Baker and Grant Schoenfelder, it will be their first venture outside the United States. While there is minor trepidation, both are eager to experience the ethos and aesthetics of another country.

"I have never had the opportunity to do anything like this before, and I think that this experience is going to be one that I will never forget," said Baker, a junior communications major from Burrell High School. "However, I have never flown in an airplane before, so I am interested to see how that experience goes."

"I'm looking forward to visiting the art museums, seeing the buildings and experiencing the culture and language," said Schoenfelder, a freshman business administration major Franklin Regional High School. "I know some Spanish, but I am worried that it may not be enough."

To keep family members and the campus community updated on the activities of the globetrotters, a special blog has been created by Deborah Sillman, senior instructor of biology, and a member of the travelling party. Students will be able to write about their experiences throughout the trip and post on the blog. The comment function allows those at home to keep in touch with the globetrotters as they move from city to city. To view the blog and post comments, visit http://www.personal.psu.edu/dys100/blogs/spain/

Alhambra Palace in Granda The Giralda in Seville.

The global travel program was established by Hamilton and Franco de Gomez to give the campus’ students the opportunity to directly experience other countries and other cultures. The program provides students with a variety of opportunities to study in foreign countries for varying periods of time — week, summer, semester or full year. The objective of the program is to offer students a broader education than can be obtained through classroom experiences.

Penn State New Kensington has embarked on the promotion of greater awareness and understanding of world issues, international trends and global policy debates. Each year, the campus adopts a country or region of the world to inspire teaching and scholarship. Students, faculty and staff will explore and reflect on various aspects of India's history, culture and economic, social and political reality.

During the past seven years, more than 130 campus students have traveled to France, Italy, China, Greece, Peru and the Galapagos Islands. This is the campus' second venture to Spain. The first was in 2004, the inaugural international travel trip organized by the two New Kensington faculty members.

For more about global programs, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/InternationalPrograms/intlprograms.htm

ITINERARY

MARCH 5: DEPART USA

MARCH 6: ARRIVE IN BARCELONA
City orientation tour today includes views of Gaudi’s amazing art nouveau cathedral, Sagrada Familia, and the 1992 Olympic Games complex.

MARCH 7: BARCELONA TO GRANADA
A walking tour of the Gothic quarter and Las Rambla; explore Catalonia’s most famous city before boarding your overnight train to Granada.

MARCH 8: GRANADA
Orientation tour of the city--beautiful Alhambra, former residence of the Moorish Kings and the steep streets and narrow alleys of the Albaicín, the only Moorish neighborhood to escape torching during the Reconquista. Albaicín is Spain’s best preserved Arab quarter. Also notable are the fortress Albazaba, the Torre de la Vela water tower, and El Generalife, the sultan’s vacation retreat, and Gipsy Caves.

MARCH 9: GRANADA TO SEVILLE
Important sights include Maria Luisa Park and the Barrio Santa Cruz, the historical center of Seville; the Cathedral, the 3rd largest in the world; the Giralda, the minaret of the old Moorish mosque; and Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Other options include the Guadalquivir River Cruise to the site of the 1992 World Expo or a visit to a bullring.

MARCH 10: SEVILLE TO MADRID
Spain’s capital is full of diverse neighborhoods and lively plazas. Orientation tour of the city and opportunity to explore the vibrant nightlife.

MARCH 11: MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A tour of the Royal Palace, home to Madrid’s royal family; visit the Prado museum and the masterpieces by Goya, El Greco and Rembrandt, the Plazas Mayor and Espana or the Puerto del Sol or the Gran Vía for some shopping.

MARCH 12: DEPART MADRID; ARRIVE USA

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