Samantha Simon, left, a newly-minted graduate from Penn State New Kensington, earned a bachelor's degree in business and joined the ranks of more than 650,000 Penn State alumni.

Former student Amy Cyprych’s address,
“Success = Ability + Willingness"

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. – Thirty Penn State New Kensington graduates earned their baccalaureate and associate degrees Dec. 19 in the campus Athletics Center. Kevin Snider, chancellor, and Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs, conferred the four- and two-year degrees.

Amy Cyprych, director of risk revenue at Highmark, delivered the commencement address, “Success = Ability + Willingness." Vera Spina Greenwald, president of the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, inducted the new graduates into the Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA). Barbara Arnold, longtime member of the campus Advisory Board, sang the national anthem and the alma mater. All three are Penn State alumni who started at the New Kensington campus.

Mixing advice with personal experiences, Cyprych prepared the new Penn Staters for life after college. Cyprych earned a bachelor’s degree in information sciences and technology from the campus in 2002. A frequent guest speaker in IST classes at the campus, Cyprych enjoys interacting with the students and sharing her experiences in the corporate world.

In addition, she sponsors projects for the senior capstone course, and she has participated as an employer partner of the GREAT (Growing Regional Excellence through Experience, Academics, and Training) program for promising students in engineering and technology fields. GREAT is a collaboration of the New Kensington campus, Penn State Electro-Optics Center and industries in the region. GREAT establishes internships at local companies for engineering students and IST. Whereas most internships are geared to juniors and seniors, GREAT interns can begin as early as their first year in college.

Cyprych’s address emphasized two keys that play a role in an individual’s success -- ability, which is what a person is capable of doing; and willingness, which is a person’s attitude. Ability is a talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area. Some abilities are inherent, while others require effort to develop. According to Cyprych, “abilities can change over time.”

 Administration of Justice graduate Shaquille Hager’s mortarboard quotes St. Francis of Assisi: "Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; suddenly you’re doing the impossible."

Although a college education provides an excellent foundation, on-the job-training, as well as continuing education, increases one’s knowledge and adds to a person’s expertise. Cyprych used her own experiences to drive home the point.

When she graduated from college, her technical skills were much stronger than her management skills. As her career developed, management skills became more critical, so she became proficient in the areas.

“I spent more time developing leadership abilities and less time on the technical side,” Cyprych said. “While I still have technical skills, they’re not as big a part of my portfolio as they once were.”

Willingness is about attitude. It’s about being a team player and acting in a positive manner, especially in difficult situations. Cyprych told the graduates that willingness “enables you to seize an opportunity when it arises, and to make the most of that opportunity.”

“When the opportunity presents itself, you volunteer to take on an assignment, even if it’s not your favorite thing to work on,” Cyprych said. You take action when you see something needing attention, whether that action is fixing the problem yourself or finding someone who can help you determine how to fix it. You don’t wait for someone else to step up.”

Vera Spina Greenwald
Greenwald inducted the newly-minted alumni into the PSAA. She urged the graduates to “stay connected to your University and to other Penn Staters.” A one-year free membership in the association was the inducement to do so. The PSAA is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world with more than 177,000 members. Established in 1870, the Alumni Association strives to connect alumni to the University and to each other, provides valuable benefits to members and supports the University’s mission of teaching, research and service. There are more than 645,000 Penn State alumni.

The chief clerk for Westmoreland County, Greenwald was elected society president in June. She joined the alumni society in 2007 and was elected secretary in 2011. She serves on the board’s scholarship committee, which recommends New Kensington students for the society’s annual scholarships. This year, $5,500 was awarded to upperclassmen. In the past 23 years, the New Kensington-based society has awarded $53,500 to 59 campus students. The scholarship was first endowed in 1998 at $15,000 and now stands at $109,000.

Greenwald earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in psychology. While matriculating at the New Kensington campus, she was active in the Student Government Association, THON and the Lion Ambassadors. Greenwald was named Lion Ambassador of the Year in 2001. A year later, as chair of the campus’ THON team, she spearheaded the drive that raised $9,300 in 2002, tripling the previous record of $3,000.

 Penn State New Kensington graduates and
Penn State alumni stand as the new alumni are inducted into the Penn State Alumni Association.

Dr. Barbara Arnold
A three-time Penn State graduate and member of the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, Arnold holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. She is the founder and president of PrepTech Inc., an engineering services and mineral processing equipment company in Apollo, Pa.

As a New Kensington campus student, Arnold was a scholarship recipient and president of the Student Government Association. She was honored with the Walker Award that is given to the student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship and leadership contribute to the prestige of the campus. Arnold continues to be active on both the New Kensington and the University Park campuses. In 2011, she was selected as Alumni Fellow, the most prestigious award given by the PSSA.

In addition to her service, Arnold has supported Penn State in a variety of campus projects. She established the Student Leadership Development Fund in 1999 to support awards, guest speakers and travel related to student leadership programs. In 2008, she created the Barbara J. Arnold Global Initiatives Program Support Fund that promotes cultural awareness and diversity enhancement.

For a list of graduates, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/46376.htm

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

  Former Penn State New Kensington student Amy Cyprych delivers the commencement address as Chancellor Kevin Snider and Director of Academic Affairs Andrea Adolph look on.

Commencement Address

“Success = Ability + Willingness"
by Amy Cyprych

Good morning.
I’m honored to be here today with Penn State New Kensington’s Class of Fall 2015. I would like to congratulate each of you for receiving your degree from Penn State today. You have all poured countless hours of hard work into your education, and today we’re here to celebrate that with you and your families.

Thirteen years ago, in the fall of 2002, I had the privilege of being one of the first graduates of Penn State New Kensington’s Information Sciences and Technology program. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to come back and visit the campus for discussions with IST students, and to participate in the GREAT program for high-performing underclassmen in engineering and technology fields.

I remember sitting where you are now. I was hoping that I was ready to take on my first “real” job, and that I had the skills I needed to be successful. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve learned a lot since then, and I’d like to share some of that learning with you. Today, I’d like to talk with you about two key dimensions that play a huge role in determining an individual’s success: ability and willingness.

Ability, quite simply, is a talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area. Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Some abilities may be inherent, or natural. For example, you may know someone who is a natural-born leader. People are attracted to this individual as if drawn by gravity. Other abilities may require considerable effort to develop. Think about learning a new programming language if you’re an IST major, or learning how to interpret lab results if you’re in nursing.

Abilities exist on a continuum and can change over time. I’ll use myself as an example. When I was first out of college, my technical skills were much stronger than they are now. However, I was just beginning to develop my management skills. As I’ve continued in my career, management and leadership abilities have become much more critical, so I’ve spent more time developing those and less time on the technical side. While I still have technical skills, but they’re not as big a part of my portfolio as they once were.

You have all taken significant steps toward developing your abilities by completing your course of study here at Penn State New Kensington. Your education provides you with an excellent foundation, whether you are starting your career, going on to graduate school, changing careers, or if you are already in the workforce and came back to school to develop your skills.

You will continue to gain additional expertise, and further build upon the knowledge you have now, through on-the-job training, higher education, reading…the possibilities are endless. Being open to continuously developing your knowledge and skills is tremendously valuable.

Willingness, though, is not about knowledge and skills. It’s about attitude. It’s about being a team player. It’s about being willing to act, and to act in a positive manner. It’s how you respond when the going gets tough. Willingness enables you to seize an opportunity when it arises, and to make the most of that opportunity. Vince Lombardi said that “the difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”

If you consider willingness and ability as two dimensions on a graph, you come up with 4 quadrants, or 4 types of individuals.

The highest performers at an organization are those with well-developed skills and high willingness. These workers are typically respected members of the team. They are the ones who take the time to share their knowledge with others, and who take on the most challenging projects with enthusiasm. These folks are typically confident and committed. When they see a problem, not only do they notify the appropriate people about it, but they also recommend solutions. In addition, they recognize the value of continuous self-improvement. As a manager, these are your go-to people, the people who you know will get the job done and done right.

Earlier this year, my team had to jump in to help save another area’s project that was running significantly behind schedule. Two people on my team brought the issues to my attention. Because they had the most subject matter expertise, they were called upon repeatedly to provide guidance and to solve problems. Unfortunately, this resulted in them working very long hours, including many nights and weekends. You know what was really amazing? I never once had to ask them to work these extra hours. They simply stepped up and did it because they knew it was what was needed to save the project. This was an excellent example of high willingness.

Every organization also has people with high willingness, but less developed skills. Many of you may find yourselves in this category as you enter the workforce. These may be new employees. Perhaps they’ve recently graduated, or perhaps they’ve come from other industries. Maybe they have some of the skills that they need to succeed, but are still working to develop other necessary skills. However, they show a willingness to learn and they actively participate with their team.

Let me give you an example. I work in the health insurance industry, yet I hired a project manager with a retail supply chain management background. He knew very little about health insurance before joining our team. So why did we hire him? He clearly showed us how his supply chain skills were transferable to project management. But we were really sold by his willingness to learn and his very collaborative, positive attitude. We were completely confident that he could learn the health insurance industry and develop the additional skills he needed to be successful. We also knew he would be the kind of project manager who could inspire others to get the job done.

Next, there are those with highly developed skills, but low willingness. There are a number of potential reasons for someone to operate this way. Perhaps a person in this situation is insecure, or afraid of making mistakes. I think of this type of person as a turtle that’s afraid to stick its neck out of the shell. It’s easier to stay in the shell and not take a chance. If this is the situation, it could be overcome through mentoring and providing opportunities for success. Small wins can often build the confidence that the turtle needs to stick its neck out

If, however, this person is simply choosing to be unwilling, there’s a much larger problem. This choice can manifest itself when individuals do the bare minimum required to get by. They don’t offer to help their teammates. They actively seek to avoid highly visible, or challenging, projects. Maybe they feel that knowledge is power and don’t want to lose their power by sharing their knowledge. From a manger’s perspective, it’s really a shame when someone with highly developed skills lets those skills go to waste by being unwilling. It’s important to find out the reason behind the unwillingness and determine if it can be corrected.

Finally, there are those who are both unwilling and unable. You’ve probably figured out by now that this is not where you want to be.

So how do you demonstrate willingness?

When the opportunity presents itself, you volunteer to take on an assignment, even if it’s not your favorite thing to work on. You take action when you see something needing attention, whether that action is fixing the problem yourself or finding someone who can help you determine how to fix it. You don’t wait for someone else to step up. When you see a teammate who needs a hand, you offer to help without being asked. You go to your boss with solutions, not just with problems. You also continue to develop your skills – whether that’s new skills that you haven’t used before, or whether that’s enhancing skills you have learned while in school or on the job.

And, once you become an expert in your field, you don’t rest on your laurels. You actively seek opportunities to share your knowledge with others. You mentor junior members of the team. You take the initiative to identify and recommend improvements, and then you follow through to make them happen.

Willingness is the not-so-secret ingredient that can take you from being skilled to being exceptional.

I’d like to leave you with a quote.

“We seldom do anything to the best of our ability. We do it to the best of our willingness.”

This unknown author is exactly right. Ability and skills will only take you so far. Willingness is required for you to reach your true potential.

Congratulations to all of you on your graduation from Penn State New Kensington. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Thank you.

Beethoven's shoulder-length wavy tresses were irresistible to the "necro-kleptos" of the time. However, a purloined lock made its way to contemporary times, and that lock is the subject of a book discussion at the New Kensington campus.

One Book, One Community program discusses
‘Beethoven's Hair: An Extraordinary Historical
Odyssey and a Scientific Mystery Solved’

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- A history discussion on ascertaining the genesis of Beethoven’s ill health through the scrutiny of a pilfered lock of his wavy shoulder-length hair is the topic of a community gathering at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Penn State New Kensington.

“One Book, One Community,” will brush up on the history of Beethoven’s tresses, which reveal the reason the famed composer was finished before his Symphony No. 10 was. The colloquium’s banter will focus on the book, “Beethoven's Hair: An Extraordinary Historical Odyssey and a Scientific Mystery Solved,” by national best selling author Russel Martin. A group reading will take place in the campus’ Elizabeth S. Blissell Library. A discussion will follow the reading. Copies of the book will be available to borrow in the library.

The tale follows the conspicuous odyssey of a snippet from Ludwig von Beethoven’s coiffed pate that was shorn on his death bed as he was de-composing in 1827. The plundered ringlet made it from the corpse of the now almost bald* composer in Vienna, Austria, to a Beethoven-wannabe composer’s family in Cologne, Germany, to an Oskar Schindler-like doctor in Nazi-occupied Denmark, to Sothebys in London to the Center for Beethoven Studies in San Jose, California. Pieces of the pilfered mane finally made a cameo at the Pfeiffer Treatment Center in Naperville, Illinois, where the wayfaring strands were tested and found to contain 100 times the normal amount of lead. Although there is no evidence that Amadeus snacked on paint chips, lead poisoning was the probable cause of real Tom Hulce’s health woes.

Prior to the book, “Beethoven’s Hair” was a 2005 award-winning Canadian TV movie. It garnered four Gemini awards, which is Canada’s version of Emmy awards.

Participants in the book session also will be eligible to attend a concert by the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra for the special price of $10. The WSO will perform, “Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 19, at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg.

Sponsored by the Westmoreland Library Network, the event is a part of a series of discussions of the book from November to March at 16 member libraries. The network is a system of public libraries in Westmoreland county that provides free library service to county residents.

For more information, contact Pat Hollinger at 724-334-6053 or pdh5@psu.edu

*As was the custom at the time, friends, and sometimes strangers, often absconded with locks of hair that were cut from the corpses of famous people who weren’t capable of mounting even a token protest. In Beethoven’s case, he was practically hairless by the time he assumed room temperature.

About Blissell Library
Because of the Penn State's status as a state-related institution, and its strong public service commitment, the resources of Blissell Library are available for free to the public. The resources include all on-line databases, borrowing privileges, collaborative workstation and a quiet study lounge.

The collaborative workstation allows multiple participants to work on a document or project by viewing large computer screens. The area is equipped with a conference table and six chairs. Up to six laptops or iPads can connect into the hub in the center of the table. The monitors can display two of the laptop screens simultaneously, so the group can work as a team. On the lower level of the library is the study lounge. Located next to the Computer Center, the lounge provides individual study space.

Blissell also is a government depository library, which means that it makes selected government documents accessible to residents of Pennsylvania. Blissell is only the second library in the county to serve in this capacity, and the only Penn State campus library other than University Park to be so designated. The community can take advantage of the library's resources after requesting a Penn State library card. For more information, visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/lending/borrowingprivileges.html

For more about Blissell Library, visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/newkensington.html

Penn State President Eric Barron, (left to right), New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo and Penn State New Kensington Chancellor Kevin Snider get demolition tips from the Nittany Lion, deconstruction supervisor, prior to the demolition ceremony.

Penn State demolition ceremony paves way for
New Kensington campus’ Entrepreneur Center in city

New Kensington, Pa. -- Penn State President Eric Barron presided over the beginning phase of Penn State New Kensington’s plan to revitalize downtown New Kensington at a demolition and dedication ceremony in the city Jan. 7, celebrating the campus’ new Entrepreneurial Center.

Barron, along with Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, and Thomas Guzzo, mayor of New Kensington, knocked down a wall of a former store front at 951 Fourth Avenue. The deconstruction signified a rejuvenation of the area and the launch of a business accelerator program to attract and nurture innovation and small business development across the Alle-Kiski Valley. The New Kensington campus will re-purpose the building, the former Harts Department Store, to serve as an incubator for entrepreneurs.

"Penn State New Kensington has had historically strong and close ties to industry, business partners and the local community,” Barron said. “These collaborative relationships offer a wonderful opportunity to promote economic development and entrepreneurship in this region. I look forward to seeing how this seed funding will inspire innovation to further benefit students, faculty, staff, the business community, and all the entrepreneurs working among us.”

The project is funded by a $50,000 grant from Invent Penn State, an initiative that focuses on leveraging Penn State’s research, knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to bring to market needed ideas, products and services. The premise is to involve campus students, faculty and staff and community members in generating ideas, then turning those ideas into promising new companies.

The New Kensington campus was one of six Penn State campuses to receive seed funding. The other campuses were Abington, Erie, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley and Wilkes-Barre.

To turn the University’s research engine into a driver of job creation, economic development and student career success, Barron committed $30 million to the Invent Penn State program. The campus’ Alle-Kiski Economic Generator (AKEG) program is the delivery vehicle for affecting change in the city of New Kensington and the region.

"It is because of President Barron's vision of having Penn State drive economic development that we are pursuing this initiative,” Snider said. “The Entrepreneur Center will bring energy, innovation, and a sense of progress and quality not seen in the area in a long time. To have him kick off the first phase of the project is really exciting and speaks to the President's commitment in bringing economic development to New Kensington through entrepreneurship."

The 800 and 900 blocks of Fourth and Fifth avenues form the core of downtown New Kensington. As the city celebrates its 125th anniversary year, Guzzo is overseeing the area’s revitalization, which included the razing of vacant buildings to make existing buildings more viable. Last fall, PugDug’s Rock and Bead Shop moved from Squirrel Hill, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh, to the 900 block of Fifth Avenue.

“Penn State has been very kind and incredibly instrumental in taking a regional approach toward helping solve some of the economic issues of our city,” said Guzzo, a Penn State alumnus and mayor since 2010. “ Our city is moving forward, and on an upward trajectory as new businesses are moving in. The accelerator program will define the ‘new’ New Kensington as a place where our greatest minds can create the next big thing, and where new ideas and products can be developed and put to use. It is the perfect way to commence our quasquicentennial anniversary.”

President Eric Barron, (left to right), Mayor Tom Guzzo and Chancellor    Nittany Lion summons his inner Ronald          
Kevin Snider use various sledgehammer styles to break the wall of the    Reagan to “tear down this wall.”                       
former Harts Department Store and pave the way for the new                                                                                             
Entrepreneur Center in downtown New Kensington.

The Entrepreneur Center is a part of AKEG, a collaboration of the campus, businesses and communities working to improve the lives of the residents of valley. Regional partners, such as Bridgeway Capital, Idea Foundry and Riverside Center for Innovation, have pledged their support in developing the city and surrounding areas. In addition, the project is attracting matching funds from community partners.

"Today we begin a new chapter of inspiring innovation through collaboration in this region," Barron said. “We’re glad we could provide a location where academics and entrepreneurial leaders can meet and develop initiatives and programs, driving innovation in the New Kensington area.

The center will feature modern meeting and office space. Designated sectors will accommodate programming and training, and serve as a regional gathering place for campus faculty, staff and students, as well as entrepreneurs, funders and the business community. Companies will be able to utilize the space to meet clients, hold retreats and host seminars. The campus community will have opportunities to network and develop ideas with community partners.

AKEG is expected to spur economic development in the city through the four-phase process -- idea generation, idea refinement, idea funding and proof of concept. The process melds Penn State’s intellectual resources with the valley’s local assets to foster an economic surge. Individuals and community groups with scalable business concepts can benefit from the program, and are encouraged to apply.

“This center will be a place infused with Penn State New Kensington's entrepreneurial spirit,” Snider said. “By combining the energy and vitality of our students with like-minded individuals in the community, we hope to create new partnerships, businesses, and development opportunities in downtown New Kensington.”

Services at the Entrepreneurial Center will include guiding fledging innovators through the four phases. Idea generation will provide guidance and training on developing business ideas. Partners will supply training at little or no cost. Idea refinement will augment promising ideas and projects with mentors and business plan development workshops. Idea funding will offer resources for projects that merit investment. Entrepreneurs will be paired with financing partners to help secure funding for the project.

The last phase will be the key to resuscitating the vibrant business district of New Kensington. Proof of concept will support entrepreneurs who are ready to “test” their product or idea. The Entrepreneur Center will make vacant properties available to the start-ups for free or a nominal fee and provide low risk, time-limited opportunities to sell their products in the area. Successful vendors will be offered low-cost loans if they move into permanent store fronts in the New Kensington area and agree to hire local people.

Chancellor Kevin Snider shows Penn State President Eric Barron the front window of the building in downtown New Kensington that will serve as the home of the campus’ new Entrepreneur Center.

“The four phases will take a few years for the full promise of this initiative to be realized and for companies that were conceived through the AKEG to open store fronts in New Kensington,” Snider said. “However, we anticipate that the added traffic created by members using the office space, our students, and entrepreneurs, as well as the services provided by the Entrepreneurial Center will attract businesses and other start-ups to the downtown area.”

Invent Penn State dedication ceremonies previously were held at Penn State Lehigh Valley and Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Future events are scheduled for Penn State Erie, Penn State Abington and Penn State Harrisburg.

For more about Invent Penn State, visit http://invent.psu.edu/

Chancellor Kevin Snider, right, lit the first candle of the Unity Candle at Unity Day last year as members of the local community followed. The seven-year tradition, which honors Martin Luther King Jr., continues Jan. 26, at Penn State New Kensington.

Community invited to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.,
promote respect for all individuals

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Penn State New Kensington, in conjunction with Hightower Scholars Inc., is honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26, at the campus.

“Celebration of Unity,” which includes a community dinner, is the campus' seventh annual tribute to King’s life. The focus of the commemoration is social justice issues, community advocacy and respect for all individuals.

“We are promoting unity and peaceful solutions to difficult societal issues through community service, community activism, advocacy for human rights and individuals standing up to eliminate bias and hate in our communities,” said Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs at the campus.

The campus celebration opens with a community forum, “A Conversation with Law Enforcement,” from 2-3 p.m. in the Art Gallery. A panel of local law enforcement representatives and students will discuss building trust and strong relationships between community and police. The forum will be facilitated by LaVarr McBride, coordinator and instructor in the Administration of Justice program.

The pot luck dinner features a musical performance by Kareem Washington and the lighting of the unity candle by members from the campus, local community, area businesses and neighborhood churches. All events are free to the public.

The event is a part of the campus’ week-long commemoration of King and his dream of equality among the races. Kicking off the schedule is spoken word artist Odd Rod at noon, Monday, Jan. 25, in Café 780, the campus cafeteria.

The largest event of the week is the Community Resource Nonprofit Volunteer and Advocacy Fair that runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, in the theater and main entrance lobbies. Charitable groups will set up booths to talk about the community service opportunities available at the organizations.

The next day features a special screening of “Selma” at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 in Café 780. The movie follows King’s journey to secure voting rights for all.

The celebration concludes with an open mic at noon, Friday, Jan. 29, in Café 780. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the slain civil rights leader.

For more information on MLK activities, call 724-334-6062.

Penn State New Kensington was judged the sixth safest campus in Pennsylvania and the 57th safest in the nation.

No. 1 Penn State campus in western Pa.
No. 57 nationally

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Penn State New Kensington was named sixth safest college campus in Pennsylvania by Niche, a company that surveys and reviews colleges nationwide. The campus was ranked 57th nationally.

The 2016 Safest College Campuses rankings were based on statistical data and student reviews of 1,713 public and private four-year colleges and universities. Using surveys and mandatory annual reports submitted by colleges, Niche compiled a list of seven factors that were used to determine the safest campuses. The factors included student surveys on safety, crime rates, local crime statistics, alcohol-related arrests and drug-related arrests. Also considered were freshmen retention rates and graduation rates.

“We are delighted that this ranking verifies our experiences at Penn State New Kensington,” said Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus. “Our students, faculty, and staff are here for the right reasons, and their caring and respect for each other has resulted in a campus community with very little crime. While we are excited by this, we know that we have to keep working to keep our students safe, and that is what we do every day.”

New Kensington was the only Penn State campus in western Pennsylvania to be recognized in the state’s upper tier. Niche also regards the campus as the safest undergraduate institution in Westmoreland County. Three other Penn State campuses -- Lehigh Valley (2), Abington (3), and York (8) -- finished in the top ten in the state.

Baptist Bible College and Seminary in Clark’s Summit graded out as the commonwealth’s safest college. Holy Family University (4), Carlow University (5), Chatham University (7), Messiah College (9) and Wilson College round out the the top ten.

Across the country, the New Kensington campus’ safety is ranked between the two higly-regarded private institutions in Pittsburgh -- Carlow (55) and Chatham (60). The most safe college in the country is Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

"Penn State New Kensington has always provided a safe and supportive environment for our students," stated Patricia Brady, Director of Enrollment for the campus. "It is gratifying to achieve this national recognition for our safety."

Originally known as CollegeProwler.com, Niche is one of the largest start-up companies in the country. Founded in 2002 by students at Carnegie Mellon University, the company provides insight on colleges, high schools and elementary schools to students, families and professionals who need guidance on making personal decisions. In selecting a post-secondary institution, aspiring students can sort through more than a million in-depth reviews by their peers. Information on majors and scholarships is a part of the Niche process.

In addition to education, Niche offers information on neighborhoods and communities. Rankings and statistics on every city in the United States give families the opportunity to seek the best places to live, work and go to school.

For a list of the rankings, visit https://colleges.niche.com/rankings/safest-colleges/s/pennsylvania/

About Penn State New Kensington
The New Kensington campus is located in Upper Burrell Township, within easy commuting distance from almost anywhere in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Indiana, and Westmoreland counties. One of the advantages of attending the New Kensington campus is the small classes and one-on-one interaction with the faculty, many of whom are recognized nationally and internationally in their disciplines.

New Kensington faculty bring new developments from their fields into the classroom and are at the forefront of a national trend of hands-on, student-centered, active-learning techniques into the classroom. Faculty welcome opportunities to incorporate internships, service-learning projects, and community involvement into their courses and programs as employers continue to look very closely for these experiences in applicants' resumes.

New Kensington offers 10 baccalaureate degrees. Students can earn bachelor of science degrees in administration of justice, biobehavioral health, business, electro-mechanical engineering technology, information sciences and technology, nursing, project and supply chain management and psychology. Bachelor of arts degrees are available in communications and psychology.

Biobehavioral Health (BBH) and Project and Supply Chain Management, which begin in the fall, are the campus’ newest four-year programs. The BBH program is an innovative and interdisciplinary program designed to explore health from all angles. Scholarship and teaching focuses on how biological, behavioral, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental variables interact to influence health across time scales and levels of analysis. Research topics include physiological processes; health behaviors; genetics and epigenetics; chronic disease; neuroscience; global health; psychological states and processes; environmental exposures; bioethics; health disparities; and intervention science.

The Project and Supply Chain Management major concentrates on developing knowledge, skills, and abilities in project management, an important discipline in modern corporations. Project management skills include the development of new projects and coordinating procurement and project delivery systems. The major also emphasizes the integration of manufacturing and service operations, logistics, purchasing, and distribution that enable organizations to develop supply chain networks.

In addition to bachelor’s degree programs, the campus offers five associate degree programs: Biomedical Engineering Technology; Business; Information Sciences and Technology; Letters, Arts and Sciences; and Radiological Sciences.

For more information about admissions to Penn State New Kensington, contact the admissions office at 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS or visit http://nk.psu.edu/Admissions/default.htm

Grab a brush and a glass and
let the creative juices flow

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. – Penn State New Kensington alumni and friends can wet their palettes while whetting their palates at the second “Paint ‘n Sip” creative art social from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, in the campus conference Center.

The latest national trend makes art fun and accessible to amateur artists. The event is designed to inspire friends and family to let loose their inner Edvard Munch in a communal setting where participants are encouraged to paint, eat, drink and socialize. No previous art experience is required.

Budding artists can experience what Rembrandt experienced. He painted on canvas. You will paint on canvas. He used various brushes and a color palette. You will use various brushes and a color palette. He was incredibly creative and extremely gifted. You are …okay, we will give him that one. But if you took away Rembrandt’s talent and creativity, he would be sitting in the Conference Center, sipping Merlot and mixing yellow and red to make a harvest moon over Miami.

An art instructor will guide participants through the step-by-step process, while encouraging individuality. All paintings will reflect their owner's creativity.

At the end of the evening, the nouveau riche painters will take home a 16” x 20” acrylic masterpiece, which can find a home on the living room wall or the attic floor. If a painting doesn’t meet the artist’s expectations, then it can be painted all white and called an albino lion chasing a samoyed dog through a Penn State whiteout game during a Happy Valley blizzard. Who could argue with that?

The cost is $45 and includes all art supplies and instruction. In addition, the amateur artists can enjoy wine and light fare that are a part of the Paint ‘n Sip package deal.

Proceeds are earmarked for the Cultural Arts Fund, which was established by Chancellor Kevin Snider to enhance student learning and improve campus aesthetics through visual arts. The initial $10,000 start-up money was funded by the sale of a 17th century Brussels tapestry. A gift to the campus in 1968, the tapestry, called “The Story of Joseph and Potiphar's Wife,” was a part of the Roy A. Hunt collection. It was discovered a year ago under the Forum Theatre stage, where it laid rolled-up for more than 12 years. Sotheby’s auctioned the piece in October, and it was purchased by an unknown bidder.

Seating is limited. The registration deadline is Feb. 8.

To RSVP, contact Tina Sluss , 724-334-6056 or tms57@psu.edu

Penn State New Kensington engineering students will give a hand to high school students who need help with their math classes.

Campus students will field math questions
from secondary-school students

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Penn State New Kensington will launch a pilot program, Penn State Homework Hotline, in spring 2016 for free math tutoring to students in local school districts.

The Homework Hotline will provide tutoring sessions for middle and high school students by telephone or email on evenings throughout the school year. The Penn State campuses of Berks and Schuylkill also are a part of the program.

Campus students with strong math skills, such as engineering and information sciences majors, will serve as tutors, guiding students through their homework problems by focusing on the terms and processes. Tutoring will be conducted from 7 to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday, during the school year. The inaugural program will focus on math courses that lead to calculus, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Calculus and science courses will be added as the program expands.

“Access to tutoring helps give all youth a pathway to develop critical math and science skills, allowing them to succeed in today’s work environment, which places a premium on STEM abilities,” said Colleen Smith, outreach coordinator for the New Kensington campus. Two local school districts, New Kensington-Arnold and Burrell, will participate in the first stage of the pilot.

Penn State New Kensington is well-known for its technology programs --- Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology; Biomedical Engineering Technology; and Information Sciences and Technology. Since its founding in 1958, engineering is the most popular major for incoming students at the campus. The Engineering building was the first academic building constructed when the campus moved to its current Upper Burrell location in 1966.

Rose-Hulman Institute Homework Hotline
The Penn State program is based on the Homework Hotline model designed by the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. Founded in 1874, Rose-Hulman prepares students for careers in engineering, science and mathematics. The Penn State campuses have partnered with the institute to replicate aspects of its mathematics and sciences tutoring service.

“Penn State wants to support the work of high schools and middle schools in helping students to graduate with proficiencies in math,” Smith said. “As Penn State commonwealth campuses, we are uniquely perched across the state to offer students a service that will help to hold doors open to education and careers that require skill in science, technology, engineering and math.”

Rose-Hulman’s Homework Hotline has helped more than 500,000 Indiana students since 1991 through tutoring via toll-free phone calls, emails and online resources. The service, supported by the Indiana-based Lilly Endowment Inc., conducted 33,500 tutoring sessions during the 2014-2015 school year.

“We hope this partnership with Penn State will continue to pave the way for other Homework Hotline programs throughout America,” said Susan Smith Roads, director of Rose-Hulman’s Homework Hotline and Learning Center. “The Homework Hotline uses Rose-Hulman students, who are gifted in math and science, and trains them to help secondary students to improve their problem-solving abilities and become more confident in their math skills. Other colleges could do this as well.”

For more information on the Penn State Homework Hotline, contact Colleen Smith at 724-334-6138 or cms64@psu.edu

High school students at Penn State New Kensington's SAT review course learn test-taking strategies and studying tips

Review covers writing, critical reading and math

UPPER Burrell, Pa. -- Students preparing for college entrance exams can review the SAT with Penn State New Kensington’s SAT review course offered from 9 a.m. to noon, March 19 to April 30, on six consecutive Saturdays.

Taught by Mark Cooper, the course will provide students with a suggested plan of study and timed practices for the critical reading and mathematics sections of the test. Course work features test-taking strategies and studying tips. A new feature of the course is instruction on the college essay and application process.

The cost is $200 and includes a copy of "The Official SAT Study Guide." The cost is $175 without the book. Upcoming SAT testing dates are May 7 and June 6.

For more information or to register, call the campus Continuing Education office at 724-334-6010.

For more information about Youth Programs from Continuing Education, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/CE/youth.htm

Penn State New Kensington students Alain Niyibizi, center left, and Shannon Josefoski, center right, sorting clothes for residents of the Palms at O’Neil, an assisted living home.

Campus group travels to McKeesport for Penn State’s
“Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off"

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- In honor of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., student volunteers from Penn State New Kensington and other Penn State campuses in western Pennsylvania took on community service projects in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Billed as "Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off," the activities were part of the University’s celebration of King’s life. The third Monday in January is a federal holiday, and there were no classes.

The multi-campus community service project is an annual event that moves around the region. Penn State Beaver was the first host campus in 2009 and began the cycle anew last year. Lauren Blum, assistant to the director of student affairs, accompanied nine New Kensington students – Trevor Guerao, Lynsie Headley, Shannon Josefoski, Wati Kumwenda, Ben Lesko, Alain Niyibizi, Vanessa Osabuteym, Cody Shoemaker, and Josh Williams -- to the Greater Allegheny campus.

“Penn State encourages the community service aspect of the holiday," said Blum, who holds a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. “Students volunteered to give up their day off at school to assist the organizations with cleaning, painting, organizing -- whatever needed to be done.”

They joined 100 of their counterparts from the Penn State campuses of Altoona, Beaver, DuBois, Erie, Fayette, Greater Allegheny and Shenango, and traveled in groups to help with the daily activities of various community organizations in the greater McKeesport area, including Braddock Day Care, McKeesport Little Theatre, Auberle, The Palms at O’Neil, Braddock Library, Braddock Free Store, White Oak Borough, and White Oak Park. The students performed a variety of tasks: cleaning, organizing and working with the elderly and children.

Kumwenda, a sophomore Biomedical Engineering Technology major from Republic of Malawi in southeast Africa and Shoemaker, a senior electro-mechanical engineering technology major from Kiski Area High School, were the veterans of the service day. They were a part of the New Kensington contingent that journeyed to Monaca, Pa., and the Beaver campus a year ago.

“It’s always so nice to see our students taking their day off from classes to give back to others,” Blum said. "We have such a great group of caring young adults that we are proud to say are from Penn State New Kensington. This event every year is a staple for Penn State’s west campuses, and we are proud of the work our students do.”

Josefoski, a junior business management major from Highland H.S., and Alain Niyibizi, a sophomore science major, worked at the Palms, an assisted-living home in White Oak. The facility is designed to meet the changing needs of seniors who want to remain independent, but need a little extra assistance in their daily routines. Josefoski and Niyibizi washed walls, organized clothes, and helped residents bowl during leisure activities.

“It was a wonderful experience, and the employees were appreciative for the extra help,” said Josefoski, who co-chairs the campus THON committee. “It really makes a big difference to the families and to the community.”

A senior in the Information Sciences and Technology program, Lesko was drawn to volunteering because he was inspired by a quote by War War II hero Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle, “Nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” In 1942, Doolittle volunteered to lead the first bombing raid on the Japanese homeland and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

Lesko was assigned to a day care center, and his group cleaned and repaired the faciltiy. Although the center is funded by user fees, many families cannot afford to pay. The woman who manages the day care takes in those children anyway.

“What she is doing, the time and effort she puts into these kids, whether funded or not, is what volunteering is all about,” said Lesko, who was home schooled. “Volunteer work may not have its physical rewards at times, but the lessons you learn, and the smiles you receive from the people you are helping, is absolutely priceless.”

New Kensington hosted the event in 2012 and is expected to be the base campus in 2018 or 2019. In the past two year, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College and Penn State Altoona joined the original six campuses and will be a part of the rota of future community service projects.

Volunteering an ongoing exercise
Serving the community is not a one-week gig for campus students, faculty, staff and alumni; it is a yearlong calling. Bringing together the campus and community has been a major component of Chancellor Kevin Snider's eight-year administration. The campus has been volunteering at nonprofit organizations and sponsoring community events a lot this past year in particular.

-- The Penn State Homework Hotline is the most recent community initiative. The Homework Hotline offers free math tutoring sessions for local middle and high school students by telephone or email on evenings during the school year. New Kensington campus students with strong math skills, such as engineering and information sciences majors, serve as tutors, guiding students through their homework problems by focusing on the terms and processes.

-- Student clubs at Penn State New Kensington made the holidays a bit brighter for children and senior citizens in the Pittsburgh region. The Veterans Club and Lion Ambassadors organized events to collect toys, deliver Christmas cards and decorate living quarters. The Veterans group held a week long toy drive that benefited patients at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The club collected seven large bags of new toys, crafts and books, which were delivered to the hospital by club president Mustafa Arslan. The Lion Ambassadors delivered Christmas cards to residents and decorated the hallways of West Haven Manor, a nursing home in Apollo. The cards, which were donated by faculty and staff of the campus, were personalized by New Kensington students. Bringing joy to senior citizens has become part of the service mission of the Lion Ambassadors. In April, the group tripped the light fantastic with residents of Logan House in Lower Burrell at the inaugural Senior Citizens Prom. The festivities provided an entertaining evening for the senior residents of the assisted-living facility, and an opportunity for the students to share time with those who may not have regular visitors.

-- The Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, which is based at the New Kensington campus, sponsored a food drive in October, in conjunction with its televised Penn State football game party. Penn State fans filled a truckload of boxes with canned food and nonperishable items, such as paper products and infant/baby supplies. The items were donated to the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank, which serves the local region.

-- The campus community volunteered in the fall for a "Day of Caring," a program of the United Way of Westmoreland County to help revive western Pennsylvania communities. Volunteers traveled in September to the Valley Points Family YMCA in New Kensington to assist with an interior painting project. They painted the conference room, hallway and cardio room. Utilizing volunteers for the work allows the YMCA to concentrate its resources in other areas, such as youth development.

-- The Student Life office hosted three drive-in movies and BBQ throughout the summer. The family events were geared to the local community.

.

Outing expands and moves to
Arnold Palmer’s Latrobe Country Club;

Tournament continues to
benefit student scholarships

12:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 1

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- It’s the dawning of a new era for the Alle-Kiski Society's Alumni Golf Scramble. The 17th annual edition will feature a new course, Arnold Palmer’s Latrobe Country Club, a new day, Monday, Aug. 1, and a new tee time, 12:30 p.m.

Co-hosted by Penn State New Kensington, the tournament is open to alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. If his schedule permits, The King will be at the club to greet guests.

The $200 entry fee includes green fee and cart, lunch, dinner, refreshments and awards. Various sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from a $5,000 tournament sponsor to a $200 tee sponsor.

The golf scramble is the society’s major fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the society's endowed scholarship that is awarded annually to New Kensington campus students. For the 2015-16 academic year, the Alle-Kiski Society awarded a record $5,500 in scholarships to four New Kensington campus students: Lynsie Headley of Ford City; Alissa Dolensky of Lower Burrell; Adis Juklo of Pittsburgh; and Carley Carnahan of Lower Burrell.

The endowment was established in 1994 at $15,000. It now stands at $109,000. Since 1998, the society has awarded $53,500 to 59 campus students.

For more information, contact Kary Coleman, director of development and alumni relations, 724-334-6057 or kxc22@psu.edu

Joie Marhefka is the new program coordinator the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at Penn State New Kensington.

Joie Marhefka, senior instructor and coordinator,
Biomedical Engineering Technology;

Karl Harris, instructor and coordinator,
Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology

UPPER BURREL, Pa. -- The spring semester at Penn State New Kensington brings two new faculty members to campus -- Joie Marhefka, senior instructor and coordinator of the Biomedical Engineering Technology (BET) program, and Karl Harris, instructor and coordinator of the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) program.

Marhefka, a bioengineer, brings to the campus a wealth of experience in teaching and biomedical research. She joins the faculty after serving as an adjunct for four years at Robert Morris University. In addition to teaching physics lab at Robert Morris, Marhefka worked as head of engineering at Accel Diagnostics, a start-up medical technology company in Pittsburgh. Accel developed an easy to use blood test card that can be used for monitoring heart failure at the point of care or in the home.

Prior to Accel, she completed two postdoctoral fellowships at Falcon Genomics and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. While at Falcon, a start-up company focusing on cancer genomics, she developed tools to personalize cancer therapy based on functional genomics.

"Dr. Marhefka brings to our BET program a new perspective that will enhance our students' learning," said Andrea Adolph, director of academic affairs at the campus. "She is well equipped to continue our tradition of providing quality technicians to the regional healthcare industry. The BET program is a cornerstone of the Penn State New Kensington curriculum, and we welcome Dr. Marhefka into our community."

As BET coordinator, Marhefka is responsible for a program that is known for producing well-qualified and knowledgeable technicians. Healthcare providers, including hospitals and clinics, rely on biomedical engineering technicians to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair medical equipment. Technicians' tasks include inspections and calibration. The campus’ program is one of only four programs in the nation to be accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Marhefka succeeds Myron Hartman, the longtime BET coordinator who died last year. For information on the BET program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/bet.html

Marhefka earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Villanova University and a doctorate in bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as a teaching assistant for a bioengineering methods laboratory as well as a biothermodynamics class. Marhefka has authored 10 peer-reviewed publications and has presented at numerous national and international conferences. She enjoys mentoring undergraduate students throughout her career as well as volunteering in the community. Marhefka can be reached at jnm23@psu.edu

 Karl Harris will take over as coordinator of the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology program in June when Ron Land retires.

EMET coordinator
Harris comes to the campus after 16 years as director of the Penn State Electro-Optics Center in Freeport, where he supervised research and development teams working on contracts from the United States Department of Defense. Among the numerous projects, the Electro-Optics Center developed and demonstrated laser weapons systems for the Naval Sea Systems Command, which supports the Navy's fleet of ships and its combat systems.

With over 30 years of technical and executive experience, Harris is at the forefront of emerging electro-optic technologies. His expertise complements current EMET faculty members Ron Land, associate professor of engineering and EMET program coordinator, and Frank Kadi, senior instructor in engineering, who will retire in June.

"Dr. Harris brings with him an amazing portfolio of experience and leadership, and I am pleased that he has joined our EMET faculty ranks," Adolph said. "He is already proving himself to be a dedicated educator, and his students will truly benefit from the scope of his work in industry. Our EMET program promotes hands-on, active learning for a variety of career paths, and the experience that Dr. Harris can share with our students will expand the ways that they can develop as engineering technologists."

This semester Harris is teaching industrial engineering courses, including production design, which is the study of the manufacturing process. Industrial engineering classes are required for the EMET major. In addition to teaching, he is learning about the EMET program so the transition from "old" coordinator to "new" coordinator will be seamless for engineering students.

The four-year EMET degree program emphasizes all fields of engineering technology related to typical, highly-automated manufacturing, production, or assembly plant processes. EMET graduates learn the skills necessary to apply current methods and technology to the development, design, operation, and management of electro-mechanical systems. For information on the program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/39807.htm

Harris holds a doctorate in physics from North Carolina State University and a master’s in physics and a bachelor’s in chemistry from University of North Carolina. He has written more than 20 papers that have been published by national journals and participated in numerous seminars, workshops and panel discussions throughout the country.

Harris’ connections to the campus go back many years. In 2006, he hosted a Penn State Alumni Breakfast at Electro-Optics Center. The annual morning socials are informal, one-hour gatherings of alumni and friends who have the opportunity to get "inside the ropes" of a selected industry and tour the facilities. During the Electro-Optics tour, guests got "inside the ropes” of a laser weapons system that Harris’ team was developing for the Navy. That system is now operational aboard a Navy ship in the Persian Gulf.

For the past five years, Harris worked with New Kensington as a partner for the GREAT (Growing Regional Excellence through Experience, Academics and Training) program. The initiative matches promising engineering and Information Sciences and Technology students at Penn State New Kensington with local internship opportunities. The GREAT program is a collaboration of the New Kensington campus, Electro-Optics Center and industries within the greater Pittsburgh region. Unlike many other programs, GREAT provides qualified engineering students with the opportunity to build professional skills and experiences starting as soon as their first year at the campus. The advantages of freshmen internships are numerous. This year, a record 15 freshmen were accepted into GREAT. For more about the GREAT program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/44200.htm

Cuba is this year’s Country of Focus at Penn State New Kensington. Students will visit the island as a part of four online summer courses in May.

Global Programs enhance education

Courses help fulfill requirements for
Certificate in International Studies

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Making the most of Chancellor Kevin Snider’s vision to expand student experiences and embrace diversity for Penn State New Kensington students, the International Trip committee is organizing a summer excursion to the Republic of Cuba.

The 11-day journey, May 31 to June 10, is the capstone of four summer classes -- Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies; Ibero American Civilization; Discovery of the Real Cuba: Understanding its Economy and Culture Contributing to its Competitiveness; and Information Technology in an International Context -- that run from May 11 to 29. The courses satisfy one of the program requirements for a Certificate in International Studies. Offered at only two Penn State campuses -- New Kensington and Shenango -- the undergraduate certificate is intended to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of a diverse world.

“This is a good opportunity for students who are interested in acquiring out-of-classroom experiences through travel abroad,” said Rujirutana “Dr. A” Mandhachitara, associate professor of business administration and one of the event organizers. “The trip also fits well with the campus’ strategic goal to increase international experiences and exposure to cultural diversity among our students.“

The three-credit courses are offered online and open to all Penn State students. The cost of the trip is $2,340, and includes airfare, visa fees, ground transportation, meals and academic registration fees in Havana. Tuition for the class in not a part of the travel costs. Students can pay for the trip in installments. To reserve a spot, a $200 deposit is required by Feb. 10.

Two information sessions will be held at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 3, in room 121 of the Engineering building, and 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 in room 132 Engineering . For more information on the Cuba trip, contact Dr. A at 724-334-6769 or rum20@psu.edu

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

Since 2004, nearly 170 campus students have traveled to Spain, France, Italy, China, Greece, Peru, Galapagos Islands, Ireland and Thailand. In conjunction with the trips, students are required to take a related course that enriches their understanding of the destination and its culture. Upon return, participants present their experiences through narratives and slide shows to the campus community. The presentations enable others to share in the immediate travel experience and help to generate excitement in students, as well as faculty and staff, to become involved in future trips.

For the past nine years, the campus has embarked on the promotion of greater awareness and understanding of world issues, international trends and global policy debates. Each year, the campus adopts a country or region of the world to inspire teaching and scholarship. Cuba is this year’s “Country of Focus.” Students, faculty and staff will explore and reflect on various aspects of Cuba’s history, culture and economic, social and political reality throughout the semester.

Beginning with China in 2007, the campus’ international presentations have included Ecuador, India, Spain, Kenya and Tanzania, Ireland and the United Kingdom, Canada, and Turkey.

Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, and the second-most populous with over 11 million inhabitants. It is located 93 miles south of the United States. The country is surrounded by the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Haiti. Havana is the capital and largest city with a population of 2.2 million.

A colony of Spain for more than 400 years, Cuba became a United States protectorate in 1902 following the Spanish-American War. A weakened democratic country, it was politically unstable for 50 years before Fulgencio Batista installed a dictatorship, which further unhinged the country. Batista’s power gave rise to a revolution led by Fidel Castro, who ousted Batista in 1959. Castro appointed himself as the new leader of the country and aligned with the Communist Party of Cuba, which has ruled the island since 1965. In response to Castro taking over American companies in Cuba, President Kennedy placed an economic and financial embargo on the country in 1960 that is still in place officially. Under President Obama, the icy relationship between the two countries is beginning to thaw, and travel restrictions have eased.

In addition to Penn State students going to Cuba as a part of their classes, the Nittany Lion baseball team barnstormed the country last fall, playing against teams from Cuba's National League.

Alcoa is on of more than 30 companies that will be recruiting Penn State New Kensington students and alumni at the campus' Career Day on April 12.

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- The Office of Career Services at Penn State New Kensington has scheduled six job fairs and career events for the spring semester. These student-centered activities will help recent and soon-to-be graduates get started in a career.

Leader Launch
Leader Launch is set for Friday, Jan. 29, at Penn State’s Pittsburgh Center. A professional conference for student leaders, Leader Launch is an opportunity for Penn State students from the western campuses to enhance their knowledge of transferable skills, networking and professionalism. Current students and recent alumni from New Kensington and the western campuses of Beaver, Fayette, Greater Allegheny and Shenango will be joined by business leaders in a professional conference environment. Topics included communications, goal setting, the job search process, social media, networking, business ethics, leadership, and presentation skills.

Penn State Career Days
Spring Career Days run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 9 and 10, in the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University Park. More than 400 national and regional employers will be recruiting in all technical and nontechnical majors. The event is the best opportunity for all Penn Staters, students and alumni, to meet with major state and national recruiters. Not only is this an excellent opportunity to gain employment, but it is a great learning experience and offers "real life" practice for professional presentation, interviewing and networking skills.

WANT
Penn State students and recent graduates can get a head start on the job market at the Westmoreland Assists Native Talent (WANT) Job and Career Expo from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in Greensburg. The WANT job fair is designed to link the region's students and graduates with employers and careers in Westmoreland and surrounding counties. The job fair is open to the public. More than 70 employers will be on hand, and job seekers are encouraged to bring resumes and to dress professionally.

WestPacs
WestPacs is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, at the Monroeville Convention Center along Route 22 in Monroeville. The job fair is open to current students and graduates of two- and four-year programs. Recruiters from a wide variety of industries, including telecommunications, engineering, technologies, health care, government, human services, retail, hospitality and financial services will attend. The fair is geared to fall 2015 and spring 2016 graduates and recent alumni with program certificates and degrees in all majors. There are also many internship opportunities for current undergraduates.

Professional Etiquette Dinner
The campus is providing the keys to unlock the doors to starting a career at the annual professional etiquette dinner at 5:45 p.m., Wenesday, March 30, in the campus Conference Center. The event is designed as a workshop on proper business dinner etiquette and on best practices for networking and handling of awkward social situations. The guest speaker will present dining and business etiquette tips for the interactive dinner. The focus is how to handle an interview that includes a meal, be it an interview over lunch or networking with professionals over appetizers or dinner.

Penn State New Kensington Career Day
In conjunction with the research expo, Penn State New Kensington will host the sixth annual Career Day from noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, in the Athletics Center. Career Day complements the annual Research Fair and Creative Exposition by creating new opportunities for the students and faculty to build stronger contacts with local industries through sharing of career information while also highlighting the campus' numerous research and creative activities. Representatives from more than 30 companies will discuss career options, internships and job opportunities for current students and recent graduates. Organizations attending Career Day represent a variety of fields, including business, engineering, science, information technology, psychology, marketing, administration of justice, communications, finance, accounting, social services and human services. The campus faculty is encouraged to attend as companies will focus on career paths within their organizations that relate to academic disciplines.

Registration for all events can be made by contacting Jim Shields at 724-334-6065 or xjs8@psu.edu

For more on job fairs and career events at the campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentServices/CareerServices/29179.htm

Prospective students have opportunities to explore campus

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- The Admissions Office at Penn State New Kensington is holding five events during the spring semester for prospective students and parents. The events -- Be a Student for a Day, Scholarships and Smoothies, Application Day, Transfer Student Open House and Spring Open House -- are spread out over three months, February to April.

-- Be a Student for a Day, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3
Prospective students get a glimpse of college life first-hand at the campus. High school students can sit in on a college class, interact with current students, and participate in a campus scavenger hunt. Participants will learn about making the transition from high school to college. Attendees will also enjoy a free lunch in Cafe 780

-- Scholarships and Smoothies, 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3
The financial aid event explores scholarship opportunities at the campus and also the private scholarship search process. Participants will receive a financial aid planning calendar, review scholarship search websites, and learn how to create a personal statement.  Students will also start a scholarship application. Prospective students and their families can enjoy free smoothies from the campus coffee bar, The Junction.

-- Application Day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 15
Application Day provides prospective students with help in filling out an application and allows for on-the-spot admissions interviews. Admissions decisions will be made within the week for students interested in Penn State New Kensington and who bring official transcripts with them to the event. The $50 application fee will also be waived during this event.

-- Spring Open House, 9 a.m., Saturday, April 9
A chance for prospective students and their families to tour the campus and meet with students, faculty, staff and alumni. Participants will learn about Penn State's academic programs, the admissions and financial aid processes and discover more about student life.

-- Transfer Student Open House, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 18
Prospective transfer students can get acquainted with the campus and Penn State's wide variety of academic programs. They will also learn about Penn State's admissions and financial aid processes.  The $50 application fee will be waived for anyone attending the program.

To register for any of the programs, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS.

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

A rusted out car headlight.is a part of photographer Lathan Gross' exhibit, "Forgotten," which runs through Feb. 27, in the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery.

“Forgotten” spotlights derelict objects

Feb. 1-27, Art Gallery

“My design is to capture a phase of the remains; a beautiful bouquet of beat-up, broken down, and decaying matter.” – Lathan Gross

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. – Penn New Kensington continues the art genre of resurrecting old material with an exhibit by photographer Lathan Gross than runs from Feb.1 to 27 in the campus Art Gallery.

Gross’ show, “Forgotten,” is a series of photos of forsaken buildings, structures and vehicles that were abandoned and left to the whims of Mother Nature. Where others see junk, Gross, through the perspective of a camera lens, sees a creative asset.

“My work is an exploration of the old, the decaying, the broken down, and the forgotten,” said Gross, who resides in Pittsburgh. “Photography is a matter of perspective, and beauty can be found in all things, especially those things left and lost.”

The art gallery’s January exhibit, "Found,” highlighted artist Michael Bestwick’s style of re-purposing scrap materials to create sculptural and functional pieces.

A mechanical designer by trade, Gross developed a passion for photography that evolved into an avocation. The self-taught photographer shoots urban and suburban Pittsburgh and is always on the lookout for off-the-wall places where he can showcase the diversity and character of the city. Last year, he founded Grossfotos, a company that serves as a warehouse for his work. Prints are available on paper, canvas and wood.

“Things most people dismiss as junk are really quite beautiful,” Gross said. “I love capturing this beauty through my lens.”

Gross is a member of Raw Artists, an international organization that caters to emerging artists. The group provides the tools, resources and exposure, such as multi-media shows and an online network. Since 2013, Raw has promoted more than 30,000 artists. Worldwide, RAW operates in over 60 cities, including Pittsburgh.

A native of York, Pennsylvania, Gross moved to Pittsburgh in 2012. He lives with his partner, Danielle, and their dog, Ruby.

A reception for the artist is set from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, in the gallery. The reception and exhibit 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 on Grossfotos, visit http://lathangross.foliohd.com/

“The Unspoken #37,” a mixed media anon panel by Joshua Hogan and Brenda Stumpf.

Artists collaborated on pieces

6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, Art Gallery

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- A reception for the artists who collaborated on “The Unspoken” exhibit, is set for 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, in the Art Gallery at Penn State New Kensington. The reception and exhibit are free to the public.

Artwork created by the pairing of eight artists using different mediums is on display until Sept. 26. The exhibit features 45 works of Kyle Ethan Fischer, Joshua Hogan, Kuzana Ogg, Jennipher Satterly, Nicole Schneider, Romi Sloboda, Brenda Stumpf and Shawn Watrous, instructor in art at the New Kensington campus.

According to Nicole Capozzi, owner and director of BoxHeart Gallery in Pittsburgh and curator of the exhibit, the artists are communicating visually with “stories, not statistics” and “people, not programs.” The humanity aspect of the show dovetails with Penn State’s mission of service to the community.

“This human focus reflects the culture that Penn State New Kensington manifests within its community,” Capozzi said. “We are excited to present a coherent concept of artwork with a look and feel that reflects the embracing personality, the innovative spirit, and the mission of the campus."

The pieces on display are collaborative efforts by two artists. Artwork started by one artist was finished by another. Individually, the artists told their stories through a variety of visual styles, experiences and expressions. As a pair, the artists’ stories evolved and were open to new interpretations. The artists created hybrid pieces that give audiences a new way of looking at familiar objects.

The first artist defined the media, which is the material used for the piece and technique used by the artist, and constructed an original piece that showcased the artist’s creative processes. The second artist took control of the artwork–in-process and continued the visual dialogue by implementing local experiences that added new meaning to the piece. The finished product is a different version of the same story.

“Each work of art expresses the artists’ subject in the context of their values, culture and events specific to their lives,” Capozzi said. “The resulting artwork is a stunning and fascinating display of form, color, texture and composition, processed as another form of language with its own vocabulary, grammar and syntax.”

The artists previously exhibited “The Unspoken” at Capozzi’s BoxHeart Gallery in April and May. The campus art gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays and noon to 5 p.m., weekends.

“We relish the opportunity to present a visual message of modernity, simplicity and sophistication while focusing on the artists and the stories they tell,” Capozzi said.

For more information, call Tina Sluss, 724-34-6056.

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

Background materials frame the photographs of Lathan Gross.

Meet the Artist

6- 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, Art Gallery

'Forgotten' exhibit runs through Feb. 27

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. — A reception for photographer Lathan Gross is set for 6 to 8 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 5, in the Art Gallery at Penn State New Kensington. The exhibit, “Forgotten,” runs through Feb. 27.

Gross’ art is a series of photos of forsaken buildings, structures and vehicles that were abandoned and left to the whims of Mother Nature. Where others see junk, Gross, through the perspective of a camera lens, sees a creative asset.

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

For more about the artist, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/46439.htm#NEWS46439

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

Penn State New Kensington THON co-chairs Shawna Fluhme, left, and Shannon Josefoski are the faces of the campus' THON activities.

Shannon Josefoski and Shawna Fluhme
oversee campus efforts

Friday-Sunday, Feb. 19-21, University Park

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- After five months of raising funds, Penn State New Kensington THON co-chairs Shannon Josefoski and Shawna Fluhme are raising spirits. The two business majors are making final preparartions for campus dancers and supporters of Penn State’s annual dance marathon.

Formally known as Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, THON is a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping marathon from Feb. 19-21, on the University Park campus. THON benefits the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital's Four Diamonds Fund, whose goal is to fight childhood cancer.

Since the fall semester, Josefoski and Fluhme supervised a cadre of volunteers who planned fundraising activities for what is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. In two weeks, their efforts will come to fruition at the Bryce Jordan Center. Dancers from Penn State and kids from the hospital will meet on the dance floor while supporters from the campuses and families of the children cheer them on from the stands.

“After all the hard work throughout the year, I’ll get to see the smiles on all the kids’ faces,” said Josefoski, who attended last year’s dance marathon as a THON committee volunteer. “Anything we raise is going to make a difference for the kids.”

Shannon Josefoski
A junior business marketing major from Natrona Heights, Josefoski connected with THON when she wanted to get involved with campus groups. Extracurricular activities have been a part of her academic make-up since she attended Highlands High School, where she participated in numerous sports and clubs.

The campus’ annual “Back to School Bash," an outdoor festival during the first week of the semester, provided the opportunity to continue the tradition. Also known as Club Rush, the bash is used by campus organizations to staff booths and recruit new members.

“As I went around all the tables, THON just jumped out at me,” said Josefoski, who expects to graduate in 2017. “It might have been the free ice cream they served, but I knew it was something I wanted to do. Who wouldn’t want to raise funds for kids with cancer?"

A transfer from Slippery Rock University, Josefoski is involved in a variety of campus activities, and she holds numerous leadership positions. She serves as an orientation leader, holds a seat on the Campus Activity Board, and is a member of the cheerleading team. In addition, she attended Leader Launch and the Summer Leadership Conference. A professional conference for student leaders, Leader Launch is a Penn State initiative that provides a professional conference for students seeking jobs and internships. The conference is designed to enhance their knowledge of transferable skills, networking and professionalism. During the four-day Student Summer Leadership conference, Josefoski learned about meeting management, student activism, diversity, community building, and personal and professional goal setting.

Although her leadership training groomed her for the role of THON co-chair, she also learned a lot from Jadyn Perry and Lea Long, last year’s co-chairs. Under Perry and Long, the campus raised $28,000, fourth best in campus history. Josefoski took advantage of the opportunity to help Perry and Long improve the THON effort.

“I think that my experiences can bring some new life into the THON organization on our campus,” Josefoski said. “I want to be a part of anything I can do to help our campus so that we can make the community’s and other people’s lives better."

Despite her busy academic and campus activities schedule, Josefoski finds time to work two jobs -- desk assistant at Sylvan Pools in Natrona Heights and desk assistant in the campus Athletics Center.

  Members of the Penn State New Kensington THON committee receive updates from THON co-chairs at the group's weekly meeting.

Shawna Fluhme
The bash also served as the conduit for Fluhme, a junior business management major from Plum, who has been involved with THON since her first semester at the campus.

“THON caught my attention during Club Rush,” said Fluhme, a product of Plum High School. “After the first THON weekend I attended, I was in love with the organization.”

Last year, Fluhme served as a team captain for the campus committee and moraler for THON weekend. Team captains organize local fundraising events, such as basket bingo and spaghetti dinners. Moralers are assigned to each dancer and attend to their needs during the marathon. Be it food, drink, or inspiration, the moraler's responsibility is to help the dancers get through the event. Fluhme’s dedication to the cause and her leadership acumen gave rise to a call to assume a bigger role in THON.

“I was asked to sit in as chair, and I was honored to take on the responsibility and to move up in the organization,” Fluhme said.

Fluhme’s favorite fundraiser was Basket Bingo because “it was our most successful and it was fun to decorate.” When she is not fundraising, Fluhme works as a hostess and server at Burgatory in Monroeville.

For information about THON at the campus, contact Lauren Blum at ldb14@psu.edu

Dancers announced
The New Kensington campus was allotted two dancers for THON weekend. Wati Kumwenda, a sophomore Biomedical Engineering Technology major from Republic of Malawi in southeast Africa, and Ben Lesko, a senior information sciences and technology major from New Kensington, will stand for the campus during THON weekend.

The number of dancers going to University Park from each campus is based on the amount of money raised by the campus the previous year. The dancers were chosen by an eight-member interview committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni. The selections were based on participation in campus THON activities and raising at least $1,000 apiece through canning, spaghetti dinners, bingo bashes and other events.

“Our dancers were chosen because they were the most qualified to represent our organization,” Fluhme said. “They are both involved on campus and will not disappoint.”

About THON
THON is believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. The Four Diamonds Fund benefits pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers, who are working to find better treatments and, ultimately, cures for forms of cancer that afflict children.

Cancer is the number one disease killer of children in the United States. It kills more people than asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of ethnic group, socioeconomic class, or geographic region. Although 75 percent of the children with cancer can be cured, certain forms of childhood cancer have proven to be so resistant to treatment that a cure is still elusive, and 2,300 children and teens will die from cancer this year. THON's mission is to one day find a cure for all childhood cancer.

Four Diamonds picks up where insurance leaves off, enabling families to solely focus on care for their child. Assistance from Four Diamonds ensures counselors, social workers, music therapists and other specialists are available to provide comprehensive care in a family-focused atmosphere. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $127 million for Four Diamonds.

For more information about THON or to make a donation, visit www.thon.org

Penn State New Kensington student Yasmin Ray, standing left, Administration of Justice program coordinator LaVarr McBride, standing right, and Arnold police Sgt. Shannon Santucci-Davis, sitting center, participated in the Law Enforcement Forum.

Local churches and businesses partner with campus for
dinner, entertainment, forum, nonprofit fair

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- The month long celebration of the life and works of Martin Luther King Jr. was memorialized Jan. 26 with Unity Day, a celebration by students, faculty and staff with Hightower Scholars Inc. and the community, local businesses and neighborhood churches. The focus of the commemoration was volunteerism and learning.

“We are promoting unity and peaceful solutions to difficult societal issues through community service, community activism, advocacy for human rights, and individuals standing up to eliminate bias and hate in our communities,” said Theresa Bonk, director of student affairs at the campus.

A part of Unity Week, the celebration featured a forum on law enforcement and the community, a musical performance, and a pot luck dinner. The forum, “A Conversation with Law Enforcement,” was moderated by LaVarr McBride, instructor and coordinator of the Administration of Justice program at the campus.

Group sessions were headed by local law enforcement representatives -- Wesley Sheets, public safety manager of the campus, Sgt. Shannon Santucci-Davis and Officer Josh Stanga of the Arnold Police Department -- and New Kensington students who discussed building trust and strong relationships between community and police.

Senior Yasmin Ray, an adult student in the Psychology program, participated in the forum. According to Ray, the event helped build “respectful relationships with police.”

A lifelong resident of the city of New Kensington, Ray will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. A member of the Dean’s List with a 3.75 grade-point average, Ray juggles her responsibilities as a mother of two children, and a volunteer for activities on campus and in the community. She is an active member in the Multi-Cultural Club, serves as the student representative on the campus Diversity Team committee, and works as the student marketing manager for the Athletic Department. Off-campus, she serves as a mentor to two students in the Pittsburgh Job Corps.

Ray is the recipient of a Dr. N.A. Kopelman and Freda D. Kopelman Trustee Scholarship at the campus. Created by Jim and Eileen Kopelman in 2009, the scholarship is awarded to students who have achieved superior academic record. She also was awarded a K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship by the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education in 2015.

Unity Dinner
At the Unity Dinner, Kareem Washington performed gospel musical selections, including “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is also known as the Black National Anthem or Negro National Anthem. Washington was a member of the Voices of Joy choir at Indiana University. Voices of Joy performs inspirational music and encourages musical expression.

The highlight of the evening was the lighting of a unity candle by members of the campus, community, local businesses and neighborhood churches. Led by Kevin Snider, chancellor of the New Kensington campus, the lighting committee included Marissa Russo, president of the campus Student Government Association, Jesse Coleman, King Lion of New Kensington Lion's Club, Jevon Hankins, president of the campus Multi-cultural Club, Rev. Antoinette Perkins, assistant pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Sarah Shelleby, student representative of campus diversity team, and Washington.

“This day provides us an opportunity to celebrate what King was all about, what he strove for and what he accomplished,” Snider said. “It is also a chance for our students to meet members of the community they may not have otherwise. It's a chance to develop an understanding and a relationship between the school and the community.”

Diane Hightower, executive director of Hightower Scholars, a nonprofit organization, and Bonk developed the multimedia program for the 87th anniversary of King's birth.

  Allegheny-Kiski Valley NAACP was one of 14 nonprofit organizations that set up booths at Penn State New Kensington's Volunteer and Human Rights Advocacy Fair Jan. 27 during MLK Unity Week.

Unity Week
A five-day series of activities commemorated King and his dream of equality among the races. Spoken-word artist Odd?Rod opened the festivities on Monday. The poet honed his “picture-painting” poetry and storytelling style while an undergraduate at University of North Florida, where he started an open mic show. His rhythmic cadence and uplifting message piqued the interest of his audiences. Odd?Rod is a fixture on the college circuit and was named Association Of Promotional Campus Activities 2014 Spoken Word Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year in 2014.

The Volunteer and Human Rights Advocacy Fair on Wednesday featured charitable groups providing information about the community service opportunities available at the organizations. Nonprofits at the fair were: Allegheny-Kiski Valley NAACP; Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg; Community Health Clinic; New Kensington Family Services of Western PA; Habitat for Humanity; Allegheny Valley HAVIN; Homeless Children's Education Fund; Mental Health America of Westmoreland County; Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh; United Way of Westmoreland County; Welcome Home, Greensburg; Westmoreland Community Action; and YWCA of Westmoreland County.

Human-rights dominated the festivities on Thursday with two special screenings of “Selma.” The movie tells the story of King’s journey to secure voting rights for all people.

The commemoration concluded with an open mic lunch hour. Students, faculty and staff shared their thoughts and experiences regarding the slain civil rights leader.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed in 1986. In 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service, charging the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only national holiday designated as a national day of service.

For photos of MLK week, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/

Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing

Lyrics by James Weldon Johnson

Lift ev'ry voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring.
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise,
High as the list'ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chast'ning rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet,
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might,
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee,
Shadowed beneath thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.

Alle-Kiski Society Bowlathon chair John Spadaro, second from left, helps society members prepare for last year's event.

Alle-Kiski Society’s 14th annual spring fundraiser;
registration and sponsorship forms online

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- The Alle-Kiski Society's 14th annual Bowlathon is set for 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 13, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell.

Hosted by the local society of the Penn State Alumni Association, the tournament is open to alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team.

The bowlathon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring, and the proceeds support the society’s endowed scholarship at the campus. The endowment has risen from $51,000 to $109,000 in the past six years. Event sponsorships are available for $250 and $500, and lane sponsorships are $50 and $100 (see below).

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

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

The following is an open letter to alumni and friends from Alle-Kiski Society bowlathon chair John Spadaro:

The Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association represents more than 7,000 alumni living in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Our mission is to represent all current and former students and friends of Penn State through interaction and service to improve the New Kensington campus and the University. The society develops, promotes and supports the campus and enhances communication between students, alumni, friends and the University. We are responsible for the development of programs, both educational and recreational, to strengthen our relationship with the campus.

As a way of raising funds, the society is sponsoring our 14th annual Bowlathon from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, March 13, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell. We are asking you to support this event by sponsoring a lane or by becoming an event sponsor. There are various levels of sponsorships for you to help support our event. The levels vary from $50-$500.

The $500 event sponsorship features the company name on the event sponsorship board and bowling alley scoring monitors as well as live announcements throughout the day. In addition, the event sponsor receives a half-page ad in the program and the Penn State New Kensington website, and four free bowling registrations. The $250 event sponsorship includes the company name on the event sponsorship board and bowling alley scoring monitors, live announcements, a quarter-page ad in the program and the campus website, and two free bowling registrations.

As a $100 lane sponsor, you will be included in live announcements throughout the event, on the campus website and newswire subscription service. As a $50 lane sponsor, your company’s name will be prominently displayed during the event, and you will be included in the event program.

Proceeds from the Bowlathon support our campus scholarship, whose endowment has risen to $109,000. In the past five years we have donated more than $60,000 to the campus.

For the current academic year, the society awarded a record $5,500 in scholarships to four campus students: Lynsie Headley of Ford City; Alissa Dolensky of Lower Burrell; Adis Juklo of Pittsburgh; and Carley Carnahan of Lower Burrell.

As you can see, Penn State New Kensington students are the beneficiaries of the Bowlathon proceeds. If you are interested in supporting this event, please complete the form below and mail it to: John Spadaro, 508 Greenridge Road, New Kensington, PA 15068.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 724-337-8536. We thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

John

John Spadaro
Chair, Alle-Kiski Society Bowlathon

Sponsorship Form

$500 – Exclusive Event Sponsorship
-- Company or personal name displayed on event sponsorship board
-- Company or personal name displayed on scoring monitor
-- Inclusion in live announcements during the event
-- Inclusion on the Penn State New Kensington website and newswire service
-- Half-page company or personal advertisement in event program
-- Four (4) free bowling registrations

$250 – Event Sponsorship
-- Company or personal name displayed on event sponsorship board
-- Company or personal name displayed on scoring monitor
-- Quarter-page company or personal advertisement in event program
-- Two (2) free bowling registrations

$100 – Big Ten Lane Sponsorship
-- Company name displayed on sponsorship board
-- Company name displayed on scoring monitor
-- Company name in event program
-- Inclusion in live announcements during event
-- Inclusion on the Penn State New Kensington website
-- Inclusion on the Penn State New Kensington newswire service

$50 – Nittany Lion Lane Sponsorship
-- Company name displayed on sponsorship board
-- Company name displayed on scoring monitor
-- Company name in event program

Your contribution is tax deductible
Please make checks payable to AKS-PSAA

Name: _______________________________________________________
Company Name: ______________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
City: _________________________ State: __________ Zip Code: _______
Mail to:
John Spadaro
508 Greenridge Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
Sponsorship deadline --- Friday, March 4, 2016

Registration Form

Cost: $20 per person (includes three games of bowling and shoe rental)

Registration: Mail the registration form below with your check payable to: AKS – PSAA

*************************************************************

The $20 registration fee per person must accompany this form. Please complete one form per person. (Please Print)

Name:_______________________________ Work Phone:______________
Address:_____________________________ Home Phone:______________
City:____________________________State:_______ Zip Code:_________
Team Name:_________________________________________________________________
Team Members:_______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Mail to:

John Spadaro
508 Greenridge Road
New Kensington, PA 15068