Lauren Blum, assistant to the director of student affairs at Penn State New Kensington, was named a "We Are" recipient Oct. 28 by the University publication Penn State Today.
Lauren Blum provides “educational fun” for students
UPPER BURRELL, Pa. – Penn State New Kensington’s Lauren Blum, assistant to the director of student affairs, was recognized Oct. 28 in “We Are,” a weekly feature of the daily email publication, Penn State Today.
“We Are” is a University-wide initiative that was launched in February to provide students, faculty and staff with a platform to give kudos to fellow Penn Staters for work that goes above and beyond their job duties or responsibilities.
Blum is the ninth staff member from the New Kensington campus to receive the honor in the past nine months. Previously, Nancy Miller, co-director of continuing education, Corinne Coulson, enrollment specialist, Kevin Churik, information technology generalist, Jennifer Marino, assistant director for financial aid, Danielle DeStefano, assistant director of enrollment management, Susan Dale, administrative support assistant in the Office of Academic Affairs, Nancy Burns, staff assistant VI for the Office of Enrollment Management, and Karen Harlan, multimedia specialist, were accorded the prestigious honor. All were nominated by campus colleagues for personifying Penn State’s commitment of service to the community.
Kevin Snider, chancellor of the New Kensington campus, praised the recipients for shining the Penn State spotlight on New Kensington. He encouraged the campus community to recommend other colleagues for the honor.
“We need to get the word out about what a great campus and community we are,” Snider said. “It's a great way to continue to get our fantastic community recognized outside the campus.”
A “We Are” candidate could be a staff member taking extra steps to make sure a project is completed, a student organizing a charitable event, an administrator doing something special for employees, or a faculty member taking additional time to advise students.
To nominate a “We Are” candidate from the campus community, visit http://news.psu.edu/WeAre
To view “We Are” stories, visit http://news.psu.edu/story/359184/2015/06/01/we-are-thankful-these-penn-staters
Lauren Blum
Blum was named student life coordinator in 2011 and assumed her current position in 2013. Working out of the Student Life office, Blum is responsible for student leadership development and student activities. Her duties include providing administrative support to student clubs and organizations, coordinating cultural programs and events, and advising the Student Government Association.
A native of Beaver Falls, Blum is a graduate of Lock Haven University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Recreation Management. She earned a master's degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2012.
Her nominator wrote: "Lauren is one of the main driving forces behind the creation of community and the encouragement of educational fun at Penn State New Kensington. She works countless hours providing a fulfilling student activities line-up and somehow still finds time to organize productive Staff Senate meetings.
Student Affairs, under the guidance of director Theresa Bonk, is responsible for providing students with services and developmental opportunities that will supplement their academic experience and enhance their personal growth. Blum is at the center of all student-sponsored events.
She heads the campus’ Penn State in Pittsburgh program, which provides opportunities for students from four campuses in western Pennsylvania to experience the best of what the city of Pittsburgh has to offer. Beginning its third year, the program brings together students from the campuses of Beaver, Fayette, Greater Allegheny and New Kensington for a series of events highlighting the city’s educational, cultural, athletic and shopping benefits. During the fall semester, campus students boarded the Gateway Clipper for a boat cruise, rode the Phantom Revenge and other thrill rides at a Kennywood night, attended a playoff-bound Pittsburgh Pirates game, tested their creativity at a Warhol Museum workshop, and dined at Conflict Kitchen. More than 300 students attended the Pirates game, making it the most attended event in the history of the Penn State in Pittsburgh program. About 120 students went to the first Pirates game in 2013.
The spring semester will feature a tour of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on Saturday, January 30, and a visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Museum of Art on Friday, April 1. The cost of the ticket includes transportation from the campus.
During spring break last semester, Blum, along with Elaine Zarichnak, campus nurse, accompanied ten students to Puerto Rico for a hybrid community service project that combined helping environmental communities and underserved communities. The group performed a variety of functions, including rehabilitating a mangrove and assisting with literacy initiatives throughout San Juan, the commonwealth’s capital.
In addition to her work responsibilities, Blum serves as president of the Staff Senate, the voice for campus staff. The senate strives to enhance the day-to-day work environment for campus personnel and promotes a sense of community and respect across campus.
For information on the Penn State in Pittsburgh program, contact Blum at 724-334-6063 or ldb14@psu.edu or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentLife/45535.htm