The program offers information to local high school juniors and seniors considering admission to Penn State, and students who have already been offered admission to the University.  Hear about the options and opportunities at Penn State, speak with faculty, and interact with students, staff, and alumni.  Participants can also attend a Financial Aid Q&A session.

To register, call 610-285-5000 or visit www.lv.psu.edu.  Penn State Lehigh Valley is located at 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, PA 18034.

Classes will be held at both the Penn State Lehigh Valley locations. Friday sessions will be held at the Corporate Learning Center in Bethlehem from 8 a.m.-noon on the following dates: January 22 and 29; February 5 and 19; March 5, 19, and 26; and April 9 and 23. Saturday sessions at the campus in Center Valley will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates: January 23 and 30; February 6 and 20; March 6, 20, and 27; and April 10 and 24.

 
The course includes six extensive modules that correspond to the six functional areas as defined by the Human Resource Certification Institute:  strategic management; workforce planning and employment; human resource development; compensation and benefits; employee and labor relations; and occupational health, safety, and security.
 
The course fee of $995 includes all learning materials, software, and interactive instruction. For additional information about the program, call 610-285-5066 or visit the Web site at www.lv.psu.edu/ce.

mhutchinson@psu.edu.

The conference features interactive workshops and presentations for teachers to share professional teaching practices.  The keynote presentation, "Engaging Boy Writers," will be given by Ralph Fletcher, author of numerous books for children, young adults, and writing teachers including his most recent, "Pyrotechnics on the Page: Language Play that Boosts Writing" (Stenhouse). Fletcher will also sign copies of his books during the conference. For more information, visit www.ralphfletcher.com.

The cost of the conference is $55 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. The deadline for registration is January 25, 2010. To register for the conference, or for a complete conference schedule, visit www.lvwp.org.

Based at Penn State Lehigh Valley's Corporate Learning Center in Bethlehem, the Lehigh Valley Writing Project is a National Writing Project program dedicated to developing literacy and communication skills.  LVWP offers a variety of programs including:

• Professional development workshops, including teacher in-service programs
• Penn State graduate credit courses
• Continuing education seminars
• The Summer Institute, the cornerstone of every National Writing Project site
• Summer writing camps for young writers
• Outreach programs led by LVWP fellows

For more information, visit www.lvwp.org, or contact Nancy Coco, at 610-285-5026 or nxc4@psu.edu.

Green Advantage® is an environmental certification for building-related practitioners – primarily contractors, subcontractors and trades people. Certified individuals have successfully passed the Green Advantage® Certification Exam demonstrating knowledge of current green building principles, materials, and techniques. This course is specifically for Commercial Certification with its specific exam. Because the green building field is rapidly changing, candidates must pass a Recertification Exam every three years in order to remain Green Advantage Certified. More information about Green Advantage is available by visiting www.greenadvantage.org.

The cost of the course is $525/person including all materials, lunch, and the exam. The Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

The course fee of $219 includes all learning materials and interactive instruction. For additional information about the program, call 610-285-5066 or visit the Web site at www.lv.psu.edu/CE/profdev.htm?cn21D.

In his weight class of 242 lb, Cedeño had the following stats: squat – 606 lbs.; bench – 473 lbs.; and dead lift – 562 lbs. With his first-place finish, Cedeño qualifies for the Collegiate Nationals to be held early 2010 in Orlando, Florida.

Cedeño, who is originally from the Bronx, NY, currently resides in Allentown.

Nichola Gutgold, Ph.D., associate professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State Lehigh Valley, had a recent article published on the National Communication Association's (NCA) Communication Currents web site.

The article, "The Dress Code," discusses how public women communicate messages through their style. It was inspired by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's book, Read My Pins, and a recent display of her collection of pins at the Tiffany and Company Gallery of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.

Read Professor Gutgold's article in its entirety by following this link: http://www.communicationcurrents.com/index.asp?sid=1&issuepage=203&issue=50

Kevin McFall, Ph.D., assistant professor of engineering at Penn State Lehigh Valley, will be the featured speaker for the campus's first 2009-2010  Faculty Forum event. McFall will present his research, "Solution of Boundary Value Problems using an Artificial Intelligence technique," at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, in room 207.

In summarizing his research, McFall writes:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad field encompassing various algorithms inspired by biological systems. For example, genetic programming mirrors evolution where a population’s most successful individual solutions to a given problem are allowed to combine, producing offspring which are hopefully more successful at solving the problem. Fuzzy logic allows every day linguistic expressions posed in shades of gray to be manipulated with algebras normally reserved for binary logic values in black and white. The modeling powers of artificial neural networks (ANNs) derive from the dynamic and flexible electrical connections between neurons in the brain.  

My area of research lies in developing AI-based numerical techniques to solve problems normally approached with more traditional methods. The main thrust of current work offers an alternative to the finite element method (FEM) used to solve boundary value problems (BVPs). Several concerns with the FEM such as complexity in dealing with nonlinear differential equations (DEs) and meshing difficulties are avoided when using ANNs to solve the BVP. An approximate solution to the BVP can be posed as a function of the ANN output, and gradient descent optimization is employed to modify the ANN so that the approximate solution more closely satisfies the DE. In such a manner the ANN is “trained” to satisfy the DE, thus producing a more accurate approximate solution.  

Solving BVPs using ANNs is a relatively new concept, and my main contribution lies in developing an approximate solution automatically satisfying the boundary conditions (BCs) of the BVP. The approximate solution is designed in such a manner that it satisfies the BCs (whether Dirichlet or mixed) on boundaries of arbitrary shape, regardless of the ANN output. Such automatic BC satisfaction simplifies the learning process by removing the constraint of satisfying the BCs and DE simultaneously, and was made possible by development of a length factor based on mapping the domain shape onto a circle using thin plate splines. Besides enabling a simpler learning process, an approximate solution to the BVP defined in this way is guaranteed to converge to the exact analytical solution under certain circumstances which can be approximated during actual training of the ANN.

This seminar will present the basic outline of the work described here, focusing on its qualitative aspects rather than the technical details. The goal is to make the presentation more easily accessible to a broader audience.

For more information, contact Arlene Quesada, campus nurse, at 610-285-5017.

Miller will present "The Belsnickel and Belsnickeling: Ghosts of Pennsylvania German Christmas Past," an overview of two centuries old Pennsylvania German Christmas customs.

"Although they no longer have any relevance to today's holiday celebrations, they are still significant to us as students of history," said Miller, who served as professor of German at Kutztown University for 15 years. Miller currently serves as a volunteer instructor of Pennsylvania German Culture and Dialect for the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Cedar Crest College.

Weida will present a talk on the sights and sounds of Moravian Christmas customs including the putz, cookies, and candles. Prior to her position at the Moravian Historical Society, Weida worked in Historic Bethlehem. She holds a master's degree in museum studies from Penn State University.

The event is open to adults age 55 and over, but reservations are required.  To reserve a space, contact Carol Buddock at (610)285-5058 or email cab5@psu.edu. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

The pageant showcases the talents, creativity, and humor of some of Penn State Lehigh Valley's stand-out male students who will compete, not only for the Mr. LV crown, but also to raise money to conquer childhood cancer. Contestants will perform in many of the traditional pageant categories, like talent and formal wear, with a rock-n-roll theme.

Evans will present, "Allentown Symphony Hall – Past, Present, and Future," and will discuss the 110-year-old Downtown Allentown landmark.

Sheila Evans became executive director of the Allentown Symphony Association in January 2009. In this role, she is responsible for managing both the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Hall.  Evans, who has more than 20 years of corporate experience, hails from Kansas City where she spent the last 17 years at Sprint-Nextel.

The event is open to adults age 55 and over, but reservations are required.  To reserve a space, contact Carol Buddock at (610)285-5058 or email cab5@psu.edu. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

"The attributes that divide us are often the same qualities that identify us as individuals. Our students walk through our school doors and into our classrooms rich in culture, knowledge, and understandings of who they are as individuals and as participants in various social networks," says Shelton. "Teachers have a strong influence on our students and their identities as they help expand their literacies and prepare them to become contributing citizens of the world."

In this lecture, Shelton will share evidence from classrooms related to issues of diversity that reveal the intricate relationship between teaching and learning and students’ evolving understandings of themselves and of the world around them. As part of this endeavor, she will use student writing samples to illustrate how, when given the opportunity to select topics and genres relevant to the students as individuals, their understandings of themselves and the world are manifested in their work. As part of this lecture, participants will see the influence and importance of using culturally relevant literature during instruction. Shelton will also share several exceptional children’s literature books and propose instructional recommendations for their use in the classroom.

Nancy Rankie Shelton is an Associate Professor at UMBC where she teaches graduate and undergraduate literacy courses. She conducts research in urban elementary school settings, focusing her work on the ways in which schools prepare literate, participatory citizens for the 21st century. She is the Professor in Residence at UMBC’s partnership school in Baltimore City, Violetville Elementary/Middle School, where she works with faculty and students to provide enriching, literate classroom communities, and school-based professional development opportunities.

During the program, Penn State Lehigh Valley students will moderate a panel discussion with the public officials in attendance. At the conclusion of the student-moderated question period, audience members will have the opportunity to pose questions. Officials expected to be in attendance include: Sen. David G. Argall (R – District 29); Rep. Karen Beyer (R – District 131); Sen. Lisa Boscola (D – District 18); Rep. Robert L. Freeman (D – District 136); Rep. Richard T. Grucela (D – District 137); and Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski (D). Other officials may be added to the program.

For more information, contact University Relations at 610-285-5018.

The Performing Arts Organization welcomes all students with an interest in the many facets of theatre, music, public speaking, and poetry including acting, singing, dancing, directing, spoken word, musicianship, and costume design. No experience is required to be a member of the club. The group plans to hold various events such as open mic performances, poetry slams, plays, and trips to New York City.

For more information, contact Destiny Manley, faculty adviser to the club, at dmm66@psu.edu.

Students, faculty, and staff are asked to donate turkey, stuffing, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls, pumpkin pie, and juice.

For more information, or to drop off donations, visit the Student Affairs office in room 214 at the campus in Center Valley.

Students, faculty, and staff can help support our troops by donating non-perishable, non-canned food items such as snack foods (chips, cookies, granola bars, etc.), condiments, and powdered drink mixes.

For more information, or to drop off donations, visit the Student Affairs office in room 214 at the campus in Center Valley.

The session, geared toward elementary and middle school grades, offers the opportunity for parents and children to write and express their creativity together. Each family will also make a memory box to take home.

The cost of the session is $25 per family (limit two children and two adults/each additional child is $10). A registration form is available at www.lvwp.org. For more information, contact Kristy Weidner by emailing kmw14@psu.edu or call 610-285-5231.

"The University Faculty Senate is an important facet of shared governance at Penn State comprised of both faculty and student senators," says Khoury. "My role is significant because I serve not only as a representative, but also as a median between the senate council and the student senators. This communication between students allows them to stay informed about issues that affect the entire student body."

For Khoury, who also serves as vice president of the student government association at the Lehigh Valley campus, the appointment requires him to travel to University Park once a month for meetings. As a senator he also sits on the standing Senate Committee on Libraries and serves as a primary voice of the Caucus to the Faculty Senate and the University as a whole.

The event will include a special performance by the Penn State Lehigh Valley Dance Team, a musical performance by Ewabo steel drum band, and a selection of Caribbean style food for tasting. The celebration is co-sponsored by the Dance Team, the Diversity Club, and Student Affairs.

Ewabo, a steel drum band hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, has performed for a diversified clientele including President Bill Clinton at the Arkansas Inaugural Ball, patrons of the Potomac Riverfest, Norfolk Harborfest, Hispanic Fest, Annapolis Arts Fest, the Cherry Blossom Parade, DC Caribbean Carnival Parade, the Howard University Homecoming, Bluemont Concert Series, Human Rights Day, and numerous international embassies.

The event will feature a light breakfast and remarks from speakers to honor the veterans of our campus community.

Please RSVP by November 6 to Student Affairs by emailing ctn109@psu.edu or calling 610-285-5042.

Lehigh Valley Careers with a Social Impact: Public. Private. Non-Profit.

Date: Thursday, November 5

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: DeSales University, DeSales University Center

Information: Students from Lehigh Valley colleges and universities are invited to learn about career paths and opportunities within public, private, and non-profit industries that promote and support sustainability efforts. Students will be able to network with representatives from a variety of regional companies. In addition, all registered student clubs and organizations can receive up to $100, $10 per member, for participating in the event.

Speed Networking!

Date: Wednesday, November 18

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Auditorium, room 135

Information: Learn how to network in a fun, safe environment with employer representatives and Penn State alumni.

Registration: Please register with Career Services by Wednesday, November 11.

Nichola Gutgold, Ph.D., associate professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State Lehigh Valley, is the recipient of the Pennsylvania Communication Association (PCA) 2009 Donald H. Ecroyd Research and Scholarship Award. The award was presented on Saturday, October 17, at the PCA 70^th Annual Convention held at the Fred Rogers Center at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.

The Donald H. Ecroyd Research and Scholarship Award honors a commitment to and a sustained record of research or publication in the field of communication.

In addition to teaching communication classes at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Nichola Gutgold serves as adviser to the student newspaper, State of the Valley. She is the author of four books including the most recent, "Almost Madam President: Why Hillary Clinton 'Won' in 2008" (Lexington 2009). She is also the immediate past president of the Pennsylvania Communication Association.

Penn State Lehigh Valley CHANCE (Connecting Humans and Nature through Conservation Experiences) is accepting entries for the 2010 CHANCE Idol competition. Now in its second year, the CHANCE Idol competition challenges high school students to write their own environmentally-related words to a favorite song; videotape their group performing the new song; then upload the video to YouTube and send the judges the link to the video.  The deadline for entries is March 31, 2010. 

Three winners (first, second, and third place) will be selected from high schools throughout Pennsylvania and their videos will be showcased on the CHANCE web site (www.chance.psu.edu). The top winner (group) will receive a $2,000 prize to implement an environmentally focused project in their school community.  The winning group's school will also receive a visit from some of the program's collaborators and sponsors for the grand prize presentation.

The entries will be judged by a panel of professionals on clarity of environmental message, creativity, production quality, and the intended environmental project they would enact with the prize money.  The contest is co-sponsored by Sanofi Pasteur and ATAS International, Inc.

The idea for the competition came from the success of Dr. Richard B. Alley's recent environmentally-focused YouTube music videos, which have been featured in media outlets like The New York Times. 

Dr. Alley is an Evan Pugh Professor in the Department of Geosciences, and Earth and Environmental Systems Institute at Penn State, a Nobel laureate, and a collaborator with Dr. Jacqueline McLaughlin, associate professor of biology at Penn State Lehigh Valley and developer and director of the CHANCE program.

CHANCE(Connecting Humans And Nature through Conservation Experiences) is a coordinated effort and partnership between The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) that addresses the need to train Pennsylvania 9th - 12th grade teachers in environmental science and ecology.

For more information about CHANCE and the contest, visit www.chance.psu.edu.

In September, student journalists published the first issue of State of the Valley, formerly known as The Orchard Press.

"When our campus was located in Fogelsville, it was situated on approximately forty acres of former apple orchards, and writers developed the charming name The Orchard Press," says Nichola Gutgold, associate professor of communication arts and sciences, and faculty adviser to State of the Valley. "However, when the campus announced its move, we knew the name would no longer have the same meaning." 

Despite some student staff members wanting to keep it for nostalgia, Gutgold felt the paper needed a new name more fitting with the new space and location.  A contest was held for students to vote on the new name with two finalists featured:  State of the Valley and Penn State Press. 

"I was glad State of the Valley won because the play on words is fun and meaningful at the same time," said Gutgold. "We are the State University in the Lehigh Valley, but we also wish to bring our readers the state or the condition of life in the Valley, at least pertaining to our campus life and immediate community."

Along with a new name, the newspaper has undergone many changes to its content and how it is produced. In addition to some recognizable columns from The Orchard Press, new features including "Shopper Girl," and "Dan Goes to the Movies," have State of the Valley's managing editor, Vince D'Imperio, excited about the future of the paper.

"The former paper had a lot of content that focused on professors and alumni, and while there is still a place for those types of stories, we want to bring in more student-focused features," says D'Imperio '12, who plans to major in journalism when he transitions to University Park next year. "We have a really creative staff bringing some great ideas to the paper."

D'Imperio and the rest of the paper's staff are also enjoying their expanded roles in the production and layout of the paper, including having a dedicated space on campus to make it happen. 

"We now have a permanent location in the Student Clubs and Organizations Office [room 221], and we recently received training on the software used to lay out the paper," says D'Imperio. "This has given the staff a real sense of ownership over the process and made it a truly student-run newspaper."

In addition to reporting experience, State of the Valley also provides students with experience in the business side of keeping a newspaper running. Just like other newspapers, advertising space is available to on- and off-campus organizations, and the sale and placement of ads throughout the pages of the paper is coordinated by the students.

The staff also has an arsenal of real-world experience at their fingertips to guide them along the way. In addition to their adviser's expertise in the field of communications, State of the Valley staff members have the option to take a class in Newspaper Practicum that is run like an editorial department and co-taught by Gutgold and Glenn Kranzley. A familiar name in Lehigh Valley journalism, Kranzley is a 30-year veteran of the newspaper business and, until recently, served as vice president and opinion pages editor at The Morning Call in Allentown.

Even as they work on the next issue, the State of the Valley student staff and faculty collaborators also look ahead to the future of the paper.

“It is gratifying to serve as adviser to State of the Valley because we have an especially dedicated group of students who give me tremendous hope for the future of journalism and any career these young people pursue. With their enthusiasm and teachers like Glenn Kranzley, I believe that our students are getting a solid foundation in newspaper writing," says Gutgold.  "I have big goals for the future—I’d love to take the paper online and have a blog, too—but for now, getting a good paper out every two weeks will be our main priority.”

Student affairs is sponsoring a stress workshop at 12:15 p.m. on October 22 in room 205 at the campus in Center Valley. The workshop will assist students, faculty, and staff with determining the signs of stress and appropriate ways of handling stress.

Dalton Rumfield, M.S., N.C.C., L.P.C. – Rumfield received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Kutztown University. He then graduated from the University of Scranton with a master's degree in community counseling. He is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Tammy Yocum-Cwienkala, M.S. – Yocum-Cwienkala received her undergraduate degree in public relations and marketing from Shippensburg University.  After working as a marketing consultant for The Morning Call newspaper, she continued her education and received a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Chestnut Hill College.  She gained experience in group therapy, family therapy, and crisis management working at Lehigh Valley Hospital Adolescent Transition Unit.  She is a member of The American Psychological Association (APA) and The American Counseling Association (ACA).   She is currently working towards her license in professional counseling.

For more information or registration, click here Project Management, or call Pam Klass at (610) 285-5034.

Those interested in attending the tea or sharing a story are asked to respond to student affairs by emailing Cindy Nguyen at ctn109@psu.edu by October 8.

Zaid's performance blends elements of folk, jazz, indie pop, and cabaret. She has had five recent placements on CBS's "The Young & the Restless" (since Jan. '08), three #1 songs on Malaysian radio, and performs all over the world including New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Malaysia.

"Despite massive federal intervention to assist homeowners in actual mortgage default or at risk of mortgage default, mortgage defaults and re-defaults remain at high levels.  A key problem with the federal assistance program is its failure to differentiate between mortgagors for whom refinancing assistance would greatly diminish the likelihood of re-default, and those mortgagors for whom refinancing would not greatly diminish the likelihood of re-default," said Thode. "As it stands, the program fails to adequately reward positive behavior (avoiding default) while prospectively rewarding negative behavior (re-default)."

In this presentation, Thode will discuss a prescription for the re-default problem by identifying an alternative solution for mortgagors for whom any form of mortgage assistance is not likely to significantly diminish the likelihood of re-default, as well as an alternative solution for mortgagors whose likelihood of re-default is low. He will also discuss a prescription for reducing the likelihood of future defaults, and propose a methodology that modifies residential mortgage underwriting standards, redefines appraisal methods for owner-occupied single-family homes, and provides greater transparency for buyers of mortgages in the secondary mortgage market.

Stephen F. Thode is associate professor of finance, director of the Murray H. Goodman Center for Real Estate Studies, and director of the Integrated Real Estate Program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He has published dozens of articles on finance and real estate topics and is the recipient of the 1999 American Real Estate Society/Fannie Mae Foundation prize for best paper in real estate finance.  He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Real Estate Society and a two-term past president of the Real Estate Center Directors and Chairholders Association.  He currently serves as the only academic on The Appraisal Foundation board of trustees. Thode has extensive contract research and consulting experience with both Fortune 500 companies and private real estate firms. 

Professor Stephen Thode received a bachelor's degree in economics from Coe College. He earned a master's and doctorate of business administration in finance from Indiana University. Active in the community, Thode served on the Finance Committee of Musikfest for seven years. He is currently a member of the City of Bethlehem Planning Commission and the Blighted Property Review Committee.

"Dress for Success" will feature students modeling the latest in professional business attire, while representatives from area businesses and organizations will offer tips about what employers are looking for in interviews and beyond. A networking reception with hot appetizers and giveaways will follow the career fashion presentation.

Reservations are requested by October 15. Please call Jessica Kirkwood at 610-285-5002 or email jlk296@psu.edu to reserve your space.

The Penn State Lehigh Valley community is invited to join in a celebration of Hispanic Heritage on October 8, at the campus in Center Valley.

The festivities begin at 12:15 p.m. in the auditorium (room 135) with international spoken word artist Gabriela Garcia-Medina. Two Penn State Lehigh Valley students will also give readings of their own poetry at this time.

Following the performance, participants are invited to room 222 for salsa dancing and Spanish food, sponsored by the Diversity Club.

Gabriela Garcia-Medina is an international spoken word artist and award-winning poet. She has performed at colleges, festivals, and conferences all over the world. Her book, "Ink-Scribing Oshun," has been touring nationally since November 2006.

GRE Practice Test

Date: Monday, October 12, 2009

Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Location: Room 308, Center Valley

Information: A FREE practice test to help prepare for the GRE. Students who are interested in attending graduate school are encouraged to participate in this opportunity.

Graduate School Information Session & GRE Results

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2009

Time: 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Location: Room 207, Center Valley

Information: This session provides information about applying to graduate school. Students who took the practice GRE on October 12 will receive their results.

Law School Admissions Program

Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Time: 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Location: Room 209, Center Valley

Information: Students can learn about the application process and general timeline for law school admissions. Visit http://www.psu.edu/dus/prelaw for additional law school resources.

Registration: Please register with Career Services by Tuesday, October 13.

Dress for Success

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2009                                        

Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.           

Location: Room 135 (auditorium), Center Valley

Information: This interactive program will show examples of appropriate dress attire for interviewing, career fairs, and networking. Employer representatives will be present to share tips. A networking reception will follow the event.

Registration: Please register with Career Services by Thursday, October 15.

Tech Trek

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Time: 1-5 p.m.

Location: Penn State Great Valley

Information: Tech Trek is an educational event sponsored by ITAG and CCEDC that encourages students to pursue information technology careers in Chester County and the surrounding region. A number of companies and career opportunities will be showcased with a networking reception to follow. Please visit http://www.itagpa.org/techtrek.php for more information. Please Note: This is not a career fair. Do not bring résumés as requested by ITAG and CCEDC.

Registration: Transportation is available to those who sign up with Career Services by Monday, October 19.

The event will feature games, contests, pizza, and merchandise available for sale. All proceeds of the event will go to THON.

For more information, contact Student Affairs in room 214.

Bagged donations of clothing, linens, shoes, and handbags, which will help Via raise money to support programs for children with disabilities in the Lehigh Valley, can be placed in collection bins located on the second floor near The Roar lounge and the student affairs office.

Center Valley Cypher invites students and other Penn State Lehigh Valley community members to bring their lunch and a poem or two to share with the group. The weekly session will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning September 30, in room 308.

"The name ‘Cypher’ is taken from the term for an improvisational session for hip-hop artists," said Margaret Christian, associate professor of English at Penn State Lehigh Valley and emcee of the first gathering. "Participants don’t have to break-dance, rap, or improvise poetry on the spot, though—they could even bring a favorite poem to read aloud. We will give precedence to student-authored poems, however."

During her lecture, "Bethlehem's Most Haunted Places," Ramsland will talk about the mechanics of ghost hunting and how she collected tales about local haunts that revealed the Lehigh Valley's rich history.

Dr. Katherine Ramsland is the author of 35 books, including two about the area, "Ghosts of Bethlehem" and "Murder in the Lehigh Valley." She chairs the department of social sciences at DeSales University and teaches forensic psychology and criminal justice. She has been featured on many television programs, including Montel Williams, Larry King Live, Today, and 20/20.

The cost of the four-part series is $45. The event is open to adults age 55 and over, but reservations are required.  To reserve a space, contact Carol Buddock at (610)285-5058 or email cab5@psu.edu. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

Charles Butler, deputy editor of Runner's World magazine, will speak about "The Perfect Marriage: When the best of old and new media work together, enterprising journalism can (and does) happen," at 1 p.m., October 7 in room 135 at the campus in Center Valley. The event, sponsored by State of the Valley student newspaper, is free and open to the public.

"It seems of late that a day doesn’t pass when we don’t hear another story about the doomed fortunes of print journalism. Indeed, 2009 has not been a resounding year for many newspapers and magazines, with the closings of such dailies as the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and The Rocky Mountain News and the folding of Portfolio, Best Life, Vibe and other magazines," says Butler. "The death of these publications is disturbing for many reasons: the jobs that are lost, the editorial voices that are silenced, and the heightened concern that the American public is losing sources of information that are necessary to sustain an educated and enlightened citizenry."

In his talk, Butler will offer reflections on how journalism, in the face of many doomsday prognostications, is showing that it can recast itself in a changing world and to a changing audience. He suggests that, despite severe challenges the media profession must endure and overcome, the journalists and media companies that remain committed to the principles of factually-verifiable reporting, stylish storytelling, and engaging presentation (whether in print or digitally) will not only keep and grow their audience share but also produce reputable journalism that may exceed the quality of its predecessor.

Charles Butler has served as deputy editor of Rodale Inc.'s Runner's World magazine since 2004. He also teaches courses at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, and New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies in New York City. Prior to his current position, he worked for a number of publications including Smart Money, Sales and Marketing Management, and Sports Travel. In addition, Butler has freelanced for publications such as The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fortune, Men's Journal, and Good Housekeeping. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Columbia University in New York City.

This annual run/walk promotes awareness of breast cancer in the Lehigh Valley and raises money for breast cancer treatment and prevention. Since 1995, the Penn State Lehigh Valley team has helped raise more than $45,000 for this cause. The event is a 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) women’s walking/running event that happens rain or shine. Women of all fitness levels are encouraged to lace up and join the fun. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $36.50 in pledges in lieu of the registration fee.

Each participant should pick up a registration form and pledge sheet from Student Affairs in room 214, or contact Cindy Nguyen at ctn109@psu.edu.

You can also visit www.lv.psu.edu/5k for more information.  

The program offers information to local high school juniors and seniors considering admission to Penn State, and students who have already been offered admission to the University. Hear about the options and opportunities at Penn State, speak with faculty, and interact with students, staff, and alumni. Participants can also attend a Financial Aid Q&A session.

To register, call 610-285-5000 or visit www.lv.psu.edu.

In "Almost Madam President: Why Hillary Clinton 'Won' in 2008," Nichola Gutgold, Ph.D., associate professor of communication, looks at the historic presidential bid of Hillary Clinton; and in "Women Tennis Stars: Biographies and Records of Champions, 1800s to Today," Dennis Phillips, associate librarian, profiles champions who had significant impact both on and off the court.

Both authors will read an excerpt from their books and sign copies at 1 p.m. on October 27 in the auditorium (room 135) at the campus in Center Valley. This event is free and open to the public.

"Almost Madam President," published in July 2009 by Lexington Books, is an account of Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid with special emphasis on her communication skills and media coverage, from her sophisticated You Tube style announcement speech to her ardent campaigning on behalf of her rival, Barack Obama, and the stump speeches, plentiful debates, and notable media moments in between. 

"All around the world, women are presidents and prime ministers, yet in America, we have yet to elect the first woman president," says Gutgold. "Hillary Clinton won almost 18 million votes, and was the first front-runner woman candidate. I wanted this book to be a rhetorical journey through the 2008 primary and analyze the role communication played in how close Clinton came to being the Democratic nominee."

"Women Tennis Stars," (McFarland 2009) is a collection of photos, biographies, and statistics of 35 champions that changed, and continue to affect, the game of tennis.

"A number of the photos used in the book were donated by the estate of acclaimed tennis photographer Carol Newsom, who also holds the distinction of being the first female granted a press pass to Centre Court at Wimbledon," said Phillips. "Sadly, Newsom passed away in 2003 from breast cancer. I was so moved by the generosity of her estate in providing the photos that I have decided to donate the royalties from the sale of the book to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®."

Karen Kackley-Dutt has received a one-year appointment as instructor of biology. Kackley-Dutt received a Ph.D. in botany and plant pathology from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. Most recently, she was assistant professor of biology at Kutztown University, and also taught biology classes at Cedar Crest College in Allentown. While at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Kackley-Dutt will teach "Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity."

Debra Miller has been appointed elementary education program coordinator. She received her Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, and M.Ed. in special education from East Stroudsburg University. Prior to coming to Penn State Lehigh Valley, Miller served as director of curriculum, instruction, and professional development for Parkland School District. At Penn State Lehigh Valley, she will also instruct students in the course "Teaching Exceptional Students in General Education Settings."

Dinesh Pai has been appointed assistant professor of business administration. Pai received a Ph.D. in supply chain management from Rutgers University in New Jersey, and an M.B.A. in marketing from Pune University, India. He previously served as an instructor at Rutgers Business School. Pai also held positions at multiple companies in Mumbai, India. At Penn State Lehigh Valley, he will teach courses in "Basic Management Concepts," and "Business Logistics Management."

Harold Scholz has received a one-year appointment as instructor of physics. Scholz received a Ph.D. in physics from The Ohio State University and a master of science from the University of Akron, Ohio. He previously taught at Lehigh Carbon Community College, Moravian College, and the University of Akron. At Penn State Lehigh Valley, Scholz will teach "Introduction to Engineering Design" and "General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism."

Kent Zimmerman has been appointed Business Degree Program Coordinator. Zimmerman received his MBA from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.  He was formerly principal of Workforce Development Resources in Bethlehem and, prior to that, an associate dean and director of the Center for Business and Industry at Northampton Community College.  At Penn State Lehigh Valley he will also teach courses in business administration.

 Against the backdrop of one of North America's most cherished symbols, the ballpark, Rosen will investigate the dichotomy between moves to curb fan violence/misbehavior against evidence suggesting that today's ballparks are safer and more fan-friendly now than ever.

"I contend that when extended outwardly through the culture, ballpark regulations serve as a very effective, if not outright insidious, means of redefining the boundaries of personal autonomy based upon a cultural shift that highlights an increasingly low set of behavioral expectations," says Rosen.

Joel Nathan Rosen, Ph.D., is assistant professor of sociology at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa.  Rosen’s research focuses primarily on the relationship between human activity and stratification as informed by cultural idioms such as music and sport.  He is the author of "The Erosion of the American Sporting Ethos: Shifting Attitudes Toward Competition" (McFarland) and "From New Lanark to Mound Bayou: Owenism in the Mississippi Delta" (Carolina Academic Press, Forthcoming 2011), co-editor and contributor to "Reconstructing Fame: Sport, Race, and Evolving Reputations" (University Press of Mississippi) and of "Falling from Grace: Race, Sport, and the Decline of Once-Cherished Reputations" (University Press of Mississippi, Forthcoming 2010) and has been published in such varied journals as The Sociology of Sport Journal, The Journal of Mundane Behavior, NINE: A Journal of Baseball History & Culture, The Journal of Sport History, and Media History Monographs.

Penn State Creamery Ice Cream Sale

Taking orders now through Oct. 26; Delivery day is Nov. 12.

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society is hosting its annual Penn State Creamery Ice Cream Sale. Choose from 13 popular ice cream flavors and support the Penn State Lehigh Valley First-Year Scholarship Endowment. Visit www.psulvalumni.org to download an order form or contact Katie Wells at kwells@psualum.com. 

PSU v. Syracuse Football Bus Trip

Sept. 12; Bus departs at 7 a.m. from the campus in Center Valley.

Travel with the Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society to cheer on the Nittany Lions against the Syracuse Orange. The bus trip includes roundtrip transportation and tickets to the game.
Cost: $95/ Penn State Alumni Association members for ticket and transportation, $110/non-members for ticket and transportation.

A Night of Cycling

Sept. 25 at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Breinigsville, PA

5-8 p.m.

Celebrate a night of cycling with Penn State benefitting the Jim Young Scholarship Fund. The event features Penn State Lehigh Valley as a sponsor of the NCCA Championships. Cost: $25/person, $40/couple, and includes refreshments.

School Spirit Day at the Promenade Shops

Sept. 26 at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

2-5 p.m.

The Promenade Shops in Center Valley is organizing a "School Spirit Day" on Saturday, September 26, 2009.  Students, alumni, and the Nittany Lion will be on hand to show their school spirit by wearing our proud Blue & White to the Patio Food Court anytime from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The school with the biggest turnout will receive a FREE movie night for 125 guests at Rave Motion Pictures and be awarded the School Spirit Trophy.

Resume and Career Services Express

Monday, Sept. 14, room 107 at the campus in Center Valley

9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

Drop by the Career Service office to learn how to write or improve a resume and ask any career related questions. Participants can learn tips about content and format for their current resume, or get information about developing a resume. No appointment is necessary for these 10-15 minute sessions.

University Park Spring Career Days: Non-technical Recruitment

Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Bryce Jordan Center, University Park

1-6 p.m.

This career event is designed for students in communications, business, finance/accounting/economics, public administration, human resources, management, marketing, health care services and administration, social and human services, and visual arts. Transportation will be provided for students who sign up with Career Services in room 107. Visit http://www.fairs.sa.psu.edu/fall for more information.

PA Career Link Lehigh Valley Job Fair

Wednesday, Sept. 23 at the Allentown Fairgrounds Agricultural Hall

10 a.m.-6 p.m.

More than 140 employers will be represented at this event where participants can job search, look for an internship, or explore different career options. Students may also volunteer to assist with the career fair by signing up with Jessica Kirkwood in the Career Services office, room 107 at the campus in Center Valley.

For more information about these or other career services opportunities, visit www.lv.psu.edu/careerservices or email Jessica Kirkwood at jlk296@psu.edu.

SMARTHINKING is a supplement to existing campus tutoring programs that allows students to receive real-time assistance in math, chemistry, bilingual math, physics, organic chemistry, biology, intro to anatomy & physiology, economics, introductory finance, accounting, and statistics. Writing support for all subjects is also provided through the online writing lab. SMARTHINKING e-structors™ have substantial tutoring and teaching experience, usually have an advanced degree, and participate in a rigorous online training and evaluation program. 

The service is designed to aid those students who might not ordinarily be able to take advantage of traditional face-to-face tutoring or on-campus resources, such as commuter students, distance education students, students studying late at night, or any student with a hectic schedule.

The CHANCE Idol competition challenged Pennsylvania high school students to showcase their environmental and musical skills by writing their own environmentally-related words to a favorite song; videotaping their group performing the new song; then uploading the video to YouTube for judging.  Entrants also had to submit an environmental project that would use the prize money to make their school community more sustainable.

 "As a Biology teacher and a CHANCE Fellow, I was very excited to see the addition of the CHANCE IDOL contest to the CHANCE website," says Suzanne Croll of Pocono Mountain East High School. "I encouraged all of my students in all of my classes to enter. Many students talked about it, but only Carrie and Claire actually followed through. I am very proud of them and their accomplishment."

During the assembly, the winners will showcase their video to roughly 700 classmates, as well as special guests and dignitaries from the community. In addition, Richard B. Alley, Ph.D, Nobel laureate and Evan Pugh Professor in the Department of Geosciences, and Earth and Environmental Systems Institute at Penn State, will perform live via video teleconference from a research facility in Woodshole, Ma. The $2,500 check will be presented to the students and the school by representatives from sanofi pasteur and ATAS International, Inc., who co-sponsored the competition.

"Helping our youth understand environmental responsibility from experienced teachers is an important role in sustaining our future.  ATAS International, Inc. is proud to support CHANCE and their continuing efforts to increase environmental awareness by our Pennsylvania teachers," says Jim Bus, vice president of ATAS International, Inc.

The winning students are hoping to use the prize money to create a community garden and outdoor theater on a parcel of land at a nearby community park. The garden/theatre will provide the community with a place to gather for special events such as an Earth Day celebration and will also nurture the environment.  

The idea for the competition came from the success of Alley's recent environmentally-focused YouTube music videos, which have been featured in media outlets including The New York Times.  Alley has participated in the CHANCE program as a collaborator with Dr. Jacqueline McLaughlin, associate professor of biology at Penn State Lehigh Valley and developer and director of CHANCE.

CHANCE(Connecting Humans And Nature through Conservation Experiences) is a coordinated effort and partnership between The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) that addresses the need to enhance the teaching and learning of environmental science and ecology through international field experience and multimedia research modules.

For more information about CHANCE and the contest, visit www.chance.psu.edu.

Penn State majors, campuses, clubs, activities, and career services will be discussed. Representatives will also talk about the admission process and the financial aid timeline.

To register, call Penn State Lehigh Valley at (610)285-5000, or visit the Web site at www.admissions.psu.edu/sasd/ (click the Lehigh Valley link). Seating is limited. For directions to the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus in Center Valley, go to www.lv.psu.edu/centervalley.

Friday, September 18                   

Scott Everett, stewardship and trail manager, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

Friday, October 2

Katherine Ramsland, "Ghosts of Bethlehem" 

Friday, November 6

Sheila Evans, executive director, Allentown Symphony Association

"Allentown Symphony: A Look at the Past…A Look at the Future"

Friday, December 4       

Local culture:  Pennsylvania Dutch and Moravian Holiday Traditions  

The series will kick-off on September 18, with Penn State alumnus H. Scott Everett, stewardship and trail manager for the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. Everett will share the highlights of the trail including events, museums, hiking trails, camping, fishing, and other available activities. In his role, Everett is responsible for the planning and the continuing construction of the 165-mile-long Delaware and Lehigh Trail. When complete, the trail will connect Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County) to Bristol (Bucks County). He is also a long-time volunteer for the Ironton Rail.

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a joint effort of private groups and interested citizens, county and municipal governments, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the federal government to conserve cultural and natural resources in the five-county region of Pennsylvania that traverses old railroad beds and the historic Delaware and Lehigh Canals. The Delaware & Lehigh was designated by Congress in 1988 with a mission to restore historic places, conserve green space for public use, and preserve and interpret our heritage to enhance life for generations to come.

The cost of the four-part series is $45. The event is open to adults age 55+, but reservations are required.  To reserve a space, contact Carol Buddock at (610)285-5058 or email cab5@psu.edu.  The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

Film Series – "Slumdog Millionaire"

Last year's Oscar winner for best picture, "Slumdog Millionaire," will kick off the 2009-2010 film series at noon on Tuesday, September 1, in the auditorium (room 135).

Student Organization Development

Discover ways to recruit and retain new members for your student organization at Penn State Lehigh Valley at 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, in room 219.

Activities Carnival

Stop by the Activities Carnival to receive information and sign up for Penn State Lehigh Valley's clubs and organizations at 1 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, in the courtyard outside the South Entrance.

Moment of Silence to remember 9-11-2001/Day of Service

Sign up in Student Affairs to visit Lehigh Valley Hospital's pediatric unit with the Nittany Lion from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Donations are also being accepted to bring a care package for the staff of the unit.

Join the campus community in the courtyard at noon for a moment of silence to remember the events of September 11, 2001.

Community Service Project Rescheduled!

Sign up in Student Affairs to volunteer at 9 a.m. on September 18 with the Lehigh Valley Conservation District. Participants will plant trees and remove invasive plants at a site right in our new backyard in Lower Saucon Township.

Remember to check out the online calendar of events at http://events.lv.psu.edu for the latest details.

Penn State Lehigh Valley, in conjunction with the Lehigh Valley Writing Project, is offering a one-day Diverse Literacies Conference on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at the Bear Creek Ski Resort and Conference Center in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Designed for all levels of educators (K-College) as well as pre-service teachers, this program will feature Dr. Mary Kalantzis, noted multiliteracies scholar and Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In addition to the keynote address by Dr. Kalantzis, there will be a variety of workshops, panel presentations, and visual display sessions offered throughout the day.
Please visit our website at http://www.lv.psu.edu/dlc for the registration form and for further information about the conference.

When Barack Obama accepted the nomination as the Democratic candidate for president in 2008, the media were quick to point out that Hillary Clinton lost. In her new book, Almost Madam President:  Why Hillary Clinton 'Won' in 2008, Nichola D. Gutgold, Ph.D., associate professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State Lehigh Valley, argues that Hillary Clinton gained more than she lost in her bid for the presidency.

"All around the world women are presidents and prime ministers, yet in America, we have yet to elect the first woman president," says Gutgold. "Hillary Clinton won almost 18 million votes, and was the first front-runner woman candidate. I wanted this book to be a rhetorical journey through the 2008 primary and analyze the role communication played in how close Clinton came to being the Democratic nominee"

The book, published in July 2009 by Lexington Books, is an account of Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid with special emphasis on her communication skills and media coverage, from her sophisticated You Tube style announcement speech to her ardent campaigning on behalf of her rival, Barack Obama, and the stump speeches, plentiful debates, and notable media moments in between.  The book features several photos from Hillary Clinton’s campaign trail and offers an analysis of her public speaking and debate skills.

Nichola Gutgold teaches a variety of communication courses, and advises for the student newspaper, State of the Valley.  She also serves as the representative for the College of Communications and is liaison for part-time faculty.  Her research examines the communication skills needed for women to be successful in male dominated fields. Gutgold's other books include:  Seen and Heard: The Women of Television News, (Lexington Books, 2008), Paving the Way for Madam President (Lexington Books, 2006) and Elizabeth Hanford Dole:  Speaking from the Heart, with co-author Molly Wertheimer, professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State Hazleton (Praeger Press, 2004). Gutgold is a member of the International Communication Association, National Communication Association, Eastern Communication Association, and the 2008-2009 President of the Pennsylvania Communication Association. She serves on the Board of Directors of LifePath.    

Functional Manager Certificate – begins September 14

A performance management program for experienced managers.

Green Advantage Environmental Certification (Commercial) – begins September 24

Green Advantage® is an environmental certification for building-related practitioners - primarily contractors, subcontractors, and trades people.

Lean and Six Sigma Certificate Program – begins September 9

Learn the fundamentals for continuous improvement in any service or manufacturing environment.

LEED AP+ Building Design & Construction Exam Prep Course – September 25

This specialty provides a standard for professionals participating in the design and construction phases of high-performance, healthful, durable, affordable, and environmentally sound commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings.

LEED Green Association Exam Prep Course – September 18

This course is for professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice.

Nurse Management Certificate Program – begins September 28

Earn a nurse management certificate; then let it work for you toward a bachelor’s degree.

OSHA 10 Hour General Industry Course – begins September 23

This OSHA outreach course focuses on the practical aspects of safety and the practical application of OSHA standards.

Project Management Certificate Series – begins September 9

This program is designed for individuals from both nontechnical and technical fields who are new to project management; managers who must deal with multiple projects; and for those who are looking for formal project management training.

Supervision Essentials Certificate Program – begins September 11

This program is a leadership competency series for new and upcoming frontline supervisors.

Production Management Certificate Program – begins September 21

These courses, when combined with professional experience and personal study, can lead to success in the Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) exam series offered through the Association of Operations Management (APICS).

Society for Human Resource Management- SHRM Learning System® - begins September 11 and September 14

This course provides students with an up-to-date overview of key human resource management concepts and trends and includes preparation for PHR/SPHR certification.

American Payroll Association PayTrain® Fundamentals – begins October 3

This course will provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to maintain payroll compliance and prevent costly penalties. It includes preparation for FPC Certification.

FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) Certification Review – begins September 21

FE Review is an intensive 78-hour review course to prepare candidates for the Pennsylvania Fundamentals of Engineering examination. Topics covered include engineering mathematics, statics, thermodynamics, chemistry, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and engineering economics.

For detailed descriptions of these courses, as well as registration information, please visit www.lv.psu.edu/CE and click on Professional Development, or call (610)285-5034.

United States Representative Charlie Dent  visited the Lehigh Valley Writing Project (LVWP) on Monday, July 20, to participate with 20 area teachers in the Project's Summer Institute demonstration about learning math through writing. The Lehigh Valley Writing Project, based at Penn State Lehigh Valley's Corporate Learning Center in Bethlehem, is the local site of the National Writing Project.

"Since the National Writing Project is a federally-funded program, our legislators play a key role in the continued operations of our national infrastructure and our individual site here in the Lehigh Valley," said Nancy Coco, director of the Lehigh Valley Writing Project. "We were so pleased to host Congressman Dent on Monday and thank him for his continued support, especially as we celebrate our 20^th anniversary this year."

During his visit, Congressman Dent, a Penn State grad, experienced a part of the LVWP Summer Writing Invitational Institute, a six-credit graduate experience emphasizing balanced literacy where participants are immersed in the writing process. The Institute is a teachers-teaching-teachers’ program based on the belief that through a process of collaborative inquiry, teachers can better address the educational issues of today’s classroom. Graduates of the Institute become certified National Writing Project Fellows.

"I am excited about the impact LVWP is having on the teachers and students in the Fifteenth District and the surrounding area," said Dent. "Federal dollars appropriated to the National Writing Project, the only federally funded program that focuses on the teaching of writing, are an investment in our students' ability to compete with their peers in countries around the world."

For more information about the Lehigh Valley Writing Project, please visit www.lvwp.org.

For a detailed listing of course offerings and registration information, visit www.lv.psu.edu/CE and click on Professional Development, or call (610) 285-5067.

Penn State Lehigh Valley 2009 graduates—it’s not too late to order photos of your recent graduation. Hold the memory of your 2009 commencement ceremony by ordering one or more full-color photos. The prices are as follows:  $5 for a 4x6, $7 for a 5x7, $10 for an 8x10.

To view your photo online or to place an order, go to http://psu-lvphotos.ifp3.com/. For more information, call (610)285-5011.

Penn State majors, campuses, clubs, activities, and career services will be discussed. Representatives will also talk about the admission process and the financial aid timeline.

To register, call Penn State Lehigh Valley at 610-285-5000, or visit the Web site at www.admissions.psu.edu/sasd/ (click the Lehigh Valley link on the map of Pennsylvania). Seating is limited. For directions to the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus in Center Valley, go to www.lv.psu.edu/centervalley.

The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership is designed to meet the needs of working adult learners who desire to broaden their professional scope and complete a bachelor's degree.  Courses can be taken online, in a traditional classroom setting, or through blended (classroom and online) options.

Offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Liberal Arts, the course work focuses on the complex social, cultural, and organizational issues that confront organizational leaders in the modern world. The program is designed to prepare students to lead others effectively, in any industry.

For more information or to register for the information session, contact Diane Lewis McAloon at 610-285-5066.

Penn State Lehigh Valley's 2009 Summer Course Schedule is available online at http://soc.our.psu.edu/soc/summer/Allan/a-c/index.html#0 or from the Registrar's Office in Fogelsville. For more information, call (610)285-5000.

During the camp, students will use the Carnegie Learning Cognitive Tutor^TM software, as well as collaborative, real world scenarios, to help refine their math skills in order to be prepared for Algebra 1.

For more information, contact Diane Lewis McAloon at (610)285-5066 or e-mail dlewis@psu.edu. The Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, in Bethlehem, PA.

The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership is designed to meet the needs of working adult learners who desire to broaden their professional scope and complete a bachelor's degree.  Courses can be taken online, in a traditional classroom setting, or through blended (classroom and online) options.

Offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Liberal Arts, the course work focuses on the complex social, cultural, and organizational issues that confront organizational leaders in the modern world. The program is designed to prepare students to lead others effectively, in any industry.

For more information or to register for the information session, contact Diane Lewis McAloon at 610-285-5066.

High school seniors, juniors, and their parents are invited to "Spend a Summer Evening" at Penn State Lehigh Valley. The program, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2009, will offer information about the opportunities and options Penn State University can offer interested students.

Penn State majors, campuses, clubs, activities, and career services will be discussed. Representatives will also talk about the admission process and the financial aid timeline.

For reservations, call Penn State Lehigh Valley at 610-285-5000. Or visit the Web site at www.admissions.psu.edu/sasd/ for more information. Seating is limited.

The event includes a picnic dinner from 6-6:30 p.m. and golfing from 6:45-8 p.m. The cost is $8/adult alumni association members, $10/adult non-members, and $5/children 12 and under.

Putt U Miniature Golf is located at 5200 Route 309, in Center Valley, PA.

Participants are asked to RSVP by contacting Stacy Hamm at (610)285-5064, or via email at slh53@psu.edu, or register online at http://events.lv.psu.edu and select the appropriate date.

The cost per person is $150 which includes a buffet lunch, dinner, gifts to all participants, greens fees, carts, prizes, and gratuities. The buffet lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and golfers will tee off with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m.

Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Jack Cooney Scholarship and the Don Klein Cultural Enrichment Fund that supports Penn State Lehigh Valley and its students.

Space is limited to 100 golfers, so early registration is encouraged. For more information about the golf outing, the dinner, and corporate or individual sponsor options, call Don Klein at 610-395-7933 or Wayne Nottle at 610-264-4259.    

Franklin will present "Energy Trends: Challenges and Opportunities." The lecture will include an overview of major energy and environment trends, the challenges and opportunities for Pennsylvania, and some of the work Penn State is doing to assist communities and organizations to manage effectively in this dynamic environment.

Nancy Franklin, Ed.D., is the director of strategic initiatives for Outreach and Cooperative Extension at The Pennsylvania State University, and assistant director of Outreach for Penn State Institutes for Energy and the Environment. She convenes the university-wide Energy and Environment Outreach Task Force and is a member of the University’s Sustainability Leadership Team. Prior to her current role, Franklin served as Virginia Tech’s Southside regional director of information technology and senior director of programs and planning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia, which garnered the 2007 C. Peter Magrath/W. K. Kellogg Foundation National University-Community Engagement Award.  Franklin's professional experience includes 16 years in higher education administration and more than a dozen years in the information technology private sector. She earned her doctoral degree at the University of Pennsylvania in Higher Education Management in May 2008.

SAGE (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment) is a community outreach program of Penn State Lehigh Valley designed to encourage intellectual and cultural enrichment for adults age 55 and older. In the fall and spring, the group offers a new, college-level lecture each month.

This event is open to adults age 55+, but reservations are required. To register, contact Diane Lewis at 610-285-5066 or email dlewis@psu.edu. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

Jennifer Parker Talwar, Ph.D, OLEAD program coordinator and associate professor of sociology at Penn State Lehigh Valley, is the recipient of the 2009 Superior Service to Adult Learners Award. The award was announced at the annual Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference held on May 18 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, PA.

The purpose of the award is to recognize annually an individual Penn State faculty, staff, or student, or a team of individuals who provide exemplary service to adult learners. In addition the recipient must demonstrate that they have positively affected adult learners through direct service to students or improved the campus environment for adult learners. Special consideration is given to those who can demonstrate support and leadership of new, innovative programs or services that improve the environment for adult learners.

The students, along with Jennifer Talwar, Ph.D, OLEAD program coordinator and associate professor of sociology, presented "Risk Aversion or Cultural Reproduction Theory: More than One Child Left Behind," as part of a larger panel entitled "Alternative Course Delivery Methods and Effects on Learning Outcomes: A Presentation by Adult Learners." This research also took first place in the Penn State Lehigh Valley 2009 Undergraduate Research Symposium, which was held in April. The students on the panel included Anthony Amato, Peter Biedenkopf, Eli Cekovic, Sam North, and Ira Lerner.

In addition, Jessica Kirkwood, coordinator of career services at Penn State Lehigh Valley, presented "Adult Learner Success Series: Meeting the Programming Needs of Adult Learners," and Roger Egolf, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at Penn State Lehigh Valley, participated in the panel "Perspectives of Faculty Who Were Adult Learners."

This OSHA authorized course is geared toward company managers, supervisors, and members of safety committees, and focuses on the practical aspects of safety and the practical application of OSHA standards; emphasizes keeping the workplace safe for the people in it and identifying hazards and unsafe practices; and covers a wide range of topics to allow you to understand the rules/regulations necessary to be compliant with OSHA—for example: walking/working surfaces, HAZCOM, electrical safety, etc. In addition, written programs and training requirements will be discussed.

The cost of the course is $275/person or $225/person for multiple enrollments from the same company. All attendees who successfully complete this 10-hour course will receive a course completion card from OSHA and one Continuing Education Unit from Penn State Lehigh Valley.

The course will be conducted by Bill Paletski, OSHA authorized instructor and senior technical specialist with PennTAP, who has more than 21 years of environmental and occupational safety experience, facilitates the OSHA 10-hour course throughout Pennsylvania, has worked in manufacturing and industry, and has direct experience with OSHA inspections.

For more information or to register, contact Pam Klass at 610-285-5034 or pnd100@psu.edu.

All camps are held at the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville. 

Enjoy, learn, and play at our full-day camp experience.

Register online at http://www.lv.psu.edu/recreationcamps

Graduates and their families and friends, as well as faculty and staff, will gather in the West Garden  for Penn State Lehigh Valley's Commencement Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16.  The ceremony will be the last major event held at the Fogelsville location, as the campus prepares to move to its new facility in Center Valley. Legendary journalist and bestselling author Helen Thomas will serve as guest speaker for the ceremony.

A pioneer in women's journalism, Helen Thomas has used her pointed reporting style to get answers from America's top political leaders for more than 60 years. The year after she graduated from Wayne State University, Thomas served as a copy girl on the now defunct Washington Daily News, and joined United Press International (UPI) in 1943. For 12 years she wrote radio news for UPI, and then had several beats around the federal government including the Department of Justice, FBI, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and Capitol Hill before she began covering President-elect John F. Kennedy in 1960. Thomas went to the White House in January 1961 as a member of the UPI team and was there until May 2000. In July 2000, Thomas became a columnist for the Hearst News Service. Thomas returned to the White House press room in November 2008 and continues to ask her tough questions of President Barack Obama and his press secretary on a daily basis.

She is the author of numerous books including her latest, Listen Up, Mr. President (2009). In addition, she wrote Watchdogs of Democracy? (Scribner 2007), Thanks for the Memories, Mr. President (Scribner 2003), Front Row at the White House (Scribner 2000), and a children's book, The Great White House Breakout (Dial 2008), co-written by Pulitzer-nominated political cartoonist Chip Bok.

For more information, please contact Allison Goodin at (610)285-5067 or (610)428-8207.

For many parents, watching their son or daughter graduate from college is one of the proudest moments of their lives. For Breinigsville resident Ira Lerner, that will certainly be the case as his son, Edward, receives his bachelor's degree from University Park. But to Ira, that moment will be even more special because he, too, will have just walked across the same stage to accept his own Penn State degree.

Ira Lerner and his son, Edward, decided that, instead of choosing one graduation over the other, both will receive their diplomas at Penn State Lehigh Valley's Commencement Ceremony this Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. in the West Garden in Fogelsville.

"My son could have chosen to attend his own commencement ceremony at University Park, but he is walking at Penn State Lehigh Valley as a gift to me," said Ira.  "To share that moment with my son is the best graduation gift I could ask for."

Prior to attending Penn State Lehigh Valley, Ira, who had previously received an associate's degree, spent more than 30 years working for the same company. When the family made the move to the Lehigh Valley, Ira began looking for a job and soon realized that he might be at a disadvantage.

"When you work for the same company for that long, they know who you are and what your experience is, so the fact that I only had a two-year degree didn't make much difference," said Lerner. "In today's job market, things are different. I needed that key, the bachelor's degree, to open doors."

He pursued a degree designed for adult learners, Penn State Lehigh Valley's Organizational Leadership (OLEAD) program.

"It offered a flexible schedule that allowed me to take most of my courses online and the affordability was definitely a factor. Even better, I didn't have to take any calculus classes," joked Lerner. "I'm so glad I pursued this degree at Penn State Lehigh Valley. My experience was made even more positive by the dedication of my faculty advisor." 

Edward, having taken the traditional high school-to-college path to obtain his degree in physics, understands why his dad made the decision to go back to school.

"I'm excited for my dad. I think he felt held back by not having his degree," said Edward. "Now he can go out and pursue his next career with more confidence."

Though their higher education experiences were much different, both father and son did find time occasionally to commiserate about college life. Edward is quick to note that, at University Park, there is a constant 'college' atmosphere, while dad Ira took most of his classes through his computer. Still, both feel that Penn State has prepared them to take their next steps as job seekers.

As for future plans, Edward hopes to find a job in green energy, with a special interest in solar panel technology, while Ira is focusing on finding meaningful work that serves others.

"I often joked with Edward that I was going to transfer to University Park and we could be roommates. I don't think he appreciated it very much," Ira said, laughing. "But these years that we spent going through the same university at the same time have provided us with memories that not many other fathers and sons can say they shared. And that is pretty cool."

When the economy is down, budgets for training and development tend to get reduced. This event will give participants an opportunity to discuss ways to stretch budgets and participate in hands-on training activities. Participants will learn best practices in management development that Penn State has discovered from successfully working with hundreds of organizations; discuss their needs and how to address them in a difficult economy, with limited resources; and learn about personality strengths by completing the interpersonal-style profile, an instrument that Penn State uses in leadership training.

There is no charge for this event, but reservations are required your space. To register, call (610)285-5034, or e-mail pnd100@psu.edu.

Pre-registration and payment for this event is required. In cooperation with the Penn State Alumni Association, all alumni and guests must register online at www.alumni.psu.edu/events,  or call 800-548-LION. The cost for the event is $50/Alumni Association member and $64/non-members (a member’s guest may attend at the member rate). Bus transportation, which leaves at 1 p.m. from the campus in Fogelsville, is $10/person. Reservations for transportation must be made with Stacy Hamm at slh53@psu.edu or (610)285-5064 no later than Friday, May 8.

The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association will host its annual golf outing on Monday, June 15, 2009, at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood. The event will feature a special guest speaker from Penn State athletics and a silent auction of Penn State items, including an autographed football by Joe Paterno.  

The cost per person is $150 which includes a buffet lunch, dinner, gifts to all participants, greens fees, carts, prizes, and gratuities. The buffet lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and golfers will tee off with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Jack Cooney Scholarship and the Don Klein Cultural Enrichment Fund that supports Penn State Lehigh Valley and its students.

Space is limited to 100 golfers, so early registration is encouraged. For more information about the golf outing, the dinner, and corporate or individual sponsor options, call Don Klein at 610-395-7933 or Wayne Nottle at 610-264-4259.    

Penn State Lehigh Valley's 2009 Summer Course Schedule is available online at http://soc.our.psu.edu/soc/summer/Allan/a-c/index.html#0 or from the Registrar's Office in Fogelsville. For more information, call (610)285-5000.

Academic award recipients, scholarship winners, and university scholars were recognized for their achievements on Sunday, April 26, at Penn State Lehigh Valley’s 23rd annual Honors Convocation. Students honored for outstanding achievement included:

Eric A. and Josephine Walker Award – Amanda R. Silfies (Wescosville, PA)

This honor recognizes a student who has completed two full years at a Commonwealth Campus and whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship have positively influenced fellow students and have contributed to the prestige and well-being of their campus and, hence, to the reputation of the University as a whole.

2009 President’s Freshman Award – Kelsey J. Gallagher (Allentown, PA), Lynda A. Kowalchuk (Center Valley, PA), Clinton J. Myra (East Stroudsburg, PA), Jordan A. Nichols (Catasauqua, PA), and Dana T. Schwanke (Whitehall, PA)

This award is presented annually to undergraduate degree candidates and provisional students who have earned a 4.00 (A) cumulative grade-point average based on at least 12 graded Penn State credits completed by the end of the fall semester of the academic year the award is given.

2009 President Sparks Award – Christianna T. Roberts (Emmaus, PA)

This award is presented annually to those undergraduate degree candidates who have earned a 4.00 (A) cumulative grade-point average based on at least 36 graded Penn State credits completed by the end of the fall semester of the academic year the award was given. Candidates are eligible for this award if they have not exceeded 59 total credits earned.

Alexandria Downing Outstanding Student in Sociology Award – Anthony W. Amato (Catasauqua, PA)

Presented to the student who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance and promise in the field of sociology.  Special consideration is given to those who have presented papers at professional conferences, have published in a sociology journal, or whose work has furthered Penn State’s promise in the area of outreach scholarship. 

Biology Award – Fahad Taimur (Allentown, PA)

This award is given to the student with the highest overall grade-point average who has completed both Biology 110 and 240W, and is dedicated to collegiate excellence. The student shall also show a desire to pursue a future that utilizes his or her biology education.

Community Service Award – Amanda R. Silfies (Wescosville, PA)

This award recognizes a Penn State Lehigh Valley student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to enriching their community through outreach of their time, energy, and talents. 

Creative Writing Contest – Craig C. Morgan (Stroudsburg, PA) and Michelle L. Sheehan (East Stroudsburg, PA)

This award is presented to a student whose writing demonstrates sophisticated analyses or interpretations of literature and/or exceptional mastery of voice, content, and form.

Engineering Student Achievement Award – Phillip M. Anderson (Allentown, PA) and Scott H. Shuey (Orefield, PA)

The award is presented to an engineering student who is completing his or her sophomore year. It recognizes a student who started his or her studies at the Lehigh Valley campus as a freshman engineer and has made normal progress toward his or her degree while demonstrating outstanding academic achievement at the campus.

English Department Award for Exceptional Achievement in Expository Writing –

Mary Kate Erdman (Orefield, PA)

This award is presented to a student whose writing demonstrates sophisticated analyses or interpretations of literature and/or exceptional mastery of voice, content, and form.

Outstanding Marketing/Management Award – Paul D. Berkowitz (Bethlehem, PA)

This award is presented to a senior in the marketing management option who has demonstrated outstanding achievement.

Outstanding Student Award in Applied Psychology – Holly C. James (Bethlehem, PA)

This award is presented to a junior or senior who has demonstrated outstanding performance in the major.

Outstanding Student Award in Organizational Leadership: Service and Leadership – Debra L. Hartley (Effort, PA), Ira A. Lerner (Breinigsville, PA), and Barbara A. Wenninger (Effort, PA)

Outstanding student in Organizational Leadership who is in their final year of course work, has demonstrated academic excellence, and has shown dedication to service and leadership in the OLEAD program, campus community, and larger society. 

 Outstanding Student Teacher Award – Katie L. Reiss (Hellertown, PA)

This award is presented to the elementary education major who has demonstrated outstanding performance as a student teacher.

Outstanding Tutor Award – Shane T. Kennon (Whitehall, PA)

This award is given to the individual who displays excellence in the Learning and/or Writing Center. Professional and peer tutors are eligible for this award. Special consideration will be given to individuals based upon length of service, number of students served, and feedback from students, faculty, and staff.

Women’s Commission Adult Learner Award – Debra L. Hartley (Effort, PA), Ira A. Lerner (Breinigsville, PA), and Perry T. Luft (Emmaus, PA)

Established by the Lehigh Valley Women’s Commission, this award is presented to an adult student who has shown academic excellence and displayed outstanding leadership qualities.  

USA Today Student Leadership Award – Amanda R. Silfies (Wescosville, PA) and Elizabeth M. Gerancher (Coplay, PA)

This award is presented with appreciation and in recognition for outstanding achievement and leadership within The Pennsylvania State University.

Service Leadership Award – David L. Ogar (Easton, PA)

This award is presented with appreciation and in recognition for outstanding achievement and leadership within The Pennsylvania State University.

Emerging Leader Award – Stephanie Chang (Macungie, PA)

This award is presented with appreciation and in recognition for outstanding achievement and leadership within The Pennsylvania State University.

Highest Cumulative Average by College (3.5 or higher):

Agriculture - Kyra E. Starniri, sophomore (Easton, PA)                                        

Business Administration - Chirag J. Padalia, freshman (Allentown, PA), and Teresa E. Hesener, sophomore (Easton, PA)

Communications - Vincent W. D’Imperio, freshman (Orefield, PA), and Ashley L. Scheffler, sophomore (Orefield, PA)   

Division of Undergraduate Studies - Clinton J. Myra, freshman (East Stroudsburg, PA), and Jenna L. Csencsits, sophomore (Schnecksville, PA)        

Education - Jessica Y. Vargas, freshman (Macungie, PA), and Ramie Moussa, sophomore (Whitehall, PA)

Engineering - Kelsey J. Gallagher, freshman (Allentown, PA), and Scott H. Shuey, sophomore (Orefield, PA)

Health and Human Development - Amy B. Lindenmoyer, freshman (Northampton, PA)

Information Sciences and Technology - Scott T. Goodnack, sophomore (Pittsburgh, PA)                                               

Liberal Arts - Jeffrey D. Cannon, freshman (Easton, PA), and Scott E. Melewski, sophomore (Macungie, PA)       

Penn State Lehigh Valley Programs - Jordan A. Nichols, freshman (Catasauqua, PA), Christianna T. Roberts, sophomore (Emmaus, PA), Elizabeth M. Gerancher, junior (Coplay, PA), and Deanna M. Reinert, senior (New Tripoli, PA)    

Science - John D. Conrad, freshman (Bethlehem, PA), and Foram A. Dave, sophomore (Allentown, PA)

In addition, the following faculty and staff were acknowledged with awards:

Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award – Alexandria P. Kile (Schnecksville, PA)

Outstanding Research and/or Creative Accomplishment Award – Dr. Barbara A. Cantalupo (Bethlehem, PA)

Outstanding Staff Award – Donna M. Hahn (Orefield, PA)

Student Appreciation and Recognition Award (SARA) – Therese M. Hammond (Fogelsville, PA)

School nurses in Pennsylvania now have even more options to receive valuable training with Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Professional Development Program for School Nurses, beginning June 22. Penn State continues to develop new courses for the program, to include timely, relevant topics, such as healthy lifestyles for children and adolescents, drug abuse prevention, new medications, and helping students deal with crisis. Now with 15 locations across the state and online course options, the program also offers school nurses more places than ever to participate.

Program courses are offered each summer and are delivered in condensed formats—designed to minimize impact on summer vacation plans. Participants can earn up to six credits within a two-week period.

The following course can be taken this summer at Penn State Lehigh Valley:  Perspectives in Population Based Health, June 22-26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This course examines theories and strategies for promoting health in community aggregates with emphasis on vulnerable and underserved populations of diverse backgrounds.

These courses for School Nurses can help satisfy Act 48 or Act 58 requirements, and some courses also may be applicable toward a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or other Penn State School of Nursing programs. Registered Nurses may also use these courses to satisfy new Act 58 requirements.

The Professional Development Program for School Nurses is supported by Penn State’s School of Nursing and the Office of Continuing and Professional Education. More information can be found online at www.outreach.psu.edu/cape/SchoolNurse, or by calling Diane Lewis McAloon at 610-285-5066.

Penn State Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) delivers professional development and continuing education programs to adult learners at locations across Pennsylvania. CAPE uses Penn State’s network of 24 campuses and the University’s academic colleges to offer degrees and programs for adult learners in a wide range of fields, including business, education, engineering/technology, health, and justice/government. For information, visit www.outreach.psu.edu/cape/. Penn State Continuing and Professional Education is part of Penn State Outreach, the largest unified outreach organization in American higher education. Penn State Outreach serves more than 5 million people each year, delivering more than 2,000 programs to people in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, all 50 states and 80 countries worldwide.

The program, which begins in August 2009, is an eighteen-month, evening/weekend program with a curriculum that was designed to meet the needs of students who choose to work while pursuing a Practical Nursing certificate. Classes and clinical practice are held in partnership with St. Luke’s Hospital and Phoebe Ministries.

For more information, or to receive an application, contact Diane Lewis McAloon at

(610) 285-5066 or dlewis@psu.edu. 

Penn State Lehigh Valley announced today the hiring of S. Andrew Baumbach as Director of Development. In this position, Baumbach will be responsible for overseeing and managing all fundraising efforts for the campus, as well as working in conjunction with the campus' Office of Alumni Relations on alumni activities and special events.

Baumbach has spent his entire career in higher education including positions in development at Alvernia University (formerly Alvernia College), The College of New Jersey, Villanova University, and Syracuse University. He began his career as sports information director at Adelphi University.

"In this new position, I hope to continue to build and sustain a record of philanthropy for Penn State Lehigh Valley, and I look forward to the exciting opportunities that the new facility in Center Valley will bring to the campus and community," says Baumbach.

Baumbach received a bachelor of science in public relations from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a master of education from Temple University.

If interested, submit up to two photos (maximum size of 5x7 inches) with captions by April 29 to the Digital Commons, or email the JPEG (300 dpi maximum) to emg15@psu.edu. Please remember to include your name and contact information. Prizes will be awarded in three categories – students, faculty/staff, and alumni.

For more information, please contact Eileen Grodziak via email at emg15@psu.edu, or by phone at (610)285-5112.

During the event, students who submitted their work to be published in "Velocity," the campus literary journal, and to the Creative Writing Contest, will recite selections of their poetry.

"The purpose of 'Poetry and Pizza' is three-fold," said Eric Chiles, instructor of English at Penn State Lehigh Valley. "We hope to build interest in poetry as spoken creative expression; to help teach students that poetry is meant to be heard, not just read; and to show that recitation of poetry adds nuance and depth to its meaning."

May 7, in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville.

During the course of the program, a variety of topics will be discussed including research on the advancement of women presented by David Livert, assistant professor of psychology; reflections of an adult learner balancing multiple roles presented by Lorraine McClure, Penn State adult learner and Student Affairs staff member; and information on women’s organizations in the Lehigh Valley.

This event is free and open to the campus community. Dinner will be provided to participants. Registration is requested by April 30, and can be completed by contacting Jessica Kirkwood, coordinator of career services, at jlk296@psu.edu, or by calling (610)285-5002.

Penn State Lehigh Valley will hold its annual Honors Convocation ceremony at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 26, at the Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville. The ceremony recognizes the achievements of outstanding Penn State Lehigh Valley students. 

During the event, a select group of students will be presented with individual academic awards based on meeting the departmental criteria for each award.  In addition, Honors Program students will be recognized. 

The ceremony will also host the induction of 2009-2010 Student Government Association members including the new campus president and vice president.

For more information, contact University Relations at (610)285-5067.

The bus will depart at 7 a.m., and seating is limited. Organizational Leadership members may sign up through April 15. All other students may sign up from April 16-24.

For more information, please contact Debbie Hartley, Organizational Leadership Association president at dlh304@psu.edu.

For more information, contact University Relations at (610)285-5067.

If you are interested in submitting a presentation proposal for this conference, please follow the "Call for Proposals" link at http://www.lv.psu.edu/dlc/, complete the proposal submission form, and submit online. The deadline for proposal submission is May 5, 2009.

The Blue and White Society and Student Activities have announced a "Farewell Fogelsville" end-of-the-year bash planned for 3 – 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1, in the Orchard at the Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville.  The event is designed to offer students, alumni, faculty, and staff the opportunity to say farewell to the facility in Fogelsville with live entertainment, refreshments, games, and more.

Among the featured activities are a battle of the bands with music provided by Amedeus, Sogno Sonar, and Daze Apart; farewell photos with the Nittany Lion; an outdoor barbeque; Penn State caricaturists; blue and white Italian ice; and games including volleyball and bocce ball.

The event is free for Penn State students and volunteers, and $5 per person for Penn State alumni, faculty and staff, and members of the Penn State Lehigh Valley community.

Please RSVP by Monday, April 27, via email to Stacy Hamm at slh53@psu.edu, Cindy Nguyen at ctn109@psu.edu, or Chris Lai at cvl5037@psu.edu.

Gregory Perry, executive director of the Allentown Art Museum, will serve as guest lecturer for the May session of SAGE at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Corporate Learning Center in Bethlehem. 

Perry will present "Portraits of a Collector, Portraits in the Collection: Samuel H. Kress and the Allentown Art Museum."  The lecture will take a look at the collecting history of S.H. Kress, who formed one of the greatest collections of Old Master paintings in America and gave it away to a number of institutions including the Allentown Art Museum. In addition, Perry will feature and highlight some of the portraits that were given to the local museum from Kress's collection.

Gregory Perry is the Priscilla Payne Hurd executive director of the Allentown Art Museum. Previously, he worked at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, N.J., where he served as director since 2002. During his tenure there, the Zimmerli organized exhibitions of modern and contemporary art that traveled to Europe and Asia. Perry's outreach activities in New Jersey resulted in the highest attendance in the Zimmerli's history in each of the last several years of his tenure as well as doubling of K-12 student audiences. He was also responsible for securing several of the largest gifts of artwork ever to go to the Zimmerli, significantly adding important collections of European 19^th and 20^th century art, contemporary art, and contemporary American photography. Overall, he was responsible for adding more than 1,200 works of art to the Zimmerli from donations.

Prior to his tenure at the Zimmerli, Perry held several positions at The Art Institute of Chicago. In addition to undergraduate and graduate degrees in art history, Perry also has a law degree and practiced for several years before returning to his first passion – the arts and museums.

SAGE (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment) is a community outreach program of Penn State Lehigh Valley designed to encourage intellectual and cultural enrichment for adults age 55 and older. In the fall and spring, the group offers a new, college-level lecture each month.

This event is open to adults age 55+, but reservations are required. To register, contact Diane Lewis at 610-285-5066 or email dlewis@psu.edu. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

The Wellness Committee at Penn State Lehigh Valley will sponsor a trip to see the Philadelphia Phillies take on the San Diego Padres on Monday, April 20.  The bus will depart from the Upper Parking Lot at 4 p.m.  The trip is open to Penn State students, staff, and faculty with a cost of $10 per student and $12 per staff/faculty member.

For more information, contact Patrice McClure at pmm189@psu.edu or (610)285-5216.

The Wellness Committee at Penn State Lehigh Valley will sponsor a Fun Run/Walk from 12 - 1 p.m. on Friday, April 24.  The event will consist of a 1.0 mile run/walk that starts at the fitness center.  It is open to the campus community.

For more information, contact Patrice McClure at pmm189@psu.edu or (610)285-5216.

The campus community is invited to attend a panel discussion, "Race, Ethnicity, and Migration: The Politics of Everyday Experience," at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley Campus in Fogelsville.

The panel, sponsored by the Diversity Committee and the OLEAD Association, is intended to bring faculty, students, and staff together to discuss the diverse experiences of our campus community. 

The panelist include: Jose Cobo, student, Liberal Arts; Foram Dave, student, Science; Stephanie Friday, assistant to student affairs; Denise Ogden, associate professor of business; Ana Figueroa, assistant professor of Spanish; and Tia-Yin Huang, associate professor of physics.

Student activities and the student government association will celebrate Earth Day and Unity Day from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville.

To promote awareness of the issues facing the health of the globe, the acclaimed film Planet Earth will be shown in the Atrium, and food items from around the world will be offered. In addition, to encourage the campus community to learn more about the diversity of cultures existing on our planet, two special performances will take place. At 1:30 p.m., the Tai-Yim Kung Fu Lion Dancing team will perform, and at 4 p.m., Born into the Arts Dance Company of Whitehall, PA, will showcase their hip hop and pop talents.

For more information, contact Cindy Nguyen at ctn109@psu.edu.

Helen Thomas, legendary journalist and best-selling author, will be the featured speaker at Penn State Lehigh Valley's Commencement ceremony to be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the West Garden of the campus in Fogelsville.

A pioneer in women's journalism, Helen Thomas has used her pointed reporting style to get answers from America's top political leaders for more than 60 years. The year after she graduated from Wayne State University, Thomas served as a copy girl on the now defunct Washington Daily News, and joined United Press International (UPI) in 1943. For 12 years she wrote radio news for UPI, and then had several beats around the federal government including the Department of Justice, FBI, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and Capitol Hill before she began covering President-elect John F. Kennedy in 1960. Thomas went to the White House in January 1961 as a member of the UPI team and was there until May 2000. In July 2000, Thomas became a columnist for the Hearst News Service. Thomas returned to the White House press room in November 2008 and continues to ask her tough questions of President Barack Obama and his press secretary on a daily basis.

During the years she covered Kennedy, Thomas was the first woman to close a presidential news conference with the traditional "Thank you, Mr. President."

Thomas served as President of the Women's National Press Club in 1959-60, and was the first woman officer of the National Press Club after it opened its doors to women members for the first time in 90 years. In addition, Thomas became the first woman officer of the White House Correspondents Association in its 50 years of existence, and served as its first woman president in 1975-76. Thomas also became the first woman member of the Gridiron Club in its history, and the first woman to be elected president in 1993.

In 1968, Thomas was named the "Newspaper Woman of Washington" by the American Newspaper Woman's Club, and in 1975, she was named the "Woman of the Year" in communications by Ladies' Home Journal. She has also received the Matrix Award from the Women in Communications, and the World Almanac named Helen Thomas as one of the twenty-five most influential women in America.

Helen Thomas traveled around the world several times with Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton, and covered every economic summit. In February, 1972, she was the only newspaperwoman to travel with President Nixon to China during his breakthrough trip. Since then, she has been to China on many subsequent presidential visits.

She is the author of numerous books including her latest, Listen Up, Mr. President (2009). In addition, she wrote Watchdogs of Democracy? (Scribner 2007), Thanks for the Memories, Mr. President (Scribner 2003), Front Row at the White House (Scribner 2000), and a children's book, The Great White House Breakout (Dial 2008), co-written by Pulitzer-nominated political cartoonist Chip Bok.

For more information, please contact University Relations at (610) 285-5067.

Career Services at Penn State Lehigh Valley has announced additional events planned for students in the month of April.

Smeal Video Conference – April 14, 2009

12:15-1:30 p.m. in room 120

This event is for Penn State Lehigh Valley students who have been accepted to Smeal College of Business, University Park, for the fall 2009 semester. The video conference will provide valuable information regarding internships, career development, and preparation for Smeal College.

Extreme Resume Makeover – April 15, 2009

1 p.m. in room 124 D-E, SGA Meeting

Learn how to write a resume or enhance your existing one. Learn tips on content and format to make your resume stand out to employers.

Employer Spotlight: Primerica Financial Services - April 21, 2009

1-3 p.m. in the West Concourse

A representative from Primerica will host an information table on campus for students and alumni that may be interested in an entrepreneurial career in financial services.

For more information about these events, contact Jessica Kirkwood at jlk296@psu.edu or (610)285-5002.

Have you ever wondered if you could hack it in Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen? Did you ever consider the rigorous training involved in cooking up a Top Chef? One Penn State Lehigh Valley professor has immersed himself in both restaurant and teaching kitchens, discovering that it takes a lot more than knife skills and ingredient know-how to find success in the world of professional cooking.

David Livert, assistant professor of psychology, will be the featured speaker for the next Faculty Forum session at 1 p.m. on April 22, in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus. Livert will present "Lumps in the Gravy: Prejudice in the Teaching Kitchen." The event is free and open to the public.

In this presentation, Livert will provide first-hand observations about what it is really like to be a chef student and highlight significant findings from two studies of chef students that he conducted at one of America's top culinary colleges. In the studies, he focused on the perceptions of traditional-aged student chefs (late teens and early 20's) toward non-traditional aged students (late 20's and older).

"From day one, the younger students tend to look at the older students, many of whom are attempting a career change, with some contempt," says Livert. "But there is a well-known psychological theory which states that if you put people that would normally be prejudiced toward one another in a positive situation, their interactions may substantially reduce their prejudices. As a social psychologist, I was interested in seeing how this theory would hold up in a very specific situation, the teaching kitchen. The findings clearly show which group ends up as 'lumps in the gravy.'"

David Livert is assistant professor of psychology at Penn State Lehigh Valley. His research interests include intergroup relations, group processes, and intercultural contact. Livert’s expertise in statistics and methodology has been employed in numerous program evaluations and research projects for organizations including the National Science Foundation, Robert W. Johnson Foundation, and the American College of Surgeons. He also conducts research with other Penn State Lehigh Valley faculty on behalf of local organizations through the Penn State Lehigh Valley Center for Community and Organizational Research. In 2009, Livert was awarded a University Research Collaboration Fellowship to work with the Penn State Social Science Research Institute and continue exploring psychological theories in the context of professional kitchens. His research articles have appeared in American Journal of Preventive Medicine, American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Drug Issues, Language, Multivariate Behavioral Research, and Professional Psychology. Livert received his doctorate in social psychology from the City University of New York, where he was a Lawrence Kogan Fellow in quantitative methods. He also earned M.S. and B.A. degrees in psychology from Vanderbilt University.

For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at 610-285-5067 or visit www.lv.psu.edu.

The scholarship and talents of Penn State Lehigh Valley students will be on display during the second annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, in the Atrium and Concourse of the Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville.

The symposium will feature 23 poster presentations and other visual displays of projects involving 40 students and their 12 faculty mentors. The projects cover a variety of disciplines and include research on social psychology, women broadcasters, computing science, the education system, Latin Americans in the Lehigh Valley, and heart development, among others. In addition, three symposium awards will be given for the best project presentation. 
 
This symposium is organized by the Research and Scholarship Committee –Tai-Yin Huang (Chair), Henry Check, Ana Figueroa, and Kenneth Thigpen (Director of Academic Affairs). It is sponsored in part by the Office of Student Affairs, Barnes and Noble at the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus, and National Science Foundation. This event is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
 
For more information, please contact University Relations at (610)285-5067.

The campus community is invited to celebrate the Class of 2009 during the "Grad Salute" event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. on Monday, April 6, in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville.

The event will feature: photos with the Nittany Lion; video greetings to or from the graduates will be recorded to play before Commencent; a chance to sign a commemorative image that will be hung at the new campus; and cake and refreshments. In addition, graduating seniors can visit with campus representatives from career services, alumni relations, financial aid, and the book store to order class rings.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cresswell-Yeager at tjc8@psu.edu, or Allison Goodin at aag18@psu.edu.

Penn State Lehigh Valley announced today the planned purchase of a property located at 2809 East Saucon Valley Road in Center Valley, pending approval of the Board of Trustees. If approval is granted by the Penn State board at its meeting on March 20, the Lehigh Valley campus would relocate from its present location in Fogelsville to Center Valley. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center would continue to operate in its Bethlehem location.#

The property under discussion is 16 miles from the existing campus and currently serves as the site of Lehigh Valley College, which is closing this year. The site consists of a three-story, 97,285-square-foot-building and 870 parking spaces on 29 acres of land. Built in 2002, the new facility is 50,285 square feet larger than the existing Fogelsville campus building.

"Penn State Lehigh Valley has continued to see growth in enrollment since 2000 and, looking at the population projections for our service area, we expect that to continue," said Ann Williams, chancellor of Penn State Lehigh Valley.  "However, our current facility is at capacity and presents a number of limitations in its ability to meet the current and future needs of students. Purchasing the property in Center Valley is a viable solution."##

The Lehigh Valley is the third largest population area in Pennsylvania and, according to the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, the second fastest growth area in the Northeast with a projected population increase of 22 percent by 2030. In addition, the number of high school graduates in the area served by Penn State Lehigh Valley is expected to increase 16.5 percent between 2004 and 2016.##

The current Penn State Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville is at capacity. Despite the uncertain economic landscape, the purchase of the Center Valley facility would prove to be the most efficient use of resources to resolve some of the immediate concerns at the Lehigh Valley campus.##

"This is certainly a rare opportunity to more effectively serve the needs of the students in the Lehigh Valley. This purchase provides a more cost-effective solution than others we have previously explored," said Penn State President Graham Spanier. "It was important that we evaluated our priorities to be sure we were doing what is best for Penn State and its students."## 

While an agreement for sale has been signed, the specific terms of the agreement are considered confidential until they are formally presented to the University’s Board of Trustees for consideration.##

Penn State Lehigh Valley proposes to relocate its operations as early as summer 2009. As part of the agreement, Lehigh Valley College would continue to occupy a portion of the building to serve its current students until its scheduled closure in December 2009. Once the transition is complete, the Fogelsville property will be sold.

Penn State Lehigh Valley Career Services has announced the following events in April:

On-Campus Interviews: ADP (Automatic Data Processing, Inc.)

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, April 1

112B, Conference Room

ADP will be interviewing students and alumni at Penn State Lehigh Valley for full-time and internship positions. Recent alumni (December 2008) and students graduating in May 2009 and August 2009 are encouraged to apply. Available positions include: Inside Sales Professional - Relationship Manager, Lead Generator, and Business Data Analyst (Internship Opportunity). E-mail your cover letter and resume as Microsoft Word attachments to Jessica Kirkwood, jlk296@psu.edu. Write “ADP Application” in the subject line. Students will be pre-selected by ADP for interviews. If selected, you will be contacted to set up an interview time for April 1.

Deadline: Submit a cover letter and resume by Wednesday, March 25, to be considered.Contact: Jessica Kirkwood, jlk296@psu.edu, 610-285-5002 with any questions. 

28^th Annual Job Fair for Educators – Sponsored by Kutztown University’s Career Center

9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, April 2

Holiday Inn Fogelsville, www.hilehighvalley.com

More than 100 educational employers from across the country will recruit at this regional event. No pre-registration required. One copy of each candidate's resume will be collected at the registration table, but be sure to bring plenty of copies for potential employers.  Professional dress is required.  Parking is limited so candidates are encouraged to carpool. Employer profiles are available at http://careers.kutztown.edu.

Admission: $5, cash only, for non-Kutztown University students and alumni

Professional Etiquette Dinner

5 p.m. registration, 5:30 p.m. dinner on Wednesday, April 8

Lehigh Career and Technical Institute Restaurant

*Participants must sign-up with Career Services by Wednesday, March 25, to reserve a seat.

Please join us for an interactive event featuring professional networking and dining etiquette for students and professionals. Anne Baum, founder of Vision Accomplished, LLC, will be presenting on well researched strategies and techniques for conducting business in a formal dining setting. A networking reception will commence at 5:30 p.m. followed by a formal dinner.

Business Internship Presentations and Dinner

4 p.m.-8 p.m., Monday, April 20

Lehigh Career and Technical Institute Restaurant

Senior business students enrolled in BA495A and BA495B will culminate their internship and project experiences with a formal presentation and dinner. A panel of judges will be present. A buffet dinner and refreshments will be provided. Business students that have concluded their internship or project at 300 hours and are ready to present must contact Mike Krajsa, mjk38@psu.edu, to sign up for a presentation timeslot.

Contact: Mike Krajsa, mjk38@psu.edu, or Jessica Kirkwood, jlk296@psu.edu, with any questions.

In celebration of National Library Week, Penn State Lehigh Valley's Concourse Gallery will display an exhibit, "Penn State Lehigh Valley Reads!" featuring the favorite texts of faculty and staff at the campus.  The exhibit will run from April 1-30.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The Concourse Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Fridays, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at 610-285-5067.

The Penn State Team Innovation Center Regional Forum will be held from 8-10:30 a.m., April 20, at the Corporate Learning Center in Bethlehem. Geared toward human resource and training and development professionals, the forum allows attendees to identify and address common training and development challenges through a hands-on demonstration of GroupSystems™ software.

GroupSystems™ software provides real time results for group collaboration sessions. Penn State invites professionals to find out how our Team Innovation Center, along with technology, can help their organization capture and manage information. The faculty facilitator will help participants identify deliverables and structure an agenda for strategic planning, policy formation, performance gap analysis, marketing, and new product launch among other things. 

The faculty facilitator for this forum is Joseph Walk, instructor, Management Development Programs and Services, and director, Management Development's Team Innovation Center, at The Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Walk has more than twenty years of leadership and managerial experience as a professional military officer, having worked in training, problem solving, counseling, and course development. He has also worked in the hospitality industry as a conference manager, where he developed proficiency in managing projects to ensure customer desires were exceeded. His particular expertise lies in instruction, leadership, management, customer service, time management, staff supervision, standardization, training development, trend analysis, strategic planning, and communication.

This event is free, but seating is limited. Registration will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. To register for the event, or for more information, contact Pam Klass at (610)285-5034, or email pnd100@psu.edu.

A Wellness Fair featuring health screenings, local organizations, and other wellness information will be held from 11 a.m.-2  p.m., on April 2 in the West Concourse at the Lehigh Valley campus.

During the fair, the campus community will have the opportunity to participate in cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, receive a seated chair massage, and learn about a variety of topics such as sun safety and nutrition from local organizations including St. Luke's Hospital, the Crime Victims Council, and Aikido Masters Self-Defense Academy.

In addition, Penn State's Employee Wellness Program will host "Know Your Numbers" from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the MOD Building. Penn State Lehigh Valley employees and their adult dependents will get lab-accurate numbers for random glucose, body composition, and cholesterol among others. The program is designed to help employees determine their current health status and learn strategies to reduce risk and maintain health.

Raymond L. Singer, M.D.,  cardiothoracic surgeon and member of Lehigh Valley Heart and Lung Surgeons, will serve as guest lecturer for the April session of SAGE at 12 noon on Friday, April 3, at Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Corporate Learning Center in Bethlehem. 

"No fancy formulas.  No pseudoscience. And, certainly, no new fad diet," says Dr. Singer. As one of the region's most experienced heart surgeons, Dr. Singer will discuss concepts that he believes can help keep a person out of his operating room. After performing nearly 5,000 heart and lung operations at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Dr. Singer says he has concluded that the preservation of youth depends on three simple concepts that he will share with those on the quest to stay young – as well as lessons learned from centuries ago.

Dr. Singer is Board Certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery and has performed nearly 5,000 heart and lung operations since completing his training in 1992. He is recognized as having one of the most successful heart and lung surgical practices in the region. He holds an academic position as Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine.

At Lehigh Valley Hospital, Dr. Singer is the Associate Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. He is also the Co-Director of Lehigh Valley Heart and Lung Surgeons, a group of six heart and lung surgeons providing exclusive cardiothoracic surgery services at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. In addition, he serves as the Medical Director for the Open Heart Unit and the Transitional Open Heart Unit at LVH-Cedar Crest Campus.

Dr. Singer was born and raised in Philadelphia. He received a bachelor of science degree from Muhlenberg College in 1980. Dr. Singer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1984, where he received the George W. Householder, III Memorial Prize for Clinical Cardiovascular Research. Dr. Singer completed both his General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Residencies at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

SAGE (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment) is a community outreach program of Penn State Lehigh Valley designed to encourage intellectual and cultural enrichment for adults age 55 and older. In the fall and spring, the group offers a new, college-level lecture each month.

This event is open to adults age 55+, but reservations are required. To register, contact Diane Lewis at 610-285-5066 or email dlewis@psu.edu. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

For media inquiries, please contact Allison Goodin at 610-285-5067.

The Division of Undergraduate Studies has announced three workshops in March for students to learn about the degree audit process in time for fall 2009 registration. 

A degree audit enables the student and his/her adviser to assess academic progress and unfulfilled baccalaureate, associate degree, or minor requirements. The audit is a valuable tool for academic planning and course selection, because it matches the courses that the student has taken with the requirements of his/her degree program or anticipated program.

"A degree audit can only help you if you know how to order the correct audit and if you know how to read one," says adviser Barb Long.  To illustrate this process, Long will offer workshops on the following dates:

Space in each session is limited.  Students are asked to RSVP for the session they will attend by emailing barblong@psu.edu. 

Galen Godbey, associate to the president for globalization at DeSales University, will be the featured speaker during a presentation at 6:45 p.m. on March 24 in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville. Godbey will present "Global Innovation Networks and the Future of Education," during the event, which is sponsored by The Penn State Lehigh Valley Chapter of the International Business Honor Society of Sigma Beta Delta and The Lehigh Valley Business Society, in conjunction with the Penn State Lehigh Valley Global Initiatives Task Force Committee. The presentation will begin immediately following the Sigma Beta Delta induction ceremony, which begins at 6 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

Galen Godbey currently serves as associate to the President for globalization at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. His portfolio is focused primarily upon institutional re-orientation toward the preparation of globally-engaged graduates.  In this capacity, Godbey works with, and coordinates the work of, senior institutional officers, faculty, and staff to inventory, critique, deploy, and increase DeSales’ international resources and relationship capital. Godbey recently secured four years of funding under USDOE grants for Business and International Education, leading to six innovative missions to Peru, India, Germany, and Romania involving DeSales students, faculty, and area business leaders. In addition, Godbey participates in targeted fundraising and legislative activities, through which he has raised millions of dollars for programs and capital construction projects.

Previously, Godbey served as executive director of the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) which, under his leadership, quadrupled the level of collaborative activity, strengthening library cooperation, and developing co-operative degree programs in selected areas, faculty and student exchange, study abroad, joint purchasing agreements, professional development programs, governmental relations activities, and partnerships with business for its member institutions.

Godbey is one of the nation’s leading practitioners and students of educational collaboration. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, he earned, with a dissertation on faculty incentive systems and intercollegiate co-operation, bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy, and received a master’s degree in speech communication, from the Pennsylvania State University. Godbey received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

In this presentation, Dr. Dwyer will discuss what is known and not known about the fascinating natural phenomenon of lightning. According to Dr. Dwyer, lightning strikes planet Earth more than 3 million times each day. On average, it kills more Americans than hurricanes or tornados and causes billions of dollars in losses and damages in the United States each year. Despite its familiarity, exactly how lightning works has remained a great mystery to scientists. For instance, there is still not a clear understanding of how lightning gets started inside thunderclouds, or how it manages to travel through miles of air from the clouds to the ground, where it can potentially hurt or kill people. Very recently, researchers have made the surprising discovery that lightning emits large bursts of x-rays. This research is now giving new insight into how lightning works, allowing scientists the opportunity to study lightning with "x-ray vision." 

Dr. Joseph Dwyer received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Chicago in 1994. He worked as a research scientist at Columbia University and the University of Maryland before joining the faculty at Florida Tech in 2000. His work on x-ray emission from lightning has been featured on the National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, BBC, and Nova ScienceNOW. 

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at 610-285-5067.

Ana Figueroa, assistant professor of Spanish, will be the featured speaker for the next Faculty Forum session at noon on March 18, in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus. Figueroa will present "From Romance to Reality: the Images of the Latin American Male in the United States." The event is free and open to the public.

According to Figueroa, the Cuban Revolution of 1959 created an alternative way of performance masculinity in Latin America by helping to inspire a new, more politically-engaged generation of men who came of age in the 1960s and attempted to put their social problems or their idealistic construction of society in dialogue with the pressing social-justice issues of the day. She continues that the new self that was constructed followed in the steps and imagery of Che Guevara, the French existentialists, and the American hippies not only in their political ideals but also in physical appearance and habits: long hair, beard, dark clothes, and cigarettes. Figueroa's study is centered on how this "ideal male construction" was repeated in the main characters of the 1960s novels known as "New Narrative of Latin American."

"I will argue that writers such as the Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Julio Cortazar, Alejo Carpentier, and Mario Vargas Llosa represented masculinity in their works in terms of theatrical and rhetorical performances," says Figueroa. "They are theatrical in the sense that the male characters keep staging themselves in competitive displays; rhetorical in the sense that the characters, and the very narrative form of the works in which they appear, render masculinity a kind of persuasive argument that readers can and should debate. This movement of ideas creates the stereotypes of the Latin American male."

Ana Figueroa holds a doctorate in Latin American Literature from Rutgers University. She is the author and/or co-author of numerous books and articles on the topic of Latin American and Hispanic literature.

For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at 610-285-5067.

The campus will host a variety of events celebrating Irish culture during March. Shamrock smoothies will be available at noon on March 17 in the concourse, and at 1:30 p.m. the O'Grady-Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance will perform in the multipurpose room at the Fogelsville campus. In addition, the campus will feature food inspired by the Emerald Isle and Irish rock band Ceann beginning at noon on March 25 in the multipurpose room.

About The O'Grady-Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance

The O'Grady-Quinlan Academy, founded in January 2005, represents an exciting merger between the Lehigh Valley's two established and successful Irish dance schools: the Maureen O'Grady School of Irish Dance, and the Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance. The former opened its doors in 1992 and the latter in 2000, infusing the new venture with almost two decades of combined teaching and business experience in the profession. Maureen O'Grady and Colleen Schroeder share a common vision – to help children reach their full potential as Irish step dancers, through a teaching environment that strives for competitive excellence while affirming the importance of positive life values and fun in the process. These two instructors have taught more than 2,000 students, qualified scores of students for the highest level competition, and built solid and lasting ties in the Lehigh Valley and Irish Dance communities.

About Ceann

Ceann formed as an Irish rock band in Pittsburgh in 2005 with the release of their first album of all-original material "Almost Irish." Before that, Ceann was an acoustic trio that played Irish pub music across the northeast. Ceann continues to mix fun Irish music with their popular originals. While some of Ceann's songs revolve around the culture of being Irish Americans, many of Ceann's most popular songs have distinctively more contemporary themes. Their songs appeal far beyond the normal reach of Irish music and have given them access to unprecedented markets for an Irish band. As one of the only Irish bands to find success on commercial radio, Ceann's fan base has grown outside of Irish music circles as well. Their cross market appeal has allowed them to be featured at Irish festivals and at non-Irish music festivals to equal success. Ceann has also become one of the most sought-after college music acts in the country.

The lecture is free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at 610-285-5067.

Penn State Lehigh Valley will mark Fat Tuesday, also known as Faschnacht Day in Pennsylvania, with a campus celebration at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24 in the Concourse of the Lehigh Valley campus.  The campus community is invited to enjoy faschnacts (donuts) and mocktails, and don mardi gras beads.

For more information, contact Cindy Nguyen at ctn109@psu.edu.

Penn State Lehigh Valley will celebrate the culture of India with food and music at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009 in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus.  Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend.

University Health Services has awarded Penn State Lehigh Valley student affairs a portion of the grant money provided to the University by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) for alcohol and drug abuse prevention programming. 

The Lehigh Valley campus was awarded $2,857 to serve as seed money to jump-start long-term campus initiatives aimed at preventing/reducing alcohol use or abuse.  The campus plans to allocate the money for drug and alcohol counseling programs, alternative spring break, and fall 2009 social programming.

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center has announced upcoming continuing education programs for healthcare professionals. The programs are eligible for Industry Partnership Funding.             

Creating a Culture of Inclusion – March 9, 2009   

In this one-day program, professionals can learn how to attract, cultivate, and keep top talent by enriching your organizational cultures so that all people are invited and encouraged to contribute their own unique perspectives and ideas. Having diversity is not enough; harnessing inclusion as a lever for enhancing organizational performance is the key!   

Creating Workplace Community – April 1, 2009

This one-day program will cover building rich, collaborative relationships in the workplace, developing a basic teaming skill set, managing workplace conflict, and overcoming the five dysfunctions of a team.

This is a three-day program focusing on improving management and supervisory skills. Topics covered include Communication, Conflict Management, Diversity, Time Management, Stress Management, and Giving Feedback. 

Please contact Diane Lewis, assistant director of continuing education, at 610-285-5066 or dlewis@psu.edu for more information. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

Ken McGeary, regional director of Continuing Education for Penn State Lehigh Valley, is the recipient of the 2009 Vice President's Shirley Hendrick Award.

The Shirley Hendrick Award recognizes significant and visionary accomplishments that lead to the success of Penn State’s outreach mission, which is to transform the quality of life for individuals and communities. Dr. Shirley Hendrick (1936–2000) was associate dean for continuing education in the Smeal College of Business Administration, and the inaugural chair of the Commission for Adult Learners. She was a tireless advocate for adult learners, committed to providing them with access to certificate and degree programs. She was the first recipient of the Continuing Education Award for Outstanding Academic Leadership, and the award has been renamed in her memory.   The award is open to academic administrators University-wide, including deans, associate deans, assistant deans, and chancellors.

Since 1966, Ken McGeary has served the mission of Penn State continuing education in the Lehigh Valley.  McGeary is credited with creating and implementing innovative programming and directing the continued success of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center in Bethlehem.  His initiatives have garnered both public and University accolades throughout his 40-plus year career including Penn State's Outstanding Leadership Award in Continuing Education in 2003.  Notable programs in which McGeary has been involved include the Precollege Youth Partnership, which partners corporations, school districts, and community organizations to provide at-risk youth with academic and social programming opportunities; the Lehigh Valley Writing Project – a National Writing Project site that provides professional development for teachers; and the establishment of a master's program in teaching English as a second language in partnership with the University of Turabo in Puerto Rico.

Penn State Lehigh Valley faculty members Dr. Tai-Yin Huang, associate professor of physics, and Dr. David Livert, assistant professor of psychology, won two of the four available Penn State Research Collaboration Fellowships for Summer 2009. 

Dr. Tai-Yin Huang will collaborate with Dr. Tim Kane, professor of electrical engineering at University Park, on the project "An investigation of gravity wave induced airglow variations in the upper atmosphere as a proxy for global climate change."

As part of this fellowship, Dr. Huang will co-mentor Dr. Kane’s graduate students involved in this project.  Their aim is to develop this gravity wave model, which will be the first of its kind in the community, and for which the ultimate goal is to use the model to help investigate and understand the impact of climate change on the upper atmosphere.

Dr. David Livert will collaborate with Dr. Susan Mohammed, associate professor of psychology at University Park, on the project "Temporal composition of professional kitchen teams."

The project, which builds on team research previously conducted by Dr. Livert in professional food settings, will involve studying groups of students enrolled at a large east coast culinary school.  The outcomes could provide tools for culinary instructors, chefs, and even prospective cooks to identify and address their time orientations as they relate to success in the professional kitchen.

"Many studies have investigated the implications of group composition for team-level outcomes, especially with regard to individual characteristics such as sex, age, and race/ethnicity.  Fewer studies have integrated temporal individual differences, which refers to a person's perspective about time urgency, pacing style, and time perspective, into the study of team composition," says Livert.  "The goal of this collaborative project is to investigate the role of these aspects in a context where production under time constraints is critical: the professional kitchen.  Successful performance – food production and serving – is inseparable from timeliness."

Kenneth Briggs,  former religion editor at The New York Times, will serve as guest lecturer for the March session of SAGE at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009  at Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Corporate Learning Center in Bethlehem. 

During the session, Briggs will discuss the phenomenon of forgiveness as something that improves a person's relationship with themselves as well as others.  He will also discuss some of the steps that people can take to move toward forgiveness such as understanding the real truth of the matter and being able to suspend blame.

"Forgiving is often a very difficult thing to do, but the benefits to a person's health and to how they relate to others is the great reward for meeting the challenge," says Briggs.  "It is rarely easy and requires a degree of honesty, humility, and willingness of all parties involved to admit their role in the situation and prepare the way forward.

Kenneth Briggs is the author of four books including "The Power of Forgiveness," a companion book to a PBS documentary of the same name.  He has worked as a journalist at various newspapers including Newsday, and is a former religion editor for The New York Times.  Briggs is currently a freelance journalist, author, and adjunct professor having taught courses in journalism and American religious history at Lafayette College and Lehigh University.  Originally from New England, Briggs has made the Lehigh Valley his home for roughly two decades.

SAGE (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment) is a community outreach program of Penn State Lehigh Valley designed to encourage intellectual and cultural enrichment for adults age 55 and older. In the fall and spring, the group offers a new, college-level lecture each month.

This event is open to adults age 55+, but reservations are required. To register, contact Diane Lewis at 610-285-5066 or email dlewis@psu.edu. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center is located at 100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA, 18017.

For media inquiries, please contact Allison Goodin at 610-285-5067.

In celebration of March as Women's History Month, Penn State Lehigh Valley will host an exhibit, featuring photos and memorabilia of some of the greatest women in tennis history, from March 2-31, 2009 in the Concourse Gallery at the Lehigh Valley campus.  The images and information that will be on display are excerpts from a new book, "Women Tennis Stars: Biographies and Records of Champions, 1800s to Today," (McFarland 2009) by Dennis J. Phillips.

"The book covers the careers of 35 champions who made significant contributions to the sport both on and off the court," says Phillips, who is associate librarian and tennis coach at Penn State Lehigh Valley.  "I'm excited to share with the community a selection of the photos of these remarkable tennis players during a month that celebrates the achievements of all women."

A number of the photos used in the book were donated by the estate of acclaimed tennis photographer Carol Newsom, who also holds the distinction of being the first female granted a press pass to Centre Court at Wimbledon.  Sadly, Newsom passed away in 2003 from breast cancer.  Moved by the generosity of her estate in providing the photos, Phillips will donate the royalties from the sale of the book to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.  The Concourse Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at 610-285-5067.

Penn State Lehigh Valley Career Services has announced the following events for students:

February 10, 2009 @ 5:00 p.m., Room 112B

Ready, Set, Go Get Your Career! – This workshop is required for those students planning to attend University Park Spring Career Days. This session will also help to prepare you for various upcoming career fairs.  

February 16, 2009, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Bryce Jordan Center at University Park

February 18, 2009, 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Holiday Inn, Fogelsville

February 25, 2009, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Perkins Student Center, Penn State Berks

The annual THON Silent Auction will be held from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. through Friday, February 6, 2009 in the hallway of the Lehigh Valley campus.

Students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items with all proceeds benefitting THON.

The Learning Center will offer an Active Reading Strategies workshop at 5:00 p.m., February 9 in the Fitness Center classroom.  The workshop content will also be available as an informational table at the Involvement Fair from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on February 12 in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus.  This workshop is designed to help students learn how to read their textbooks more effectively.

For more information, contact Linda Rumfield at (610)285-5124 or email lmc113@psu.edu.

Students are invited to build-a-bear at 4:00 p.m. on February 12 in the Concourse at the Lehigh Valley campus. The bear is a perfect Valentine's Day gift, and the suggested $3 donation will benefit Peaceable Kingdom, a local no-kill animal shelter.

Representatives of Penn State Lehigh Valley's many clubs, organizations and student services will be available to discuss their activities and provide information to interested students from 12:30-1:30 p.m., February 11 and 12, 2009 in the Concourse at the Lehigh Valley campus.

In addition, the last day for students to confirm their choice of major on eLion is Friday, February 13.  Students must confirm their choice by that date to go through the Entrance to Major process.

Division of Undergraduate Studies advisers will be available from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. on February 11 and 12 in the Concourse to answer Entrance to Major or other advising questions.

The Honors Program at Penn State Lehigh Valley invites the public to an informational forum featuring local Pennsylvania legislators from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on February 27, 2009 in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus.

Guests of “Meet Your Legislators” will include Representative Karen Beyer, Senator Pat Browne, and Representative Richard Grucela, who will each give a short presentation. Other guest legislators may be added to the program.  Afterward, students from the Honors Program will lead a question and answer period.

“As part of the Honor’s Program mission, we strive to bring to campus educational forums that impact students’ lives. We plan to have the forums twice per year,” says Dr. Nichola Gutgold, honors program coordinator and associate professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State Lehigh Valley. “Some of our gifted students may go on to careers in public service and learning of the careers of public officials, as well as how their work impacts Penn State, is of great benefit to students. The forums also give students an opportunity to improve their communication skills.”

This event is free and open to the public. Penn State Lehigh Valley campus is located at 8380 Mohr Lane, Fogelsville, PA, 18051. For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at (610) 285-5067.

Penn State Lehigh Valley invites alumni and adult students to network with other Penn Staters.  The Nittany Networking event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on February 26, 2009 in the Hamilton Room at the Allentown BrewWorks.  This program is sponsored by Penn State Alumni Career Services, the Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society, and Penn State Lehigh Valley Career Services.

Nittany Networking aims to provide an opportunity for Penn Staters who are looking for a new job, seeking to grow their business, looking to hire talent, or interested in connecting with other alumni in the Lehigh Valley.  The event will feature Penn State alum William Baker, director of the National Restaurant Association, who will share how his Penn State connections have contributed to his success, and Cheryl Bonner, director of Alumni Career Services, who will provide tips on utilizing Penn State connections for career and business success.  In addition, the evening will offer networking opportunities, door prizes, and refreshments. 

The cost of the event is $5 for Penn State Lehigh Valley adult learners, $10 for members of the Penn State Alumni Association, and $15 for non-members.  RSVPs are requested by February 12.  Participants can register online at http://events.lv.psu.edu/.  For more information, contact the Alumni Relations office at Penn State Lehigh Valley at (610) 285-5064, Alumni Career Services at (814) 865-LINK, or Penn State Lehigh Valley Career Services at (610) 285-5002.

Dr. Xenia Hadjioannou, assistant professor of language and literacy education, will be the featured speaker for the next Faculty Forum session at 1:00 p.m. on February 18, 2009 in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus.  Hadjioannou will present "Shifting Focus:  A Journey from a Strict Product Approach to Process Writing."  The event is free and open to the public.

"The writing workshop is an approach to teaching writing that focuses on the entire process of synthesis instead of just on the final text product," says Dr. Hadjioannou.

In this presentation, Dr. Hadjioannou will discuss her collaboration with a classroom teacher toward a first implementation of the writing workshop in a school context where a strict, highly prescriptive product approach was firmly in place.  This effort was based on a teacher inquiry model that allowed for context-specificity and continuous collaborative theoretical study, instructional planning and trouble-shooting.  The study highlights some significant directions undertaken through this endeavor, including an evolving conference procedure, a focus on communicative situations and the study of genres, an integrated approach to literacy, and the explicit instruction in implementing authoring tools.

Xenia Hadjioannou is assistant professor of language and literacy education at Penn State Lehigh Valley, where she teaches reading methods, writing methods and children’s literature courses.  Her research includes work on classroom discourse, language arts methodology, linguistic diversity in education, and equity pedagogy.

For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at 610-285-5067.

The Learning Center will hold two workshops to offer students strategies for better time management.  The first workshop will take place from 5:00-6:00 p.m., Monday, January 26 in the Fitness Center classroom.  The second workshop will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Thursday, January 29 in room 124C.

For more information, contact Linda Rumfield at (610) 285-5142.

Penn State Lehigh Valley students will hold a THON fundraiser at Five Guys Burgers and Fries from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 22 at the restaurant's Allentown location.

Visitors who obtain a fundraiser flyer from the Lehigh Valley campus or at the door of the restaurant on Thursday will have 15 percent of their food bill donated to THON.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries is located at 4025 Tilghman St., Allentown, PA, 18104.

For more information, please contact Cindy Nguyen at ctn109@psu.edu or call (610) 285-5042.

January is National Blood Donor month.  To celebrate the occasion, The Miller-Keystone bloodmobile will be stationed in the Lehigh Valley campus parking lot to accept blood donations from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 29. 

For more information, contact Student Affairs at (610) 285-5042.

Career Services will hold one-on-one Résumé Express meetings from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 27 in the West Concourse at the Lehigh Valley campus.

Drop by for 10-15 minutes to learn how to write a résumé or enhance an existing one. No appointment is needed.  Students can learn tips on content and format to make their résumé stand out to employers.

For more information, contact Jessica Kirkwood at jlk296@psu.edu or call (610)285-5002.

Penn State Lehigh Valley faculty members will provide personal insight into their career paths during a panel discussion at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3 in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus in Fogelsville.

The aim of the discussion is to offer students the opportunity to explore the different career paths that different academic majors may take.  The event is open to all students, and is sponsored by the Student Affairs office and the Career Services office.

For more information, contact Jessica Kirkwood at jlk296@psu.edu or call (610)285-5002.

In cooperation with the American Payroll Association, Penn State Lehigh Valley presents the PayTrain College and University program for payroll professionals. Comprised of two professional development courses, PayTrain Fundamentals and PayTrain Mastery, this program is designed for all levels of payroll administration.

PayTrain Fundamentals teaches the fundamental payroll calculations and applications necessary for individuals who are new to the payroll industry, those who support the payroll industry and those who are preparing for the FPC or CPP certification examinations. This course will provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to maintain payroll compliance and prevent costly penalties. These calculations are critical to successfully passing the FPC and CPP exams and are not covered in PayTrain Mastery.

·         Course Information

Dates: Saturdays, January 31-March 7, 2009; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Location: Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center

100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA

Cost: $695 (includes course materials)

PayTrain Mastery is a comprehensive course providing students with a solid understanding of advanced payroll topics necessary for payroll managers and supervisors. This course is ideal for experienced payroll professionals seeking compliance training, professional development, or CPP certification preparation. Please note that the PayTrain Fundamentals course is a prerequisite.

·         Course Information

Dates: Saturdays, January 31-March 28, 2009; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Location: Penn State Lehigh Valley Corporate Learning Center

100 Brodhead Road, Suite 120, Bethlehem, PA

Cost: $795 (includes course materials)

*Note: Participants in the PayTrain Mastery course are required to complete the PayTrain Fundamentals course or submit proof of proficiency by passing the APA Knowledge Assessment Calculator (KAC).

For more information, contact Diane Lewis at (610) 285-5066 or email dlewis@psu.edu.

The free Drop/Add period ends on Wednesday, January 21, 2009.  Division of Undergraduate Studies advisers will be available to answer student questions about dropping or adding a course in the hallway outside the Multi-Purpose room during the following times:

·         Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21 from 9:30-11:30 a.m., 1:30-3:00 p.m.,

and 5:00-6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Barb Long at bjl10@psu.edu.

During February, an exhibit titled "They Made a Difference: A Look at Famous African-Americans" will be on display in Penn State Lehigh Valley's Concourse Gallery. The exhibit will run February 2-28, 2009 and will include a look at the historic American citizens who have impacted the rich history of the African-American heritage.

The exhibit will include a look at the contributions of the following individuals:  Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Louise Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Nat King Cole, and Thurgood Marshall.

The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is located at the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus at 8380 Mohr Lane in Fogelsville.

Dr. Mary Hutchinson, assistant professor in ESL education, will be the featured speaker for the next Faculty Forum session at 12:30 p.m. on January 21, 2009 in the Atrium at the Lehigh Valley campus.  Hutchinson will present " Service-Learning: Impacting the Personal and Academic Development of College Students."  The event is free and open to the public.

"Service-learning is defined as 'a form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities intentionally designed to promote student learning and development.'[1] At the heart of this pedagogy is the idea that meaningful community service can provide the kinds of 'deep learning' that faculty want students to take away from their courses," says Hutchinson.  "However, service-learning is much more than just an internship or an assignment; it is an integrated approach that connects classroom instruction with real-world application through structured engagement. As a result, service-learning can have a tremendous impact on the personal and academic growth of students."

For the past six years, Dr. Hutchinson has been active in examining community outreach and engagement, an issue at the forefront of higher education and change. This discussion will provide an overview of service-learning and will focus on research (both Hutchinson's and other scholars') about the impact of this pedagogy on students. In addition, former students who have taken service-learning courses will be present to provide their own views of participating in this innovative curriculum.

Dr. Mary Hutchinson is an assistant professor in ESL Education at Penn State Lehigh Valley and has published and presented as an outreach scholar. Her research explores the theoretical implications of service-learning and the impact of this pedagogy on students’ academic and personal development. Dr. Hutchinson has taught a variety of courses in writing, teaching ESL, applied linguistics and community-building, and is the former Director of a federally-funded National Writing Project Program. She is currently the Program Coordinator for Elementary Education. 

For more information, please contact the University Relations Office at 610-285-5067.

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Honors Program will present an educational panel featuring local news professionals about "The Future of News" from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, in the Atrium.  The event is free and open to the public.

During the presentation, which will be moderated by Penn State Lehigh Valley honors students, the panelists will discuss how they use news now and how they may use it in the future, including the ways in which news is changing due to technological advances.

Panelists will include: Elizabeth Bartolai, web news reporter at The Morning Call; Jim DeSousa, news director at WDIY radio; Alan Janesch, former newspaper reporter and director of Penn State’s Grassroots Network; Glenn Kranzley, vice president and opinion page editor of The Morning Call; Joe McDermott, former newspaper reporter; Deb Palmieri, editor of the Northwestern Press; and Rob Vaughn, anchor/reporter at WFMZ Channel 69 News.

For more information, please contact University Relations at (610) 285-5067.

A celebration of Chinese culture will be held at Noon on Wednesday, January 26, in the Concourse.  Learn more about the rich heritage of this culture by sampling some of its tastes, sounds, and stories.

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society will host a family ice skating event from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, at The Rink at Lehigh Valley.  The Rink is located at 3323 7th Street, Whitehall, PA 18052.

Admission is $10 for Penn State Alumni Association members and $13 for non-members and includes admission and skate rental fees, a pizza lunch with beverages, and ice skating with the Nittany Lion.

Reservations are requested by Monday, January 12.  For additional information, contact Stacy Hamm at (610)285-5064 or via email at slh53@psu.edu, or register online at http://events.lv.psu.edu/ and select January 24.