Table of Contents
Alumni News Blue and White GoesAlumni Green News The Penn State Berks Blue & White is Penn State Berks has a long history of being invested published three times a year by the Office of University Relations. in the environment. In recent years, even greater College News environmental strides have beenCollege made as Penn News State Editor Berks continues to grow and meet the demands of Lisa R. Weidman A MESSAGE FROM THE its surroundings. Continued on page 6. Art Director Academic News Academic News Nathan C. Moore
Photography CHANCELLOR Theo Anderson Development News Development News
Dr. Susan Phillips Speece Contributing Writers 1 Social Media 10–11 The Kenya Project Heather L. Angstadt Jane L. Bauman Dave Delozier 2–3 OutrBerkseach Events News Calendar 12 Class NotesOutreach News Matt N. Kunkelman Dr. Janelle B. Larson Ryan C. Szivos 4 From Trash to Treasure: Local Industry 12 Alumni Profile: Sue Sneeringer We Each Can Make a Difference Lisa R. Weidman StudentHelps Create News Agricultural Training Ground Student News 12 Penn State Berks Alumni ou know the adage, “What can one person do?” Right now, the world population is about 6,706,993,152. Send correspondence to: 5 Life Lessons: Biology Degree Society Fundraiser This is a huge number, but there are not 6.7 billion numbers in the world, there are 6.7 billion human Lisa R. Weidman, Penn State Berks, PO Box 7009, Alumni News Alumni News Y beings in the world. Reading, PA 19610-6009 or e-mail [email protected]. 6–8 Blue and White Goes Green 13 Fred Gaige Remembered Each person makes decisions about his or her life every day. In fact, I heard a report several months ago that This publication is available in alternative media suggests that we each make in excess of 2,000 decisions every day. Think about it, more than 2,000 times each on request. 9 Globalization of the Curriculum 14 Alumni Reunion & Football Tailgate The Pennsylvania State University is committed to College News College News day we make a choice–paper or plastic or fabric bags, coffee or tea, look out the window or keep typing this the policy that all persons shall have equal access to message. Of course, if you play with the math, then you are looking at 13.4 trillion decisions made each day by programs, facilities, admission, and employment the people of the world. without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications Academic News Academic News What would happen if one person made a decision that improved the life of another? The beneficiary might as determined by University policy or by state or then make the same type of decision, and the next person will do likewise, and now you have a ripple effect. federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment Thirty-five years ago, I recorded a television program about global warming and the impact I believed we free of discrimination, including harassment. The Development News Development News would be seeing in about thirty years. Unfortunately I was correct in my predictions, but I have not stopped Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination looking at how I can make a difference in the global situation. and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, Two years ago, I became a charter signatory for the American College & University Presidents’ Climate race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or Social MediaOutreach Sites News Keep College Community ConnectedOutreach News Commitment, an effort to address global warming by garnering institutional commitments to neutralize veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Want the latest news about what’s happening up to follow Penn State Berks and subscribe greenhouse gas emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries at Penn State Berks? It’s just a click away when you to an RSS feed for up-to-the-minute news. society to restabilize the Earth’s climate. regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the visit the college’sStudent new Facebook News fan page, Twitter Maybe you prefer your informationStudent News in video The wonderful thing is that our students, faculty, and staff are equally committed to the environment, and Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State updates, and YouTube channel. format. Just visit the college’s YouTube site to University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA together we have looked at ways to improve how Penn State Berks responds to the environment in a sustainable 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/ The Facebook fan page, which can be view short videos about a variety of campus way. What is even better, each of the folks who are dedicated to making Penn State Berks a leader in environmental TTY. U.Ed. BKO 10-06 found online at facebook.com/pennstateberks, topics––from Campus Life to Adult Students––at stewardship also talks with his or her friends and family, encouraging them to make good environmental decisions includes news and feature stories, invitations youtube.com/pennstateberks. The site includes and they in turn … You get the picture. to campus events, photos, and video footage. both professionally produced and amateur videos Fans of the microblogging Twitter site will highlighting various aspects of the campus. Each of us can make a positive impact on our environment. I encourage you and even challenge you to think get the latest news, 140 characters at a time, at All three social media sites have links on the about the decisions you make each day. Do you toss that piece of paper or do you recycle? Do you take that twitter.com/PennStateBerks. Users can sign college’s Web page: berks.psu.edu. fabric bag into the store so you do not have to decide between paper and plastic? Do you turn off lights in rooms that are not in use? Easy decisions to make, but they can have a profound and lifelong impact on the future health of planet Earth.
Let’s live the Penn State tag line, “Making Life Better!” Penn State Berks saved the 3min BTUs of energy: following resources by using an Enough energy to power an Chancellor’s Podcasts Keep Alumni FSC certified paper produced average American household for with 25% post-consumer fiber. 12 days. and Friends Informed
Sustainable well wishes, 3,042 pounds of wood: 922 pounds of emissions: Chancellor Speece’s monthly podcasts A total of 10 trees that supply Carbon sequestered by 11 tree keep the college community informed enough oxygen for 5 people seedlings grown for 10 years. annually. through a series of brief interviews. Visit 270 pounds of solid waste: berks.psu.edu and click on Chancellor’s 4,443 gallons of water: Trash thrown away by 59 people Enough water to take 258 in a single day. Podcasts under News & Events. 8-minute showers.
Dr. Susan Phillips Speece, Chancellor, Penn State Berks
Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 1 Table of Contents Table of Contents
Alumni News Alumni News Alumni News Alumni News
College News College News College News College News
CALENDARAcademic News OFEVENTSAcademic2009-2010 News Academic News Academic News
October 8 October 22 Development News Development News Chancellor Circle Dinner, 6:15 Ghost Stories Tour–Join Development News Development News p.m.–reception, Freyberger paranormal expert Charlie Gallery; 7:00 p.m.–dinner, Adams for a tour of Berks Perkins Student Center County haunts. Cost: $25. Outreach News Outreach News Multipurpose Room. Contact: Ralph Tutlane, October 31 Outreach News November 7 Outreach News 610-777-7312, Football Tailgate for Penn Football Bus Trip–Penn State [email protected]. State vs. Northwestern. Doors vs. Ohio, departure time TBA, September 23–24 October 3 open one hour prior to kickoff, Franco parking lot. Cost: $35, Alumni Society Scholarship Second Annual Alumni Reunion, Crowne Plaza ReadingStudent Hotel. News tickets are not included. Contact Student News Student News Fundraiser at Buca di Beppo. Student12:00 p.m.,News Crowne Plaza Cost: $3; children under 13, Ryan Szivos, 610-396-6057. December 2 Dine in or take out lunch or Reading Hotel. Socialize with FREE. RSVP required at berks- Lecture: Alan Weisman, dinner and the Berks Alumni former classmates and their September 10–October 22 [email protected] or contact Ryan author of New York Times Society Scholarship receives families, enjoy dinner, and then Art Exhibition: Our Own III Szivos, 610-396-6057. bestseller The World Without 20% of your purchase. Flyer join local alumni to watch the Alumnihighlights the News work of five Alumni News Alumni News Us, discussesAlumni humanity’s News true is required with purchase; Penn State vs. Illinois football alumni who are teaching art impact on the environment and visit berks.psu.edu/alumni to game. and/or working in their field challenges the audience to download. (David Love ’86, Sarah imagine what might happen to Moffatt ’08, Justin Staller ’02, October 9 College News the EarthCollege if humans vanished, News College News September 24 College News Kelly Kehs ’98, and Veronica Cultural Event: vocalist Shayna October 23 7:30 p.m., Perkins Student Happy Hour to benefit Alumni Winters ’05), Freyberger Zaid, whose songs have aired Cultural Event: Mo Amer, Center Auditorium. Society Scholarship, 5:30–7:00 Gallery. on CBS’s The Young and the youngest comedian on the p.m., Buca di Beppo. Free Restless and have risen to #1 on Muslim Comedy Tour “Allah Academic News DecemberAcademic 8 News AcademicSeptember 16 News appetizers, drink specials, and Academic News Malaysian radio, will share her Made Me Funny,” showcases WPI Holiday Luncheon, 12:00– door prizes. RSVP to Heather Alumni Society Meeting, 7:00 unique sound with the campus, his talents by talking about his November 18 2:00 p.m. Perkins Student Angstadt, 610-396-6052 or p.m., Janssen Office Building. 7:30 p.m., Perkins Student upbringing and challenges he Lecture: Captain Paul Watson Center Multipurpose Room. [email protected]. Center Multipurpose Room. has faced, 7:30 p.m., Perkins of Animal Planet’s Whale Wars Development News Development News Student Center Multipurpose Development Newsdiscusses his adventures on the Development News Room. open seas, chasing down and November 5–December 7 sinking pirate ships, disrupting Art Exhibition: Jeff Waring: seal hunts, and halting the Outreach News Outreach News Sights and SoundsOutr, Reception:each News slaughter of dolphins–all while Outreach News Nov. 5, 6:00 p.m. Waring, being shot at, assaulted, and October 3 a Rhode Island School of even jailed, 7:30 p.m., Perkins Design alumnus and fine arts Student Center Auditorium. September 24 Football Tailgate for Penn State October 24 chair at WesttownStudent School in News DecemberStudent 10 News Student News WPI Alumni Reunion Luncheon, Studentvs. Illinois. News Doors open one Football Tailgate for Penn State Philadelphia, showcases his November 18 Lion and Santa Sighting, 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Perkins hour prior to kick-off, Crowne vs. Michigan. Doors open one unique art, which focuses on Alumni Society Meeting, 7:00 6:30–8:30 p.m., Janssen Student Center Multipurpose Plaza Reading Hotel. Cost: $3; hour prior to kickoff, Crowne the intangible using paint, mud, p.m., Janssen Office Building. Conference Center. Cost: Room. children under 13, FREE. RSVP September 16 to [email protected] or October 12 Plaza Reading Hotel. Cost: $3; paper, charcoal, chalk, and $3. RSVP required, contact Cultural Event: Buddha–Triumph contact Ryan Szivos, Cultural Event: the musicians children under 13, FREE. RSVP other materials, Freyberger November 20 Ryan Szivos, 610-396-6057, & Tragedy in the Life of the 610-396-6057. of Andes Manta seek to bring required at berks-alumni@psu. Gallery. Wine & Cheese Tasting, 6:30 [email protected]. Great Sage, a performance of cultural understanding between edu or contact Ryan Szivos, p.m., Calvaresi Winery; FREE the life and work of the Buddha the natives of South America 610-396-6057. event includes a tailgate and as chronicled by authentic and the people of North winery tour, RSVP required– texts that traveled around Asia America through traditional contact Gretchen Manmiller, September 26 and became the taproot of the Andean folk music, 7:30 610-507-5449, gnkmanmiller@ Football Bus Trip–Penn State vs. Buddhist tradition, presented by p.m., Perkins Student Center verizon.net. Iowa. Bus departs 9:00 a.m., the writer Evan Brennar, 7:30 Multipurpose Room. Franco parking lot. Cost: $35, p.m., Perkins Student Center tickets are not included. Contact Auditorium. Ryan Szivos, 610-396-6057.
October 5–9 November 5–8, 12–15 Art Residency: Internationally October 30 Theatre: Bram Stoker’s Dracula, November 21 renowned artist Steven Siegel Dracula’s Gothic Gala– by Steven Dietz, directed Football Tailgate for Penn State will create a site-specific Scholarship fundraiser for by Cleo House Jr., a new vs. Michigan State. Doors January 18–February 26 sculpture from recyclable Theatre program, 6:00 p.m.– adaptation that brings the open one hour prior to kickoff, Art Exhibition: Steven Siegel: September 22 reception, Janssen Conference suspense and seduction of Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel. Wonderful Life, Reception: September 30 materials on campus. Alumni Society Texas Hold’em Center; 7:30 p.m.–performance the classic novel to the stage, Cost: $3; children under 13, Jan. 21, 6:00 p.m., Freyberger Lecture: Heads vs. Feds–The Night for students, 9:00 October 14 of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, 8:00 p.m. (Sundays, 2:00 FREE. RSVP required at berks- Gallery. Showcasing this Debate over the Legalization October 7 p.m., Perkins Student Center Lecture: Jonathan Kozol, best- followed by dessert. Costumes p.m.), Perkins Student Center [email protected] or contact Ryan internationally renowned artist’s of Marijuana. Steve Hager, Alumni Society Bingo Night for Multipurpose Room. Contact selling author of The Shame of or formal attire required. Cost: Auditorium. Call the Box Office, Szivos, 610-396-6057. collection of sculptures made editor of High Times Magazine students, 9:00 p.m., Perkins Ralph Tutlane, 610-777-7312, the Nation, will pay tribute to $30 in advance, $40 at door. 610-396-6371. from found objects. takes on hard-hitting DEA Student Center Multipurpose [email protected]. Room. Contact Wendy Kimock, the nation’s embattled teachers For more info visit berks.psu. veteran Robert Stutman on the and discuss our educational edu/academics/degrees/ controversy, 7:30 p.m., Perkins 610-683-6330 or [email protected]. system, 7:30 p.m., Perkins draculagala.htm. Student Center Auditorium. Student Center Auditorium.
2 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 3 Table of Contents
Alumni News Alumni News
College News College News Table of Contents
Alumni News Alumni News Academic News Academic News College News College News Life Lessons: Development News Development News Academic News Academic News Biology Degree Provides Options forOutr Studentseach NewsInterested in Science Outreach News
By Lisa R. Weidman Development News Development News Student News Student News
Outreach News Outreach News or some students, the concept of majoring inAlumni biology may News Alumni News conjure up memories of dissecting frogs in high school. Local Industry Provides Manpower, F While the Penn State Berks bachelor of science degree Student News Student News in Biology deals with the study of living things–includingCollege frogs–it News College News Machines To Create Agriculture also prepares graduates for a wide range of opportunities inside and outside the laboratory. Alumni News Alumni NewsTraining Ground “Adding this degree will allow students more choices,”Academic explains News Academic News Dr. Maureen Dunbar, Associate Professor of Biology and Program By Matt N. Kunkelman Coordinator for the B.S. in Biology degree. “The Biology degree Industry professionals spent the day on campus turning a larger composting area into Collegea training ground News for Agricultural Science students. College News complements the college’s Science degree, which hasDevelopment been offered News Development News for the last decade at Penn State Berks.” The college began offering the new degree, which is the same degree offered at University Park, in the fall 2009 semester. It is Academichen News Associate Professors of Horticulture Dr. Dave Academicand cooling, News and certain types of plants, shrubs, and ground cover Outreach News Outreach News designed to prepare students for graduate school and professions Sanford and Dr. Mike Fidanza envisioned turning a require less watering, making them more environmentally friendly.” requiring competence in biological science. large composting area on the campus into a hands-on The site will also be used in cooperation with the Pennsylvania DevelopmentW News Development News Students are able to customize their degree programStudent by choosing News Student News training ground for Agricultural Science students, they knew they Landscape Nursery Association in administering the Certified from one of two different concentrations: the General Biology couldn’t do it alone. Reaching out to the local agricultural community, Landscape Technician Exam. Held every August, the exam recognizes Option and the Genetics and Developmental Biology Option. the pair received an overwhelming response. proficiency in the landscape workforce. In addition, Sanford says the The General Biology Option is a broader course of study OutrSeventeeneach News professionals from nine Berks County organizations Outreachsite will News be used in some of the Cooperative Extension Programming covering all aspects of biology including microbiology, ecology, came together on Saturday, May 2, bringing with them a high level for the green industry in Southeastern Pennsylvania in coming years. molecular biology, evolution, botany, and zoology. Graduates will be of expertise__many holding numerous industry certifications__and Tom Wambaugh, Horticulture ’81 and owner of Waterfall well prepared for careers in medicine and health-related professions, Studentnearly one-million News dollars worth of agricultural equipment. StudentGardens, News was a major contributor to the day’s efforts. “Elevating the as well as careers with various governmental and environmental Working with Sanford and Fidanza, the volunteers moved level of professionalism in the industry helps everyone, and I’d love to agencies or industries having biological responsibilities. approximately 250 cubic yards of compost from three acres of land, see the horticulture program at Berks continue to grow. I’m happy to Students interested in attending graduate school will be more and then seeded, fertilized, and tacked the area. An additional three do anything to help make that happen.” likely to choose the Genetics and Developmental Biology Option, acres were also seeded with a cover crop. In total, more than 140 man Wambaugh explains his role in the green industry, “If you which focuses on the study of genetics, genetic engineering, and plant hours of labor and an estimated $28,000 in equipment rental fees were work in the horticulture industry, you’re constantly working with and animal development. Graduates of this option will be prepared donated to the college in one day. the environment and striving to be as environmentally friendly for advanced study in medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, “It’s just something we couldn’t do ourselves, and I was really as possible–we aren’t suddenly getting green now, we’re just chiropractic, physician assistant, and genetic counseling programs. excited to see all the support we received from the industry, but getting greener.” Benefits of the degree program include individualized attention this isn’t something new,” says Sanford. “Many of the volunteers and the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects. In have always been big supporters of the Penn State Berks horticulture Penn State Berks would like to thank the following businesses addition to a strong knowledge base in biology, students will gain program, offering their expertise, manpower, and equipment.” for their assistance in creating the agricultural training ground: critical-thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. The site, located behind the campus greenhouses, will provide “A question that will naturally arise for students is which major an area for Agriculture Science students to practice the various Anewalts Landscape Contracting, Bernville to choose–Biology or Science,” explains Dunbar. “The Science techniques they learn in the classroom, such as planting trees, seeding Autrusa, Inc., Perkiomenville degree will provide students with the flexibility to choose advanced grass, pruning shrubs, installing irrigation systems, rototilling, mowing Berks Career & Technology Center, Oley courses in chemistry and physics. The Biology degree will focus more grass, edging, and installing patio pavers. Natures Accents Landscape Services, Inc., Hamburg intensely on biology courses. It will also benefit students who want Practicing these techniques can help improve the green industry, Reading Bobcat and Kubota, Reading to pursue a career in health-related agencies or industries in which a says Sanford. “We’re increasing the level of expertise in an industry Scott’s Landscaping, State College solid foundation in biology is necessary.” where many people lack formal training. Agricultural techniques can Stony Bridge Landscaping, Inc., Lebanon For more information about the B.S. in Biology degree at Penn be used to decrease the amount of energy needed to sustain an area; Tomlinson Bomberger Lawn Care and Landscape, Lancaster Students at Penn State Berks have the opportunity to conduct research State Berks, contact Dr. Maureen Dunbar at 610-396-6328 or via with faculty members, giving them valuable experience that will help them to Photography by Theo Anderson proper selection and placement of trees can make a building more W.D. Wells and Associates, Inc., West Grove prepare for their future careers. e-mail at [email protected]. energy efficient by reducing the amount of energy need for heating
4 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 5 Table of Contents Table of Contents
Alumni News Alumni News Alumni News Alumni News
College News College News College News College News
Academic News Academic News Green Fuel Academic News Academic News
Development News Development News In May 2006, Penn State Berks was the firstDevelopment campus outside News Development News University Park to convert its heavy equipment from petroleum-based fluid to biohydraulic fluid, derived from biological materials. Outreach News Outreach News Hydraulic-line breaks cause the most common typeOutr of oileach releases News Outreach News across Pennsylvania. If not attended to, these releases can cause contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water. Biobased Student News Student News hydraulic fluid offers enhanced lubricating properties,Student is biodegradable, News Student News and is easier to dispose of in the event of a spill or leak. During June of 2006, Berks converted all of its off-road equipment Alumni News Alumni News from diesel to biodiesel fuel. The campus replaced theAlumni diesel used News in Alumni News equipment like lawnmowers and tractors with a B20 blend, which contains twenty-percent biodiesel from processed soybean oil and eighty-percent diesel fuel. This combination of fuel reduces carbon College News College News dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. College News College News In addition to these initiatives, students, faculty, and staff are exploring alternative energy by partnering with local businesses. In two Academic News Academic News separate initiatives, students will explore the possibilityAcademic of retrofitting News Academic News Penn State Berks Is Committed to Sustainability a BARTA bus to run on vegetable oil and build a hybrid vehicle that achieves 80 mpg with local company eCycle. Photography by Theo Anderson DevelopmentBy LisaNews R. Weidman Development News Development News Development News
rom its humble beginnings as Farmers’ High School in commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.” Outreach News1855, Penn State has a long history of being invested in Outrthe eachConservation News initiatives today take several forms, including Reduce, Reuse, RecycleOutreach News Outreach News F environment. Long before environmental issues became standards for new facility construction and renovations, guidelines popular or trendy, the University was investigating environmentally for purchasing energy-efficient equipment, and facility operating Studentfriendly News initiatives. In recent years, even greater environmental stridesStudent standards. News Penn State Berks began a comprehensive recyclingStudent program in 1988.News Student News have been made as Penn State continues to grow and meet the This article contains just a few of the endeavors at Penn State Berks Two decades later, in 2008, 244 tons were recycled including 123 tons of demands of its surroundings. that ensure that the facilities and practices meet or exceed compliance corrugated cardboard, and 121 tons of glass, plastic, steel and aluminum Penn State Berks is no exception; in fact, the college is a leader with all applicable state and federal environmental regulations cans, and office paper. The college also recycles other items including in demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship established by agencies, such as the Department of Environmental rechargeable batteries, printer cartridges, computers, mercury-tainted through a number of initiatives. Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency. fluorescent light bulbs, scrap metal, refrigerants, waste oil, hydraulic “The campus has been building momentum toward a culture of Along with providing education, research, and public service, a fluid, furniture, and landscape material. environmental responsibility,” explains Kim Berry, Chief Operating healthy environment also is at the forefront of Penn State’s mission In addition to these recycling initiatives, the college will bring Officer. “These programs, taken together, show a continuing to “make life better.” even more awareness to recycling through an artist residency in which internationally renowned sculptor Steven Siegel will create art on campus from recycled items from October 5–9. “Artists consider ways to use recyclable items and trash as materials Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP) to make art,” explains Marilyn Fox, Arts Coordinator. “In doing so, the subsequent art causes one to reconsider what is ‘waste’ and what is Greenhouse gasses and rising fuel costs have allowed Penn State to consider new ways to ‘material.’ It also helps us consider how much we throw away and the reduce its ecological footprint. These efforts not only reduce environmental impact, but also huge carbon footprint the average person leaves behind.” utility costs, which exceeded $1 million at Berks during the 2005–2006 academic year. Siegel began working with recycled and recyclable materials long The Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP) is an environmental stewardship initiative before it was popular. Using items that are recyclable, he has interrupted that provides funds to invest in programs, equipment, and capital improvement projects that will the recycling stream–at least for awhile. Siegel will be working with reduce energy usage and utility costs while paying for itself in ten years or less. students and community volunteers in creating a site-specific sculpture from recyclable materials collected on campus. Through the program, Penn State Berks has trimmed
more than $220,000 per year in energy costs. “This kind of art is testing the boundary between Over the course of his career, Siegel has considered the ecological changes in nature and culture,” explains Siegel. our environment and geology through utilizing recyclable materials. GESP projects include installing energy-efficient lighting retro fits, replacements, and Over the course of his career, Siegel has considered the ecological controls; an energy management system; variable air volume and variable frequency drive pump changes in our environment and geology through using these materials. systems; and plumbing retro fits; as well as conversion of some of the hot water equipment, “This kind of art is testing the boundary between nature and culture,” HVAC, and heating systems from electric to natural gas. explains Siegel.
6 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 7 Table of Contents Table of Contents
Alumni News Alumni News Alumni News Alumni News
College News College News College News College News
Academic News Academic News Academic News Academic News Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) We Are Global, We Are Penn State Development News Development News Internationalization of the CurriculumDevelopment News Development News
As part of its commitment to the environment, the University By Matt N. Kunkelman Outrrequireseach Leadership News in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Outreach News Outreach News Outreach News certification for all new construction projects. The LEED Green ew boundaries, whether geographic or political, limit the Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for movement of people, ideas, goods and services, and the ability the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. Student News Student News to connect with one another is easier than ever—aStudent phenomenon News Student News Berks is currently in the process of designing a new academic F referred to as globalization. Top universities understand that graduates are building that will meet the requirements of the LEED Green better prepared for success in the global marketplace if they strive to Building Rating System™; serve the complex and varied needs of the become global citizens; and Penn State Berks is no exception. AlumniBusiness, News Engineering, and Information Sciences and Technology Alumni News Alumni News Alumni News “Internationalization of Penn State Berks” was the topic of the spring (BEIST) Division; and fit into the lush landscape of the campus. Celebrating Teaching Colloquium, a forum held each semester where The 60,000-square-foot building, which has been dubbed the faculty share ideas about best practices in teaching. As part of the English course “Idea of the Castle,” Dr. Sandy Feinstein (far CollegeBEIST for News the division it will house, is slated for completion by College News College News College News Dr. Paul Esqueda, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, opened the right) took a group of students to New Sintra’s central square in Portugal, the end of 2011, and it will make use of technology in keeping with where they celebrated the new year in 2009. colloquium by reading a quote from Penn State University President the college’s commitment to the environment. One example of this Graham Spanier: “At Penn State we understand that the answers to Shortly thereafter, Zervanos began working on a biodiversity Academictechnology is Newsthe inclusion of an active storm water management Academic News Academic News Academic News the world’s most pressing problems can only come from an educated course that has taken students from the classroom into the rainforest. garden that will recycle rainfall. citizenry whose knowledge spans international boundaries.” “Most students come back from these study trips with completely new Development News Development News Esqueda went on to outline the college’s five-yearDevelopment strategic plan, Newsperspectives; it is a life-changing experience,”Development stated Zervanos. News which works to accomplish this goal. In fact, many international efforts “Life changing” is also the way Dr. Sandy Feinstein, Associate Forest Stewardship are already in place at the college. Dr. Randall Newnham, Professor Professor of English and Honors Program Coordinator, would describe Outr each Students News Reside in Green House Outreach News of Political Science and Coordinator of InternationalOutr Programs,each andNews her first experience abroad, teaching as a FulbrightOutr Scholareach in NewsDenmark. Council Certification Karen Kihurani, Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs, discussed “I was stunned by my own limited vision to that point: no easy these endeavors. admittance for a former New Yorker. Even now, I can’t quite believe StudentWithin News the residence halls at Berks, there are several Interest Student AsNews part of the college’s ongoing environmental stewardship “International students are an asset to our campus,”Student Kihurani News my assumptions—that as a New Yorker one wasStudent already worldly,”News Houses, focusing on a particular theme and designed to provide an program, University Relations is using Forest Stewardship Council explained. “They provide our campus community an opportunity to explained Feinstein. innovative living and learning environment. This year, the Green certified printers for its publications. The purchase of FSC-certified gain a broader knowledge of our global world without having to travel. “In a way, it was being faced with questions I had never thought Interest House was established. Located in Cedar Hall, the house paper and print products contributes to conservation, responsible Exposure to international students also helps prepare other students to about that made me differently aware of myself as an American, as a focuses on enhancing students’ awareness of the environment and management, and community-level benefits for people near the compete in the global labor market.” New Yorker, as a teacher, as a human being. Of course, that’s what school sustainability issues. Residents will have an opportunity to make a forests that provide paper. “The college is doing a lot to deliver internationalization, from is about: being faced by new ideas, new methods, new points of view. difference on campus by developing and implementing their own This issue of the Blue & White alumni magazine bears the FSC the classroom, to events on campus, to study abroad opportunities,” And, mind you, I had many friends from all over the world—but the environmental initiatives. logo on page 1 and the “Eco-Box” gives a breakdown of the materials stated Newnham. “All students are required to take classes in diversity experience of leaving is necessarily different from staying: it was my used in the printing of this magazine. to graduate. In addition, funding is available for international programs friends who faced unfamiliar experiences, and I was the one grounded including student and faculty travel, bringing guest speakers into the by the familiar.” classroom, and scheduling international events accessible to the campus Dr. Janelle Larson, Division Head for Engineering, Business, and community.” and Computing and Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, “Take Charge” “Many international students attend Penn State Berks. In 2008, the explained the importance of continuing to increase the number of college had twenty-five students who held a full-time student visa or international opportunities available on campus. Resident Student Program F-1 visa. Besides the students here on visas, the college has many more “Studying abroad is vital and can have a profound impact on a students who recently came to the U.S. or are here with a green card. student’s education, but it’s not always financially realistic. Continuing “Take Charge” is an environment awareness campaign targeted Berks also has a very diverse, international faculty, who bring a global to expose our students to international perspectives and increasing those to residential students that is an outgrowth of the University’s perspective to the classroom.” opportunities by bringing them here will be a strategy we can use to make Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP). The campaign While gaining a global perspective is possible on campus, nearly an impact on the greatest number of students.” kicked off in the fall 2006 semester at Berks with reminder stickers fifty students were involved with study abroad programs last year. Past Esqueda, a Venezuelan native who received his undergraduate and magnets in the residence halls and a “Take Charge” Web site destinations have included Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, education in England before moving to the United States and earning (takecharge.psu.edu). The Web site features a variety of ideas for Tanzania, and Australia, just to name a few. his master’s and doctoral degrees, both from Penn State, understands the ways to conserve energy through its “tip of the month” and more Dr. Stam Zervanos, Emeritus Professor of Biology, related his impact of having a global mindset. importantly, reasons why it benefits students to “think green.” experience while conducting research in the Amazon rainforest, where “Moving to different countries had a tremendous impact on how he made an unorthodox discovery. I view the world,” he commented. “When you educate students with a “As I was sitting in the rainforest observing birds, I began taking in the global perspective, you give them the ability to move around the world sights, sounds, and smells, and I realized I could never teach biodiversity and be productive, and that’s something we’re trying to accomplish here this effectively from a textbook,” explained Zervanos. at Penn State Berks.”
8 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 9 Table of Contents
Alumni News Alumni News
College News College News
Academic News Academic News Sciences and Technology, created the new CYEC Web site. The fifteen students in the class researched cultural norms and legal Development News Development News issues in Kenya and worked with CYEC staff to develop the site, which was designed to maximize usability. Outreach News Outreach News One of the more interesting challenges was to ensure that the site would meet the needs of a wide variety of users from Student News Student News different cultural backgrounds. To facilitate development, the class worked with the Berks Information Technology Support Office to Alumni News Alumni News build an Ubuntu-based local server, which
was implemented using the popular content Kevin McCarthy, a junior Global Studies major, took some time for rest and relaxation with the children. management system Joomla. The site can be College News College News viewed at www.cyec.net. That same semester, five Berks students The Berks students assessed HealthWise enrolled in “Special Topics in Human lessonsAcademic with CYEC News youth, including topics Academic News Sexuality Education,” taught by Alice Holland, such as leisure time and motivation, evaluating Nurse Practitioner. The students, who were risk, drug use, relationships, and sexual Kasie Lynch, a junior majoring in Applied Psychology (far left), and Venita Williams, a senior majoring in majoring in Applied Psychology and Global behavior.Development They also worked News closely with the Development News Psychological and Social Sciences (far right), enjoyed “Working with the students working with the children at the CYEC. Studies, explored Kenyan culture, examined CYEC counselor and nurse to consider the sensitive issues, and reviewed a healthy appropriateness of this curriculum. in Kenya was a life-changing youth development curriculum developed by Outr“This each was an News incredible opportunity for experience. We connectedOutreach News with Penn State faculty members Linda Caldwell students to look at diverse health-related them and they connected with and Ed Smith in the College of Health and situations, explore methods available for us. It was really hard to leave.” Human Development at University Park. education,Student and Newsdevelop strategies for working Student News Titled “HealthWise,” the curriculum is a with communities from a societal perspective,” comprehensive, risk-reduction life skills course recounted Holland. Kasie Lynch of study for adolescents, which has already When asked about her time at the centre, Penn State Berks Junior Applied Psychology been successfully delivered in South Africa. Kasie Lynch, a junior majoring in Applied The class traveled to Kenya with Holland, Psychology at Berks, stated, “Working with where they met with Caldwell and Smith the students in Kenya was a life-changing and conducted focus groups with youth at experience. We connected with them and they the CYEC to determine the suitability and connected with us. It was really hard to leave.” adaptability of HealthWise. Through Larson’s efforts, the University a tele-medicine system that provides pre- became involved in helping to support primary medical care and WishVast, a cell- Students Volunteer at Children and Youth Empowerment Centre the CYEC through a variety of initiatives, phone based system to develop social capital By Dr. Janelle B. Larson and Lisa R. Weidman including designing and building a Zawadi with the goal of stimulating economic activity, eco-village with the goal of providing a similar to e-Bay ratings. hile most college students were of the Division of Engineering, Business, and and youth are emblematic of issues in the launch pad for youth as they leave the centre. “The CYEC is more than just a children’s enjoying their summer break, Computing at Berks, were students together at larger society–poverty, family break-down, and (“Zawadi” is Swahili for “gift.” The name was home; it is a convergence point for people thirty-six Penn State students the University of Oxford, where both studied disease,” explains Larson. “Solutions identified chosen to acknowledge that each child has a of different backgrounds to discuss, research, W gift to offer the world.) experiment, and consolidate knowledge traveled to Kenya to work with the Children as Rhodes Scholars. and developed for this population can be and Youth Empowerment Centre (CYEC), Maina formed the CYEC in 2006 in an expanded to the larger society.” Since the young people of the CYEC concerning the empowerment and which provides educational and social services effort to address several gaps in the care and At Penn State Berks, students have do not have homes to return to when they development of young people,” explains for former street children. rehabilitation of street children in Kenya, been actively involved in two aspects of this complete their education, they are at high risk Larson. It all began when Paul Maina, founder and including training the youth in technological initiative–they designed and developed a new for returning to the streets. The Zawadi village “The staff at the CYEC are intentional director of the CYEC in Nyeri, Kenya, turned and entrepreneurial skills to support themselves Web site for the CEYC and they tested and will have agricultural production and other about focusing on developing the whole to an old friend at Penn State, seeking the when they leave the CYEC. The CYEC has assessed a program for youth development. entrepreneurial activities to provide income person and finding sustainable solutions to University’s expertise to help address a variety more than 150 children in residential care and In the spring of 2009, students enrolled and employment for the youth. some of society’s most intractable problems. issues. Maina and Dr. Janelle Larson, Associate provides services for another 60 children. in “Usability Engineering,” taught by William Other University initiatives include two They provide a rewarding setting for Penn Professor of Agricultural Economics and head “The problems of street dwelling children Bowers, Senior Lecturer in Information projects developed by students in the College State faculty, staff, and students to integrate of Engineering at University Park: Mashavu, teaching, research, and outreach.”
10 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 11 Table of Contents
Alumni News TableAlumni of Contents News IN MEMORIAM Alumni News Alumni News CLASSCollegeNOTES News College News DR. FREDERICK H. GAIGE 1937–2009
WhereCollege Are TheyNews Now? CollegeBirths News Academic News Academic News Dennis C. Miller, B.S. in Secondary Education/Mathematics, is a self- Michael A. Mazzarese, ’00 and his wife, Lisa (Bogarowski) ’01, College Bids Farewell to Visionary Leader, Scholar, and Activist employed pharmaceutical consultant. He and his wife Jo-Ann live in welcomed their first child, Luca Michael, on 10/13/08. ’73AcademicBoyertown, News PA. Academic News Development News DevelopmentIn News Memorium Dr. Frederick H. Gaige, 72, Carol (Matter) O’Toole, B.S. in Education, is a retired administrator of Raymond H. Bossler, 90, WPI Class of 1933 Dean and CEO Emeritus of the School District of Philadelphia. She received her master’s degree in Penn State Berks, passed away on “Above all, Fred always put people first. DeForrest “Tink” Brumbaugh, WPI Class of 1956 Developmenteducation in 1982News at Temple University and a second master’s degreeDevelopment in News ’74Outreach News Outreach News August 25, 2009 in a hospice in 1997 at St. Joseph’s University. She is a member of the Hampton Roads Conway Beal Council, 88, WPI Class of 1939 This is his legacy.” Alumni Chapter and she resides in Pungoteague, VA. Amherst, Massachusetts. Mary Jo Georgeadis, 55, past alumni coordinator at Known to many as a visionary Penn State Berks – Penn State President Graham Spanier Outreach News Outreach News leader, Gaige served Penn State StudentDavid News A. Mease Student News , B.S. in Environmental Resource Management, earned Christopher J. Gibney, 73, WPI Class of 1955 Berks from 1984–2001, helping his Professional Engineer license. He is employed as a Project Engineer ’95 at Larson Design Group in Ephrata, PA. He and his wife Amy have four Paul Wesley Moyer, 91, WPI Class of 1938 to transform the campus into a children and they live in Stevens, PA. college with four-year academic campus had expanded from 1,000 students in four major buildings on 135 Student News StudentFrederick News C. Starke, 56, ’75 Psychology Alumni News Alumni News programs and residence halls. He acres of land to 2,100 students in seven major buildings and thirteen smaller Paul D. Trexler, 84, WPI Class of 1948 was also instrumental in significantly structures on 240 acres of land. increasing student enrollment, “Fred Gaige was an extraordinary educator who served the campus and Alumni News Alumni News College News College News endowment, and physical facilities. community with great distinction,” said Penn State President Graham Spanier. “Fred built on the momentum created by his predecessor, Dr. Harold “Fred’s leadership in university service and administration has transformed ALUMNIPROFILE: Sue Sneeringer ‘76 Perkins, who had created strong community connections,” stated Dr. Susan countless lives. Above all, he always put people first. This is his legacy.” College News College News Phillips Speece, Penn State Berks Chancellor. In addition to being a visionary leader, Gaige was a noted scholar in the Academic News Academic News “He expanded that support base and worked to bring Penn State Berks field of South Asian studies and became an early expert on Nepal, where Sue Sneeringer ’76 wrote two plays that will particularly as it affects her relationship with her to a new level of academic excellence, working with faculty, staff, and the he did research on a Fulbright Fellowship from 1966–1968. His research be produced by Reading Community Players this daughter, Emma and granddaughter, Shannon. Academic News fall. The showcase titled “TwoAcademic by Sue” includes News a Sneeringer holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Penn community to determine the best way to position the campus to meet the culminated in the publication of Regionalism and National Unity in Nepal. He Development News workshop production ofDevelopment Purgatory from September News State University and has also completed the one-year needs of its service area. By investing in faculty who increasingly attained returned to Nepal as a Fulbright Lecturer in 1983 and, in 1991, he served 25–27, and Blonde Bombshell from October 2–4, screenwriting fellowship program at the American their doctoral degrees, Fred began the transformation of the college from as a consultant to the Asia Foundation and U.S. Agency for International 2009 at the company’s Eleventh and Buttonwood Film Institute in Los Angeles. Most recently, she a two-year institution to a highly respected undergraduate college of The Development on the first democratic elections in Nepal. Development News Streets theatre. Development News completed the Advanced Playwriting Workshop with Outreach News Purgatory is the story of PegOutr Murrayeach and News her Catherine Rush at Philadelphia’s Wilma Theatre. She Pennsylvania State University. We are indebted to Fred for his passion and lifelong journey through questions of faith. The has received grants from the PA Council on the Arts. work on behalf of the students and community.” play travels from Peg’s early childhood through her Her one-act play, Grave Concerns, set in the During Gaige’s tenure, the campus expanded with the purchase of a farm Outreach News adult years and examines the variousOutr stageseach of Newsher Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading, is published in and 110 acres in 1987 and construction of a new classroom building, named Student News relationship with her father, Jim,Student and the Catholic News The Best of the Strawberry One-Act Festival, Volume the Franco Building. Expansion continued as a greenhouse was constructed Church. Purgatory contains brief nudity and is III by The Riant Theatre, an off-Broadway company. recommended for mature audiences. For more information or to purchase advance in 1990, as well as athletic fields and a stand-alone bookstore. Student News Blonde Bombshell is a multi-generationalStudent tale,News tickets, visit the Reading Community Players theatre’s Under Gaige’s leadership, the campus added student housing in the fall which explores the fallout when MGM contract Web site at www.rcptheatre.org. of 1990. The first phase of the residence halls housed 200 students, and the player, Lois McGinty, is blacklisted in the 1950s, second phase housed an additional 200 students in 1992. One of the major milestones in the history of the campus occurred in 1997, when Penn State Berks merged with Penn State Lehigh Valley to form Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College. This was significant because the new
college now had the authority to grant baccalaureate degrees. Photography by Theo Anderson The college was further enhanced through construction of a high-tech learning and technology addition to the Thun Library, named the Boscov- Gaige was also a community activist who volunteered with numerous Lakin Information Commons. The residence halls expanded again with a organizations. He was one of the leaders of the successful effort to change new residence facility, named The Woods, which provided an additional 400 the Reading city charter (Reading Citizens for Effective Government). He was beds in two phases. also elected as a board member of the Reading School District and he was an Despite his many accomplishments during his tenure, his defining appointed member of the Berks County Planning Commission. moment was when the first class of Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College He also served as a member of the board of directors of The Reading baccalaureate students received their degrees during a proud commencement Hospital and Medical Center, Police Athletic League, Hispanic Center, and ceremony in May of 2000. many other organizations. “In all the years that I have spent in higher education, I can honestly Gaige earned his doctoral degree in South Asian studies from the say that one of the proudest moments I have ever experienced was standing University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in history from Brown on that stage and awarding the first baccalaureate degrees from Penn State University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Oberlin College. Berks-Lehigh Valley College,” Gaige commented. “Shaking the hands of He is survived by his wife, Austra, and their two daughters, Karina A. the students who believed in our faculty and staff and who decided their Gaige and Amity W. Gaige, and their families. course was to stay for four years and be a part of that historical moment was a privilege that I will treasure for the rest of my life.” While the family will be planning a memorial service for Gaige in the spring Gaige retired on January 31, 2001, and was succeeded by Dr. Susan of 2010, Penn State Berks will be hosting a memorial service within the coming Phillips Speece. During the sixteen years Gaige served as dean and CEO, the weeks for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the campus.
12 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 Penn State Berks | Fall 2009 13