Mansfield University Alumni Newsletter May 2021

THE MANSFIELD M A Y

2 0 2 1 A L U M N I

N E W S L E T T E R

A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R

THE BUZZ ON THE HILL A Year to Remember • P. 2

Perserverence • P. 3

Achievement P. 4-12

Opportunity • P. 13-14

Mountaineer Athletic Challenge • P. 15

Integration Insights

Save the Dates

• P. 16-18

• P. 19

A YEAR TO REMEMBER We will never forget the 2020-2021 academic year. Without hesitation, most would agree that this year illustrated a world plagued with uncertainty, fear, loss, trials, tribulations, and even anger. On the contrary, this time and space will also be described as a time of COURAGE, PERSEVERANCE, FLEXIBILITY, DISCOVERY, ADVOCACY, FIRSTS, FAMILY, EXPERIENCE, COMMITMENT, COMMUNITY, and GROWTH. As we look back at this academic year, Mansfield University and our Alumni have shown grit and determination. In this issue, we will celebrate perseverance, achievement, and opportunity. While this issue will only feature a small fraction of what could be highlighted, we hope this issue reminds you that life is full of surprises and adversity, but together Mountaineers can, and always do!

"Inhale, exhale.

It is well, it is well.

All of this is part of the story you will tell."

- Morgan Harper Nichols

PERSEVERANCE *noun /ˌpərsəˈvɪrəns/ the quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim despite difficulties

"I think this is a real example of community engagement that the university cherishes. The ability to partner with our county commissioners and with our healthcare agencies around the region for the health and safety of our community and the health and safety of our students was paramount.” – President Patterson

ACHIEVEMENT *noun /əˈtʃiːvmənt/ a thing that somebody has done successfully, especially using their own effort and skill “If you want an example of the passion and determination that Mansfield instills in each of us, look no further than Steve McCloskey,” said President Patterson. “Steve has dedicated most of his life to making our university and the community a better place for everyone..."

Steve McCloskey '91 presenting the 155th commencement address in August 2020.

“100 years from now, the commencement speaker will be talking about how great this class was, and how they found a way to make it all work no matter what the adversity was” explained McCloskey.

ACHIEVEMENT

Katherine Thompson '20 was named the 2020 Outstanding Senior during Mansfield University’s 155th commencement in August 2020.

ACHIEVEMENT “The graduates of the 37th Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy class excelled in all areas, including Commonwealth standards, academy academic standards, and Commonwealth certification standards,” said Chief Henry. “This excellence not only reflects the focus and determination of each student but shows perseverance in the difficult times forced upon all by the COVID-19 pandemic. The students and staff met and excelled in meeting this demanding challenge."

The 37th Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy Class.

ACHIEVEMENT

Dr. Nana Ama Kwarteng Baryeh ’12 presenting the 156th commencement address in May 2021.

Dr. Baryeh '12 shared inspiring words and personal examples of overcoming adversity during the 156th commencement address.

She shared three principles that she asked our new alumni to remember as they navigate the future.

Do something rather than nothing, even if the outcome or the success rate is uncertain.

Do not let pushbacks or stumbling blocks along the way stop you from achieving your goal.

Speak out what success looks like to you and let the universe and yourself hear it loud.

ACHIEVEMENT

Caitlin Beauduy was named the 2021 Outstanding Senior during Mansfield University’s 156th Commencement in May 2021.

ACHIEVEMENT

ACHIEVEMENT

Eric Evans ’19, diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a child, has been involved in educating law enforcement officers on how to interact with individuals with communicative disorders including those on the autism spectrum - while in the line of duty. Eric began his advocacy as a student, speaking with cadets at Mansfield University’s Municipal Police Academy, and has discussed best practices of communicating with people on the autism spectrum with police departments across the region and state.

Eric’s work and story were featured in The Drum, an African American newspaper in Berks County, PA, and in an interview on BCTV.org.

The Drum: https://bit.ly/2SVG6Z4 BCTV: https://bit.ly/375VytC

ACHIEVEMENT

Mariah Conrad ’20 recently presented her work with Special Olympics to 80 Phi Alpha advisors from across the country. Her work could serve as a model for a national service project.

Review a recording of the presentation here.

ACHIEVEMENT

M (L-R) PA Rep. Clint Owlett, Commissioner Roger Bunn, Commissioner Erick Coolidge, Chief Scott Henry, Congressman Fred Keller, Deb Rudy, Commissioner Mark Hamilton.

Director of Police Services and Chief of Police Scott Henry '84 was presented with citations from the Pennsylvania Senate, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and the Tioga County Commissioners along with the congressional record of Congressman Fred Keller honoring Henry on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2020.

The honors were a result of Henry being recognized with the 2020 Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) John Radko Police Officer of the Year Award and the VFW National Law Enforcement Officer Award in September.

ACHIEVEMENT In January, Retired Major Brian Dix '82, Director Laureate of "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, debuted “Madam (Vice) President” in a performance by an all-female orchestra to honor Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris as well as all women in the American political arena.

"I want to pay tribute to their hard work over the past 100 years and to inspire younger women to march forth with their dreams, where becoming Madam (Vice) President is the ultimate brassring.”

– Major Brian Dix

OPPORTUNITY *noun /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/ a time when a particular situation makes it possible to do or achieve something July 16, 2020

"Today, we recognize a pivotal moment in our State System’s history.

It is a day filled with promise and hope for our students, our universities, and our Commonwealth."

– Dan Greenstein, PASSHE Chancellor Chancellor's Blog: Giving New Meaning to Sharing

September 16, 2020

“University integration presents an incredible opportunity for Mansfield University to build upon existing collaborations with Bloomsburg and Lock Haven. Creating a combined vision would allow the universities to align new and current degree programs, meet regional economic and workforce needs, and transform the delivery of higher education to better serve the students of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

– President Patterson, Mansfield University

OPPORTUNITY

Shane Yonchiuk '21 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Advocacy Week

OPPORTUNITY

Ky'le Cole '21 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Advocacy Week

READ MORE...

OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS & ADVANCEMENT 31 S. Academy St. Mansfield, PA 16933 888-305-6505

INTEGRATION INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PLAN More than 500 students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community leaders helped shape the Northeast Integration plan. Below are some of the highlights: A single faculty providing instruction in a unified academic program array. Students will be able to select from an expanded array of academic programs, including nearly double the program options for Mansfield and Lock Haven students.

75% of our enrollment is clustered in 8-10 disciplinary areas and these academic programs will continue to be delivered 100% in-person on all three campuses. A typical student will take most in-person courses at their home campus and some courses through real-time remote learning.

Significantly expanded opportunities for adult students seeking to re-skill and up-skill through non-degree credentialing courses.

Each institution’s name, logo, mascot, and identity will be preserved. An integrated entity name will be established and used for accreditation purposes.

Students will enjoy on-campus housing, student clubs and organizations, athletics, and vibrant campus life on all three campuses. Athletics remains an important part of our campus culture, and we are pursuing a path with the NCAA where each campus will retain its current complement of teams.

Students can design a university experience that works for them with dedicated support services on each campus.

A single President and leadership team with one reporting relationship to the Board of Governors through the Chancellor.

Read the Northeast Integration Plan

INTEGRATION INSIGHTS PROCESS AND TIMELINE (EFF. 5-11-21) Process: Share the implementation plan(s) with the public, holding at least two public hearings and taking public comments on the plan Submit the implementation plan(s) for final approval by the Board Begin implementation (July 2021 - August 2022) Welcome first class of students to integrated university in August 2022 Timeline: April-July 2021—Public Comment Period On April 28 the Board of Governors took the next step in System Redesign by voting to approve implementation plans for the Northeast and West university integrations so that we can begin a 60-day public review/comment period before the Board considers final approval this summer.

Your feedback is important and may be shared through the designated State System options.

Online Form Email - publiccomment@passhe.edu U.S. Mail Office of the Chancellor University Integrations Public Comment Dixon University Center 2986 N. Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 June 2021 Public Hearings June 9, 4:30-6 p.m.

June 10, 4:30-6 p.m.

Zoom Links TBD July 15, 2021 Board of Governors’ Meeting Board votes whether to provide final approval of proposed implementation plans for West and Northeast integrations.

NEXT STEPS: As we learn more through the 60-day public comment period, work continues to evolve the plan to bring three institutions together to create an affordable, quality student experience. Through integration, we are committed to: Preserving Yesterday: We will preserve the founding principles of each campus and the communities we serve.

Adapting to Today: We will answer the greatest challenges facing higher education: access, cost, opportunity, quality, and relevance.

Building a Stronger Tomorrow: We will change the trajectory of public higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and enhance the value of degrees from Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities.

As this work continues, we are all making plans for the Fall 2021 semester to be held in person.

We remain wholly committed to supporting our current students and recruiting future Mounties, Bald Eagles, and Huskies.

SAVE THE DATES SAT, JULY 10 @ 9 AM GOLF FOURSOMES ARE SOLD OUT! Non-Golfer, Tee/Green Sponsor, and Donation submissions are still available.

ALUMNI & FRIENDS WEEKEND

JULY 30-31

1857

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

SAT, JULY 31 @ 9 AM

GOLF TOURNAMENT

HOMECOMING WEEKEND

SEPTEMBER 24-25 HOMECOMING GOLF TOURNAMENT

FRI, SEPTEMBER 24 @ 9 AM A complete schedule of events for Alumni & Friends and Homecoming Weekends, including online registration will be forthcoming.

OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS & ADVANCEMENT 31 S. Academy St. Mansfield, PA 16933 *Definition obtained from Oxford Languages

888-305-6505