Tradition.

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FALL 2013

Tradition

P E N N S T A T E P R O U D I N T H E L E H I G H VA L L E Y

Real World Experience

Classes, internships, and projects add value for Penn State Lehigh Valley students.


In the Moment

Students gather at the Nittany Lion bench for a holiday photo shoot that involved a good-spirited snowball fight. In October, the campus installed the bench on a lot at 3rd and New Streets on Bethlehem’s south side to spread some Penn State pride in the community. The lot space was provided by local attorney and real estate developer, Dennis Benner. The community got in on the action with a #ifoundthelion social media push by posting their own photos on Twitter and Instagram. In December, the campus joined Bethlehem’s #ChristmasCityUSA social B  TR ADITION media campaign with twelve festive photos at the bench.


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Campus Pride

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Alumni Pride

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Constructing the Future

Alumna Dorothy Wasiak ’12 works to transform stereotypes and pave the way for women to succeed in a male-dominated field.

11 From Inspired to Inspirational Jenna Mason ’16 writes about Dr. Denise Ogden’s unlikely

career path.

14 If at first you don’t succeed… Uzoma Acholonu ’15 writes about his quest to find an internship. 16 Redefining Real-world Experience Students in the real world; employers in the classroom. A look

at opportunities available through Penn State Lehigh Valley.

22 Calendar of Events 24 The Big Picture

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EDITORIAL TEAM Allison Goodin Kim Holloway Kate Morgan WRITERS Uzoma Acholonu ’15 Susan Chappell ’84 Allison Goodin Donna Hahn Jenna Mason ’16 Shelby Morgan ’16 Lynn Staples

from the chancellor

COPY EDITOR Donna Hahn

Today, more than ever, many Penn State Lehigh Valley students choose their majors based on their desire to get a great job postgraduation. While they pursue their degree, most of them are also working part- or full-time jobs to help pay their tuition and support their families. For our students, the factors driving how, why, where, and when college happens are changing and will continue to change.

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jenna Mason Kate Morgan GRAPHIC DESIGN Kim Holloway CORRESPONDENCE Tradition Penn State Lehigh Valley 2809 Saucon Valley Road Center Valley, PA 18034-8447

Penn State Lehigh Valley is responding to those changes in numerous ways. We have added two new degree programs and are excited to announce more in the near future. Our outreach efforts continue to expand for nontraditional learners across the lifespan. And, as you’ll read in this issue, the campus is exploring creative ways to bring real-world experience into the classroom while still supporting traditional internship and mentorship opportunities.

tradition@psu.edu /psulvalumni /psulehighvalley @psulehighvalley @psulvalumni @psulehighvalley youtube.com/PSULehighValley Tradition is published twice a year by the Office of University Relations, Penn State Lehigh Valley. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-8654700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY. U.Ed. LVO 14.47

The foundation of our efforts has been and always will be built on the strength of Penn State pride, which we’ve also had the opportunity to define and share more in the last few months. The campus was buzzing with pride as we took part in the University-wide unveiling of Penn State Lives Here, a new creative theme that speaks to the positive impact Nittany Lions all over the world are making (see page 5). You can also find evidence of that pride at the corner of Third and New Streets on Bethlehem’s south side, where the campus installed a Penn State-themed bench for the entire community to enjoy. Last semester we introduced you to the redesigned Tradition magazine. This semester we are going to introduce a new way of viewing the annual report. Stay tuned for more information to come. And don’t forget, we welcome your letters, feedback, and ideas. You can send them to tradition@psu.edu. One important thing is not changing, and that is our gratitude for you, our readers and friends of the campus, who continue to make us Penn State proud in the Lehigh Valley.

Ann Williams


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campus pride

ADVISORY BOARD SPOTLIGHT – TODD HARVEY The Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board proudly welcomes its newest member, Todd Harvey, Vice President/Investments for Stifel - Greenawald /Harvey Group in Center Valley, Pa. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in economics and finance from Christopher Newport College, Newport News, Va., Harvey began his career as a life insurance agent for Life of Virginia Insurance Company. His focus switched to banking and ultimately led to his current position as an investment adviser and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). “When I was 19 years old and still living at home, my father taught me about the potential that could come from investing. I was hoping to purchase my first new car but was hesitant about having a monthly payment. My father encouraged me to invest the money that I planned to spend on the car into something that would one day pay me. This experience started my love of investing, as opposed to spending,” states Harvey. That life lesson not only led Harvey on his career path but also to become an active investor in local real estate and a partner in SearchworxX, a local internet marketing firm. Harvey’s background in the financial field adds a much-needed perspective on the Advisory Board. “Todd’s wealth of experience in banking and his connections within the local community will provide the campus with valuable input as we continue on our path to grow our campus programs, extracurricular experiences, and facilities,” said Chancellor Ann Williams. In addition, as the father of three children, two in college and one in high school, Harvey brings the parent’s perspective to the Board—a perspective that includes the importance of creating a strong academic core combined with co-curricular opportunities that will not only bring students to this campus but keep them here. “Having just gone through the college search process with two of my children, I recognize the importance of creating a well-rounded experience for students attending the Lehigh Valley campus. It is my hope that I can bring a new perspective to the Board and build upon the passion that Dr. Williams and Howard Kulp have for Penn State Lehigh Valley,” said Harvey.

In Memoriam: Maureen Shannon Joly Penn State Lehigh Valley lost a vibrant member of the campus family on July 22, 2013. Maureen Shannon Joly, Director of Development, passed away in her home after a brief illness. Joly, who attended Penn State Abington for two years as an undergraduate, joined the Penn State Lehigh Valley family in January 2012 after working in development for a number of local organizations including the Allentown Symphony Association, Grace Montessori School, and Sacred Heart Hospital. She was instrumental in helping the campus secure significant contributions toward its goal for the University’s For The Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students initiative. Joly is survived by her husband, Paul; son, Philip; and daughter, Emilie. FALL 2013  3


PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY MADE THE FOLLOWING FULL-TIME FACULTY APPOINTMENTS THIS YEAR

Alison Bonner, Instructor in Mathematics. Bonner received her M.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Arizona.

Kasey Clawson Hudak, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Corporate Communication. Hudak holds a doctoral degree in philosophy and an M.A. in communication studies from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Elizabeth Keptner Babashak, Director of the Multimedia Innovation Center. Keptner received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from West Virginia University and has a fifteen-year career in broadcast journalism.

Alexandria (Sandy) Kile, Instructor in Communication Arts and Sciences. Kile received an M.A. in speech communication from the University of Maryland. She has taught part-time at the campus for twenty-three years.

Robert Lipton, Ph.D., Instructor in Information Sciences and Technology. Lipton holds a doctoral degree in computing technologies from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., and a master’s degree from Kutztown University.

Lakshmi Iswara Chandra Vidyasagar, Ph.D., Instructor in Mathematics. She received her doctoral degree in mathematics from the Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ.

Maryam Kiani, Instructor in Mathematics. Kiani received her M.Ed. with a concentration in math from DeSales University, Center Valley, Pa.

CAMPUS EMPLOYEES RETIRE COMBINING MORE THAN SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

Marie Handwerk, receptionist, retired in May 2013. Prior to her appointment in May 2007, she worked at the campus’ Barnes & Noble Bookstore for seven years.

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Arlene Quesada, campus nurse, retired in May 2013. She joined the campus in March 1998 administering to the needs of students, faculty, and staff.

Sue Snyder retired in June 2013 after nearly twenty-seven years of service. In 1986, she began working in a part-time clerical position, and in 1988 began a new full-time position as secretary to the Academic Officer, remaining in this role for twenty-five years.

Ralph Soda began his employment as a maintenance worker in August 1984, after retiring from the U.S. Army in July 1984. After twentynine years in the maintenance department, he announced his retirement in August 2013. Photo not available.


Penn State Lives Here The University introduced the new Penn State Lives HereTM brand initiative on Oct. 12 during half-time at the homecoming football game at Beaver Stadium. On Oct. 14, Penn State’s other campuses across the state simultaneously unveiled it with a variety of events. The Penn State Lehigh Valley community gathered in Centre Hall to watch a video created to illustrate the initiative. Student leaders also spoke about what Penn State means to them. Following the presentation, Chancellor Ann Williams donned a hard hat and safety gear and took a ride in a cherry picker to unfurl a huge Penn State Lives Here banner from the campus clock tower as students, faculty, and staff looked on. The University spoke to thousands of Penn State students, faculty, staff, and alumni in the development of the Penn State Lives Here initiative, which is meant to highlight the impact Penn Staters are making in the classroom, in research facilities, in their communities and around the world.

Event attendees explore the artwork displayed in the gallery using iPad minis. The iPads included an audio and visual component, which accompanied many of the pieces.

Gallery celebrates 100 years of the Eighth Street Bridge On Nov. 17, Penn State Lehigh Valley opened its doors to nearly 280 community guests to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Albertus L. Meyers Bridge in Allentown, known by locals as the Eighth Street Bridge. An art exhibit dedicated to this landmark was the centerpiece of the event, featuring approximately 30 regional artists using various mediums to create their interpretations of the inspired architectural structure.

CAMPUS RECEIVES NATIONAL RANKING FOR GLOBAL EXPERIENCE Each year, the Institute of International Education releases its “Open Doors Study” which ranks colleges and universities nationwide based on their number of international students, as well as students who study abroad. Penn State Lehigh Valley ranked 35th among bachelor’s institutions for its percentage of students who study abroad. The percentage reflects the number of students who studied abroad in 2011-12 divided by the number of graduating seniors.

ON THE SHELF If you would like your recently released book to be considered for the On the Shelf section of the next issue of Tradition, please email tradition@psu.edu Please note: Tradition publishes every six months.

The Heritage Museum of Lehigh County provided a short historical account of the making of the bridge and the Lehigh Valley Writing Project offered written interpretations of the bridge. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by General Harry C. Trexler (as portrayed by George Miller), an American industrialist and philanthropist considered a founding father of modern Allentown. Artists featured in this exhibit include Rudy Ackerman, Edgar Baum, Walter E. Baum, John Berninger, Greta Brubaker, Lee Butz, Sandra Corpora, Ron De Long, James Doddy, Adriano Farinella, Elizabeth Flaherty, Christina Galbiati, Rosemary Geseck, Lee Leckey, George Miller, Ramon Peralta, Jerry Quier, Mike Sincavage, Heather Sincavage, Joseph Skrapits, Jason Travers, Dana Van Horn, Charles Vlasics, Ann Yost Whitesell and the campus chancellor, Ann Williams. This story, by Shelby Morgan ’16, originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of State of the Valley, the Penn State Lehigh Valley studentrun newspaper.

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Campus expands athletic opportunities for students This fall was a season of firsts for the Penn State Lehigh Valley athletic department, which competes as part of the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). It was the debut of the new women’s basketball team, under the leadership of Coach Robin Martin. For both the women’s and men’s team, it was also the first time they played conference games at Stabler Arena under a new partnership with Lehigh University. Previously, the men’s team played at the Southern Lehigh High School gymnasium. “Having a venue like Stabler Arena as our home court will help take these young teams to a new level and add to the experience not just for our student athletes, but also for fans,” said Rich Fatzinger, coordinator of athletics. As of Dec. 13, both basketball teams have been ranked in the top ten of the USCAA power ratings.

The Nittany Lion bench in Bethlehem has become a popular spot for photo ops! The new Executive Committee of the Advisory Board stopped by earlier this fall to have their photo taken. Clockwise from top: John Hart, immediate past chair; Howard Kulp, chair; Kate Durso, vice chair; Ann Williams, secretary; Martha Phelps, financial secretary.

Biology students accepted into prestigious research course Three Penn State Lehigh Valley undergraduates were accepted to participate in a National Institutes of Health-sponsored training course normally reserved for faculty and advanced postdoctoral fellows. Tyler Adams ’16, Michael Mfarej ’15, and Taylor Rundatz ’15 received full scholarships, air fare, and lodging to attend Rehabilitative and Regenerative Medicine for Minority Health and Health Disparities (REMEDY), a Frontiers Advanced Training Course, from Dec. 3–7, 2013, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. “This is an incredible opportunity for these young undergraduate researchers to learn state-of-the-art bioengineering, cellular, molecular, and genetic research methods alongside leaders in the field,” said Jacqueline McLaughlin, associate professor of biology at Penn State Lehigh Valley and faculty mentor to the students. “It was invaluable experience for them as they continue honing their research skills and preparing for careers in science.” According to the program website, “REMEDY offers dynamic training courses that provide a fresh series of daily lecturers on emerging concepts, followed by extended discussion, laboratory research, technologically intense workshops and informal seminars over a week-long period. The primary aim is to educate and update rehabilitation and regeneration researchers on the implications of stem cells and tissue engineering for mechanistic discoveries and on designing improved strategies for rehabilitation discoveries, especially in the CNS and skeletal-muscular systems.”

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Martin is excited to lead the women’s team (5-4 overall, 2-3 in league play) next semester after an encouraging debut this fall. “Overall, we feel that we started well. We are a very young team and we have a lot of room for improvement if we are to make a serious run in our league. However, as a new program I am very happy with five wins. As a team, we are looking forward to the addition of several players who will be joining us next semester. Hopefully, we will continue to develop our bench and be able to double our win total,” said Martin. Men’s coach Anthony Ross was impressed at the improvements his team (5-5 overall, 3-4 in league play) made this fall, finishing with a .500 win percentage that exceeded the coaching staff’s preseason expectations. “Considering the way our season went last year, I am proud of the way our guys have competed during our first ten games,” said Ross. The basketball season resumes Jan. 4 for the men and Jan. 6 for the women’s team. Fall 2014 will see the debut of the women’s volleyball team under the leadership of Coach Elizabeth Woofindin.

SELECT MEDICAL STUDENTS START LEHIGH VALLEY ROTATIONS Two former Penn State Lehigh Valley students began their thirdand fourth-year studies at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) during summer 2013. Emma Quereshy ’11 and Aresh Ramin ’10 were both chosen to participate in the first class of SELECT, LVHN's unique medical school program with University of South Florida's Morsani College of Medicine. SELECT stands for scholarly excellence, leadership experiences, and collaborative training. After graduating from University Park, Quereshy and Ramin spent two years learning medicine at USF in Tampa, Fl. They returned to the Lehigh Valley to begin classroom study, medical simulations, and clinical rotations within LVHN's hospitals and area doctors' offices.


MEET THE BOARD The Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society’s new executive board is comprised of fourteen area alumni interested in creating events that engage campus students and alumni, and support outreach and philanthropic efforts. These individuals are committed to giving back through their time and talents and enjoy creating networks for students and alumni through social, cultural, and educational events.

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Members: Thomas Newell ’85, Michael Polise ’06, Carolyn Serva ’97, Elizabeth Gerancher ’10, Michael Dopkin ’08, Erin Holt ’09, Todd Dietrich ’04, Craig Warner ’82, Terry DeGroot ’85, Tina Hertel ’87, and Larry Trubilla ’98

SHANE MCGEE

Officers: President Chris Bogden ’91; VicePresident Gwen Herzog ’88; Secretary Nikki Graaf ’93

Penn State alumni from Air Products joined the Department of Continuing Education’s summer campers for a closer look at making ice cream… the high-tech way!

Penn State alumni from Air Products show their Penn State pride at the Nittany Lion Bench in Bethlehem.

Nearly 300 alumni gathered on campus in November to pick up their Creamery Ice Cream, support firstyear scholarships, and help students complete this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive. The Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society bagged and boxed up the most ice cream ever ­—1,890 half-gallons!

Celebrating this year’s homecoming theme with all things Lehigh Valley, twenty students and alumni gathered in State College to march in the 2013 Homecoming Parade: From Metal to Music, Steel to the Sands, Generations Evolve, Tradition Remains.

Interested in volunteering on a Society committee? Contact Chris Bogden at chris.bogden@psualum.com.

In August, more than 100 Penn State alumni and interns from Air Products joined the faculty and staff of Penn State Lehigh Valley for Linking with Lions featuring Berkey Creamery Ice Cream, Diner Stickies, and the chance to catch up on all things blue and white in the Lehigh Valley. A special appearance by the Nittany Lion and presentations on academic collaborations rounded out this networking event. Alumni went home with Penn State gear and the cool taste of Happy “Lehigh” Valley. Alumni and recruiters from Air Products and PPL have teamed up to create the IST Industry Lecture Series. Introducing students in MIS 204 and IST 301 to cuttingedge topics surrounding mobile technologies and security, these lectures provide students with a deeper look at IST applications within Fortune 500 environments. Recruiters join the team to discuss their own Penn State experiences and the current internship/job opportunities at their organizations.

DEBBIE ZUECH-SMYRL

ALUMNI & CORPORATE HAPPENINGS

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society raised over $3,000 For The Kids at their annual Dance for a Cure event in November. More than 100 area friends of Penn State attended. FALL 2013  7


C NSTRUCTING THE FUTURE A LUMN A DO ROTH Y WA SI A K ’12 WORKS TO TR A NSFORM S TEREOT Y PES A ND PAV E THE WAY FOR WOMEN TO SUCCEED IN A M A LEDOMIN ATED FIEL D. BY A LLISO N GOOD I N.

Top: PCGNY Corp. specilaizes in sustainable construction practices like this green roof in downtown New York. At left: Wasiak meets with Tomasz Krezolek at a PCGNY rooftop job site to go over plans for the project.


We stepped into the sunlight on a bright, early fall morning in Midtown Manhattan after our relatively uneventful trip on the “hush bus” (You know, the one where a no-noise rule is strictly enforced). Commuters poured out of the doors of the Port Authority; some silent but with the kind of gait that says plenty about their purpose. Others busy on their cell phones catching up with so-and-so to distract them from the blocks yet to be traveled. Armed with my own cell phone, and only the brief instructions to walk to Eighth Avenue and 35th Street, my colleague (armed with her camera) and I began moving with the Thursday-morning throng toward our destination. “My office is just a few blocks away. I’m leaving now and I will pick you up at the corner,” said Dorothy Wasiak ’12, just minutes earlier when I called to let her know that the bus was pulling into the station. “Don’t worry. I will find you.” I had to wonder how, being that I had never met Dorothy Wasiak and had only spoken to her on the phone once. And which corner, come to think of it? But she sounded so confident, so on we walked until we stopped at the northwest corner of the intersection. My colleague asked, “How do we know it’s her?” “She said she’s driving a black SUV,” I replied as we both looked at the hundreds of cars, mostly SUVs and taxis, whizzing past us. Right. But we needn’t have worried. Within minutes, a black SUV seemed to distinguish itself from the rest and, through the glare of the windshield, its driver motioned at us to turn the corner. As the car slowed and pulled to the curb, the passenger window descended and a smiling Dorothy Wasiak beckoned us to climb aboard. She told us we were heading to one of her job sites downtown. We were barely through the usual introductions and pleasantries when one of two cell phones lying on the center console rang. “This is someone I wanted you to talk to. He is from the Bronx school,” she said as she switched on the speaker phone. “Hello, Osten? I have Allison and Kate from Penn State here. Will you share our story with them?” I quickly opened my notebook and got out my pen. The interview was starting now.

..... A few months earlier, Dr. Denise Ogden, associate professor of marketing at the Lehigh Valley campus, had sent a note about what Dorothy had been up to since graduating from our campus in 2012 with her business administration and marketing degree. continued on next page

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“You may have heard of the ’glass ceiling,’ but women in construction call it the concrete ceiling.” —Dorothy Wasiak ’12

“Her last class at our campus was Diversity Management, taught by me. It made her think about what others have to deal with every day as far as racial and gender discrimination… and she decided to get more involved and mentor underprivileged girls,” said Ogden. “Her story touched me. She is so excited and passionate about what she is doing. She credited her education at Penn State Lehigh Valley for the inspiration and the courage to speak in public!” Speaking over the phone with Dorothy a week or so later, it seemed ’passionate’ was almost inadequate to describe her motivation to make a difference not only in her industry, but also in the lives of young girls that might find a future in it. Wasiak, who immigrated to the U.S. from Poland at the age of 17, has spent most of her professional career in the construction industry. For many, the mention of construction conjures images of hard hats and scaffolding, beams and bulldozers. While there is truth to those elements, there are many others that often go unnoticed.

Still true, however, is that construction is an overwhelmingly male-dominated field. Wasiak truly worked her way through the industry. She began at Allied Building Products, headquartered in East Rutherford, N.J., where she oversaw the accounts receivable portfolio of three New York branches. Her aspirations eventually led her to focus on commercial construction project management and to a job where she managed capital improvement portfolio of 52 buildings for the nation’s secondlargest senior living provider. Currently, she serves as vice president at PCGNY Corp. in Manhattan, an industry leader in exterior restoration, waterproofing and roofing with a particular focus on green and sustainable building practices. Despite her success, Wasiak herself has often felt the effects of being a woman in a maledominated field. “You may have heard of the ’glass ceiling,’ but women in construction call it the concrete ceiling,” said Wasiak.

A little over 12 years ago, she became involved with a nonprofit group focused on helping women crack that concrete ceiling: Professional Women in Construction (PWC). Founded more than thirty years ago, PWC was created to empower and advance opportunities for women and other nontraditional populations in construction and related industries. Over the years, Wasiak progressed from participating in PWC activities to being a member of its board of directors. It is through PWC that an outlet for the inspiration she spoke to Dr. Ogden about came to light and has grown in ways Wasiak herself could never have imagined.

..... We’re traveling down the West Side Highway as Osten Pinkney, coordinator for building trades at the Bronx Design and Construction Academy (BDCA), highlights the details of Wasiak and PWC’s impact on a group of girls at the school. The academy opened two years ago in the South Bronx and helps prepare continued on page 12

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FROM INSPIRED TO INSPIRATIONAL: PROFESSOR TAKES UNLIKELY PATH TO ACADEMIA Growing up in a poor household, Denise Alarid (now Dr. Denise Ogden) didn’t have much of a chance to gain an appreciation for higher education. In her world, it was almost inevitable that she would never attend college. In early high school, she found herself hanging with the wrong crowds and slacking off. But during her sophomore year, Ogden realized she needed a change. She envied her fellow classmates who received awards at the end of the year, and thought to herself, “What do they have that I don’t have?” As junior year rolled around, a newly-inspired Ogden gave herself an extreme academic makeover. She got involved in various clubs, ran for student council, and improved her grades. She only expected to receive one award at the end of the year but instead received five, including the Outstanding Junior of the Year award. These academic successes made others think that she was perfect college material, but in reality, college still hadn’t crossed Ogden’s mind. Still, her teachers saw potential and helped her fill out scholarship and financial aid applications. Soon enough, Ogden found herself the recipient of a full scholarship to Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, located only twenty miles outside of her home in Monte Vista. She graduated with degrees in marketing and psychology. After working for the Bureau of Reclamation in Colorado, she began her business career at Dun and Bradstreet (now D&B), a business credit reporting company which was then located in Bethlehem, Pa. She enjoyed investigating fraud and being a business analyst. During this career, Ogden’s delivered diversity training throughout the region. This is where she found her passion for teaching. She continued working in training at D&B while she pursued her master’s degree at DeSales University. “I really loved that aspect of my job. It made me feel like I was making a difference and creating a more inclusive environment so that everyone felt like they were valued and part of the community,” Ogden said. Her next step was to leave D&B to complete her doctoral degree at Temple University. In her sixth year at Temple, she began working at Penn State Lehigh Valley as an instructor. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer in her first semester. Chancellor Ann Williams willingly saved her position for her return. Two months passed and, thanks to a successful surgery, Ogden returned to teaching at the campus and has been teaching for twelve years. “Penn State has been really good to me. I love working here. I love working with students. Every year they teach me something. Often times I think they teach me more than I teach them,” Ogden said. Ogden drew on her professional experience and designed the diversity management course for the campus. She also conducts diversity workshops through the Department of Continuing Education. The course has inspired students, like Dorothy Wasiak ’12, in many ways over the years. “It’s always interesting to teach that class because it opens students’ eyes to what’s going on around the world… It’s so neat to know that something I do changes someone’s perspective and perhaps even their life choices,” Ogden said. Ogden often shares her own life experiences with students in the class to help illustrate diversity. She believes that access to resources helps people succeed and when students don’t take advantage of resources available, they are missing out. “Growing up poor I never dreamed that I would be a professor at Penn State… and yet, here I am!” Ogden said. “I definitely appreciate my education because it made so many opportunities a reality.” —Jenna Mason ’16

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students for careers within the industry by giving them an overview of construction subjects. But like the industry, females make up only about 10 percent of the student body. In this small population of young women, though, Wasiak saw an opportunity. “Here you have a group of girls facing multiple challenges to success beyond just their gender,” she said. “For many of these girls, there was little to no expectation of furthering their education beyond high school, let alone pursuing a professional career in the construction industry. I wanted to show them that many successful women had to overcome similar obstacles and that hard work and determination are the keys to their success. Education will open doors for them.” To that end, Wasiak and PWC established a mentorship program aimed at empowering the young women and boosting their selfesteem. Using her many connections in the industry, she invited professional women in the industry to come and speak about the various ways their interests could translate to a fruitful career. These professionals were living proof that the girls could be anything they want: a project manager, an architect, an engineer, a property manager. But she knew that it would be even more powerful to show the girls physical evidence of the difference these opportunities could make both for them and for their community. Through her connections with the CFO of the Port Authority, Stephanie Dawson, Wasiak was able to gain clearance so that she could take the girls on an active jobsite visit to the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center. “It was an amazing experience, and only a few dignitaries and Mayor Bloomberg were allowed the same tour as us,” said Wasiak “We walked through an 12  TR ADITION

active jobsite around Freedom Tower, through the museum being built under the memorial, and we went up to the 87th floor, which was the last floor with windows installed at that time. There they were allowed to sign their names on one of the concrete walls.”

“Dorothy and PWC have made such an impact through the mentorship program,” said Pinkney. “These girls have a new vision. The opportunities weren’t clear to them before, but now they are excited about what the future might hold.”

The Port Authority He goes on to went above and beyond tell us how their Wasiak (center) poses with two BDCA students to make the visit collaboration is happen, even offering to at the World Trade Center museum site. helping spark a new purchase constructionprogram with a more global focus. appropriate shoes for girls that could not afford it just so they would be able to “The skills they are learning are transferable take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime at an international level. With Dorothy’s opportunity. help, we are working toward establishing a school for international construction skills In May, Wasiak coordinated another trip that would include an exchange program that involved flying to Buffalo, N.Y., to with partners in countries like Sweden and visit Kemper System America, a global Poland.” manufacturing company specializing in liquid roofing and waterproofing. For many We make a quick stop at the United Nations of the girls, it was their first time on a plane; International School, where PCGNY is about for some, their first time leaving New York to complete a project. As we walk we admire City. That didn’t stop one of the students how beautiful the school is and discuss how from impressing a Kemper representative wonderful it must be to sit in a classroom with her intuitive questions and interest with kids from all over the world; a reality in the presentation. Kemper has since that is becoming the norm. offered that student a paid internship, “Understanding and respecting cultural scholarship money, differences will help all of us communicate and job placement. better with our coworkers and succeed at work. That’s why allowing kids from Thanks to another BDCA to spend a semester in Europe, where friend, Faith Taylor, they could learn about other cultures, Vice President of architecture and management, would be Sustainability for priceless for them. It will allow them a huge Wyndham Global, advantage over their peers and the possibility the girls plan to of a global position in the future.” visit Wyndham’s

Wasiak presents a certificate of participation to Erlene Hatfield who spoke at Meet the Architects and Engineers, a PWC networking event held in Aug. 2012.

headquarters in N.J. where they will meet with a design team to learn about hospitality construction and how the process varies globally, and visit one of their LEED-certified hotels.

Back in the car, Wasiak tells us how more and more professionals are finding out about the program and stepping up to contribute their invaluable knowledge to help mentor the girls. As we pass the World Trade Center with its 1,776-foot beacon gleaming in sunlight, she tells us that, because of their visit, Kemper is now interested in starting another chapter of PWC and the mentorship program in Buffalo to service upstate New York. She is also working to establish a


similar mentorship program for another Manhattan high school and for college students. As we drive through Battery Park, she points out many of the buildings that are still running on generators post-Sandy. She explains that she has written some articles for a regional trade publication that she frequently contributes to about transforming building practices to be more prepared for the next Sandy, stressing the importance and benefits of sustainable construction over conventional construction. She is developing continuing education seminars for professionals, and has been asked to teach a course at a CUNY campus. She was also recently named one of Engineering News Record’s 20 under 40 construction professionals. All of this while still managing her full time job with PCGNY. And when does she sleep, I ask. Laughing, she replies, “I love that my job takes me all over the city every day, and that I get the opportunity to do other things to serve the construction business. I would hate to have to sit behind a desk all day. I love to talk to people, and helping others is my passion.

Golf Tournament 3rd Annual

Join the Benefit for Penn State Lehigh Valley Student Athletes Monday, June 2, 2014 Brookside Country Club Macungie, PA

“I never imagined in my wildest dreams that the program would take off like this. But it just shows that, if we work hard on working together and supporting one another, there is no limit to what can be accomplished.” As we approach our final stop, road construction threatens to detour Wasiak’s plan to show us one more PCGNY job site. She drives right up to an imposing man in a hard hat holding a very large “ROAD CLOSED” sign and tries to impress upon him the necessity of our continuing forward. Unfortunately, he tells us he can’t let us through. “Not to worry,” Wasiak reassures us. “I know another way.” Lead on, Dorothy. We have no doubt.

FALL 2013  13 For more information, contact Athletics Director Rich Fatzinger at 610-285-5216 or rwf10@psu.edu.


Uzoma Acholonu, known as Uzo on campus, is a junior IST major. He has a passion for computers and hopes to focus his career on the design and development of programs and mobile apps.

If at first you don’t succeed… ONE S T U DENT’S QUE S T TO L AN D THE ‘PER FEC T’ INTER NSHIP BY UZOMA ACHOLONU ’15

14  TR ADITION


Becoming an undergraduate student at Penn State at University Park, I finally felt the freedom every teen dreams about. There was no exaggeration and no hyperbole; it was exactly what I expected. While living with this new outlook for my first two years of college, I was soon met with a decision to make—stay at University Park or come back to my hometown campus at Lehigh Valley. I chose the latter.

many different players in the Pennsylvania employment force. Most attendees were able to meet every single company during the open expo session, which is a sheer impossibility at the main campus fair. The expo was extremely educational and I left there a better candidate overall.

Be yourself and allow everyone who sees you to respect that. Making the change from University Park to Penn State Lehigh Valley was a decision that most people looked at with great confusion. Generally, people work to get to where I was, not the other way around. University Park has every major, a bunch of sports, copious social opportunities, and dorms. Why would you give up all that? All that is true, but I had the bigger picture in mind. When I moved back, I decided to major in Information Sciences and Technology (IST). Knowing that the Lehigh Valley area has a large demand for those skills, I knew that the costs of this change would prove to pay dividends to my overall success. My parents told me to find want I want to do and seek it with conviction, always. I knew why I came here and I knew what I wanted. I wanted an internship for one of the most prestigious companies in the country. I wanted Air Products. Within the first week of classes, I began asking around the faculty to see who I would need to talk to to get the internship. I later ended up at the career services suite on the first floor of the building. I walked in, was greeted by Mike Hertel, director of academic support services, and curtly stated, “Hello. I’m Uzo, and I want a job at Air Products.” This is when my nebulous goal started to become more structured. Mike asked me what I had done to prepare for my internship goal and I truthfully told him, “not much as of now.” At that point, I didn’t even know what a padfolio was. He told it to me straight. I was not yet in the position to begin applying for my dream internship, and I had some leg work to do in order to get to that point as soon as possible. I left that first meeting with some tasks and assignments to help me begin my overall journey. First, I was to write up a résumé and format it in a way that not only showcased my accomplishments but also appealed to the company’s interests. (Coincidentally, this was very convenient for me because I had an assignment for my English 202D class to write up a résumé. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.) Mike also sent me away with a just-short-of-substantial stack of résumé-building literature, examples, and activity sheets that practically insured me a successful résumé draft and, soon after, an “A” for that English assignment. Two weeks later, I’m back in the office with, in Mike’s words, a “top-notch document” in hand. Surely I was ready to begin the pursuit of employment. Mike then informed me of a career expo at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and said it would be a great learning experience for networking and self-promotion strategies. I elected to go and found that yet again the small campuses do have their advantages. Although not being as vast as the central fall career fair at University Park, the expo gave the attendees a chance to actually informally meet and greet

The week following the expo was my next career services meeting. Having been through the expo and having a professional résumé in my padfolio, I knew that it was time to focus my sights on Air Products. Soon after, I found out from Susan Chappell ’84, alumni and corporate liaison, that Air Products was coming to the Lehigh Valley campus in October to present about IT internships with the company. This was the time to make waves. Mike and Sue told me that I should definitely attend and come prepared and professional. The time had come, and for the first time in a long while, I was nervous about the endeavor. I walked into the lecture room, decked out in business casual, with a padfolio full of résumés, and put my game face on. I found the two presenters and made it a point to firmly shake their hands and put my best foot forward. I asked good questions and made good points at the end of the session. As soon as I handed my résumé to the recruiter, I knew that the process was beginning and I was on track to get to my endgame. Over the next week, I did a ridiculous amount of research, sent what seemed like a thousand emails, and talked to a bunch of people from the company. But later that week, I was informed that, unfortunately, I was not chosen to be a part of the team this time. After all the work I put into it, it was truly a sobering blow. However, I believe that I learned more about the employment process and myself in those few weeks than I have over my entire life before this. I learned how to be persistent and persuasive. I learned that you should be yourself and allow everyone who sees you to respect that. I learned how to act independently but ask for help when I can’t continue on my own. I learned that, though the campus is small, I can make waves that even University Park can’t rival. At Penn State Lehigh Valley, I was given the attention I wanted and resources I needed to become a viable candidate for a Fortune 500 company. I strongly believe that I couldn’t have had the same chances anywhere else. I don’t regret my campus choice for a second and I would advise others to also make the leap if it fits their situation. Now, my journey is far from over, but I am confident that, given the knowledge I gained through the whole process and connections I made along the way, there is another endgame for me. I will not stop looking until my padfolio runs empty. My advice to anyone starting on a journey like mine would simply be the same thing my parents told me: Keep your grades up and your chin up, and don’t stop walking forward.

FALL 2013  15


Redefining Real-world Experience A COLL ABOR ATI V E A PPROACH TO CR E ATING C A R EER- R E A DY GR A DUATE S

16  TR ADITION

Alexandra Lynn ’15 learns how to operate a camera at the PBS studios at the SteelStacks.


The value of a great internship is undeniable. Spending a summer between semesters in the real-world can teach a student lessons about themselves, their work ethic, and their career goals that can put them ahead of the game when they start seeking employment post-graduation. For a lucky few, it can even lead straight into a full-time position. Some find opportunities close to home, while others venture further afield to grab experiences that will garner a glowing rÉsumÉ. Across the nation, institutions of higher education are being encouraged to place as much emphasis on career-readiness as academic success. Internships are a required element of Penn State Lehigh Valley degree programs and the Career Services office works diligently with both students and employers to find the right placement. “Our campus is fortunate to be situated in a region with opportunities in a variety of industries,” said Mike Hertel, director of academic support. “We do our best to make sure students are as prepared as possible, and we also vet employers’ internship opportunities for their value. We want to make sure our students are doing more than getting coffee and sorting mail.” As valuable as internships still are to a college student’s experience, in the last few years Penn State Lehigh Valley has begun to look for other ways to expose students to career fields and employers, and vice versa. To that end, two years ago Susan Chappell ’84 was hired to a new position as the alumni and corporate liaison responsible for connecting the campus and businesses in mutually beneficial ways. Chappell has seen interest from many companies in bringing the real world to the classroom, though not necessarily in the same way.

We do our best to make sure students are as prepared as possible, and we also vet employers’ internship opportunities for their value. We want to make sure our students are doing more than getting coffee and sorting mail.

“Each company is different, so we work together to come up with a program that will best fit their needs and goals while providing valuable experience for our students,” said Chappell. Whether through traditional internships or creative collaboration with prospective employers, faculty and alumni mentors or academic research experiences, Penn State Lehigh Valley is committed to helping students find ways to make themselves stand out from the crowd. Following are just a few examples of the students and programs that represent this changing definition of real-world experience. continued on next page

—Mike Hertel, Director of Academic Support FALL 2013  17


PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES

AIR PRODUCTS

One notable example of corporate collaboration grew out of a senior capstone project in the campus’ Information Sciences and Technology (IST) degree program. Course instructor Richard Martin, seeking a way to provide students with marketable skills, reached out to local businesses and asked them to provide real-world problems that their companies were actually facing for students in the capstone course to work on and provide recommendations for. Businesses were receptive to the idea.

Trexlertown-based Air Products has a well-established internship program that many Penn State Lehigh Valley students have participated in and some have translated into full-time employment. But Chappell has also worked with the company to bring current employees onto campus to educate students about job opportunities.

Last year, in the project’s third go-around, IST faculty worked along with Chappell to collaborate with PPL, who asked students to research the pros and cons of cloud computing as it relates to their company. This fall, the campus’ Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) students were also added to the mix and the project management courses from both degree programs, taught by Martin and Dr. Mark Gruskin, assistant professor of finance and accounting, tackled a new assignment for PPL focused on software rationalization and integration. “IST and Business go hand-in-hand so cross-collaborating made a lot of sense,” said Martin. “Giving the students real-world experience in projects that put classroom concepts to use will help them understand what life is really like out there in the field. The response from the companies has been very positive.”

18  TR ADITION

“Representatives from Air Products have expressed great interest in our students, particularly our IST graduates. There are jobs available. They just need highly qualified applicants to fill them,” said Dr. Carolina McCluskey, business, engineering and technology program coordinator at the campus. Chappell has already collaborated with Air Products on a Pizza with a Professional program—a casual event that allowed students to learn more about the company, and is working with career services and campus faculty on future programs including an IST Industry Lecture Series. Each of these events provides students with the chance to network with employers and learn more about current job and internship opportunities. Top, from left to right: Jacob Brobst ’14, Brian Rebimbas ’14, Lan Nguyen ’14, Elliot Bays ’14, Ovidiu Ravasan ’13, Renee Johnson ’13, Michael Lawrence ’13, Daniel Clause ’14, Mitchell Carney ’14, Victor Beltran ’13 Below: Chappell (standing) introduces alumni panel members from Air Products at a recent Pizza with a Professional event.


PBS 39 Last spring, the campus debuted a course in Television Field Production (COMM 282) taught by former PBS 39 Station Manager and regional Emmy-winner, Amy Burkett. Participants met regularly at the new PBS studios at Bethlehem’s SteelStacks complex and learned hands-on how to write, shoot, edit and produce television programming. The result was a 15-minute news program, “Our Penn State Lehigh Valley,” that aired three times on WLVT PBS-39. “Taking this class and learning from someone with an impressive career in the field, using the same equipment that the professionals use, and seeing all of our hard work broadcast for the whole community was a uniquely rewarding educational experience,” said Alexandra Lynn ’15, who will be one of the first graduates of the campus’ Corporate Communications degree program next year. “Not only did it enhance my communication skills, but it will enhance my résumé.” Burkett accepted a new position in North Carolina shortly after the class wrapped. Next spring, COMM 282 students will have the benefit of learning from another veteran broadcaster, Elizabeth Keptner Babashak, whose 15-year career in broadcast journalism includes serving as anchor and reporter for CBS 3 (KYW-TV) in Philadelphia, WB-17 in Philadelphia, KTXL-40 in Sacramento, Ca., and WFMZ-69 in Allentown, Pa., among others.

PBS: Students from the inaugural COMM 282 class pose after wrapping up production on their television program. From left: Alexandra Lynn ’15, Jenna Mason ’16, Ryan Dieter, Jon Bloc, and Bob Gallagher ’15.

Need Event Space?

Penn State Lehigh Valley has state-of-the-art classrooms and meeting spaces perfect for your next event. Our friendly staff of professionals will assist in planning a smooth and successful event.

For more information about our facilities, please contact Lynn Staples at 610-285-5082 or LynnStaples@psu.edu.

FALL 2013  19


INTEL Orefield, Pa. native Austin Crain ’15 will admit he wasn’t the greatest student in high school. However, the junior electrical engineering major credits spending his first two years at Penn State Lehigh Valley with helping him get on the right track… or tracks, depending how you look at it. “At Lehigh Valley, I found topics and opportunities that really piqued my interest and I wasn’t pigeon-holed into one area. If I was interested in exploring something new, the professors helped me do it,” said Crain, who began classes at University Park this fall. “Once you start doing well, you want to keep it going.” With interests in everything from engineering to programming, to hardware and software, Crain set his sights on a high-profile company for a summer 2013 internship and landed it. Just a week after finals were completed, he was on a plane to Folsom, Ca. to start a three month stint at Intel as a Debug Tools Developer intern. “One of the most valuable things I learned is communication is the most important thing. When a project involves people from different countries, cultures and time zones, being clear, concise and flexible is key. When communication breaks down, everything becomes disorganized.” Crain already has plans to apply to Intel for another internship next summer with hopes of a career there or at another computer company after graduation.

RODALE INC. You may have seen the face of Mandy Marquardt ’14 in the pages of Tradition before. After all, she is a decorated member of Penn State Lehigh Valley’s cycling team and races professionally with other athletes affected by Type 1 diabetes on Team Novo Nordisk. These activities have taken her all over the world to not only compete but raise awareness about diabetes. But Marquardt, a senior business major, also takes her education seriously and secured a fitting internship right here in the Lehigh Valley that brought both sides of her life together this past summer.

Intel: Austin Crain ’15 (right) poses with his father, Gary, who also works for Intel, outside the company’s offices in Folsom, Ca. Rodale: Mandy Marquardt ’14 reviews a recent issue of Bicycling magazine at Rodale’s offices in Emmaus, Pa. Yellowstone: Ewa Trusz ’14 and Jireh Saba ’14 capture a photo in front of one of Montana’s many sweeping vistas during their summer internship experience. Eastern Sociological Society: Kamil Payano-Sosa ’13 stands outside the hotel in Boston where she presented her research.

20  TR ADITION

“Racing at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown most of my life, the Rodale family has been a huge contributor to the facility and the history of the velodrome,” said Marquardt. “I couldn’t picture a better fit than working for Bicycling Magazine at Rodale Inc. in Emmaus, Pa. for my internship and I couldn’t wait to bring my passion into the workplace!” As the magazine’s marketing intern, Marquardt worked closely with staff on projects like expanding databases of bike shops, brainstorming new strategies, researching ad and marketing programs, and supporting events. “Since I’m heavily involved in the bike scene, it was fun to get to dig and find out who these companies are and the connection they have within the cycling community. It was a great opportunity for me to reach out to people I knew and use my resources to network. I also got to explore ways to shine a brighter light on women’s cycling.”


EASTERN SOCIOLOGICAL SOCIETY Kamil Payano-Sosa ’13 graduated a semester ahead of schedule; a feat relatively uncommon for Penn State Lehigh Valley students, most of whom work while pursuing their degree. There was a time it didn’t even seem possible for the psychology major as she found herself facing the challenges of working, going to school, and financial obligations. But within those challenges, Payano-Sosa also found inspiration for a psychology course assignment that has presented her with opportunities she never dreamed of and set her on a path to continue her education.

JIREH SABA

Payano-Sosa surveyed more than 100 students to examine the relationship between the economic recession and college students’ stress levels. Her findings indicated that an overwhelming majority of students experience at least moderate levels of stress, while more than half experienced high levels of stress. Gender also played a role with female students indicating greater levels of stress. In spring 2012, she presented her research at the campus’ annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and took first place, earning her the right to participate in Penn State’s regional symposium held that year at the Brandywine campus. Again, she came away with top honors. These successes prompted faculty mentor Dr. Jennifer Parker, associate professor of sociology, to encourage Payano-Sosa to apply to present her findings at a national conference. The proposal was accepted and, in March 2013, she shared her research at the Eastern Sociological Society Annual Meeting held in Boston, Ma.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Science and art can sometimes seem worlds apart. But two students with a passion for both found a way to broaden their experience with their summer 2013 internship at one of our nation’s national treasures. Jireh Saba ’14 and Ewa Trusz ’14, biology and art majors who started their Penn State journey at the Lehigh Valley campus, interned with Dr. Kyle Cutting at the Fish and Wildlife Services department of Greater Yellowstone in Montana.

Most recently, Payano-Sosa’s achievements helped her earn a spot as a research intern at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, this past summer.

“A typical day consisted of waking up at 5 a.m. and driving about an hour out into the Centennial Sandhills that look like seas of sagebrush. After we gathered our equipment, we headed out to specific bird capture locations to perform sweep netting and vegetation surveys to collect data about the Brewer Sparrow’s nesting habits and locations,” said Trusz. “It was sometimes quite a challenge trying to avoid hitting cacti and fire-ant hills.”

“That project opened so many doors for me and now I’m considering a number of avenues to continue my education,” said Payano-Sosa, who moved to the Lehigh Valley from the Dominican Republic in 2001. “I also found out I’m kind of a geek for statistics.” In the meantime, Payano-Sosa is working locally at KidsPeace and, since she’s graduating early, looking forward to having a little extra time to decide on just the right path.

In addition to learning scientific research techniques, the duo put their artistic talents to use by designing the t-shirts for the local Fourth of July celebration and working on illustrations that could accompany Cutting’s research project. “It was an amazing experience. It was hard at times to be so far away from home, but to be out there, to travel and see different things and meet different people was definitely worth it,” said Saba. “We were able to learn a lot of great new skills which I have been able to implement in my schooling.”

JENNIFER PARKER

If your business or organization is interested in posting an internship opportunity or partnering with Penn State Lehigh Valley, please contact Mike Hertel (internships) by emailing msh22@psu.edu, or Sue Chappell (corporate partnerships) by emailing sek28@psu.edu.

FALL 2013  21


calendar

calendar of events

This calendar is accurate as of press time. All events located at Penn State Lehigh Valley campus unless otherwise noted.

Looking to re-engage with Penn State alumni in the Lehigh Valley? Join us for events marked with a paw. For more information, visit www.psulvalumni.org. January 16

Blue & White Night

Alumni gather at a different venue for happy hour. 6–8 p.m. Keystone Pub, Whitehall. January 20–April 26 PSU MFA Art exhibit featuring Jan Crooker ’76, Tim Rowen ’99, William H. Snyder ’06, and Margaret Kinkeade ’13. Reception: February 6, 5–7 p.m. January 25

Penn State vs. Boston College Men’s Ice Hockey. 7 p.m. University Park.

February 6

Alumni Night at the Gallery Join us for an artist

reception and exhibit that showcases five decades of Penn State MFA artwork. 6–8 p.m. February 20

Wine Tasting and Pizza Making. Sorrenti’s Cherry

Valley Winery, Saylorsburg. February 21–23

THON Weekend The

annual 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon to raise money to combat pediatric cancer. University Park. February 23

THON at ArtsQuest

January 26

Best Practices in Teaching Writing Conference Regional

educators showcase workshops from LVWP fellows. Speaker: Katherine Bomer, author of Hidden Gems: Naming and Teaching from the Brilliance in Every Student’s Writing.

Show your Blue and White pride and let’s celebrate together FOR THE KIDS! The Capital BlueCross Creativity Commons will project a live feed from THON as we countdown to the big finale. A creative menu will be available at the Mike and Ike Bistro and full bar service will be available for purchase. Noon–5 p.m. ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem.

Spring Berkey Creamery Ice Cream Pickup Sale kicks

off in February. Visit lv.psu.edu. March 27

Penn State Space Science Research and Initiatives Julio Urbina,

Ph.D., associate professor of electrical engineering, will speak about developing advanced instruments and technologies for future radars, with primary objectives of making such instruments more capable and more cost effective, and provide an overview of new instruments and current low and midlatitude space science research activities being conducted at Penn State. 12:15 p.m. April 1

Undergraduate Research Symposium. Annual event for students to showcase their research efforts. 10:15 a.m.

Bottom of the Pyramid Consumers and Store Loyalty In this lecture, Dr.

February 1

March 4

Esther Bauer Speaks In

this unforgettable and moving lecture, Bauer recounts her harrowing experiences as a Holocaust Survivor. 12:15 p.m.

22  TR ADITION

March 20

April 1

Penn State Lehigh Valley vs. Dubois Women’s

Baskeball Game. 1 p.m. Stabler Arena, Bethlehem.

Siteless Blood Drive Kick off the New Year right and give the gift of Life. Donate blood during January or February at any of Miller Keystone’s sites and mention Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni in a friendly competition with our other Penn State Alumni Societies and Chapters in the area.

Shruti Gupta, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing, Penn State Abington, explains the nature of widespread unethical retail practices prevalent amongst neighborhood retail stores that serve the bottom of the pyramid consumer in India, types of patronage behaviors, and the reasons why consumers continue to support these stores. 12:15 p.m.

April 11

Yeah!Yeah!Yeah!: The Evolving Artistry of the Beatles Lecture by Dr. Kenneth Womack, Penn State 2013–14 Scholar Laureate. Preregistration required. Call 610-285-5000. 10:30 a.m. May 1

Honors Convocation

Ceromony recognizes achievements of outstanding students. 6 p.m. May 2

An Hour with a Botanist/ Plant Pathologist: GMOs—The Good and the Not So Good Lecture

by Dr. Karen Kackley, instructor in biology. Preregistration required. Call 610-285-5000. 10:30 a.m. May 5–June 20

IDEA: Inter-District Experience in the Arts

A collaborative art exhibition by the AP Portfolio art students from Palisades and Southern Lehigh High Schools. May 10

Commencement The

campus celebrates the Class of 2014. 11 a.m. Stabler Arena, Bethlehem. May 15

Blue & White Night

Alumni gather at a different venue for happy hour. 6–8 p.m. Krocks Pub, Wescosville. May 18

Penn State Day at Dorney Park Join alumni and students from the Blue & White Society for lunch and a day at Dorney Park. June 2

Penn State Lehigh Valley Golf Tournament Annual

Golf Tournament to support Penn State Lehigh Valley athletic teams. 8 a.m. Brookside Country Club, Macungie.


NEW! Wet Felting, An Exploration

Kim Tanzos, instructor Mondays, 1–3 p.m.

Wet felting is a process that uses wool, soapy water, and agitation to create beautiful fabrics, jewelry, and sculpture. In this course, students will explore a variety of wet felting techniques, such as nuno felting and working with a resist, to create unique works of art.

The

NEW! Acting for Film (Spring II session only) Katina Bozikis, instructor Tuesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

This is an intensive course on acting for film. Learn all aspects of acting from improv to scene study. Students will work on scenes from various films using the Sanford Meisner technique. Open to all who want to learn about acting.

NEW! Creating Ceramic Vessels & Raku Firing Renzo Faggioli, instructor Saturday, April 5 and 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Students will work with a master ceramic artist to create ceramic vessels during the first Saturday and participate in the raku firing process on the second Saturday to create the unique finish that only the raku firing process can produce.

Exploring Printmaking Ron De Long, instructor Wednesdays, 1–3 p.m.

Printmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper. Students will produce multiples of the same work, which is called a “print.” Each print produced is not a copy but considered an original since it is not a reproduction of another work of art and is technically (more correctly) known as an impression.

Drawing & Design Fundamentals Ron De Long, instructor Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–noon

This class will cover basic drawing techniques which may include graphite pencils, pen and ink, inked brushes, color pencils, crayons, charcoal, chalk, pastels, various kinds of erasers, markers, styluses, and various metals (such as silverpoint). A variety of drawing surfaces and design concepts will be explored.

Beginning Jewelry & Metalwork Ann Lalik, instructor Tuesdays, 1–3 p.m.

Explore the technical challenges and creative discovery of designing and creating your own jewelry. In this class, designed just for beginners, students will learn to fabricate (saw, sand, solder), cast texture, polish and set stones in unique and personal designs. No prior metalsmithing or art knowledge is required. Students will be required to purchase materials such as metal, findings, solder, and stones.

Advanced Metals & Jewelry Ann Lalik, instructor Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–noon

Designed for students familiar with the basics of metalsmithing and jewelry making. Students will develop individual ideas and explore new concepts. Technical demonstrations will be offered at the students’ request. Students will be required to purchase materials such as metal, findings, solder, and stones.

Spring 2014 Workshops Winter Spring I Spring II

Jan 13–Feb 20 Feb 24–Apr 3 Apr 7–May 15

Tuition: $180 Register: Call 610-285-5058 or go to lv.psu.edu/artsproject Questions: Contact Ann Lalik at 610-285-5261 or AnnLalik@psu.edu



1973

2006

28,234

1977

2008

$12,374,034

30

$33,707

46

168

708

1

First Penn State Interfraternity Council Dance Marathon held (raised $2,136, 30 hours long, 78 dancers)

Relationship with the Four Diamonds Fund begins, which helps the families of children with cancer meet the needs that insurance will not, as well as finance research

1987

Year that IFC Dance Marathon adopted the name THON

1992

THON hit the one million mark in amount of donations

The first webcast allowed viewers in more than 30 countries to watch

Lehigh Valley campus broke $20,000 for the first time

Days dancers must go without caffeine before THON Weekend

Hours in the no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon

Dancers each year

Bottles of water consumed during THON Weekend 2012

Raised in 2013

Raised by the Lehigh Valley campus in 2013.

Miles our dancers travel from Lehigh Valley campus to State College.

Campus with a THON Alumni FALL 2013  coverC association: Penn State Lehigh Valley!

PHOTO BY CHRIS KOLENO

The Big Picture


Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 166 Lehigh Valley, PA

2809 Saucon Valley Road Center Valley, PA 18034-8447

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Paw-print Chef’s Apron. Only $15 and available at the campus bookstore and alumni relations, with proceeds benefiting first-year scholarships. Buy one for a new Penn State alum today!


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