Tradition: Penn State Proud in the Lehigh Valley. July 2014.

J U LY 2 0 1 4

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

“Please don’t take my sunshine away” Student engineers design concepts to support Alzheimer’s care.

In the Moment

On May 1, the campus welcomed Penn State’s eighteenth President, Dr. Eric J. Barron. During his visit, President Barron, above with Chancellor Williams, spoke to students, faculty, and staff about his vision for the University’s future.

Another special guest, Vice Provost Nick Jones, visited on May 5 to learn more about the campus as the University enters B TR ADITION a new strategic planning cycle.

contents

contents

3

Campus Pride

5

Alumni Pride

8

Energy + Luck

Sam Greene ‘13 is finding his place in an emerging industry and staying connected to his alma mater.

12 A Season of Firsts

Freshman Jailyn Stern helps the campus’ women’s basketball team

exceed expectations in their inaugural season.

14 Loving Memory

Inspired by her mother, an engineering instructor and her students

design concepts to help care for and honor those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

20 A Lesson Too Important to Forget

Teaching the Holocaust to Today’s Students 22 Calendar of Events 24 The Big Picture

5 19 24 JULY 2014 1

EDITORIAL TEAM Allison Goodin Kim Holloway Kate Morgan WRITERS Elena Douvanis ‘07 Allison Goodin Judy Mishriki Lynn Staples Jailyn Stern COPY EDITOR Donna Hahn PHOTOGRAPHY Safa Asad Dan Z. Johnson Jenna Mason Kate Morgan GRAPHIC DESIGN Kim Holloway CORRESPONDENCE Tradition Penn State Lehigh Valley 2809 Saucon Valley Road Center Valley, PA 18034-8447 tradition@psu.edu Tradition is published twice a year by the Office of University Relations.

/psulvalumni /psulehighvalley @psulehighvalley @psulvalumni @psulehighvalley youtube.com/PSULehighValley The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas.

Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice Provost for Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Email: kfl2@ psu.edu; Tel 814-863-0471.

U.Ed. LVO 14.106

from the chancellor After the cold, snowy, and seemingly endless winter we just experienced at Penn State Lehigh Valley, I’m sure, like us, you are eager to focus on all that is warm and bright. Fortunately, despite campus closures and copious amounts of rock salt (see “The Big Picture” on page 23 for more on that story), things at Penn State Lehigh Valley are looking very bright.

The campus and the University are celebrating the completion of a highly successful capital campaign, “For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students.” I’m proud to say that both the University and our campus exceeded our original fundraising goals.

This means that, because of you, we can provide our current and future students with additional scholarships, new options in academic programs, better facilities, and more.

Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for your continued support of our campus and our University. In the coming months, we look forward to updating you on how we intend to be good stewards of your past, present, and future generosity. In the meantime, please enjoy the stories we have in this issue, which provide a glimpse of some of the truly exceptional things happening at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

Ann Williams Chancellor

campus

campus pride

Behind the Scenes: Steadicam operator shares his craft

Since taking over as the campus’ film instructor last fall, Katina Bozikis has made her passion for movies apparent. She’s spent many years in the industry herself, but has always loved looking at, analyzing, and teaching film to students. In January, her connections provided a special opportunity to learn from a master craftsman, Larry McConkey.

McConkey is considered the best in the business at operating the Steadicam, a filmmaking innovation that allows the operator to move freely without transferring the movement or vibration to the finished shot. It has allowed McConkey to film a multitude of memorable movie and television shots in his more than 30-year career.

“It allows me to be another player, another actor in the scene,” said McConkey.

In addition to a demonstration, he talked about his work with “Marty” (Scorsese) in Goodfellas, whose three-minute shot depicting Ray Liotta entering the Copacabana club won him an award, and the incredible choreography to produce a shot for Hugo. McConkey shared stories of working with Quentin Tarantino on films like Django Unchained and Kill Bill, and closed with an emotional shot from the Academy Award-winning 12 Years a Slave.

“With our campus’ growing focus on the fields of art and communication, hearing from a professional of Larry’s caliber is an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Bozikis.

McConkey demonstrates how the Steadicam, introduced in the 1970s, gives the operator a unique way to film a moving shot.

THE ADVISORY BOARD WELCOMES KELLY PAYNE ‘86 For the newest advisory board member, education and a desire to help others have become a lifelong passion. The youngest of seven children, Kelly Payne ‘86 was encouraged to attend a state school. With three siblings already Nittany Lions, Penn State was an easy and comfortable choice.

While studying accounting through Schreyer Honors College, Payne struggled to find her niche in the large campus setting. “My husband, Jack ‘86, has strong relationships with his fellow Blue Band members and college friends. While I love Penn State, my experience was very different. My focus on academics, combined with the large size of the campus, limited my ability to find that sense of belonging,” said Payne.

After graduating with highest distinction, Payne accepted a position with Arthur Anderson & Co. in Philadelphia and began working as an auditor, where she found satisfaction guiding companies to make better business decisions. So began Payne’s desire to tie everything in life to helping others, ultimately leading her from finance to human resources, and now information technology at Air Products. As an account manager, she helps clients transform their business processes.

Payne has continued to foster her love of learning, earning an MBA from Lehigh University, and a certificate in management fundamentals from Cornell University. She is currently a candidate for a master of science degree in organizational dynamics at the University of Pennsylvania.

As she considered joining the advisory board, Payne was immediately intrigued by the difference in the student experience at a campus like Penn State Lehigh Valley.

“I am drawn to the feeling of home that students have described. That feeling of belonging is critical during this stage of life. The campus is a warm, inviting place to learn and thrive. It speaks to me, and I am excited to be a part of it.”

JULY 2014 3

Williams and Kackley-Dutt receive University awards Each year, Penn State honors several members of its faculty and staff for the highest levels of academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and meritorious service. The recipients—33 outstanding University employees and one program—reach across campuses, colleges, and administrative units and exemplify best practices and achievements among Penn Staters reflecting the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. This year, two Penn State Lehigh Valley individuals were among those lauded for their contributions.

Chancellor Ann Williams received the 2014 Shirley Hendrick Award, presented by the Penn State Commission for Adult Learners for service to adult learners, and Karen Kackley-Dutt, instructor of biology, was one of six Penn State faculty members who received the 2014 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching. Both Williams and Kackley-Dutt were presented with their awards on Monday, March 24, during a luncheon at University Park.

The Shirley Hendrick Award recognizes an administrator who has contributed to the success of Penn State’s efforts to serve adult learners. The award is named in memory of Shirley Hendrick (1936–2000), the first recipient, dean of continuing education in the Smeal College of Business, and inaugural chair of the Commission for Adult Learners, who advocated for continuing education.

As chancellor, Williams has provided leadership as Penn State Lehigh Valley developed one of the most diverse portfolios of continuing education offerings, from professional development for corporations to health care training and certificate programs for educators.

Over the past year, Williams co-chaired the Continuing Education Task Force, with the goal of redefining the University’s statewide continuing education mission. She was then appointed to co-chair the statewide Continuing Education Implementation Team. “In reviewing initiatives, budgets, and protocols, Dr. Williams never lost sight of the mission of continuing education: to provide educational opportunities in accessible, affordable formats to serve adult learners in meaningful ways,” a nominator said.

Dr. Williams and Dr. Kackley-Dutt are joined by colleagues, family, and students at the awards luncheon. From left: Tim Dutt, Nabeel Zaghtiti, Dr. Debra Miller, Dr. Kackley-Dutt, Vinod Jaretnam, Dr. Williams, Eileen Grodziak, Dr. Julie Ealy, Dr. Kenneth Thigpen, Pam Borowski, and Nancy Coco.

Another nominator wrote, “Dr. Williams has been fearless in her representation of what is best and forward thinking for our adult students and their advocates in the University.”

The George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching is named for the seventh president of the University (1882–1907) and is presented each year to faculty members who have devoted substantial effort to and developed a record of excellence in undergraduate teaching.

Kackley-Dutt incorporates varied educational technologies into her biology classes including clickers, iPads, digital textbooks, concept mapping software, and handheld digital microscopes.

“I search for new pedagogical methods and use whatever tools are at my disposal to reach my students, whatever their level of preparedness, to challenge them to be the best they can be,” she said.

One student noted that Kackley-Dutt is “willing to change how she teaches or what she teaches every year, all to help the students understand the material better.” The biology instructor also regularly incorporates field trips ranging from a walk around campus to a spring break trip to Costa Rica or Guanajuato, Mexico, to study conservation and ecology issues.

WHO MOVED OUR LION? Last fall we shared news that the Nittany Lion mascot, or rather a full-size replica, had taken up residence on a bench at the corner of Third and New Streets in Bethlehem. The bench became a source of many fun photo ops at the location, but passers-by may have noticed that the bench is no longer there.

Fear not! In late March, our friends at ArtsQuest offered to give the lion bench a new home in the shadow of the iconic SteelStacks. After weathering a pretty rough winter, we’re quite sure that, if he could talk, the Nittany Lion would tell us he’s looking forward to the sunny, music-filled days ahead at his new home.

Snap your own photo and share it on social media using #ifoundthelion.

4 TR ADITION

NETWORKING EVENT BRINGS ALUMNI TOGETHER AT STEELSTACKS Sixty alumni joined Penn State Alumni Career Services and the Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society for Nittany Networking at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks on April 17, including many young alums and new faces. Everyone enjoyed an evening of professional networking, delicious hors d’oeuvres, prizes, Berkey Creamery ice cream, grilled stickies, and our guest speaker, Terry DeGroot ’85, business owner in the Lehigh Valley.

alumni

alumni pride

Area alumna receives University Alumni Achievement Award Emily R. Bear ’10, of Breinigsville, a staff nurse at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network on the Transitional Trauma Unit, is a recipient of the 2014 Penn State University Alumni Achievement Award. She was recognized along with eight other Alumni Achievement Award recipients on April 24 and 25 at a ceremony at University Park.

The Alumni Achievement Award is open to all graduates of the University who are 35 years of age or younger and have shown extraordinary professional accomplishment.

In 2012–13, Bear took a leave of absence from her staff nurse position and spent eight weeks in Conakry, Guinea, volunteering as a nurse aboard the Africa Mercy ship where she learned transcultural nursing firsthand.

Alumni Society president, Chris Bogden ’91 (right), and Chapter president, Terry DeGroot ’85 (left), wear matching, school-spirited ties to the event.

Coincidence? We think not, but we’re okay with it.

EVEN A POLAR VORTEX COULDN’T FREEZE SOCIETY FUNDRAISER It was a challenging winter, but that didn’t stop local alums from getting their ice cream at the Alumni Society’s biannual Berkey Creamery fundraiser to support first-year student scholarships. Nearly 250 alumni visited the campus in March to pick up half gallons of Mint Nittany, Peachy Paterno, Death by Chocolate and twelve other flavors.

Society members, Lion Ambassadors, and the Nittany Lion mascot helped unload the freezer truck and deliver 1,405 half gallons.

Alumni were treated to Blue Band music, light refreshments, and pictures with the Lion as they waited. More than 100 children’s books were collected to donate to Cops ‘n’ Kids. To make sure you receive your order form for the fall Berkey Creamery sale, visit psulvalumni.org/contact-us and sign up for the Alumni Society’s mailing list.

She has been a trauma nurse for over seven years and has been an active member on the unit’s Performance Improvement and Practice Committee. She recently joined the Nightshift Nurse Council representing medical-surgical nurses and has spent numerous hours as a nurse preceptor to senior nursing students and nursing graduates.

In 2013, Bear and fellow laboratory partners were published in the electronic International Journal of Chemistry for their research in organic chemistry. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, Society of Trauma Nurses, and Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. She also belongs to the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and Alpha Sigma Lambda, Phi Delta Chi.

LOCAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATES THON LIVE While the campus THON team was breaking records and dancing For the Kids at the Bryce Jordan Center, a group of more than 100 alumni and friends gathered at the ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem to watch the final hours of the dance marathon via live stream.

As the reveal of the grand total approached, THON fans of all ages enjoyed Penn State trivia, THON-themed snacks, live music, a visit from the Nittany Lion, and the chance to learn an original line dance. All eyes were on the big screen stream as the totals were announced.

Cheers erupted when Penn State Lehigh Valley ranked seventh out of nineteen campuses with a personal best of $46,159.57 raised toward the overall THON total of more than $13 million.

View event pictures at flickr.com/psulehighvalley.

JULY 2014 5

FEATURED SPEAKER: JOHN RATZENBERGER Known primarily for his portrayal of "Cliff Clavin" on the hit sitcom Cheers, actor John Ratzenberger had a wealth of experience to draw on as he addressed the Class of 2014. He is an Emmy-nominated actor who holds the distinction of being the sixth most successful actor of all time based on a total box office of more than $3 billion, and voicing a character in every single Pixar film created to date. Instead of chronicling his acting career, Ratzenberger chose to impart his message to the graduates by recounting the tale of a job he held as a carpenter long before Hollywood came calling.

He spoke of the difficulty he faced in being accepted by the other, more experienced carpenters. But he didn't quit, he worked hard, and eventually, in an unconventional way, his colleagues showed that he had made it—by nailing his work boots to the rafters of a building they were constructing while he was still in them. For him, it was a defining moment of victory.

Ratzenberger encouraged the graduates to "keep high standards" and know that they are "not entitled to anything," and closed by saying, "Work hard, follow your dreams, and maybe someday, if you're really lucky, someone will nail your boots to the roof."

Watch Ratzenberger’s speech on youtube.com/ PSULehighValley.

View more photos on flickr.com/psulehighvalley.

Go to lv.psu.edu and click on “commencement photos” to a commemorative photo.

6 buy TR ADITION

Top: Childhood and early adolescent education graduate Rokaya Layoun ‘14 awaits the start of the processional.

Middle: The campus’ first corporate communication graduate Rita DeBenedetto ‘14 listens intently.

Below: Student Marshal Lucas Baker ‘14 delivers an emotional speech that shares his long journey from the army to a college degree. Using baseball as a metaphor, he encourages graduates to “keep swinging” and congratulates them saying, “Today you hit a home run. Tomorrow you’re back on deck.”

2014 Commencement ON M AY 10, THE C A MPUS AWAR DED 9 0 BACHELOR 'S AN D A SSOCIATE DEGR EE S AT S TABLER AR EN A IN BE THLEHEM . THE OCC A SION WA S ME T WITH CHEER S BOTH IN PER SON AN D ONLINE V IA # P SULVGR A D. T WEE T S AN D INS TAGR A M PHOTOS WER E SH AR ED LI V E ON DIGITAL BILLBOAR DS THROUGHOU T THE R EGION.

Dr. Peter Behrens serves as Campus Marshal and (below) the Class of 2014 and the Nittany Lion celebrate enthusiastically.

JULY 2014 7

Energy Strategy A N D PER H AP S A LIT TLE LUCK .

SAM G R EENE ‘13 IS FIN DING HIS PL ACE IN AN EMERGING IN DUS TRY A N D S TAY ING CONNEC TED TO HIS A L M A M ATER .

Like most workforce warriors waking up for the daily grind, Sam Greene is sure to check the weather before heading out the door. But the forecast doesn’t just affect which coat he’ll wear or if he should grab an umbrella. It tells him exactly how he’s going to make sure his 100+ commercial customers have enough energy to operate successfully that day.

8 TR ADITION

“If you’re going to commit to something, commit 120 percent.”

—Sam Greene ‘13 JULY 2014 9

As a coordinator in the Natural Gas Marketing Department at PPL Energy Plus, it is Greene’s responsibility each morning to forecast the amount of energy his customers will use and send the appropriate amount of natural gas to the meters for delivery.

In the afternoon, his role shifts more to the marketing side—running down new business leads with brokers and outside sales channels, as well as solving problems and handling special requests for his current clients. It’s been an exciting journey for this young professional and recent grad to find his footing in the emerging field of natural gas trading. And it started with, as Greene himself states, “A strategic approach, a little luck, and a lot of hard work.”

The luck came while Greene was busing tables at Melt, the popular Italian eatery just across the street from campus, where he was enrolled as a sophomore energy business and finance major. He struck up a conversation with a gentleman sitting at one of his tables, who happened to be a senior vice president of finance at PPL Corporation.

“I knew I was looking for a career in something breakthrough—an emerging field—and energy certainly fit that bill,” said Greene. “How lucky was I to be talking about my goals and using what I had learned in several of my classes with someone at that level in the industry?”

Encouraged by his conversation, Greene applied for an internship in PPL’s finance department and got it. He was set to start in the summer, just three days after returning from a campus-run global field study in international business in China, where, as luck would have it, Greene ran into another American that worked for a large gas producer while hiking The Great Wall.

The gentleman happened to be in China developing global gas explorations for his company, and reinforcing for Greene just how vital an international perspective is to strategically developing a career.

“That trip was life-changing. I can’t commend the Lehigh Valley campus enough for continuing to offer study abroad trips to students. Academically, it takes everything you’re learning in the classroom to another level. But what you learn about yourself, along with the experiences during the trip, is just as, if not more, important.”

10 TR ADITION

Just as Greene jumped at the chance to study abroad, he seized the opportunity during his summer internship to learn as much as he could about the energy industry. He scheduled at least 20 interviews with people in all areas of the business to learn what they did. After meeting with two employees who worked in trading at PPL Energy plus, Greene determined that landing a co-op in that division was his next goal.

That fall, Greene left for his junior year at University Park. He applied for multiple summer internships and was happy to land his desired position in natural gas trading and supply at Energy Plus, based in PPL’s Allentown location. His internship was going so well, in fact, that he didn’t want it to end.

“As the summer progressed, I was learning so much and being given more responsibilities. I worried that if I went back to University Park for the start of my senior year, I’d be cutting the learning opportunity short. So I asked to stay and work through the fall as well.”

Lucky for Greene, Penn State’s variety of learning options made it possible to continue his internship and his education. He took classes at both Lehigh Valley and the World Campus while working 30 hours a week until his co-op wrapped up in December. As he prepared to return to University Park for his final semester, Greene got the call that PPL Energy Plus was offering him a full-time position after graduation.

Now almost a year into his professional career, Greene is enjoying the environment, and even the challenges, of working in the energy industry, and Penn State Lehigh Valley is enjoying a little of its own luck in having him remain involved.

Krajsa has invited Greene to be on the judging panel for the campus’ business student internship presentations where he helps provide valuable feedback.

Additionally, Greene accompanied students as a mentor on their March trip to Peru led

by Krajsa and Dr. Ana Figueroa-Coddou, assistant professor of Spanish.

“It was amazing to travel to Peru with the students and it prompted a lot of selfreflection,” said Greene. “I tried to put myself back in their shoes, think about what I wanted to know, and offer honest feedback to their questions—things like time management, what it’s like at University Park, and that, if you’re going to commit to something, commit 120 percent.”

It’s hard to imagine that this eager young professional has much energy to spare after all this, but he’s also managed to find time to start an MBA program at Lehigh University while continuing to explore his options in the energy industry, which could include trading, project management, or starting an energy consulting firm.

“The natural gas market is having a huge impact on the industry, and in Pennsylvania, we’re right on top of it. I like to see and experience change, and I see myself making the greatest impact, and having a high level of job satisfaction, in an industry that is constantly evolving.”

With the June announcement of PPL Energy Supply’s spinoff and combination with Riverstone Holding’s generation business to form Talen Energy Corporation, that evolution is happening right before Greene’s eyes.

“Sam was an outstanding student leader and serving as a peer alumni mentor to our current students comes as no surprise given his approachable demeanor,” said Michael Krajsa, instructor of business and faculty leader of Greene’s first trip to China. “Sam sees the big picture and willingly listens and shares his knowledge, experiences, networks, and strategies with others.”

Greene talks with student Noah Nealon as the group prepares for a lecture at the United States Embassy in Peru during spring break 2014.

EDUCATION IS A TREASURE THAT WILL FOLLOW YOU EVERYWHERE. CONTINUING EDUCATION Upcoming Events and Course Listings Available Online LV.PSU.EDU/CE 610-285-5000

JULY 2014 11

A Season of Firsts FR E SHM A N JA ILY N S TER N R EFLEC T S ON THE IN AUGUR AL WO MEN’S BA SK E TBA LL TE A M E XCEEDING E X PEC TATIONS I was born into a basketball family, and even before I was born, my mom was already coaching an Amateur Athletic Union team. So, it was kind of destined for me to play basketball. Basketball has always been important to me and has always been my motivation in life. I picked up a basketball at age six and haven’t put it down yet.

Growing up in Reading, Pa., wasn’t that hard for me, and I was blessed to have one of the greatest moms ever. She has always been my biggest supporter. My mom always told me that basketball was my way out of Reading, which has the ninth highest crime rate in America.

I also did well in school, so my parents made sure I had whatever I needed. I had a lot of opportunities to do other activities and sports, but basketball has always been my number one.

From her days playing in youth leagues to becoming a Lady Lion, basketball is a driving force in Stern’s life. * A double-double is the accumulation of a doubledigit number total in two of the five statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots—in a game.

When it came time to decide on college, at first I was going to go to Penn State Berks because I knew that Penn State was a great school. Then I was contacted about visiting Penn State Lehigh Valley because they were just starting a women’s team and I jumped on that opportunity. After visiting campus, my mom felt that this would be a better opportunity for me and a better overall experience. The people are different and so is the atmosphere. I also really liked having the opportunity to start a program. I feel blessed to have been chosen to be part of this brand new program in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). I know that everything we do from here on out will be part of the campus’ history because we are the first.

Our team goal from day one was to change the culture. To our team, changing the culture means making people believe in something they may otherwise not. Our whole team is filled with unique individuals from all types of backgrounds, and the fact that we can come together and play for one goal is a great quality.

I feel that as a first-year team we did well. We were picked to finish last out of fourteen teams, but we finished seventh overall. Even though we had hoped to qualify for the PSUAC playoffs, we fell just two games short. There were, however, some really great accomplishments this year. I was named to the PSUAC Honorable Mention Team and also named as a United States Collegiate Athletic Association Honorable Mention All-American. I led our team in scoring, averaging 18.0 points per game. I finished the season ranked seventh in the league in scoring.

My teammate Taylor Russell led the PSUAC in blocks, averaging 3.6 per game. Both Taylor and Ashley Gordon finished the season averaging close to a double-double.* Taylor averaged 13.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while Ashley averaged 14.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Simone Rey finished fourth in the PSUAC in steals per game, averaging 2.8.

Overall, for a first-year program, the team achieved great success and I am extremely proud.

We also made some memories this season that I will cherish forever, like our bus rides, practices, and get-togethers. Our team spent a lot of time together and we came together like a family. Our goals for next season are to make playoffs, to play every game with 110 percent effort, and to continue to build our program.

When I leave Penn State Lehigh Valley, I hope to hang a banner!

12 TR ADITION

Stern practices outside the new basketball sport court currently under construction.

JULY 2014  13

Loving Memory

Healthy brain (bottom) versus brain of a donor with Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, TRdecreases ADITION the14  brain in size.

Dr. Scanlon (front row, right) with her sons, Brad (left) and Luke (right), and Pat and Greg (back row) in a family photo with Joe and Lucy (center)

INSPIR ED BY HER M OTHER , AN ENGINEER ING INS TRUC TOR AN D HER S T U DENT S DE SIGN CONCEP T S TO HELP C AR E FOR AN D HONOR THOSE A FFEC TED BY DEMENTIA AN D AL ZHEIMER ’S At first, no one thought much of it. After all, she was in her early 80s.

She was entitled to be a little forgetful, or

“That’s the thing about [Alzheimer’s.] You lose that person long before they’re actually gone.”

not remember that she

Lucy’s daughters shared her concern that there was something more going on, and urged her mother to see her doctor about it. After some resistance, in 2007 Lucy underwent a brain scan and the result confirmed her family’s suspicions: Lucy had Alzheimer’s.

If there was a positive side to the diagnosis, it was that the frustration Lucy’s family felt when interacting with her subsided. They now had a name for it and could focus on what they needed to do to care for her. But they also had to face the heartbreaking reality that they had been and would continue to lose the beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother that they knew.

—Dr. Marietta Scanlon

had just asked the same question minutes before.

And Lucy Cappucci did everything she was supposed to do to keep her mind sharp by playing brain games and exercising.

Lucy, a former school teacher, lived with her husband, Joe, a retired city bus driver, on the first floor of a two-family unit in Boston.

Her twin sister occupied the unit above, and a few of Lucy’s five children lived relatively close by. At times, her family seemed just as confused and frustrated as Lucy was about her forgetfulness and progressively strange, out-of-character behavior. Eventually, one of

“That’s the bad thing about this disease. You lose that person long before they’re actually gone,” said Dr. Marietta Scanlon, instructor in engineering and one of Lucy’s five children.

Scanlon had been living in Reading, Pa., with her husband and their children for some time when she received the news of her mother’s diagnosis. She did all she could to help, but distance proved a frustrating obstacle to doing as much as she wished she JULY 2014 15

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE MY ONLY SUNSHINE YOU MAKE ME HAPPY WHEN SKIES ARE GREY YOU NEVER KNOW DEAR HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY SUNSHINE AWAY THE OTHER NIGHT DEAR AS I LAY SLEEPING I DREAMT I HELD YOU IN MY ARMS WHEN I AWOKE DEAR I WAS MISTAKEN SO I HUNG MY HEAD AND I CRIED YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE MY ONLY SUNSHINE YOU MAKE ME HAPPY WHEN SKIES ARE GREY YOU NEVER KNOW DEAR HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY SUNSHINE AWAY PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY SUNSHINE AWAY

could. Scanlon would find out through phone calls about the time a policeman called from the grocery store to say that Lucy was there, alone and confused; or about the door locks they had to install out of Lucy’s reach to keep her from wandering out of the house.

Fortunately, when it became apparent that her father needed more help to care for Lucy, they were able to move in with Scanlon’s sister and brother-in-law, who were both doctors.

“My mom lost her ability to speak early in her disease. She couldn’t tell you if she felt sick or had a toothache, but as doctors, my sister and brother-in-law had an advantage in keeping an eye out for what she wasn’t able to articulate,” Scanlon described. “It was a blessing having them to help care for her. They were always able to meet her wherever she was at the time, both mentally and physically.”

Lucy and Joe lived with their daughter and son-in-law for about five years. During that time, her family did what they could to keep Lucy active and engaged. Despite limited speech and memory for even those closest to her, she could still respond to certain music and prayers. The most enduring of Lucy’s favorite songs was, “You Are My Sunshine.” A simple love song with straightforward lyrics that beg, “Please don’t take my sunshine away.” Words that took on a new poignancy as the entire congregation sang them in Lucy’s memory when she passed away in 2013.

COMING TO TERMS The song’s message echoes the struggle of those affected by dementia diseases. There is the resentment and often anger that newlydiagnosed victims of the condition face as their brains force them in and out of recognizing what they’ve known all their lives. Add to that the challenges for family and friends who must watch helplessly as the disease begins to destroy those memories completely, and the magnitude of what dementia takes away becomes acutely realized.

As her mother’s disease progressed, Scanlon desired to do more.

Since geography limited hands-on help with her mother’s care, she turned to what she knew best: engineering and educating.

Scanlon had only recently joined the faculty when she met another engineering professor who described how he was working with students on an engineering design project for credit. It got her thinking that maybe there was a way to give her students some realworld experience while also honoring her mother.

FINDING A PARTNER While some families are able to make arrangements for their loved one to remain living at home as Lucy did, others find that assisted living is a better fit. At these facilities, residents receive round-theclock care in a community-based, but standardized, environment; an environment that might benefit from some creative engineering ideas.

Scanlon reached out to Leigh Cundari, an instructor in the Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) program, with her idea. Cundari, in turn, urged Scanlon to talk with Sandy Massetti, executive vice president and chief healthcare officer at Phoebe Ministries and a member of the RHS advisory board.

Founded in Allentown in 1903, Phoebe Ministries specializes in health care, housing, and support services for senior adults. The nonprofit organization has grown exponentially and now serves seniors in seven Pennsylvania counties. Phoebe had long been recognized in the region as a leader in caring for seniors with dementia, but in 2012 they took their commitment a step further by establishing the Phoebe Center for Excellence in Dementia Care and hiring Dr. Kelly O’Shea Carney, a licensed psychologist who specializes in geriatrics, to lead it.

“We are faced with an epidemic of dementia in this country. Of course the biggest risk factor for dementia diseases like Alzheimer’s is age. As our population ages, this already significant challenge will only grow,” said Carney.

And that, she explained, is the motivation behind Phoebe’s Center for Excellence. While science and research have come a long way in helping us understand dementia better and remove some of the stigma, the industry still has some catching up to do.

“We have systems built on old-fashioned medical models. They are largely underfunded and highly regulated, making it challenging to bring everyone up to the same standard of care,” said Carney. “The industry knows what it’s supposed to be doing—focusing on personcentered care—but the reality of incorporating those practices in real time can be more complex.”

With the new Center for Excellence, Phoebe intends to be a leader and model organization for providing the highest level of care in its memory support and dementia care communities. Part of its mission includes demonstrating leadership in research and innovation, which made the idea from Scanlon an intriguing proposition.

“We’ve worked with other colleges and universities before, but primarily in a health care or psychological capacity,” said Carney.

“The idea of working with engineering students was something new, but seemed like it could be a great fit.”

STUDENTS RESPOND Now that Scanlon had a partner on board, she took the idea to the students hoping for some interest. Scanlon pitched the idea during the fall 2013 semester to engineering and biology majors: Would anyone be interested in designing products that could help individuals with Alzheimer’s? It would be on a volunteer basis and not for credit, but would give them valuable experience in engineering design. Somewhat to her surprise, about twenty students showed interest, with many citing their personal experience with a family member as their motivation.

Scanlon purposefully organized the class to mirror the experience employed engineers would have in the real world. She took on the role of project manager and divided the class into five working groups. The students began brainstorming during weekly meetings outside of class. But it wasn’t until they had the chance to visit residents in the memory support neighborhood at Phoebe that they truly began to realize who they were designing for, and some students found it difficult to interact with them.

From top: Students Marium Shahid, Anthony Farrisi, and Alejandro Vega visit with Phoebe residents.

JULY 2014 17

“In kids, Montessori methods foster learning. For our residents, it’s about engagement. But the basic concepts of Montessori theory are there,” said Carney. “Our staff proposes appropriate tasks for our residents’ functional level utilizing everyday objects. And there are no wrong answers.”

For example, the staff might propose the idea of a party, and it would be up to the residents to plan, choose the decorations and menu, and shop for supplies. The Montessori-based concepts had a strong influence on three out of the five student groups’ final proposals.

From left: Alex Connor, Katelyn Johnson, Becca Kinsey, Jimmy Harchar and Roman Zelechiwsky work on their light therapy project.

“You could tell that some students were really outside their comfort zone, but that was part of what this project was about,” said Scanlon.

“Pursuing a major in engineering is very rigorous, full of algorithms and equations, but it also has a very important human side. They need to know that, and I want them to learn the importance of giving back to their community.”

That first visit to Phoebe was also eye-opening in other ways. The students began to realize that some of their initial ideas might sound innovative and cutting-edge, but just would not work in Phoebe’s environment. They also learned about techniques that caregivers utilize to engage residents in meaningful activity, including some based on the Montessori method. Incorporating Montessori techniques into dementia care is a relatively recent development, and different from use with young children.

First, they had to vet their ideas with the client, Phoebe, to determine if they were feasible for the customer, the residents. They met with Carney and other Phoebe staff to discuss the myriad considerations and conduct a risk analysis. Everything from safety, to health codes and regulations, to paint and other building materials had to be carefully thought out before they could bring their ideas to life.

Jimmy Harchar participated based on his experience with his grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. His group wanted to take on a security or safety-related project after learning about the challenges daily activities can pose.

“We had a couple of ideas, like designing wristbands and threshold alarms that would sound if a resident had wandered out of their neighborhood. Then we thought about trying to make the bathroom, where residents are sometimes most vulnerable and uncomfortable, safer. But these are extremely regulated aspects of the facility and turned out not to be possible,” said Harchar.

ENGINEERING DESIGN 452/453: FINAL PROJECTS CUE CUBE Alejandro Vega, Jack Long, Zachary Klotz, Martin Dawson, Rabia Anwar, Marium Shahid

PHOEBE MARKET Zachary Bloshuk, Anna Martin, Ryan Rago, AJ Ressler, Damian Wolfe

The cube offers a place for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients to congregate, socialize, and most importantly spark cognitive activity.

A simulated storefront was constructed which allows residents a normalizing activity while providing both exercise and cognitive stimulation.

LIGHT THERAPY Jimmy Harchar, Alex Connor, Katelyn Johnson, Roman Zelechiwsky, Becca Kinsey Using multicolored LED lighting, a system was implemented that would allow caregivers to use light therapy to implement a calming environment for residents.

TEXTURE CUBE Anthony Farrisi, Brandon Smeltz, Michael Thor Tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation are accomplished through fabrics of different colors and textures.

RESIDENT LIFE STORY Michael Cimerola, Matthew Giamber, Gary Mahoski, Matt Schleicher Using web applications, a method was developed to record and compile the life stories of residents.

18 TR ADITION

With their concepts approved by Phoebe, the spring semester was about designing, building, and ultimately delivering their projects.

On May 15, Phoebe staff, residents, and the students’ parents gathered to watch them present their projects. The center’s executive director, Michell Staska-Pier, praised the students’ efforts.

“You did this without any promise of credit. That’s what we look for in future leaders,” said Staska-Pier.

In what Scanlon describes as a somewhat ironic twist, it was between the two semesters that Lucy passed away.

“As difficult as that has been, it has also made the project more meaningful to me,” she said.

The impact, both on Scanlon and her students, has been immense, and it started during that first visit to the residents at Phoebe. A smile crossed her face as she remembered those initial student reactions to coming face to face with Alzheimer’s disease, and her voice swelled with both emotion and pride at how far not only her students, but she herself has come since her mother’s death.

They couldn’t tackle Phoebe’s infrastructure, but they could do something to help the residents feel more secure and comfortable.

The group researched how light and light therapy can affect mood, applied their findings to an existing piece of technology, and customized it for the dementia-care setting.

MAKING IT WORK As the process progressed, the time left in the semester began to dwindle. Scanlon didn’t want this to be just a theoretical project.

She wanted the students to see a project through from concept to completion and delivery. She also felt they deserved to receive academic credit for their work, especially if it would continue in the spring semester. To that end, she approached campus administration about offering it as an Engineering Design 452/453 course. Twentythree students enrolled, most taking the course as an overload to their already packed schedules.

“It has been such a blessing to work with these kids, to watch them get this résumé-boosting experience and a new perspective on humanity. As potential engineers, the value of that is hard to quantify,” said Scanlon. “It has also helped me come to terms with my own experience and inspired me to make this a sustainable program.”

The treatment of Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases is not solely a medical issue. The professor sees many opportunities for students across disciplines to participate alongside engineers in meaningful ways. The project has even laid the groundwork for a service-learning program Scanlon plans to call ECHO: Engineers Collaborating for Humanitarian Outreach, with an appropriate tagline, “It will come back to you.”

“The idea is to continue to inspire students to see the human side of engineering while gaining real-world experience and helping others in need,” said Scanlon. “As the program grows, I anticipate partnering with organizations in the Lehigh Valley, and perhaps eventually expanding to a more global perspective.”

But this original project will always have a special place in her heart.

“I am so grateful that I have been allowed to honor my mom in this way,” said Scanlon. “It doesn’t lessen the pain. I still miss her. I miss who she was, and most of all, I miss how she was with my kids. But she is ultimately the reason I’m on this path with these students creating something positive.”

And that is a ray of sunshine that even Alzheimer’s can’t take away.

Top: Brandon Smeltz explains the Texture Cube, a 4” x 4” x 4” fabric cube designed to provide sensory stimulation.

Bottom: Martin Dawson demonstrates the functions of the Cue Cube, a 1.5’ x 1.5’x 1.5’ wooden cube designed to provide sensory stimulation through colors, music, and puzzle solving.

JULY 2014 19

A Lesson Too Important to Forget TE ACH I N G TH E H O LOC AUS T TO TO DAY ’S S TUDE NT S “My revenge is that I’m alive,” said Bauer. “And I tell you my story so that you see to it that it never happens again.”

It’s been 70 years since it ended, but reminders of the Holocaust and the hatred that spawned it are, unfortunately, still present. Evidence can be found even in the last few months. There was the shooting of three people at two Jewish centers in Kansas; the alleged shooter known to have a history of anti-Semitism. Or the appearance of leaflets notifying Jews in East Ukraine that they must register; a haunting echo of the Holocaust’s beginnings. And news of German authorities using modern technologies to help bring former Nazi concentration camp workers to justice before they die.

Though hard to imagine that such a black spot in the world’s history could be repeated, the sad truth is that similar prejudice-driven atrocities, racial and ethnic marginalization, and genocide have continued to occur throughout the world, and are occurring right now.

“‘You’re going to the showers,’ they told us.

We looked at each other and thought, well, this is it, we are going to the gas chamber.

But water came.”

So spoke Esther Bauer (above), a ninety-year-old survivor of the horrors of the Holocaust, to a rapt audience on March 14. Bauer, who travels to many schools and organizations to share her story, came to campus as part of Student Affairs’ cultural programming.

She recounted an almost unbelievable story of survival, of numerous instances when the young Jewish girl escaped certain death at the hands of the Nazis. Upon her arrival at the terrifying gates of the Auschwitz concentration camp, victims were separated into groups and directed to go to the right or the left. Those who went left met a terrible end in the gas chambers, while Bauer’s group was put to work in the most dreadful conditions. And how she never again saw her mother, a doctor; father, a teacher; and first husband, who had saved her life by stealing medication when she came down with pneumonia at the Theresienstadt ghetto. And finally, her liberation from the Mauthausen work camp and immigration to New York City at age 22, where she has lived ever since.

20 TR ADITION

Tradition recently interviewed David Longenbach, an instructor in history, who has taught HIST 121: History of the Holocaust 1933–45 nearly every year since 1995, about why teaching today’s students about this event is still so important.

Tradition: Why do you think it’s still relevant to teach this Holocaust-focused course, rather than include it as part of a larger WWII course?

David Longenbach: The Holocaust allows the professor and the student to explore government policy issues and their impact more directly than just as part of the larger conflict of World War II. It also allows for a better examination of the role of propaganda and ideology on society both on a macro-political level as well as a micropersonal level. It introduces the concept of genocide and the reasons behind its adoption both before and since, and allows for a better understanding of the concepts of class, hate, prejudice, etc., and their negative impact on societies.

T: Has anything changed the way you teach the course now as opposed to when you first started?

DL: The number of texts has continued to grow significantly. Many survivors reaching their retired years have committed their stories to paper and published them. This allows for a much wider range of personal experiences for students to explore. Museum exhibits and

the influence of cable channels with their various documentary series have also made a large number of original films and photos available. Perhaps most telling was the film “Schindler’s List,” which had a huge impact on interest in the Holocaust. I use as many of these primary sources as I can.

T: You include a field trip as part of the course. Where have you taken the students and why?

DL: We recently went to the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. This is an excellent experience for anyone as the artifacts on display provide a real sense of living in those times and under those conditions. Students remember the artifacts they see and the stories behind them more readily than objects they just read about in their texts. Even for students who are tactile learners, it gives objects and dimensions that go beyond just photographs and makes a real impression in their memories. All of the students seem to make connections to something that they encounter and that they can recall long after the course is concluded.

“My revenge is that I’m alive.”

—Esther Bauer

T: Today’s students are rather far removed from the events of the Holocaust. The number of living survivors is dwindling. Do you get a sense of how much the students already know when they start your class?

DL: I am often surprised how little they know about events in the 20th Century and why those events are so important to understanding our modern world. Most of my students tell me that they learn a lot in the course and that it ignites an interest that stays with them. This provides a real sense of accomplishment for me, as every teacher wants to ignite curiosity in their students— that desire to simply know more.

DID YOU KNOW? A FORMER CAMPUS INSTRUCTOR ESCAPED THE HOLOCAUST ON THE KINDERTRANSPORT In fact, coworkers of Dr. Frank (Franz) Gittler ‘54, who began teaching at the Lehigh Valley campus in 1983, did not know this fact and all that Gittler had endured during WWII until his funeral service in 2000.

Following Kristallnacht, when the Nazis destroyed 267 synagogues, smashed 7,500 Jewish stores, and incarcerated nearly 30,000 Jews in concentration camps, the British Jewish Refugee Committee appealed to the members of Parliament for help. In response, England created the Kindertransport program to bring Jewish children under the age of 17 out of Germany to be placed in foster families in England. About 10,000 children escaped on the sealed trains of the Kindertransport in 1938 and 1939.

On August 31, 1939, as Hitler was invading Poland, fifteen-year-old Frank Gittler said goodbye to his tearful mother in Berlin, and boarded what would be the last Kindertransport train. Three years later, following internment as an enemy alien on the Isle of Man and a treacherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, Frank arrived in the United States. He immediately enlisted in Patton’s Third Army and returned to Europe. In April of 1945, his regiment liberated the survivors of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Frank’s parents, Gertrud and Wilhelm Gittler, did not survive the Holocaust.

After the war, Gittler returned to the United States where he eventually earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Penn State. He married and settled in Allentown where he and his wife, Renee, had four children. In addition to serving as an instructor at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Gittler was a member of the technical staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories for 31 years.

Gittler recounted his amazing story for the Shoah Foundation Institute in 1996. After learning about his experience, Penn State Lehigh Valley was granted permission from the institute to share portions of his interview during an event in 2007. During the interview, Gittler echoed a message similar to Esther Bauer’s plea for future generations to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

“Make sure the world knows what horrible thing happened in Germany…

It is scary. I unfortunately realize that history repeats itself.”

JULY 2014 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.

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, email tradition@psu.edu.

August 14

Spend a Summer Evening Information about

Penn State majors and campus selections will be discussed.

Tours of the campus will also be available. 6 p.m.

August 22

Blue & White Night Join

July 7–August 15

alumni for happy hour. 6–8 p.m.

Melt, Level 3, Center Valley.

Student Art Exhibition

September 2–December 12

July 14–25

retrospective of his work, videos of his friends and collectors, and recordings of Weaver’s band, Los Dominos. Reception: October 2, 5–7 p.m.

Annual showcase of campus student work from 2013–14.

Reception: July 23, 5–7 p.m.

Summer Youth Camps

Academic camps for students entering grades 1–12. More info at sycroar.org.

July 20

Celebrate Penn State Picnic A joint event of the

Lehigh Valley Chapter and the Alumni Society. 1 p.m. Upper Macungie Park.

July 23

Gallery Reception and Dedication In conjunction

with the Student Art Exhibition, a special reception to recognize benefactor Ronald K. De Long.

5–7 p.m.

July 30

Spend a Summer Evening Information about

Penn State majors and campus selections will be discussed.

Tours of the campus will also be available. 6 p.m.

September 26

September 10

Pamela Varkony State of

the Valley student newspaper kicks off a new speaker series “Be Heard: Creativity, Writing, and Advocacy in the Digital Age.” 1 p.m.

September 11

Moment of Silence Meet

in the courtyard at 12:15 p.m. to remember the victims of 9/11.

September 13

Penn State/Rutgers Football Bus Trip Trip

includes bus ride, game ticket, and light refreshments on the bus. Sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Chapter. Contact Terry DeGroot at 610-297-5438 or psudegroot1@juno.com.

September 18

Blue & White Night Join

Fall Open House For prospective students and their families. Hear about the options and opportunities at Penn State and speak with faculty, students, staff, and alumni. 9 a.m.

October 16–November 20

Shakespeare’s Guide to Love and Marriage

The Continuing Education Six@Six lecturer Dr. Margaret Christian will explore cultural differences, design elements, and Shakespeare’s language.

Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Pre-Conference Workshop Prior to the

Diverse Literacies Conference, attend a workshop on Quality Writing. 6 p.m. Melt Restaurant, Center Valley.

Greg Weaver: Urban American Folk Artist A

alumni for happy hour. 6–8 p.m.

Dunderbak’s, Whitehall.

22 TR ADITION

September 24 1st Klass Musical duo from Barbados to perform. 1 p.m.

October 18

November 8

September 27

Diverse Literacies Conference Language

as a Medium, a Tool, and an Outcome. Keynote: Tom Romano. www.diverseliteracies. org. 7:30 a.m. Bear Creek Resort & Conference Center, Macungie.

Dance for a Cure Learn a different dance style each hour, enjoy a food buffet, silent auction, Penn State and THON trivia, THON video clips, and door prizes. Hosted by the Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society Benefiting THON. 7 p.m.–1 a.m. Mixx Nightclub, Allentown.

November 8

Bus Trip to Winterthur

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Varano will be creating art of famous Hispanic leaders.

12:15 p.m.

The campus Women’s Commission is sponsoring a bus trip to view the Downton Abbey exhibit at Winterthur, followed by high tea at the DuPont Country Club. Preregistration required. Call 610-285-5000.

October 11

November 13

Cheer on the Nittany Lions as they take on Michigan at this outdoor TV tailgate event. 7 p.m.

ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, Southside Bethlehem.

alumni for happy hour. 6–8 p.m.

PJ Whelihan’s, Bethlehem.

October 9

Artist Tom Varano

Football TV Tailgate

Blue & White Night Join

November 20

Fall Berkey Creamery Ice Cream Delivery Proceeds from the Alumni Society’s ice cream sale benefit first-year student scholarships. 5–8 p.m.

ANNOUNCING THE NEW ARTS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE

ARTSA The new Arts Administration (ARTSA) bachelor of arts program combines a student’s passion for the arts with significant training in management, strategic planning, marketing, development, event planning, and digital communication.

A broad range of on- and off-campus internships is available to offer students real-world experience in arts administration.

Successful arts administration is crucial to the continued vitality of modern cultural institutions, creative enterprises, and arts organizations. The ARTSA program aims to produce creative and capable arts administrators who possess both aesthetic sensibilities as well as business acumen.

For more information, contact Dr. Elizabeth Flaherty, Coordinator of Arts Administration, at ArtsA@psu.edu or 610-285-5073.

POTENTIAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Events Coordinator Community Engagement Specialist Community Arts Director Grant Writer Graphic Designer Development Officer Arts Strategic Planner

Fine Arts Studio Administrator Arts Information Coordinator Social Media/Digital Marketing Specialist Art Dealer

Entrepreneur Visual Media and Film Manager Museum/Gallery Administrator Arts Education Coordinator

Performance/ Entertainment Agent

In its more than 100-year history, Penn State Lehigh Valley has continued to grow and change to meet its students’ needs. The campus offers multiple pathways for you to earn your Penn State degree and provides a dynamic, fun, and supportive environment in which to do it. From new art and music spaces that let creativity soar to cutting-edge science and engineering labs where students conduct undergraduate research; from world-class faculty mentors to world-wide travel opportunities, and a myriad of student activities and athletic teams, Penn State Lehigh Valley offers the value of a big university in a small-campus setting.

2809 Saucon Valley Road Center Valley, PA 18034 Phone: 610-285-5000 Fax: 610-285-5220

lv.psu.edu

The Big Picture

We’re pretty sure no one wants to be reminded of the rough 2013–14 winter the Lehigh Valley and other parts of the country endured, but it felt like we’d be remiss to not acknowledge its impact. To lessen the blow, enjoy these statistics with a beautiful spring view of University Park as the backdrop.

66.9"

9

186

-4º

2.5

22%

Lowest temperature recorded in January 2014

Days campus was closed due to weather

Average number of pallets of salt used in recent winters

11

Overtime hours worked by maintenance staff due to winter weather

Increase in winter weather costs over last year

Pallets of salt used this winter

PHOTO BY SARA BRENNEN

Amount of snow reported by the National Weather Service for the Allentown area

JULY 2014 coverC

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

2809 Saucon Valley Road Center Valley, PA 18034-8447

For students entering grades 1–12.

July 14–25, 2014. Each camp is ½ day from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1–4 p.m.

Visit sycroar.org, email sycroar@psu.edu, or call 610-285-5058.