WINTER 2007-08
CAMPUS LIFE
20th year for Millersville research conference
1855 Society reception The 1855 Society celebrated its inaugural reception on October 25, 2007, in Biemesderfer Center. The Society exists to recognize the individuals and organizations that have provided leadership support for the University, its programs and students. Their philanthropic investment is a tes-
tament to their belief in and support for the works that the University has done and continues to do for the students, community and the region. Members have made the University a priority in their giving and serve to inspire others who have a passion in making Millersville second to none.
The Student Research and Visual & Performing Arts Conference, scheduled for Friday, April 18, marks the 20th anniversary of the research conference at Millersville. The annual research conference started in 1989 with 23 students and their research work. Since then, each year more and more students take the opportunity to present their scholarly research work as traditional papers or as posters. This year, the committee is encouraging submissions in the visual and performing arts as well as other research interests. Dr. Kenneth Smith, associate professor of economics, is chairing the 2008 Undergraduate Student Research Conference Committee.
Book chronicles the largest sealift in world history The largest sealift in world history and the veterans who facilitated it have largely been forgotten in history books and by the American people. That’s according to Dr. Ronald B. Frankum Jr., associate professor of history at Millersville and an expert on the Vietnam War. Frankum has chronicled America’s involvement in this humanitarian effort in his latest book, Operation Passage to Freedom: The United States Navy in Vietnam 1954-1955. The July 1954 Geneva Agreements established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Vietnam
and it provided a 300 day period for the Vietnamese to relocate freely to either country. As a result, U.S. Navy ships transported 310,000 Vietnamese by sea who fled the Communist north in hopes of a better life in the south. “What the American sailors accomplished during the ten months of the operation forever changed the lives of the Vietnamese who received transportation, food and medical care on the 110 ships involved,” said Frankum.
“The Americans poured out their hearts to these people and really helped give them an opportunity at a new life. One day they’d be handing out medicine and food, the next day they would act as a father, uncle or brother. It was a real humanitarian mission.” “These veterans did what people in the military do everyday; they helped people,” said Frankum.
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