This year, Penn State Schuylkill students have raised more than $22,000 for THON, the largest amount raised in campus history. THON, believed to be the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, is a University-wide effort and has raised more than $78 million to fight pediatric cancer since 1973. This year, two students: Vincent Carrano of Pottsville, Pa., and Derek Stufflet, of Philadelphia, have been selected to represent Schuylkill campus at the 46-hour dance marathon, to be held on the weekend of Feb. 17 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa. (more)
Kelly M. Austin, vice president of finance and administration at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, has been named the new chancellor at Penn State Schuylkill, effective June 1. He replaces previous Schuylkill chancellor R. Keith Hillkirk, who moved to the same role at Penn State Berks in 2011. Stephen Couch, director of academic affairs, has served as interim chancellor since July. "Dr. Austin brings exceptional leadership experience to Penn State Schuylkill," said Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses. "His accomplished service in senior administrative roles -- most notably in finance and business operations, academic and student support and community relations -- speaks to his broad expertise." (more)
Charles Cantalupo, distinguished professor of English, comparative literature and African studies at Penn State Schuylkill, has published a new book. "Joining Africa," published by Michigan State University Press, is an eye-opening personal history, telling the story of an American college professor's 20-year engagement with a thriving Africa rarely encountered by Western visitors, including connections to poets across the continent. (more)
Penn State Schuylkill has announced the formation of a committee comprised of members of the campus and Schuylkill Haven community. The committee will be charged with recommending actions to improve the climate on campus and campus relations with Schuylkill Haven Borough. At a Schuylkill Haven Borough Council meeting this evening (Dec. 21), campus leaders will formally announce the committee's creation and will seek borough residents who wish to participate. (more)
Miners Bank recently donated a stained-glass dome valued at $25,000 to Penn State Schuylkill. The dome, separated into nine sections with a corresponding metal frame, was removed from the ceiling of the Miners Bank Tremont Branch. The Tremont Branch was built in 1910 and the dome was part of its original construction. For several years, the dome -- comprised of leaded stained glass and 9 feet in diameter -- was covered and hidden from view. (more)
Commencement at Penn State Schuylkill on Dec. 15 will be a momentous day for one local veteran. Eric C. Dreisbach will receive his bachelor of science degree in administration of justice. Dreisbach attended Penn State Schuylkill with funding from his GI Bill benefits. When asked why he selected Penn State Schuylkill, Dreisbach responded, "I always wanted to go to school near my hometown of Pine Grove, and fortunately Penn State Schuylkill offered the degree I wanted. The professors who teach the program are very good at their jobs, and they were always there to help out if anyone needed guidance. (more)
Penn State Schuylkill Police and the Schuylkill Haven Police Department continue to investigate an assault that took place shortly before 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, in an off-campus apartment on Dock Street in Schuylkill Haven, Pa. Police are seeking any and all information related to the assault, in which three victims, all Schuylkill campus students, were injured.
Penn State Schuylkill Interim Chancellor Stephen Couch asked the campus community to be vigilant and said campus police will work in cooperation with Schuylkill Haven police to identify and arrest the assailants. The chancellor urged anyone with information to come forward and said that police have reported these were targeted acts of violence, in which the assailants knew the victims.
"I share the deep concern expressed by many of you in the Penn State Schuylkill and Schuylkill Haven community about the violence perpetrated on our students this weekend, and about the violence that has occurred in our community in recent weeks," Couch said. "The safety of our community is of paramount importance, and I ask that everyone monitor their surroundings and report any suspicious activities to the police."
Anyone who has information about Sunday's assault should contact Penn State Schuylkill Police at 570-385-6144, or the Schuylkill Haven Police Department at 570-385-9111. (more)
Penn State Schuylkill Cross Country qualifies for nationals at Lake Placid, NYFive members of the Penn State Schuylkill cross country team have qualified for the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association's National Championships, to be hosted by Paul Smiths College in Lake Placid, N.Y., on Friday, Nov. 11. The students are Darren Foreman, of Alexandria, Va.; Shady Nasralla, of Bayonne, N.J.; Kyle Heffner, of Pine Grove, Pa.; Rashard Allen, of Washington, D.C.; and Lauren Malampy, of Pottstown, Pa. By earning this honor, they become the first Penn State Schuylkil cross country squad to be invited to compete at nationals.
The 34-team field will feature small college cross country teams from all over the country. The top 10 finishers will be awarded the title of All-American. (more)
Penn State Schuylkill students participating in the Schuylkill Campus Honors Program will be honored at a reception in the R. Michael Fryer Conference Center from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The Penn State Schuylkill Campus Honors Program provides highly motivated students with an opportunity to broaden and enrich their general education and to enhance their preparation for graduate school or a career. (more)
