David Walker returned from military service in Iraq with countless memories and experiences - the kind that would stay with him for a lifetime. Fighting in a war is not something one easily talks about. In fact, some never do. But Walker was open to reflecting on his experience. He just needed the right outlet.
Walker, 27, found that outlet through a unique course at Penn State. The recent biochemistry and molecular biology graduate enrolled in English 497: Narrative, Oral History and New Media Technologies in the spring of 2009. The goal of the course was to help returning veterans become filmmakers by creating short documentaries about the experiences of the Iraq War. Dubbed "Back from Iraq: The Veterans' Stories Project," these films, along with student interviews, class footage, and course materials, are now available at http://wpsu.org/backfromiraq online. (more)
To cover increases in operating and maintenance costs, the Board of Trustees on Friday (Nov. 6) approved a modest increase in room and board rates for the 2010-11 academic year. The average room and board rate -- including a standard double-occupancy room and the most common meal plan -- will be $4,185 per semester, an increase of $100, or 2.45 percent, over last year. This is the smallest increase in the room and board rates in a decade. (more)
Students in Steve Manuel's COMM 269 Photojournalism class scattered across Penn State's University Park campus and downtown State College recently, trying to capture fall in new and different ways. The results of their work, along with a photo depicting the same topic by Penn State Public Information photo intern Andy Colwell, can be found at http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/2177 online. (more)
Hundreds of students from Penn State and other universities are gearing up to compete in a most unusual global competition: They will have just eight days to create innovative solutions to a mystery challenge using very limited resources, and to convey their results in a short video posted to YouTube. Students interested in participating in the Global Innovation Tournament can learn more at http://www.unleashingideas.org/tournament online. The submission deadline is Nov. 13. (more)
Penn State's 33rd annual Renaissance Fund dinner has raised $84,085 to endow scholarships in honor of former State College superintendent Patricia L. Best, the 2009 Renaissance Honoree. The annual event raises money for Renaissance Fund scholarships, which are awarded to academically talented Penn State students who have great financial need. The dinners honor community leaders, and contributions are used to endow scholarships in their names. (more)
Get a firsthand account of studying and living abroad at an upcoming event hosted by Penn State University Libraries titled "Global Perspectives." This panel presentation and discussion with Penn State study abroad and international students will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, in Foster Auditorium (room 101) in Pattee Library. It is sponsored by the University Libraries Diversity Committee and Library Learning Services and is being held in conjunction with International Education Week.
Students in the College of Health and Human Development on the University Park campus now have a place in Henderson Building where they can study, check e-mail, or meet up with friends. Room 10 Henderson Building has undergone a large-scale renovation and has been converted into the Hintz Family Student Center. (more)
To meet the growing national trend toward team-based learning, Information Technology Services (ITS) has been installing collaborative learning spaces equipped with the latest technologies throughout the University Park campus. The new learning spaces, many of which are available around the clock, are helping faculty test the limits of team learning by making it easy for students to collaborate on activities and course projects. (more)
Graduate students are invited to attend a free overview workshop on the Teaching with Technology Certificate program from 1 to 2 p.m. on Nov. 23 or 9 to 10 a.m. on Nov. 24 in 169 Willard Building, University Park. (more)
Penn State and State College officials are encouraging fans to be loud, proud and respectful at all University athletic events, including before, during and after this Saturday's Penn State-Ohio State football game. The town-gown partnership has sponsored messages throughout the local community this week saying, "Be enthusiastic. Support our student athletes. Most importantly, cheer loudly for our Nittany Lion teams. Be proud of our University's traditions. Remember the glory of Old State and promote success with honor. Be respectful of our visiting fans. Welcome them to Happy Valley and help them to feel at home here. State College and Penn State should be a great place to be for all sports fans." (more)
