Dr. Michael D. Michalisin, professor of management at Penn State Worthington Scranton, recently had two research projects presented at the 41^st meeting of the Decision Sciences Institute, a premier business conference in management science and decision making.

Dr. Michalisin, who also serves as the coordinator of Worthington Scranton’s business program, was a collaborator on both research projects that were presented last month in San Diego.

“A Critique of Buyer-Supplier Relationship Typologies: Progress, Problems and Future Direction’s”, was co-written with Dr. .Chanchai Tangpong of North Dakota State University and Dr. Arlyn D. Melcher, of Southern Illinois University.

The study critiqued buyer-supplier relationship (BSR) typologies to identify strengths and weaknesses inherent in these classification systems. It then proposed future research directions that can advance BSR theory and empirical inquiry in ways that better inform BSR practices in today’s business context.

Dr. Michalisin’s second project was, “Factors Influencing Corporate Social Performance: Convergence of Management’s DSP and NEP Orientation in Today’s Business Landscape.” 

It was co-authored with Dr. Michael J. Sheridan of Southern Illinois University and examined factors influencing firms’ corporate social performance. The project used various instruments and data collected from a strategic management simulation to demonstrate that management’s orientation toward the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) and the Dominant Social Paradigm (DSP) has converged to satiate the competing needs of corporate stakeholders.  The study also showed modest empirical support that higher NEP group scores are significantly and positively associated with higher levels of donations to an ecological cause, while higher DSP group scores are significantly and negatively associated with higher levels of donations to an ecological cause.

Dr. Michalisin obtained his Ph.D. in strategic management and macro-organizational theory from Kent State University, an MBA in Finance from Duquesne University, a B.S. in accounting from The Pennsylvania State University, and is a licensed certified public accountant.

In addition to his academic experience he has worked in industry at Ernst and Young, LLP, Westinghouse, and Finalco Group, Inc. His main research interests include the Resource-Based View of the Firm, Business and Environmental Sustainability, Top Management Team Dynamics, and Strategic Entrepreneurship, among others.

He lives in South Abington Township.

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, Penn State Worthington Scranton formally dedicated its new, $3.1 million dollar Science Suite, which is comprised of three new science labs at the campus for biology, chemistry and physics.

The project was made possible by a combination of funding sources including private support from several alumni, businesses, local foundations and individuals, including Penn State faculty and employees.

The new labs contain ultra-modern teaching and student workstations that allow for more interactive, collaborative learning and research capabilities, as well as technologically advanced equipment. 

The biology and chemistry labs are also equipped with video-conferencing capabilities, allowing local faculty and students to interact and participate with science professionals and educators from around the world.

In fact, during the tours of the labs, individuals were able to observe video conferencing from the Sanger Institute, a genomic research center in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, a former chemist herself, spoke of her excitement at seeing the new labs come online and being used by the students and faculty, who now have the advantage of working in new, state-of-the-art facilities.

“Our current and future students now have the benefit of not only having extremely gifted and dedicated faculty members teaching them and the resources of a Big 10 University behind them, they also have a top-notch facility to work in as well,” she said.

The Science Suite project has generated much excitement among Worthington Scranton’s  students, staff, faculty and administration and it was also instrumental in the campus’ efforts to establish a four-year baccalaureate degree program in science this year, making Worthington Scranton one of only two Penn State commonwealth campuses to offer this degree.

“Our first science majors have already been recruited, we have expanded our science faculty, and we look forward to putting the new facilities you are about to see today to great use – through both teaching and research,” Dr. Krogh-Jespersen said.

Dr. Alan Peslak, associate professor of information science and technology at Penn State Worthington Scranton, was recently elected president of the Association for Information Technology Educational Special Interest Group.

Dr. Peslak received the honor while attending the “Joint Information Systems Education Conference” and “Conference on Information Systems Applied Research” in Nashville, TN. At the conference he also presented three blinded, peer-reviewed papers. One of those papers, “The Greening of the IT Curriculum” won the Distinguished Paper Award.  He also selected and introduced Educator of the Year Ken Kendall of Kendall and Kendall Systems Analysis and Design fame.

A member of the association’s board for the past four years, he has served as Membership Director and Vice President.

“My goals are to build on the strength of our information systems organization through expanding membership and increasing our role in information sciences applied research,” said Dr. Peslak, of his role as president. “I am especially committed to expanding our role in green information technology, information technology ethics, and information sciences curricular support.”

The association’s stated mission is to provide information science educators with the latest research in educational techniques, processes and technology.

“To further this mission,” Dr. Peslak stated, “we need to expand our reach and provide unique benefits to all IS researchers and educators, from new instructors and tenure track faculty to seasoned professors and professionals. Technology remains key to improving quality of life in the world and I look forward to leading our organization to contribute to this goal.”

Dr. Peslak, a resident of Peckville, began teaching at Worthington Scranton in August, 2001.  He received his bachelor’s degree and a master’s of business administration (MBA) from the University of Scranton, and another master’s degree and his Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

Dr. Michael D. Michalisin, professor of management and program coordinator for the business program at Penn State Worthington Scranton, recently had an article he co-authored published in the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies.

The journal article, which he co-authored with Dr. Matthew S. Wood, assistant professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, was entitled, “Entrepreneurial Drive in the Top Management Team: Effects on Strategic Choice and Firm Performance.”

The pair documented the development of a theoretical model that showed the relationships between top management teams’ entrepreneurial drive, their strategic choices, and superior industry performance, and formed testable hypotheses.

The results of the study strongly supported the hypotheses that entrepreneurial drive is positively associated with superior industry performance and that the entrepreneurial orientation of the teams’ choices is positively associated with superior industry performance.

This study also found evidence that the relationship between top management teams’ entrepreneurial drive and superior industry performance is moderated by the teams’ strategic choices. 

These results have important implications in terms of how entrepreneurial drive and strategic choices can affect firm performance in today’s hyper-competitive environment.

Dr. Michalisin obtained his Ph.D. in strategic management and macro-organizational theory from Kent State University, an MBA in finance from Duquesne University, a B.S. in accounting from The Pennsylvania State University, and is a licensed certified public accountant.

In addition to his academic experience he has worked in industry at Ernst and Young, LLP, Westinghouse, and Finalco Group, Inc.

His main research interests include the Resource-Based View of the Firm, Business and Environmental Sustainability, Top Management Team Dynamics, and Strategic Entrepreneurship, among others. He has published numerous journal articles, a book chapter, and presented numerous theoretical and empirical papers at top academic conferences.

Dr. Philip Mosley, professor of English and comparative literature at Penn State Worthington Scranton, recently presented at an international workshop hosted by the Centre for Modern European Studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Dr. Mosley was invited by the centre’s director, Professor Ib Bondebjerg, and participated in discussions with a new research group whose theme is European Imaginaries - -European Life-Modes.

His presentation, “The Films of the Dardenne Brothers and Belgian Identity” is a topic that Dr. Mosley is intimately familiar with, as he has published widely on Belgian film and literature and recently completed a book on the Dardenne brothers to be published in 2011.

The workshop brought together film and media researchers, as well as people from sociology and anthropology/ethnology disciplines to address and debate case studies from a selected number of European countries on several dynamically interrelated cultural perspectives.

Those perspectives included institutional culture, mediated and symbolic forms of culture, and culture as modes of everyday life.

Dr. Mosley's presentation highlighted the problematic issue of national and regional identities as well as the representation of daily life in Dardennes' social realist films.

The group plans another meeting in 2011 with a view to a collective publication on the guiding theme.

The women’s cross country team at Penn State Worthington Scranton are not only breaking records on cross country trails, they are also making history both at their home campus and in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC)!

In their most recent meet on Oct. 23, the women held onto their unbeaten season record, winning their fourth consecutive PSUAC Championship and in doing so, became the first undefeated PSUAC champions in the program’s history!

The team also captured its third consecutive automatic bid to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s National Championship meet in Concord, NH, where they placed second last year.

Sophomore Maureen Suchecki, of Pittston, led the way as the Lady Lions captured six of the top 10 spots, for a total score of 15 points, en route to handing the conference another shut out. Diana Kloss, Clifton Twp.; Amber Martin, Moscow; and Rebecca Kinsey, Dunmore, finished third, fourth, and fifth respectively. Teammates Breanna Toolan, Dickson City; Jordyn Kelly, Scranton; Justyna Thomas, Honesdale, and Harmony Vitali, Scranton, followed in seventh, eighth, eleventh and twelfth places. Evelyn Edwards (17th), Megan Carey (20th) and Jenna Fuller (22nd) rounded out the field for our women.

For the second consecutive year, Suchecki also captured the individual crown, becoming the first two-time undefeated PSUAC Women's champion in campus history.

She was also recently named United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s Player of the Week for the week of September 27, and established a course record of 21.58 for the 5K race on Oct. 3 during Worthington Scranton’s women’s cross country meet with Penn State Fayette.

On October 20, Bob Hall, M.A.C.R., a former board member for the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault, will speak on "Non-Violent Sexuality: Making Peace With Passion," a lecture that will address sexuality, conflict, alcohol and intimacy.  This program will be offered on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at noon and 5 p.m. in The View Cafe, in the campus' Study Learning Center.

On Thursday, Oct. 21, a speaker from the local Women's Resource Center in Scranton will speak on Domestic Violence. This presentation will also take place at noon and 5 p.m. in The View Cafe. These two programs are sponsored by the campus' Community Human Service Organization (CHSO).

All of these events are free and open to the public.

For more information, call 963-2700.

He’s baaaa-aaaack!

Ryan Buell, star of the hit cable television show, Paranormal State, will return to Penn State Worthington Scranton on Friday, Oct. 22.  And this time, he’ll be sharing the spotlight with famed medium, Lorraine Warren.

Buell and several of his castmates and fellow members of the Penn State Paranormal Society that he founded, appeared at Penn State Worthington Scranton last fall to a crowd of over 700 people.  The event was held as a fundraiser for Penn State’s annual dance marathon – THON – which benefits Penn State’s Four Diamonds Fund and children suffering from cancer.

This year’s event is also going to be a THON fundraiser, and with the addition of Warren to the roster, organizers hope to have an even bigger crowd than last year.

Buell is best known for his work with the Penn State Paranormal Society and the hit show that follows him and his castmates around the country investigating paranormal events and occurrences.  He recently published a book about his experiences, “My Journey Into the Unknown” which can be purchased with tickets for this event.

Ms. Warren and her late husband Ed, founded the New England Society for Psychic Research in 1952 and later opened the Occult Museum. They have written numerous books about the paranormal and their investigations into various hauntings. They were among the first investigators in the now infamous Amityville house haunting in Amityville, NY, which was the basis for the movie, “Amityville Horror.”

The Paranormal State Speaking Tour featuring Buell and Warren will be held in the campus’ Multi-Purpose Building Friday, Oct. 22,  from 7 to 10 p.m.

The event is free to all Penn State Worthington Scranton students and $10 for other Penn State students. General admission alone is $25; and admission and a copy of Buell’s new book, “My Journey Into the Unknown” is $40.

Tickets are available by calling 570-963-2700 or visiting http://psryanlorraine.eventbrite.com.

This event is presented by the Penn State Worthington Scranton Paranormal Society and the PSWS Student Government Association.  All proceeds benefit THON.

The new facility is located on the lower level of the Study Learning Center and has been identified as a key means of providing high-quality, responsive, student-centered services that will increase retention and support academic and personal success.

The newly renovated area will house the campus' financial aid office, veterans' affairs, health and wellness center, counseling services, a learning center, peer tutoring areas, a mini-computer lab, career services, leadership/personal development services and a conference room.

Those involved with the project see it as an opportunity to enhance the campus' existing student programs, as well as offer new programs and services that will foster partnerships and empower students by engaging them in a holistic life approach, promoting civic responsibility and enhancing their life foundation.

The center is named for campus alumni and "For the Future" campaign chairs, Dave and Ann Hawk, who donated $1 million to the new center.

Other donors include the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society, Eric and Mary Ann Linde, Lynn Moran and the Scranton Family.

Invited guests will be offered tours of the new center, following the dedication program and ribbon cutting ceremony.

When students at Worthington Scranton first learned of Audrianna Bartol, a four-year-old girl from Hazleton, via the social networking site, Facebook, they felt the need to do something for this little girl and a group of them started thinking about what exactly they could do.

Audrianna’s Dance Party is what resulted from that desire and will feature free food, face paintings, raffles and live entertainment, including a campus band, Jolnar’s Angels, that will play from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event was organized by the Worthington Scranton Paranormal Society and the Nursing Club.  It will take place in the Multi-Purpose Building, with doors opening at 3 p.m. only for students, faculty and staff.  The event will then be open to the public from 6 to 10 p.m.

The dance party will serve several purposes – to raise awareness of Audrianna’s plight; to help raise money to donate toward her family’s medical expenses; and to provide a fun evening for all those who know and care about Audrianna, as well as anyone interested in coming out to help a good cause.

Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that begins in nerve tissue of infants and very young children. Most children affected by neuroblastoma are diagnosed before age 5. In the United States, approximately 500 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year. It is the most common tumor found in children younger than 1 year of age.

Organizers are inviting the community to come out and help Audrianna in her fight against neuroblastoma.  Audrianna’s Dance Party is free and open to the public, although donations will be accepted and greatly appreciated. It will take place, Thursday, Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The SHRM Learning System® provides the most current and comprehensive knowledge of the six functional areas of human resource management – strategic management; workforce planning and employment; human resource development; compensation and benefits; employee and labor relations; and occupational health, safety, and security.

The program consists of 36 hours of class instruction, including an instructor-led review session prior to the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification exam. In addition to the classroom experience, each participant receives SHRM Learning System materials, access to online learning and legislative updates, and practice tests.

This course is being held on four alternating Saturdays, October 2, 16, 30, and November 13  from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a continental breakfast and working lunch provided.  The course will be held in Penn State Worthington’s Business Building, Hawk Lecture Room.

The price of $1,450 for SHRM members, and $1,550 for non-members (also includes all study materials).

For more information, call 963-2600.

Ms. Fernandez will share with the audience, her insight as one of the Cuban elite. Listeners will learn of her life in Cuba and hear her first-hand accounts of the surrounding political environment during the 1960’s and 70’s.  Employing her unique sense of style and humor, she reveals exciting and suspenseful anecdotes, snapshots of Cuban society, her inside scoop on Cuban politics, and a detailed view of her father.

As one of Fidel Castro's children, Alina had a strangely mixed upbringing -- a combination of privilege and privation. This is her private story, told from her intensely personal point of view. Clearly she speaks for herself and the people of Cuba, whom she knew over the last forty years, rather than as an expert on Fidel Castro as the political ruler of Cuba.

Just a toddler when Castro overthrew the Batista government during the 1959 Cuban Revolution, she saw Fidel Castro on the television screen and then in her living room, as Castro would frequently visit her at night. She played tirelessly with him until dawn, then he would disappear for months at a time.

Ms. Fernandez grew up and opened her eyes to the political climate in Cuba. She became rebellious and in the 1980’s became part of the political dissident movement on the island. By 1993 she was forced to flee Cuba which she accomplished by mastering the art of disguise. Today, she resides in the United States. In 1998 St. Martin's Press published her story, Castro's Daughter: An Exile's Memoir of Cuba.

This event is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in hearing Ms. Fernandez on Sept. 20 should RSVP to the Student Activities offices at 963-2700.  The event will take place in the campus' Multi-Purpose Building (gym) at 7 p.m.

The Spend A Summer Evening program is for students, both traditional and non-traditional, that are starting their college searches.  It is a fun and relaxed way for them to visit the campus, meet other Penn State students, faculty and staff, and get the opportunity to ask any questions they have about pursuing a college degree at Penn State, said Sandy Feather, associate director of enrollment.

Prospective students will learn about the Penn State commonwealth campus system, Penn State’s 160 majors, and the baccalaureate and associate degree programs, facilities, extra-curricular activities and amenities available at Penn State Worthington Scranton.

Faculty and staff will also be on hand to discuss the campus’ honors programs, student clubs, financial aid, housing, advising and admissions criteria and the college application process. Tours of the campus and its facilities will also be offered.

For more information, go to ws.psu.edu to register, call 963-2500.

The need exists for both healthcare professionals who must be knowledgeable in the processing, storage and retrieval of information, as well as for information technology professionals working in healthcare facilities, who should possess a working and current general knowledge of the healthcare industry.

Professionals working within these positions need to understand the complexities of digitally storing and transferring medical information to ensure that this information is accurate, protected and readily accessible when needed.

This is particularly true in Northeastern Pennsylvania where an older age demographic has created an increased need for a variety of health care facilities, as well as medical and technical professionals to staff and operate them.

To answer this growing need, Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Continuing Education department, in conjunction with three other area Penn State campuses, is now offering a Healthcare Informatics Certificate program.  This 19-credit certificate program, which begins this fall semester, provides the required insight into both professional areas to provide a well-rounded understanding and working knowledge of information technology use and how it pertains to the healthcare industry in particular.

This program is especially designed for individuals who would like to enter into the world of healthcare information management or those working exclusively in the information or healthcare fields that wish to broaden their education and understanding of healthcare informatics.

“This program has come about at the perfect time,” said John Drake, director of Worthington Scranton’s continuing education department.  “There has been vast growth within the information technology industry and, as the healthcare industry in our region begins to grow, use of this technology will surely increase.  As professional educators in our region, we want to make sure that we are helping the workforce in both of these industries prepare for this increased need and growing career field.”

“This Healthcare Informatics Certificate program will give our Penn State Information Sciences and Technology graduates, current IT and health care professionals, and the general public an opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge about the healthcare industry that will enhance their resume and opportunities for employment,” said Jane Ashton, director of Continuing Education at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.

Penn State Schuylkill’s Director of Contuing Education, Mary Sacavage, Ph.D., added, “Partnering with the other Penn State campuses enables faculty and students to network regionally and to gain a regional perspective during the course of study.”

In addition to Penn State Worthington Scranton and Penn State Wilkes-Barre, the Penn State Hazleton and Schuylkill campuses are partnering in the effort to offer this course, making it available throughout all of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

For more information about this program, please contact: Penn State Hazleton Continuing Education (CE), 570-450-3053, sam34@psu.edu; Penn State Schuylkill CE, 570-385-6217, mus53@psu.edu; Penn State Wilkes-Barre CE, 570-675-9251, jua12@psu.edu; and Penn State Worthington Scranton CE, 570-963-2600, jcd15@psu.edu.

The Spend A Summer Evening program is for students, both traditional and non-traditional, that are starting their college searches.  It is a fun and relaxed way for them to visit the campus, meet other Penn State students, faculty and staff, and get the opportunity to ask any questions they have about pursuing a college degree at Penn State, said Sandy Feather, associate director of enrollment.

Prospective students will learn about the Penn State commonwealth campus system, Penn State’s 160 majors, and the baccalaureate and associate degree programs, facilities, extra-curricular activities and amenities available at Penn State Worthington Scranton.

Faculty and staff will also be on hand to discuss the campus’ honors programs, student clubs, financial aid, housing, advising and admissions criteria and the college application process. Tours of the campus and its facilities will also be offered.

 A second Spend A Summer Evening event will be held on August 12 at 6 p.m.

For more information, go to ws.psu.edu to register, call 963-2500.

Awards and recipients are as follows:

President's Freshman Awards, which are reserved for University students carrying a 4.0 grade point average for the first semester of their freshman year, were awarded to Matthew Brown, Geovanny Caicedo Montoya, Wendy Kelly, Lindsay Kokindo, Christopher Rowe, Tyler Sebastian, Moosic; Amy Smith, Jacklyn Smith, Forest City; and James Wilson, .

President's Sparks Awards, which are reserved for students carrying a 4.0 grade point average through the first semester of their sophomore year, were awarded to Christopher Rowe, Carina Lewis and Britland Vergnetti, Scranton.

Evan Pugh Scholar Awards, which are presented to students whose academic achievement places them in the upper 0.5 percent of their class, was awarded to Stephanie Kudey, Pittston.

Academic Excellence Awards, which are presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in their individual disciplines, and were nominated by faculty members of the discipline, were awarded to:  Britland Vergnetti, Scranton, in biological sciences; Sara Snyder, Scranton, in business; Mary Ubaldini in creative writing; Doug Mallas, Scranton, in education; David Moss, Scranton; in engineering; Paul Zipprich, Hop Bottom, in engineering technology; Andrea Karwaski, Scranton, in  English composition; Stephanie Kudey, Pittston, in human development and family studies; Marcus Lemoncelli, in humanities; Russell Jacobs, Dalton, in information sciences and technology; Ryan Arthur, Carbondale, in mathematics; Megan Harrington, Scranton, in music; Karen Howard, Mayfield, in nursing; Ryan Arthur, Carbondale, in physical sciences; Robert Davis, in social sciences; Andrea Karwaski, Scranton, in Spanish; and Siobhan Sadusky, in speech communication.

 Worthington Scranton Campus Honors Program was established to broaden and enrich the education of outstanding students at the Worthington Scranton campus.  Both baccalaureate and associate degree students are eligible for the program.  Along with the Schreyer Scholars and Campus Scholars, the campus honors students participate in a wide range of academic, social, and cultural activities.

Honors Program students who were recognized include first-year students Shane Christianson,  Kaylee Cummings, South Abington Twp.; Renee Deacon, Christopher Haldane, David Holden, Scranton; Russell Jacobs, Dalton; Andrea Karwaski, Scranton; Rachel Mazza,  Erika Mills, Susquehanna; Michael Regula, Jacklyn Smith, Forest City; Andrea Summa, Scranton; Shahub Tossi, Clarks Summit; and Colleen Wittich, Lake Ariel.

Second year student recipients are:  Kristi Farinelli, Forest City; Jennifer Jurbala, Dickson City; Doug Mallas, Scranton; Erika McLain, Springbrook Twp.; Matthew Morgan, Jessica Musgrove, Honesdale; and Patrick Stuff.

Third-year student recipients are:  Jennifer Dobitsch, Clarks Summit; Danielle Dunmire, Throop; and Justyna Thomas, Honesdale.

Fourth year recipient was Corey Chorba, Throop.

Christopher Sturchio Honors Program Service Award, which is presented to members of the Schreyer Scholars and Campus Honors Program for outstanding service on behalf of the program, was awarded to Jennifer Dobitsch, Clarks Summit.

Richard and Lois Ostroski Family Award for Adult Learners, which honors and recognizes outstanding achievement by an adult learner who has obtained the highest grade point average upon completion of his/her freshman year, was awarded to Amy Smith.

Patrick J. and Mary Jane Sheridan Award for Excellence in Financial Services, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a student enrolled in the Financial Services option of the Bachelor of Science degree in Business, and who obtains the highest grade point average at the end of his/her junior year, was awarded to Sara Jugan, Dickson City.

Walter Weber Memorial Award in Theatre and Speech Communications, which honors and recognizes an outstanding student with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and who has excelled in theatre or speech communications courses, was awarded to Siobhan Sadusky.

Wall Street Journal Award, which is awarded to the outstanding graduate in the Business Administration curriculum, was presented to Theresa Delfino, Scranton.

Outstanding Scholars Award, which is presented to students achieving the highest grade point average in the associate and baccalaureate curricula, was awarded to first year student Amy Smith; second year students Christopher Haldane and Britland Vergnetti, Scranton; third year student Jennifer Jurbala, Dickson City; and fourth year recipient Russell Jacobs, Dalton. This award is sponsored by the Worthington Scranton Alumni Society.

Patrick J. Rose Award for Excellence in Student Leadership and Service and the Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter Pride of Lions Award are two awards that are presented to students whose qualities of leadership, scholarship, citizenship, and character have been directed into programs and services on campus and/or in the community. This year’s award was  presented to Sara Jugan, Dickson City.

Osher Reentry Scholarship:  Funded by a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Osher Reentry Scholarship is available to both full- and part-time students who are returning to college after a gap of five or more years to complete their first undergraduate degree program, expect to participate in the workforce upon graduation and be between the ages of 25 and 50, as well as have a need for tuition assistance.

The Bernard Osher Foundation in San Francisco, was founded by businessman and community leader Bernard Osher to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts. Penn State is among 74 institutions in 30 states and the District of Columbia receiving funding for the Osher Reentry Scholarship.  This year’s recipient:  Joseph Lacertoso, Dunmore.

Penn State Worthington Scranton held its 41^st Commencement on Friday, May 14 during a ceremony in the school’s Multi-Purpose Building. 

Penn State Worthington Scranton Chancellor Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, Ph.D., presided, and Thomas F. Zenty III, CEO of University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, and a Penn State alumnus, was the commencement speaker. 

Penn State Worthington Scranton granted baccalaureate degrees in American Studies; Business; Elementary and Kindergarten Education; Human Development and Family Studies; Information Sciences and Technology; Letters, Arts and Sciences; Law and Society; and Nursing.

Associate degrees were awarded in:  Building Engineering Technology; Business Administration; Human Development and Family Studies; Letters, Arts and Sciences; and Nursing.

Several students graduated with honors of distinction.  Graduating with highest distinction were: Russell A. Jacobs, Dalton; and Stephanie Kudey, Pittston.

Graduating with high distinction were:  Mary L. Cook, Waymart; Theresa A. Delfino, Scranton; Jennifer S. Dobitsch, Clarks Summit; Elayne K. Jones, Dunmore; Lora A. Nageli, Taylor; and Paul E. Zipprich, Hop Bottom.

Students graduating with distinction were: Michael J. Gentile, Dunmore; Gary A. Goodall, Old Forge; Karen M. Howard, Mayfield; Erika M. Johnson, Scranton; Paul J. Lennon, Lake Ariel; Zachary T. Rollison, Prompton; Patrick S. Ruddy, Simpson; Sara M. Snyder, Scranton; and Michelle Szymanski, Throop.

“We are very proud of our graduating students and we congratulate them on their accomplishments and all of their hard work,” said Dr. Krogh-Jespersen.  “We wish them all the best as they leave our campus to pursue their futures, and we are confident that they will be successful because we have provided them with a strong and solid foundation on which to build those futures.”

Introducing commencement speaker Thomas F. Zenty, III was Maryla Scranton, vice chair of the campus’ advisory board. Kathy Zielinski, president of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society offered the alumni charge to the university’s newest alumni.

The following Penn State Worthington Scranton 2010 graduates, by Penn State College and degree earned are:

Bachelor of Arts in American Studies:  Angela M. Alu, Jessup; Rita C. Munifo, Vandling; Kevin E. Pittack, Jr., Jermyn; and Jordan M. Reedy, Gouldsboro.

Associate in Science in Business Administration:  Mary L. Cook, Waymart; Jennifer L. Coutts, Paupack; Amanda M. Deecke, Carbondale; Carissima A. Hodovanec, Peckville;  Paul J. Lennon, Lake Ariel; Anthony W. Naro, Scranton; and Cat M. Ozovek, Duryea.

Bachelor of Science in Business:  Kevin L. Balka, Scranton; Stephen R. Brazon, Laflin; Nichole L. Cebulko, Springbrook Twp.; Miguel A. Cepeda, Scranton; Matthew J. Cerminaro, Carbondale; Steven A. Chmil, Scranton; Colby F. Clark, Clarks Summit; Casey C. Cunningham, Scranton; Eileen M. Dailey, Dickson City; James Dartt, Dunmore; Theresa A. Delfino, Scranton; Brian L. Dimattia, Old Forge; Justin C. Dunmire, Throop; Nina M. Fletcher, Scranton; Thomas P. Fonash, Scott Twp.; Stephanie A. Frey, Peckville; Michael J. Gentile, Dunmore; Kyle O. Golden, Dunmore; Kyle W. Goldovich, Dickson City; Simon H. Goldstein, Jermyn; Joshua J. Grudzinski, Pittston Twp.; Alicia A. Honney, Throop; Felicia C. James, Tobyhanna; Jeremy R. Killstrom, Scranton; Summer M. Klikus, Carbondale; Rafal P. Krol, Greentown; Sebastian H. Krol, Greentown; Joseph Lacertoso, Dunmore; Vincent P. Leonardo, Olyphant; Danny J. Lin, Eynon; Stacy A. Lindsey, Scranton; Patrick W. Loughney Jr., Dunmore; Megan L. Mattern, Scranton; James M. McDermott, Avoca; Gordon B. Meade, Jefferson Twp.; Joseph P. Meade, Jefferson Twp.; Amy Milewski, Jermyn; Cassidy C. Miller, Peckville; Kathryn M. Miller, Carbondale; Nicole Montaro, Dunmore; Robert J. Nagurney, Throop; Julie A. Neri, Throop; Lauren A. Phillips, Archbald; Ashley A. Pinto, Madison Twp.;  Jonathan P. Pitoniak, Clarks Summit; Daniel Reining, Beach Lake; Angelo R. Rescigno, Scranton; Patrick J. Riggi, Dunmore; Joseph D. Ross, Dunmore; Jessica M. Sangster, Lake Ariel; Robin Schafer, Newfoundland; Mark Sebastian, Moosic; Marissa E. Sluko, Dunmore; Victoria R. Smolskis, Dunmore; Sara M. Snyder, Scranton; Janin K. Spangler, Scranton; James B. Stoklosa, Union Dale; Caitlin C. Turkos, Duryea; Joseph F. Ward, Lake Ariel; Brandy M. Wasch, Scott Twp.; Jason P. Wolfe, Olyphant; Jared W. Young, Dalton; and Marissa Young, Archbald.

Associate of Science in Human Development and Family Studies:  Diane C. Bridges, Jessup; Santa M. Burne, Dunmore; Geraldine Ferrer, Tobyhanna; Stephanie A. McDonald, Scranton; and Habiba Tajak, Scranton.

Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies:  Ellen S. Alexandre, Jermyn; Samantha J. Austin, Honesdale; Lisa E. Brady, Scott Twp.; Corey A. Chorba, Throop; Christie L. Colwell, Moscow; Althea M. Ganz, Dunmore; Lori L. Genetti, Scranton; Sarah M. Gould, Friendsville; Erika M. Johnson, Scranton; Elayne K. Jones, Dunmore; Robyn R. Klim, Moscow; Stephanie J. Kudey, Pittston; Lauren E. Loughney, Scranton; Tammy M. Marcinkevich, Scranton; Kenneth P. Meoni, Olyphant; Leslie A. Newberry, Peckville; Kelly A. Rebar, Dickson City; Stephanie M. Shekitka, Jessup; Amanda M. Speer, Dunmore; Ryan R. Taylor, Pittston; Danielle C. Weaver, Clarks Summit; and Danielle Wilk, Olyphant.

Associate Degree in Letters; Arts and Sciences: Dawn M. Acevedo, Moscow; Kaitlin A. Caputo, Roaring Brook Twp.; Jessica L. Comonie, Olyphant; Jill A. Digwood, Scranton; Allison G. Golembeski, Lake Ariel; Colette M. Vail, Throop; and Nikkel M. Walter, Scranton.

Bachelor of Arts in Letters Arts and Sciences:  Rani A. Crozier, Carbondale; Jennifer S. Dobitsch, Clarks Summit; Jacquelyn A. Leone, Scranton; Cindy M. Mintz, Scott Twp.; Tara R. Norton, Forty-Fort; Patrick S. Ruddy, Simpson; Morgan T. VonBergen, Madison Twp.; and Vincent E. Yazurlo Jr., Waymart.

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology/Building Engineering Technology:  John M. Berry Jr., Dunmore; Matthew K. Grasso, Taylor; Jonathan Grzech, Carbondale; Eric J. Rowits, Ephrata; and Paul E. Zipprich, Hop Bottom.

Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology:  Shawn M. Ashworth, Carbondale; Eric D. Bartels, Dunmore; John X. Bonomi, Milford; Michael J. Callahan, Cresco; Andrew Cerra III, Carbondale; Steven C. Cole, Lake Ariel; Christopher R. Cunningham, Moscow; Gary A. Goodall, Old Forge; Russell A. Jacobs, Dalton; Mike F. Marcos, Dunmore; William J. Newton, Scranton; Keith M. Novack, Old Forge; Benjamin E. Rochinski, Dickson City; Zachary T. Rollison, Prompton; and Paul A. Winter Jr., Waymart.

Associate in Science in Nursing:  Susan D. Andersen, Pocono Lake; Michael A. Bach, Tunkhannock; Nicolle A. Bodner, Factoryville; Kathryn V. Celano, Archbald; Maria Coles, Peckville;  Nicole E. Cruise, Scranton; Christine A. Degrazia, Carbondale; Cherie M. Demeck, Dunmore; Laurie Fitch, Childs; Michael D. Fowler Jr., Taylor; Laura A. Franks, Greentown; Kathleen S. Giannone, Throop; Nancy Harris, Scranton; Karen M. Howard, Mayfield; Deanna L. Jurbala, Scranton; Jessica L. Kalmanowicz, Clarks Summit; Allison E. Keeler, Scranton; Anita Konopatski, Springville; Cara Kozel, Roaring Brook Twp.; Yvette J. Lampman, Clarks Summit; Janelle R. Ledonne, Greentown; Ashley L. McGee, Archbald; Anne R. Metzo, Pittston; Sabrina E. Muchal, Jessup; Lora A. Nageli, Taylor; Kimberly Newton, Scranton; Kelly A. Noreika, Scranton; Adrienne R. Ogozarek, Greentown; Lisa A. Paden, Moosic; Margaret A. Perrone, Dunmore; Randy S. Sashko, Archbald; Caitlyn N. Schmitz, Clarks Summit; Edward S. Shulde, Dunmore; Kelly A. Snedeker, Scranton; Sean S. Sweetapple, Shohola; Rosemary S. Tallett, Carbondale; Eric A. Taylor, Pittston; Regina G. Uzialko, Archbald; Stephanie M. Van Valen, Scranton; Melissa Vaughn, Lake Ariel; Daniel B. Veneski, Scranton; Angela T. Walter, Peckville; Judith A. Williams, Albrightsville; James C. Wyatt, Wyoming; Igor V. Yarosh, Honesdale; and Jennifer E. Zeller, Dunmore.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing:  Misty R. Bennett, Clifford; David M. Czar, Dunmore; Amy L. Figueiredo, Moscow; Mary Cecilia Grogan, Scranton; Amy L. Jarman, Michelle M. Kofel, Dunmore; Denise L. Krisanda, Madison Twp.; Cathy A. Lamberton, Lake Ariel; Elizabeth A. Lee, Madison Twp.; Maria L. Lisowski, Old Forge; Alyssa D. McBride, Forest City; Brendan T. Noto, West Pittston; Sara K. Pedley, Jefferson Twp.; Jennifer L. Robbins, Wyoming; Sharon L. Rodriguez, Surprise, AZ; Andrea C. Schneider, Greentown; Michelle Szymanski, Throop; Michael P. Taramelli, Clarks Summit; Gordon Travis, Archbald; Ann R. Truax, Wilkes-Barre; Janelle L. Walawender, Drums; and Karen L. Zikosky, Taylor.

College of Education, Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Kindergarten Education:  Carrie L. Pacini, Scranton.

College of The Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Law and Society:  Edward J. Foster IV, Throop.

Sandy Feather, associate director of enrollment management and admissions at Penn State Worthington Scranton, has been named a recipient of the university’s Achieving Women Award.

The Achieving Women Awards are given to Penn State employees and students who have shown leadership and are accomplished in their fields, have supported Penn State's diversity efforts and promoted equal opportunity, and have contributed to human causes and public service activities.

They acknowledge and exemplify the achievements and contributions among Penn Staters, reflecting the University’s mission of mentorship, leadership, service and promoting diversity.

Mrs. Feather, a resident of South Abington Twp., has been employed at Penn State Worthington Scranton since 2005. During that time, she has been responsible for establishing several new programs at the campus, such as Partners in Success, the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Academy, and instituted program target marketing and middle school outreach efforts to enhance Worthington Scranton’s overall student recruitment and retention goals.

As part of her duties in student enrollment efforts, she developed strategies to recruit under-represented students, especially the growing local Latino population, and initiated college planning programming for students with disabilities, as well as spearheading efforts to better serve veterans who enroll at Worthington Scranton.

In addition, Mrs. Feather is also involved with several campus committees, such as the web team, scholarship committee, marketing council and is co-chair of the Enrollment Management Council.  She also serves as a dual enrollment adviser for high school students who take college credit courses at Penn State Worthington Scranton, is an adviser for the campus’ Lion Ambassadors -- a student volunteer group, and serves as an adult education coordinator.

She has received the Penn State Award for Excellence in Administrative Service and the Penn State Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Service Award, as well as the NEPA Counselor Association’s Service Award.

A graduate of Leadership Lackawanna and Executive Leadership Lackawanna, she is also a member of the Pennsylvania Association for College Admissions Counseling and a United Way annual campaign volunteer and participates in a variety of campus events including its annual convocation, commencement, Ridge View dinner, and alumni golf tournament.

She has also been a presenter at Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program’s graduation on “Volunteerism and Community Involvement” and at the College Board Fall Counselor Workshop on “Hot Topics in Northeast PA.”

Penn State Worthington Scranton will host a Business Alumni Networking Program on Thursday, May 27 at 5 p.m. in the campus’ Business Building. 

The event is open to all Penn State business alumni who attended Penn State Worthington Scranton, however, reservations are required.  Light refreshments will be served.

Shown at right, helping to plan the event are, seated from left: Mike Rescigno and Pat Sheridan, Penn State business alumni and For the Future Corporate Campaign Committee members. Standing, from left, are:  Director of Development Maria Russoniello, Peter Loftus, PSU business alumnus and committee member, and Deb Johnson, alumni development specialist at Worthington Scranton. 

For more information on this event or to RSVP, call Ms. Johnson at 963-2537.

Ann Hawk, philanthropist and owner of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, is the Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter's Alumna of the Year and will be honored at the 32nd annual Penn State Night on Tuesday, May 18.

To ensure their well-being, the Department of Public Welfare (DPW), which inspects and licenses these facilities, has partnered with higher education institutions and other agencies to educate and train personal care home administrators and staff. Penn State has offered the 100-hour Personal Care Home Administrator Training program in the Pittsburgh area since 2006. Now, the program is being expanded to Northeastern Pennsylvania, through the cooperative efforts of four Penn State campuses in the region.

“The training is standardized, consistent and rigorous,” said Marian Vendemia, Penn State Beaver director of Continuing Education. “It is designed to ensure that residents of these facilities have a good quality of life. This is a critical societal issue that Penn State is ideally suited to help address through its statewide campus system.”

 DPW invited Penn State Beaver to be a training provider shortly after new training regulations went into effect. Vendemia rounded up experts in health care and the law and offered the first program in spring 2006. Since then, other Penn State campuses have joined the network of providers, and 272 personal care home administrators and other health care professionals have completed the training.

This spring, Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton will offer the program, and Penn State Wilkes-Barre and Penn State Worthington Scranton will offer it this summer.

Regional Continuing Education Director Ina Lubin explained that the four northeastern campuses want to offer the program to provide the more than 175 personal care facilities in their region with training options close to home. “We’re constantly working to be able to offer programs at convenient locations, to meet the education and training needs of facilities in our area,” Lubin said.

Jane Ashton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s Director of Continuing Education, added, “This program is required for anyone aspiring to become a personal care home administrator and also satisfies continuing education requirements for current administrators.  Offering this training in our region allows us to actively contribute to the well-being of the residents in the personal care homes in our area.”

“We’re very excited to be able to offer this kind of training right here in our own communities,” said John Drake, director of continuing education at Penn State Worthington Scranton. “Having this course offered at our four local campuses will make it much more convenient, effective and cost efficient for local individuals interested in entering this field, or increasing their current knowledge level and skills.” 

According to Kimberly C. Black, director of Training for DPW's Adult Residential Licensing program, “Personal care homes serve vulnerable adults that require personal care services. Without appropriate training, personal care home administrators cannot keep up with current trends and issues related to the individuals they serve.” DPW increased training requirements for personal care home administrators and staff in 2005. Black said, “Training improves the knowledge base of the individual, which improves services provided to residents.”

Personal Care Home Administrator Training covers 19 topics ranging from resident rights to laws and regulations, fire prevention and emergency preparedness, and budgeting issues. To become an administrator, individuals must complete the training and pass a test developed for DPW by a Penn State team. Led by Matthew Kaplan, professor of intergenerational programs and aging, and Richard Fiene, associate professor of human development and family studies, a group of Penn State Extension, College of Education and College of Health and Human Development faculty and staff created the online test.

“By passing a competency-based test that reflects what they have learned, administrators are better-prepared to ensure the quality of care for residents. It's all about the quality of life of the resident,” said Kaplan, adding, “and this, in turn, contributes to the sense of comfort and reassurance that families throughout the Commonwealth can have in terms of knowing that their loved ones are well cared for.”

Personal care homes and assisted living facilities provide shelter, meals, supervision and assistance with personal care tasks for people who need assistance, but do not require nursing home or medical care.

For more information about this training program, contact: Penn State Hazleton Continuing Education (CE), 570-450-3576, lmw24@psu.edu; Penn State Schuylkill CE, 570-385-6221, zjs7@psu.edu; Penn State Wilkes-Barre CE, 570-675-9220, epg10@psu.edu; and Penn State Worthington Scranton CE, 570-963-2600, jcd15@psu.edu.

Penn State Continuing Education is part of Penn State Outreach, the largest unified outreach organization in American higher education, serving more than 5 million people each year, delivering more than 2,000 programs to people in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, all 50 states and 80 countries worldwide.

Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Alumni Office recently feted the campus’ Summer and Fall 2009 and future May, 2010 graduates at its annual Graduate Luncheon.

The event was attended by local Penn State alumni, representatives of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society and University Park’s Alumni Career Services staff.

“Penn State has the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world and the goal of programs such as the Graduate Luncheon is to familiarize our newest alumni with both the university’s and the campus’ alumni organizations and the benefits that they can provide to them as they embark on the next phase of their lives,” said Deborah Brandt Johnson, alumni and development specialist at Penn State Worthington Scranton.

With less than a month left before graduation, students had the opportunity to network with Penn State alumni who live and work in northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as get some career tips from Jenifer Whetsel, assistant director of Penn State’s Alumni Career Services.

Upon graduation, all Penn State graduates receive a free one-year membership in the Penn State Alumni Association and are able to take advantage of a variety of benefits, from networking to insurance to career services.

Graduates who attended and/or graduated from local Penn State campuses such as Worthington Scranton can also join the local alumni organizations and take advantage of even more opportunities at the local level.

“We really encourage them to get involved,” Mrs. Johnson said, “as membership in the local alumni society can provide them with both professional and personal contacts that will help them in the future.”

Members of Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Community Human Service Organization not only talked the talk, they walked the walk during the group’s most recent fundraiser.

The group spent months planning a hair drive for the non-profit organization, Locks of Love, which provides high-quality wigs to children suffering from medical hair loss. 

The goal was to encourage members of the campus and local community to either donate six or more inches of hair, or to make a $5 donation to have their hair trimmed by a professional stylist, with all proceeds going to Locks of Love.  Hair stylists from Holiday Hair salons in Eynon and Dickson City also took part, volunteering their time and professional skills.

On the day of the event, numerous faculty, staff, students and local citizens showed up to take part, as well as CHSO members, who helped register donors, fill out paperwork, and, for some, sitting in the styling chair and getting a few inches of their crowning glory lopped off for charity.

Three of the group’s members were some of the day’s first donors.  Erika Mills, Susquehanna, and Andrea Summa, Scranton, donated about 14 inches each, while Sara VanLeuven, Vandling, had about four inches trimmed off of her hair for the effort.

One donor, Robert Armstrong of Throop, walked onto campus wearing a very long ponytail.  He opted to have it all cut off and in doing so, became the biggest donor of the day – with a total of 59 inches!

He did it in honor of his son, Penn State student Bob Armstrong, who recently attended Worthington Scranton and is now at University Park completing his degree.

By the end of the event, over 280 inches of hair (about 23 feet) and $160 was raised for Locks of Love.

Sponsored by Worthington Scranton’s Nursing Department, and funded through a grant from the Robert Y. Moffat Family Charitable Trust, the fair will bring together a variety of health care providers/professionals and other organizations and individuals that offer services that promote the safety and well-being of young children.

The Children’s Health Fair is geared toward children ages 5 through 12.  Those attending will be able to take advantage of a variety of demonstrations and services, including:

Kelly Sledzinski attended Penn State Worthington Scranton for just two years, but during that short time, she left an unforgettable mark on her friends, teachers, coaches and just about anyone who came into contact with her.

A dean's list student and accomplished athlete, Kelly was a familiar face around campus, attending most of the events and activities that took place there, and always willing to lend a helping hand whenever one was needed.

Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor, described her as a special angel, who left a lasting impression on anyone who had the opportunity to meet her and get to know her.

Unfortunately, Kelly's time was cut way too short, way too soon.  In January, 2009, she was diagnosed with leukemia and after a short, but very courageous battle with the disease, she died on July 3, 2009.

Her death shook the Worthington Scranton community and those who knew her best. Especially affected were her teammates and coaches on the Lady Lions basketball team, including best friend Mallory Pencek, who described her as having an unstoppable spirit and a drive to always do the best she could in any situation.

On Feb. 15, just before that evening's women's basketball game, the campus came together to honor Kelly's memory.

Speakers during the ceremony included Dr. Krogh-Jespersen, Jeff Mallas, assistant athletic director, and Ms. Pencek, who is now the assistant coach for the Lady Lions.

Her parents, Ann and Michael Sledzinski were presented with a memorial plaque and the #20 jersey she so proudly wore, which is now officially retired.  The first jersey in the campus' history ever to be retired.

Another plaque and her alternate jersey were also put on display in the campus' main building -- The Dawson Building -- as a campus tribute to Kelly's memory and spirit.

Steroids used to be thought of as a problem of professional athletes. Unfortunately, that is changing, with steroid use becoming more common in the general population, especially among student athletes.

According to some reports, students as young as those in junior high school have used steroids. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has estimated that more than a half million eighth- and tenth-grade students have used these drugs, and the mindset among high school seniors shows that almost 60 percent of them don’t think of these drugs as dangerous.

As a community outreach effort, Penn State Worthington Scranton will host a special presentation, “The Effects of Steroid Use” by Dr. P. Christopher Metzger on Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. in The View cafeteria in the campus’ Study Learning Center. 

Dr. Metzger has served as the team physician for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, the Triple A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, and is now the team physician for the Triple A affiliate of the New York Yankees.  He was also the team physician for the Abington Heights Sports Medicine Program and Marywood University.

A member of Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Advisory Board, he is the author of several published medical articles and is a guest lecturer at local universities. His interests are sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery and he is on the staffs of Moses Taylor Hospital, Community Medical Center and the Northeast Surgery Center.

Dr. Metzger received his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital, where he also performed his residency.  He is board-certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is a member of the American College of Surgeons.  In 1998, he was appointed to the Board of the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society and served as its president in 2004-05.

This presentation is free and open to the general public. However, those attending should call the campus at 963-2690 to confirm their attendance to ensure an accurate account for the light refreshments that will be offered.

Mr. Grosz, who lives in the State College area, cancelled his scheduled appearance due to the forecasted snowstorm for Friday, which is predicted to dump eight inches of snow in State College.

The Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter has rescheduled his appearance for Friday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the campus' Multi-Purpose Building.  Tickets are $15, but admission is free for those who either renew their chapter membership or join the chapter that evening. Memberships will be available at the door the night of the event and light refreshments will also be provided.

For more information, visit PSUscranton.org.

Eight local student athletes were recently honored at Penn State Worthington Scranton for awards they received from the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Two female athletes were named USCAA All Americans, while six others were recognized for being named to the USCAA National All-Academic Team for their academic achievements.

In order to attain this level of recognition by the USCAA, student athletes must maintain a 3.5 or higher grade point average. 

Maureen Suchecki, Pittston, and Amber Martin, Moscow, both members of the women's cross country team, were recognized as USCAA All Americans.

Fellow teammates, Robin Schafer, Newfoundland, and Justyna Thomas, Honesdale, were named to the USCAA National All-Academic Women’s Cross Country Team for the second year in a row. The women had been named to the USCAA’s All-Academic Team last year as well.

Nicole Ellett, Uniondale, was named to the USCAA National All Academic Women’s Volleyball Team and Doug Mallas, Scranton; David Moss, Scranton; and J. Patrick Murphy, Clarks Summit, were named to the USCAA National All Academic Men’s Cross Country Team.

The students were all honored during a recent campus-wide celebration, where they were honored for their acheivements, along with members of Worthington Scranton’s Women’s Cross Country team, which competed and placed second at the USCAA’s National Championship last fall in Concord, N.H. They also won their third consecutive Penn State University Athletic Conference Championship (PSUACC).

Members of the women's cross country team presented their championship banner to Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor, so that it could be displayed in the campus gym.

“We want to honor and congratulate these athletes for their efforts and for their significant contributions to our teams and to our campus,” said Jeff Mallas, assistant athletic director. “We are very proud of their accomplishments and their commitment to their sport and our campus.”

Ryan Buell, '06, founder of Penn State's Paranormal Research Society and lead investigator on the show, and his team of paranormal investigators, will be speaking about their work on the show and their experiences.

Worthington Scranton's Paranormal Society organized the event, which will be a fundraiser for this year's THON, the univeristy's annual dance marathon that raises money for the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center's Four Diamonds Fund.  The Four Diamonds Fund raises money for research of childhood cancer.  Last year, Worthington Scranton students raised over $9,000 dollars. 

The Paranormal State event is open to the public and will be free of charge to all current Worthington Scranton students. General admission for others who attend will be $10, with all proceeds being donated toward THON.

The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building.  For more information or for tickets, call 963-2700.

Members of Penn State Worthington Scranton's Community Human Service Organization (CHSO) knew they had to do something when they heard of the devastating earthquake that recently hit Haiti -- destroying cities and towns and killing thousands. The tragedy really hit home when it became known that two of their fellow students have relatives who live in Haiti.

So, they banded together and came up with two opportunities for themselves and the Worthington Scranton campus community to contribute to the relief that the American Red Cross is providing.

CHSO members Erika Mills and Andrea Summa helped organize the events, pulling them together within days, said Dr. Matt Mutchler, CHSO adviser and assistant professor of human development and family studies (HDFS) at Worthington Scranton.

The first event the students participated in was a Spin-a-Thon organized by the local Red Cross chapter at Brown’s Gym in Clarks Summit, where close to 20 Worthington Scranton students and three faculty members peddled for two hours between the hours of 5 and 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The Spin-a-Thon was covered live by local television WNEP-16, and students Geraldine Ferrer and Ellen Alexandre, who both have family members in Haiti, were interviewed by reporter Ryan Leckey.

It was designed to raise awareness of the Red Cross’ activities in Haiti and how people can donate.  The event was broadcast live on WNEP-TV’s morning new’s program’s Leckey Live segment. Videos of the event, labeled Helping Haiti, can be viewed at ryanleckey.com/leckey-live-videos/.

The Spin-a-Thon was designed to give people ideas about what they could do to raise funds for people in Haiti, said Charlotte Wright, director of community affairs for the American Red Cross of Lackawanna County. “With the PSU students and students from local high schools, we were able to give viewers ideas for similar fundraisers,” she said.

Worthington Scranton participants were: Brianne Capwell, Cameron Canning, Jenevieve Claus, Ms. Ferrer, Jessica Jones,  Rebecca Kinsey,  Katie Matthias, Ms. Mills,  Joe Molnar,  Shane Quinn, Ms. Summa,  Habiba Tajak,  Sara VanLeuven,  Mari Williams and Vinny Yazurlo.

Also, faculty members Dr. Mutchler, Dr. Janet Melnick, senior HDFS instructor, and Dr. Parminder Parmar, associate professor of HDFS.

Throughout the broadcast, viewers were able to contact the Red Cross to donate during the program, and those funds will be combined with other monies that are being raised by the Red Cross, explained Ms. Wright.

The students also quickly organized a second campus fundraiser, “The Paw Peddle”.  For the next two weeks, CHSO club members will be selling paper Nittany Lion paw prints for $1 in the cafeteria during lunch hour. The paws, which are inscribed with the purchaser’s name, are then displayed in the windows of the campus’ View Café in the Study Learning Center.

In the first two days of the effort, club adviser Dr. Mutchler, said the group raised over $150.  That and all future proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the American Red Cross’ fund for Haiti.

Penn State Worthington Scranton recently held its annual Staff Service Awards program during a special employee luncheon in the Study Learning Center Cafe.  All campus staff and employees were invited to attend the event and those employees celebrating landmark anniversaries were honored for their years of service to the Worthington Scranton community. Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor, presented the awards. 

Recognized for 30 years of service was Director of Development Maria Russoniello.

Tom Krivak, an employee in the campus’ operations and maintenance department, was honored for 25 years of service.

Dr. Todd Adams, assistant professor of philosophy, Terri Nealon Caputo, admissions counselor and Bernard Fagnani, Peckville, instructor of business administration, were all honored for 20 years of service at the campus.

Receiving honors for 15 years of service were Dr. Dale Holen, associate professor of biology and Sue Safko, academic affairs staff assistant.

Employees honored for 10 years of service were Fred Aebli, instructor in information science and technology; Alison Burns, campus registrar; Marissa Curtin, coordinator of the Division of Undergraduate Studies Programs Learning Center; Dr. H. Durell Johnson, assistant director of academic affairs and an associate professor of human development and family studies; and Mary Lance, academic affairs staff assistant.

Dr. Meg Hatch, assistant professor of biology and Bonnie Urzen, admissions counselor, were recognized for five years of service at the campus.

Phil Grosz, owner/editor of the Blue White Illustrated, will make his 27^th annual appearance at Penn State Worthington Scranton on Friday, Feb. 5.

Mr. Grosz has been the guest of the Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter for the past 26 years and returns again this year for his annual chat about Penn State Football and to review the incoming class of Nittany Lion players.

He will also conduct a question and answer session with the audience and has been known to occasionally discuss other Penn State athletic teams.

Also appearing will be Jimmy Gray and his team from Charity Signings, which offers an extensive selection of Penn State autographs and memorabilia for sale.

Last year, over 325 football fans attended his presentation and the Greater Scranton Chapter is expecting a similar size crowd this year as well.

Mr. Grosz’s presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the campus’ Multi-Purpose Building (gymnasium). General admission cost is $15, but for those who either renew their chapter membership, or who join the chapter that evening, the event will be free with the cost of membership.  Memberships will be available at the door.  Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information visit www.PSUscranton.org.