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The Behrend Beacon
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BEHREND BRIEFS
Kiosk added to Nittany Lion display
The Original Nittany Lion - a long-standing symbol of Penn State pride - found
permanent residence in the mall entrance of Pattee Library in fall 2000, thanks to
the fund-raising efforts of University Libraries' alumni and development special
ist Shirley Davis.
But this new home was only part of what Davis envisioned for the Nittany
Lion. Recently, a generous donation by John and Sara Varoscak helped complete
the project with an interactive kiosk that now sits alongside The Original Nittany
Lion.
The kiosk utilizes a touch-screen to bring its many informative sections to life.
It includes a section on the Pennsylvania mountain lion and more specifically,
The Original Nittany Lion, which became Penn State's mascot in 1907 and repre
sents the only known mounted specimen of an eastern mountain lion. The kiosk
also features sections on Penn State sports; the history of the Libraries; and quiz
questions on Penn State, agricultural sciences and more.
`What's in the News' discusses camels
In the latest edition of "What's in the News," a current events series for school
children produced by Penn State Public Broadcasting, viewers learned how, even
before the first wave of Arab immigrants arrived in the United States, an unusual
experiment brought a touch of the Middle East to the American southwest.
In 1855, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis advocated that camels be used for
military transport as replacements for the Army's water-guzzling horses and mules.
On their first expedition, a group of soldiers, about 75 camels and a Syrian care
taker -- one of the earliest Arab Muslims to settle in the United States -- success
fully trekked from Texas to California. It wasn't long before the camel was out
done by the "Iron Horse." The expansion of the railroads gradually eliminated
the need for animal caravans.
This week, "What's in the News" takes a look at American-Arab relations and
the U.S. debate on invading Iraq.
ITS staff takes up bike-riding
They direct Internet traffic for millions of e-mails each week, pave the way for
computer networking between buildings and campuses, and bridge great dis
tance... with high-tech videoconferences. But getting to appointments on time
over the crowded sidewalks and streets of the University Park campus has some
of Penn State's "information superhighway" experts riding a low-tech solution.
Rather than get huffy about lost time en route to meetings and chores, manag
ers with Information Technology Services (ITS) last month pedaled out a fleet of
bicycles for its staff and student assistants to use on a voluntary basis.
State's economy reflects nation
As the nation goes, so goes Pennsylvania -- not in politics, but in the ups and
downs of the business cycle. In 2001, after eight years of growth, both the U.S.
and Pennsylvania economies slipped into recession. The tandem motion of eco
nomic fortunes during 1990-2001, from recession to growth to recession, shows
how closely tied Pennsylvania is to the national economy, says a new report
jointly produced by Penn State, Verizon and the Pennsylvania Economic Devel
opment Association (PEDA).
"Road to 2003: An Update on Pennsylvania," the fifteenth edition of this re
port, notes that if trends of 1990-2001 continue for the next few years, jobs and
population will likely grow in the state, but at a slower tempo than in the nation.
Also, statewide unemployment should hover around the U.S. average, the report
notes.
Vote for the Nittany Lion
College football is in full swing in stadiums across America. As all fans know,
sometimes there is just as much entertaining action on the sideline as there is on
the field. For years, college mascots havebeen the backbone of school spirit.
Now, these unsung heroes are being recognized for working their tails, feather
and fur off -- and Penn State's very own Nittany Lion is among those considered
the best of the best.
As part of a nationwide competition opened to all 238 NCAA Division I-A
and I-AA school mascots representing football programs, 12 mascots -- includ
ing the Lion -- were chosen to the first-ever Capital One All-America Mascot
Team. These dozen feathered, furry and lovable creatures are now competing in
an online vote for the title of National Mascot of the Year. The winner will be
announced during the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2003.
Each All-American will receive $5,000 for use in scholarship and funding Of
the school's mascot program. The National Mascot of the Year will receive an
additional $5,000 -- for a total of $lO,OOO. To cast your vote for the Nittany
Lion, go to http://www.capitalonebowl.com/mascot_vote.php.
POLICE AND SAFETY
An officer was dispatched to Perry Hall for a report of an
ill student.
10/2/02 02:30
A student reported that a rented locker was broken
into and two books were taken.
10/2/02 15:10
A complainant reported damage to his vehicle while it
was parked on campus.
10/2/02 16:35
A complainant reported that two individuals were in
Ohio Lot breaking tree limbs and throwing the limbs in
the lot. Upon their arrival, Police and Safety Services
could not locate the individuals. They talked with
individuals in front and back of Ohio and they received
no leads for use.
10/5/02 01:00
`Kindness is the go/den chain by which society is bound
together."
- Goethe
Janet Neff Sample Center
for Manners 6' Civility
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Friday October 11, 2002
Behold, the power ott ~1::•.:'...,:::;;;:11.-lui!::7!.
PHOTO BY REBECCA WEINDORF / BEHREND BEACON
We're hoping the distinguished guests who attended Thursday's reception for Joseph Benacci were as delighted
by dairy as our caterers wanted them to be.
THON benefits children with cancer
by Jen Henderson
associate editorr
THON was created 30 years ago in
order to raise money for various
charities. The event was formed by the
Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Penn
State University. THON is a dance
marathon that started out being 30 hours
long and has now grown to a 48-hour
dance marathon. The event originated
at the HUB at University Park. It still
takes place in UP, but in order to provide
room for the growing number of
participants, it has moved to Rec Hall.
The IFC originally gave proceeds to a
number of charities, including the
Muscular Dystrophy Association of
Central Pennsylvania and the local
chapter of the Pennsylvania Association
of Retarded Children. Now all of the
proceeds go towards the Four Diamonds
Fund to benefit children with cancer.
Personal Counseling
depression screening
by Erin McCarty
news editor
On Oct. 17, the Personal Counseling
Office will be holding a depression
screening outside Bruno's as a part of a
national initiative to help students
recognize symptoms of depression and
seek treatment.
"College students are an at-risk age
group," said personal counselor Sue
Daley. "The onset of depression is
usually from 15 to 24 years old." One
in ten college students suffers from
depression.
" The number one issue at Behrend
that students seek counseling for is
depression," said personal counselor
Allison Parr-Plasha. The screening is a
way of taking a proactive approach to
tackling this potentially deadly disease.
The screening, which lasts from 11
a.m. to 2 p.m., consists of a written test,
which can also be taken online at
screening with the keyword feelgood. In
both cases, the test is free and
anonymous, but those who take the test
on Oct. 17 will also receive a list of
community resources dealing with
depression. In addition to Daley and
Parr-Plasha, the Personal Counseling
Office staff includes a consulting campus
psychiatrist, Dr. Max Gottesman. Daley
encourages students whose symptoms
have persisted for several weeks or more
to seek some sort of professional help.
"It has been proven that
psychotherapy and medication together
can lift depression faster than the self
help approach," said Daley.
Nonetheless, there are methods by which
students who are suffering from
depression may help themselves. The
most effective reducer of depression is
exercise, which elevates the level of
seratonin in the body and halts the
components of depression.
There are several factors that may
contribute to depression. Genetic
predisposition and environmental
stressors, including lack of sunlight, are
major factors. Depression is also
FOCAL POINT
The Four Diamonds Fund was started
by the Milliard family, who lost their son
Christopher to cancer when he was 14.
Christopher's battle with cancer was
characterized by the following words:
courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength.
Charles and Irma Milliard wanted to find
a way to help provide financial assistance
to families whose children were
receiving treatment at Penn State's
Children's Hospital at the Milton S.
Hershey Medical Center.
Year by year, THON has become more
popular. Non-Greek students were
eventually allowed to participate and the
funds began to grow. THON's first
donation was $29,000. That sum has
continued to increase and reached more
than 3.5 million last year. THON got a
new name in 1990 when it became also
known as the Interfraternity Council/
Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
associated with loss, and there are many
types of loss that can come with starting
college. Because this is a time of great
stress, many students do not recognize
their symptoms as being indicative of
depression.
"Some students don't know they're
depressed," said Parr-Plasha. "We're
helping them recognize the symptoms.
The reason we're doing this is to
heighten awareness and help students
identify that they're depressed." Even
if they find that they themselves are not
depressed, they may be alerted to those
symptoms in someone close to them.
"We want to dispel the myth that this
is a personal weakness," said Daley. "It's
a big stigma to ask for help."
Fortunately, mental health issues are now
being discussed more openly. But many
students are still reluctant to seek help.
"One thing that happens to people with
depression is that they become very self
critical," said Daley. "Therapy would
be useful in helping them to see
themselves more accurately."
"There is no reason for them to be
Signs of Stress:
* Problems eating I idtxtrAng
* Increased use of alcohol or other
drugs . •
't Increased boredom and fatigue
* increased procrastination
* Beicorning anxious. and confused
over unimportant events
* inability to concentrate or pay
attention
* inability twget onixed
* Weakness, dizziness, and.short
-ness of breath; anxiety;attacks
* Persistent hostile or angry feel
-ings; increased frustration with mi
-nor annoyances
Nightmares
* OworPomi ring I'M/es to orY or run
and:hide
-ex se hi
• Changeiirt tord hebi
* Frequent aches or stomach.tight
-fless
*Frequent colds 00 infection
* Frequent accldenbi and s
.des minor inJu
-srxxxi to medical treatment
t,,,eiltrlesy of the Personal Counseling Office
Erin McCarty, News Editor
behrcolls@aoLcom
This year's THON will be held Feb.
21-23. Co-chairs of the event from our
campus are Jen Sutter and Michelle
Rizzo. THON kick-off week here at
Behrend begins Sept. 21, and everyone
is asked to participate. The 'Just $2 IT'
campaign is asking every student to
donate two dollars to help raise money
for this worthy cause. The goal for the
campaign is $50,000.
"We really want to put Penn State
Behrend on the map with our fundraising
efforts for THON," said Brandi Hovis,
SGA President . SGA will also hold a
competition for two dancers to represent
Penn State Behrend at this year's THON.
Students interested either in fundraising
or dancing can attend the informational
meetings, which are held every Thursday
at 5 p.m. in the SGA Office.
Office offers
suffering," said Parr-Plasha. Not only
does depression affect mental health, it
often causes the deterioration of physical
health as well. The Personal Counseling
Office recommends that students get a
full physical once symptoms of
depression have been identified.
In addition to depression, the
screening will test for anxiety, manic
depression, and post-traumatic stress
disorder (in relation to Sept. 11).
Students, as well as Behrend faculty and
staff, are invited to take the test and enjoy
a cup of cider and some cookies. Last
year, 141 people were tested. Of those,
38 screened positive for depression, 13
for manic-depression, and 12 for suicidal
ideation. It is the students in this last
category who particularly concern Daley
and Parr-Plasha.
"Suicide is the second leading cause
of death in this age group," said Daley.
All students are encouraged to take
advantage of the services available
through the Personal Counseling Office.
Those with questions may call the Office
at x 6504.
Signs of Depression:
* Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty"
mood
* Feelings of hopelessness, maim
-ism, guilt, worthlessness, and
helplessness
* Loss of interest of pleasure in ordi
-nary activities
* Sleep disturbances (e.g. insomnia
or oversleeping)
* Eating disturbances (e.g. de
creased or increased appetite and
weight)
* Decreased energy, fatigue, and
feeling "slowed down"
* Thoughts of death or suicide; sui
-cide attempts
* Inctezreed restlessness and irrita
-bility
"Difficulty concentrating, remember
ing, and making decisions
" Physical symptoms such as
headaches, digestive disorders,
and chronic pain -- that don't re
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