News REDC named after retiring chancellor Burke Over the summer, Penn State Behrend found a way to honor Jack Burke, Behrend's former chancellor, by renaming the Research and Eco nomic Development Center the Jack Burke Center. The final descion was made by the Penn State Board of Trustees. Randy Geering, Director of Opera tions, calls the naming a fitting trib ute for an "inspired leader." "Jack Burke had a major impact on Behrend, and was instrumental for the construction of the REDC from the start," Geering said. "It was an honor for Behrend to name the REDC after him." The Burke Center, as it is now known, opened in 2006, housing Behrend's Sam and Irene Black School of Business as wells as the School of Engineering. This made Penn State one of the first colleges to place both of these schools under the same roof. Burke first started his professional academic career by serving as a fac ulty member and as associate dean at the State University of New York's Empire State College. Chancellor continued from front page Dr. Birx graduated from University of California with a bachelor's degree in engineering physics. He also holds a master's degree in biophysics and an MBA in finance from the Miami University of Ohio, and a doctorate from the University of Dayton in electrical engineering. Before working in the academic field, he worked at Sys tems Research Laboratories Inc. for 19 years in Dayton Ohio. With a diverse career, Dr. Birx is prepared to take on the duties of Jack Burke, as well as continuing to adjust to Behrend with the students. "I want to make it a good year," said. Dr. Birx. "I want to keep it [Behrend] the great place it is for the students." Dobbins continued from front page "We've had problems getting materials here," he said, mentioning a shipment of glass in California, which was ordered two months ago. It had been defective, de layed, and is still not in place in an inner conference room. Students were involved in the process as well, including a large contingent of student Housing workers who were re sponsible for equipment placement. "It's not just building the structure," said Miller. "You've got to think about moving in all of the equipment, setting up the dishes, getting all of the kitchen equipment set up." One early part of the renovation likely struck a tone with workers installing a sprinkler system. Miller says it's already in place. Local/State News in Brief Man arrested after threatening Erie driver with pistol Erie-Times News Stoneboro, PA Todd A. Lewis of North Carolina was arrested Wednesday after threaten ing a driver with a pistol on 1-79. Lewis and an Erie man were merg ing into a single lane in the Lake Township construction zone. Lewis reportedly passed the Erie District will not be criminally charged Philadelphia, PA No criminal charges were filed against the Lower Merian School District in the laptop wiretap viola tions controversy that surrounded the district earlier this year. "We have not found evidence that would establish beyond a reasonable doubt that anyone involved had criminal intent," U.S. attorney Zane WEATHER Friday: Partly cloudy, high 78, low 65. Saturday: Mostly cloudy, highs in the Bos, lows in the 6os Sunday: A few thunderstorms possible, highs in the mid dos, lows in the mid 6os. Monday: Mostly sunny. High of 78. Tuesday: More sun than clouds, highs in the low Bos. Wednesday: Partly cloudy, highs in mid dos ERIC PIERCE news editor Known for its modern classrooms and hands-on learning opportunites, the Research and Economic Development Center will be He launched his career at Behrend in 1981, serving as senior associate provost and senior associate dean until he was named chancellor in 2001. As chancellor, Burke was responsible for running and organizing Behrend's academic programs, re search and service, budgeting, mar- man exiting the construction zone, yelling and revealing a pistol. Police report that there were no shots fired and did not reveal if he aimed at the driver. Lewis is charged with simple as sault, disorderly conduct, and carry ing firearms without a license. D. Memeger said. The controversy started when stu dent Blake Robbins sued the district, on the grounds of wiretap violations. Robbins claimed that the school ac tivated the tracking system without legitimate reason. The system cap tured 56,000 webcam shots. The school also intercepted instant mes sages and video chats. Amanda Stetz / The Behrend Beacon After the renovations and fire, Dobbins will reopen on Friday. The project, which faced an already tight schedule, was significantly delayed due to the large fire in March which engulfed the Gazebo at Dobbins. renamed in honor of former chancellor Jack Burke keting, and fundraising. While at Behrend, Burke earned his certificate of Educational Manage ment from Harvard University in 1986, and has written over 3o jour nal articles. This is not the first time Behrend has named it's buildings after academic leaders: In 2002, the Irvin Kochel Center was named after and the John M. Lilley Library w Irvin H. Kochel, who was the head of Behrend from 1954 to 1980, and after Dr. John M. Lilley, who also the head of the col lege from 1980 to 2001. BEHREND BEACON • August 19, 2(10 www.thebehrendbeacon.com
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers