PENNSTATE PPM Harrisburg I 8 5 5 Vol. 24 No. 6 After 5 years, Provost still energized David A. Blymire Capital Times Sfaff If there's one quality that makes Penn State Harrisburg Provost and Dean Dr. Ruth Leventhal stand out, it's her seemingly endless pool of energy. During her five years at PSH, the school has experienced numerous changes in its profile. By reorganizing the administration, upgfading academic programs and facilities, and by reaching out to the greater Harrisburg community through her involvement in numerous civic, business and education-related . organizations, Leventhal has brought a new prestige to the school. As Provost and Dean, a postion she's held since July 1984, Leventhal is the chief executive officer of the campus as well as the chief academic officer. Educated as a parasitologist, she attributes her energy to "good genes and good vitamins." She holds a B.S. in Medical Technology, a Ph.D. in Parasitology and an M.B.A. degree (Wharton School), from the University of Pennsylvania. "I think it runs in the family," she says of her vitality. Her stepfather studied in Paris under the late sculptor Rodin. "He had an impact on my life in terms of my interest in art," she said. Works from her personal collection The person who posted the notice beside this poster obviously disagrees with the poster. The notice reads: MAYBE YOU CAN ACCEPT IGNORANCE, BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT READING THIS GARBAGE CAN CAUSE NEARSIGHTEDNESS, HAIRY PALMS, NARROW MINDED THINKING AND A GENERAL DISLIKE OF MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX? CAPITAL TIMES photo by Denims C. Benson Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg adorn the walls in her office, and she placed the statues in the courtyard behind Olmsted Building. She had done some of her own painting in her spare time. She considers personal attitude an important quality. "I try to keep anger out of my life," she said. "I think its debilitating." Before coming to Penn State Harrisburg, she was Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Professor of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Hunter College in New York City. "When I used to teach, students told me I treated them as if I expected them to get A's," she said. Those high standards have translated into positive growth for the school; Additional academic programs in areas such as computer science, criminal justice, environmental engineering technology, public administration, and an emphasis on more faculty and student research have figured into an increase in student enrollment of more than 25 percent since 1984. Among students identifying themselves as minorities, enrollment has increased from 131 in 1984 to 203 in 1989. Under Leventhal's administration, the senior administrative organization was revised to increase efficiency, and more women 'and minority faculty and staff members have been hired. "We've had a lot of success in the staff, especially in Dr. South's staff," she said. "We're very proud." "These events have not been random," she said but have been part of her planning. Strategic Planning is a university-wide program in which goals for each planning unit are designed and worked out. She emphasized allowing people to focus in on their own Steroids: Drugs are drugs John Garvey Capital Times News Editor When people hear the words "cocaine" and "crack", images of drug addicts living only for their next high and pushers willing to exploit anyone to make a buck,. come to mind. But the word "steroids" evokes names like Ben lohnson, the worlds fastest man, and Brian Bosworth, a football star making an incredible amount of money. There is no doubt that steroids do what they promise - increase your size and strength - but at a price you just might be able to live with. Steroid use has possible side effects, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, "To the liver, cardiovascular, immunological and endocrine systems, and thus to the overall health and longevity." Steroids are used by many people who want to feel more attractive to the opposite sex, as well as profesional athletes trying to "get big" so they can have an edge on their competition. Duane Crider, Penn State Harrisburg Athletic Directer, said, people believe that "College football players use [steroids] so they can't be all bad or else they wouldn't be able to use them." "Based on a brief survey that was conducted last year by a student in one of our classes the results of that survey indicated that there are (steroid) users on campus and some that have used in the passed,"Crider said. According to Dr. Ed Beck, Coordinator of Counseling at Penn State Harrisburg a typical steroids user "feels inadiquate" and believe steroids "gives them the competitive edge." Beck said that because the people taking steroids are not doctors, they usually have "no idea what they're taking." He added the user "takes more then they need." believing the more they take the quicker the results. Beck said any coach who puts pressure on an athlete to use steroids "should be sent to jail as a drug dealer." Dr. Ruth Leventhal December 7,1989 particular strengths. Leventhal has also given the school's relationship to the outside community her personal attention. She commissioned a study on the image of PSH in 1984-85, and the school's name was changed to its present designation. Several programs aimed at increasing awareness of PSH in the community were initiated, including the Provost's Lecture Series, which brings nationally-known, sometimes controversial speakers to the college. "We want to bring (community)people to the campus," she said. The Lecture Series provides the community with a "place for neutral debate. I think that's part of what an educational institution is supposed to do." She has taken the Penn State name out into the community through her numerous speaking engagements, and is also active in a number of local organizations: The Art Association of Harrisburg, Open Stage of Harrisburg, the Capital Area Health Foundation, Campus Compact and Tri-County Planned Parenthood, to mention only a few. "I've been told I have high taiidards and high expectations," she said. "Over the long haul, you can't sell smoking mirrors, you have to sell quality."
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