Prof. Eugene Boman enjoys challenges at PSH By RABYIA AHMED STAFF WRITER RZAIO9@PSU.EDU He is very interested in math. Just go to his office to find slide grills hanging from the ceiling. "Slide grills were the old calculator used before 1975, when they stopped manufacturing it," said Eugene Boman, associate professor of mathematics. He used NASA's Apollo program as an example. "They took slide grills to the moon and did their calculations on it," he said. Bowman did not learn how to use a calculator until he was in high school. During his school years, the two subjects he was very good at were English and math. But, they are not as different as one may think. "It's actually very common for PSH Commission for Women holds luncheon to discuss leadership By JANELLE HOWELL STAFF WRITER JLHS47O@PSU.EDU Penn State Harrisburg's Commission for Women held a fall luncheon on Wednesday Oct 22 with special keynote speaker Madlyn Haynes, Chancellor of Penn State Harrisburg. The Women in Leadership luncheon opened with an inspirational word from Donna Howard, Assistant Director of Campus Life and Intercultural Affairs about the importance ofthe CFW and uniting women through networking and leadership development opportunities. In addition, the event honored Julie Stoehr, Past Chair of Penn State Harrisburg's Commission for Women, with an award for her outstanding leadership efforts and commitment to service. Shortly after, the Chancellor revealed nine key principles necessary for paving a solid `Pathway to Leadership'. First, she encouraged everyone to "invest in themselves" and perform a self-assessment of his or her current state of being. math teachers to also be good in English because of the ideas used," he said. "And in math, there are symbols to talk about ideas, too," he explained. While Boman was in grad school, he "wanted very much to not be a teacher," he said. "I just didn't want to do it," Boman stated. But once he began teaching in grad school in the fall of 1984, he enjoyed it. What he really wanted to do was work in a research lab and only do research, he said. But, being a professor is a good trade-off also since he can research in this profession, too, according to Boman. One of his favorite classes to teach is his history of math class where students learn just that the history of mathematics from its inception. Boman believes that everyone should take the class because of how often math Haynes stated, "It's about getting rid of emotional bags and having something positive to say at the end of the day." In the ever-changing world of leadership and management, an upbeat attitude is one quality that will always get you far in life and Hayne's professional and positive demeanor is a testament to that notion. With poise and grace, she captured the audience by discussing her passion and dedication to the Penn State University and the magnitude of believing in the organization you work for. In order for an individual to make a positive contribution to the organization, he or she has to fully believe in its purpose and values Haynes said, "Conduct a values audit" to see if their values are compatible with your own and seek positive guidance along the way. "Go after a mentor and assess their character," the Chancellor stated, and take note of those who make bad decisions, and "learn from the great decision yomor-iwrv.lniwila4 is used in everyday life. "It's interesting to teach this class to students because many have never really thought about it before," he said. He also enjoys the conference part of the course where students write a paper and then are encouraged to attend the conference where they may present their paper. Boman has been teaching at Penn State Harrisburg for three years. He taught at Penn State Dußois for 10 years before that. The biggest difference he sees in students between both campuses is the boisterousness of students here. Students here are more likely to question him, he said. "It can be challenging some days," stated Boman. "I do like the challenge. Some days, I don't, but it always makes me a better teacher," he wittily said. The other big difference between makers." Even today, all generations of women (no matter what their career status) can benefit from a positive mentor, especially considering the world's latest fiascos with unethical leadership (from executives to politicians) - the Chancellor's words couldn't Julie Stoehr, past Chair of the CFW, recieves an award for her outstanding leadership efforts and commitment to service. the two campuses is the diversity at Penn State Harrisburg, which he truly enjoys, he said. One of the reasons he came to this campus is the four year degree program in math, which Penn State Dußois did not have. He likes being able to teach math majors here, instead of just teaching students for two years who may not necessarily even be math majors. Many of them were computer science majors, he said. Boman's wife is the registrar on this campus. They have two children, aged 10 and 13. One of the things that Boman wishes to accomplish is to send his two children to college. This is why he wishes the economy would get better soon, he said. Besides all the seriousness of being a professor, husband and father, practically every professor has a silly story to be truer. The hour long luncheon ended with an empowering statement: women can have it all! Despite the many challenges women face in the workplace, women do have the power to take leadership positions in companies while balancing a healthy home life with time management and Nov. 5 2008 tell. Boman's is his motorcycle trip across the country with a teddy bear strapped to the back. Because he really wanted to ride a motorcycle, he ended up buying one with his credit card and the teddy bear was a gift from his friend while he was in grad school. With the two in his possession, he was good to go. He drove for miles and realized at one point that his teddy bear was missing. He retraced his trip, driving back and forth, and spent practically the entire day looking for it, but was without luck. Later on, after his adventurous trip, when he arrived home, he learned that someone found his teddy bear and mailed it to him. He still owns the teddy bear, today. a solid support system. At the end of the day, women (and men) should examine their own goals and professional networks and tap into their resources to make a positive difference and exercise great leadership skills. For students on campus, The Pennsylvania State Harrisburg Commission for Women is a wonderful place to start. The Commission for Women, founded in 1981, provides a forum for exchanging ideas and serves as an advisory group to the President of the University on the status of women at Penn State, and advocates for women's concerns, and recommends solutions. Its membership represents every employment category: faculty, exempt and non-exempt staff, technical service and administrative, as well as graduate and undergraduate students (men and women). For more information about membership, please contact Donna Howard at djhl@psu. edu or visit http://www.equity. psu.edu/cfw. Please see BOWMAN on page 14
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