Vol. XXIII, No. 1 Penn State University, Delaware County Campus August 19, 1991 - Campus Opens Despite a campus spending freeze caused by by the budget crises throughout the University and the state, a number of campus improvements have been made since the end of spring semester which the casual campus observer may not ~ have noticed. For example, a new parking lot was installed in front of the Main Building as a demonstration to Penn State of a new material called Gripflex. The preparation cost, which included repairing some deep holes on the east side, was covered by University Park. However, campus Business Director Diane - Jankowski has noted that there was no cost for the other labor and material, as the parking lot was being used as a test site by the manufacturer, Keller & Wolf. An additional test strip was done in the main parking lot as part of a promotional seminar by the company. . : Also in the main parking lot, new steps were installed leading out of the lot to the Main Building. Gripflex was used at the top and bottom. This product was also used on the area above the Library steps, which were topped and bonded. Funds for both projects were made available by a kiosk project which had been previously funded and cancelled. Both areas had been noted as hazardous by the Campus Safety Committee. Another project completed outside the library was the painting with Improvements Despite Budget Crunch of the metal poles and girders supporting the open overhang, which had been peeling and rusting. This project was funded by some year-end monies recovered from another budget area. Nearby, in the Lion’s Den, the Student Government Association and the Maintenance Department have been working together to improve the facility. A wall has been constructed to enlarge the SGA office, and other general maintenance items have been tended to in preparation for this opening week of the fall semester. : In the Main Building, the campus administration suite, Room 111, has been painted and new carpet has been installed. These renovations improve the appearance of this reception area for the public and make it more appealing to the many ‘visitors received by the CEO and University Relations. Also in the Main Building, several air conditioning units have been installed in the classrooms. However, more cannot be installed until the existing electrical supply in the Main Building is analyzed. It is currently being used to its limit due to dedicated lines for computers and air conditioners. : Throughout the campus, not only were new walkways finished, but the new directional signs, which was partially installed in the spring, was completed. These signs were funded in the 1989-90 budget year, and have helped to give the campus a more professional look. Additional directory boards and information will be added to the entrances of each building and the glass windows throughout the first floor of the Main Building. Other projects have been identified for completion in the near future. Jankowski has announced that the top priority for the 1991-92 fiscal year is the upgrading of the exterior lighting on campus. This has been an issue of concern to the entire campus community. In accordance with the urgency felt, a light pole for the walkway between ‘the Main Building and the Athletic/ Commons Building has already been installed. fered at the SGA Welcome Back Picnic. SGA Plans The Student Government Association (SGA) is sponsoring a Theater Program, Food Festival Set for Cultural Awareness Week The week of October 7th through 11th will be Cultural Awareness Week at Delco, an event sponsored by the Office of Student Programs and Services. All members of the campus community are invited to take part in the variety of activities planned for the celebration. The week will begin with a performance by the Metamorphis Performing Company. They will present “Strange Like Me,” a theater program which addresses diversity and acceptance. The program makes the point that the university is a community in which all people can live together and learn from each other. Through theatrical scenes, role playing, and interaction with the program’s moderator, the audience explores words, the meaning behind words, and how words — and actions — can make people feel. The performers are never judgmental, but are seeking to communicate and offer skills for addressing differences. Like Me” will open discussion on sexism, homophobia. demonstrates community’s acceptance and to diversity. “Strange bigotry, racism, and It is a show that the campus commitment to In addition to the Metamorphis production, an Ethnic Food Festival will also be part of Cultural Awareness Week. It will be held on Friday, October 11 from 12:30 to 2:00 in the Lion’s Den. All those interested in making a specialty dish for the Festival, may pick up a form in the Lions Den. : The third program for the week is still being planned. Further details will be announced in the near future. All campus members are encouraged to attend. Another proposed project is to improve the classroom environment by increasing blackboard space and upgrading seating in all classrooms on campus. However, funding allocations have not yet been announced by the University Classroom Committee. In addition, the deteriorating floor in classroom AA-2 is being evaluated for structural soundness, according to Jankowski . Recommendations will be referred to the Campus Budget and Classroom Committees. These, and other recommendations, must await budget action on the state and University levels before action can be taken at this campus. Hot dogs and hamburgers hot off the grill are part of the menu of free food of- Photo by: MARY MATUS Fall Picnic “Welcome Back Picnic” on Friday, September 6, from 12:00 to 4:00. The event will be held outside on the lawns surrounding the Commons Building. It is free and open to all Delco students, faculty, and staff. The picnic menu will include freshly grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, condiments, chips, and soda. In addition, a variety of activities are planned’ for that afternoon, including volleyball, tie- dying, frisbee, and caricature drawing. For musical entertainment, a live band will be playing throughout the afternoon. The SGA invites all members of the campus community to join in this celebration of the start of a new academic year. PSU Ranks 3rd in Defense Grants Penn State University ranks third among United States colleges and universities in the amount of Defense Department receives, according to recently released government figures. grants it In fiscal 1990, the University received $61.6 million in defense contract funds, an increase of nearly $8 million over the $53.95 million received in fiscal 1989 when Penn state was ranked fourth among universities and colleges. The institution which received the most defense contracts in 1990 was the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with $455.1 million. Second was John Hopkins University with $373.9 million. Penn State is seventh overall when ranked both with universities and non-profit organizations, up from last year’s eighth overall ranking. “The University’s achievement reflects the world-class quality of 1990 defense research conducted by its faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and staff,” Charles Hosler, acting executive vice president and provost, said. Other Pennsylvania schools receiving more than $5 million in contracts were Carnegie Mellon University ($57.2 million), the University of Pittsburgh ($9.6 million), and the University of Pennsylvania ($7.4 million).
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers