— LION’S EYE — August 25, 1997 Students from the Bridge program take time out from the summer frostiman orientation course to enjoy the sunshine. Campus Welcomes New Education Faculty Member By Erin Lulevitch Students majoring in urban education are about to get a little smarter this semester. A brand new course is going to be offered by one of Penn State Delco’s newest faculty members, Dr. Nina Asher. Dr. Asher is in the process of completing her doctorate degree at Columbia University where she taught graduate students. She already possesses a master’s degree in social work from India, where she also spent time teaching students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. “I'm excited about developing a new course for urban teachers,” says Cultural Alert Dr. Asher. “The course is about bringing realities into the classroom, to bring attention to the social context and the different factors that shape students. This is especially important to the urban education program, since the urban areas are where most of the different backgrounds and cultures are found and teachers need to become sensitive to this.” Dr. Asher expects to continue her own learning process as a result of this new course. “As teachers we must learn to be good listeners as well as good observers.” Dr. Asher can be reached at her office'in room 121, Vairo Library. The British Are Coming! By Daniel Joseph Abbondi Along with the normal crop of incoming freshmen in the fall semester, Penn State Delaware County will also sce the arrival of six international exchange students. The students hail from Thames Valley University in the city of London, England. They have made the long trek across the Atlantic for a taste of America and the American university culture. The students are renting rooms in the area with easy access to Philadelphia, and plan to take in as much of the American culture as possible. This exchange program between Thames Valley University and Penn State Delaware County is unique in the University system. It is coordinated through John Terrell, accounting instructor at Delco, and Frank Mcmullen at Thames Valley. The exclusive exchange allows students not only access to a univeristy in another country in which they are visiting but also the program allows students to participate in classes with students of the country in which they are visiting. Unlike some exchange programs, the : Thames Valley-Penn State exchange allows students to see the culture from the inside out as opposed to large scale group exchange programs which often isolate visiting students from those native to the country during class sessions. Futhermore, this particular exchange requires that students spend a full semester abroad, rather than half or a quarter semester like some exchange programs. The six students have expressed anticipation and have little intimidation of America, American city life and university culture. Although confident, the students will be involved in what can best be termed a “culture shock” and will no doubt welcome the support and social “interation of the students here on campus. Good Reasons for Spending By Paul Basilio If you've been lying around at the pool or beach all summer, unaware that life goes on at Penn State Delco during the “off-season,” you've missed out on a few great summer programs. The CLASP (Community Leadership After School Program) summer program, which took place from June 30 through July 25, involved thirty-seven children from Chester between the ages of 6 and 14 and eight Penn State Delco students as their counselors. A typical day fora CLASP camper involved a morning exercise video followed by some academic programs, and learning to better their reading skills. Nicole Memmo, a third semester special education major who changed her major from nursing after taking part in the camp, loved every minute of it.” “You'd sce different kids with different backgrounds making friends with each other,” she added. Keep On Rising, a summer work, study and enrichment program for Penn State students going into their sophomore year, also helped the children of CLASP. The students took part in President Clinton's America Reads program, which is designed to help America’s children improve their Many Summer Days at Delco reading habits and skills. Keep On Rising students had an opportunity to work with the children each week. Six Delco students participated in the program. Aside from helping young children, the program is intended to develop skills, attitudes, and behaviors which will lead to success during their second year on campus. The Bridge program, for entering students of color, was also a great success this summer. The enrollment consisted of ten African American and ten Asian students. Bridge's purpose was to give students a sense of belonging on a new campus, ‘eliminating some of the alienation felt in a strange place. The students in Bridge take two 3-credit courses. One is a freshman Seminar course that covers everything from study techniques to diversity issues. Loretta Ramsey, Retention/ Diversity Counselor and coordinator of the Summer Bridge program, commented on the students who go through the six-week program. “The students generally become campus leaders...it builds up their self- confidence.” Approximately 200 students have gone through the program. From energetic young children to the Penn Staters that helped them, Delco was hopping this summer. Delco students who worked with the summer CLASP program relax with their young friends on the last day of camp. Summer’s Arrivals and Departures By B. Feick While the Delaware County campus sadly said good-bye over the summer months to esteemed colleagues Madlyn Hanes (Director of Academic Affairs), Waverly Coleman (Program Manager of Continuing and Professional Education), Evette Bazemore (Computer Technology Dr. George Franz i Coordinator), and Pam Coghlin (Admissions Counselor), it also welcomed new members to the campus community (or old members to new positions). Dr. George Franz, long-time associate professor of history, was named Acting Director of Academic Affairs, replacing Acting Director Dr. Karen Hill, who has gone on sabbatical. Roger Williams gas Roger Williams came from the’ Philadelphia Industry Council to take the position of Sales and Programming Representative for Continuing and Professional Education for the campus. Jim Morgan has been hired as the new Network Coordinator, responsible for all computer Stpport on campus. Jim Morgan
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