Page 2 — LION’S EYE — October 15, 1997 for gay rights in America. Search for New Director Former Congressman Steve Gunderson talked to the campus about the struggle Photo by Lea Anne McGoldrick of Academic Affairs By JoAnne Johnson “The faculty at Penn State Delaware County prides itself on its creative approach to the educational experience of its students.” wrote Campus Executive Officer, Dr. Ed Tomezsko about the position of Director of Academic Affairs (D.A.A). Dr. George Franz, Associate Professor of History was appointed as Acting D.A.A. for the fall semester, after the position was vacated by Dr. Karen Hill, also Acting Director, was appointed after Dr. Madlyn Hanes resigned to become chief Executive Officer of the graduate center at Penn ‘State Great Valley. The D.A.A. is the chief Academic Officer, who is responsible for the hiring of the faculty, for courses, the advising program, and basically anything that has to do with Academic Affairs. Presently, a national search for the position is being conducted. Dr. Franz is among the list of candidates. “This is the first time I haven't taught in about 20 years,” commented Franz, “When 1 was teaching, I had more control of my schedule outside of classes.” Franz admits that he enjoys his new position. However, “It’s different,” he said. A permanent person in the position of D.A.A. will be chosen by January for the start of Spring semester. The search committeeanet on October 14 to review the 75 applications that Dr. Tomezsko received. “I am very pleased with the number of applicants,” commented Tomezsko. “Out of this group I expect to find an excellent academic officer equipped to lead the campus and to be a leader in the Commonwealth College.” Be Sure to Attend Your COLLEGE MEETING! Wed., Oct. 22, 12:30 P.M. Location Will Be Posted Woodcarvers Support PSU By Paul Basilio Before you know it, the time for buying presents will be here. Instead of the same old socks and cologne, try a brand new hand-crafted Nittany Lion statue or even a giant patriotic Bald Eagle to sit on the mantelpiece. These carvings and many more will be available at this year’s William Rush Woodcarving and Wildlife Art Show and Sale. Woodcarvers will be here from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, This show is the fourteenth show overall, and the eighth held at Delco. The participants include members of the William Rush woodcarver’s club, along with “world renowned” carvers from the five county area, New Jersey, .and Delaware, according to Catherine Sullivan, Coordinator of Alumni Relations and Special events. Some carvers will demonstrate their skill, creating everything from jewelry. to decoy hunting ducks. The show is held in the Auxiliary gym, and the entrance fee is a three ‘dollar donation (children under 12 free, with adult). All proceeds benefit the Penn State Club Scholarship fund for PSU Delco students. “We encourage students to come out, because it benefits them directly,” said Ron Hill, Director of Publications. In addition to exotic carvings and exciting demonstrations, door prizes are given out every hour. Each prize is a unique carving from one of the craftsworkers, and each would make an exciting gift for the holidays. Rep. Gunderson Speaks to Captive Audience By Aaron Mixson Steve Gunderson, former Congressman, spoke on Tuesday October 7 about the struggle for gay rights in America. Gunderson a Republican, was elected to U.S. Congress as a representative for rural western district of Wisconsin in 1980. In 1994 Gunderson publicly disclosed his homosexuality , becoming an openly gay public figure who went on to win re-election that year. After 15 years of being a member of Congress, Gunderson retired in 1996. Gunderson said that understanding gay and lesbian people has been ignored for many years, often those who are gay and lesbian are afraid of being rejected socially. Gunderson urged gay and lesbians to “Come out—how can we expect the rest of America to understand and support our lifestyle, unless we are proud of it ourselves. Until then people will be ignorant, and ignorance produces prejudice.” Gunderson’s sole purpose in speaking to groups is to motivate people, getting them to take a stand on what they believe. A major part of the gay rights struggle is getting certain benefits and respect equivalent to a traditional marriage. S o m e students agree with Gunderson. “ If couples have a long-term relationship, they should be entitled to the same benefits as any other couple,” said LeaAnne McGoldric, 1st semester DUS. Students who attended Gunderson'’s presentation appreciated his motivational lecture and tried to empathize with him. “To go around talking about his struggles and hardships in Congress, I think that’s really great,” said Patricia Fleck, 2nd ~ semester History student. “People are afraid and concerned about being alternative,” said Brandon Hamm, 9th semester Speech Communication major and president of the Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Gay, and Friends Alliance. Hamm invited all to LBGFA meetings and events. Steve Gunderson’s book, House and Home: The Struggle of Gay Rights in America, will be. on sale in the University book store. Honors Program “Intense” By Len Damico “The Honors Program at Penn State Delco allows intensive study options to a wide array of students,” says Dr. Amold Markley, Acting Head of the Honors Program. It's for students who wish to take more than just a standard class. The Honors Program is divided into two overlapping classifications: Honors courses and University Scholars. Honors courses are open to everyone, and offer a “more intensive learning experience,” says Dr. Markley. Some non-Honors courses offer an Honors Option, which means that a student can receive Honors credit in certain courses by meeting with the professor and doing more challenging assignments. University Scholars, however, are a more exclusive group. A student must maintain a 3.2 G.P.A. every semester, and take seven credits worth of Honors classes per year. Most students do not become University Scholars until their 5th semester, at University Park. However, Delco graduated its first University Scholar in May 1997. During his indefinite tenure as Head of the Honors Program, Dr. Markley would like to bring “more course offerings and more diverse course offerings” to the program. Honors classes for this semester include Psychology 002, American History 100, and Library Studies 297. Next semester should include an Economics course, along with Library Studies. Interested students should contact either Dr. Markley, or Dr. George Franz, former Head of the program. Alumnus Dave Pergrin, president of the class of 1940, displays his red-tailed hawk wood carving, one of the many carvings available at the woodcarving show on October 18 and 19. Freshman Representatives in Training for S.G.A. (Continued from page 1) “help them out whenever they need us” Josh Korson defines each freshman representative as “one who possesses leadership abilities, people skills, and maintain a positive attitude towards school and life.” They are there to let the freshman know all there is to know about student life here on campus, plus the extras. These extras include special events, clubs and the like, : Rick Garecht is in charge of advertising or “getting the word out” . to the students when something is taking place. He has to make sure that posters are put up and advertising the upcoming events. Martin Panalli summed up their job and responsibilities by saying, “We're apprentices” to the SGA. We are “participant observers, learning while we work.” Next year, these students hope to be able to take over the SGA when the current government moves on. Anyone who needs to contact the freshman representatives committee can do so by email. They are there for the students and encourage feedback and comments. The email address are: Martin Ranalli, mxr265; Jennifer Pimpinella, jxp308; Jen Gorman, jmg311; Josh Korson, jlk304, and Rick Garecht, rig169. All of the addresses are followed by @psu.edu.
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