e Niow's PENNSTATE Hk Delaware County Vol. XXIX, No. 6 Eye Penn State University, Delaware County Campus February 10, 1998 Provost Brighton Opens Delco Cultural Program By Ryan Boldosser “Provost John Brighton only comes to our campus every two years for the Opening Ceremonies of the Cultures of Africa Program. Provost Brighton's presence is an honor and adds credibility to the program,” remarked Connie Kirker, Director of the program. On January 30, Provost Brighton commended Penn State “All students can benefit from the program.” Delaware County for participating in celebrating diverse cultures through programs such as this one. “I thought that the opening ceremony was really nice” commented Sharmon Bryant, Career Counselor. “ The food was authentic and representative of the tone that Connie Kirker is trying to set.” Mr. Robert Ginsberg, Professor of Philosophy, who served as Co- Director of Penn State’s first Cultures of Africa Program in 1992, is also participating in this year's program. His contribution this year is photography on exhibit in the library. His experiences include photographic work in Tunisia, Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania. “For a few months the campus is transformed as if we were in Africa,” explained Robert Ginsberg. “All students can benefit from the Program’s wealth of films, dances, lectures, exhibits, receptions, and field trips by discovering that Africa is a wonderful part of our cultural heritage as human beings.” During the Spring semester there will be a variety of events involved in The Cultures of Africa Program. Coming up in February Dr. Paul Greene will give an “Introduction to African Rhythms” in 112 of the Vairo Library at 10:00-11:15. On Monday February 16 Nana ZarofKiokoko Ka Ananseseem will conduct a Talking Drums Workshop at 3:30-5:30 pm in 101 Main. These are just a sampling of the many events coming up in the next couple of months. All students are encouraged to participate. Campus Strategic Plan Looks Toward Millenium By Paul Basilio "We will be the best teaching and learning enterprise in southeastern Pennsylvania, empowered to serve our students and our communities. We will represent Penn State education at its best, integrating teaching, research and service and be a Community of People Learning.” This Vision - Statement, located in the Penn State Delaware County Strategic Plan Update for 1998-2002, marks the beginning of a dynamically improved Delco. Among the proposals is an attempt to expand the offerings for the new Business Degree on campus. Dr. George Franz, Acting Director of Academic Affairs, commented, "We've always been committed to business. We will add a new [faculty] position in Fall '98. With the new position, we will be staffed completely.” A new Human Development and Family Studies program with a concentration in Community Human Services will be instituted for first year students in 1998. A Pre-Law degree, available in 1999, will be a valuable addition to the curriculum. "For incoming freshmen, having a Pre-Law degree is more marketable," added Franz. "We will draw on the wealth of faculty from surrounding law school [to teach the courses]." Information Technology, a brand new University Degree, will be available for incoming freshmen in 1999. A new baccalaureate degree will be offered here at Delco, with the option of attaining a Ph.D. at other Penn State locations. Bill Gates, head of Microsoft, wants to give the University fifty million dollars to incorporate the Bill Gates College of Information Technology. "We believe there is a market here for that degree," said Franz. Classroom availability is not an issue, even with the new programs. With the new Technology Building, Delco will have facilities for 2200 students. This campus also looks towards decreasing emphasis on classroom teaching, and placing it on technology. Through the use of such software as First Class, Lotus Notes, and E-mail, classes will meet less frequently, opening up more classrooms for new programs. Students on this campus were not the only foccus of the plan. The University has a set goal of twenty percent of its students involved in some sort of international experience or program. Proposals to make it easier for Delco students to get plugged into these experiences were also generated. Building residences on campus is also part of the Strategic Plan. However, residence halls were also proposed in the 1995 Strategic Plan and were turned down, so the campus is cautious in expecting approval this time. "We are committed to the enhancement of the full and complete educational experience of our students." This statement in the Plan is a true reflection on the new direction of Penn State Delco. Celebrating the Opening of the Cultures of Africa are (I. to r.) Program Coordinator Connie Kirker, SGA President Anton Shuford, PSU Provost John Brighton, Delco Acting DAA George Franz. SGA Elections Approach; Photo by Ryan Boldosser b Candidates Are Needed By Aimee Stone On February 23, the students of the Delco campus will be asked to vote for Student Government Association officers for the ‘98-99 academic year. Current SGA President Anton Shuford, Vice-President Maria Iannarelli, and Treasurer Rob Mathews have decided not to run for re-election. Therefore, these three positions as well as the office of secretary, are open to anyone that wishes to run. Those interested in becoming a candidate for any of the above positions can pick up an application in the SGA office in the Lion’s Den. Deadline for applications is no later then Feb. 13. But of course, if you are willing to lead the Delco campus into the future, there are a few requirements. Candidates must: 1) be a full-time student 2) must have a GPA of at least 2.5and 3) must obtain 25 signatures from people who believe the candidate to be worthy of such an honor. Yet, do be warned. “SGA is a huge responsibility. It takes up more time than work and school, and basically consumes you,” stated SGA Secretary JoAnne Johnson (4th semester/ communications). If you are the type of person to run home from school, take naps, and catch-up on your Jerry Springer, SGA life is not for you. Those choosing to run must be dedicated to the job and hard-working. Also, if you do get elected, do not decide to spend two months at the shore during summer break. There is training to be done in June and July! All students are urged to vote, but only once. On February 23 you can cast your ballot in front of room 101 main from 8:00am-8:00pm. Melissa Martin and Nicole emmo of the Service Corps and John Lon and Michelle Berry of the Black Student League drop off sandwiches made during the Martin Luther King “Act’ program at Eastside Ministries in Chester with the help of Financial Aid counselor Sylvia Schaffer (center).
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