A AA WHE RE SOT 1 Misa, EASA AYA 20000 te AA AVI AAs rt nk aT PEPER SP Ra Page § 1 2 ¥ Uaani The Lion"s Eye": Frye on Campus A, i J, Everyone’ s psyched for THON weekend By STACIE MANN Lion’s Eye staff writer SMM450@psu.edu It's that time of year again. Every year, University Park hosts a 48-hour dance marathon — THON, to its friends — to raise money for kids with cancer. The event is being held Feb. 20-22 in Rec. Hall. The theme is "Always believing." This year, Delco's chapter of THON is expecting great things. THON has been working all year to raise money. The members participat- ed in numerous events already. One such event is "canning," in which members stand out in the cold all weekend to collect donations from passing cars. You've probably seen the members at various intersections and businesses in the area. Their last can- ning effort before the trip to University Park will be this weekend. Canning isn't the only method that Delco THON uses to raise money. Throughout the year, the members contact businesses to get donations and hold events here on campus. THON holds a Halloween dance every year, an event which always has a great turnout. THON also receives all the money raised from the Geological Times event held by Dr. Laura Guertin. This year, that event is today. Another huge event is the annual faculty luncheon and silent auction, which is set forThursday. For the past few weeks, people have been able to bid for amazing "prizes," such as Eagles and Phillies sports packages, lunch for two at the Mendenhall Inn, paintings of Penn State landmarks, and Penn State memorabilia. Last year, the silent auction raised $2000. This year, THON wants to double that, and they're off to a good start. THON has also made great strides in improving its organization. This is the first year in which THON took part in the Adopt-a-Family program. This program allows Delco to sponsor a Four Diamonds family directly and not just raise money for the whole foundation. This year, Delco sponsored Ellen, age 24, who recently relapsed. THON's very excited to be able to help out. THON is also excited about being able to send four representatives to University Park for the first time. These four "dancers" have a lot to do to prepare for the grueling 48-hour marathon. One of these preparations was the retreat weekend Jan. 30-Feb. 1 The weekend i is designed to get the dancers motivated, and let them know what to expect. Delco THON's co-chair, Ed Rich, says that this year is a milestone in many ways for the organization. THON doubled membership at Delco this year, and already exceeded last year's total money raised. As of Jan. 30, THON had raised $11,174. The goal $15,000. With another canning weekend, the silent auction and non- stop fund-raising, THON is very opti- mistic about reaching their goal. THON urges everyone to go to University Park next weekend to cheer on the dancers and support the kids. To learn more about THON, visit the Delco THON Web site, www.del- cothon.org, or visit the main THON page at www.thon.org. February 9; 2004 °° ORIRORPRPRPREIRTAPE Tt TI 2 1 3 28 LE IO OY ‘Dinosaurs to now,’ a look at Earth By JEFF HUBER Lion’s Eye staff writer JDH335@psu.edu Geoscience 021, Biodiversity and Earth History is the class of the month. Biodiversity and Earth History, also known -as Earth and Life, is a three-credit course falling under natural sci- ences in general education. It is being taught by Dr. Laura Guertin. "This course (Earth and Life) reviews the past 4.6 billion years of Earth's history and focuses on subjects students have heard of but may not be too familiar with," says Guertin. : The class = will: "discuss dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, the changing continents over time, and current issues of bio- diversity and conservation," Guertin continued. The class was in high demand this semester, offered in two sections each with 24 stu- dents. Seats were filled long before the start of the Spring classes. Not surprising, the reac- tion of students in the class were positive. ‘When asked, "Why did you take Colangelo, HDFS, replied, "I ‘thought it would be interesting." Brad Wiggins, a Business Administration major replied, "I - wanted to be ‘educated in Geoscience." After being asked, "What do you think about the class? The Geoscience 021?" Alana Photo by Anteia Consorto Dr. Laura Guertin instructs one of her biodiversity and earth sci- ences, which covers ‘4.6 billion years of Earth history.’ material?" Colangelo replied, "I - think it's good, I think the teach- er is really nice," Colangelo con- tinued to say "I like the different projects that we do." Slated for students in the class later in the semester is a service project called Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. For the pro- ject students in the class will research endangered and extinct species in order to reinterpret the information in a creative let- ter to a child, serving the dual purpose of educating writer and recipient. "AIKD is.a national celebra- tion of writing letters to kids to - give them some extra encour- agement, that "pat on the back" - to let them know they are spe- cial and that someone is sup- porting them towards their says Guertin, who future goals," also noted, "With the crazy and hectic schedules we all keep today, it isn't always easy to find time to volunteer and help oth- " ers. Young, ‘mature’ ... everyone makes PSU Delco enjoyable By JANICE KUEHN Lion’s Eye Guest Columnist Let me introduce myself: I am an "adult student” at Penn State Delco; this is my second semester on campus and I am an English major. After shepherding four children through the college pro- cess, I decided to come back to school myself. The response - from my kids was a resounding "Go Mom!" The response from my husband was: "That's great. What's for dinner?" I just want to say a few words on my perspective on the Penn State educational experience. On my way to school the first day, I prayed that I would not be the only person in the room who was alive when John Kennedy was killed. I negoti- ated my way into the already-crowded parking lot and parked between the yellow lines, (oops!) then went to the wrong build- ing (dang!) then finally homed in on my classroom. I peeked in from the hallway, and eureka!, There was anoth- r "mature student!" I sat myself down next to this potential ally and cautiously glanced about. I noticed something rather amazing: None of the young people was batting an eye! Of course, some of them were still half asleep. As students drift- ed into the classroom, I overheard-snatches of conversation, such as: "Boy, I had to drag myself out of bed for this class!" "Me too! But this is my only really early class, thank God!" I looked at my watch; yep, it was still 9:30. That's early? Its been a pleasure getting to know my fellow students. I've found that despite the age difference, I share some things in common with other Penn State students: A love of learning, a need to experience the classroom environment, and the desire to achieve a degree that will be honored in the real world. I received tremendous support from the admissions depart- ment during the application process, my academic advisor couldn't be more ‘helpful, and the folks in the library are con- “stantly going to great lengths to help me with research, etc. Without exception, my professors have been learned, kind and endlessly patient. I even forgot my E-Lion password, and the technical folks sorted it out that same day. (By the way, I strongly recommend that you write’ your password down some- where!) Penn state not only provides : a quality education, more importantly, each student is made to feel welcomed and wor- thy. : Go Lions!
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