oh September 21, 2004 By BRIDGET MUNDY Lion’s Eye staff BDM185@psu.edu At first sight, Penn State Delco appears like one lily pad in a pond of millions, a springboard for college freshmen and sophomores looking to improve their grades and move on to a bigger university. But if you take the time to examine this campus a bit closer, you find that it is a perfect home for many students. One of those students is Virginia Maloney, a senior urban education major. To Maloney, Penn State Delco is more than just a two-year institution. "Penn State generates a culture of success for those who choose to stay,” she said. “Not only do the profes- sors have the time, but they spend the time with you, whether it be talking, teaching, or helping you to plan your life." Maloney began her academic career at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, and then, after some time off to travel and see the world, she made the deci- sion to attend Penn State's Middletown headquarters. "Financially it was the right decision to make, but after a while it became the right decision for other rea- sons,” she said. “I chose to stay because Dr. Adam Sorkin and Dr. Patricia VanLeuvan opened my eyes to the great possibilities existing right here at this Penn State campus.” Not only will Maloney be leaving with a degree in urban education but she will also accomplish a minor in English studies with help from Sorkin. Everything about Maloney says urban chic, from her funky shoes to her spiky hair. But this is not why Virginia was drawn to the urban education major. "One of the attractions of the program is that it grants its students marketability and preparation for the increasingly diverse world of education,” she said. "They make an effort to get us more political about edu- The Lion's Eye Fve on Cainpus Delco’s ‘culture of success’ fits Maloney cation. It has been challenging yet practical.” Maloney admits that at times the student-teaching is difficult. "I see children that come from difficult backgrounds and it unnerves me and causes me to become dispirit- ed at times, but it also compels me to strive to improve the quality of education and the educational setting for these children," she said. She will be working at Hamilton Elementary School in Philadelphia with sixth-graders for the fall and spring semesters. : Maloney is devoted to her major and continually feels challenged. She believes that joining the Penn State community has been a fruitful decision. "Every person needs to look at a college to see what it has to offer," she said. "For me, Penn State Delaware County has a small close-knit community with the net- working opportunities that a larger university would offer." : Not only is Maloney a dedicated student, but she is also pretty good at making a delicious sandwich. When asked what she will be doing while she is not at school she says, "whipping up subs with Aunt Sandy and Uncle Bertie at Sam's Sub Shop in Kennett Square. I get to make some money and acquire some real world advice from my aunt over ice cream and sandwiches." Maloney also enjoys chatting with the regulars. She agrees that Kennett Square is a friendly community. "The shop is similar to Cheers,” she said. “Everybody knows your name." Virginia is looking forward to student-teaching all spring and graduation in the summer but for now this sub-slinging, urban-savvy student is happy to stay right where she is. "I'm glad I am at this campus. It has afforded me focus in my life and a career destination." Page 3. Photo by Jennifer Rufo Virginia Maloney, a senior in urban education, is happy to be completing her college career at Delco. BIG GUYS ON CAMPUS Last week was a big one for celebrities to visit the Penn State Delco campus. First, the Nittany Lion, above — and who doesn’t know who he (or she?) is — had a coming-out party, complete with an official dedication ceremony. Then, James McBride, author of the best-setting book ‘The Color of Money’ was on campus to discuss his book and autograph copies. In addition, Graham Spanier, the president of Penn State University, visited Delco last week. Photos by Matt Kelly tee um x<zo
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