#BUClass2020

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Is a career journey a path or a maze?

By Eden Berlin, communications assistant

For many college students, their career journey is a straight line. They choose a major based on their field of interest, and every internship, engagement opportunity, or experience leads them to a job in that desired field. However, this was not the case for Erica Gebbia ’20. Her career path took twists and turns in ways she could have never imagined.

Gebbia graduated from Bloomsburg University amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as a dual major in anthropology and environmental, geographical, and geological sciences. The pandemic altered her plans, leading her to work remote for a local housing authority in Salt Lake City, Utah called Housing Connect. Housing Connect is responsible for finding affordable homes for low-income families in their area. Serving as a public relations and fundraising VISTA for Americorps is not what Gebbia had in mind after graduation because her previous experiences at BU were taking her in a different direction. While at BU, Gebbia took advantage of all the opportunities that the university has to offer, allowing her to participate in internships, civic engagement, and research to gain experience in her field of interest.

Her internship was with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), where she created workshops and presentations to engage in community outreach programs. 

“Interning with the DEP afforded me valuable knowledge and experience with community development,” Gebbia said. She learned so much from this experience, but what stuck out the most to her was that “engaging with the public is an important, necessary component to ensure the success of any organization as it helps create a sense of shared responsibility and civic duty.”  

After this internship opportunity, Gebbia did not stop there. Working with the PA DEP, Gebbia felt inspired to participate in a cross-country cycling ride called Bike and Build, to raise money and awareness for the affordable housing cause. 

“I continued to further my experience with community development...which was monumental in bringing my college coursework to life.” Gebbia said, as she engaged in this race. Bike and Build is where Gebbia learned about Americor. “I thought it would be a good segue, given the times, to gain professional experience.” 

The Bike and Build trip allowed her to take on a new role, one in the communications field. Gebbia’s previous volunteer work benefits her today because she is the current public relations and fundraising VISTA for Housing Connect. This opportunity led her to conduct an ethnographic research study, where she took part in observations, interviews, and surveys. “I studied how individuals conceptualize various geographical locations,” Gebbia said.  

Gebbia was able to take part in two work studies during her last year at BU. She was a peer mentor and a mass lecture assistant for Fazzino’s World Problems course. These job opportunities were important to her. 

“As a senior, these positions were valuable to me as I was able to help students engage with a subject that I am passionate about,” she said.  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gebbia’s second internship opportunity ended up being remote. She was supposed to go to the Island of Kosrae to conduct research.

This whole journey navigating different opportunities has wildly changed Gebbia’s career path. Although it was not what Gebbia expected, she is content with her current position now, as it allows her to hike every day after work and travel around Utah in her free time.  

“I am grateful for my time spent at Bloomsburg University and do not think I would be where I am today without the support and guidance of the anthropology department,” Gebbia said.

Gebbia has no set plan for the future. “I’d like to stay in the realm of community development and social justice to work with people in person, and eventually get back to doing things with food security.”

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Congrats, #BUClass2020! 👏🎓🐾🎉 #HuskyPride #BloomOnward (at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDrrFPpnpfH/?igshid=27sshcjnrbxi

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College of Education names its top students

Bloomsburg University’s College of Education recognized its Outstanding Seniors in each of its undergraduate for the 2019-20 academic year.

From the deaf and hard of hearing of education program Julia Krueger was recognized, while from American Sign Language/English interpreting Kate Andres was named the top senior.

In special education Abigail Potter is the top senior, while in early childhood education Joseph Kline was recognized. From middle level education Taylor Prehotsky was named the top senior, while Brett Budwash from secondary education was named the top senior.

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Commencement postponed to weekend of Aug. 7 to 9

Dear Graduating Students,

Earlier this week, I thanked you and all BU students as you began your first week of online instruction. As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread across the country, I so appreciate your patience and understanding while we adapt to these unprecedented circumstances. Over the past few weeks, many of you have been inquiring about the status of BU’s Commencement ceremonies in May.  

After much discussion and consideration of a variety of options, the members of the President’s Cabinet and I have made the difficult decision to postpone Commencement until the weekend of Aug. 7 to 9. Because the health and well-being of the entire BU community is paramount, we feel that this postponement is a necessary step toward ensuring the safety of all our community members: our faculty and staff, your families and friends, and you.  

Further details to come about the ceremonies, as well as more information on cap and gowns, cords, etc.

As President, I can easily say that nothing makes me happier than seeing our students achieve their dreams of a Bloomsburg University degree. With the news of this change in plans, my heart goes out to all of you, as well as your family members, friends, and faculty mentors who planned to be there for you in May.  

Alongside each of you, I share your disappointment. However, I very much look forward to celebrating with you in August. Please stay tuned as we coordinate the logistics for the rescheduled ceremonies, and be assured that you will be the first to know of our finalized plans for August.  

Until we are together again, I encourage you to finish the semester strong, focus on your health, and stay safe!    

Sincerely,

   President Bashar W. Hanna

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A Different Approach to Sales 

By Eden Berlin, communications assistant

Everyone has experienced walking into a store and being followed by an employee asking you if you need help with anything. Or it might be passing a kiosk in the mall and the person with perfume samples just a few steps behind you, relentlessly asking if you would like to try out their latest scent.

But you���ve never met Jake Caralle. 

He’s not your typical salesman. He’ll change your perception about a salesperson. As he says, “In sales, you’re helping other people solve problems.”

Caralle graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in business management and professional sales in 2020. He moved to Boston to work for Oracle NetSuite, a computer software company where he works as a business development consultant. 

“My job entails supporting the New York, New Jersey, and New England region in the top line of their sales efforts for companies that range from 20 million to 200 million in revenue. Nothing can be innovated, created, or advanced in our economy until someone sells something [a product] to somebody, Caralle states.

As a business development consultant, Caralle is selling software that transforms a business. He believes “the software truly helps them [the company] reach their potential while making life easier and saving them an immense amount of time.”

“I really like being on the hunt every day, facing down new business. I like what I get to learn in the technology industry,” said Caralle who recently won two company awards.

Caralle has had a niche for sales ever since he was working with Alumni and Professional Engagement (APE) at BU. He says, “Working with that office gave me a taste of what front line sales is like, where you’re trying to explain to people the benefits and values of a certain program or event.”

Along with promoting the Greenly Center, Caralle worked as a peer career coach. “I was passionate about being able to help other students,” he said. After BU, Caralle continues guiding BU students to return the favor.

“It’s my duty to give back as an alumnus because they [the alumni] helped me so much as a student.” ZIPD and the Career Intensive Boot Camp stood out to him the most because those alumni and employers were prime examples of Caralle’s potential future.

He has presented at the Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD) conference and participated in a virtual sales panel to share his experiences with current students.

“I presented at ZIPD because it’s a program that had a really big impact on me and my career direction. Seeing professionals come in to talk about their experiences helped me shift my thinking into a professional mindset. It made me want to be up there doing what they’re doing in a few years to help the next people in line get to where they want to be.” Caralle said. “I want to help create the next generation of leaders.”

Caralle has big plans for his future career. “I want to be the CEO of a company that I start and grow to more than 200 employees.” Outside of work, he reads books to develop other skills that will direct him to his goal. He adds, “I’m working toward this every day.”  

Helping people solve problems has always been Caralle’s passion. As a salesman, this mentality is what makes him successful. Caralle does not just want to sell you a product. He wants to make sure you have the perfect product you were searching for, or one you didn’t even know you needed.

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Top honor graduates for Fall 2020 named

Bloomsburg University named its top honor graduates for each college for Fall 2020. The graduates will be recognized during the school's virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 12.

We’re celebrating the Class of 2020 with virtual ceremonies at:

1 p.m. — Graduate Studies

3 p.m. — Undergraduate Studies

Named the top honor graduate from the Zeigler College of Business is Brittany Zipovsky, a professional sales and marketing major from Hazleton. She plans to begin a career in digital marketing or sales.

From the College of Education, the top graduate is Cori Jo Ruble, an early childhood (Pk-4) education major from Mifflintown. Ruble plans to seek full-time employment. While looking for a position, she will be a substitute teacher.

In the College of Liberal Arts, Joseph Zimmerman, a history major from Bloomsburg, earned the honor. Zimmerman will pursue a Christian ministry pastoral internship.

From the College of Science and Technology, Emily Bruce and Katelyn Kelchner shared the honor. Bruce is an environmental, geographical, and geological science major from Barnesville, while Kelchner, a health sciences major, is from Berwick. Bruce plans a career related to the field of environmental science, while Kelchner will pursue a master's degree in biology at Bloomsburg University starting in the Spring semester.

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“This year, you’ve adjusted — twice to a remote learning environment — and you’ve passed this test with aplomb. With the customary grit and determination Huskies are known for, you’ve continued to persevere despite the COVID-19 related challenges, and you’ve each crossed the virtual finish line. For that I’m beyond proud of all of you.” — President Bashar Hanna 🎓🐾HuskyPride #BloomOnward #BUClass2020 (at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CH6x1hnnxmo/?igshid=87yaf3w36v93

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“My drive to attend college was being an example for my younger cousins. Also, to have a better adulthood than I did a childhood. Being from the inner city, there weren’t many who went on to college. After talking with my high school mentors and seeing how much they enjoyed what they did, made me want to also pursue something I enjoyed.” — Matt Lassus '20 🎓🎉🐾 #CelebrateFirstGen #BUClass2020 (at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHgQme9HV_O/?igshid=h6w10520scd

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Accounting intern navigates COVID-19 hurdles to land job offer

COVID-19 may have interrupted Andrew Horst’s last semester of college and subsequent graduation plans but didn’t deter his path to a full-time job, which he landed directly from his summer internship.

The recent Bloomsburg University accounting graduate persevered through unexpected challenges of the ongoing pandemic to not only complete his internship with Boyer & Ritter LLC — a recognized leader in tax, accounting and consulting services — but impressed the Pennsylvanian firm enough to make the opportunity more permanent.

Horst ’20, who is currently pursuing a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.), says he was drawn to the internship through Boyer and Ritter’s active involvement on campus at Alumni and Professional Engagement career expos and Accounting Club meetings.

“I was able to connect with them through these interactions and caught a glimpse of what it would be like to work with them,” Horst says. “Their firm had a strong emphasis on their culture, community outreach programs, strong work and life balance, and professionalism.”

He adds, “You could tell the people employed by the firm enjoyed who they worked for and the people around them. That was extremely important to me.”

As an intern auditor in the employee benefits plan division, Horst says he spent a lot of time in the office due to COVID-19 with occasional visits to clients. Among his specific tasks included:

testing data and eligibility of participants within the plans

testing distributions of the plans made throughout the year 

testing participants' contributions to the plans

performing quality control measures

sending confirmations out to clients

“I’m proud of how well I performed my job during the six weeks I was there,” Horst says. “A lot of employers expect you to not know anything about the profession until you experience it firsthand.”

Horst was an exception, having brought a firm foundation of accountancy to the internship because of his time at Bloomsburg.

“I feel like Bloomsburg and my auditing class really prepared me for the job,” Horst says. “The most challenging part was learning how to use the programs the firm used. Once I mastered that, I hit the ground running. I was a fast learner, asked many questions, was efficient, and made an impression.”

That impression, according to Horst, led to a job offer.

“During my exit interview, I was told by (my third week) HR was getting emails saying they need to hire me,” Horst says. “I have a full-time position waiting for me.”

Interning during the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t short on its own challenges.

“Most of my coworkers were working from home, so this posed a challenge for them to organize the audits and assign work for me at times,” Horst says. “I also missed out on important experiences dealing with communication. I didn't get to interact with coworkers or clients as much as I usually would. A lot of my time was spent at my cubicle or at my house.”

Despite these unique hurdles, Horst says he found the experience to be very rewarding and beneficial to his future — including securing a full-time position following graduate school.

“This experience fit right into my career plans and goals,” Horst says. “My short-term goal is to become a CPA and work in public accounting for a few years. After that, I’m open to whatever opportunities come my way.”

Those opening doors can be attributed to BU’s accounting program, according to Horst.

“I was well-prepared for the job and expectations of a professional,” Horst says. “I felt like I was ahead of my competition due to my work ethic and what Bloomsburg has taught me. The accounting program and internship prepared me for my future by showing me what’s expected and how to perform.”

He adds, “The professors here really set a good example and guide you to success. The work experience I gained and knowledge will keep me going higher and higher within my field.”

Accounting (B.S.B.A.) The accounting program curriculum is tailored to address the demands confronted by today's professional accountant.Prior exposure to accountancy is not required for admission. Students are expected to develop proficiency in the general use of computer software programs dealing with database management, electronic spreadsheets and word processing. Students learn how to accumulate and summarize information, to analyze and interpret results and to present information that often becomes key to decision making.

The program emphasizes the importance of communication skills, both written and oral. Successful accountants spend more time working with people than with numbers. Student organizations include the Accounting Association, Phi Beta Lambda (business fraternity), Student Association for Fraud Examination and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Starting salaries for graduates are in the $40,000 to $65,000 range and up. Many graduates become certified public accountants (CPAs), join corporations or enroll in graduate school, including the Master of Accounting program at Bloomsburg University.

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Abigail Potter named top student in Special Education

Bloomsburg University’s College of Education recently recognized its Outstanding Seniors in each of its undergraduate programs for the 2019-20 academic year with Abigail Potter, from Millerstown, named as the top student from the Special Education program.

"My plan now that I have graduated is to obtain a job in the education field of either early childhood education or special education," said Potter. "I am currently on the job hunt and am participating in many interviews with various schools in both areas of education. I have promising hopes of receiving a job offer within the next few weeks. I am very excited about my future as an educator, and I cannot wait to see where my journey takes me. I am proud to be a Husky and represent Bloomsburg University wherever I end up."

Potter is thankful for all the faculty who assisted her during her time at BU.

"I would not be the educator I am today without Bloomsburg University and the College of Education," Potter continued. "It is so hard to pinpoint one faculty member at Bloomsburg University because each one truly influenced me during my time there. A few professors that made a difference for me were Dr. (Stephanie) Gardner, Dr. (Kali) Fedor, and Dr. (Brooke) Lylo. These three amazing women made learning fun and took my education to the next level."

"I also want to recognize my student teacher advisor Mrs. Stephanie Weikel," Potter added. "She has truly made an impact on my growth as an educator simply by being an amazing support system throughout this insane student teaching. Mrs. Weikel always gave a listening ear, great advice, and was super supportive. I wouldn't have made it through my student teaching without her."

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Julia Krueger named top student in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education

Bloomsburg University’s College of Education recently recognized its Outstanding Seniors in each of its undergraduate programs for the 2019-20 academic year with Julia Krueger named as the top student from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education program.

“I plan on working as a teacher of the deaf,” said Krueger, a native of Allentown. “I would love working with young children in either an elementary or preschool setting. I have a strong passion for teaching young deaf children because I communicate using both ASL (American Sign Language) and spoken English. My belief is that we need deaf teachers to inspire families with deaf children and show them that those children can do anything.”

As a student at Bloomsburg University, Krueger was inspired by one of her professors.

“Dr. (Molly) Marnella was one of my professors during my time at BU,” said Krueger. “She is the perfect definition of a teacher. She showed me how to be an effective teacher and was always there for me whenever I needed help and made me feel good about myself. One day, I hope my students look up to me like I did to Dr. Marnella.”

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EGGS department names senior award winners

Bloomsburg University’s Department of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences named its senior award winners for 2019-20.

Outstanding senior in environmental geoscience — Leigha Eby

Outstanding senior in professional geology — Sabrina Savidge

Outstanding seniors in geography and planning — Meg Ronan and Kyle Argenziano

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Senior Art Exit Show goes virtual 

Bloomsburg University senior art students have their work featured in an online exhibit.

The student artists were in the department’s capstone class taught by Ron Lambert, assistant professor of art and art history, specializing in sculpture and video. The website was created by James Dunlap, assistant professor of art and art history, specializing in graphic and web design and illustration.

According to Lambert, the senior thesis exhibition has always been a rite of passage for students to showcase the culmination of four years of growth and development. 

For the graduating seniors, it is a moment when they put their work together, stand back, and see how far they have come. It is also a time when the faculty have a moment to reflect on the evolution of the artists and designers.

Senior student artists featured in the exhibit include:

John Blackledge, Bloomsburg

Emma Everett, Hunlock Creek

Raven Gorden, Tannersville

Keanna Horst, Coplay

Yura Kim, Chikushinoshi, Japan

Traves Lebron, Catasauqua

Amber Loomis, Old Forge

Heather Maldonado, Tobyhanna

Shannon Malone, Massapequa, N.Y.

Brooke McCoy, Lansdale

Edward Murphy, Garnet Valley

Reagan Radel, Bloomsburg

Rachel Shapiro, Doylestown

Samuel Swank, Danville

Sarah Thompson, Honesale

Frank Trosky, Hazleton

Jacob Ulicny, New Boston-Morea

Alicia Williams, Kintnersville

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Department of English names its top students

Bloomsburg University’s Department of English recognized its top students for the 2019-20 academic year.

In creative writing Adelina Sacouto was named the top student in creative writing for her piece called “Flirting with the Devil.”

The digital rhetoric and professional writing award went to Julia Bagnata. For secondary education Lindsay Cocker was the top student, while in literature Anna Jaskiewicz was recognized. Jaskiewicz also won the Baillie Literary Essay award for “Atwood’s Incredulity.” Her winning piece is featured in the 2020 edition of Warren, Bloomsburg University's Student Literary and Art Journal.

The Fuller Fiction Award went to Clayton Newton for his piece called “Heading West.”

The Savage Award for Poetry went to Kirsten Crawford for “How to Grow.”  Crawford wrote about experiences in her life and the mark of emotional growth and understanding they provided to her.  

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Department of Media and Journalism honors its top students

Bloomsburg University’s Department of Media and Journalism named its top students from each of its four concentrations for the 2019-20 academic year.

Both GPA and faculty recommendations factored into deciding the winners.

In emergent media, Kelsey Weaver was recognized, while in journalism Deanna Lupia was honored. In public relations, Kelly Hughes was selected, while in telecommunications, Donnie Shields was chosen.

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EGGS department names senior award and scholarship winners

Bloomsburg University’s Department of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences named its senior award and scholarship winners for 2019-20.

Named as the outstanding senior in environmental geoscience is Leigha Eby, while Sabrina Savidge is the outstanding senior in professional geology. Co-winners of the geography and planning outstanding senior award are Meg Ronan and Kyle Argenziano.

Earning the Enman Service Award is Ashley Barebo, while Emily Bruce was awarded the Enman Scholarship for Environmental Field Camp. The Enman Scholarship for geography and planning internship goes to Meg Ronan and Blair Johnston.

The Braun geology field camp scholarship is awarded to Alison Evans and Nathan Gadinski, while Lea Zarr is the Professor Brian and Marty Johnson geography and planning scholarship winner.

The Joshua D. Sonntag ’14 and Chelci A. Kravabloski ’16 EGGS scholarship is awarded to Lacie Pichler, while the Tearpock Field Camp awarded is given to Ian Van Wagenen and William Soha.