#CoCurricularLearning

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Nursing majors earn summer Army ROTC awards

Two Bloomsburg University nursing students Alison McKay and Grace Sullivan earned top nursing ROTC cadet honors this summer at the U.S. Army Cadet Command Advanced Camp in Fort Knox, Ky.

Attending camp at different times of the summer, both McKay and Sullivan, the youngest members of their regiments, were recognized for stellar leadership and the ability to perform under stress while applying critical thinking skills to make accurate and immediate decisions.  

Advanced Camp is a 31-day training event designed to assess a cadet’s ability to demonstrate proficiency in basic officer leadership tasks. Cadets are evaluated on their ability to lead at the squad and platoon levels, both in garrison and tactical environments. 

Cadets are also mentally and physically tested during a 12-day consequence driven field training exercise that replicates a combat training center rotation. Successful completion of the Advanced Camp is a prerequisite for commissioning.

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Morocco ... morning, day and night

Of the four Bloomsburg University faculty-led study abroad trips this summer, the longest is Fez, Morocco. Ten students with Yahya Laayouni, of the Departments of Languages and Cultures, are spending four weeks studying in an intensive, fast-paced Arabic program while exploring the dynamic terrain of this Northern African country that features desert, mountains and beaches.

Culturally, the group will explore imperial cities of Meknes and Volubilis while living with host families during their stay abroad. Exploring the modern and medieval architecture of Fez is also on the agenda.

Pictured — pictures are of the countryside right outside of Fez on a long walk home. There's a soccer field, Batha (bat-ha) sqaure near where we are staying, a semi-traditional Moroccan breakfast and pictures of the institute.

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First responder service to now count for general education

Bloomsburg University will now recognize students who serve their communities as a first responder by enabling them to count their service toward their general education requirements. Students who are first responders, such as volunteer firefighters, EMTs, or fire police, can register for a co-curricular learning course that counts toward BU’s citizenship general education requirement. 

Coinciding with National EMS Week, May 20-26, BU’s new “First Responder” course was approved May 21. While counting towards general education requirements, the course has zero academic credits, so the student-first responder does not have to pay tuition or fees. 

The only additional requirements of the course are for students to log their service hours and give an educational talk or presentation about their experience, according to Toni Trumbo-Bell, professor of chemistry and biochemistry who created the course proposal. Each semester of the course, which can be repeated, counts for one of two required “citizenship” general education points.

BU has roughly 15 students who volunteer with the Bloomsburg Fire Department, according to Scott McBride, Bloomsburg Fire Department chief who is also BU’s Fire and Safety Coordinator.

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Pi Omega Pi named among nation’s best chapters

Bloomsburg University’s national business education honors society, Pi Omega Pi, has been named one of the top five chapters for 2017.

Pi Omega Pi strives to encourage an enthusiasm for business education in schools. Scholars aim to provide grades K-12 with accurate and relevant business knowledge to prepare them for their future careers. Inductees must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and must have earned at least 60 credits.

According to chapter member Hannah Schmeck, the society offers students great opportunities.

“It has given us the opportunity to network with others regarding business education and has allowed us to develop lifelong friendships,” Schmeck, a senior business education major said.

   — Jenna Fuller, mass communications major 

Business Education (B.S.Ed.)

With nearly 80 years of excellence, the highly respected business education program of study is the oldest program within the Zeigler College of Business, and an integral part of its success in educating students.

Since its inception in 1930, the business education program at Bloomsburg University has maintained its excellent reputation in teacher preparation within Pennsylvania and other states. The program’s 4,000+ alumni promote the ideals of educating students for success in business and life.

offers practical and realistic learning activities

provides hands-on instruction in new and emerging information technology to engage students

includes teaching, learning observations, and experiences in K-12 diverse educational settings

prepares our majors for PA certification in business, computer and information technology

affords the opportunity for advanced graduate study in business, education or related fields

A Future in Business Education

Graduates of the business education program have specialized knowledge and skills to prepare them for:

positions teaching business, computers and information technology at the K-12 educational levels

training managers for business and government

teaching in proprietary business schools

Graduates may also serve as coaches and advisors to student organizations and are prepared for graduate study in business, education or related fields.

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BUSTED gearing up for new season

One of the first things Hannah Schmeck did as a freshman was set her sights on joining BUSTED. Now, a semester away from walking the graduation stage it’s another stage among the things she’s going to miss most about Bloomsburg University.

“BUSTED cast becomes a home base of people you will always be there for you,” said Schmeck, who plays Charlie-Rose and Brooke with BUSTED (Bloomsburg University Student Theatrical Education Drama). “I’ve met my best friends in BUSTED. We spend six hours a week together, but sometimes that’s just enough to create bonds that will last a lifetime.” 

BUSTED, an ongoing musical comedy series about college, is set begin another season on Monday, Feb. 19. It will be Schmeck’s fourth and final year.

“I was a drama student in high school and wanted to continue theatre in college,” Schmeck said. “BUSTED is the perfect group for theatre kids who didn’t want to go to school for theatre. My favorite aspects about BUSTED are the ways GK (George Kinzel, director and advisor) pulls in popular music and Broadway plots into our own little soap opera. Honestly GK’s creativity always has me wondering what will happen next.”

Prior to its spring semester premiere, BUSTED will be hosting open auditions on Monday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m. in KUB 345B for its cast and crew. BUSTED is looking to cast new actors, singers and dancers. Open staff positions include stage crew and production assistants.

“I recommend anyone who has a love for dance, singing, acting, or just making people laugh to come out for BUSTED,” Schmeck said. “It’s a great chance to get to be a new person and get creative with improv. BUSTED is perfect for anyone who wants to make real friends and have a real fun time doing it!” 

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Lecture inspires students to help local food cupboard 

Early this semester a simple class psychology lecture by Julie Kontos inspired her students so much it led to a rather significant donation to the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard.

“I was telling them about the ‘Hungry Huskies’ program that occurs Monday nights at the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard, and they wanted to know how they could help,” Kontos said of her two sessions of Psychology of Learning and Principles of Behavior Modification. “I offered extra credit if they students brought in cans of food for their fellow students.”

Kontos said students got one point for each donated can, up to five cans.

“In my two classes of psych majors and minors, they donated over 250 cans to the Food Cupboard,” Kontos said. “I was blown away and very proud of them!”

(L-R) Samantha Poff, Roshon Jackson, Fatmata Kanneh, Jacqueline Liss, Cache Catlett, Deandre Avinger, Jillian Gregro, Morgan DeSandre, Chris Mychajluk and Natasha Reid.

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The Voice lands five Gold Circle Awards

Bloomsburg University’s student newspaper, The Voice, brought home five awards from the recent Gold Circle Awards national competition, including a first and two second place prizes. Their work was chosen by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association from among 4,166 entries submitted by colleges and universities from across the United States.

Taylor Ploeger, editor in chief, won a first-place award for her personal opinion piece on vanity sizing, discussing the changes clothing stores are making every day with body images.

News editors Rachel Wright ’17 and Bitania Yemane teamed with writer Nicole Kelly for a second-place award for their news package, “Let’s Talk About Race.” 

“Rachel thought it would be interesting to cover something that is important and needs to be talked about on campus,” Yemane said. “I want people to know that racism is real, and it happens here at Bloomsburg. The problem is no one talks about it. We can become a better community where people can feel safe and welcomed.”

The Voice staff as a whole was runner-up in Headline Writing. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Joshua Lloyd, arts editor, for his review “Logan’ Runs Deep” and Evin Hartsock, managing sports editor, for sports page design.

  — Katie Behie, marketing major

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Computer science major spends summer with NASA 

Sky’s the limit.

Well, anything but for one Bloomsburg University computer science major who completed an internship with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) last summer. John Gibson, a junior, set the ambitious goal of working with NASA after watching The Martian as a freshman.

“That got me interested in checking out the NASA computer science internship pages to see what kind of requirements that would entail,” Gibson said.  “To my surprise, the curriculum requirements closely matched the course I was taking or soon would be taking here at BU, so I set it in my sights to apply.”

Gibson shared his dream of working with NASA with one of his professors (Drue Coles) in the Department of Mathematical and Digital Sciences. Coincidently, he learned that a BU alumnus had completed two internships with NASA during his time as a student and would be back on campus for an upcoming College of Science and Technology Career Day.

Coles invited Gibson to attend lunch with the alum, where he was able to ask questions and learn more about landing an internship opportunity with NASA.

In addition to having supportive faculty, Gibson also received the support from his fellow members of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter.

“ACM, especially the officers, helped me build my professional image, join the programming competitions team where we traveled to various conferences, and urged me to apply for internships,” Gibson said.  “It was these qualities that helped me be selected for my internship.”

Gibson landed a position of a software engineering intern at NASA’s Langley Research Center. He was under the supervision of a mentor and paired with another intern where they were responsible for building their mentor’s team of system engineers a tool to automate the process of communicating changes on a project to all other team members.

Because Gibson and his fellow intern were the only ones knowledgeable in this area, they had a free reign when it came to designing how to achieve this. Together they determined rules for how changes would be communicated, how to design the user interfaces, and setting up tests against their own code.

In addition, Gibson was also in charge of designing and building the web application side of the tool. Once it was completed, he and his fellow intern presented to both the local center and administrators at NASA headquarters.

“Working with NASA gave me a clear experience of what it’s like in the real world when a developer needs to work directly with a client to determine what they need and then build it from the ground up,” Gibson said. “This has opened a lot of doors for future web development jobs.”

Gibson says he hopes to continue building user applications as a software engineer or web developer at another innovative organization this coming summer.

“Get involved with other clubs, groups and organizations outside of the classroom that are relevant to your goals,” Gibson said. “Get to know your professors outside of class. These are where you will find opportunities and the people that will help build you to achieve them. It is definitely what helped me.”

  — Kim Oaster, mass communications major

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Tri Sigma lends helping hand to NYC homeless

Before heading home for the holidays, a group of Sigma Sigma Sigma sisters made a quick pit stop in New York City to hand out some holiday cheer.

It was the second time the sorority coordinated their own Take My Hand project where they handed out donated items such as food, toiletries and gloves to the homeless. This year they were joined by a few fellow Greek Life volunteers.

“They (homeless) are so thankful people are out there who actually care and are trying to do something to help,” said Lena Kaback, a senior Tri Sigma sister who launched the Take My Hand initiative last year. “Even if it’s nothing big, we are trying to do something. The smiles were endless. From every person sitting on the street who had their head down with their cardboard sign, I can assure you they picked their head up and smiled after receiving some of the items from us.”

This year’s effort was aided by the generosity of Tri Sigma sister Jess Murray’s father, who provided free transportation into the city. As a result, Kaback said, all of the monetary donations went back into the project for McDonald’s gift card and food.

Kaback added Tri Sigma collected care packages from their alumni, which included toiletries and protein bars. Jackets, socks, gloves, scarves and hats were other popular donated items from organizations.

“Luckily the weather was warmer than last year, so more people were outside rather than in Penn Station,” Kaback said. “We got off of the bus and made our way down to Penn Station where we were able to hand out a lot of food and warm clothes to people. We also walked around Madison Square Garden and several side streets, where we were able to help out a lot of kind people.”

According to Kaback, the group hit most of the same areas as last year.

“Next year, hopefully we can organize a different route and get in contact with people who can better direct us to where more homeless people like to hang out,” Kaback said. “After encountering some of these kind people and seeing how hard they are struggling day by day, it honestly makes you want to break down and cry. Although, we were able to give them some food, and a warm coat or blanket, we went back to our homes later that day and they remained on the streets.” 

In the future, Kaback says she hopes to have even more sisters and fellow Huskies get involved.

“There is so much that you can do with this event, and I hope when I graduate I’m able to plan it all out,” Kaback said. “This is something I most definitely will continue after I graduate. I want to eventually make this into a non-profit business that can impact a bigger population of the homeless in cities around the country.” 

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Pi Sigma Epsilon receives national charter

This fall, Bloomsburg University became one of only 60 universities with a nationally recognized Pi Sigma Epsilon student chapter.

PSE, founded in 1952, is a professional fraternity for students in sales, marketing and management. Marcie Liebert, membership manager and chapter consultant from Pi Sigma Epsilon National Headquarters in Wisconsin visited campus at the end of fall semester to conduct the fraternity’s initiation. The new chapter’s president is Rachel Allen, a senior business administration marketing major with a concentration in professional selling.

PSE gives its members the chance to gain hands-on experience through experiential learning opportunities, participate in conferences both regionally and nationally, and network with professionals through PSE’s corporate partner program. Through PSE students will develop practical sales and marketing skills through active involvement in:

sales and marketing projects

marketing research

professional programs

community service

social events

awards competition

general chapter operations

In addition, PSE annually offers more than $60,000 in scholarship awards through more than 25 different categories for student chapters to compete in. PSE also offers opportunities for students to participate in annual Pro-Am Sell-A-Thon, a national speaking competition and leadership training.  

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Forensics Team building off winning fall season 

Bloomsburg University’s Forensics (Speech and Debate) Team won the 2nd Place Team Sweepstakes award (out of 5 schools) at the Collegiate Forensic Association’s Annual Fall Tournament at Bloomsburg University. 

Ten out of 14 BU students won individual speech and debate awards. As a team, BU finished ahead of Liberty University, Shepherd University, and Wilkes University in the team sweepstakes competition. Randolph-Macon College won first place at the tournament, edging out BU by only 20 sweepstakes points. 

The following students won individual/team speech and debate awards:

Noah Roux: 3rd Extemporaneous Speaking; 1st Communication Analysis; 1st Lincoln-Douglas Debate; 6th Pentathlon

Lindsey Garnel: 1st After Dinner Speaking, 5th Informative Speaking

Isaac Osborn: 2nd After Dinner Speaking, 3rd Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Joseph Touey: 3rd After Dinner Speaking, 4th Impromptu Speaking; 3rd Place Parliamentary Debate with Taylor Baker

Taylor Baker: 2nd Lincoln-Douglas Debate; 4th After Dinner Speaking; 3rd Place Parliamentary Debate with Joseph Touey.

Jacob Beitz: 3rd Impromptu Speaking

Emme Reiser: 5th Dramatic Duo with Katarina Chiogna-Solovey

Katarina Chiogna-Solovey: 5th Poetry; 5th Place Dramatic Duo with Emme Reiser

Jonathan Roe: 3rd Single Dramatic Interpretation, 4th Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Tarah Kelley: 2nd Place Best Speaker in Parliamentary Debate

The other students on the BU Forensics Team contributing to the team’s performance included Nick Sorkine, Shawn Edwards, Kyle Bower, and Jared Garrison. Neil Strine, director of forensics, judged for BU at the tournament. Erin Brummett, of communication studies, along with Michael Martin, of English, and Mark Usry, of accounting, assisted with coaching the team and judged at the tournament. Approximately 20 BU faculty, staff, and graduate students served as community judges at the tournament.

Randolph-Macon College/CFA Invitational Tournament

BU’s Forensics Team won the 1st Place Team Sweepstakes Trophy out of five schools at the Randolph-Macon College/CFA Invitational Tournament in Ashland, Va, this fall. BU finished ahead of Randolph-Macon College, Lord Fairfax Community College, the University of Richmond, and the University of Lynchburg.  

Fifteen of 16 BU students competing won at least one speech and debate award. In total, BU students brought home 38 awards, including five individual first place event awards. BU was represented by at least one student in every final round at the tournament. 

The following students won speech/debate awards:

Taylor Baker: 2nd Lincoln-Douglas Debate; 3rd Single Dramatic Interpretation; 5th Place Best Parliamentary Debate Speaker

Jacob Beitz: 6th Impromptu Speaking

Kyle Bower: 2nd Impromptu Speaking; 5th Place Parliamentary Debate (with Isaac Osborn)

Katarina Chiogna-Solovey: 1st Persuasive Speaking; 3rd Informative; 5th Dramatic Duo (with Emme Reiser); 6th Prose

Shawn Edwards: 1st Extemporaneous Speaking; 3rd Impromptu Speaking; 3rd Parliamentary Debate (with Noah Roux)

Lindsey Garnel: 3rd After Dinner Speaking; 5th Informative; 6th Prose

Jared Garrison: 4th Persuasive Speaking

Tasha Hill: 5th Communication Analysis

Isaac Osborn: 1st Lincoln-Douglas Debate; 2nd After-Dinner Speaking; 5th Parliamentary Debate (with Kyle Bower); 6th Pentathlon

Emme Reiser: 1st Communication Analysis; 5th Dramatic Duo (with Katarina Chiogna-Solovey)

Jonathan Roe: 3rd Lincoln-Douglas Debate; 4th Single Dramatic Interpretation

Katie Rose: 2nd Communication Analysis; 4th Poetry; 5th After Dinner Speaking; 5th Lincoln-Douglas Debate; 5th Pentathlon

Noah Roux: 3rd Parliamentary Debate (with Shawn Edwards); 4th Lincoln-Douglas Debate; 5th Extemporaneous Speaking; 6thCommunication Analysis; 6th Place Parliamentary Debate Speaker

Nicholas Sorkine: 2nd Declamation; 5th Single Dramatic Interpretation; 4th Prose

Joseph Touey: 1st After-Dinner Speaking; 4th Impromptu

Andrew Kline also contributed to the BU victory at the tournament. Neil Strine, director of forensics and associate professor of political science, served as a speech and debate judge at the tournament. Erin Brummett, of communication studies, and Michael Martin, of English, assisted with coaching the team.  

The BU Forensics Team meets every Monday and Wednesday at 9 p.m. in Bakeless 306. Students from all majors are welcome to participate on the team.  No prior experience is required. The BU Forensics Team is supported by CGA.

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Sales students take on ICSC 

Six students from the Zeigler College of Business recently attended the International Collegiate Sales Competition — a competition that enhances the skills needed in a sales profession in a fun and competitive environment.  

Among these competitors were:

Andrew Bergey (case management)

Alyssa Daives (speed sell)

Brendan Matthews (role-play)

Kimberly Oaster (case management)

Nicholas Paesano (role-play)

Bradley Randall (alternate)

These six students were selected from Monica Favia’s Advanced Sales Class, based on their performance in a sales role-play done in class.

ICSC features three different forms of competitions each of which focus on a different kind of selling.  In the role-play competition, students are given a product or service and are required to go through the selling cycle to a mock-buyer. An advancement in the role-play competition is dependent on the competitor’s success in identifying their buyer’s needs, overcoming any objections, and advancing the sales call to the next step. Paesano and Matthews both advanced to the wild card round where Matthews placed second and Paesano placed third. 

“I valued the opportunity to not only compete but to grow and develop my skills all while gaining valuable insight from successful sales professionals,” said Paesano.

In the sales case-management competition, competitors team up in groups of two and are given a hypothetical problem within a business. The team then works together to prepare a solution to the problem that was presented in the case. This year, Bergey and Oaster had 24 hours to prepare a solution to the onboarding issue and present it to a panel of judges where they were critiqued on their interpretation of the problem, their recommended solution, and their presentation. 

As opposed to the role-play competition, the case management competition did not allow any outside help from fellow students or faculty. Therefore, all of the ideas presented to the judges were researched and developed by Bergey and Oaster. 

Bergey said, “Participating in the case management competition really helped me envision what a career in sales might actually be like. Kim and I had to work together as a team to come up with a solution to a realistic problem that a company is facing and had to offer solutions, yet there was no correct or incorrect answer.”

In the speed sell competition, competitors had to sell the most crucial thing: themselves. Competitors were required to prepare a 90-second elevator pitch and present it to four different company representatives. The goal of this competition is to advance to the next round in the interview process.  

“In the speed sell, I was put under pressure and had the opportunity to showcase my abilities to companies that I would like to work for,” said Davies. “Getting to actually give an elevator pitch to a company that is top on your list rarely happens; ICSC gave me the opportunity to connect with the leading companies in sales.”

While BU did not place in any of the competitions, the attendees took a lot away from their time in the competition. 

“Attending ICSC was a really valuable experience for me,” said Randall. “Having the opportunity to come face to face with so many great companies’ recruiters and ask them questions, obtain their advice on success was truly rewarding.” 

Randall was offered and accepted a job with a sales position Herk and Associates, which he will begin upon graduation next May. In addition, Davies was offered a position with Qualtrics.

  — Kim Oaster, mass communications

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Army ROTC takes on FTX

Coming out of high school, Brittney Hegarty was always interested in the military,but playing college level lacrosse was her earliest dream. Bloomsburg University’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offered the best of both worlds.

“I was still able to ply lacrosse for a few years, be a full-time student, and I will be commissioning as a Second Lieutenant for the United States Army upon graduation next May,” said Hegarty.

Army ROTC offers up countless opportunities for individuals who are looking to lead others, train hard, and serve their country. Included in these opportunities are field-training exercises (FTX), where cadets are taken out of the classroom and participate in hands-on training. FTX provides realistic scenarios that a unit might face when they are deployed.

“Hands on training is invaluable and teaches beyond measure,” Hegarty said. “Classroom setting learning is extremely important and necessary, but physically conducting exercises in real life scenarios is unmatched.”

Field grade or general officers, usually without giving any information to other cadets or company - grade officers, carefully plan field training exercises out. This makes the exercise more realistic because company-grade officers make the majority of quick and immediate decisions on the battlefield.

“Participating in FTX over the past four years has allowed me to develop as a cadet, a student, and most importantly, a leader,” Hegarty said.

Each year the standards are raised and cadets are expected to rise above and exceed previous expectations.

“Being a cadet at Bloomsburg not only teaches you about the Army and military, but allows you to be a problem solver in every aspect of life,” Hegarty said. “You are forced to think on your toes, react quickly and confidently, push past your fears, and have a positive impact on your peers.”

  — Kim Oaster, mass communications major

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Alpha Sigma Phi set to ‘Elevate’ this school year

Alpha Sigma Phi’s motto is “To Better the Man,” and it was certainly on full display at this summer’s Elevate International Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz.

“On the Thursday we arrived, we didn't know each other,” said Tanner Ambrose, president of BU’s Alpha Sigma Phi chapter, who was joined by chapter secretary, Guy Bennardo. “By the time we left on Sunday, it was like we've known each other for years. It's awesome that you can go to an event like this not knowing a single person besides the other delegate from your chapter, but you have a connection with everyone there in some way. That is why it’s called a brotherhood.”

The two BU brothers were among the 100-plus members attending the President’s Training Course track at Elevate, which focused on how to effectively set goals and find ways to achieve those goals.

“At one point in the day, the session became a discussion where we discussed problems and success in our chapters,” Ambrose said. “That discussion helped me take some ideas from other chapters to help our chapter in Bloomsburg, and I was able to share some advice to other chapters about fundraising and community relations.”  

According to Ambrose, his favorite part of the conference was meeting fellow brothers from across the country such as chapters from the University of Akron, Barton College, Appalachian State University and UNC Pembroke.

“Alpha Sigma Phi has brought me so many opportunities in the past few years I don't even know where to start,” Ambrose said. “First of all, this organization has taught me so many skills such as time management, financial planning, and how to be a leader.”

He added, “These experiences have taught me so many things to apply to my future career in health physics, specifically radiation safety. I've gone to conferences to make connections with future employers, learn from professionals who have been in the field for years, and (explain research). I can say I probably wouldn’t have been able to do these things with ease if I wasn't in Alpha Sig. It’s has taught me life skills I will use for a lifetime.”

Elevate will have an impact on campus as well, according to Ambrose. A few new things are in the works for this coming school year, including a “Deep Fry Anything” event.

“It’s exactly what it sounds like,” Ambrose said. “I want to start working toward a new community service event that partners with the Ronald McDonald house. At Elevate, they announced a new partnership with two new philanthropies, Active Minds and Shatterproof. That gives us an opportunity to work with new organizations towards a great cause.”

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BU establishes new Honors College

A newly created Honors College at Bloomsburg University — effective Monday, July 1 — will launch this summer to significantly enrich the educational and collegiate experiences for high-potential and high-achieving students. 

The new Honors College will offer its students the opportunity to expand cultural and personal boundaries, while reaching intellectual and career goals. It will offer small, discussion-based honors classes and experiential learning activities. BU's dedicated faculty mentors will facilitate research, internship, service, travel, and study abroad opportunities. Students will also enjoy Honors Learning Community housing with priority move-in.

“Our honors experience has been essential to making Bloomsburg University a destination for the most promising students in our region and beyond,” said Bashar W. Hanna, university president. “With its emphasis on research, scholarship, civic engagement and leadership development, the new Honors College is a testament to our commitment to developing today’s best and brightest students into tomorrow’s leaders.”  

Hanna added, “I look forward to working with our students and my colleagues in continually developing the Honors College so that it will be recognized as the best educational experience for honors students in Pennsylvania.”

The current Honors Program has a 90 percent graduation rate with nearly 100 percent of the graduates enrolled in graduate school or employed within 12 months of graduation, according to a post-graduate survey.

Julie Vandivere, professor of English and current director of the Honors Program, will lead the Honors College. Vandivere received her Ph.D. from Cornell University in comparative literature and has a demonstrated history of dedication to student success.

“The new Honors College provides students with the chance to experience the tight community and broad horizons associated with liberal arts colleges, while taking advantage of the top-flight programs at one of the commonwealth’s finest and most affordable public universities,” Vandivere said.

The Honors College will move into a newly renovated space in Lycoming Hall, in the heart of the campus community. It will have dedicated study areas, a library and easy access to campus dining options. Students already enrolled in BU’s Honors Program, automatically become part of the new Honors College.

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Helping Others

“I’ve always wanted to go on a mission trip because I love helping people,” says Amanda Kline a junior from Hughesville, who went to Peru over spring break in March with MEDLIFE, a campus organization at Bloomsburg University. “I knew this experience would change my perspective on healthcare and life in general. I know there are so many people out there that are in desperate need of help, and sometimes it’s easy to forget when you haven’t seen it firsthand.”

MEDLIFE is an organization whose mission is to build a worldwide movement empowering the poor in their fight for equal access to healthcare, education and a safe home. The MEDLIFE project fund helps MEDLIFE to construct development projects like staircases, schools, and safe homes for the poor.

MEDLIFE went to Lima, the capital of Peru where club members offered medical care to Lima residents. “MEDLIFE’s goal is to provide opportunities for improvements medically, educationally and developmentally for low-income families,” says Kline. “MEDLIFE is an organization on campus with a medical focus. However, you don’t have to be in the health field to be a part of MEDLIFE or to go on this trip so I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in traveling and helping others.”

MEDLIFE chose Lima, Peru because there are so many people living in extreme poverty. “Thousands of people are moving into the outskirts of this city daily because of potential job opportunities and a chance at a better life,” says Kline. “The city areas are packed with millions of people that lack the necessities we take for granted such as clean water, electricity, and healthcare.”

Compared to the United States health care, the Peruvian health care system is basically nonexistent. “They have no access to any type of health care,” Kline says. “Even where MEDLIFE established mobile clinics, we were set up in garages or outside under tents. I couldn’t imagine being treated in a place like that with how unclean in appeared,” says Kline.

While the group was in Peru they helped in different ways every day. “Each day we brought in a mobile clinic to a different community with doctors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses. As volunteers, we assisted these professionals by taking vitals, teaching children how to brush their teeth, handing out medications, and more,” says Kline. “The doctors were so patient and made sure to take the time to explain everything.” Along with assisting these health professionals they also assisted in other ways. “We also had a developmental day and built stairs for a community so they can safely get to their homes and provide stability for earthquakes.”

When it came to a language barrier, Kline said it made things a little more difficult. “The best way I can describe trying to interact with the people in Peru was like a giant game of charades. While this was a challenge at first, everyone is very nice and worked with me to translate or help communicate,” says Kline. “However, after being surrounded by their language for a week, I picked up on a lot of words and phrases fairly quickly. Most importantly, I learned how to interact with them nonverbally.”

While there was a language barrier, connecting with the people of the community didn’t seem to be a problem for Kline and the rest of the MEDLIFE group. “Although we come from very different backgrounds we are the same in many ways,” says Kline. “When they cried, I wanted to cry. This was the first time many of the children received dental work and you don’t have to speak the same language to see the fear in their eyes and understand what they are feeling. I couldn’t comfort them with words but a simple smile or offering a hand to hold went a long way.”

“This experience gave me a greater appreciation for the healthcare we have in the United States, and I will be going back to help in the near future,” says Kline.

  — Bailey Bowman, communication studies major