Bloomsburg, a Commonwealth University

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental, Geographical & Geological Sciences (EGGS) held its on Friday, May 10, at the Greenly Center in Bloomsburg. Awards were presented by Michael Shepard, Ph.D., chair of the department, as well as faculty mentors of the awardees. Lauren Barrett was named Outstanding Senior in Environmental Geoscience. Autumn Helfrich was named Outstanding Senior in Professional Geology. Both Meg Ronan and Tyler Ulmer were inducted into Gamma Theta Upsilon, the International Honor Society in Geography. Anna Ellis was recognized for her work as a GIS tutor. Scholarship winners were also recognized. Katherine Mather-Shingara and Sabrina Savidge were awarded the Braun Geology Field Camp Scholarship. Sean Leshko received the Daniel J. Tearpock Scholarship. Kyle Argenziano received the Joshua D. Sonntag '14 & Chelci A. Kravabloski '16 EGGS Scholarship and the Professor Brian & Marty Johnson Geography/Planning Scholarship. Zachary Hartman received a scholarship from the Tearpock Geoscience Fund.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Department of Exercise Science held its end-of-the-year awards ceremony on Saturday, May 11, prior to the school's commencement ceremony. Dominic Caruso was named the recipient of the Bill Sproule Award as the most outstanding graduating undergraduate student in exercise science. Also recognized were Jonathan Kollars, magna cum laude graduate; Mckenna Donley, cum laude graduate; Erica Krebs cum laude graduate; Kirstyn Sokolsky, cum laude graduate; and Taylor Zucco, cum laude graduate.

Students from the Bloomsburg University College of Science and Technology presented their research to an audience of students, faculty and alumni on April 26, during the COST Research Day at Bloomsburg University. Over 80 students from 11 fields of study showcased with their work in the Andruss Library throughout the day on a wide range of topics, from Cosmic Ray Activity at the Dusk of the 24th Solar Cycle to Evaluating the Neurological Phenotype of 15q13.3 Deletions. Research Day began in the morning with candidates for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) exhibiting their work, and continued with a poster session in the Harvey A. Andruss Library where 58 students presented their research and were judged by a panel of alumni and faculty. Mr. Duane Greenly '72 of Stella Point Capital gave the keynote address The Importance of Search in Research, where he highlighted the importance of curiosity in research and experiences that lie outside the academic classroom. "Research Day embodies two primary elements of the scientific enterprise: inquiry and communication" explained Dean of the College of Science and Technology, Dr. Robert Aronstam "Science is not an academic subject, knowledge, or even truth; rather, it is an iterative process of observation, experimentation, and hypothesis formation and by which we advance our understanding of the world around us." COST Research Days is part of the Professional U experience at Bloomsburg University which connects students with alumni, employers, and opportunities that integrate academics with experiential learning. Through professional development experiences, students build the skills and confidence that prepare them for personal and professional success in an increasingly complex global environment.

Bloomsburg University's Board of Governors Scholars Program celebrated the graduation of 32 of its members with guest speaker Kristin Austin, a Frederick Douglass Fellow, Teaching and Learning. Michaela Maw, a sophomore sociology and criminal justice major, served as master of ceremony. The Board of Governors Scholar Program targets students who excel academically including students of various races, and students majoring in liberal arts science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Recipients are required to participate in a structured program dedicated to the enhancement of retention and graduation rates.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania College of Liberal Arts held its annual end of the year awards ceremony on Sunday, May 5, in the McCormick Center on campus. The department recognized 30 students for their outstanding achievements during the year.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Iota Theta Chapter welcomed nine new students as members in Phi Sigma Iota, the International Foreign Language Society on Friday, April 26. The ceremony was conducted by BU faculty members Jesus Salas-Elorza, Amarilis Hidalgo de Jesus, and Patricia Dorame-Holoviak, faculty advisor. During the 2018-19 academic year, Iota Theta Chapter also held its Senior Presentation Series which included the following presenters: Jade A. Hensinger (Spanish in Medical Care), Michael Quaranto (Norilsk and Barrow, similar conditions, dissimilar supply chains), and Nicholas McGuire (Comparing the Governments of Spain and Argentina). The following new members were initiated: Front Row- (L-R) Adriana Diaz, Elayne Che, Arabeska Cruz, Brianna Belzner, and Ayalibis Cruz. Back row- (L-R) Brittney Goris, Joseph Reed, Steven Lopez, and Jonathan Calcano

Students from the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania College of Liberal Arts (COLA) presented their research to an audience of their peers on April 24, 2019 during COLA Research and Creative Projects Day. Nearly 60 students representing 9 fields of study exhibited their work in McCormick Center for the Humanities throughout the day on a wide range of topics, from Evaluating the Influence of Mood on Intentional and Incidental Memory to Considering Perceptions of Dietary Decision-Making and Judgement. COLA Research and Creative Projects Day was created several years ago to allow students from a number of disciplines to showcase their work to fellow students, faculty and staff, as well as practice their presentation and networking skills for future career. The exposure to these presentations is also vital to encouraging other students to conduct and present their own research.. "Research and Creative Projects Day showcases the breadth of high-impact experiences of which students may take part as a Liberal Arts student at Bloomsburg University" explained Dr. James Brown, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

The Bloomsburg University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry held its annual end of the year awards ceremony on April 22. Department chairman Gregory Zimmerman, Ph.D., presented awards to its top students. In all nine students were recognized. Honored were Dan Staros - Phi Lambda Upsilon Award and American Chemical Society (ACS) Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry; Taylor Runkle - Junior Chemistry Achievement Award; Nathan Mehalick - Phi Lambda Upsilon Award; Natasha Brenner - Junior Chemistry Achievement Award; Eric Hilbert - American Institute of Chemists (AIC) Outstanding Senior Award; Lauren Barrett - American Chemical Society (ACS) Outstanding Senior Award and ACS Analytical Undergraduate Chemistry Award; Elizabeth Grego - American Chemical Society (ACS) Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry; Jessica Deiter - Freshman Scholarship Award; Kim Hollister - American Chemical Society (ACS) Outstanding Senior Award and ACS Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry; Cameron Stouffer - Freshman Chemistry award.

The Bloomsburg University Department of Mathematical and Digital Sciences held its annual end of the year awards ceremony on April 7. Department chairman Curt Jones, Ph.D., presented awards to its top students. Jordan Marlow - Marek Mathematics Scholarship; Johnathan Prichett - J. Edward Kerlin Scholarship; Austin Pasquel - J. Edward Kerlin Scholarship; Karissa Jelonek - C.R. Reardin Award ; Steven Hricenak - High Academic Achievement Award in Computer Science; Laura Josuweit - James Pomfret Award (Highest Academic Achievement in Math); Nathaniel Huber - Highest Academic Achievement Award in Digital Forensics; Dario D'Amato - Elizabeth and James Mauch Scholarship

Six computer science majors from the Bloomsburg University Department of Mathematical and Digital Sciences competed in the programming contest at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges - Northeastern Region (CCSCNE) 2019 conference at the University of New Haven (Conn). The annual conference brings together computer science educators and students. The BU students, members of the school's student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), were entered as two teams among 28 from schools across New England and the northeast. ACM team adviser Robert Montante also presented a "Lightning Talk" on computer networking and parallel and distributed computing. The talk described the use of Raspberry Pi single-board computers to assemble a "Beowulf cluster" for use classroom use.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania professional sales team recently finished fourth out of 75 teams competing at the National Collegiate Sales Competition (NCSC) in Kennesaw, Ga. It was BU's best finish ever. Monica Favia, Ph.D., is the team's adviser and sales program director. The NCSC is a university sales role-play competition for more than 400 of the top university sales talent along with college sales professors during the three-day event.

"The Light in the Dark: The 9th Annual Dance Minor Concert" will be held at Bloomsburg University on Sunday, April 28, at 3 p.m. and Monday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Carver Hall, Gross Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. The dance concert features seven pieces, each exploring a unique perspective and theme. The content explored through varied dance styles includes: miscarriage, mental health: depression/anxiety, abusive relationships, standing proudly in your self-essence, suicide, degenerative illness and aging, and consumption/environmental concerns.

Three Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania students participated in the 72nd annual Intercollegiate Band Festival at Wilkes University on March 10. Featured in the band were Randy Baxendale, Krysta Moyer, Sarah Anderson. Baxendale was part of the trumpet section, while Moyer and Anderson were part of the clarinet section. Stephen Clickard, DMA, is director of the BU Intercollegiate Band and also chair of the BU Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. The Intercollegiate Band was comprised of 120 college students from 28 colleges and universities throughout Pennsylvania. The band was featured in a concert at the Dorthy Dickson Darte Center at Wilkes University.

Six Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania students will present research at the National Conference for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) from July 10 to 13 in Washington D.C. The presenting students include Meghan Magee, Marquez Norford, Jonathan Kollars, Shawn Reese, Tatum Mack, and Jordynn Kurcoba. The NSCA is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession by disseminating research-based knowledge and its practical application through industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. BU's exercise science program is recognized by the NSCA's Education Recognition Program (ERP), which distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula for undergraduate and graduate studies designed to prepare students for the NSCA certifications. Being ERP-recognized provides Bloomsburg University students with discounts on certifications and conferences and access to scholarships and grants.

The Bloomsburg University Forensic (Speech and Debate team) won the fifth place Team Sweepstakes trophy at the 2019 Pennsylvania Forensic Association (PFA) Championship Tournament held at Lafayette College on Feb. 16-17, 2019. Bloomsburg competed against Wilkes University, Lafayette College, St. Joseph's University, Penn State University, West Chester University, and Grove City College. Six of eleven Bloomsburg University students won speech and debate awards at the state tournament.

The BU Players of Bloomsburg University will be performing "Good Kids" from Feb.27 through March 3 at the Alvina Krause Theatre in Bloomsburg. The production will be directed by Dr. Carrie Winship. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 3:00pm. All performances at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center St, in Downtown Bloomsburg. Tickets are Free to BU Students with ID, $6 for Adults, $4 for Students/Seniors. Tickets available in advance at the Haas Center for the Arts Box Office on the campus of Bloomsburg University or at the door starting one hour before curtain. About the Play: GOOD KIDS explores how a sexual assault at a high school party, documented and distributed on social media, shocks the student community and evokes surprisingly varied responses. The recollections and the rumors of the incident incite conflict between the "good kids" in the school community. When everyone has their own truth in the world of social media, can justice exist and what are the repercussions? CONTENT WARNING: Sexual Assault, Underage Drinking, Bullying, Mature Language

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania awarded over 400 graduate and undergraduate degrees at its fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 14-15, 2018.

The Bloomsburg University Forensics (Speech and Debate) team won the 3rd Place Team Sweepstakes Award out of 12 schools at the CFA/Harold Cox Speech and Debate Tournament held at Wilkes University on Feb. 1-2, 2019. Six out of eight BU students participating in the tournament won speech and debate awards. Bloomsburg competed against St. Joseph's University, George Mason University, Rollins College, Lynchburg University, Shepherd University, Bryn Mawr College, Liberty University, Wilkes University, Misericordia University, Trinity College, and Luzerne County Community College.

Two Bloomsburg University student-athletes, senior Allie Barber (Pittston Township, Pa./Pittston Area) of women's soccer and senior Nick McGuire (Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood) of men's cross country, have been named to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Fall Top 10 Team as chosen by the league's sports information directors. The PSAC Top 10 Awards are designed to recognize ten student-athletes (five female and five male) each season who excel in both the classroom and is athletic competition.

The Bloomsburg University women's lacrosse team has announced that seniors Abigail (Abby) Nocito, Hannah Jaskuta, Jordynn Kurcoba, and junior Delaney Schappert have been named captains for the upcoming 2019 season. The four captains will lead the Huskies into opening day on February 1 at Lock Haven. The Huskies finished the 2018 season with a record of 10-8 overall, and 6-6 in the PSAC. Bloomsburg qualified for the PSAC Tournament for the second time in coach Shannon Hertz's career, and the first time since 2015.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania forensics team won the second place team sweepstakes award at the Collegiate Forensic Association's Annual Winter Tournament held at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina in January.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania sales team competed at the International Collegiate Sales Competition in November 2018 in Orlando, Fla. Bloomsburg finished 13th out of 77 schools competing at the event and was the highest finishing team from Pennsylvania.

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania student Kaitlyn Floyd from Mertztown, Pa. has been selected as BU's THIS (The Harrisburg Internship Semester) intern for Spring 2019.

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania has recently released its list of students named to the Dean's List for the fall semester of the 2018-19 academic year. To qualify for Dean's List, a student must earn a quality point average of 3.5 or higher (based on 4.0) during the semester.

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Office of Multicultural Affairs held its bi-annual First World Graduation Ceremony for members of the Class of 2018 who will graduate in December.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the Session B recipients of a 2018 Love of Learning Award. The awards help fund post-baccalaureate studies and career development for active Society members.

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Forensics (speech and debate) team won the third place Sweepstakes Award out of seven schools at the Randolph-Macon College Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament in early December in Ashland, Virginia. Bloomsburg competed against Randolph-Macon College, University of Richmond, Lord Fairfax Community College, Florida College, Shepherd University, and the University of Lynchburg. Nine of sixteen BU students attending took home speech and/or debate awards.

Twenty-six second-year students in the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders master's degree program in Speech-Language Pathology recently held its White Coat ceremony at Rolling Pines Golf Course and Banquet Facility. The White Coat ceremony honors the transition from full-time, in-class work to full-time clinical externship work. The White Coats were presented to the BU students by Shaheen N. Awan, Ph.D. Chairperson, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders; Shelley Scarpino, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders; and Patricia Lawton, associate professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students who received their white coats are: Elizabeth Bertolazzi, Juliana Brown; Emily Bumbulsky; Megan Bupp; Joanna Butala; Alexandra Depalma; Clint Dye; Ashley Flederbach; Angela Garipoli; Morgan Gilhooley; Morgan Lee; Kaitlyn McCourt; Dana Melchers; Erica Mohan; Amanda Molinari; Tressa Olek; Sofia Perez; Lauren Pikul; Lindsey Reber; Christina Rothemich; James Segilia; Julia Stauffer; Kelsey Thom; David Torrisi; Natalie Wardrop; Melissa Wilson.

Andrew Fox, who interned with Mack Truck International last summer, won the Top Dog Award for Continuous Improvement. Fox, a Bloomsburg University senior, didn't build trucks either. Instead he spent his internship writing scripts, shot lists, filming, editing, producing and directing small films for training and operational purposes in the company's training department. "I created six training and standard operating procedures (S.O.P.) combined, three of which are up to win a Top Dog Award, an award Mack gives to employees who have helped the company grow and move forward for the better," Fox stated. "The three that are up for the award are my 'Pedestrian Forklift Safety,' 'HERCA,' which stands for Human Error Root Cause Analysis and then my 'Multi Fill Process' videos." After his May graduation, Fox aspires to work for a television advertising company in which he will often encounter corporate entities.

The Bloomsburg University Forensics team (Speech and Debate Team) won the second-place sweepstakes award (out of nine teams) at the Collegiate Forensic Association's annual Holiday Tournament held at Shippensburg University, Nov. 2-3, 2018. Ten out of 19 BU students at the competition won speech and/or debate awards.