A delegation from Nene University College, Northampton, England, recently visited the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania campus for exploratory talks on a cooperative exchange agreement between the two institutions. Pictured with Edinboro University President Frank G. Pogue (center) are, from left: Ian Buchanon, faculty member in the department of sociology, politics and social policy; Cliff Debynski, head of the International Office; Pogue; Patrick Quinn, professor of English literature; and Paul Phillips of the department of environmental science. A formal agreement has since been signed which offers both schools the opportunities for exchanges of students and scholars. EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA November 4,1998 Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CANADIANS SHELDON CURRIE, MAURICE “BEAR” LEGER TO SPEAK, PERFORM AT EDINBORO UNIVERSITY Edinboro University of Pennsylvania will welcome Canadians Sheldon Currie and Maurice “Bear” Leger to its campus on November 12 and 13. Currie is the acclaimed author of The Glace Bay Miners ’ Museum and professor of English at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He will lecture on his book on Thursday, November 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. in Reeder Lecture Hall. Leger, a historical storyteller and musician, will also appear on November 12 at 8:30 p.m. in Reeder Hall, and on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. in the University Center. Currie wrote The Glace Bay Miners’ Museum over 20 years ago as part of a collection of short stories. This particular story, however, garnered great attention and acclaim from readers as well as critics. The story chronicles the perilous and arduous life of immigrant Scottish coal miners in 1940s Canada by following a young girl’s experience with her family and community. The young girl, Margaret MacNeil, is truly one of the most memorable characters created in modem fiction. She falls in love with a young, Gaelic-speaking lad who plays the soon-to-be forgotten songs of his homeland on the bag pipes. Margaret has since lost her father to the mines, while her grandfather is virtually an invalid, unable to speak and just barely able to breathe. By the end of the story she loses her brother and her husband to the mines - the dreaded yet almost commonplace fate of most Scottish men in the small town. Essentially, Margaret is left with little and is required to sort out her life in the face of emotional turmoil. Her response is tmly unforgettable: she turns the shack-like house that her husband built for the two of them into a museum chronicling the history of the miners, their families, and the community. She does this by displaying the abused body parts of dead miners. The story is densely packed with historical, emotional, sociological, psychological, and political significance. -more- A member of the State System of Higher Education CANADIANS SHELDON CURRIE, LEGER “BEAR”, Continued Page 2 Recently the well-crafted tale caught the eyes of some Canadian film-makers and has since been modified into a splendid motion picture starring Helena Bonham Carter as Margaret MacNeil, and Clive Russell as her bagpipe-blowing courtier. Throughout Canada the film, Margaret s Museum, has picked up numerous awards, accolades, and rave reviews. Currie felt that Margaret’s character had so much to offer that in order to develop her more fully for the film, he had to expand the story into a novel. The book served as the springboard for the writing of the screenplay for the movie. A Canadian playwright, Wendy Lill, recently adapted the novel into a play. Leger, a seasoned historical actor, has occupied his days as a village blacksmith at Kings Landing Historical Settlement in New Brunswick, Canada. In addition, the burly giant is a self-taught musician who tells stories about the histories of his instruments as he performs. He has mastered ten instruments and claims to be able to learn to play any instrument in a few minutes. Among the instruments that he will bring to Edinboro are the bagpipes, the fiddle, banjo, accordion, the bodhran (an Irish drum), the penny whistle, and the guitar. Leger also tells tales of trades of yore, enlightening his audience with anecdotal and historical tidbits. Jan Kinch, director of Edinboro’s Honors Program, said anyone who is interested at all in variations of the Celtic musical tradition should attend. “Where else could you get this up-close and personal with a bagpipe, a bodhran and a burly giant’s bent on history.” The visits by Currie and Leger to Edinboro are sponsored by the University’s Honors Program, the office of the provost, the dean of liberal arts, and the English and Humanities Club. The events are free and open to the public. -30BKP:jms EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 1998 EDINBORO’S BRUCE GALLERY TO HOST “COMMON CATALYSTS” Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s Bruce Gallery will host an opening reception for the exhibition “Common Catalysts” on Wednesday, November 18, jfrom 7 to 9 p.m. This exhibition - on view from November 18 to December 16 - will feature paintings by Eric Aho, metalsmithing/sculpture by Hai-Chi Jihn, and sculpture by Kevin Ginger. The title “Common Catalysts” refers to the artists’ shared inspiration for their work. Each of these artists seeks to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary by changing the way we see their chosen subject. Although they share a goal, the work of these three artists is quite dissimilar. Aho’s paintings are richly colored landscapes that speak about shape, color and paint as much as representation. Jihn has placed numerous found and fabricated objects in a series of drawers mounted on the gallery walls. Her work addresses personal and cultural issues related to her Asian-American heritage. Ginger’s sculpture combines non-traditional materials in unique ways, redefining the nature of each material he uses. Jihn’s work reflects her interest in “everyday miracles.” The same seems true of Ginger and Aho. Ginger will present a slide talk about his work on Tuesday, November 17, at 8:30 p.m. in 119 Doucette Hall. Aho will make a similar presentation on Monday, November 23, at 7 p.m. in 125 Doucette. Gallery hours are 2 to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. For more information, call (814) 732-2513 or 2406. -30BKP: csw A member of the State System of Higher Education November 9, 1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PERFORMANCE ARTIST RINDE ECKERT TO PERFORM AT EDINBORO Performance artist Rinde Eckert will bring his presentation. The Idiot Variations, to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s Cooper Hall, rooms 101-102, on Wednesday, November 18, at 8 p.m. The singer/dancer/actor explores the boundaries between genius and madness in his oneman act. During his hour-long show, in which he appears attired in monastic white, he wanders the stage like the village idiot singing and performing on several instruments including a guitar, drum, accordion, flute, pennywhistle and tuba. The New York Times called Eckert “.. .an American loner-eccentric, with touches of Bertolt Brecht, Samuel Beckett and Tom Waits. He is a poet whose texts transcend the jejune rhapsodies often achieved by multimedia performance artists.” The Lincoln Journal Star said Eckert’s performance explores the fine line between sanity and insanity while displaying remarkable talent. “Eckert possesses a stunning vocal range as he moves fi-om tenor to countertenor and baritone, singing nonsensical, mantra-like passages with a passion and intensity that is impressive. His facial expressions are jammed with angst and torment countered by an adolescent naivete and the powerful electricity of his body tension is dynamic.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported: “Spiced by an Irish brogue, Eckert’s brief monologues usually managed to be both funny and insightful.” Eckert’s appearance is part of Edinboro’s Concert and Lecture Series. For information, contact the cultural affairs office at (814) 732-2518. Tickets are free to Edinboro University students, staff and faculty with ID. They are $5 for the general public and $4 for seniors and nonEdinboro students. -30BJCP:csw November 10, 1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: EDINBORO’S ZAIDI TO SERVE IN U.N. PROGRAM Mr. Syed Zaidi, facilities coordinator at Edinboro University of Peimsylvania, has been accepted by the United Nations to serve a three-week assignment with Pakistan’s Naval Engineering College. Zaidi was nominated for the special assignment, which begins on November 15, 1998, by the Pakistani Ministry of Labor, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis National Talent Pool. The program, which is conducted and funded by the United Nations, identifies Pakistani nationals living abroad who have expertise in specialty areas and are willing to return to Pakistan and share their expertise. Zaidi’s assignment will include conducting workshops on total quality management, computerized management systems, and energy management systems. He will also be required to develop a proposal for creation of an Institute of Management Sciences, and prepare a feasibility report to study collaborative opportunities for the Pakistan Naval College. Zaidi was trained at the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth and was graduated from the Pakistan Naval Academy in 1980. He served as a commissioned officer in Pakistan’s Navy, completing his distinguished career as aide-de-camp to the Governor of the Province of Sindh. He retired as an Lieutenant Commander. Zaidi was awarded a master’s degree in education from Edinboro University in 1993. -30WAR:csw EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 November 10,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ROBERT SHREVE APPOINTED EDINBORO SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR Edinboro University of Pennsylvania President Frank G. Pogue has announced the appointment of Robert V. Shreve as sports information director for the Fighting Scots. Prior to his appointment, Shreve had served as director of sports information at Gannon University since 1990. “Bob Shreve is an extremely talented and experienced individual,” said Pogue. “Edinboro University is indeed fortunate to find someone of his caliber who is highly regarded in northwestern Pennsylvania athletic circles and comes with a strong familiarity of Edinboro’s athletic program. He will be a tremendous asset to the University.” At Edinboro, Shreve will be responsible for promoting the University’s 17 intercollegiate athletic programs. In addition to working with the sports media and other sports information directors, Shreve will oversee the department’s publications and assist Edinboro Athletic Director Bruce Baumgartner in fund-raising and promotional activities. “We are very happy to have a person of the quality of Bob Shreve at the University,” said Baumgartner. “His wisdom and knowledge of Erie area sports will be invaluable in promoting the University’s athletic program. He has an outstanding record of dedication and hard work in his profession.” In addition to his work at Gannon, Shreve was sports information director at West Chester University from 1989 to 1990, and at Mercyhurst College from 1984 to 1988. At Mercyhurst, he also served as assistant athletic director. Before that he had been the SID at Frostburg State College from 1982 to 1984. -moreA member of the State System of Higher Education SHREVE APPOINTED SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR, Continued Page 2 His experience is not limited to the collegiate level. He was an intern for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1981 and was general manager of the Erie Orioles baseball club from 1988 to 1989. Shreve earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and attended graduate school at Ohio University. One of his internships was with the Edinboro athletic department. Among his many other affiliations, Shreve has been the play-by-play announcer for Gannon football and men’s basketball when they have been on the road. Since 1988, he has written sports for the Erie Morning News and is national coordinator of Daktronics Division II men’s basketball All-American Team. He was host of the Tom Herman Football Show in 1994 and Tony DeMeo’s Mercyhurst Laker Football Show during the 1987 season. Also at Mercyhurst, he was the head baseball coach in 1987 and the head softball coach in 1985. From 1987 to 1989, he was director of publicity for the Mideast Collegiate Conference. -30BKP; jms % EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA November 10,1998 Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LEONID METEOR SHOMHER - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 by Professor David Hurd Will the Lion Roar This Tuesday? Set your alarm early this Tuesday morning to see if the Leonid meteor shower will put on a show. Since the meteors from the Leonids appear to originate in the constellation of Leo the Lion, the best time for viewing is when the constellation is above the horizon. In November, Leo does not come up in the East until about 1:00 a.m. By 3:00 a.m., Leo the Lion is well above the horizon. Therefore, anytime between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. should be a good time to see the Leonid meteor shower. Since the predawn hours are closer to the peak time, it will be advantageous to set the alarm for say, 5:00 a.m., as opposed to staying up most the night. Meteor showers happen on a regular basis as the Earth’s orbit takes it through the debris left behind by a comet. This is similar to driving your car into a rainstorm. Only, in the case of meteors, they are not drops of water but pieces of debris left behind by the comet. These pieces are often no bigger than a pea. When they interact with the Earth’s upper atmosphere, friction causes the rock to heat up and disturb the surrounding air. When we see a meteor (space debris) streak across the sky, we call it a “shooting star” or “falling star,” when in reality, it is just a tiny bit of debris interacting with our upper atmosphere. \ So why are we making a big deal about the Leonid Meteor shower this year? Well, each meteor shower has a parent comet that has supplied the material for the meteors. If the parent comet has recently passed by, then we can expect more debris to be concentrated in the area where the Earth’s orbit intersects the comet’s orbit. The Leonid meteor shower is a result of debris left behind by the comet Tempel-Tuttle that recently passed through our region. Comet Tempel-Tuttle has an orbital period of about 33 years. In other words, about once every 33 years we can expect a larger number of meteors in a given time. This is sometimes referred to as a -moreA member of the State System of Higher Education LEONID METEOR SHOWER, Continued Page 2 meteor storm. When comet Tempel-Tuttle last rambled through our region (1966), we were treated to a spectacular “storm” of meteors - up to 100 per second. However, meteor showers have been referred to as “celestial lotteries.” While the dates and times for most meteor showers are predictable, the actual performance of each is not. Will the Leonids put on a show? We just can’t be sure; however, it may be something you don’t want to miss. The best way to view a meteor shower is to lie back and look towards the direction of the “radiant.” The radiant is the constellation where the meteors appear to be coming from (in this case - Leo the Lion). Don’t try looking with binoculars or a telescope, as you would likely miss many meteors. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful night sky. Maybe the Lion will roar again this year as he did in 1966 when several meteors per second were noted. Even if the Leonid shower doesn’t put on a show, the real night sky is worth sharing with a friend and a cup of hot coffee. Dress warmly, get out, look up; but don’t hit that snooze button this Tuesday morning! Upcoming events with the Planetarium at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania: • December 2“"* and 3*^^ - Plan to celebrate this Christmas season with the Edinboro University Planetarium. “Laser Christmas” features the music of Mannheim Steamroller set to laser light in the Planetarium. We will also explore the current night sky, as well as “the Night Before Christmas.” All shows start as 7:00 p.m. and are free of charge. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (814) 732-2493. Edinboro University Planetarium is located in 104 Cooper Hall. -30NOTE: David Hurd is planetarium director at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and can be reached at (814) 732-2493. DH:jms EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 November 10,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: EDINBORO UNIVERSITY TO OBSERVE AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK Edinboro University of Pennsylvania will celebrate American Education Week, November 16-20,1998. Based on the theme, “Teaching Children to Think and Dream,” the week is designed to remind people that schools can provide opportunities for children to reach beyond that which is familiar to them, to explore new ideas, and to gather new knowledge. Dawn Snodgrass, co-director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching at Edinboro, said, “Education gives children a foundation on which they build self-esteem and the confidence that they can be whatever they can dream. Learning should be fim and exciting. Education provides the tools students can use to be successful and to achieve personal fulfillment. Take some time next week to thank a teacher who has made that difference in your life - or is currently doing so in your child’s life.” On Tuesday, November 17, and Wednesday, November 18, staff of the Center for Excellence in Teaching will distribute apples to students, staff, and faculty in Butterfield Hall, the education building on campus. On Wednesday, November 19, the Center for Excellence in Teaching will have an open house to encourage members of the Edinboro University community to meet informally to reflect on educators who have made a positive difference in their lives. Faculty across campus have contributed tried and true “Tips for Teachers” which have been published and will be distributed free of charge, to current and future teachers on Tuesday, November 17, and Wednesday, November 18. Snodgrass said preparing students to meet the personal challenges of each day so they can be happy in their adult lives is a tremendous challenge for today’s teachers. And it cannot be done alone. “Schools do not exist as islands in a community. Teachers alone cannot educate our -moreA member of the State System of Higher Education AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK, Continued Page 2 children.” said Snodgrass. “Successful schools need to be centers of community collaboration. Parents, grandparents, business leaders, and public officials have much to give to children. And participating in their education is an important way to do so. American Education Week at Edinboro University is a good time to show your support for all that teachers and schools do to move our children to dream.” In cooperation with the Center for Excellence in Teaching, the Edinboro Giant Eagle and Poppa Ropp’s Video stores will provide free rentals of movies with education-related themes to Edinboro students and staff For further information, contact Dawn Snodgrass at the Center for Excellence in Teaching, 732-2916. -30BKP: csw November 16,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FORMER EDINBORO UNIVERSITY FACULTY LEADS INTERNATIONAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY It’s been more than 20 years since Dalph S. McNeil left his position as assistant dean of admissions at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania to take the reigns of Brookville Locomotive as a partner with his brother. Since then, McNeil has turned the nearly bankrupt company into a multi-million dollar operation with a new, state-of-the-art factory. McNeil is president of Brookville Mining Equipment Corporation (BMEC) - one of the world’s leading producers of underground mining and tunneling construction equipment and railroad switching locomotives. The company celebrated its 80* anniversary in 1998 with the grand opening of a multi-million dollar plant located on 15.5 acres outside of Brookville. In September, McNeil joined a high-level Pennsylvania trade mission to South Africa for the Electra Mining Africa 98 trade show. He was part of a delegation that included Secretary of Community and Economic Development Sam McCullough, Secretary of Labor and Industry Johnny Butler, and Secretary of Agriculture Samuel E. Hayes, Jr. McNeil returned with a half­ million dollar order from a South African coal mine. BMEC now has an eight-month production backlog. Last year the company had $10.5 million in sales; this year it expects to top $15 million. With the company’s current success, it is hard to imagine how close BMEC came to going out of business just two decades ago. In 1977, McNeil was serving as Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s assistant dean of admissions when he got a call from his brother, John, who owned Pennsylvania Separator Corporation and had recently purchased the small locomotive company, Brookville Locomotive. The company was in shambles, driven to the brink of financial ruin by its former owner. In the previous year, the company had sold only one piece of equipment. McNeil’s brother challenged -more- FORMER FACULTY LEADS INTL. EQUIPMENT CO., Continued Page 2 Dalph to enter the business world by becoming vice president for both businesses. Dalph accepted the challenge. Later, in 1988, he purchased his brother’s stock and became sole owner of Brookville Locomotive. In 1990, the corporation changed its name to Brookville Mining Equipment Corporation to reflect its diversification from rail to rubber-tired tractors and jeeps. At the time McNeil joined the company, Brookville Locomotive was producing only one product, chain-drive locomotives that ranged from 2 ton to 16 ton. “Times were changing,” said McNeil. “Clients wanted four-wheel-drive rubber-tired tractors. We had to find the right markets.” Early on, McNeil made the crucial decision to concentrate on two markets - coal and precious metals mines. One of his first acts was to hire engineer Larry Conrad, who is now the company’s director of operations. In 1981, BMEC began manufacturing a series of locomotives, personnel carriers and maintenance jeeps for the mining industry. Rubber-tired personnel carriers and fourwheel drive haulage tractors, as well as tunneling and industrial locomotives soon joined these vehicles. The company also began to remanufacture old mining and railroad equipment. “It was important for us to establish a reputation,” explained McNeil. One of the most important new products the company introduced was a 55-ton diesel hydraulic locomotive for industrial switching. That was followed by the BM-8 diesel hydraulic series of locomotives, which now range from 45 tons to 120 tons. Next on the drawing boards are a series of diesel electric, DC, and eventually AC drive locomotives ranging from 85 to 150 tons with up to 2000 horsepower. These industrial switcher locomotives fill a void created more than 30 years ago when General Electric and EMD stopped making this size of switcher locomotives in the mid 1960s. Until now, no other company made industrial switchers from the ground up. McNeil credits the company’s success to its employees who develop at least four new products every year. “We have a great workforce,” he explained. “They are hard working, dedicated to perfection and willingly accept new challenges. I feel like a football coach rooting our team on. I try to hire the very best engineers, challenge them to develop designated new products, encourage them to make decisions, then get out of their way.” The new, heavier equipment lines underscored the need for better facilities. The company was housed in an old foundry with an attached, open-air steel yard in downtown Brookville. McNeil installed bridge cranes and enclosed the steel yard to create more space. The old facility was 25,000 sq. ft. -more- FORMER FACULTY LEADS INTL. EQUIPMENT CO., Continued Page 3 Even with the expansion, there still wasn’t enough room to assemble railroad locomotives efficiently. But an act of nature changed that almost overnight. The transformation of the company began July 17,1996 when the worst flood in Brookville’s history left the lowlying factory under 10 feet of water. The flood could have been disastrous for BMEC, but McNeil saw the flood as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Instead of simply rebuilding on its old location, he boldly staked the company’s future on a new site just outside of town. “The time was right for us,” explained McNeil. “Mother Nature gave us the reason.” The land was adjacent to the Pittsburg & Shawmut Railroad. The company would be able to build its railroad locomotives, check them out on a test track adjacent to their new facility and ship them directly by rail. The new, 72,000 square-foot plant was designed in-house by BMEC engineers. McNeil credits his “very creative” employees with the factory design. Construction began October 15,1997 and the open house for the new facility was held July 17,1998. The new facility triples BMEC’s warehouse space, and features seven bridge cranes with 60-ton capacities, a railroad turntable for switching locomotives, and a separate final finish building that has the capacity of painting mainline locomotives. McNeil was bom in Erie and came to Edinboro University in 1964. With time off for a stint in the Army Reserves, McNeil graduated in May of 1969. He immediately went to work in the admissions office under Hal Umbarger. He earned a master’s degree from Gannon University and was working on his Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Pittsburgh while becoming assistant dean of admissions for Edinboro when he got the calling to work in the private sector. McNeil is married to the former Nancy Marquis, and they have three children: Brent, a junior at Clarion High School; Joel, an eighth grader; and Shaina, a third grader. They reside in Clarion. -30BKP:jms A 250-ton diesel electric locomotive rests on the turntable at Brookville Mining Equipment Corporation’s new facility. November 17, 1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SPECIAL FOR “LIFESTYLES” DECEMBER 1998 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ■ AWARENESS: Edinboro University recognizes World AIDS Day with a series of presentations sponsored by its HIV/AIDS Awareness Program. Call Jan Kinch, 732-2981, or Mary Aime Weiner, 732-2939. ■ CONGRATULATIONS: Edinboro University will graduate 642 new alumni at its winter 1998 commencement, 1 p.m., McComb Fieldhouse. President Frank Pogue will also award an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree to former Erie Area Chamber of Commerce president Donald DiPlacido. EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 Or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 November 17,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SURVEYS OF ALUMNI, STUDENTS SHOW SATISFACTION WITH STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION UNIVERSITIES How do alumni and students of the 14 schools in the State System of Higher Education feel about their university? According to a survey done for the State System, which includes Edinboro, Clarion and Slippery Rock universities, the answer is very well indeed. The State System asked the Center for Opinion Research at Millersville University of Pennsylvania to survey current students at the institutions, as well as alumni from the 1991-92 school year. The results from both surveys indicate a high level of satisfaction. Among alumni, 82 percent said they would attend the same university again, primarily for academic reasons, and 79 percent have recommended their university to others. State System schools also did a good job of preparing students for career’s or further study, with 86 percent saying their imiversity did an excellent or good job preparing them for postgraduate study, and 79 percent replying that their school did an excellent or good job of preparing them for a career. Another favorable indicator for State System graduates is that 93 percent are currently employed, and most of those not employed are pursuing graduate degrees or raiding families. Of those working alumni, 82 percent hold jobs related to their undergraduate majors, and 93 percent expressed satisfaction with their jobs. The highest score in the survey - 94 percent - came from those alumni who believe their undergraduate education improved the quality of their lives. The second survey, taken in 1996 of 5,558 students, shows similar levels of satisfaction. Ninety percent give their universities highest marks for overall quality. Eighty percent would select the same imiversity again. Eighty-six percent are confident their university is teaching -more- A member of the State System of Higher Education SURVEYS OF ALUMNI, STUDENTS, Continued Page 2 them necessary career skills. The highest percentage - 95 - consider their tuition a good investment. And 86 percent say their university is doing an excellent or good job providing a safe campus environment. The survey is a positive reflection on the 325,000 aluirmi of the State System who live in Pennsylvania. Approximately 90 percent of the System’s current students are Pennsylvania residents. -30BKP: csw EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 November 18, 1998 NEWS ADVISORY The Dinner for Professional Development: A Seminar on Business Etiquette, will be held at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s Van Houten Dining Hall on Friday, November 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Dinner will provide Edinboro students with experiences in fine dining and professional mealtime etiquette. John Davem, manager, human resources for General Electric, and Bruce Whitehair, vice president/manager of public relations for PNC Bank, will present perspectives on the qualities needed for success in the world of work. A special part of the program will be the evening’s toast (with sparkling grape juice) by Edinboro University President Frank G. Pogue. Providing fine dining tips will be Nancy Mihalovic, a manners and etiquette consultant from Erie who is also the coordinator of Edinboro University in Erie - the Porreco Center. The Dinner, which is sponsored by General Electric, PNC Bank and the Edinboro University Alumni Association, is presented by the University’s Highland Ambassadors. N -30BKP: jms A member of the State System of Higher Education November 19,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ERIE STUDENT WINS SOCIOLOGY RESEARCH AWARD Alex C. Babbitt, a junior at McDowell High School, won this year’s Pennsylvania Sociological Society’s (PSS) College Student Research Award, October 24, in Philadelphia. According to PSS President Anthony Zumpetta, it was the first time in the organization’s 48-year history that the award was given to a high school student. Babbitt is enrolled at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in a special program that opens college courses to select academic high school students. Babbitt’s paper was titled “Homelessness and the American Dream: The Social Construction of Reality for a Middle Class Teenager.” It was chosen by a statewide committee from a pool of papers submitted by students enrolled in public and private institutions of higher education. Committee chairperson Tony Monteiro of the University of the Sciences, said the paper was “extremely well organized, cited symbolic interaction theory, and used triangulation of several methods to gather the data for his case study.” His paper concluded that at different historical time periods, American culture has given words like homelessness either a positive or negative meaning and that people are socialized to see these labels in a particular way. Exposure to these symbolic words is not just due to unique experiences, but to the way the individual interprets the experiences. The paper was sponsored by an Edinboro faculty committee, which included Eugene Antley, E. Ernest Wood, and the chairperson of the department of sociology, anthropology and social work, Richard L. Heasley. -more- STUDENT WINS SOCIOLOGY RESEARCH AWARD, Continued Page 2 Babbitt has been a student at the Montessori School of Staunton, Virginia, the Erie County Montessori School, Walnut Creek Middle School, and McDowell Intermediate and High School. He received the United States President’s Award for Academic Excellence and was chosen to be a student ambassador for the People to People program in Europe. Most recently, he was elected into the National Honor Society and student government. He was selected to join the Western Paleontological Society’s field school held in Colorado, and for the past two summers has been chosen to participate in the University of Virginia’s Young Writer’s Workshop. He is included in the 1998 “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.” He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Babbitt, and the grandson of Mary Walters and the late Catherine Babbitt. -30BKP: jms McDowell student Alex C. Babbitt, center is joined at the Pennsylvania Sociological Society’s meeting in Philadelphia by Edinboro professor Eugene B. Antley, and keynote speaker Joseph W. Ruane, from the University of Science. ^'Serving titne” during the recent March of Dimes Jail and Bail fund raiser is Edinboro University of Pennsylvania President Dr. Frank G. Pogue. By phoning colleagues and friends from his “cell” in the Erie Nautilus Fitness and Racquet Center, Pogue raised more than $500 in “bail” for the 1998 March of Dimes campaign against birth defects and infant mortality. November 20, 1998 Cutline Elaine Hanks, left, and Julie Dell, right, present $250 checks to Allen Perez, executive director of the Erie County United Way, and Sandra Rossi, executive director of the United Way of Crawford County. Hanks is president and Dell is treasurer of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees local union 2329 at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. The checks were presented on behalf of the local. -30BKPijms ■ Elaine Hanks, left, and Julie Dell, right, present $250 checks to Allen Perez, executive director of the Erie County United Way, and Sandra Rossi, executive director of the United Way of Crawford County. Hanks is president and Dell is treasurer of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees local union 2329 at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. The checks were presented on behalf of the local. Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. James McCormick (center) visited the Edinboro University campus recently for the quarterly meeting of the State System’s Board of Student Government Presidents. Hosted by Edinboro University’s Student Government Association, attending the two-day conference were student government officers from the 14 State System universities, as well as student representatives to System university Councils of Trustees. McCormick, flanked by Edinboro SGA vice president Knstina Christmas and System press secretary Kenn Marshall, is shown here in the University Center Gymnasium at a special presentation by the Rolling Scots basketball team. Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. James McCormick (center) visited the Edinboro University campus recently for the quarterly meeting of the State System’s Board of Student Government Presidents. Hosted by Edinboro University’s Student Government Association, attending the two-day conference were student government officers from the 14 State System universities, as well as student representatives to System university Councils of Trustees. McCormick, flanked by Edinboro SGA vice president Kristina Christmas and System press secretary Kenn Marshall, is shown here in the University Center Gymnasium at a special presentation by the Rolling Scots basketball team. NOTE TO EDITOR; Kristina Christmas is an Oakmont resident. Edinboro University President and Mrs. Frank G. Pogue join family members and friends of the Jakovac family to unveil the ne'v President’s Tribute Marker that honors the memory of family matriarch Mrs. Betty Jakovac. i rom left: Charlotte and Ray Tomer; Mrs. Florence Jackson; Mrs. Dorothy Pogue; President Frank G. Pogue; Betty’s daughter, Mrs. Patricia Baughman; 1973 Edinboro graduate, trustee and Alumni Association director Frank Jakovac, Betty’s son; Frank and Nancy Jakovac’s son Mike; Mrs. Nancy Jakovac; Charles Baughman (Patricia’s husband), director of public affairs and conferences at East Stroudsburg University; Miss Katie Mazurek; Mr. Robert Jackson; and Miss Christie DeVivo. Not shown: Matt Jakovac and Pat Baughman, Betty’s grandsons, and football players for the 1998 Fighting Scots. At the time the photo was taken. Matt and Pat were dressing for the game against the Bloomsburg University Huskies (won by Edinboro, 19-12). V 4 Edinboro University President and Mrs. Frank G. Pogue (left) join Edinboro alumnus, trustee and Alumni Association Board member Frank Jakovac (right) and his sister, Mrs. Patricia Baughman, to unveil the new President’s Tribute Marker. The Marker, which will eventually be placed in the President’s Box at Sox Harrison Stadium, is dedicated in memory of their mother, Mrs. Betty Jakovac, who was an avid supporter of Edinhoro football and all Fighting Scot athletics. Betty was the proud grandmother of two current Fighting Scot football players; Matt, son of Nancy and Frank Jakovac; and Patrick, son of Patricia and Charles Baughmm. The President’s Tribute Marker will honor friends and supporters, like Betty Jakovac, of Edinboro athletics. Nominations for names to be added to the plaque may be submitted for consideration to Edinboro University Athletic Director Bruce Baumgartner. * EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 November 24, 1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: EDINBORO PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES DECEMBER SHOWS Ring in this Christmas season with the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Planetarium and Denver, Colorado recording artist Phil Bair on December 2 and 3. Bair’s instrumental music will be set under the stars in the planetarium sky. Both shows start at 8:30 p.m. and are free of charge. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call the Edinboro Planetarium in 104 Cooper Hall at (814) 732-2493. -30BKP: jms > A member of the State System of Higher Education / EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 November 24, 1998 NEWS ADVISORY fflV/AIDS AWARNESS AT EDINBORO Edinboro University of Pennsylvania will observe HIV/AIDS Awareness and World AIDS Day from Monday, November 30, through Friday, December 4. Highlights will include three days of activities beginning November 30 with a presentation: “HIV/AIDS: An Evening of Information,” presented by DonPaul Lucas. On Tuesday, December 1, a candlelight vigil will be held in honor of Guy Trezona, a former Edinboro student who died from AIDS on February 18, 1989. A tree will be dedicated in his honor. The vigil will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in the University Center. On Wednesday, December 2, Reza Nassiri, M.D., from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Robert Berke, M.D., commissioner of public health in Chautauqua County, N.Y., will update the story of Nushawn Williams. Week-long activities will include HIV and other health-related information booths at the University Center, and sections of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display in the University Center. V For further information, contact Jan Kinch, founder and coordinator of HIV/AIDS Awareness at Edinboro University, at 732-2981, or Mary Anne Weiner, RN-C, M.S., Health Awareness Program at 732-2839. -30BKP: jms A member of the State System of Higher Education EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Office of Public Relations and Publications Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2745 or 2929 Fax (814) 732-2621 November 30, 1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 642 STUDENTS TO GRADUATE AT EDINBORO'S WINTER COMMENCEMENT Edinboro University of Pennsylvania President Frank G. Pogue will confer degrees on 642 students at the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 19. With a May graduating class of 636 students, Edinboro granted approximately 1,278 associate, bachelor's and master's degrees during the 1998 calendar year. Twenty-three undergraduate students will be graduating with summa cum laude honors (3.80 to 4.00 grade point average), 42 with magna cum laude honors (3.60 to 3.79), and 42 cum laude (3.40 to 3.59). Seven students will graduate in the nationally-recognized Honors Program. Carrying the ceremonial mace and leading the academic procession as the Grand Marshal at the ceremony will be Dr. Andrew J. Rusnak, professor of history. A member of the Edinboro faculty for the past 32 years, Rusnak received the bachelor of arts degree in history from Indiana University in 1957 and an M.A. degree in Slavic studies from Indiana in 1958. He earned his Ph.D. at Ball State University in 1970. During his career, Rusnak developed courses in Russian and East European history, European history, graduate and undergraduate social science, American government, and methods of teaching secondary social studies. He also developed and presented programs about Russia and Eastern Europe for secondary schools and originated a course for Project Enhance called “Russian Language and Culture.” > Rusnak was the founding faculty member of the History Club and the Tau Nu chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the international history honor society. In 1976, he helped to establish the National History Day competition for middle and secondary school students in Pennsylvania. The winter Commencement ceremony will take place in the University’s McComb Fieldhpuse at 1:00 p.m. A member of the State System of Higher Education EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF MEMO TO: PENNSYLVANIA Ms. Patti Loomis Public Relations Director- Department of Psychology Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2774 M E J 1? B W E [ 21998 j. n 1i1 II NOV t b FROM: Psi Chi Advisor - EUP Chapter EDINBORO UNIVERSITY PUBLIC RELATIONS DATE: October 29,1998 SUBJECT: Request for publicity for students to be inducted into Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honorary Society Please send out releases to local & hometown papers for the following students who have been selected for induction into Psi Chi. The Edinboro University Chapter of Psi Chi was established in 1971. This Honorary Society which is administered by the American Psychological Association recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements in psychology coursework. I have listed the students local papers, and their parents names and addresses for your releases. In addition, I have included any other activities in which they cite participation. Thank you for your help in this matter. Enclosure A member of the State System of Higher Education November 9, 1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOCAL STUDENT INDUCTED INTO HONORARY SOCIETY Nina M. Brown of Edinboro, a student at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, was recently inducted into Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honorary Society. Administered by the American Psychological Association, the honorary society recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievement in psychology coursework. Nina is a participant with peer mentoring for OSD. She is the daughter of John Brown and Joan Brown of Pittsburgh. -30PSLrjms November 9,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOCAL STUDENT INDUCTED INTO HONORARY SOCIETY Sarah Conklin of Edinboro, a student at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, was recently inducted into Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honorary Society. Administered by the American Psychological Association, the honorary society recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievement in psychology coursework. Sarah is a member of the psychology club. Highland Ambassador, scholar in residence, and arts living. She is the daughter of Brad Conklin and Sharon Conklin of Edinboro. -30PSLrjms November 9,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOCAL STUDENT INDUCTED INTO HONORARY SOCIETY Jennifer Hadel of Edinboro, a student at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, was recently inducted into Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honorary Society. Administered by the American Psychological Association, the honorary society recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievement in psychology coursework. Jennifer is a member of the psychology club. She is the daughter of Jerry Hadel and Elaine Hadel of Leechburg. -30PSL:jms November 9,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOCAL STUDENT INDUCTED INTO HONORARY SOCIETY Tricia Leslie of Erie, a student at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, was recently inducted into Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honorary Society. Administered by the American Psychological Association, the honorary society recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievement in psychology coursework. Tricia is a participant with Children’s Theater. She is the daughter of Don Leslie and Pattie Leslie of Erie. -30PSL:jms November 9, 1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; LOCAL STUDENT INDUCTED INTO HONORARY SOCIETY Rhani Rochon of Edinboro, Pa., a student at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, was recently inducted into Psi Chi, the National Psychology Honorary Society. Administered by the American Psychological Association, the honorary society recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievement in psychology coursework. Rhani is a participant with woman’s basketball, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She is the daughter of Ronald Rochon and Michelle Rochon of Beachwood. -30PSL:jms November 16,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; LOCAL STUDENT RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP Edinboro University of Pennsylvania has announced that Charlotte M. Mainon, 3 Belmont Court, Doylestown, is the recipient of the Morrison Memorial Fund Scholarship. This fund provides scholarship money to graduate students who have shown outstanding academic achievement. Financial need is also considered in the selection process. These scholarships are awarded to the recipients during the semester of their graduate internship. Charlotte is the daughter of Vincent Mainon and Catherine Mainon. She is a graduate of Central Bucks East High School and a school guidance major at Edinboro. -30- PSLijms November 5,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOCAL STUDENT RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP Edinboro University of Pennsylvania has announced that Charlotte Drayer, 19889 Hammond Road, Cony, is the recipient of the Dr. and Mrs. Ernest R. LaFollette Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a master of education student who is attending full time or part time and whose program emphasizes the application of instructional technology. Charlotte is the daughter of Rolland Chase and Ann Chase. She is a graduate of Cony High School and she is earning a masters degree in elementary math education at Edinboro. -30- PSL:jms November 5,1998 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOCAL STUDENT RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP Edinboro University of Pennsylvania has announced that Melissa Kocias, 212 B Water Street, Edinboro, is the recipient of the Dennis D. Ranalli Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to an entering Edinboro University graduate student studying in the field of speech-language pathology. Melissa is the daughter of Dale Kocias and Amy Kocias. She is a graduate of Strongsville High School and she is earning a masters degree in speech-language pathology at Edinboro. -30PSLijms