ommunity onnections Clarion University of Pennsylvania Dear Clarion University neighbor, Clarion University continues to address unprecedented financial challenges. On top of an 18 percent reduction in state funding, enrollment is down, primarily because of fewer high-schoolage students, and the cost of employee compensation has increased. Together, these factors create a structural deficit which, if not addressed, threatens the fiscal stability of the university. The university has examined both academic and nonacademic departments and developed a much more effective way to operate by refocusing on in-demand academic programs, while simultaneously trimming operational costs. The plan details the realignment of our workforce, as well as investments in academic areas with growing enrollment, including health professions, science, math and technology. We will expand enrollment in strategically identified program areas while ensuring optimal stewardship of our resources, enabling Clarion University to continue to provide high-quality public education at a reasonable cost. I ask you to support Clarion University in any way you can: through your time by attending university events and engaging our students; through employing our students in a job or internship; or through financial support of our students, scholarships or programs. Spring Fall 2012 2014 Clarion responds to demands in science, math, technology As new careers in science, mathematics and technology continue to emerge, Clarion University is experiencing growth and increased student demand in those academic areas. Clarion is preparing students to be competitive in science, mathematics and technology fields and has placed emphasis on increasing educational pathways in the sciences for women and students of color. With the recent addition of a research-quality scanning electron microscope, purchased with a grant through the National Science Foundation, new opportunities for the study and application of the sciences are possible. With this latest addition to Clarion’s state-of-the-art science facility, students can examine objects up to two million times what the unaided eye can see. At the Barnes Center, the new lab space for product development in the sciences has been completed. The center provides greater integration of the basic sciences with technology development and application and is designed to provide science students real experience working with start-up technology companies. Clarion University offers programs in applied technology, biology, environmental biology, molecular biology and biotechnology, chemistry, computer science and information systems, environmental geoscience and geology, mathematics, medical technology, physics and pre-professional programs. From these programs, students can expect to receive: • • Karen M. Whitney President • • Community Connections is a biannual publication of Clarion University Office of the President. We value your feedback. To respond to topics in this newsletter or to share thoughts about any matter concerning Clarion University, email president@clarion.edu or send mail to: Office of the President, Clarion University, 840 Wood St., Clarion, PA 16214. • The ability to apply technical knowledge and practical skills, and conduct quality science in the field and laboratory; Hands-on experience in state-of-the-art research facilities and in the university planetarium; Field study in Allegheny National Forest and Cook Forest State Park; Knowledge of information systems to understand computer systems and the software, hardware, networking, security and business processes that support them; and Practical skills to become clinical scientists in hospitals and medical labs and for careers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. “Communiversity” interns tackle community issues In an effort to create stronger bonds between the university and our community, Kelly Ryan, assistant director for the Center for Leadership and Involvement at Clarion University, created the Communiversity Relations internship program. The program, sponsored by a High Impact Practice Innovation Grant, involved seven Clarion University students investigating three areas of focus: arts and culture, agriculture, and economics. Students partnered with community members to create action plans. The arts and culture team worked with Dave Sentner to develop a plan for community art workshops that will be taught by university students. They would also like to hold an art crawl through the Main Street businesses. The agriculture group worked with Elise Dietz. They are hoping to begin a food co-op in our community, which is a member-owned grocery store in which local farmers and community members will be able to sell their produce and other products. The economics group worked with Andrea Estadt to create an apprenticeship program for sophomores at Clarion University. Students will be partnered with area business owners and will help with tasks related to the students’ areas of study. For more information on the Communiversity Relations program, visit www.clarion.edu/communiversity. Kelly Ryan (back, left), coordinator of the Communiversity Relations program, and business people Andrea Estadt, Dave Sentner and Elise Dietz (back, center) stand with the economics, arts and culture and agriculture Communiversity teams. Libraries unite to present two book clubs Clarion University and Clarion Free Library are partnering to present two separate reading series this spring. The books for both series can be borrowed at Carlson Library on campus or Clarion Free Library. Pushing the Limits is a reading, viewing and discussion program for adults, which features authors, scientists and everyday people who thrive on exploring the natural world. Clarion Free Library is one of 75 rural public libraries nationwide receiving the National Science Foundation grant to host the series. Dr. John Heard, assistant professor of physics, will lead Pushing the Limits, which meets at 6 p.m. the following Thursdays at Clarion Free Library, 644 Main St.: • Jan. 16 – Nature: “When the Killing’s Done” by T.C. Boyle • Feb. 20 – Connection: “Thunderstruck” by Erik Larson • March 20 – Survival: “Arctic Drift” by Clive Cussler • April 17 – Knowledge: “The Land of Painted Caves” by Jean Auel Dr. Marilyn Harhai, professor of library science, will lead the Travel and Leisure Book Club, which meets at 6 p.m. the following Wednesdays at Clarion Free Library: • Jan. 22 – “A Time of Gifts: On Foot to Constantinople: From the Hook of Holland to the Middle Danube” by Patrick Leigh Fermor • Feb. 26 – “Wanderlust: A History of Walking” by Rebecca Solnit • March 26 – “Paris to the Pyrenees: A Skeptic Pilgrim Walks the Way of Saint James” by David Downie • April 23 – “Here, There, Elsewhere: Stories from the Road” by William Least Heat-Moon For information about either series, contact the Clarion Free Library at 814-226-7172 or director@clarionfreelibrary.org, or email Harhai at mharhai@clarion.edu. Tippin Gymnasium West Elevation Expand engagement with society When Clarion University considers improvements to its buildings and grounds as part of its facilities master planning, it considers another constituency in addition to the campus community – the communities in Clarion Borough and neighboring municipalities. Clarion University is working with planning consultants Perkins Eastman, who have analyzed data from research and meetings with constituents to determine the physical characteristics that Clarion needs. “We want a place where people feel comfortable taking a walk around campus and seeing the beautiful landscaping. We are trying to create spaces to be used by the community,” said Ric Taylor, director of facilities planning. One example is the renovation of Tippin Gymnasium and Natatorium, which is used extensively by local high schools. “Newer facilities will make that even more desirable to the community,” Taylor said. “Also, as part of the Tippin project, we will build a recreation pool at the Student Recreation Center; it’s intended that public memberships be offered.” “President Whitney noticed that so many of our older buildings turn their backs to the community, and she made clear to the planners that we don’t want to create a walled fortress,” Good Neighbor program grant doubled I am a Funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Good Neighbor % of CU students 91% 91 Clarion University hasa been awarded have NOT driven vehicle while $39,574.58 through Pennsylvania under the influence of alcohol. Liquor Control Board’s Alcohol Education Grant Program. The amount of the grant more than doubled from the previous year. “This year we increased the maximum grant award to $40,000 and gave organizations an extra year to implement their programs,” said Joseph E. Brion, PLCB chairman. “Our goal is to give those involved in the prevention of underage and dangerous drinking the time and financial resources needed to make a significant impact on the health and safety of their communities.” The grant will support the Clarion Good Neighbor Program, which is a program dedicated to building and maintaining relationships between the Clarion community members and students living off-campus. “The program raises student awareness to live off-campus as they would “Our goal is to give those involved in the prevention of underage and dangerous drinking the time and financial resources needed to make a significant impact on the health and safety of their communities.” Joseph E. Brion PLCB chairman in their own communities,” said Jimmy McGee. It encourages students to: • Recognize that they are part of a neighborhood, whether on or off campus; • Spend time getting to know their neighbors; • Give others the respect with which they expect to be treated; • Identify boundaries such as noise levels, trash removal, parking and property lines; • Exchange contact information and schedules to make them better aware of their surroundings; • Take pride in where they live; Clarion has so much to offer! “We are trying to create spaces to be used by the community.” Ric Taylor, director facilities planning Taylor said. “So, with the Tippin renovation, we’re creating a lot of glass on the Greenville Avenue side, so the community will see a lot of activity.” Another consideration of the plan is accessibility to the university and making it easier for community members to get to campus, park and use the facilities. “We want to be a good neighbor,” Taylor said. “Our success is (the communities’) success, and vice versa.” Clarion designated ‘Military Friendly’ for fifth straight year For the fifth consecutive year, Clarion University of Pennsylvania has been named to the coveted Military Friendly Schools® list. The 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace, as students, America’s military service members, veterans and spouses and ensure their success on campus. “Inclusion on the 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools® shows Clarion University’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, vice president at Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, and a nine-year Navy veteran. “The need for education is growing, and our mission is to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools.” For more information about Clarion’s veterans’ services, visit www.clarion.edu/veterans. Clarion University of Pennsylvania 840 Wood Street Clarion, PA 16214 Arts, culture and entertainment at Clarion—2014 Detailed information about the following events is available at www.clarion.edu/calendar. For a schedule of athletic events, visit www.clariongoldeneagles.com. For a list of admissions visit days, go to www.clarion.edu/visitus. For a list of Small Business Development Center training classes, go to web.clarion.edu/SBDC/training. Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Community Breakfast 8 a.m., American Legion, Clarion Jan. 30, Stand-up comedian Erin Jackson 7:30 p.m., Robert W. Rhoades Center, Venango College Jan. 31, A New Generation of Equality 6 p.m., Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room Feb. 28, International Student Culture Night 7 p.m., Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room March 3, Michael Gershe, comedian and inspirational speaker 7:30 p.m., Robert W. Rhoades Center, Venango College March 5, Poet and fiction writer Gerry Lafemina 7 p.m., Clarion University (location TBA) March 11, Play Performance by Pittsburgh Playwrights 7 p.m., Hart Chapel March 5-9, “Nothing Left to Tell” (Clarion University Theatre) 8 p.m., Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre March 28-29, Second Series (Clarion University Theatre) 8 p.m., Hart Chapel April 3, Poet and writer of fiction and nonfiction Kazim Ali 7 p.m., Clarion University (location TBA) April 5, “In God We Trust: A Choral Perspective” (part of Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series) 7:30 p.m., Marwick-Boyd Fine Arts Center April 5, Concert Choir and Chamber Singers Concert 7:30 p.m., Marwick-Boyd Auditorium April 14, “Holocaust Remembrance 2013: Remembering Genocide in Popular Music” (part of Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series) 7:30 p.m., Hart Chapel April 17, Diana Hume George 7 p.m., (location TBA) April 17,Von Shakes 7:30 p.m., Robert W. Rhoades Center, Venango College April 21, Chamber Singers perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem and Antiphon 8 p.m., Carnegie Hall, New York City April 23, Jazz Band Concert 7:30 p.m., Hart Chapel April 25-26, “Moving Forward - A Dance Concert” 8 p.m., Marwick-Boyd Auditorium May 4, Symphony Orchestra Concert 3 p.m., Marwick-Boyd Auditorium April 27-May 4, Academic Excellence Series Various times/locations April 28, Terri Jendusa-Nicolai 7:30 p.m., Robert W. Rhoades Center, Venango College April 28 to May 2, Game Changers Week Various times, Robert W. Rhoades Center, Venango College April 30, “What the Frack?!?” 7:30 p.m., Robert W. Rhoades Center, Venango College April 6, Wind Orchestra Concert 3 p.m., Marwick-Boyd Auditorium May 2, Athletics Hall of Fame Reception and Dinner 5:30 p.m. (reception), 7 p.m. (dinner), 107/108 Eagle Commons April 7-13, “The Mystical Arts of Tibet” by Tibetan Monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery (part of Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series) Various times/locations May 10, Spring Commencement 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Tippin Gymnasium June 6-8, Alumni Weekend Various times/locations April 9, U.S. Army Field Band/Jazz Ambassadors 7:30 p.m., Gemmell Student Complex, Multi-Purpose Room Sept. 26-27, Homecoming Various times/locations April 11, “Dawn of Astronomy” 5:30 and 7 p.m. (two shows), Donald Peirce Planetarium, Grunenwald Center for Science and Technology Would you like to make a gift to, or in support of, Clarion University? Give online at www.clarion.edu/givenow or call 814-393-2637. The Community Connections newsletter is published by the President’s Office, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214-1232. Clarion University is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.