admin
Fri, 02/13/2026 - 20:30
Edited Text
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.