Positively Penn State

There are many benefits to living in a community that is home to a major University. Penn State Schuylkill provides many opportunities and services to Schuylkill Haven. Residents of the borough are invited and encouraged to visit the campus to enjoy what the campus has to offer. Each quarter, “Positively Penn State” will highlight the positive impact the University has on Schuylkill Haven and the surrounding county. Events that are open to the public will also be highlighted here. A majority of these events are free.

Schuylkill Haven, PA (Penn State) February 19, 2010 – Penn State Schuylkill is continuing to embrace the local community through a large variety of events and community service projects throughout the spring semester. Schuylkill Haven residents are encouraged to visit the campus for the Cultural Event Series, Midday Music performances, Religious & Philosophical Forum lectures, the spring play, athletic competitions and several other special events.

Cultural Events Series Throughout the academic year, Penn State Schuylkill offers a Cultural Event Series that features unique performances. All of these events are free and open to the public. The shows always take place at 7:00 p.m. in Morgan Auditorium.

On March 24, the Irish pop-rock band The Screaming Orphans will be performing a free concert. The Screaming Orphans are four funny, high-spirited, musically-obsessed sisters with the good fortune to have been raised in Bundoran in County Donegal Ireland. More about the band, including a preview of their music, can be found at www.thescreamingorphans.com.

The Broesler School of Irish Dance (www.broesler.com) will also be gracing the stage of the Morgan Auditorium next month. They will be performing on March 31.

The enchanting Middle-Eastern dance of Abzahrah (www.amalaraqs.com) will take place on April 20. Abzahrah’s dazzling performances exhibit modern, traditional, and folkloric Middle Eastern music and dance with flowing veils, rhythmic finger cymbals, shimmering canes, and sparkling candles.

If you would like to be included on the Cultural Events mailing list, contact Jeff Fazio at jmf31@psu.edu or 570-385-6246.

Midday Music Series The Midday Music series showcases live musicians during lunchtime, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Hidden Stream Café. These events happen once or twice per month during the academic year. These performances are always free and open to the public. Upcoming performers are:

• Venice Maki (www.myspace.com/venicemaki) Feb. 25
• Tejas Singh (www.myspace.com/tejassingh) Mar. 18
• Megan Slankard (www.meganslankard.com) Apr. 8

Religious and Philosophical Forum (RAPF) Lecture Series Assistant Professor of Philosophy Dr. Charles C. Lindenmuth hosts a luncheon lecture series three times per semester. The lectures are free and a light lunch is provided. They take place at noon in the Conference Room of the Classroom Building.

The RAPF Lecture Series explores the interaction between Western philosophy and religion.  The forum offers the opportunity for a continuous dialogue to explore basic issues in religion and philosophy. The spring semesters series includes the following:

• “The Hindu Community” by Dr. Ravi Rustagi, instructor of engineering, Feb. 26
• “The Islamic Community” by Imam Anwar bin Nafea Muhaimin, chief executive officer of Masjid Quba Inc. & subsidiaries, Mar. 26
• “The Jewish Community” by Mr. Arnold Delin, president of Oheb Zedeck Synagogue, Apr. 23

Special Events Last fall, Penn State Schuylkill, in collaboration with the Schuylkill Haven Council of Churches, held the first Nittany Neighborhood Dinner at the First United Church of Christ. The goal of the dinner was to offer an opportunity for the residents of Schuylkill Haven to share a meal with the students, staff and faculty of the university. The event was a huge success and has ensured a follow up dinner. The planning committee is currently working on the details of the next dinner. If you are interested in participating in the next dinner, contact Jerry Bowman, director of university relations, at jxb25@psu.edu or 570-385-6152.

The Nittany Players, Penn State Schuylkill’s theater group, will be offering four performances of the play Baby in the Morgan Auditorium. There will be shows in the evening, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 15; Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17. There will be a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 18. Tickets will be on sale the days of the shows in the lobby of the Student Center from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm or by calling 570-385-6049. Ticket prices are: General Admission - $10.00, Senior citizens and Students - $ 8.00.

The Biology and Environmental Club will be hosting an Eco Fair on Earth Day, April 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Mall Walk. They will also have a guest speaker at 7:00 p.m. in the Morgan Auditorium.

Inspired by the huge success of their Safe Trick-or-treat night, the students of the Adult Student Organization (ASO) are planning to sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt sometime in April. Details are still being determined. For current information, contact Jeff Fazio, assistant director of student affairs, at jmf31@psu.edu or 570-385-6246.

On April 30, Penn State Schuylkill will be joining several other regional colleges and universities in a Stand Against Racism (www.standagainstracism.org). The Stand will take place at noon on the Mall Walk. The community is encouraged to join the campus for this 10-minute, symbolic moment of silence to show support for the end of racism. Other Stands will be taking place concurrently at Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University, Reading Area Community College and Penn State Berks. 

Athletic Competitions Schuylkill Haven residents are always welcome and invited to join Penn State Schuylkill for our athletic competitions. There is no fee to enjoy the PSU softball games. The homes games for the spring semester are:

·         Softball vs. Penn College, Apr. 6, 2:00 p.m.

·         Softball vs. PSU Mont Alto, Apr. 13, 2:00 p.m.

·         Softball vs. PSU Greater Allegheny, Apr. 24, 2:00 p.m.

·         Softball vs. PSU New Kensington, Apr. 25, 2:00 p.m.

Penn State is a valuable part of the Schuylkill Haven community. As such, borough residents are welcome to join the campus for many exciting events taking place this academic year. There is a beautiful University campus right here in Schuylkill Haven waiting for you to visit and explore your own “Diversity within Community.”

Penn State Schuylkill Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Jeff Fazio, Assistant Director of Student Affairs, 570-385-6246 in advance of your participation or visit. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

Penn State Schuylkill: Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Jeff Fazio, Assistant Director of Student Affairs, 570-385-6246 in advance of your participation or visit. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

Contact:

Jeff Fazio, Assistant Director of Student affairs
Penn State Schuylkill
570-385-6246
www.sl.psu.edu