Breonna Dull

Marauder Music's Concert on the Quad Breonna Dull Features Editor On Nov. 9, students gathered on the Quad to experience an evening of live music and community hosted by Marauder Music, Millersville University’s student-run music organization. Featured performers included soloists John Evans and Nera, along with the student band “Huh? What?” led by vocalist Kelly Feldman. On this chilly November evening, fundraising for Marauder Music sold hot apple cider, cookies, and hand warmers. Despite the cold, the campus crowd rocked out to impressive sets by each artist. The concert is part of Marauder Music’s monthly event series that features different artists. The club has invited notable artists such as Joan Jett, Young the Giant, and Third Eye Blind. Yet, the heart of the organization is its commitment to giving students and local musicians a chance to take the stage. Marauder Music provides an invaluable opportunity for students to perform live, record their work, and develop essential industry skills. Their goal is to create spaces where artists can present their talent and gain meaningful career experience to build successful futures. The band “Huh? What?” shared their appreciation for Marauder Music’s impact on their musical experience. “It gives us a little bit of exposure, even for a commercial band for a class. I mean, I enjoy playing with [the band]. I think it could go somewhere,” shared the band. In addition to concerts, Marauder Music hosts workshops, plans recordings, and helps manage and promote artists, providing hands-on industry experience for students. Millersville University is proving to be a creative hub for independent artists, bringing students and locals together to enjoy the power of live music right in the heart of campus. Marauder Music will host the Autumn Leaves Music Festival on Nov. 16, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., also on the Quad. The festival will showcase student artists, including 25th Hour, Fuzztide Jones, Somewhere, Barkley Cove, Fos Howell, and returning performer Jae Evans. Alongside live music, there will be art vendors and a bake sale, giving visitors a chance to support local creators/student groups. You can find solo artists John Evans and Nera as @Jaeevansmusic an […] “Marauder Music’s Concert on the Quad”

15 fun and inexpensive things to do this fall Breonna Dull Features Editor As the leaves become warm vibrant colors and the air cools, fall encourages us to explore the outdoors and spend time with loved ones. Whether you’re seeking adventure, creativity, or cozy gatherings, this season is full of opportunities for memorable experiences without breaking the bank. From hiking amidst stunning foliage to enjoying local festivals, there are countless ways to celebrate the beauty of autumn. Here are 15 inexpensive fall activities to help you make the most of this enchanting time of year.   Go hiking – Fall is arguably the best time to hike. As the leaves change color and the air becomes cool and crisp, the scenery changes. For the most scenic experience, plan your hike when the leaves are at their peak color. Peak leaf season in Millersville this fall will be the last two weeks of October. Go camping – Even if it’s only one night, camping can be a refreshing escape. Whether you visit a campsite or camp in your backyard, spending time outside can regulate your nervous system and clear your mind. Spark a campfire – You don’t have to go camping to have a campfire! Gather friends or family for a night at a park or a backyard campfire for roasting marshmallows and making smores.  Decorate for the season – You can find natural decorations like leaves, gourds, or pumpkins to add fall energy to your space. For a free craft, find bright colorful leaves to press and have for seasons to come.  Enjoy classic fall farm fun – Lancaster County offers a mix of urban and rural activities. Visit local farms for wholesome fun like corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and tractor rides. Check out spots like Oregon Dairy, Corn Cob Acres, and Cherry Crest Adventure Farm for a variety of activities. Attend the Red Rose International Film Festival – From Nov. 8-10, enjoy different shorts, documentaries, and feature-length films that bring international perspectives to the screen. The festival, presented by Penn Cinema, supports small businesses and young creators, offering a platform for new ideas. Explore Downtown Lancaster on First Fridays – Downtown Lancaster offers evening activities the first Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. Art galleries, studios, museums, restaurants, and shops stay open late, providing countless places to go, flavors to taste, and entertainment to enjoy. All students can ride bus route 16 between Millersville and Lancaster free with a bus card from the SMC. Visit the Renaissance Faire – Experience ax throwing and archery, attend shows, shop, eat, and fall into character at the PA Renaissance Faire at Mt. Hope Wine Estate and Winery. Dress in Renaissance clothes and costumes, or choose from many fantasy characters like fairies, pirates, scarecrows, and witches. They host fall and Halloween-themed events through Oct. 31. Day tickets are sold out for the 2024 season, but sunset passes can be bought after 4 p.m. at the gates for a discounted price. Paint or carve pumpkins – Get into the spirit with an essential fall activity: jack o’lanterns! Carving pumpkins is a fall tradition that is fun, but quite messy. Painting is an alternative option to decorate pumpkins in your dorm and avoid carving tools and pumpkin guts. Savor Seasonal foods and flavors – It’s that time again, pumpkin spice and other fall flavors are available at cafes, bakeries, and grocery stores. Enjoy limited fall treats such as apple cider, apple cider donuts, soups, chili, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, and snickerdoodles. Host a harvest picnic – Bring all of the flavors together for a harvest picnic with your friends or family. Everyone can bring their favorite seasonal dish. Prepare your wardrobe – Swap out your tank tops and shorts for cozy sweaters and jeans. Consider donating items you no longer wear or using them for creative costumes. Start holiday gift planning – It’s never too early to start holiday gift planning and shopping. October may feel too early, as Christmas is still months away. However, before you know it, you’re trying to find a single parking spot at Target on Christmas Eve during a last-minute gift rush. Watch Halloween movies – Re-watch classic movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Hocus Pocus.” For a spooky night, try a horror movie such as “Smile 2,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” and “Terrifyer 3” currently in theaters. Throw a costume party – Get the gang together for a Halloween or costume party and don’t forget to take pictures! You can make it a competition, offering prizes for the best costume. The Millersville Costume Shop in Jefferson Hall has a large variety of clothes and accessories to rent. Fall is a season rich with opportunities for connection, creativity, and fun. Embrace the spirit of the season with these inexpensive activities, and make the most of t […] “15 fun and inexpensive things to do this fall”

History rotting away: the vanishing of the town of Billmeyer Olivia Heilemann         Justin Staggers Editor in Chief              Managing Editor Nestled in Conoy Township, just a drive up the river north of Millersville, lie the remnants of an abandoned company quarry town. Once a thriving hub for limestone and dolomite extraction, the town of Billmeyer has quietly decayed into Lancaster County history. Few structures remain standing, and much of the land has since been converted into the scenic Enola Low-Grade hiking trail.  Yet, scattered across the grounds are constant reminders of the town’s once industrious past – cement foundations, remnants of homes, and even a rusted 1940s Pontiac all serve as silent storytellers of a mostly forgotten town with a rich history.  Originally founded by John Haldeman in the 1840s for limestone extraction, the quarry’s early life saw it leased out to a variety of different organizations, eventually finding a long-term suitor in John Baker’s Wrightsville Lime Company in 1896. Named after his wife Mary Billmeyer, it was at this time that the town truly began to take shape.  World War I led to increased demand for limestone and dolomite, integral resources in steel production. The calcium-rich limestone was also used in the agricultural industry, as it was able to be burned and sold as fertilizer. Some of the stone was even used to build the Shocks Mill Bridge, which still stands over the Susquehanna River. The boom in demand made it necessary for homes to be built along the quarry, and before long a small company town would begin to form. Complete with boarding houses, a school, a chapel, and even a company store, the town of Billmeyer quickly became a vital resource for the war efforts in the United States and housed approximately 1,000 residents at its peak. The town’s residents mainly included immigrants from Europe and the South, as well as regional residents. Many descendants of these residents still live in the central Pennsylvania area, some less than a mile away from old Billmeyer. For as hard as the employees at the Billmeyer quarry worked, records show they liked to have fun just as much.  “The work was heavy, dirty, and dangerous, with long hours and low pay. The workers notoriously liked to blow off steam with the use of alcohol,” said Megan Salvatore, the Visitor Services Manager at Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA). With the popularity and convenience of alcohol in the town, things eventually got out of hand. “There was a quarry across the river from Baker [In York] and the guys would take a boat over on paydays to drink in the bar, ” said Gina Mariani, a descendant of a family who owned a boarding house in the town. “But there were so many fights the quarry owners decided to pay on separate weeks so they don’t all have money at the same time.” The hard work of the employees was heavily appreciated by John Baker, guiding him to purchase multiple plots in the Bainbridge Cemetery to honor each worker and their families after they had passed. As the war came to an end and the resources the town was producing were out of demand, Billmeyer soon faded into a ghost town. What is left of the area is the historic Haldeman Mansion and the White Cliffs of Conoy hiking trail, where the remains of houses and businesses of Billmeyer lay untouched.  Among the abandonment lies a rusted 1940s Pontiac in the middle of the woods next to the foundation of a structure that appears to have once been a house. There is no information on the owner or structure, but it is believed that it was left behind when the town was vacated and left to crumble. While the trail is open to the public, access to the abandoned structural foundations is prohibited. For more information on the trail and its rules, visit lancaster […] “History rotting away: the vanishing of the town of Billmeyer”

Sara Bareilles performs in Downtown Lancaster Kevin Lynch Staff Writer Grammy award-winning performer Sara Bareilles held a rare performance in Downtown Lancaster on Saturday, Oct. 19. This performance took place at the Lancaster County Convention Center with the event being hosted by CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health which is an organization that prioritizes children’s mental health. All of the proceeds from the conversation and concert were donated to the mental health organization that would help aid in resources to people across Lancaster county. Before the performance, Bareilles held a conversation with Dr. Goropoulous, who is the President of the organization. She shared her views on the state of mental health in our communities as well as commended the audience for being present at the event. To begin her performance, she performed some of her original songs that she felt really helped her whenever she was struggling with mental health, which she was very open about. She also discussed her songwriting process from her discography. Bareilles then performed some of her hits from her discography. As she belted songs like “Brave” and “Love Song,” the crowd was singing along with her. Bareilles even took notice and let the crowd have their moment in the spotlight. With “Love Song”, she told the audience that she was “…certain that this song would be too specific and too exactly like a diary entry.” With that statement, she proved to herself and the audience that she was wrong especially since it’s her most streamed song out of her entire discography on Spotify. She ended the night by performing her ballad “She Used To Be Mine” from the Broadway show “Waitress,” which she composed the music for. Bareilles then thanked the audience through her Instagram after the show by saying they “brought so much joy and connection.” I personally enjoyed this performance as the lyrics she sang strongly resonated with me and her voice w […] “Sara Bareilles performs in Downtown Lancaster”

Celebrating Brooks' Birthday Kaitlyn Leister Staff Writer It was a very special day on Oct. 18, the celebration of K-9 Brooks’ second birthday. The happy birthday boy had a party and invited all of Millersville faculty and students to come to Brooks Field and celebrate with tennis balls and belly rubs. He was later joined by his sister, Seija, who made an appearance to celebrate this special day with him.  Officer Gonzalez has been working with Brooks since he was five months old, the entire certification process taking two full calendar years to get complete certifications. Brooks currently has three certifications, but still has five months left before being fully certified. Brooks is trained to help provide morale on scene and afterward. “The goal is victim advocacy,” shared Officer Gonzalez. Brooks also has siblings, three sisters and two brothers, all but one following the same path as their brother.  Asking the birthday boy himself if he was having a good birthday, I was greeted with a happy smile, meaning yes. He then brought me a tennis ball to throw so he could catch it.  Everyone can help with Brooks’ training by buying the Brooks short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt from the University Store. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts are donated to the MUPD Trauma Dog Fund, helping Brooks complete his needed certifications and continue to help Millersville Students.  Wishing Brooks a ve […] “Celebrating Brooks’ Birthday”

Dino Carbone: Crafting a life in music Angel Santana Staff Writer For Dino Carbone, music is more than just a passion, it’s a way of life. Carbone, a Millersville senior, is in two bands, Toby Jones and Blind Hope. But a job in the music industry is far from where he was born and raised: Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. “Nobody knows exactly where that is,” he says. “It’s between West Chester and Philly.” The geography of his hometown may be uncertain to many, but his journey in the music industry is anything but uncertain. Currently studying music industry with a concentration in production, Carbone is determined to turn his love for music into a career. His path started with a curiosity that arose during his teenage years. “I started to consume a lot of music on my own, which made me fall in love with it,” Carbone recalls. His fascination and love of how music is produced led him to teach himself the basics, relying on trial and error, as well as countless YouTube tutorials. “I didn’t really have any formal training until college,” Carbone says. “That jump-started everything.” The challenges of being self-taught weren’t easy. Without formal guidance, Carbone admits there were moments of doubt, but his determination and effort kept him going. “It was a lot of trial and error,” he says. “God bless YouTube.” While he says he learned a lot from video tutorials, his formal education has been transformative. Carbone credits his education for making him as good as he is now at music production. What Carbone says he enjoys most about music production is the satisfaction of completing a project. “When I write a song, record it, mix, and master it, just that feeling of getting it done and hearing the product that spewed from your brain is a really satisfying feeling,” he explains. That sense of accomplishment drives him to keep pushing forward. He also says he gets inspiration from renowned music producers and musicians. “Butch Vig, who produced a lot of albums in the 90s, and bands like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins, really influenced me in terms of production,” he says. Musically, Carbone looks to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. “They’re not afraid to push boundaries,” he says. “They’ve shown me that music is boundless.” As for the future, Carbone has clear goals. In the short term, he’s focused on making a living from music and supporting himself. His long-term dreams include becoming a touring musician or settling into a career as a music producer. “Either one of those would make me happy,” he says. Looking ahead, Carbone envisions a life centered around work and music. “In the future, I just see myself having a lifestyle where it’s just work, music, work, music,” he says. Dino Carbone’s journey is just beginning, but with his passion and perseverance, it’s clear that his path in the music industry wi […] “Dino Carbone: Crafting a life in music”

JPEGMAFIA live in Philadelphia was a night to remember   Grayson […] “”

Elevating the next generation: LCCF Shaping Tomorrow Awards Breonna […] “”

Fraternity and Sorority Life holds Hazing Prevention Fair Breonna […] “”

Jhariah rocks the house at Millersville’s Phantom Power venue Michael Keehan Staff Writer When you’re about to give a performance, people usually tell you to “break a leg!” as a cheeky way of wishing you good luck. Seems rising pop-punk star Jhariah Clare, known anonymously as Jhariah, misheard it as “cut a leg!” instead. The Bronx musician, who uses he/they pronouns, was performing in Philadelphia when he cut his leg from his energetic performance style. Despite healing, it sored back while he and his band performed at Millersville’s local music venue Phantom Power. In both scenarios, however, Jhariah’s “show must go on” mentality motivated them to continue the incredible show. The two shows are kicking off their “Command” mini tour promoting their album “Trust Ceremony.” I arranged a questionnaire with Jhariah while he and his band packed up for their next show in Champaign, Illinois, giving me time to enjoy the show. The opening act was an artist by the name of BoyJr. They performed the show themselves with a laptop and used a minimalist setup to connect with the audience. They ended with a group performance of My Chemical Romance’s “Teenagers,” a song the audience knew by heart. Soon, Jhariah took the stage, and he rocked out with his “no genre, all drama” style. They combined emo, jazz, theater and J-rock to make an energetic environment that benefitted the abundant energy Jhariah had. They had fun with their bandmates and audience, and the backing band matched up to Jhariah’s high level of talent. It’s also the only modern rock band I can think of with a persistent saxophone player, further proving the unique nature of the show. After an unforgettable show, they and BoyJr stayed after to sell merch and talk with fans. As the band loaded up the tour van, I got to meet with Jhariah and have a lovely conversation with one of the coolest people I’ll ever get to know. They talked about how this was the first of five shows they played in eight days, creating a rush to get everyone together and ready. None of them had heard of Millersville or Phantom Power, and found the campus and venue to be lovely, getting along well with the crew at Phantom Power. Jhariah gave a lot of love to their backing band, their opening act of BoyJr, and the band Pinkshift, a punk band from my home state of Maryland, who they collaborated with on the song “EAT YOUR FRIENDS.” He also recommended a few albums: Remi Wolf’s “Big Ideas,” Ashnikko’s “WEEDKILLER,” and Jean Dawson’s “CHAOS NOW.” They also talked about the song “MAYBE LATER DANCE.” The song is a vulnerable song about his fear of taking risks, and how he wants to participate in the things he finds exciting yet scary. I definitely relate to that song, and while I am far from a musician, I know there is a strong music community here at Millersville, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many of them relate to this song. Before I parted ways with them, I asked Jhariah if he had anything to say to musicians at Millersville, and he said “The cool thing about music is you get to access part of yourself that’s harder to access, and the best thing is to be brave and do things that are scary.” We hope to see Jhariah at Millersville soon, and I will defi […] “Jhariah rocks the house at Millersville’s Phantom Power venue”

A taste of Italy: Celebrating heritage at Lititz L’Italia Festival 2024 Breonna Dull Features Editor On Sept. 21, 2024, Lititz Springs Park was alive with the flavor, art, and music of Italy. More guests than ever attended the third annual L’Italia Italian Festival of Lititz, PA, hosted by the Keystone Italian Project. Food vendors, businesses, non-profits, and family-friendly activities stretched the length of the park. Artisan vendors displayed their work in the Villaggio Artigiano craft village and the Fiat Club of Central Pennsylvania showcased classic Italian cars. Guests delighted in authentic Italian cuisine, Italian-inspired dishes, and local offerings from the VFW’s Beer and Wine Garden. The L’Italia Festival is the product of a shared dream: celebrating Italy’s culture in American Society. The idea was born from a group of Italian-Americans who, driven by a passion for their heritage, wanted to create a festival that honors their traditions and connects with new generations. Many of the event’s organizers were born in Italy and emigrated to the U.S. Young families saw the opportunity to enrich their children’s understanding of their heritage. “They really wanted to infuse their children with the spirit of that culture,” said Mary Cae, the assistant organizer of the festival. “They wanted to highlight Italian American culture in a variety of ways and keep in touch with each other.” For Nella Steward of the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society, the event holds personal significance. Born and raised in Rome, Steward moved to the U.S. at age 17, living in New Jersey before settling in Lancaster. For her, the festival is a way to stay connected to her roots while sharing a sense of common identity with others. “The event today has exposed us to so many people,” Steward shared. “It was so much fun because we brought in a map of Italy, and people gladly stopped by and told me their stories. We’d look for the town they came from and place a marker. You can see that they are grateful for doing this today and proud of where they come from.” Outside the festival, Steward is dedicated to sharing Italian culture through the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society. It was founded 25 years ago after the previous Italian-American society folded. A group of mostly Italian immigrant families founded the group to preserve their heritage and familiar way of life. Their goal was to teach their children about their origins, customs, history, language, and culinary arts, ensuring the culture they loved remained alive. Today, the society is thriving with around 180 families actively involved. They organize a variety of enriching activities, from language lessons to trips to New York and Italy, social gatherings, and meetings with guest speakers. The society is eager to welcome anyone interested in Italian heritage, regardless of background.  “You don’t have to be Italian,” Steward emphasized. “We don’t care about your ethnicity, race, or religion—everyone is welcome. We have fun and learn so much together.”  The festival also featured a wide variety of events that truly captured the spirit of Italy. Guests admired classic Italian cars, indulged in traditional foods, participated in cultural activities, and enjoyed live performances.  One of the participating organizations, The Anchor in Lancaster, was present to share their mission and services with attendees. Originally starting as a simple coffee gathering after church, The Anchor has since expanded into a vital resource for the community. It now offers breakfast, a day center, showers, case management, street outreach, and assistance with housing, education, and healthcare. Their goal is to provide a safe and welcoming space for anyone in need, offering a break from harsh realities and a place to recharge, both physically and mentally. Nonprofits such as the Anchor highlight the importance of community and allow attendees to get involved.  Beyond the entertainment, the festival holds a deeper purpose: to preserve the culture and traditions of Italy, especially for younger generations and those who may not have a direct link to the country. “There’s a little piece of Italy here today and I am able to be who I really am,” Steward said. “I think I brought joy to a lot of people, even just a little bit, by speaking Italian, sharing recipes, and inviting them to be a member of our society.”     Plans for future festivals will only grow inviting more guests and partnerships. In previous years, organizers sought out businesses to participate, but now businesses are approaching them. This shift marks a significant milestone in the festival’s growth and popularity, proving its growing reputation as a beloved community event. Each year, the festival promises to become bigger and better, offering a genuine taste of Italy to all who attend. “I want to share what I have and who I am,” said Nella. “This is home, but Italy is where I was born, and it really calls you back.” You can find the festival’s website at lititz.it or their Facebook page at lanc.news/litalia24 for future events. To engage in Italian cultural events and information, visit the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society’s website https://www.lanca […] “A taste of Italy: Celebrating heritage at Lititz L’Italia Festival 2024”

ACMO Coffeehouse welcomes creativity and community Breonna Dull Features Editor On Sept. 13, Millersville University’s All Campus Music Organization (ACMO) held a coffeehouse in Dutcher Studio. ACMO usually meets in Club-de-Ville but has temporarily moved while Chick-fil-A is under construction in the Galley cafeteria. Anyone was welcome to attend and perform a song, a reading, a dance, or any piece of work. The club holds a coffeehouse event twice a semester to gather students for a night of music and laughter.  “It’s just an open mic night for anyone to perform anything they want. It’s a chance to get out of your shell,” shared ACMO president Megan Rapone.  This low-key gathering invited students to sign up for the mic and express themselves in a supportive environment. Most students sang theater songs Karaoke-style as a solo or duet. One student sang along with the audience for the “Phineas and Ferb” title song. Members of ACMO’s most recent production, “Big Fish”, performed high-energy group dance numbers.  Coffee, cookies, and brownies were available for $1 each to help raise money for the club. With more funding, ACMO hopes to go to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Washington, D.C. While not a competition, this theater conference dedicates awards and scholarships to some college students. Several members of ACMO have been nominated to win. If anyone is interested in joining ACMO, check out the Corq app and come to one of their monthly meetings. In the next meeting, they’ll discuss acting and production opportunities for their next production “Legally Blonde.” Active members can participate in mainstage production, vote on future productions, and much more for $10 a semester. Club president Rapone invites students from any major with any level of theater experience.  “You don’t have to be a theater major. I’m not—I’m in media arts production. Even if you’re just becoming involved in theater, this is where you want to be,” Rapone said. The next coffeehouse event will be Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., so […] “ACMO Coffeehouse welcomes creativity and community”

Discover unique treasures at Skully Shoppes during Homecoming 2024 Joshua Belice Millersville Alumnus As Millersville University gears up for Homecoming 2024, the Office of Alumni Engagement is excited to introduce a new and special addition to this year’s festivities: the Maker’s Market. This vibrant event, set to take place on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Reighard MPR Student Memorial Center (SMC), promises to be a highlight of the day. With dozens of vendors showcasing a wide array of quality crafts, vintage and repurposed items, hobby supplies, and more, there will be something for everyone. But what makes this year’s market even more special is the inclusion of the Skully Shoppes—a dedicated space within the Maker’s Market that highlights the creative talents of our very own Millersville students. The concept of Skully Shoppes emerged from an innovative project led by Dr. Janet Bertoni, Chair of the Department of Special Education, and Rebecca Boyer, Director of Online Programs. Their collaborative efforts during the Presidential Leadership Institute of 2023-2024 laid the groundwork for this initiative, which provides a unique platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. This year, thanks to the generous support of the Lombardo College of Business, Millersville is able to subsidize the costs for students wishing to participate. While alumni and friends of Millersville will be charged $35 and $50, respectively, student vendors will only need to pay a reduced fee of $20 to set up shop at Skully Shoppes. This not only makes the opportunity more accessible but also encourages the students to explore entrepreneurship and gain valuable real-world experience. The Maker’s Market and Skully Shoppes are more than just shopping events—they’re a celebration of creativity, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives at Millersville University. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, unique decorations, or simply want to support local artisans and student businesses, the Maker’s Market is the place to be during Homecoming. Everyone—students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the university— is invited to come out and explore the wonderful variety of goods on offer. By supporting the Skully Shoppes, you’re not only discovering hidden treasures but also empowering the next generation of student entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special. Attend the Maker’s Market on September 21, and experience the creativity and community spiri […] “Discover unique treasures at Skully Shoppes during Homecoming 2024”

Advice for freshmen from a fifth-year student   Breonna Dull Features Editor College is a lot different than high school, so it can seem confusing at first. When I first arrived at Millersville in 2021, I had a lot to figure out. Now, in my fifth year of college, I’ve figured out how to embrace what Millersville has to offer. I hope these tips for incoming Freshmen, or any college student, help you transition into college life and find belonging at Millersville.    Give yourself grace  College is hard—balancing classes, clubs, work, and a personal life can be overwhelming. There’s no “right” way to do it. I’m graduating a year later than expected, but taking extra time allowed me to take fewer classes per semester, focus on each class, join clubs, and work part-time. I’ve had to withdraw from some classes and barely passed others. There were many assignments I didn’t feel were my best work and some I didn’t complete at all. I can get very frustrated with myself, but I accept the loss and carry on with a better attitude. Make an effort to submit excellent work, but also recognize that life happens. Learn, grow, and remind yourself you’re capable of great things.   Get comfortable being alone You’ll spend a lot of time solo—walking to class, eating, studying, or visiting events. You can’t always have your friends by your side, and that’s okay. Going through my day independently is something I had to get used to in my adult life. You’re never the only one, you will see other students eating by themselves. Build confidence in yourself, and if you feel like it, ask to sit with someone else who’s alone.   Connect through socials So, you’ve met someone on campus? Keep connections with your classmates by following them on social media. Simply ask for their socials before parting ways. It’s a casual way to keep in touch and can lead to friendships or study groups. I found it helpful to have classmates for assignments, reminders, or venting (you gotta let it out).   Find exclusive opportunities Our campus offers so many resources and opportunities—most of which you won’t have after college. For example, all students have access to the gym, library, indoor pool, study spots on campus, the costume closet, and the food pantry. For academics or career concerns, we have the office career development, Handshake, advisors, and alumni to help you. Check the Corq app for daily events on campus to learn something new, meet people, eat free food, and have new experiences.   Plan for success  I’ve learned the hard way that time management is not optional. If you want to succeed, you have to make that possible. Write down all assignments, quizzes, and due dates for the week so you can visualize your workload. These lists help me keep organized and it’s rewarding to cross them off as I go. I struggle with procrastination, so I get it, that essay sounds like tomorrow’s problem. Remember that you don’t always need to complete your assignment in one sitting. Even if it’s only a few questions, it’s better to complete a part of your work than none at all. Do some work, then have a treat. It’s about balance.   Recharge and hydrate Yes, have your morning coffee, but don’t forget to have food and water too. To fully recharge, you require both sleep and nutrition. Your body and mind will feel better all around when it has food to fuel your attention, energy, focus, and good mood. Carry a reusable water bottle on campus to stay hydrated and feel free to decorate with stickers! One of the best ways to refresh is by being outside. Because humans are a part of nature, our natural environment can regulate our nervous system and improve mental health. Take a break from indoors and electronics to admire the beauty on campus or explore the surrounding area’s forests, creeks, and wildlife.   In college, so many things are changing, including you! During these few years, step out of your comfort zone, learn new things, and meet new people. Not everything will go as planned, but that’s okay. Also, realize that you will not be perfect and you will make mistakes, but mistakes teach us how to succeed. Enjoy your first semester here and reach out […] “Advice for freshmen from a fifth-year student”

MU President Wubah delivers the annual State of the Ville Olivia Heilemann Editor-in-Chief The annual State of the Ville event was held on Friday in the Clair Performance Hall in the Winter Center. MU’s president, Dr. Daniel Wubah, gave his annual speech on the current conditions of the university and also announced the winners of the EPPIIC Values awards, which were presented to members who effectively represent MU’s core values. “Among our annual traditions at the ‘Ville, this event is one of my favorites because we come together with renewed energy to reflect on the previous year and celebrate the beginning of a new academic year,” said Wubah. After this introduction, a moment of silence was held for Thea Cassidy, Michael McCall, and Sanai Browning, students who had passed during the previous academic year. Dr. Wubah then took the time to welcome new faculty and staff members, especially Dr. Kate Cochran, the new director of athletics, as well as reflect on his travels in Africa over the summer. “It is often said that traveling can be a powerful catalyst for deepening our appreciation for home because we experience different cultures, lifestyles, and environments that enable us to see our community with fresh eyes,” said Wubah. Then, Wubah shared the ways that MU has made a difference in the community throughout the past year, including being a cornerstone for the local workforce, particularly in education and nursing. In just May’s commencement, about 350 teachers and 130 nurses graduated with the majority entering the local workforce. MU also serves as a hub for cultural and intellectual growth, showcasing international and local talent. On top of all of that, MU hosted the first conference on artificial intelligence in Lancaster, as well as put over $250 million into the economy. Wubah also shared about MU’s partnerships with Harrisburg Area Community College, Excentia Human Services, Church World Services, Willow Valley Communities, Lampire Laboratories, and Precision Cobotics. “It is safe to say that our deep commitment to public mission makes Millersville’s impact go far beyond our campus to shape the Lancaster County’s future,” said Wubah For the remainder of the address, Wubah spoke on the strategic directions MU has taken in the past five years, each acting as a pillar of success.  The first pillar focuses on “ensuring access, affordability and completion” and mentions the current enrollment for this fall being at 7,046 students, 5,917 of which are undergraduates, and 1,550 being first-year students. There are also 45 new international students representing 22 nations across the globe. To ensure stronger enrollment as part of the first strategic direction, MU has partnered with Penn Manor High School and McCaskey High School for a new early college program. The Trio Grant has also continued to reach students at 10 different high schools which is expected to introduce 100 additional first-year students in the next academic year. Wubah also mentioned the university’s dedication to productivity and planning to ensure more and more students graduate in four years or less. Part of this plan is continuing the flat-rate tuition, allowing Pennsylvania residents affordable education. The second strategic direction is transforming student experiences and fostering innovation. This area includes revamping the residential communities with living and learning communities and affinity housing. Micro-Credential programs are also available to students to accentuate their career skills, leading them to success. These certifications include the Grow with Google certificates and a school-safety preparedness micro credential presented by the Pennsylvania School Board Association. As for athletics, just over 200 student-athletes at MU are PSAC Scholar-Athletes, having them hold a 3.25 GPA or higher.  The third pillar of the strategic plan is “investing strategically in people in place.” Wubah mentioned two faculty members who won awards that coincide with this pillar. Dr. Richard Joseph Behun, associate professor of Psychology, won the Counselor Educator of the Year award from the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association, and Dr. Duane Hagelgans from emergency management was the Blanket of Honor recipient from Honors Veterans and First Responders. Wubah also mentioned the successes of finances in this pillar, meeting the fundraising goals of almost $7 million from philanthropy alone. $826,634 of this was raised in just 24 hours of Millersville’s annual One Day Give, breaking the record amount raised in the event’s history. New members of the Fiat Lux Society, a club recognizing MU’s top donors were announced. These new members are Bennett and Joanne Cooper, Thomas Densmore, and Elizabeth “Betty” Snyder. Among these financial successes, there are plans to install a new HVAC system in Pucillo Gym and renovate Brooks Hall to become the new permanent home of the Lombardo College of Business. Other aspects of the third pillar include establishing an innovation task force and offering a new summer institute for AI education. The fourth and final strategic direction is to communicate our value as an institution. Part of this pillar is increasing our relations with the City of Lancaster Office of Promotion, Discover Lancaster, and the Lancaster City Alliance “to create opportunities for our students to engage with local businesses and recreational opportunities.” “Ultimately, telling our story is vital to our success as an institution and it allows us to celebrate our people,” said Wubah. With that note, Wubah then went on to announce the winners of the 2024 EPPIIC Values Awards. The winners are as listed below:   Exploration – Dr John Haughery, Assistant Professor, Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology Program Coordinator Professionalism – Andrew Welaish, Director of Library Operations Public Mission – Dr. Laura Granruth, Associate Professor and MSW Coordinator Integrity – The MU Electrical Team Inclusion – The Ware Center Team Compassion – Dr. Margaret Mbindyo, Associate Professor To conclude the presentation, Wubah proposed a new strategic plan for the future and welcomed anyone from the community to develop new ideas and provide feedback. He also provided four new goals for the current academic year, emphasizing efforts focusing on enrollment and recruitment, enhancing academic and extracurricular experiences, focusing on people and place as well as workforce development. The event concluded with the Annual Garden Supper at Tanger House with catering by MU Dining to provide dinner to all guests who attended the address. For those who missed the event, the live stream can be found online at https: […] “MU President Wubah delivers the annual State of the Ville”