Janet Kacskos

Positive Energy Fund Winners Each year, Millersville University receives money from utility rebates created by the University’s energy-conserving Lombardo Welcome Center. The Lombardo Welcome Center is the first building in Pennsylvania to be certified as a zero-energy building by the International Living Future Institute and only one of about 100 zero-energy buildings in the country. The rebates fund faculty, staff and student-led projects that contribute positively to local and global communities using the  Global Goals for Sustainable Development structure. Called the “Positive Energy Fund,” faculty, staff and students are welcome to propose any project that addresses one of the global goals of sustainable development. Up to $2,500 can be awarded to the winning applicants for projects that advance one of the global goals. Applications must include a detailed narrative that describes the project’s implementation and intent. MU’s sustainability manager, Kaitlynn Hamaty, explains how the fund aims to support a wide variety of academic programs while having local and global reach. “The Positive Energy Fund allows for innovation and community connection, as the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are expansive and include many focus areas or degree concentrations. Millersville wants to put our energy savings back into the community and find ways to combat local challenges, whether environmental, economic, social, etc. The Office of Sustainability is excited to have this opportunity available to all students, faculty and staff and encourages everyone to apply.” Here are some of the recent Positive Energy Fund recipients: Sustainability Through Native Perennials Dr. Dominique Didier, professor of biology, had one of the recent winning projects, titled “Growing and Planting Native Perennials for Sustainable Landscaping.” Her project works to meet the global need for conservation and environmental sustainability. Didier is partnering with Homefields, a local organic farm, and with their help, she will replace the blueberries grown there with Saskatoon berries, an extremely hardy species of berry able to adapt to drought and extreme temperatures. “The impact of planting native perennials includes providing a natural habitat for native insects and bees, which increases the sustainability of the entire ecosystem,” she explains. Other native perennials will be available to the local community, and Didier plans to donate some of the plants to MU. These native perennials will be planted in campus gardens, both beautifying the University and conserving a threatened species of flora. Didier hopes that visitors to the school will grow their appreciation for natural sustainability plantings and further educate the public on the importance of conserving native species. Didier’s plans to use her grant money are as follows: “This spring, we purchased and planted 20 Saskatoon berry bushes, and in the fall, we will purchase 500–800 native perennial plants. These will be ‘grown up’ and tended until they can be explanted into gardens during the 2025 planting season. The grant money will also support the purchase of planting medium and pots for growing the plants, and an MU student intern to help plan gardens and plant perennials on the MU campus.” Solar-Powered Learning Opportunities Winning applicant Dr. Len Litowitz, professor of Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology, proposed a project called “5kW Photovoltaic Installation for Student and Community Education,” which addresses the global goal of creating affordable clean energy, which factors into the global goal of creating sustainable cities and communities. Litowitz’s project involves the installation of a small solar array on campus, which will be used to teach students the basic mechanics of solar power, how to use the technology for collecting data, and how to install solar arrays themselves. Litowitz plans to use his grant money to supplement the cost of the 5,000-watt solar array. While Litowitz acknowledges that the solar energy produced from the array is only a small contribution to the campus community, he hopes that his students who learn from the demonstration will use what they’ve learned to advance the goal of affordable and clean energy in their future endeavors.  A Nature Trail Educational Experience Graduate assistant Elizabeth Rickrode’s project, “Millersville Nature Tracks: Passive Education Within the MU Nature Preserve,” addresses the global goal of environmental sustainability, specifically the goal of accessible clean water sources. Rickrode plans to place signs along the nature trail next to the Watershed Education Training Institute, which will explain concepts of what makes an ecosystem healthy, from the amount of damage invasive species can cause to how vegetative zones on the edges of a stream can serve to prevent pollutants from entering the water, also known as a riparian buffer. Rickrode hopes that her signs will provide a “passive education” opportunity for trail visitors. She believes that by encouraging community members to learn about their local ecosystem, broader environmental awareness can be achieved. She will use the grant money to design, purchase and install her educational signs. Bringing Cultural Activities Into the Classroom Dr. Christina Williams, director of the Gateway Scholars Program, designed the project “Mi Orgullo Latinx,” or “My Latinx Pride,” to help provide Latinx students in the School District of Lancaster with ways to connect with their culture and learn about their heritage in an educational setting. Approximately 67% of students in the School District of Lancaster are Latinx. Williams saw an opportunity to advance the global goal of quality education by adding a cultural education to a traditional academic setting. Williams plans to use her grant money to cover the cost of the cultural programs for students. “I am currently discussing the project with some college-bound organizations and a school in the School District of Lancaster that I attended as a student,” Williams explains. They are interested in being the site where the project will take place. I am also looking to hire a Latin dance instructor who will provide dance classes and an art teacher who will expose students to Latinx culture and art.” For more information on the Positive Energy Fund, click h […] “Positive Energy Fund Winners”

Digital Literacy Grant Benefits Community  For the third time since 2021, Millersville University was awarded the Digital Literacy and Workforce Development grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The $98,235 grant will be used to fund resources for the community to teach computer skills, digital navigation, workshops on searching for jobs using Indeed and LinkedIn and what it means to be a good digital citizen to the public.  With this round of funding, MU will partner with the Columbia Borough, the Columbia Public Library, the Columbia School District and returning partner CareerLink. As the program expands and more people get involved, more workshops will be added to ensure everyone is granted equal opportunity to build their digital literacy skills. In previous rounds, the grant was awarded for a year, and the new round has been extended to two years,  Hope Schmids, director of the Workforce Development Program at MU, is proud of how well this grant project aligns with MU’s EPPIIC values.  “Our mission as a public university is to educate the community, not just our own degree-seeking students, but to provide lifetime learning opportunities in ways that benefit our community and local economy. We’re very invested in that,” says Schmids.  In past rounds, participants have received certificates of completion rewarding them for their dedication to completing a whole series of classes. The program has housed workshops, walk-ins and online classes as part of their partnership with local libraries. Some came looking to build their digital literacy skills, whereas others preferred to have quick questions answered. The program has helped people video chat with their family over COVID and fill out online job applications and job profiles. The diversity in the inquiries inspired the organizers to approach the new round in a different way, ensuring everyone could effectively get the help they need.  In the future, Schmids hopes the University continues to receive funding for this program to ensure the community gets the most out of it, as well as maximizing the benefi […] “Digital Literacy Grant Benefits Community “

Millersville University and WITF Join Forces Millersville University has joined forces with WITF to bring additional programming to the campus radio station, WIXQ. The programming agreement will benefit both radio stations and the students involved, bringing in more listeners to WIXQ’s signal. WITF is now broadcasting over the WIXQ signal from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  WIXQ, 91.7 FM, is Millersville University’s student-run station, allowing students to gain radio experience. Each student DJ is allotted a two-to-three-hour time slot once a week to play any genre of music or hold any talk show. “WITF is an important voice for Central Pennsylvania,” says Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, president of Millersville University. “They have been a friend to the University, and we are pleased to enter this partnership. WIXQ has a long legacy at Millersville, and it is important to note that the WIXQ student group will remain independent from WITF and will continue to have a unique, independent voice.” The partnership means that WIXQ will soon be able to resume pre-pandemic 24-hour programming with the two NPR news breaks during the day. “This is a win-win for the University,” says Dr. Gail Gasparich, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “It will broaden the awareness of WIXQ radio and the University to WITF’s wide audience across Central Pennsylvania. The station’s call letters and location will be broadcast at the top of every hour. And it will open doors for our students.” WITF-FM is a non-commercial, public FM radio station owned by WITF, Inc., and broadcasts National Public Radio talk and news programming that reaches 17 counties in Pennsylvania. It is co-owned with the area’s Public Broadcasting Service member station, WITF-TV. Listeners will hear content from NPR, Public Radio Exchange, and American Public Media. “The student community at WIXQ brings together passion and enthusiasm, and WITF is fortunate to be able to work with them to offer opportunities for collaboration, talent development, outreach and audience growth,” says Fred Vigeant, Vice President & Chief Audience Officer at WITF. “This partnership will support Millersville University students in various ways, including the potential for internships and increased exposure and listenership for WIXQ when not airing the WITF programming,” says Gasparich. Although separate from this partnership, MU is currently working with WITF to supply internships to the radi […] “Millersville University and WITF Join Forces”

‘Ville Initiative Earns Innovation Award In a mass casualty event, every second counts. When people are losing blood and may not make it to the hospital without immediate intervention, do you know what to do? Are you prepared to help save a life? Thanks to the Environmental Health and Safety Director, Paul Hill, our campus has the tools and training to act swiftly in such emergencies. The “Stop the Bleed” program, a collaboration between Hill and the Wehrheim School of Nursing, helped earn Millersville University the 2024 Innovation Award for Safety Culture for a Small School. The award was given out by the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association. The initiative equips students and staff with the essential skills to manage severe bleeding and potentially save lives. It includes installing “Stop the Bleed” kits across campus. “This award represents a new culture of safety at Millersville University and evidence of the lengths to which we will go to not only treat significant injuries but also to evaluate the hazards present on our campus and take action to mitigate the potential for harm,” says Hill. The “Stop the Bleed” program aims to save lives by preventing significant blood loss after traumatic injuries. This initiative includes a comprehensive training program and the installation of bleeding control kits across campus, ensuring that students and staff are prepared to act swiftly in emergencies. The “Stop the Bleed” campaign was initiated by a federal interagency workgroup convened by the National Security Council Staff. The campaign aims to enhance national resilience by preparing the public to save lives through awareness of basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and disasters. This initiative is informed by advances in military medicine and hemorrhage control research from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, exemplifying the translation of battlefield knowledge to benefit the general public at home. “I am hopeful that individuals on campus feel empowered to develop processes that improve the safety of their work areas and to contact EHS if concerned about safety, health and preparedness issues on campus,” says Hill. Additional Stop the Bleed training classes are planned for the fall semester. For more information contact paul.hi […] “‘Ville Initiative Earns Innovation Award”

MU’s Ethan Hulsey wins National Writing Awards   Ethan Hulsey writes a lot of stories about the success of Millersville University’s 19 athletic teams.  Recently, Hulsey, the University’s director of athletic communications, received two national awards for his writing. Both awards are from the 2023-24 Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest hosted by College Sports Communications. Hulsey placed first in the Event Coverage for his article on the MU men’s golf team, and he won first place for his article about the football team in the Season Recap/Preview category.    Ethan recalls his experience writing the article about the golf team, highlighting how difficult it is to cover the sport, especially on a quick deadline with no drafts or edits. He mentions sitting in a Panera Bread with his 11-year-old daughter, waiting for him to finish writing the article.   “It is one thing to sit down and toil over a feature story for days,” says Hulsey. “It is another thing to write immediately after an event, knowing that the news needs to get out to the public and get to the newspapers and TV stations before their deadline.”   Ethan submitted these specific articles because of the energy and teamwork he found in the success of the football team’s first week of practice and the difficulty in his coverage of the golf team. Both articles showed coverage that differed from a typical article, which made him stand out from the other candidates.   Hulsey was surprised when he got the email that listed the winners.   “I was sitting on my couch and clicked through the email and saw my name pop up twice. It was a nice surprise,” says Hulsey.   To enter the contest, the candidates submitted stories to the specific category. Then, a committee of judges ranked the stories at the district level, and those ranked higher went on to the national level. Hulsey shared some tips that helped him win his national awards to those interested in applying:   “Look beyond the obvious,” says Hulsey. “Find one moment, one play or one athlete that exemplifies the full story. Specific details matter. Proofread.”   As a long-time member of College Sports Communicators, Hulsey has entered the contest every year since 2019, winning seven awards at the district level. This is the first year he   won a national award.   “There is nothing more professionally rewarding than writing a story that people enjoy reading,” s […] “MU’s Ethan Hulsey wins National Writing Awards  “

MU Students Place 2nd at Debate Tournament Millersville University hosted this year’s annual Frederick Douglass Institute Collaborative Research and Creative Arts Conference and Debate during the spring semester. Isabel S. Pascal and Stuart W. Burton from Millersville placed second in the debate tournament. The conference took place in the Student Memorial Center and the McNairy Library. Students from across the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education were competitively chosen to present their outstanding papers, while Millersville faculty attended and moderated various student panels. The debate tournament was held in McComsey Hall. Four teams of Millersville students were selected to participate in the debate tournament: Cassidy McNew & Griffin Leib Isabel S. Pascal & Stuart W. Burton River Hower & Kaylynn Keah-tigh Kimberly Diaz & Donte Kent Students debated whether the Pennsylvania state government should or should not implement “school choice,” in other words, whether taxpayer dollars should be used to fund only public schools or include private schools in recei […] “MU Students Place 2nd at Debate Tournament”

ASSP Students Honored For the second time in […] “”

Prepare for Impact: Hurricane Season is Here Hurricane season has arrived, and communities are already dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Spanning from June to November, this period brings heightened vigilance and preparedness as meteorologists track potential threats and residents ensure their homes and families are safeguarded. Hurricanes, with their powerful winds and torrential rains, can cause widespread devastation, making it crucial for everyone in vulnerable areas to stay informed and ready. Whether it’s reviewing evacuation plans or stocking up on emergency supplies, preparation is key to weathering the turbulent months ahead. “Hurricane season typically spans from approximately June 1 to November 30,” says Dr. Eleanor Casas, assistant professor of meteorology and expert in interactions between the tropical cyclone boundary layer and TC structure and intensity at Millersville University. “However, hurricanes are particularly active from approximately August 20 through mid-October. We have not yet reached the most active part of a typical Atlantic hurricane season.” Casas says that this season is expected to be a highly active hurricane season, as Hurricane Beryl seems to indicate. This is due to extremely warm ocean temperatures and possible neutral ENSO or even La Nina conditions. These conditions mean that low “vertical wind shear” conditions are more likely in the Atlantic Basin, which allows hurricanes to more easily spin “upright” like a top. However, regardless of predicted hurricane season activity, it only takes one hurricane to be an active season for those impacted, such as those in Texas from Beryl. Coastal residents should always have emergency preparations and plans regardless of seasonal predictions. Hurricanes are rotating weather systems with low pressure in the center but no strong temperature differences around them. To be officially classified as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, the sustained maximum wind speed must be at least 74 mph. However, Casas notes that wind damage is not the only hazard associated with hurricanes; a weak tropical storm or depression can still be devastating and life-threatening through various flooding hazards that are not currently factored into the Saffir-Simpson scale. According to Casas, hurricanes typically affect coastal communities along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts and in the Caribbean the most, especially by contributing to widespread flooding through heavy rain and storm surges. However, as we saw with Hurricane Beryl, inland states like in the Great Plains, Midwest, and broader East Coast can receive impacts of varying severity ranging from light drizzle to tornadic storms and hazardous flooding. “States unlikely to be directly impacted by hurricanes are along the Pacific Coast and in the Mountain West,” says Casas. “Surprisingly, although Hawaii does also regularly get impacted by hurricanes, there is typically high “vertical wind shear” around Hawaii, which can help to “protect” the islands from hurricanes to a certain extent by “tilting” or “disrupting” the center of the circulation of approaching hurricanes and weakening them.” So, what makes a hurricane different from a tornado? According to Casas, while both are typically classified as severe or extreme weather and spin rapidly, hurricanes and tornadoes are very different weather phenomena formed by very different processes. Tornadoes are a small but dangerous part of a severe thunderstorm, and you can see typically from one side of the tornado to the other when standing on the ground. In contrast, a hurricane is composed of many storm cells rotating about a center, and hurricanes can span the size of multiple states. Hurricanes can even spawn tornadoes within them when making landfall, more often on the side of the hurricane where the winds are blowing toward the shore or after landfall. For more information about the remainder of hurricane season, you can check out the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook from Millersville University’s Weather Information Center […] “Prepare for Impact: Hurricane Season is Here”

Corduroy by Barry Kornhauser opens in Chicago Barry Kornhauser’s award-winning play, “Corduroy,” is now running at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at the Navy Pier. The play began its run there on June 18 and will continue through July 14.   The Theatre for Young Audiences play, written by Millersville’s own Barry Kornhauser, assistant director of Campus and Community Engagement, is based on Don Freeman’s popular children’s book of the same name. The play first debuted in 2017 at the Tony Award-winning Children’s Theater Company in Minneapolis and went on to win the American Alliance for Theatre & Education’s “Distinguished Play Award.” The story features a stuffed bear who lives in a department store and has a missing button on his corduroy overalls. He goes in search of the missing button so a young girl named Lisa can take him home.    You can watch a teaser of the play here.  While Kornhauser cannot see his adaptation in Chicago, the writer has been in close contact with the director throughout the rehearsal process and since the play’s opening. The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is the 25th theatre to put on Kornhauser’s play and is, like CTC, a Regional Theatre Tony Award winner.    The original play spans 90 minutes with an intermission which is typically considered an unusual length of time for young children to stay attentive. However, “Corduroy” has proved to keep thousands of children’s eyes glued to the stage. With school scheduling, however, Kornhauser has worked with the team at Chicago Shakes to offer a shorter hour-long version.    There are a lot of things people can expect to see in this play adaptation, and Kornhauser has left out no details. He put much of the focus on the deserted department store at night, as that reflected the book author’s favored scenes. He also brought to life scenes between Lisa and her mother the same evening that expanded the story and created a personal journey for Lisa. The attention to detail in the original story is what really helped Kornhauser bring the story to life on the stage.   When asked what inspired him to write a play adaptation of this beloved book, Kornhauser pointed to the deeper meaning behind the story and why he often read it to his own children.  “For Corduroy, it’s the sadly mistaken notion we all may have now and again that we’re somehow not good enough and that we need to find a missing “something” to be worthy of another’s love,” says Kornhauser.    The play has been put on in over 25 different venues. Other sites include:    Olympia Family Theatre, Olympia, Wash.   Denver Center, Denver   TYKES Theatre, Rochester, N.Y.   Le Moyne College, Syracuse, N.Y.   Columbus State University, Columbus, Ga.   University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo.   Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle   NCTC Drama, Gainesville, Texas   Rose Theatre, Omaha, Neb.   Emerson Stage, Boston   Imagination Stage, Bethesda, Md.   DeKalb School for the Arts, Dekalb, Ga.   Woodland Opera House, Woodland, Calif.   Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Meredith, N.H.   Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock, Ark.   Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, Maine   Cricut Theatre Company, Lake Zurich, Ill.   Savannah Children’s Theatre, Savannah, Ga.   Emerald City Theatre, Chicago   Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Chicago Fans in the Chicago area looking to experience the world of “Corduroy” can visit https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/corduroy/ to purchase t […] “Corduroy by Barry Kornhauser opens in Chicago”

Future Educator Academy Continues to Inspire Pennsylvania is facing a teacher shortage. The Future Educator Academy at Millersville University aims to help. The University will hold its fifth program July 21-27.    The program, hosted by Dr. Miriam Witmer, associate professor of Educational Foundations at Millersville and Dr. Aileen Hower, assistant director of the academy, is open to all high school juniors and seniors in Pennsylvania who wish to pursue a career in education. During the week, students have the chance to experience college life while also learning the fundamentals of teaching and preparing for college.   Witmer and Dr. Lara Willox, Dean of the College of Education, travel to schools around the state to talk about the program, hoping to recruit young individuals who have an interest in teaching. Teachers at the schools are asked to recommend students who would be good for the program, boosting their confidence in the application interviews. Students at high schools in the Millersville area can attend the week-long program for free, with their $750 tuition paid by the School District of Lancaster. Zoe Patterson, a senior at McCaskey High School, is coming back for her second year with the program, eager to learn more.   “As college is approaching and I’m learning more and more about education, I’m excited to gain more knowledge, more experience and more awareness about the next stages of life,” says Patterson.   The academy is part of a larger program hosted by Millersville University to aid students into successful careers in education. Other programs include the Color of Teaching Mentoring program and the Side-by-Side program, both active at MU. Middle school students start by joining the Color of Teaching program, then participate in the Side-by-Side seminars as underclassmen in high school, attend the Future Educator Academy as juniors and complete dual enrollment as seniors. The overall program has helped students make connections and land jobs in schools upon graduating college. “These folks are now school leaders. Lena Cordero just got her doctorate and she’s a principal and Jassinya Alvarado-Padilla is back at McCaskey as a central office administrator,” says Witmer, referencing former attendees who found success in their careers and benefited from the program.   The program is exclusive to Millersville’s campus, but students from school districts all over the state travel to participate in this experience. These districts include the Harrisburg Academy, the School District of York City, the School District of Lancaster, the Pottstown School District, the Central Bucks School District and the Lower Dauphin School District.   To simulate the experience of a real college class, Millersville faculty and staff, as well as other teachers and professors in Pennsylvania, participate in setting up lessons during the program’s week and hands-on field trips. The students also assist with a summer reading camp, co-teaching young readers.    Students stay in the South Village residence halls for the week and eat at the Upper Deck, one of MU’s main dining halls. Current Millersville students assisting in the program act as resident assistants and plan small events in the residence halls. They also hold discussions based on the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.”   When concluding the week, the students will be instructed to complete a “3-2-1 reflection,” allowing them to recall three things they learned from the experience, two practices they will continue, and one thing they will immediately implement. The students share their reflections at the end of the week, often bringing parents to tears. Along with this reflection, students will also receive awards for their achievements as well as a keepsake “challenge coin” that is inscribed with “Stars of the Future” and a motivational quote for them to take with them on their journey to becoming educato […] “Future Educator Academy Continues to Inspire”

'Ville's Mobile Robotics Team Shines Millersville University’s Mobile Robotics Team recently showcased their innovative robotic platform, ALiEN 5.0 (Autonomous LiDAR-Based Environment Navigator, version 5.0), at the prestigious 31st Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition in Rochester, Michigan, from May 31 to June 3, 2024. This annual competition brought together top engineering talent from universities around the world, challenging them to design, build, and program autonomous ground vehicles capable of navigating complex environments. The Millersville team, known for their cutting-edge approach to mobile robotics, had been preparing their entry, ALiEN 5.0, for the past year. With its state-of-the-art LiDAR (laser sensors) for detecting objects, machine vision cameras for “seeing” lanes, and GPS module for following navigation waypoints, the robot was able to perceive its environment with high accuracy. These technologies were crucial for the AutoNav task, which simulated highway driving conditions (at low speeds) and required precise navigation and obstacle avoidance. The team’s efforts were rewarded, as Millersville University took home 1st to Qualify, 2nd in Performance, and 2nd overall from a field of 23 teams in the AutoNav class, showcasing their technical readiness and innovation. “The team has shown an extremely high level of resolve, focus, and technical skill to even qualify for this competition…not to mention they performed at the top of the competition in an international field,” says Dr. John Haughery, team advisor. IGVC is renowned for its rigorous standards and the innovative solutions it inspires, making it a significant event for aspiring roboticists and engineers. Participation in this competition provided team members studying Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology, and Manufacturing Engineering Technology at MU with a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practical problems, fostering skills in robotics, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering. Dr. John Wright, founding team advisor, says, “When we started the team in 2001, we never imagined the success and scope of engineering and technological development that we routinely do these days. The AEST Department prepares some of the best robotics and industrial control engineers in the world, as evidenced by our continued success at IGVC. I look forward to working with the students on next year’s design!” With over 50 first- to third-place awards in national and international competitions over the past 25+ years, Haughery says Millersville University’s Mobile Robotics Team has a storied history of excellence. Their consistent success underscores the University’s commitment to advancing technological education and innovation. This year, the team was supported by generous sponsors, including Phoenix Contact, USA, SICK Sensor Intelligence, and Millersville University. The team’s performance at this year’s IGVC not only highlighted their technical prowess but also underscored the University’s commitment to advancing technological education and innovation. For more information on the competition, please contact Dr. John Haughery or Dr. John Wright. For information on degrees in Robotics & Automation, c […] “‘Ville’s Mobile Robotics Team Shines”

President Wubah Speaks at UCU in Uganda Millersville’s President, Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, gave the keynote address for the Uganda Christian University Annual Public Lecture on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. The theme of the lecture was “A call to Prominence is a Call to Service.” Wubah was also the guest of honor and delivered the commencement address at Uganda Christian University’s graduation on Ju […] “President Wubah Speaks at UCU in Uganda”

Making College Possible: Millersville’s FAFSA Fiesta This summer, Millersville University’s Office of Financial Aid is hosting the FAFSA Fiesta event series. These events are designed to assist students and their families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid while providing access to financial aid experts in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere. The events are free and open to everyone, regardless of whether they plan to attend Millersville. Completing the FAFSA is a crucial step in securing the financial aid needed to help make college possible. We spoke with Emiyaril Alvarez, Millersville University’s Director of Financial Aid, to learn more about the upcoming events and their benefits to our community. When and where will the events take place? The FAFSA Fiesta events will be held on July 16 and August 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Ware Center in downtown Lancaster. People can stop in at any time that is convenient for them, but it is strongly encouraged to register for the date and timeframe you plan to attend. To register and learn more about this initiative, go to millersville.edu/possible. What languages will be spoken? Our diverse and dedicated financial aid team will provide personalized, one-on-one assistance in multiple languages. Language support includes English, Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, Nepali, Hindi, Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba. People can chat with financial aid experts in their native language and enjoy refreshments. What do you hope to accomplish with the events? The goal of these FAFSA Fiesta events is to help students toward the path of making college possible. The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid form has posed numerous challenges. Our team is committed to helping people navigate this process and secure the financial aid they need. In conjunction with Millersville University’s “Make College Possible: Get FAFSA Ready” campaign, we aim to increase FAFSA submission rates in our local community and across the state of Pennsylvania. What should people bring with them? Before determining what to bring with you, first you should determine who needs to contribute their information on your FAFSA. People can find more information on who is considered a contributor and other helpful tips on our website: millersville.edu/fa-apply. Once you know that information, having the following items on hand can help you accurately complete the application and avoid any potential delays. All contributors will need a Federal Student Aid Account to log into the application and submit the FAFSA. This should be completed at least three days prior to the event. If you are struggling with this process, we can assist you at the event and schedule another time to complete the FAFSA. The Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen) of all contributors. 2022 Tax returns (if applicable), W-2 forms, and any other financial information for each contributor. The name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email addresses of each contributor. Additional information potential attendees should know? This event is about more than completing the FAFSA; it’s about community. In the Office of Financial Aid, we consider ourselves a family. During these uncertain times, we want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable reaching out for help. We hope to see you, your family, your friends, and your support system. If you don’t have one, don’t worry—we’re here for you. Join us and become part of the amazing Millersvil […] “Making College Possible: Millersville’s FAFSA Fiesta”

'Ville Employees Assist Junior Achievement In keeping with one of the University’s core values of public mission, employees from Millersville have volunteered for the Junior Achievement program once again.  Since 2012, employees from Millersville have volunteered to work in local classrooms and schools with the non-profit organization Junior Achievement of South-Central PA. This year, 11 employees volunteered a total of 16 times with the organization:  Alison Hutchinson, Registrar  Andrew Welaish, Director of Library Operations  Dr. Brooke Martin, Adjunct Professor in Art Education  Gwendolyn Phillips, Criminology, Sociology & Anthropology Department Secretary  Jasmine Campbell, Director of Student Accounts  Dr. Jennifer Burke, Assistant Professor of Early, Middle & Exceptional Education  Jim Lee, Faculty Instructor of Business  Jorge Santiago, Talent Search Academic Caseworker  Dr. Leslie Gates, Professor of Art Education and Undergraduate and Graduate Coordinator of Art Education  Dr. Mary Beth Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs  Dr. Sarah Brooks, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Professional Development Schools  Millersville University was rewarded with a certificate of appreciation, recognizing the hard work each employee put into inspiring students in “financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship.”  “Volunteering with Junior Achievement, or one of the many other organizations our employees serve, connects personal interests of our team members to the overarching values of our workplace, ultimately benefitting the communities in which we live,” says Wendy Bowersox, employee engagement specialist and interim Title IX coordinator at Millersville University.  Employees recall their experiences and how it benefits the students.  “These students get really excited to talk to adults who might be in the career they are considering,” says Alison Hutchinson, a registrar at Millersville. “They love hearing about college as an option. They absolutely know the value of a skilled trade, and competition for spots in our career and technology programs in Lancaster County is fierce. They know that they can make a good living a variety of ways.”  Most Millersville volunteers start their work in a familiar place: their own child’s classroom, others choose to work at the school closest to their home or at a school they attended.  “I had the opportunity to go back into my own middle school in the Pequea Valley School District to do the career clusters module,” says Hutchinson. “So, when I said to the classroom, ‘When I sat where you are sitting,’ I really meant it!”  “As educators and higher education professionals, we have the best information about careers that require a 4-year degree or more,” says Hutchinson. “We not only know about our discipline area, we know about all of the directions our grads might pursue. It’s pretty easy to start with your own child’s school, or the school closest to your home, and it is a nice short-term volunteer commitment of a few hours. It’s also a great way to show that Millersville cares about our local community.”  As a result of this successful year volunteering, the team in MU’s Career Center will strive to increase the number of volunteers for Junior Achievement in the coming years to ensure each student is prepared for their future.  “It takes a lot of volunteers to make Junior Achievement happen,” says Hutchinson.  Employees interested in volunteering for Junior Achievement should email the Career Center at MU at careers@millersville.edu fo […] “‘Ville Employees Assist Junior Achievement”

'Ville's FAFSA Fiesta Helps All This summer, Millersville University is participating in FAFSA Fiesta to help students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing the FAFSA is a crucial step in securing the financial aid necessary to make educational dreams a reality, and through the “FAFSA Fiesta,” the University is committed to making that process as smooth and accessible as possible. The FAFSA Fiesta events will be held on July 16 and August 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Ware Center. These events feature personalized assistance from Millersville’s Financial Aid team, language support in eight different languages, and the opportunity to engage with financial aid experts while enjoying light refreshments. For more information and to register, visit the FAFSA Fiesta Registration page. Millersville’s FAFSA Fiesta is a response to a national decline in FAFSA submissions. Millersville University is collaborating with other universities within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to boost FAFSA completions. The PASSHE Foundation has been granted $357,602, administered by the Educational Credit Management Corporation with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, to support this summer’s FAFSA outreach. Millersville, along with Commonwealth, Shippensburg, and Slippery Rock universities, is spearheading a regional initiative to assist students across the Commonwealth in submitting the FAFSA. Help is available to students attending both PASSHE and non-PASSHE institutions. For those unable to attend the FAFSA events, Millersville’s financial aid team is available to assist Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. One-hour appointments are offered in person, by phone, or virtually via Zoom. Schedule your appointment here. Millersville’s Office of Financial Aid provides helpful tips and resources for those who feel more comfortable starting the FAFSA process on their own. Learn more here. Millersville University offers a wide range of financial aid options designed to make education affordable. From federal and state aid to scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities, the University is committed to helping students explore every avenue. Discover more about our financial aid options here. For more detailed information, please visit Millersville Universit […] “‘Ville’s FAFSA Fiesta Helps All”

National Rankings for the 'Ville Millersville University has been recognized by various national organizations for the academic caliber and monetary value of its degree programs. Study Abroad Aide Out of 8,060 universities across 69 countries, the site Study Abroad Aide ranked Millersville in the top 21% of universities with the best value for international students. According to the site, rankings are determined based on the “academic quality, comprising 75% of the weight, and cost of education for the remaining 25%.” This ranking highlights the many benefits of Millersville’s numerous degree programs, including cost-effectiveness. Forbes Advisor Millersville University’s Emergency Management program has been recognized as one of the Best Online Emergency Management Degrees Of 2024, which was published this spring on Forbes Advisor Education. Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech boot camps and career paths. Their ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. Online Master’s Degrees The site Online Master’s Degrees has ranked Millersville in the top 9% of U.S. universities with the best online and hybrid graduate-level degree programs. Online Master’s Degrees determine their rankings by evaluating “which universities offer the best value regarding education quality, availability, cost, and flexibility.” Three different Master’s degree programs were specifically recognized for their merit. 13th place in “Best Online Master’s Degrees in Emergency Management” 20th place in “Best Nurse Educator Certificate Online Programs” 31st place in “Best Online Clinical Social Work Programs” CounselingPsychology.org CounselingPsychology.org ranked Millersville’s Master of Social Work degree program as the third-best MSW program in Pennsylvania. Counseling Psychology ranks programs “through a multifaceted assessment process encompassing several key criteria,” where they evaluate “the overall quality, impact, and effectiveness of programs, ensuring a fair and accurate representation of each program […] “National Rankings for the ‘Ville”

The Convenience Trade-off of Forever Chemicals Forever chemicals have been in the news a lot lately. Nonstick cookware, grease-resistant food packaging and waterproof clothing offer significant convenience, but this comes at a cost. These products contain PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” a class of manmade chemicals that provide water, stain and grease resistance. Unfortunately, PFAS are also highly toxic, even at extremely low levels. “These characteristics make them popular for use in thousands of commercial products, such as non-stick pans, outdoor gear, cosmetics, food wrappers and more,” says Paul Hill, director of Environmental Health and Safety at Millersville University. “However, PFAS are long-lasting chemicals that break down over tens of thousands of years.” PFAS are used extensively, resulting in widespread presence in humans, animals, soil, air and water. Their occurrence in water originates from various sources, including runoff from PFAS-containing soil, biological pathways, wastewater treatment, industrial processes and leaching from landfills into water reservoirs. “PFAS can be removed from drinking water through a number of different complex processes,” says Hill. “Common treatments include reverse osmosis, microbial degradation, carbon filtration, oxidation processes and others.” According to Hill, a study conducted by Johns Hopkins suggests that buying bottled water is not a better alternative because it found that 39 out of more than 100 bottled waters tested contained PFAS, including those labeled as “purified.” However, purified bottled water is often treated through reverse osmosis and generally contains lower levels of PFAS than bottled water labeled “spring water.” Drinking water contaminated with PFAS at dangerous levels poses several health risks, including high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Avoiding exposure to forever chemicals can be daunting due to their widespread presence in the environment, including water and food sources. According to Hill, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure by minimizing the use of non-stick pans, stain and water-resistant fabrics and waterproofing treatments. Additionally, opting for water filters rated for PFAS removal and choosing products labeled as PFAS-free can help mitigate the risk of exposure. Hill suggests staying informed about PFAS sources and regulations in your area and advocating for stricter regulations and safer alternatives. Also, dispose of PFAS-containing products responsibly according to local guidelines to prevent contamin […] “The Convenience Trade-off of Forever Chemicals”