Janet Kacskos

  • Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 month, 1 week ago

    Reconnect, Explore and Celebrate at Marauder Family Weekend Join us at Millersville University for a memorable weekend filled with family fun, connection and campus exploration. Marauder Family Weekend offers a unique opportunity for parents to reconnect with their students, learn about campus life and discover ways to get involved. Marauder Family Weekend will take place Oct. 4-6. Enjoy friendly competition with the family cornhole tournament, create lasting memories with stuff-a-plush and test your trivia skills at the family fun pub trivia. Be sure to visit the hospitality suite for a detailed event schedule, exclusive offers from campus partners and recommendations for local dining and attractions. Events will occur from Friday through Sunday. Some of the main events from the weekend include: Friday, October 4 3:00 p.m. – Marauder Field Hockey vs. The Rock of Slippery Rock University Biemesderfer Stadium | Chryst Field  6:45 p.m. – Marauder Ice Hockey vs. West Chester Rams Lancaster Ice Rink, 371 Carerra Dr., Lancaster, PA 17601 “Pink the Rink” in honor of breast cancer awareness at this important rivalry match up. The team will wear special jerseys and have pink Ice Hockey merchandise for sale. 7:00 p.m. – Family Fun Pub Trivia Student Memorial Center | Reighard Multipurpose Room 114 Match wits with other Marauder families and demonstrate your mastery of useless knowledge. The format will follow that of popular trivia events held in pubs, bars, and restaurants across the country. Be prepared for some ‘Ville Trivia that may prove to have some real stumpers! Saturday, October 5 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Marauder Family Cornhole Tournament Student Memorial Center | Promenade (rain location: Student Memorial Center | Marauder Courts #1) Sign up online for Millersville University’s annual family cornhole tournament. Show us your best “Double Deuce” and compete for bragging rights. Register now! 12:00 p.m. – Marauder Field Hockey vs. the Maryville Scots Biemesderfer Stadium | Chryst Field  1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Women’s Club Soccer Tournament Pucillo Soccer Field Attend the “Pink Out” doubleheader for Breast Cancer Awareness month. The MU team will be wearing pink jerseys and pink socks. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite pink outfits and come out to cheer on the ‘Ville. The tournament will have various concessions available including the Kona Ice food truck. As tournament host, MU will play at 1:00 p.m. against the Bison of Bucknell University and again at 3:00 p.m. against the Dickinson University Red Devils. A complete list of Marauder Family Weekend even […] “Reconnect, Explore and Celebrate at Marauder Family Weekend”

  • Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 month, 1 week ago

    President Wubah Speaks at Green Conference Millersville University President Daniel A. Wubah represented the University at the 8th NYC Green School Conference, hosted by Green Mentors on Sept. 23. It was all part of Climate Week NYC, a key gathering focused on advancing sustainability in education and shaping a greener future for schools worldwide. The conference featured a range of activities, including workshops, keynote speeches from thought leaders, and interactive panels addressing today’s most pressing challenges. There was also a student showcase highlighting innovative sustainability projects and a Sustainability Expo where green technologies were on display. The president spoke about Millersville University’s commitment to creating the next generation of sustainability leaders.  His presentation showcased the Lombardo Welcome Center, the award-winning positive energy building, and the Positive Energy Fund. The Positive Energy Fund annually provides grants up to $2,500 for students, faculty and staff research and creative activities aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the Lancaster region. For more information on the Positive Energy Fund at Mill […] “President Wubah Speaks at Green Conference”

  • Moving Up in U.S. News Rankings Millersville University is once again ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, moving up in overall rankings and among the top public schools. In a new ranking, Millersville ranked #19 in “Undergraduate Teaching Programs” among all regional universities in the North. The University climbed 15 spots to #101 in the overall ranking of regional universities in the North. In addition, it climbed five spots to #37 in the ranking of top public schools among regional universities in the North, up from #42 last year. “We are delighted with the uptick in the rankings,” says Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, president of Millersville University. “Our ranking among the top 40 public universities in the North reflects our commitment to high-quality educational outcomes. Our current ranking gives the University room to grow. We have much to be proud of and much to which we can aspire.” A new category this year was for undergraduate teaching programs. Dr. Lara Willox, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, is thrilled with the ranking. “Millersville was founded in 1855 with the ideals that teacher preparation and learning are essential elements of public education and engaged citizenship. One hundred and sixty years later, these ideals still hold. Our goal is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to impact the lives of individuals, families and communities positively. To have our program ranked among the top 20 in the region is amazing.” One category that went up from the 2024 rankings was first-year retention by four points. “We are buoyed by those results,” says Wubah. Last year, our first- to second-year retention rate climbed to 78.1%, which was the highest rate in about a decade. I appreciate the hard work of our faculty and staff for their support in advancing this important metric. Our commitment to holistic student success will continue to focus on persistence and graduation rates, as well as post-graduation outcomes.” Now in its 40th year, the rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 national colleges and universities on up to 17 academic quality measures and emphasize social mobility and outcomes for graduating college students. “Regional Universities” are defined as those offering a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and some master’s degree programs but few, if any, doctoral programs. U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings yearly to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed information on the institutions and data on factors such as outcome measures—including graduation rates, graduate indebtedness and post-graduate earnings. “For 40 years, Best Colleges has continued to evolve as a trusted companion to prospective students and their families during the decision-making process,” said Dr. LaMont Jones, managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “The rankings and editorial content offer crucial data, college advice, and informed reporting to all who seek a college education.” Millersville University is a great option for all students, including undergraduates, graduate students, international students and those who want to learn online. For all rankings, click here.  For more information on applying to Millersville University, click here. Want to be a teache […] “Moving Up in U.S. News Rankings”

  • Fearless: Breast-A-Ville Returns to MU!  Millersville students will be dancing in their best dress, fearless, at the 13th annual Breast-a-Ville. This year’s theme is The Awareness Era, inspired by Taylor Swift’s recent tour. To honor those with breast cancer and educate students on the importance of breast cancer awareness and prevention, the Breast Health Initiative will hold its 13th Breast-a-Ville on campus at the Student Memorial Center on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Millersville’s water fountains will be dyed pink on the morning of the event. Pink is the recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness. “Almost everyone knows someone who has faced the disease or has faced the disease personally. We believe that with more education for young people of all genders, they will become aware of what causes can lead to breast cancer. Awareness of the factors involved in detecting breast cancer early can save many lives,” explains Dr. Dennis Denenberg, a former professor at Millersville University, regarding the importance of making breast health accessible to community members and students. Breast-a-Ville is a day full of breast health-related activities and educational panels led by local experts. Students are encouraged to have fun and enjoy themselves as they learn. Activities this year include learning how to perform self-exams to check for early signs of breast cancer, making Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets, playing games like bra pong, eating pink-themed snacks and more! “We knew from the very first Breast-a-Ville that in addition to an educational component, students also want to have fun! So, we created games as part of the event, and the ‘bra pong’ is probably the one most attendees want to play,” says Denenberg. “This year’s theme centers around Taylor Swift. Her favorite number is 13, and our campus coordinator is a Swiftie!” Additionally, Taylor Swift’s mother, Andrea Swift, is a two-time survivor of breast cancer. The University Store participates by selling breast cancer awareness merchandise and donating a portion of the proceeds to the Breast Health Initiative at Millersville. The merchandise is available in the store and online at The University Store through the month of October. The annual Breast-a-Ville began in 2011 and was made possible by Dennis Denenberg to honor his sister, Diana Denenberg Durand, who fought bravely against breast cancer for 18 years. Dennis Denenberg founded the Breast Health Initiative at Millersville. “My dear sister Diana (Millersville State College, Class of 1967) faced each new phase of the disease with amazing courage and was a model patient to her medical team. It has been a goal of mine to help others become knowledgeable and hopefully spread that knowledge to parents, other relatives, and other students too,” Denenberg shares. His donations to the cause have created the opportunity to educate Millersville students on breast health through campus events. You can donate to Diana’s Dreamers here: Diana’s Dreamers For more information about Breast-a-Ville and the Breast Health Initiative, visit Breast-a-Ville | Miller […] “Fearless: Breast-A-Ville Returns to MU! “

  • New School Safety Certificate Millersville University is excited to announce a unique partnership with the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute to develop and deliver an innovative School Safety Preparedness Certificate. This collaboration aims to enhance the ability of educational professionals to respond effectively to natural and man-made disasters, including active shooter scenarios. “Millersville University has a long-standing tradition of preparing educators and administrators to excel in various educational settings. With a focus on innovation and excellence, the University continually enhances its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the education sector,” says Dr. Victor DeSantis, Vice President for University Relations & Strategic Initiatives at Millersville. ”Partnering with PennSSI to deliver a certificate in school safety aligns with our 160 years of experience in preparing teachers and principals for the workplace.” The PennSSI, known for its commitment to fostering safe and secure school environments through immersive training and realistic scenarios, will lend its expertise to this groundbreaking program. The initiative is supported by original Pennsylvania School Boards Association Trust funding. The School Safety Preparedness Certificate will combine online instruction with in-person simulations to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Dr. Duane Hagelgans, professor at Millersville will be teaching the course. He talks about what participants will gain. “In this class on Safety and All-Hazards Preparedness in Schools, students will learn how to develop comprehensive emergency preparedness plans encompassing communication, collaboration, and coordination across various mission areas. They will also gain practical skills in managing different types of emergencies, from lockdowns and evacuations to handling communications with stakeholders and coordinating recovery efforts.” Key Features: Hybrid Format: The certificate program consists of 24 hours of training, with 18 hours delivered online and 6 hours in-person at a simulation site. Diverse Cohorts: The program will accommodate 12-15 members per cohort from various roles, including administrators, teachers, support staff, school resource officers, and emergency services professionals. This mixed approach will foster diverse perspectives and collaborative learning. Millersville University and PennSSI plan to expand this offering into graduate-level courses in the future to complement existing educational leadership and emergency management programs. DeSantis says a micro-credential in school violence and safety is also under consideration. The pilot group is now full, but those interested may join a wait list for the next cohort. For more information, click here. About PennSSI The Pennsylvania School Safety Institute is dedicated to creating secure school environments through advanced training and immersive simulations. PennSSI serves individuals responsible for school safety, equipping them with essential skills to manage and respond to emerging security th […] “New School Safety Certificate”

  • Holocaust Conference Begins Millersville University’s 40th Conference on the Holocaust and Genocide is one of the oldest in the United States. This year’s event will begin on Sept. 30 with a Teacher’s Workshop and public lecture.   The interactive workshop, aimed at up-and-coming teachers, will guide participants on how to teach about the Holocaust in a mindful yet informative way. It will take place in the Ford Atrium in McComsey Hall from 6 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 30 and is part of Dr. Pamela Lindstrom’s ENGL 488 class.  A public lecture called “‘We do not live in the past, but the past lives in us’ (Elie Wiesel):  Post-Holocaust Generations and the Extension of Holocaust Memory” will be held after the workshop with keynotes provided by Dr. Victoria Aarons from Trinity University and Dr. Alan Berger from Florida Atlantic University. They will share their first-hand accounts as children of people who survived the Holocaust. The lecture will be held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Myers Auditorium, which is also in McComsey Hall. The event is free and open to the public.   Barry Kornhauser, assistant director of Campus & Community Engagement and co-chair of the conference, says that there will be different perspectives for everyone who attends.   “It is stuff that needs to be remembered,” says Kornhauser. “A lot of what they take out of is what they bring into it.”  The conference is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend. However, Dr. Victoria Khiterer, professor of history and co-chair of the conference, says she does not recommend bringing young school children as it can be emotionally difficult.   The Holocaust Conference will continue during the spring semester.  The Alan & Linda Loss Keynote Lecture will be held on April 1, and the On Screen/In Person Film Screening of “Kaddish” on April 22.  For more information about the upcoming conference, visit the Holocaust Conference page on MU’s website.    […] “Holocaust Conference Begins”

  • ‘Ville Recognizes EPPIIC Team Members  The State of the ‘Ville is an annual ceremony during which the president reflects on the past year and lists his priorities for the coming year. As part of that event, the University presents awards to recognize individuals and groups that contribute to MU’s six EPPIIC values: exploration, public mission, professionalism, inclusion, integrity and compassion.     Staff and faculty members are chosen from a pool of nominations sent in by their colleagues, students or themselves. Out of the members nominated for each category, the University selects a winner who best demonstrates the qualities of each value.     The winner of the Exploration Award is assistant professor and coordinator of the automation & robotics engineering technology program, Dr. John Haughery. Haughery was recognized for his efforts to provide students with learning opportunities within the Robotics and Automation industry. In his nomination, the nominator writes, “John is excellent at bringing people together and thinking beyond the campus to engage regional industry partners. I am very impressed with John’s skillset in seeing a need and opportunity and growing an academic-industry partnership to advance our practice. His innovative approach and collaborative style are noteworthy, and the outcome advances our core value of exploration on campus.”      The winner of the Public Mission Award is associate professor and coordinator of master’s in social work Dr. Laura Brierton Granruth. The University recognizes Granruth as a student role model who contributes to civic engagement, compassion and social justice. In her nomination, the nominator writes that she “goes above and beyond the call of duty to help students to engage in community issues that matter to them; she inspires them to change the world in good ways to promote enduring social justice.”     The winner of the Professionalism Award is the director of library operations, Andrew Welaish. Welaish was recognized for his service to the campus and for finding innovative solutions. In his nomination, the nominator writes that Welaish “always ensures that we are doing the right thing, every time. Andy Welaish is the epitome of measured servant leadership. Whether by volunteering at Library and University College events, admitting when a less-than-ideal decision has been made and ensuring its correction, or clearly communicating how and why actions are taken, Andy clearly takes immense pride in his work. In a single day, Andy switches between numerous tasks to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible for library employees and all of Millersville’s students.”     The winner of the Inclusion Award is the staff of the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Robin Zaremski leads this team, which includes Nathan Cottrell, Barry Kornhauser, Cori Jackson, Julie Pyle-Childs, Abby Imm, Wes Bullock, Emily O’Shea, Steph Witman, Chris Jackson, Brian Fetterhoff and Josh Redd. The Visual & Performing Arts Center Team was recognized for providing the community with diverse art and cultural events. In their nomination, a member of the team shares, “Our mission every day is to provide a welcoming cultural cornucopia of visual and performing arts programming for our diverse local Lancaster community and our Millersville family/students. From our Performing Arts Series to our live panel documentary series and all the community events we host, each is carefully planned and selected to share the beauty of inclusivity and individuality. Here at Ware, we celebrate differences.”     The winner of the Integrity Award is the MU electrical team. This team comprises William Rockey, Dan Trzaska, Glenn Swan, Sam Fonzi, Yousef Lundi, Anthony Hoopes and Corinne Dyer. The University acknowledged them for ensuring the campus operates successfully behind the scenes. In their nomination, the nominator recognizes the team for their hard work, “They must be able to troubleshoot one job as they are being called to another, make quick decisions, accommodate requests, assist other maintenance personnel, and practically leap over tall buildings in a single bound! The Electrical shop specifically exemplifies the EPPIIC quality of Integrity. Members of this team are most often the first ones called on to resolve a multitude of issues related to anything from fire alarms to power outages and other urgent events where they are required to make quick, resourceful, and professional decisions.”     The winner of the Compassion Award is Associate Professor Dr. Margaret Mbindyo. The University recognizes Mbindyo’s dedication to supporting students’ success in their educational, economic, social and personal challenges. In her nomination, the nominator praises her for her commitment to her students, “I have personally witnessed many students return over the years to visit Dr. Mbindyo and let her know that she was the impetus for them to aspire to more academically and to share their achievements with her. These students understood that Margaret went above and beyond her faculty role to ensure they were properly recognized, mentored, nurtured, celebrated, and appreciated as individuals and valued scholars. Margaret stays after hours to meet with students, listen to their concerns, and ensure they feel seen and heard in an unhurried manner. She listens attentively to see how she can support them.”       All full-time, part-time, and temporarily employed University faculty, staff and departments/units are eligible to be nominated by faculty, staff and students. The nomination period for next year will start in the spring of 2025. The winners of the EPPIIC awards will be selected in the fall of 2025.     Read more about the 2024 nominees here: 2024 EPPIIC Award Recipients and Nominees    To learn more about the nomination process, visit Nominati […] “‘Ville Recognizes EPPIIC Team Members “

  • Grant Aims to Reduce Dangerous Drinking Millersville University was awarded a $50,000 Reducing Underage Drinking and Dangerous Drinking grant from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. MU’s Center for Health Education and Promotion will use the funds to develop, implement and evaluate underage drinking and dangerous drinking campus-wide. CHEP will partner with university athletics, the police department and the APPLE Training Institute to distribute the grant.    The APPLE Training Institute, a program of the University of Virginia, is designed for student-athletes to encourage their peers to make smart decisions and promote healthy lifestyles. MU’s student-athletes will focus on promoting a Social Norms campaign that challenges the common media portrayal of college students’ interest in reckless drinking, which is statistically inaccurate.    The grant will also provide funding for some students and faculty to attend special events, including the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board conference and various programs on campus. Some of these programs include a homecoming pre-party event, a cash cab-style golf cart for students to grab rides to class while also learning about harm reduction and drinking behaviors and a spring break bash in the spring semester.   Margo Thorwart, director of the Center for Health Education and Promotion at MU, says that the grant will “help to provide fun engagement opportunities to do something that’s not engaging in drinking behaviors as well as educate on some of the harm reduction strategies that can be used if someone is choosing to go to a party or consume alcohol.”   The grant is part of CHEP’s goal to implement safety on campus while promoting awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, healthy relationships, dating violence, and sexual assault prevention. Thorwart is working on acquiring grants for each aspect of CHEP’s values.   This program is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board; the content of this article may not represent the views of the P […] “Grant Aims to Reduce Dangerous Drinking”

  • ‘Ville Student Presents Groundbreaking NSF-REU Fellowship Experience Mariana Ladrilleros, a senior at Millersville University majoring in history and archeology, is set to deliver an insightful presentation on “Mississippi Civil War Hospitals: Their Food Supply & the Transportation of it Via Railroads.” Ladrilleros’ research was part of her transformative experience as a participant in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Mapping Freedom Program. Her presentation to Millersville’s Council of Trustees on Sept. 18 will highlight the pioneering nature of the program and the valuable lessons she learned during her eight-week internship at the University of Southern Mississippi. The NSF-REU Mapping Freedom Program, launched in 2023, represents a landmark initiative as the first digital humanities project funded by the National Science Foundation. The program was made possible through a successful grant proposal submitted by a team of faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Ron Frankum, professor of history at Millersville also played a crucial role as Ladrilleros’ internship advisor. During her internship, Ladrilleros engaged in a rigorous curriculum designed to deepen her understanding of digital humanities and historical research. The program featured lectures on the Civil War and Reconstruction era, GIS training and workshops, and sessions on digital preservation. Her research questions included Which food items were most requested? Are these commodities grown in Mississippi? Which hospital locations sent the most ration return letters? Do locations with higher food requests coincide with locations of railroad damages? The Mapping Freedom Program’s innovative approach to combining digital tools with historical research marks a significant advancement in the field, not only for the NSF but also for Millersville University, where this is the first project of its kind. Ladrilleros’ presentation will focus on the answers she discovered to her research questions, including the fact that rice, sugar, salt, coffee and fresh beef were among the most requested items at the hospital she researched. The COT meeting will be held in Gordinier Hall, Lehr Room, at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1 […] “‘Ville Student Presents Groundbreaking NSF-REU Fellowship Experience”

  • 'Ville's Homecoming 2024 Millersville University will have its 2024 Homecoming Celebration on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21.   This year, MU’s Office of Alumni Engagement is planning many activities for the 2024 Homecoming celebration, including two new events; a Maker’s Market and the Skully Shoppes. These are tabling events that will showcase crafts, vintage items, decor and more. Each table is hosted by members of the community and MU’s own entrepreneurial students looking to sell their products. The affinity tents are for alumni looking to reconnect with Marauders past and present from programs like ROTC, Integrated Studies, Orientation Leaders and the Student Government Association.   Homecoming kicks off on Friday with the first annual ‘Ville Wrestling Golf Outing held at Highlands of Donegal.  Those interested can get tickets here. Later on Sept. 20, the 30th Annual MU Athletics Hall of Fame Recognition Dinner will be held in Gordinier Hall. This invite-only event will include a formal dinner, an award ceremony, and speeches from MU Athletics alumni. Tickets and the list of Hall of Fame recipients can be found here.   Saturday is jam-packed with the annual Millersville Parade that begins at 8:30 a.m., ‘Ville Block Party and Food Truck Experience on East Frederick St. and the Homecoming Football Game against Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The classes of 1964 and 1974 will also have their 60th and 50th reunions, respectively.   Anyone who wants to volunteer for this year’s Homecoming celebration can contact alumni@millersville.edu or visit the Homecoming page on MU’s webs […] “‘Ville’s Homecoming 2024”

  • Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 months ago

    2024-2025 Marvelous Marauders Honored On Sept. 3, the Brossman Atrium at the Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center was filled with pride and celebration as Millersville University hosted the Marvelous Marauder and Alumni Award Recognition Dinner. This annual event shines a spotlight on the University’s most distinguished alumni, recognizing their dedication, professional achievements and commitment to staying connected with their alma mater. The Marvelous Marauders program, established in 2023 to mark the 40th anniversary of Millersville becoming a university, honors alumni who have made significant contributions in their professional lives and to the Millersville community. The program highlights these individuals’ impact through their careers and service, celebrating their role in upholding the university’s values and fostering a lasting relationship with the institution. “I am continually inspired by the incredible achievements of our alumni, and these graduates, in particular, are a testament to the profound impact our graduates have in their professions and communities,” says Josh Belice, Director of Alumni Engagement at Millersville University. “I am proud to not only celebrate their successes but also their enduring connection with the ‘Ville.” This year’s honorees for the 2024-2025 academic year were celebrated for their exemplary achievements and their dedication to maintaining strong ties with Millersville. The honorees include: Maggie Barton ‘17 Rev. Dr. Dexter Davis Sr. ‘77 Aaron Dread ‘94 Representative Justin Fleming ‘02 Amy Hoffman ‘94/’22M Dr. Todd Mealy ‘01 Dr. Rachel Mowry ‘22 Luisa Olivio-Wolf ‘09 James Phipps ‘86 Emily Reed ‘95 Carroll (Butch) Staub ‘72/’90M Emma Wertz ‘18 To be eligible for this honor, alumni must have earned an associate, undergraduate, or graduate degree from Millersville University or Millersville State College. Each nominee was carefully evaluated on the impact of their professional or vocational work, as well as their ongoing service and contributions to the Millersville community. To learn more about the award and to see past winners, visit Marvel […] “2024-2025 Marvelous Marauders Honored”

  • Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 months ago

    Millersville and Penn Highlands Forge New Transfer Agreement In a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities, Millersville University and Penn Highlands Community College signed a comprehensive transfer agreement this summer.  This partnership is designed to streamline the academic transition for PHCC students aspiring to complete their bachelor’s degrees at MU, providing a clear path to achieving higher education goals. PHCC becomes the sixth college to enter into a transfer agreement with Millersville University. The others are Cecil College, Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. “The agreement allows PHCC students to seamlessly transfer into MU’s online degree-completion programs, enabling them to finish their bachelor’s degrees as quickly as possible,” says Rebecca Boyer, director of online programs at Millersville University. MU has established six articulation agreements with PHCC to facilitate smooth transfers for students with associate degrees. These agreements apply to the following PHCC programs, which will seamlessly transfer into MU’s corresponding online bachelor’s degree-completion programs: Liberal Arts & Sciences: Communication concentration to Communication with a concentration in Public Relations Early Childhood Education to Early Childhood Education Liberal Arts & Sciences: English concentration to English with a concentration in Writing Studies Marketing Management to Marketing Business Administration to Business Administration Business Management to Management To be eligible for transfer, PHCC students must complete their associate’s degree with at least a 2.0 GPA and meet any required pre-requisite courses outlined in the articulation agreements. The number of credits that can be transferred is unlimited. MU will accept as many credits from PHCC as possible. Students must complete at least 30 credits at Millersville to complete the degree. Penn Highlands students looking to transfer to Millersville University Students can apply online at the Millersville University Application Portal and submit offici […] “Millersville and Penn Highlands Forge New Transfer Agreement”

  • Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 months ago

    Millersville Honors Lost Lives: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony   In remembrance of the tragic events on September 11th, Millersville University is holding a Memorial Ceremony dedicated to those who lost their lives.    At 8:46 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2024, the Millersville Student Chapter of the International Association of Emergency Managers will hold a remembrance and moment of silence at the gazebo by the pond on campus.   Dr. Duane Hagelgans, professor in the Center for Disaster Research and Education shared his thoughts on the importance of holding this memorial on campus, “As we reflect and remember September 11th, 2001, twenty-three years ago, we cannot forget the sacrifices that were made by our past and present veterans and emergency responders. And as important, we cannot ever forget the losses of our citizens to this heinous and incomprehensible event. We lost mothers, fathers, grandparents, sons, daughters, aunts and uncles, all well before their time on this earth should have ended. The sacrifices have been made not just by those who have battled and continued to battle terrorism but also daily by the families left behind.”  Hagelgans says many students at Millersville weren’t born when 9/11 happened and only know about it by “reading about it, videos, and the internet, very similar to those of us who were alive during 9-11 but only ever read about Pearl Harbor.”   Millersville University’s campus bells will chime in remembrance of those who lost their lives at:  8:46 a.m. – Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower.   9:03 a.m. – Flight 175 crashed into the WTC’s South Tower.   9:37 a.m. – Flight 77 hit the Pentagon   10:03 a.m. – Fl […] “Millersville Honors Lost Lives: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony  “

  • Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 months ago

    Millersville Student Wins Prestigious Breidenstine Award Millersville University student Ty Tempalski ventured to New Jersey in search of 17th-century artifacts and earned the Breidenstine Award for his efforts. Tempalski, along with a group of archaeology students, spent nearly two months in 2023 excavating three sites in a quest to unearth buried history. His dedication and perseverance in this challenging fieldwork have not only brought valuable historical insights but also earned him this prestigious recognition. Tempalski stood out among seven students vying for the award. The purpose of Tempalski’s paper was to report on the artefactual and historical findings of Millersville University’s 2023 Archaeological Field School in New Castle, Delaware. The research supported the hypothesis of Millersville University’s Atlantic World Research Institute: that illegal maritime activity at the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century was a crucial facet of many colonial American cities’ economies, infusing them with capital stripped by British taxes. Over the fall 2023 semester, archaeological research took place, uncovering more than 15,000 artifacts across three sites in historic New Castle, Delaware. The project sought to identify and excavate potential tavern sites, as these were typical gathering places for sailors involved in both legal and illegal activities and would, therefore, be central points for wealth gained through piracy or smuggling. Although the artifacts recovered did not provide evidence of illegal trade or piracy, the team discovered a likely 1790s tavern and the ground level of a previously unknown stone and brick building. The other candidates and thesis topics are listed below: Alexi Cordova, mathematics major; “The Complex Relationships Between Mathematician’s Religious Beliefs And Their Mathematical Ideas: Historical Snapshots” Collin Joseph Hood, mathematics major; “Divisibility Tests in Different Number Systems and Their Applications” Joshua Kinsky, meteorology major; “A Case Study on the Anomalous Winter Weather Events of March 2018 in New Jersey” Rebekah Homes, an anthropology major; “Analysis and Conservation of a Found Historic Textile” Hannah Warner, Meteorology with an Environmental Hazards and Emergency Management minor; “An Analysis of High Impact Weather Messaging and Communications” Matthew Teare, Meteorology major; “Radar Characteristics of Tornadic Convection in Pennsylvania Sampled at Short Range” Friends of Dr. A. G. Breidenstine, who served as dean of academic affairs at Millersville from 1955 to 1965, established a fund to provide annually an award to the student whose work was judged most outstanding by the honors committee. Students completing a thesis receive information from their college dean or department chair with information on how to apply. The winner of the Breidenstine […] “Millersville Student Wins Prestigious Breidenstine Award”

  • Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 months ago

    Women, Digital Harassment and Democratic Life The Harriet Kenderdine Lecture is back at Millersville University. On Oct. 8, Millersville University and the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County are sponsoring the lecture by Dr. Sarah Sobieraj, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology at Tufts University. Sobieraj’s lecture will be “The Body Politic: Women, Digital Harassment and Democratic Life.” Her research focuses on United States political culture, extreme incivility, digital abuse and harassment, and the mediated information environment. Her book, “Credible Threat: Attacks Against Women Online and the Future of Democracy” examines the impact of identity-based digital abuse on women’s participation in social and political discourse. It explores how 52 powerful women were attacked in digital spaces in attempts to silence their voices and the impacts such attacks have on free speech and the democratic process. “We’re delighted to present the Kenderdine Lecture again this October,” says Dr. Jill Craven, professor of English & World Languages and coordinator for the event. “From the 1940s through the 1960s, Harriet Kenderdine was involved in politics where she specialized in foreign policy and Latin American relations. Kenderdine was an active member of the League of Women Voters at the national, state and Lancaster County levels up through the 1970s, leading the local organization through the 1950s. When she died, she left a bequest to the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County for public lectures to empower voters and protect democracy. Millersville University has been proud to host these lectures over the past four decades to honor her legacy.” The lecture will be held on Oct. 8, 2024, at 7 p.m. in Biemesderfer Concert Hall, Winter Center, 60 West Cottage Avenue, Millersville PA 1755. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information visit Kenderdine@millersville.edu. In addition to the lecture, The League of Women Voters of Lancaster County will host a book club on Thursday, 9/12 to discuss Sobieraj’s book. That will occur on September 12 at 6 p.m. at West Art, 800 Buchanan Avenue in La […] “Women, Digital Harassment and Democratic Life”

  • Millersville Parade Seeks Volunteers The Millersville Parade is actively seeking volunteers to help ensure the smooth operation of this year’s event, set for Sept. 21 which is earlier than normal this year. A beloved tradition since its inception in 1997, the parade is a collaborative effort between Millersville University and the Millersville community, aiming to strengthen relationships among the University with the Borough of Millersville, Manor Township and surrounding areas. The parade is part of homecoming activities for Millersville University and begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 21. This year’s parade theme, “Dinosaurs, Dragons and Mythical Creatures,” promises to be a fun and imaginative event, but it requires a significant amount of support to bring it to life. Over 100 volunteers are needed to fill a variety of roles, including banner carriers, flag carriers, line-up assistants, parking greeters and street crew. The parade covers a two-mile route, beginning at Penn Manor High School and ending past the Student Memorial Center on James Street. Depending on their assigned roles, some volunteers may need to walk the full two miles. Each year, the parade features a diverse array of entries, from the Shriners in their iconic “mini-cars” to the Steam Caliope and handmade floats crafted by local children’s groups. The Parade Committee is also committed to showcasing high-quality bands from across Pennsylvania and Maryland, adding to the festive atmosphere. For those interested in volunteering, sign-up is available at Millersville Parade Volunteer. Any questions about volunteering can be directed to the Office of University Events at special.events@millersville.edu or by calling 717-871-5926. “Whether you’re a student, a resident, or just someone looking to be part of a vibrant community event, the Millersville Parade is a great opportunity to get involved and help make this year’s parade a success, says Lydia Yeager, director of University Events at Millersville Uni […] “Millersville Parade Seeks Volunteers”

  • Coming Together at ComMUnity Fest Get ready to get involved at the fourth annual ComMUnity Fest! The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Student Memorial Center Promenade. Millersville students, staff and faculty are welcome to attend and engage with a variety of vendors from the Lancaster County area. ComMUnity Fest is an opportunity for students to connect to Millersville University and the greater Lancaster County community.  “It’s important that students not only connect on campus but connect to and engage in the local community as well,” explains John Hearn, Director of Operations at the Student Memorial Center. “Since Lancaster County will be your home away from home for several months, we’ve invited local businesses and organizations to visit campus to share what they have to offer students, faculty and staff at MU.” In 2023, ComMUnity Fest welcomed more than 35 vendors and 600 attendees, and an even larger turnout is expected this year. The event isn’t just informative – there will be lots of freebies! Students will be able to make their own free wax hands, spin the PSECU wheel for prizes, and dine on free tacos. From Tanger Outlets to Sky Zone, each business provides free items such as coupons, food and other fun merchandise. VENDOR INFORMATION ComMUnity Fest is a convenient opportunity to directly introduce products, resources, and services to the population of nearly 8,000 Millersville students, staff, and faculty who may be new to the local community and unfamiliar with what the Lancaster area has to offer. Vendors participating in ComMUnity Fest are encouraged to distribute promotional materials such as coupons, giveaways, product samples and information about services to attending students. For more information on ComMUnity Fest and vendor registration details, c […] “Coming Together at ComMUnity Fest”

  • 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”

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