Top 10 of 2011

With a new year just around the corner, look back at a year’s worth of top stories and headlines featured in the Exchange during 2011.

#1: Pennsylvania’s Proposed Budget

In response to Governor Corbett’s proposed budget cuts of more than 50 percent for Pennsylvania’s state schools including Millersville, President McNairy issued a statement of concern for her students.  “Our number one priority at Millersville University is our students and it is the students who will suffer the most if this proposed budget is approved,” said McNairy. Thankfully, the legislature and the governor agreed to an 18 percent cut in the state allocation instead of the 50 percent cut initially proposed.

#2: The Ware Center, Millersville University Lancaster, Opens

On September 12, 2011, Millersville University announced the dedication and naming of The Ware Center, Millersville University Lancaster. The center was named after Paul and Judy Ware due to their involvement and philanthropic commitments to the Lancaster community and to higher education. The purchase of this facility is bringing the community together to engage, innovate and to create, whether around the performing and visual arts or timely community issues.

#3: Millersville Celebrates its 250^th Anniversary

The Millersville community celebrated its 250^th birthday in style all year long. Beginning with a “Dancing through the Decades,” ballroom exhibition, the celebration included fireworks, period clothing fashion, historic photos and a custom cake by Carlos’ Bakery from Hoboken, N.J. – better known as TLC’s Cake Boss. Other memorable events throughout the year included a children’s ballet at Penn Manor, Millersville’s Got Talent, Millersville’s Community Parade and Turkey Hill’s signature ice cream flavor for Millersville named Swan Swirl.

#4: Millersville Welcomes Police Chief Anders

Pete Anders was sworn in as Millersville’s Chief of Police on February 28, 2011. Chief John Rochat, Millersville Borough Police Department, Chief Keith Sadler, Lancaster City Police Department, and retired Millersville University Chief of Police Wayne Silcox, all took part in the ceremony. Leo H. Eckert, Jr., district justice, conducted the official swearing in and Dr. Aminta Hawkins Breaux, vice president for student affairs, presided over the ceremony. Anders has 20 years of law enforcement experience including most recently serving as captain of the criminal investigative division for Lancaster City Police.

#5: Millersville University Recognized for Green Efforts

Millersville University has been recognized for its “Green” efforts throughout the course of 2011, beginning with a partnership between Millersville, Oregon Dairy Organics and Edie Waste systems to recycle 70 percent of organic waste within Millersville’s Dining and Conference Services. Millersville’s Sustainability Committee made its debut on April 22, with the launch of its website to coincide with Earth Day. Additionally, the University earned a spot on Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges. Millersville green highlights include offering the “Climate and Society” course, where students record a greenhouse gas inventory for the campus, and Stayer Hall’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. A recent “Go-Green” report marks the University’s seventh year of green efforts including the reduction of emissions by 17 percent.

#6: SMC Renovation and Opening

During 2011, renovation of the Student Memorial Center (SMC) was completed with revamped meeting rooms and offices, the Galley, new fitness center and modernized lounge furniture and study spaces. One of the highlights to the renovation included the Marauder Court, which is used to hold events. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on September 19, 2011.

#7: Millersville Receives $1.2 Million Dollar Math Grant

Students majoring in mathematics education can now get help with their tuition thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant will increase the quality and quantity of mathematics teachers for high-need districts, and 84 percent of the grant will go directly toward student scholarships. Scholarships will be offered based on merit to outstanding students with a particular interest in teaching in an urban or high-need environment. Students receiving scholarships must agree that, in exchange for the scholarship, they will teach for two years in a high-need school district for each year of support they receive.

#8: Millersville University’s Blind Grant Updates Campus

Through updated technologies and support services across campus, Millersville University blind or vision-impaired students are receiving the modernized tools they need to succeed, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind and the Bank of New York Mellon Mid-Atlantic Charitable Trusts. This grant was used to provide at least one computer in each computer lab with accessible technology for students who are blind or vision-impaired. In addition to collaborating with the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Management to create internships for spring and summer, the University expects to see an increase in internships, as well as job placement in subsequent years.

#9: Millersville Sheds Light on Canada Goose Problem

Millersville University provides an excellent habitat for the three dozen Canada geese that call this campus their home; however, these animals present a danger to individuals walking near The Pond. Employees, students and visitors are at risk while they walk on campus, due to the fecal matter that is present on walk surfaces and pond water. This matter exists through direct and indirect contact, which can lead to zoonotic diseases caused by infectious agents transmitted between animals and humans. The University is trying to eliminate this problem by implementing hazing techniques that keep the geese away from areas called “no go zones.”

#10: Millersville Men’s Soccer and Baseball Teams Make History

Throughout 2011, the men’s soccer and baseball teams made Millersville University history. The Marauder soccer team won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) for the first time in the program’s history and defeated Bloomsburg on Millersville’s turf. After winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Atlantic Regional and Quarterfinals, the Marauders lost to Fort Lewis in the semifinals. The senior class has the most wins in Millersville’s history. Men’s baseball won the PSAC East for the second time in four years and won the NCAA’s Atlantic Regional for the first time in 11 years, which advanced them to the championship.