Laboratory for Civic Engagement http://engage.bw.psu.edu/ Coordinating opportunities for volunteerism and engaging students and the broader Penn State Brandywine community in the complexity of learning and practicing democracy en Copyright 2013 Mon, 23 Sep 2030 22:18:29 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification What's Happening!
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]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2030/09/whatshappening.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2030/09/whatshappening.html Mon, 23 Sep 2030 22:18:29 -0500 Student Profiles Students in Civic Service, features profiles of students at Penn State Brandywine that demonstrate the Laboratory mission of Citizenship, Scholarship, and Leadership.  We encourage you to click on the link in each profile to learn more about these outstanding citizens!


]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2030/09/student-profile.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2030/09/student-profile.html Mon, 23 Sep 2030 11:09:56 -0500 Kevin Johnson Guiding Children Through Personal and Academic Difficulties (read Kevin's profile)

"Being a younger counselor, I can really understand and relate to the students, which makes me a great candidate to help guide them through it ... I like being someone that the kids can rely on because not everyone has a good role model or someone at home that they can talk to when they are dealing with these kinds of issues."


]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/kevin-johnson.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/kevin-johnson.html Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:51:55 -0500 2013 Leadership Recognition Dinner Leadership Recognition Dinner to recognize the leadership contributions of students, clubs & organizations, and faculty/staff who serve as club advisers in addition to inaugurating the newly elected Student Government Association officers.

New Student Government Association Officers:  President - Rosemarie Owoc; Vice President - Kathryn Beachboard

stephensonwalker.pngEric A. & Josephine S. Walker Award  --  Zanya Stephenson (pictured to the left)

This award is given annually to full-time undergraduate students from each of the campus locations.  The Walker award recognizes a student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship have been directed into programs and services that have positively influenced fellow students.


Student Affairs Excellence Award
     For a program  --  The Vagina Monologues
     For a student  --  Linda Truong



CLUB & ORGANIZATION AWARDS

Student Club/Organization of the Year  --  The Marketing & Advertising Club, and the Gay/Straight Alliance
Recognizes a student club or organization that has shown exceptional involvement throughout the year.  This club/organization contributed to the quality of student life and promoted campus involvement.

Outstanding Program or Event of the Year  --  The Gay/Straight Alliance - No Hate Campaign
Recognizes a program or event, sponsored by a student club/organization that enhanced the quality of student life by promoting campus community and Penn State pride.  This program should demonstrate creativity, uniqueness, and inclusion.

Club/Organization Advisor of the Year  --  Mrs. Sally Ent
Recognizes a faculty or staff member that volunteers their time to serve as a club/organization advisor.  This advisor has shown that they are truly engaged in the activities and mission of the student organization and are committed to enhancing the student life experience.

Deborah J. Erie Student Leader Award  --  Pawel Zwierzchowski
Recognizes a student leader who displays commitment and dedication to multiple organizations while maintaining solid academic standards.  This student has shown how leadership involvement contributes to building pride in one's campus can enriches the overall college experience.

Outstanding Lion Service Award  --  Simeon Freeman
Recognizes a student who has clearly demonstrated commitment and dedication acting as Penn State Brandywine's mascot.


STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Outstanding Adult Student Award  --  Eileen Fresta
Recognizes an outstanding adult student (age 24+) at this campus who serves as a role model for other adult students by sensitizing the institution to the needs of adult students and by establishing him/herself as a leader in the peer group.

Outstanding Student Service to Campus and Community Award -- Labanya Mookerjee
Recognizes a student who has given outstanding service to the campus and community through volunteering their time by assisting others or impacting the lives of others, thereby gaining positive recognition for him/herself and for the campus.


Barbara-Jackson Williams Award for Cross-Cultural Understanding  --  Trez Malatesta
Recognizes a student who has clearly demonstrated that individual differences are valuable and that learning about others who are culturally different is necessary and rewarding or who has provided outstanding service in a variety of cultural student organizations at Penn State Brandywine.


Diane D. Shorter Outstanding Community Service Award -- Aimee Ralph
Recognizes a student or event which contributes to the spirit of civic engagement through raising awareness of and enlisting campus involvement towards supporting a cause.



]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/2013-leadership-recognition-dinner.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/2013-leadership-recognition-dinner.html (3) Leadership (4) Service Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:20:20 -0500 Sarah Huppman named Civic Engagement Award Winner at EURECA

Citation

Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference.  It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes. It includes a wide spectrum of public interactions that makes it possible for citizens of all ages to participate in decisions and actions to improve the life of their communities.

We have a student whose work for Collaborative for Children will allow this community advocacy organization to have new, up-to-date information to better address the need for increased educational funding with community leaders and legislators in Texas.  We are pleased to announce Sarah Huppman as the EURECA award winner for civic engagement, for her important community work titled, "The Impact of Recent Educational Budget Cuts on Public Pre-Kindergarten in Texas."





The Impact of Recent Educational Budget Cuts on Public Pre-Kindergarten in Texas

Sarah Huppman, Intern; Katherine Meehan, Faculty Advisor

Human Development and Family Studies

 

 

Abstract

 

At Collaborative for Children, a Houston-based organization dedicated to building a strong educational foundation for young children, my project identified the impact of Texas's recent educational budget cuts on the state's pre-kindergarten (pre-K) program, specifically on the child-staff ratio and the availability of full-day programs. Due to the pre-K budget cut of $200 million in 2011, school districts across the state have reported several negative impacts to their programs, including the reduction of full-day programs to half-day programs and larger class sizes.  The information I obtained in this project will be used in Collaborative for Children's advocacy efforts to restore state funding for the pre-K program.  I collected data from Harris, Bexar, and Dallas counties for a total of 47 school districts located in Texas. To calculate ratios, I collected the number of students enrolled in pre-K, the full time equivalent (FTE) of pre-K teachers and the FTE of pre-K teacher aides in each district.  This information allowed me to calculate the student-teacher ratio and the overall student-staff ratio.  I then compared the data from the 2011-2012 school year to data that was previously collected for the 2008-2009 school year and calculated the percentage of change for each school district.  I also documented the length of the program in each district, full- or half-day, and if there have been any changes since 2008.  During the 83RD Legislative Session in Texas, Collaborative for Children will benefit from having new, up-to-date information to better advocate the need for increased educational funding in Texas.  The data I collected allowed the organization and community advocates to directly address issues in pre-K programs across the state by presenting substantial, factual information to leaders of Texas about the community in which they reside.  My project taught me about the importance of early childhood education, while allowing me to improve my professional communication skills.

 


]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/sarah-huppman-named-civic-engagement-award-winner-at-eureca.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/sarah-huppman-named-civic-engagement-award-winner-at-eureca.html (2) Scholarship Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:27:17 -0500 Brandywine part of the Faces of Penn State Faces of Penn State, showcasing "the personal accomplishments, public contributions and pioneering spirit resulting from the Penn State experience, education and community."

Dr. Stephen Cimbala - inspiring faculty member and military strategy expert

Dr. Laura Guertin - employing the knitting community to lend a hand locally and globally
Mrs. Diane Shorter - employing the knitting community to lend a hand locally and globally



]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/brandywine-part-of-the-faces-of-penn-state.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/brandywine-part-of-the-faces-of-penn-state.html (3) Leadership Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:22:03 -0500 Looking for Fair Trade-themed art from PSU Brandywine students Calling all Art Enthusiasts! The Penn State Brandywine Fair Trade TrailBlazers are now collecting artwork from any student for the 2013 "Spring into Art" Exhibition to be held by the Media Arts Council in early May! The exhibit will feature artwork created by students from The Walden School, Penncrest High School, and Penn State Brandywine.  Please consider submitting any original piece of artwork that reflects on what Fair Trade means to you. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the community and contribute to a meaningful cause. The deadline for submissions is on Friday, April 26th. If you are interested and would like more details, please contact Labanya Mookerjee at labanya@psu.edu. Thank you!


ArtEdit Flyer Media-page-001.jpg

]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/looking-for-fair-trade-themed-art-from-psu-brandywine-students.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/looking-for-fair-trade-themed-art-from-psu-brandywine-students.html (2) Scholarship (4) Service Fair Trade Sun, 07 Apr 2013 11:11:21 -0500 Mid-Atlantic Fair Trade Student Leadership Training
http://pennstatebrandywinefairtrade.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/mid-atlantic-fair-trade-student-leadership-training/


]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/mid-atlantic-fair-trade-student-leadership-training.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/mid-atlantic-fair-trade-student-leadership-training.html (3) Leadership Fair Trade Sat, 06 Apr 2013 22:17:01 -0500 Earth Day 2013 - PSUBW tweets their favorite outdoor destinations!

Where on Earth is your favorite outdoor destination? You let us know on Earth Day!


Monday, April 22nd was Earth Day and Penn State Brandywine's Laboratory for Civic Engagement invited YOU to celebrate with us! On this day, all students, alumni, faculty and staff members were encouraged to get involved by answering the question, "Where on Earth is your favorite outdoor destination?" via Twitter, with the hashtag #PSUEarthDay in the tweet when answering. All tweets were gathered at the end of the day and posted in the Storify below.

]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/earthday2013.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/earthday2013.html (1) Citizenship Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:02:15 -0500 Rebecca Berkowitz named 2013 Newman Civic Fellow
Read about Rebecca and the award on the Campus Compact website.
Read the campus press release about Rebecca receiving the award.
Read Rebecca's Student Profile on the Laboratory website.


]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/rebecca-berkowitz-named-2013-newman-civic-fellow.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/04/rebecca-berkowitz-named-2013-newman-civic-fellow.html (3) Leadership (4) Service Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:57:18 -0500 Eileen Fresta Helping Provide Food For Hungry Families in the Community (read Eileen's profile)

"The peanut butter and jelly drive was an easy way to give back to the community without having to ask people for too much of their time. It helps provide food for hungry families in our area."


]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/eileen-fresta.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/eileen-fresta.html Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:57:42 -0500 Stephenson hosts Campus Town Hall Meeting for students
zanyapanel.JPGCampus Town Hall panel (left to right): Dr. deGategno, Director of Academic Affairs; Mrs. Lisa Yerges, Campus Business Manager; Dr. Shupp, Director of Student Affairs; Miss Zanya Stephenson, undergraduate student and former intern for the Laboratory for Civic Engagement.

]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/stephenson-hosts-campus-town-hall-meeting-for-students.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/stephenson-hosts-campus-town-hall-meeting-for-students.html (3) Leadership Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:18:54 -0500 In Support of the Camden Children's Garden Environmental Factors and Their Effect on Your Food Supply, have learned about a range of topics from The Farm Bill to the Food Corps, to climate change and conservation, to buy fresh and buy local.  Each class period, the students begin with an overview of a current event relating to food issues, challenges, and policies.  One local story really "hit home" for the students, and the class decided to take their education to the next level and be advocates for a local children's garden under the threat of closure.

The students listened to the WHYY Newsworks audio story titled Camden Children's Garden plugs along while fighting eviction.  The students were surprised to hear that such a valuable resource, both for education and awareness of healthy foods, was going to be shut down for "economic development" reasons.  Each student pitched in and wrote 33 letters that were sent to the Mayor of Camden, asking her to step in and allow the Camden Children's Garden to continue.  The students are hopeful that, although being from outside of the Camden area, the Mayor will see that even those at a distance realize the significant impact a garden can have on a child and the overall health of the city of Camden.

To show your support to have the garden remain open, please visit the Save the Camden Children's Garden website for information on how you can help.

letters.jpg


]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/in-support-of-the-camden-childrens-garden.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/in-support-of-the-camden-childrens-garden.html (1) Citizenship (3) Leadership (4) Service Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:25:02 -0500 Making a Difference with Cards2Kids cardpacks.jpgPenn State Brandywine's Laboratory for Civic Engagement teamed up with the organization Cards2Kids for a sports card collection drive and card packing event. Cards2Kids collects new and used sports cards and donates them to children in need through many different charities. It was founded by John Makoweic, a Chicago area sophomore in high school who began collecting sports cards when he was only five years old. 


Ben Schragger, also a high school student from New Jersey has become the East Coast Ambassador for the organization. Ben wanted to help all the children receiving treat at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He and his family became involved with Cards2Kids and have been donating custom-created packs of sports trading cards to charities in our local area.


After the campus event today, 10,020 cards were sorted into 668 card packs (pictured above). An additional 2,391 new cards were collected.  All cards and card packs received will be donated to The Philadelphia Boys and Girls Clubs. Ben and his family continue collecting cards to put smiles on the face of many children.


To learn more about Cards2Kids, please visit:  http://www.cards2kids.org



cardpacks1.jpg

Laboratory Communications Intern Ali Aquilino preparing for the start of the Cards2Kids event.  With a spring training/baseball theme, everyone that donated cards received peanuts or Cracker Jacks.


]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/making-a-difference-with-cards2kids.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/making-a-difference-with-cards2kids.html (4) Service Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:13:32 -0500 Guest lecturer on U.S. global leadership and foreign policy An announcement from Dr. Julie Gallagher

History 21 Guest lecturer on U.S. global leadership and foreign policy:

The Cold War and Today by Dr. James Holmes Armstead, Jr.

 

Date:  Monday, March 25, 2013

Where:  113 Main Building

Time:  10:30-11:20

 

Dr. James Holmes Armstead is a retired professor of Strategy and International Law from the US Naval War College. Professor Armstead has served on faculties at Stanford University, the US Naval Postgraduate School, the Virginia Military Institute, and he has lectured at senior staff colleges in Poland, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and Malawi as well as the US Army War College, and the South African Military Academy.  Dr. Armstead has participated in negotiations enlarging NATO with the accession of Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Albania, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. And he has assisted in drafting constitutional reforms in Montenegro, South Africa, Poland, the Congo, and Lithuania. 

 

The recipient of three honorary doctorates, Dr. Armstead served in the United Nations Secretariat where he was the English language editor of the Treaty of Rome which created the International Criminal Court at the Hague, and he has served on missions with the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe as an international election observer in Belarus, the Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan. Armstead also served as an Armor, JAG and Civil Affairs Officer in the United States Army, the US Army Reserves and National Guard in staff and command assignments from battalion to corps level eventually serving as a special aide to the Secretary of the Army and he continues as a volunteer in the Virginia State Militia involved in operations, training, JAG, and Inspector General assignments.


This speaker is sponsored by the Laboratory for Civic Engagement

]]> http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/guest-lecturer-on-us-global-leadership-and-foreign-policy.html http://engage.bw.psu.edu/2013/03/guest-lecturer-on-us-global-leadership-and-foreign-policy.html (1) Citizenship Mon, 11 Mar 2013 22:34:19 -0500