The panelists for the Dec. 15 forum will include Fayette County District Attorney Jack Henecks Jr.; Gina D’Auria, casework manager at Fayette County Children and Youth Services; Dr. Jo Ann Jankoski, assistant professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the Fayette campus; and representatives from the state police and the Fayette County Crime Victims’ Center.

Dr. Jankoski says sexual assault is an issue we don't often address, but it occurs in a continuum. “It impacts not only the victim; it impacts the family, partners and the community as a whole.”  According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, sexual violence occurs any time a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity. The range of sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, human trafficking, and voyeurism. Jankoski adds, “Most people may work with people who are victims of sexual assault—women and men—who have been victims but are too ashamed to share their experience with a support system. Sexual assault is all about power and control. It happens to children and the elderly, too. Any one of us can be a victim.”

The public is encouraged to learn more about this important topic at the Dec. 13 forum. No reservations are required. Penn State Fayette partnered with the Herald-Standard to present the CSI: Fayette community forums to offer an opportunity for area residents to learn about and discuss topics of interest related to local crime and law enforcement.

The conference champion Penn State Fayette Roaring Lions Women’s Volleyball team dominated the recently announced 2010 Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) All-Conference Team, comprised of the best players from the Penn State Commonwealth Campuses.

• Sophomore Leah Ambrosini, an outside hitter from Connellsville, was named PSUAC Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, while also being named to the First Team. Following her outstanding freshman year with a dominate sophomore campaign, she was also selected to the 2010 USCAA All-American First Team for a second consecutive year as a member of that exclusive club.
• Junior Katie Sleasman, a setter from Connellsville, was named PSUAC Setter of the Year and PSUAC First Team. This is Sleasman’s second recognition as Setter of the Year, but her third selection to the All-Conference squad as she was also honored in her freshman (first team/setter of the year) and sophomore seasons (first team).
• Freshman Marney Hillen, an outside hitter from Geibel Catholic, was also named to the PSUAC First Team after jumping on the scene with a strong freshman year.
• Junior Alex Rossi, an outside hitter/setter from Yough, was named to the PSUAC Second Team. The selection was Rossi’s second straight year being honored, as she garnered first team honors in 2009.
• Coach Nancy Wheeler was named Coach of the Year, her second consecutive win of this honor.

With the help of a strong supporting cast, these players and coach led the Lady Roaring Lions to their third consecutive conference championship and fifth championship in six seasons. The Lady Roaring Lions now own the most PSUAC championships in conference history.

The Lady Roaring Lions return all but one of their 10 players for the 2011 season, including all six starters. Fayette will open the 2011 season at the Penn State Beaver Volleyball Classic, held August 26-27.

PHOTO CUTLINE:
The Penn State Fayette Women’s Volleyball Team. Front Row (from left): Marney Hillen, Jessica Wilson, Samantha Anderson, Ashley Knauer, Alex Rossi, Meghan Tirpak; Back Row (from left): Coach Kathy Hillen, Coach Marita Hunchuck, Katie Sleasman, Alaina Weiss, Lacey Mathews, Caitlin Fidel, Leah Ambrosini, Head Coach Nancy Wheeler. (Photo by Greg Kelly.)

The Coal and Coke Heritage Center at Penn State Fayette has just published a book by John A. Enman, Ph.D., that examines Pennsylvania coal and coke communities in such detail as to bring to light a great deal of information that was nearly lost. The book, titled “Another Time Another World: Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal, Coke, and Communities,” will be available Dec. 10 at the Coal and Coke Heritage Center, in the lower level of the Penn State Fayette library.

The book grew out of what was Enman’s 1962 dissertation on the Connellsville Coke Region, at which time he discovered puzzling discrepancies in information as he was researching the work. As Enman explains, “Much useful information about the Pennsylvania coal and coke period has disappeared with the destruction of company records, destroyed government documents, and incomplete surveys, especially those created by state and federal legislatures that were given enormous tasks but too little time for communities to complete more than a small fraction of the assignment.” His search for information took him back to the beginning of coal mining in the Pennsylvania bituminous field. From there, Enman was able to sort through the literature, conduct research in the field and arrive at new insights to what was previously known about the industry, the people and the communities involved.

Dr. Evelyn Hovanec, a co-founder of the Coal and Coke Heritage Center and primary book project coordinator, notes that “Another Time Another World” provides a broader context for the earlier publications “Patch/Work Voices: The Culture and Lore of a Mining People” and “Uncommon Lives of Uncommon Strength.” These earlier books focused on the Connellsville Coal and Coke Region and southwestern Pennsylvania. Hovanec explains, “‘Another Time Another World’ weaves the story into the broader mosaic of the bituminous coal industry of western Pennsylvania. This book also provides a more detailed look at the physical aspects of the story—types of coal and uses, production, transport, patch and housing design, and other material and statistical aspects of the industry, the people and the land affected by the industry. ‘Another Time Another World’ completes another chapter of the story of coal and coke, people, land and resources, and an industry that dominated the lives of millions of western Pennsylvanians.”

Enman began transferring his dissertation manuscript and research materials to the Coal and Coke Heritage Center in 1994. Dr. Dennis Brestensky, a co-founder of the Center, initiated contact with Dr. Enman in the 1980s and invited him to speak on his research at several conferences sponsored by the Center. A few years later, former Center Curator Pamela Seighman, Oral Historian Elaine DeFrank and Dr. Hovanec began editing and adapting the text, as well as gathering and selecting illustrations and photographs to complement the dissertation text. Additional reports and information from a variety of sources enlarged the scope of the work. What emerged after several years was the 340-page book now available to the public.

DeFrank observes, “This book is the result of a lot of work and love of the topic by many people. It is a reference work that will be extremely useful for historians, educators, and people who just want to learn something about their ancestors and how they lived.”

Part 1 of “Another Time Another World” examines the history of the bituminous coal mining industry, including Pennsylvania coal seams, mine information, transportation and the coke ovens. Part 2 of Enman’s work explores the people, including immigrants and native-born miners, the miner’s plight and family life, and the importance of religion and churches. Part 3 provides details about the rationale of Pennsylvania coal towns, the housing of coal towns and “patches,” and the design of “patches.”

Enman earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Maine, and master’s and Ph.D. degrees in geography from Harvard University and the University of Pittsburgh, respectively. From 1948-59 he was a professor at Washington & Jefferson College in southwestern Pennsylvania and, from 1959-85, he taught at what is now Bloomsburg University in north-central Pennsylvania. Enman’s travels and research into the coal and coke communities of Pennsylvania have spanned many years and his work on this subject is a valuable addition to existing historical records.

Publication of “Another Time Another Place” was funded by contributions from the family of Max Nobel, Dr. Evelyn Hovanec and John Enman. The book is available at the Coal and Coke Heritage Center (www.fayette.psu.edu/coalandcoke) and costs $30. For more information, call 724-430-4158.

The theme of the day was “Measuring Success,” in which Penn State Fayette engineering students designed challenging, hands-on activities for the middle school students. In addition to E Day activities, students visited the campus’ Coal and Coke Heritage Center and visited off-campus engineering-related companies, including Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Dynamic Materials Corporation and Sensus.

Snapshots of the day’s events include:

Laurel Highlands Middle School 6th graders (from left) Delaney Martin, Gianna Schuessler, Haley Sutton and Lacey Lynch test out the mechanical advantage of using a pulley system.

Connellsville Junior High East 7th grader Tia Quairiere experiences the van der Graff generator.

Penn State Fayette engineering student Jason Hazuda (right) explains electric motor voltage to 8th grade Laurel Highlands Middle School students (from left) Jordan Trimbath and Daniel Mihalko.

Penn State Fayette engineering student Brian Hall demonstrates a thermocoupler to Connellsville Junior High East 8th graders (from left) Cody Nicholson and Brett Bair.

Centra Bank has made a $50,000 gift to benefit students at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. It’s the third year in a row Centra Bank has made the contribution to the local campus. Members of Centra Bank presented the check to Chancellor Francis K. Achampong on Dec. 3. The gift provides scholarships to undergraduate students who are Fayette County residents enrolled at the campus as part of the Centra Bank Trustee Scholarship. Since it was established in 2008, 17 students have received Centra Bank Trustee Scholarships.

Achampong says, “The Centra Bank Trustee Scholarship is a tremendous asset to local students who wish to pursue higher education at Penn State Fayette, and we value Centra as a partner in education. Particularly when the economy is challenging, as it is now, students often need assistance in meeting the costs of a quality education. More than 90 percent of Penn State Fayette students have a demonstrated need for student aid, so this gift will go a long way in helping our students prepare for their future careers and realize their dreams.”

Following the check presentation, Centra Bank Founder and CEO Douglas J. Leech Jr. recalled his time as a Penn State Fayette student. “Penn State Fayette affords the ability for students to study right here locally while working and living at home. That was my personal situation. I attended class, worked for my Dad’s construction company and lived with my parents. This set of circumstances continues to remain the norm for many Penn State students. My Penn State education really made a difference in my life and my career by having the ability to get a world-class education  just four miles from our family’s home. It is my hope that this scholarship will help other Fayette County students get the same wonderful advantage that I had.”

The Trustee Matching Scholarship Program is designed to keep a Penn State education accessible to all qualified students, regardless of their financial means. The program has a unique matching component—the University matches 5 percent of the principal of each gift annually and combines these funds with income from the endowment to effectively double the financial impact of the scholarship.

Activities will include campus tours, mock classes, informational workshops about applying to Penn State and the student aid process, as well as a look at student life and student activities. Attendees who plan to apply to Penn State Fayette during the “Lion for a Day” event should bring their official high school transcript and SAT or ACT score to qualify for a $50 application fee waiver. In addition to the fee waiver, students who submit a completed application, transcripts and SAT scores will receive free admission to the Ryan Cabrera concert on campus the same day, starting at 7 p.m.

For more information and to register, call the Penn State Fayette Admissions Office at 724-430-4130, or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/admissions. Parents are welcome to participate.

Ryan Cabrera, singer, songwriter and guitar player, will perform Thursday, Dec. 2, at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus in the Maggie Hardy Magerko Auditorium. The performance, open to the public, will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. The campus’ Student Activities Office is also offering a chance to win a VIP package, which will include two front-row seats, two backstage passes, and access to a meet and greet with Cabrera.

Cabrera has been topping the music charts with his American pop rock music since 2004. His debut album “Take It All Away” reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 album chart and sold more than 66,000 copies its first week on shelves, eventually going double platinum and selling more than two million copies. His debut single “On the Way Down” also peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Other notable songs include “True”, “I Will Remember You”, and “Shine On.”

For tickets and additional information about the VIP package, call the Penn State Fayette Student Activities Office at 724-430-4248, or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/StudentLife.

Penn State Fayette student Randy Chambliss was recently honored by the Educational Opportunity Center of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Chambliss received the EOC Perseverance Award at the EOC’s annual open house in late September. The EOC of SWPA is one of eight TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by the Pennsylvania State University. EOC primarily assists low-income and adult college students—age 19 or older, whose parents did not graduate from college—begin or continue a program of postsecondary education.  EOC provides admissions assistance and financial aid assistance to participants interested in continuing their education. All services are free.

Chambliss is currently in his second semester at Penn State Fayette, majoring in organizational leadership. EOC also honored a community-based organization, the Private Industry Council, with the “Friend of EOC” award for PIC’s continued support of the Educational Opportunity Centers.

Karen Keedy, EOC educational advisor at the Penn State Fayette office, says, “The EOC Perseverance Award recognizes individuals who overcome significant obstacles in order to pursue post-secondary education. This year Randy Chambliss was selected and he demonstrates a dedication to higher education that serves as an example to be emulated by others.”

The FEP is the project team—consisting of nearly two dozen organizations and agencies—working on behalf of the Fayette County Commissioners Office to implement the $4.1 million energy efficiency and conservation block grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year.

One of the major objectives of the DOE grant is to generate awareness of the value of energy efficiency and conservation among Fayette County residents and to help residents identify opportunities to implement money-saving improvements in their homes. Upcoming “Get Energy Smarter” workshops include:

• Monday, November 22—“Get Energy Smarter for Homeowners”
  Presenters Jonathan Nadle, senior energy auditor with Conservation Consultants Inc., and Rick Rothhaar, solar expert and director of business development for CCI, will present the manual on how to operate your home in an energy-efficient way.
• Monday, November 29—“Get Energy Smarter for Senior Citizens”
  Erin Albert, Fayette County native and energy auditor and energy educator for CCI, and Rothhaar will provide energy safety and efficiency tips for senior citizen homeowners.
• Monday, December 6—“Get Energy Smarter for Renters”
  Albert and Tony Saccamango, certified energy auditor and manager of the Smart Comfort program at CCI, will present information for renters on how to save energy in their rented residences, including tips for energy conservation and efficiency.
• Monday, December 13—“Get Energy Smarter for Apartment/Home Rental Landlords”
  Saccamango will discuss whole-building energy-saving ideas and tips for landlords to help themselves and their renters save energy and money.

Chairman Zapotosky urged Fayette County residents to participate in the free energy workshops, “the Department of Energy has provided Fayette County a $4M energy award to help county residents get informed about the benefits of energy efficiency and use the grant money to retro-fit their homes, apartments, rental units and save money on utility bills.  The commissioners and I invite you to attend these informative work sessions to find out about the Fayette County grant, learn how your energy bills can be reduced and get your energy questions answered.”  In the coming months, additional workshops will be held to engage local residential contractors and other county stakeholders about they can participate in and receive benefits from the Fayette Energy: Partnership.”

The FEP is a collaborative effort of government, education, workforce and economic development, public utilities, and community agencies and organizations with the common goal to reduce energy consumption in Fayette County; to provide opportunities for un- and underemployed residents of Fayette County to enter energy-efficiency careers; and to document energy-saving reductions in the county in a replicable strategy that can serve as a model to help other areas of the country.

For more information on the “Get Energy Smarter” workshops, contact Penn State Fayette, 724-430-4211.

To qualify for an admission decision at one of the workshops, students need bring their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Students who select Penn State Fayette as their first-choice campus will receive a $50 application fee waiver.

The workshops will feature information about applying to Penn State and the Fayette campus, as well as the student aid process, student life and student activities. Penn State Fayette admission counselors and student aid staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions.

For more information about the application workshops, call the Penn State Fayette Admissions Office at 724-430-4130 or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/admissions.

The mini-summit will include a comment and discussion session with panel members of local social change organizations and campaigns, an honoring of local social change heroes and a skills building workshop, as well as lunch and refreshments.

For more information and to register, call 724-430-4127. Registration is encouraged.

Coach Nancy Wheeler says, “I’m so proud of this team. They have so much heart and desire. That’s what pushed us through to the nationals. We were the underdogs going into it, but by finishing fifth we proved our team and school are worthy competitors at a national level. Next year we will be back!”

The team was eliminated in the championship quarterfinals by the University of Dallas, 3-0, by scores of 25-19, 25-11 and 25-18. Sophomore Leah Ambrosini (Connellsville) led the way with seven kills. Freshman Marney Hillen (Geibel Catholic) added six, and Junior Katie Sleasman (Connellville) added 12 assists.

The team advanced to the quarterfinals by finishing third in its pool with a record of 2-2. The Lady Roaring Lions (24-13) earned their berth in the quarterfinals with a thrilling three-set victory over Linwood-Belleville by scores of 25-22, 22-25 and 15-11 on Friday, Nov. 5. Ambrosini had nine kills and Hillen eight, while Sleasman notched 24 assists.

Earlier in the day, the team fell to third-ranked Rochester College 21-25 and 12-25. Fayette closed the first day of the tournament by posting a 2-1 victory over Ohio State Marion, 26-25, 19-25 and 15-13. Ambrosini had 11 kills, while Junior Alex Rossi (Yough) notched seven. Sleasman recorded 24 assists.

Spalding University defeated the tenth-seeded Lady Roaring Lions 2-0 in the opening game of the tournament.

Fayette finishes with a 24-13 record, the best in school history. The team’s fifth place finish in 2010 is the highest finish for a Penn State team at the USCAA national tournament.

Achampong’s appointment followed a six-month search for a new chancellor for the campus. In March, Achampong, who was serving as director of academic affairs at Penn State Mont Alto, was named to oversee campus operations on an interim basis following the unexpected death of former Chancellor Emmanuel I. Osagie.

As Achampong points out, many visionary leaders and philanthropists in the past “envisioned more than the eye can see” for the campus, which has now grown to be Fayette County’s only 4-year institution of higher education. He explains, “The campus has the excellent faculty, staff and resources needed to bring high-quality education to southwestern Pennsylvania. I will be working with the campus and local community to move the campus up to the next level.”

How to do that? Achampong says by focusing on Penn State Fayette’s Vision Statement: “Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus will be recognized as the region’s finest student-centered university, focusing on academic excellence, and the social, cultural, and economic development of the community.”

Some of Achampong’s ideas include assisting faculty by providing support and services so they can work with students and engage them in research and the process of discovery, and by focusing on student success with additional student learning support. “We need to work proactively to change the perception that only weak students utilize learning support services. Let’s create an academic culture in which all students seek out resources so they get stronger and better, improving graduation and retention rates in the process,” he says.

Penn State University and the Fayette campus offer students and the local community benefits they cannot find elsewhere, Achampong believes. “Penn State Fayette is a vital and integral member of the southwestern Pennsylvania community because of what we can offer. The expertise of Penn State faculty is world class. Fayette students have an opportunity to connect with the resources of a top-notch university, yet experience the one-on-one benefits of a small campus. And Penn State Fayette grads can be confident their degree is in demand by recruiters of top corporations, that they have the potential to earn more over their careers, and that the worldwide network of Penn State alumni is a resource for a lifetime.”

Achampong indicates other strategic areas of interest will get focused attention as well, including possible changes to the campus’ academic offerings. He says it is important for the campus to study market demand for programs so Fayette can meet the needs of the region in a highly competitive marketplace.

The ability to offer residential housing, either by the University or in partnership with third-party providers, will be a key strategy to attract more out-of-state and international students, which will increase diversity and enrich the campus as a whole, he adds.

Outreach and Continuing Education, also, are vital services. Achampong explains, “Outreach that contributes to the socio-economic and cultural development of our community is a crucial part of our mission and our vision.” He emphasizes that credit and non-credit programs contribute to the readiness of the workforce, so he will focus on better collaboration to design programs—on and off campus—for the communities the campus serves.

Achampong says, “I strongly believe that Penn State Fayette  ought to be the very first institution of higher education that comes to mind in our community when [anyone] needs us for solutions to social problems or when [anyone is] looking for ideas of catalysts for economic development.”

The campus will always need to be at its best, Achampong says, to achieve these goals, and the campus will need to hone its skills to remain on the cutting edge. In addition, “We have to tell our story and tell it well,” he says. But Achampong is confident the campus community, as a whole, wants Fayette to rise to the next level. “Together, we will use our vision, mission and strategic plan to capture the opportunities of the future.”

Achampong has been a part of Penn State for over 8 years. He led the Mont Alto campus in adopting a vision and core values statement; introduced new degree programs, mentored faculty; and provided fiscal leadership in times of budgetary constraints.  

An expert in sexual harassment, workplace harassment and risk management, Achampong holds a Ph.D. in law from the University of London; a master of laws degree from both Georgetown University Law Center and the University of London, Kings College, where his primary area of study was insurance law, credit and security; and a bachelor of laws degree magna cum laude from the University of Ghana. He is a member of the Virginia Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1990.

Before his appointment at Mont Alto, Achampong served in a variety of positions at Norfolk State University, including as interim dean of the AACSB-accredited School of Business at Norfolk State; as head of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Finance and Marketing; and also as a professor of business law and insurance.

Achampong was a Fellow of the American Council on Education from 2008-2009 and holds a Certificate in Management and Leadership Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is the author of several publications, including a book, Workplace Sexual Harassment Law: Principles, Landmark Developments, and Framework for Effective Risk Management, published in 1999. His latest work, "Integrating Risk Management and Strategic Planning" was published in Winter 2010 in Planning for Higher Education.

Activities that day will include mock classes, informational workshops about applying to Penn State Fayette and the student aid process, as well as a look at student life and student activities. Penn State Fayette admission counselors and student aid staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions.

Veterans, active-duty personnel and Fayette campus first choice applicants interested in applying to Penn State Fayette during the event should bring their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores to qualify for a $50 application fee waiver. Participants are encouraged to dress according to the weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes due to the length of the tour.

For more information and to register for the “Lion for a Day” and extended hours tour, call the Admissions Office at 724-430-4130 or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/admissions. Parents are welcome to participate.

Dr. Michael Shermer is the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a monthly columnist for Scientific American, the host of the Skeptics Distinguished Science Lecture Series at Caltech, and an adjunct professor at Claremont Graduate University. He has made numerous television appearances on shows such as “The Colbert Report”, “20/20”, “Dateline”, “Charlie Rose”, “Larry King Live”, and “Unsolved Mysteries” and has presented at more than 65 television, radio, magazine and public speaking events.

Dr. Doug Geivett teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the areas of epistemology and the philosophy of religion in La Mirada, Calif. He is the author/editor of several books including Contemporary Perspectives on Religious Epistemology; Evil and the Evidence for God; Faith, Film, and Philosophy: Big Ideas on the Big Screen; and In Defense of Miracles. He is a member of the Committee on the Status and Future of Philosophy for the American Philosophical Association and a member of the executive committee of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He has also served as minister to college students at churches in the Pacific Northwest and in Southern California.

For more information about this event, visit the CFE website at www.fayette.psu.edu/studentlife.

On the agenda is a discussion regarding the creation of a leadership network and a keynote address from guest speaker Dennis Yablonsky, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and former secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

Joe Segilia, director of Continuing Education and Outreach at Penn State Fayette explains, “This event is a way for business men and women in the area to share and develop new innovative ideas for working together at the local business level. As a vested member of the community, Penn State Fayette wants to support local business interactions and continue its leadership role in providing professional education opportunities that have a positive impact on local business.”

Contest winners include:

• Vocabulary—First Place: Adam Merendino, Connellsville Senior High School; Second Place: Melissa Hager, Uniontown Senior High School; Third Place: Olivia Rakas, Geibel Catholic Senior High School
• Posters—First Place: Connellsville Junior Highs East and West; Second Place: Olivia Rakas, Geibel Catholic Senior High School; Third Place: Isabella Sigaldo, Connellsville Junior High
• Poetry Recitation—First Place: Dave Rulli, Geibel Catholic Senior High School; Second Place:  Brianna Workman, Geibel Catholic Senior High School; Third Place: Andy Mattis, Connellsville Senior High School
• Multimedia—First Place: Geibel Catholic Senior High School; Second Place: Connellsville Senior High School; Third Place: Connellsville Senior High School

Penn State Fayette French Instructor Susan Crampton-Frenchik quizzes some students from Connellsville High School on their knowledge of French culture at the third annual high school French Day at the campus. Students include (front, from left) Emily Clark, 11th grade; Tyler Shultz , 10th grade; Laura Rowan, 11th grade; and Donna Black, 10th grade. Jaylyn Puskar, 10th grade, and Josh Fremd, 11th grade, are also visible.

The observance will include a welcome by Dr. Francis Achampong, chancellor of Penn State Fayette; a singing of the “National Anthem” by the Penn State Fayette campus choir; invocation by Rev. Alfred Thompson, a veteran and former Penn State Fayette student; guest speaker Therman King, a veteran and current Penn State Fayette student; the laying of the wreath by Penn State ROTC students; and a playing of “Taps” by Penn State Fayette professor Dave Meredith.

For more information about the Veterans Day observance, call 724-430-4130.

The mission of PIP is to help the organized poor of Haiti and to increase human capacity for living with dignity by promoting and advancing a Fondwa community model of sustainable rural development. This is possible through educational outreach and resource networking. CFE chair Danielle Mitchell explains, “Since 1987, Dr. Gosser has been on more than 25 trips to Haiti and has worked with Haitians during times of relative peace, as well as during historical moments of turmoil, such as that created by the recent 7.0 earthquake.”

A former board officer of the Washington Office on Haiti, Dr. Gosser studied Haitian Kreyol at the Kreyol Language Institute in Boston and has been an accredited election observer in seven national elections in Haiti since 1990. He and his wife Daneen are co-founders of the Rich in Mercy Mission Institute, the faith-based division of Partners in Progress. Together they have led many reverse mission pilgrimages to Haiti and assisted in the development of sustainable communities, grassroots organizations that promote democratic practices, and educational opportunities designed to help people to achieve their goals of self-reliance.

For more information about this event, visit the CFE website at www.fayette.psu.edu/studentlife.

The program will focus on the campus’ two-year degree programs in Business, Engineering Technology (Architectural, Building Environmental Systems and Electrical), Human Development and Family Studies, Information Science and Technology, Mining Technology, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Science.

Apryl Kadish, a Penn State Fayette admission counselor, says, “Current high school students and recent high school graduates, as well as returning adult students, may not realize that they can often fast-track into a career with a two-year degree and build from there once they are employed in their field or industry. Here at Penn State Fayette, it is just one of many options an individual can consider. Many of our students using the two-year degree option have had career success.”

Penn State Fayette faculty, admission counselors and student aid staff will be on hand to speak to prospective students and answer questions. The $50 application fee will be waived for those who apply to Penn State Fayette at the event. Transfer students can get an unofficial evaluation of their college credits if they bring a transcript with them. Official high school and college transcripts are required when applying.

Register for this event online at www.fayette.psu.edu/Admissions or by calling 724-430-4130.

Scholarship recipients, scholarship donors, sponsors, and family and friends gathered recently for a special recognition dinner at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly. The event, now in its third year, provides an opportunity for scholarship recipients to get to know some of the individuals that make a Penn State education possible. This year, 230 Penn State Fayette students were awarded scholarships.

Lori Omatick, director of Development at Penn State Fayette, explains, “This event is an evening where students can observe firsthand the generosity within our community and meet some of the individuals that make scholarships a reality for students at our campus. Without the sincere spirit of giving from our award and scholarship sponsors, many of our students would not be reaching their college career dreams and goals at Penn State today.”

Penn State Fayette sophomore Zak Risha spoke at the event on behalf of student scholarship recipients about his story of receiving a scholarship from the Eberly Foundation and how it has helped him through his college journey. “College has meant so very much to me,” he said. “The scholarship donors are the ones making it possible for each and every one of us recipients.” Risha is currently studying secondary education to become an English teacher. He is the editor of “The Roaring Lion” student newspaper.

Undergraduate students attending Penn State Fayette who have achieved academic excellence in science or engineering are eligible to apply for the award, which will be distributed annually to one or more qualifying students as determined by the scholarship selection committee.

Mitchell says her mother always believed in the value of education. “Her education from Penn State University opened many doors and opportunities for her in her lifetime. She wanted this gift to help provide the same opportunity for others,” Mitchell explains.

Penn State Fayette Chancellor Dr. Francis Achampong says, “Penn State Fayette students are the beneficiaries of this generous memorial award that will allow us to increase the number of students pursuing science and engineering degrees, which are in high demand, yet short in supply.”

Recently, Mary Mitchell (center), daughter of Evelyn Girard Mahoney, presented a gift to Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus establishing the Evelyn Girard Mahoney Memorial Award. Receiving the gift are Penn State Fayette Chancellor Dr. Francis Achampong and Lori Omatick, Penn State Fayette director of Development. (Photo credit: Susan Brimo-Cox)

The Outstanding Alumnus of Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus award was established in 1985 and honors former students of the campus whose subsequent professional achievement warrants special recognition by their Alma Mater. The recipients of the award possess the qualities that truly epitomize the phrase, “Penn State proud.”

Erdely graduated from Penn State University in 1991 with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering with an emphasis on power flows. Erdely is the principal and managing director of SESCO Enterprises L.L.C., serving in both positions since the SESCO’s inception in 2003. SESCO Enterprises is an electricity and natural gas trading company employing 23 people with offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It was founded in 2003 by a group of financial management, energy operations, and technology professionals. The founders and associates have more than 100 years of combined experience in trading and risk management covering the full range of energy markets, including power, natural gas, oil, refined products, coal and emissions.

Dr. Francis Achampong, chancellor of Penn State Fayette, says, “We are proud to honor Jeff Erdely with the Outstanding Alumnus Award this year. Energy is a growing resource in Fayette County and the surrounding region that we serve. Jeff’s enthusiasm for his time at Penn State Fayette and the education he received at Penn State, as well as his hard work and determination, are inspiring. His accomplishments serve as an example to Penn State Fayette students of how rewarding a Penn State education and a career in the energy sector can be.”

In 1991, Erdely began his career with Allegheny Power as a planning engineer where he worked at several field divisions. His responsibilities included planning and budgeting for area power growth, including upgrading or implementing new installations of substations and transmission lines. Prior to the birth of SESCO, he traded electricity around Allegheny Power’s generation fleet from Sept. 1997 to Jan. 2003.

Erdely and his wife, Jennifer, a 1994 Penn State graduate, are the parents of Jimmy, 12; Danny, 10; Tommy, 8; Billy, 5; and Mikey, 3.

(from left) Charles Curry, chairman of The Advisory Board of Penn State Fayette; Jeff Erdely, recipient of the 26th Outstanding Alumnus Award of Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus; and Dr. Francis Achampong, chancellor of Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.

The “What is religion to you?” juried photography exhibit presented by the Coalition for Equity at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus opened Oct. 12 and will be on display through Jan. 12, 2011, in the Cultural Center in the campus’ Williams Building. Danielle Mitchell (left), chair of the CFE, presented the jury’s first place $100 prize to Kern Little (center) for his work “God and Country” and Victoria Little (right) with the second place prize of $50 for her piece “Crosses Flowing in Every Corner”. The exhibit features entries from other photographers from the local community, students and staff at Penn State Fayette. The public is welcome to view the art Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Photo by Susan Brimo-Cox.)

Graduate schools and employers who are scheduled to be represented at the Fall Graduate School and Career Fair include:

• Access Abilities
• Advanced Acoustic Concepts
• Aflac
• Bucyrus International
• California University of Pennsylvania
• Carlow University
• Chatham University
• Family Video
• Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School
• Fayette County Community Action Agency
• FBI
• Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania
• Home and Community Services
• MLP Steel LLC
• Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa
• Northwestern Mutual
• Pressley Ridge
• R G Johnson Company, Inc.
• Robert Morris University
• Saint Vincent College
• Seven Springs Mountain Resort
• Teleperformance
• The Academy Schools
• Waddell & Reed, Inc.
• Wesley Spectrum Services
• Westmoreland Case Management & Supports Inc.

For more information about this event, please contact the Penn State Fayette Career Services and Internship Center at 724-430-4123 or csic@psu.edu.

The event will feature information about how students can complete seven baccalaureate degrees, 10 associate degrees or the first two years of more than 160 Penn State majors at the Fayette campus. Other activities that day will include a campus tour, informational workshops about applying to Penn State Fayette, student aid services and a look at student life and student activities.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to speak with faculty, current Penn State Fayette students and admission counselors throughout the day.

Attendees who plan to apply to Penn State during the Penn State Day event should bring their official high school transcript and SAT or ACT score to qualify for a $50 application fee waiver.

For more information and to register, call the Penn State Fayette Admissions Office at 724-430-4130, or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/admissions. Parents are welcome to participate.

Dr. Jerrold Hoeg, professor of Spanish at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, was honored at a special Author Celebration Oct. 12 at the Fayette Campus library for two of his latest book publications; “Reading and Writing the Latin American Landscape” and “Interdisciplinary Essays on Darwinism in Hispanic Literature and Film.” This is Hoeg’s second Author Celebration at Penn State Fayette and the campus’ 10th such event.

Hoeg has been teaching Spanish for over 15 years at the Fayette campus and has published five other books. He has studied in Mexico and Spain, gaining a different perspective on both the culture and the language. Hoeg explains, “The background of writing both of these books is to be found in my own experiences learning about language and discovering there is not one established way of either learning a language or determining how it should be taught. ‘Reading and Writing the Latin American Landscape’ is based on the changing state of human knowledge and ‘Interdisciplinary Essays on Darwinism in Hispanic Literature and Film’ is a textbook introduction to new biological findings in humanities.”

His research has led him to dig deeper into the investigation of human nature, language acquisition, and how both have evolved. Hoeg says, “I became interested in learning about language at the biological level and have discovered everyone can learn a language, but the question remains, ‘What is language for and what we can do with it?’”

Scholars, students and academia alike will benefit from both books in different ways. Hoeg concludes, “Overall, I hope these books open up a new way of thinking for the reader as to how people learn something new. We all have the ability to make our own discoveries.”

The books are available at Penn State Fayette’s bookstore in the Williams Building.

In March, Achampong, who was serving as director of academic affairs at Penn State Mont Alto, was named to oversee campus operations on an interim basis following the unexpected death of former Chancellor Emmanuel I. Osagie.

"Dr. Achampong is an effective leader and has a great understanding of Penn State and its campuses," said President Graham B. Spanier. "His transition to the Fayette campus should be seamless, and the community will benefit from his familiarity with the campus and his knowledge of higher education."

Since 2002, Achampong has served as director of academic affairs for Penn State Mont Alto, where he also holds the rank of tenured professor of business law. As the chief academic officer for that campus, he oversaw programming, including program planning, development, assessment and accreditation, faculty recruitment, mentoring, evaluation, promotion and tenure, and other wide-ranging areas of academic responsibilities.

He served in 2008-09 as a Fellow of the American Council on Education at Shepherd University in West Virginia shadowing the president and executive staff there. Before his position at Mont Alto, Achampong served as interim dean of the School of Business at Norfolk State University from 2001-02.

For three years from 1998 to 2001, he was head of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Finance and Marketing at Norfolk State and from 1992 to 2002 was professor of business law and insurance at that institution. Before 1992, he was an associate professor at Norfolk State for seven years.

Achampong holds a doctorate in law from the University of London and a master of laws degree from Georgetown University. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1986, the Virginia Bar in 1988, and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1990.

He is the author of the book "Workplace Sexual Harassment Law: Principles, Landmark Developments and Framework for Effective Risk Management" and a frequent contributor to law reviews and journals on a variety of topics, including tax reform, life insurance policies, sexual harassment and hostile work environments.

He has served as a staff editor since 2000 for the Atlantic Law Review and was an advisory editor for the Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship. He is a member of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, the American Risk and Insurance Association and the Risk and Insurance Management Society.

Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses, agreed that Achampong has provided excellent leadership in the interim period at Fayette and will be key to the continuing success of that campus.

“He brings not only knowledge of the campus and its broader community, but of the University," she said. "He has served or is serving on several key groups to advance the strategic direction of Penn State."

Activities that day will include a campus tour, a chance to sit in on an AOJ class and lecture with professor and department coordinator Dr. Richard Ball, informational workshops about applying to Penn State and the student aid process, as well as a look at student life and student activities. Participants also will be invited to listen to guest speaker Dr. Cyril Wecht, recent Distinguished Forensic Scientist award winner and former coroner and medical examiner of Allegheny County, following the open house at noon.

Attendees who plan to apply to Penn State Fayette during the AOJ event should bring their official high school transcript and SAT or ACT score to qualify for a $50 application fee waiver.

For more information and to register, call the Penn State Fayette Admissions Office at 724-430-4130, or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/admissions. Parents are welcome to participate.

Dr. Wecht is a nationally renowned expert in forensic medicine, an attorney and a medical-legal consultant who speaks about various medical-legal and forensic scientific issues. As one of the country’s leading forensic pathologists, Dr. Wecht has frequently been asked to speak on national television about high-profile cases, such as the assignations of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, the death of Elvis Presley, the O.J. Simpson case, and the JonBenét Ramsey case.

Currently, Dr. Wecht is a clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health and holds positions as an adjunct professor at the Duquesne University School of Law, School of Pharmacy and School of Health Sciences. He has performed approximately 14,000 autopsies and has supervised, reviewed or has been consulted on approximately 30,000 additional postmortem examinations.

He has served as president of the American College of Legal Medicine, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the American Board of Legal Medicine and the American College of Legal Medicine Foundation. He is the author of more than 500 professional publications and is an editorial board member of more than 20 national and international medical-legal and forensic scientific publications.

For more information about Dr. Wecht’s visit, call the Penn State Fayette Student Activities Office at 724-430-4248, or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/studentlife.

Formerly the director of marketing for Cameron Coca-Cola Company, Aiken drew on skills in management, sales operations, promotions marketing and advertising to contribute to the company’s growth over a 12-year period. After his time at Cameron Coca-Cola, he became the CEO for eSGS. In this position, he was always aware of inefficiencies in the manual process of identifying, qualifying, bidding, reporting and tracking supplier diversity activity for major supply management projects. Aiken drew a great deal of experience from eSGS and with his in-depth knowledge of managerial and entrepreneurial skills he moved on to create his own company, ProTech Compliance.

Aiken is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor of arts degree in communications and a minor in business. While excelling in academics, he also excelled on the court. He was a four-year starter and letter winner on the 1983-1987 men’s basketball team.

CEO Conversations is an initiative of the late Dr. Emmanuel I. Osagie, chancellor of Penn State Fayette from 2007 to March 2010. The program is designed to give students the opportunity to hear from and talk with key individuals in the local, regional, and national business communities about business, entrepreneurship and leadership, but the events are free and open to the public.

CEO Conversations debuted in fall 2007 with local businessman, philanthropist, and former Fayette County Commissioner Joseph A. Hardy III as the guest speaker. Guest speakers have also included Attorney General Tom Corbett and Fayette County District Attorney Nancy Vernon; Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Edward Stack; Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl; Allegheny Construction Group Owner and President Laura Deklewa; Pittsburgh Penguins CEO Ken Sawyer; First Lady of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Marjorie Rendell; Principal/chairman emeritus of Burt Hill John Kosar; Chairman of Westinghouse Electric Company Steve Tritch; Philips Healthcare CEO Don Spence; President/CEO of Highmark, Inc. Dr. Kenneth R. Melani; President/CEO of Whitney, Bradley & Brown William C. McMullen;  President/CEO of MSA William M. Lambert; and President/CEO of Heinz North America Scott O’Hara.

This is the second year of the cross country program at Penn State Fayette with coach Matt Girod. According to information on the website of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), Naymicks time is currently the 14th best in the nation.

“That’s the best that I have seen Jen run since high school, and probably her junior year there,” said Matt Girod, Fayette’s head cross country coach.

Vince Capozzi, athletic director at Penn State Fayette, says, “The first home invitational on the Fayette campus course was a very exciting time for this still fairly new team and program. Five other teams competed on Saturday and, hopefully, the invitational grows to more teams next year as our program and runners develop.”

Other teams attending the invitational included Penn State Mont Alto, Penn State Scranton, Penn State DuBois, Penn State Brandywine and Penn College.

Penn State Scranton’s Maureen Suchecki set the new course’s record with a time of 21.58.09. Teammate Breanna Toolen was second at 22:24 followed by Naymick in third.

Scranton’s Amber Martin and Megan Davis rounded out the top five. In fact, Scranton took seven of the top eight sports on its way to the team championship.

On the men’s side, Penn College’s Jake Shedden covered Fayette’s 8K course in 28:29.79 to take first, followed by teammate Travis Cain. Scranton’s Todd Locke and Kyle Frick were next, with Seth Beckman of Penn College rounding out the top five. Penn College won the team title.

Penn State Fayette’s next meet is Saturday, Oct. 16 when the team travels to Penn College for the LCC/Penn College Invitational.

Jennifer Naymick, of Penn State Fayette, ran a personal best of 23:04 at the first home meet in Penn State Fayette cross country history at the Eberly campus.

Penn State Fayette admission counselors and student aid staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions. There also will be workshops open to prospective students about the Penn State Fayette application process.

Students interested in applying that day to Penn State Fayette should bring their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores to qualify for a $50 application fee waiver. Participants are encouraged to dress according to the weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes.

For more information about the extended hours Columbus Day tour, call the Admissions Office at 724-430-4130 or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/admissions.

John Riddle, Penn State Fayette’s head librarian and organizer of the annual film festival, says, “This year’s festival theme, ‘Films of Religious Life,’ will feature movies that tell how people have lived, thrived and suffered under various religions. The films are not about specific religions, per se, but the human and spiritual experiences of individuals. The settings of the films are from around the world, which provides a broad perspective. The films are those made from the 1920s to the 2000s, and they explore great and ordinary people.”

The photography exhibit features entries from nine photographers from the local community, some students and staff at Penn State Fayette. The theme of the exhibit is “What is religion to you?” The photography exhibit opens Oct. 12 at 6:00 p.m. with an informal reception and award presentation in the Cultural Center. The first film of the film festival, “Passion of Joan of Arc,” follows at 7:00 p.m. in Swimmer Hall.

Danielle Mitchell, chair of the Coalition for Equity, says, “The Coalition is dedicated to exploring social differences, cultivating respect, and celebrating the many diverse values, people, and practices and traditions that exist in the world. Through the various photographic representations of religion and spirituality displayed in exhibit, then, we hope to open lines of communication and to enable discussion about our similarities as well as our differences.”

Films being featured at this year’s film festival include:

Oct. 12—“Passion of Joan of Arc” (1928) portrays the trial and death of Joan of Arc with much of the dialogue taken from the actual court testimony.

Oct. 13—“Hester Street” (1975) is a film about a young Jewish immigrant woman with old-country ways newly arriving in New York City to find her husband has become thoroughly Americanized.

Oct. 19—“Earth” (1998) is a powerful film about a group of families of diverse religious backgrounds being torn apart during the violent and tragic separation between Pakistan and India.

Oct. 20—“Clay Bird” (2002) is a story about a young Muslim boy coming of age under the tutelage of a strict religious father and the kindness of a liberal uncle. The film takes place during the separation of Bangladesh from Pakistan during the late 1960s.

Oct. 26—“Seven Years in Tibet” (1997) is a film based on a true story starring Brad Pitt. The lead character, Heinrich Harrer, leaves Austria in 1939 to climb mountains in the Himalayas. His life profoundly changes when, after serving time in a prisoner of war camp, he meets the Dalai Lama.

For more information about the film festival or photography exhibit, call 724-430-4155 or visit the Coalition for Equity website at www.fayette.psu.edu/studentlife.

Brian Fernandes, director of student and enrollment services, says, “Having international students as part of the Penn State Fayette campus community is a prominent learning advantage for other students, faculty, staff and the community at-large because everyone can interact and become familiar with a world outside of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our international students bring a wealth of culture and world experience to share with the campus and community, beyond what can be taught in a classroom setting, and these are important in our growing world.”

International student Monica Mathur said Penn State Fayette suits her perfectly because she likes the smaller classroom and the quiet campus atmosphere. She heard about the campus from fellow students and teachers in Thailand. “The culture is a lot different here as compared to Thailand, since the city there is huge and always busy. People here are very talkative and friendly, so I have felt welcomed since I arrived. I have made friends so fast at Penn State Fayette, but in Thailand you have to be careful who to talk to since there is a major trust factor there.” But not everything has been easy for her. “The biggest difference for me is the language,” she says.

“There are just some differences in vocabulary that have confused, me but I have learned how they are used here and I am working on mastering it.” Mathur is studying electrical engineering, is involved in THON, and the Women in Science and Engineering Technology club.

Anisha Nayak, another international student, was surprised when she arrived at Penn State Fayette to see how green and quiet the campus was. “In Kuwait everything is so dull colored and always loud, but here it is so bright and green. We have trees, but nothing like here. People just plant real trees wherever they feel like.” After speaking with a couple of friends from Kuwait who also attend Penn State about how nice it is, Nayak decided it would be a perfect fit for her, too. Since being in the United States, she has had the chance to travel to University Park, Pittsburgh, New York City, and parts of New Jersey. Nayak is studying economics and finance, is part of THON, the Lion Players, and the business club.

Dr. Susan Crampton-Frenchik, the campus’ French instructor and coordinator of the International and Intercultural Programs Office, helps to ease the new students into the campus community and establishes an ongoing relationship with returning students. “As we share discussions on cultural traditions, favorite foods, and the importance of family and friends, we all embrace the broader notion of diversity. In this increasingly interconnected world, we are all global citizens. It is an honor to grow with these international students.”

Fernandes adds, “In the future, we look forward to opportunities available to recruit more international students from around the world who are looking to take the next step in furthering their education at Penn State Fayette.”

Penn State University is the university of choice for more than 3,500 international students. Penn State Fayette is one of eight Penn State campuses, in addition to University Park, with the services in place to admit students from other countries.

From left: Anisha Nayak, Malavika “Monica” Mathur and Sul Gi “Athena” Han, three of the five new international students at Penn State Fayette, point out where they are from on the map.

Activities that day will include campus tours, mock classes, informational workshops about applying to Penn State and the student aid process, as well as a look at student life and student activities. Attendees who plan to apply to Penn State Fayette during the Lion for a Day event should bring their official high school transcript and SAT or ACT score to qualify for a $50 application fee waiver.

For more information and to register, call the Penn State Fayette Admissions Office at 724-430-4130, or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/admissions. Parents are welcome to participate.

The panel being assembled for the Sept. 30 forum will be a knowledgeable resource for members of the community. Panel members include Detective Donald M. Gmitter from the Uniontown police department; Phyllis Jin, assistant Fayette County district attorney, who primarily handles juvenile cases; Gina Jones, instructor of human development and family studies at Penn State Fayette and a community advocate who has spent the past seven years working with local grassroots organization to build strong neighborhoods and ensure neighborhood stability; and Dr. Todd Negola, Psy.D., an expert in juvenile crime and juvenile gangs.

Penn State Fayette partnered with the Herald-Standard to present these community forums to offer an opportunity for area residents to learn about and discuss topics of interest related to local crime and law enforcement. The forums are free to the public. No reservations are required.

In light of recent gang-related violence in the news, the seminar is timely. Scheduled to speak is Todd Negola, Psy.D., vice president of Pennsylvania Gang Investigator’s Association, and other local government and agency panelists.

Joe Segilia, director of outreach and continuing education at Penn State Fayette explains, “This seminar is focused on providing information and experienced-based insights into a multitude of issues related to community gang organizations. Penn State Fayette, along with the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission, is hoping that this program will become part of a continuing community effort to expand learning opportunities into this critical community awareness effort. The Penn State Fayette Outreach and Continuing Education office seeks community partners to help meet the diverse education and training needs of community professionals. This is an example of how such joint efforts work toward improving the community.”

Through co-sponsorship with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, six hours of social work continuing education are being offered to program participants.

For more information and to register, call the Penn State Fayette Continuing Education Office at 724-430-4211, or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/CE.

In early 2006, O’Hara joined Heinz as the executive vice president of Asia-Pacific, Rest of World and Canada. From that position, he was appointed to executive vice president, president and CEO of Heinz Europe in May of 2006. In January of 2007, he was also appointed leader of the Heinz Global Supply Chain Task Force and, as of July of 2009, he is the executive vice president, president and CEO of Heinz North America.

Before coming to Heinz, O’Hara held various positions with Gillette Group International which included senior vice president, Europe; general manager in the United Kingdom and for the Benelux countries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg; and vice president of sales.

O’Hara is a member of Ecolab’s Board of Directors, as well as the organization’s audit and finance committees. Ecolab is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services.

O’Hara is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a bachelor of science degree in business administration.

CEO Conversations is an initiative of the late Dr. Emmanuel I. Osagie, chancellor of Penn State Fayette from 2007 to March 2010. The program is designed to give students the opportunity to hear from and talk with key individuals in the local, regional, and national business communities about business, entrepreneurship and leadership, but the events are free and open to the public.

CEO Conversations debuted in fall 2007 with local businessman, philanthropist, and former Fayette County Commissioner Joseph A. Hardy III as the guest speaker. Guest speakers have also included Attorney General Tom Corbett and Fayette County District Attorney Nancy Vernon; Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Edward Stack; Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl; Allegheny Construction Group Owner and President Laura Deklewa; Pittsburgh Penguins CEO Ken Sawyer; First Lady of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Marjorie Rendell; Principal/chairman emeritus of Burt Hill John Kosar; Chairman of Westinghouse Electric Company Steve Tritch; Philips Healthcare CEO Don Spence; President/CEO of Highmark, Inc. Dr. Kenneth R. Melani; President/CEO of Whitney, Bradley & Brown William C. McMullen; and  President/CEO of MSA William M. Lambert.

The Coalition for Equity is a group that invites faculty, staff, students and community members to participate in activities that explore social differences, cultivate respect, and celebrate the many diverse values, people, practices and traditions that exist in the world. Dr. Danielle Mitchell, chair of the CFE, says, “We want to have artists, professional and non-professional, within Penn State Fayette and the community show us what religion means to them via photography. Religion is a theme the CFE has wanted to do for a number of years and this academic year was a prime time to do it because there is such a wide variety of ways to show and explain religion. We are very interested in learning and exploring more about this topic outside the classroom and into the community.”

Entry information can be found online at the Coalition for Equity page on the Penn State Fayette web site Coalition for Equity web site. A link is located at www.fayette.psu.edu/studentlife. Entries must be submitted on CD-ROM with an entry coupon by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 28.

Browell has previous teaching experience at the Washington Hospital School of Nursing and Westmoreland County Community College as a nursing instructor. Prior to becoming an instructor, Browell was a staff nurse at the Washington Hospital in the orthopedic, obstetrical, oncology and cardiac units. She has a master of science degree in nursing from West Virginia University, a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Waynesburg College, and is a Registered Nurse.

Dr. Fanimokun brings many interests and a wide array of studies to the business degree program. She received her doctorate of philosophy in business administration from Florida Atlantic University, where she was also an instructor for five years. Her dissertation is titled “Developing and protecting the ‘golden’ idea: Entrepreneurs and advisors” and her areas of specialty include entrepreneurship, strategy and international management. Dr. Fanimokun also has a master of science degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University, and a bachelor of science in electrical and electronics engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, Nigeria.

Dr. Sekely has taught and worked in the physical therapy field for more than a decade. Starting out in North Carolina, she was a research technician, physical therapy research consultant, clinical manager and physical therapist. At Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center she was the neurology team leader for three years. From there she made the move to Pennsylvania and taught at Mount Aloysius College as an assistant professor in physical therapy and was the Physical Therapist Assistant program director. Dr. Sekely, an American Physical Therapy Association credentialed clinical instructor, received her doctorate of physical therapy from Temple University, a master of physical therapy degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a bachelor of arts in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Pologruto joins Dr. Sekely in the newly created Physical Therapist Assistant program. A local physical therapist, she joins the campus with knowledge in orthopedic, neurological, cardiac and respiratory diagnosis. She was formerly a teaching assistant at Saint Francis University, where she also received her master of physical therapy and bachelor of health science. Dr. Pologruto created the Brachial Plexus Teaching and Learning CD-ROM for use at Saint Francis University in the anatomy course.

Richard Phelps brings experience atypical of mining engineers to the Mining Technology program. With work in education, operations, research and development, design, permitting, finance, and communication, Phelps has a thorough knowledge of the current mining industry and mining in Pennsylvania. He was the editor-in-chief of the Engineering & Mining Journal in Chicago, Ill.; has authored over five dozen featured articles; taught courses on practical mine finance for master and doctoral degree candidates at Missouri University of Science & Technology; and worked as principal of Phelps & Associates. Phelps graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla with a bachelor of science and professional degree in mining engineering.

Dr. Precht has a wide range of teaching experience, including at NcNeese State University in Lake Charles, La.; Arizona State University; Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Az.; and Northern Arizona State University Downtown. He also has experience teaching high school students for college credit and online classes about the American West and the Vietnam War. Dr. Precht’s research interests are 20th and 21st Century American Indian history, Indian gaming, tribal politics, tribal-state relations, American Indians in the modern South, and American Indian identity in the South. He has written and co-authored more than 10 publications, presented many exhibits and conferences, and has been part of numerous oral history interviews. Dr. Precht received his doctorate of philosophy in history from Arizona State University and a master of arts in history from Central Missouri State University.

From left: New faculty members at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus: Richard Phelps, James Precht, Ph.D., Debra Browell, Abiola Fanimokun, Ph.D., Stacy Sekely, DPT, and Pamela Pologruto, DPT.

Lindsay Bolt, the Penn State Fayette admissions counselor who is organizing the event, says, “Our college fair is an excellent opportunity for high school students in Fayette County to learn about higher education opportunities available for them after high school. We have schools coming from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia, and I hope it inspires high school students to seek additional schooling after graduation.”

The Fayette County College and Technical Fair is geared towards traditional high school students, but others are welcome. “There will be information for military veterans who may be looking to make a change in their career and other non-traditional students who want to get a feel for the colleges, universities and technical schools in the region.” Bolt adds.

Penn State Fayette is hosting the college and technical fair to meet the needs of students across southwestern Pennsylvania. All the high schools in the region have been invited to attend. The public is also invited to attend.

This multicultural and multigenerational event has something for people of all ages. Musical entertainers will include The Clarks, Joe Grushecky, Chris Higbee Project, Harold Betters, NewLanders, Augsburg German Band, Brass Knuckles Band, Jerry Onesi-Jack Nicolette Trio and more, giving festival goers the opportunity to enjoy jazz, rock, country, folk, and polka music among many other genres. In addition, there will be dance ensembles including Dance Works by Melanie and Houck Dance Studio, visual art displays in the Coal and Coke Heritage Center, arts and crafts vendors, and food vendors serving a variety of specialties. The Coal and Coke Heritage Center is a focal point of the day and is open for tours and exhibiting special displays of photography, artworks and handcrafts.

On display at the festival will be a State Mine Emergency Response Unit, a large, truck-size mobile unit that has communication equipment and rescue apparatus. Festival attendees will be able to go inside and look around in the unit.  For youngsters, the Kiddie Koal Mine play area has always been an enormously popular favorite.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children age 4 and younger get in free. Miners, current and retired, who show proof of work also get in free.

Now in its third year, the Coal and Coke Heritage Music Festival begins Sept. 11 at noon and wraps up around dusk, with fireworks concluding the festivities. This year’s festival features a variety of popular regional musical groups including The Clarks, Chris Higbee Project, Joe Grushecky and Harold Betters.

Festival Chair Gina Jones says, “The Coal and Coke Heritage Music Festival is growing each year and word is spreading about what a fun day it is for the whole family. The opportunity for folks to come to one event and enjoy the performances of so many entertainers is rare in Fayette County. Also, the unique focus of our festival to celebrate the coal and coke heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania is something festival attendees enjoy.” In acknowledgement of the significance of the Sept. 11th date, there will be special recognition of first responders at the festival.

This multicultural and multigenerational event has something for people of all ages. Other musical entertainers will include NewLanders, Augsburg German Band, Brass Knuckles Band, Bon-Journey, Jerry Onesi-Jack Nicolette Trio and more, giving festival goers the opportunity to enjoy jazz, rock, country, folk, and polka music among many other genres. In addition to musical performances there will be dance troupes, visual art displays, arts and crafts vendors, and food vendors serving a variety of ethnic specialties. The Coal and Coke Heritage Center is a focal point of the day and is open for tours and special displays highlighting the coal mining industry of the past and today. For youngsters, the Kiddie Koal Mine play area and petting zoo is enormously popular. New this year will be a fireworks display to cap off the day’s activities.

Coal and Coke Heritage Music Festival tickets are being sold online through a link on the festival’s website, at the business office at Penn State Fayette, and by phone at 724-430-4101. Tickets also will be available August 14 and 15 at the Relay for Life at Penn State Fayette, and August 28 and 29 at the Italian Festival in Uniontown, Pa. Advanced sale tickets are $10. Tickets at the gate will be $15. Children age 4 and younger get in free.

The Coal and Coke Heritage Music Festival is designed to celebrate and honor the unique coal and coke heritage in southwestern Pennsylvania. Jones explains, “Southwestern Pennsylvania’s history of immigrant and migrant miners who settled the area many years ago in search of a better life really contributed to the rich tapestry of cultures that are a hallmark of this region today. It is truly something to celebrate as a community and we expect this year’s festival will bring hundreds more to the campus for the day.”

• Educate consumers on how to assess their current energy consumption
• Identify opportunities for energy reduction
• Offer certification and training programs at Penn State Fayette that will allow students to conduct community energy assessments
• Provide financial help for energy assessments
• Assist with implementation of cost saving changes

• Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award: Audra Tewell
• Dennis Hippo Memorial Award: John Marcolini and Bethany Novotny

University Awards

• Evan Pugh Scholar Award: Jessica Smell
• President Sparks Award: Amber DiDominic
• Freshman President’s Awards: Frederick Botti, Derek Cerullo, Nicole Denard, Marianne Howell, Rebecca Marucci, Wendy Pennington and Rebecca Renze

Academic Awards

• Administration of Justice Student of the Year Award: Heather Vorrasi
• Undergraduate Research Award in Biology: Benjamin Livengood
• Associates in Business Award: Malinda Mahoney
• Bachelors of Science in Business Award: Laura Sherbondy
• English and American Studies Award: Bonnie Thibodeau
• Human Development & Family Studies Associates Award: Robert Ruggieri
• Human Development & Family Studies Baccalaureate Award: Bethany Novotny
• Kinesiology Award: Jillian Lewis (Fall), Brooke Mollick (Spring)
• Margaret Reilly Skomra Nursing Award: Amanda Savage
• Thelma Sandy Award in Nursing: Brian Moore and Holly D’Amico
• Philosophy Award: Brent Lint

Campus Awards

• Scholastic Excellence Award Winner: Jessica Smell
• Port Family Public Service Award: Audra Tewell
• Miller/La Vigne Trustee Scholarship: Cynthia Simons-Bellina
• Club of the Year Award: Grow, Recycle, Energize, and Educate, for a better eNvironment (GREEN)

Athletic Awards

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association Academic All-American Honors:
• Bethany Novotny (basketball and softball); Lauren Flanigan and Stacey Lloyd (cross country).
• United States Collegiate Athletic Association First Team All-American:
• Leah Ambrosini (volleyball)
• United States Collegiate Athletic Association Honorable Mention: Alex Rossi and Katie Sleasman (volleyball); Sam Beucher (baseball)
• Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Player-of-the-Year: Leah Ambrosini (volleyball)
• Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) All-Conference First Team Honors: Sam Beucher (baseball); Jordyn Hartsek (cross country); Bethany Novotny (softball); Leah Ambrosini, Healther Kelly, Alex Rossi and Katie Sleaseman (volleyball)
• Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) All-Conference Second Team Honors: Zack Durbin, Jeremy Molinaro and Nate White (baseball); and Becca Williams (softball)
• Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) All-Academic Team:
• Leah Ambrosini, Alex Rossi and Heather Kelly (volleyball); Zack Rockwell and Marino McGalla (golf); Jordyn Hartsek, William Boger, Andrew Stepanik, Stacy Lloyd, Matt Lazar and Lauren Flanigan (cross country); Joshua Herman and Ian McCombs (men’s basketball); Bethany Novotny, Nicole Garrety, Kayla Hatfield, Susie Kimmel and Denise Hillen (women’s basketball); Sam Beucher (baseball); Bethany Novotny, Shannon Ardabell, Megan DeGlau and Megan Hall (softball).
• Presentation of commemorative volleyball jersey: Heather Kelly. Kelly graduated at the school’s all-time career leader in kills with 760. In 2008, she was a USCAA All-American Honorable Mention, three time first team all-conference and played on three PSUAC championship teams.

Penn State Fayette Director of Student and Enrollment Services Brian Fernandes (left) presents the 2010 Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award to Audra Tewell.

•  “Company B”—Set to the swinging tunes of the Andrews Sisters, this work moves beyond simple nostalgia. Choreographer Paul Taylor explores World War II America through the social dances of the 1940s and creates a work that captures the emotion of “The Greatest Generation.”
•  “Step Touch”—Classic songs, such as “Under the Boardwalk,” “Up on the Roof,” and “This Magic Moment,” are featured in this work that showcases doo wop favorites. The vocal harmonies of Charlie Thomas’ Drifters and Pure Gold merge with the dynamic choreography of Dwight Rhoden in such a way that will make everyone tap their toes.

• Basketball, 8:30-10 a.m. and 10-11:30 a.m.
• Baseball, 9-10:30 a.m. (grades K-2 only) and 10:30 a.m.-noon (grades 3-5 only)
• Soccer, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and 12:45-2 p.m.
• Cheerleading, 2-3:15 p.m.
• Volleyball, 3:30-5 p.m.

"Dr. Osagie was an enthusiastic and charismatic chancellor who brought enlightened leadership to Penn State Fayette," said Penn State President Graham Spanier. "The entire Penn State family mourns the loss of a very dedicated and dynamic champion."

Among Osagie's proudest achievements was the internationalization of the Fayette campus, including welcoming eight international students as part of the student body, the recently announced partnership with Saveetha University in India to help educate nursing students and the expansion of international travel opportunities for Fayette students.

During his time at Penn State Fayette, Osagie introduced a number of signature events to the campus including the annual Coal and Coke Heritage Music Festival; the CEO Conversations speakers series; the annual Blues and White Gala, which raises funds for student scholarships; Science Forensics, a program to help underachieving 8th and 9th graders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; as well as other academic initiatives. He also was the driving force behind the recent addition of the physical therapist assistant associate degree program to campus offerings and the creation of a trading floor to provide an advanced learning environment for students.

John Romano, vice president for the Commonwealth Campuses who oversees the Fayette campus along with 18 other Penn State campuses, also praised Osagie as a "man of vision and passion."

"It is so very sad to lose a man like Dr. Osagie who led the Fayette campus for an all-too-brief period of time," Romano said. "His drive and his dedication to the Fayette campus were inspiring. He will be sadly missed by all of his Penn State colleagues."

Campus leaders also praise Osagie for his dedication not only to the Fayette campus, but also to the local community, which he worked to partner with in a number of areas to improve the economic viability of the entire region.

Before coming to Penn State, Osagie worked in postsecondary education as a teacher, professor, director and administrator. He consistently was involved in local and community partnerships as a way of bridging the academic enterprise and the community. He received his Ph.D. and master of science degrees in agricultural economics from Louisiana State University, and his bachelor of science degree from Southern University, graduating magna cum laude and as the "Most Outstanding Student Graduate." After graduation, he served as an assistant professor and later an associate professor in the Department of Economics at Southern University, Louisiana.

In 1996, Osagie was associate vice chancellor of the Office of Research and Strategic Initiatives at Southern University and A&M College. During this time, he also founded and served as director of the Center for Economic Development. One of the highlights of the center was the preparation of an economic development plan for the tri-state delta community of Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.

Osagie left Louisiana in 2000 to accept the challenge to build and provide leadership to the research and faculty development enterprise at The College of New Jersey, first as director of Sponsored Research, and then as vice provost for Research and Faculty Development. After serving as the vice provost and interim dean of The College of New Jersey’s School of Business, he was asked to assume the role of dean on a full time basis.

Osagie also was a National Institute of Health Extramural Associate based on a five-month residency training in research administration at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. He conducted regional grant-writing workshops for NASA, served as grants reviewer and taught fundamentals of research administration classes for the National Council of University Research Administrators. He published many articles and scholarly reports.

Osagie is survived by his wife, Pat, and a daughter and son, Kim and Kevin, as well as other family members.

• “Photographing Your Work” and “Web Site Design,” presented by commercial photographer and Web designer David Romero

• “Using Technology to Manage Your Business,” presented by Penn State instructor and computer applications expert Vickie Fry
• “Selling Your Work on the Internet,” presented by small business consultant/trainer Derrick Banas

• “Legal Issues,” presented by Penn State instructor and attorney Wayne Port
• “Graphic Design for Artists,” presented by graphic designer Donna Painter

• Planning and Promoting Your Web Site—offered Thursday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn how to set up a business Web site or improve an existing one. Learn about Web site development costs, templates, and much more.
• Search Engine Optimization—offered Thursday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn how to increase your visibility online through the importance of keywords, content, word placement and more. Have your Web site be one of the first results in a Web search.
• Computer Security—offered Thursday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn about firewalls, anti-spyware, anti-spam, and other programs that you can use to defend yourself, your computer, and your identity.
• Social Networking—offered Wednesday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. Everyone is using social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook—learn how you can, too.

• Six Saturdays, Jan. 30-March 6, from 9:00 a.m. to noon
• Six Wednesdays, March 24-April 28, from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

• “Actors’ Journey Through Shakespeare”—a demonstration presented by cast members of the National Players acting company on Monday, Jan. 25, from noon-2 p.m. in the Maggie Hardy Magerko Auditorium in the Community Center.


• “Taking Shakespeare from Page to Stage”—a demonstration focused on Comedy of Errors, presented by Shakespeare-in-the-Schools on Wednesday, Jan. 27, from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Maggie Hardy Magerko Auditorium in the Community Center.


• “Stage Combat”—a demonstration presented by Shakespeare-in-the-Schools on Friday, Jan. 29, from noon-1 p.m. in the Maggie Hardy Magerko Auditorium in the Community Center.