Category Archives: News

Schreyer Scholars take third place in Marshall International Case Competition

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Congratulations Schreyer Scholars! This year’s Penn State team for the Marshall International Case Competition was made up of four Schreyer Scholars. They took third place in this highly competitive international competition. I will let their adviser describe their success. Dr. Gustafson should also be congratulated for mentoring and leading this great foursome. Well done everyone!

Please help me celebrate the success of four outstanding Smeal students: Nick Fakelmann, Devin Weakland, Ben Pugh, and Samantha Jarmul.  Nick, Devin, Ben and Samantha earned a 3rd place victory at the University of Southern California’s Marshall International Case Competition.

 

USC invites 30 schools from around the world to compete in a 24 hour case competition.  This year’s case revolved around Owens & Minor Inc.—a very successful supply chain solutions provider of medical and surgical supplies.  Recently Owens & Minor acquired of a European firm to help expand their global reach.    In essence the students were charged with the following question: How do we extract the greatest value of our recent European acquisition?  The students had to create a business strategy, implementation plan, and financial return analysis in less than 24 hours.  On the judging panel were senior members of Owens and Minor including the CEO—Craig Smith.

 

Penn State took 3rd Place, the University of British Columbia took 1st, and the Singapore Management University took 2nd.  Of the American Schools that competed, Penn State ranked higher than Penn, U.C. Berkeley, USC, Texas, North Carolina, Carnegie Mellon, University of Washington in St. Louis, and Illinois.  A complete list to schools can be seen below.

 

Nick, Devin, Ben and Samantha were not only great competitors but also great ambassadors for Penn State.  Please help me in congratulating their success.

 

Yours,

Andy Gustafson

SHC and Penn State Hershey College of Medicine Early Assurance Program

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We have been working with the Penn State College of Medicine to develop a new “early assurance” program for our students and I am very pleased to be able to share with you all the details!

Beginning in spring 2012, the Early Assurance Program will select up to five Schreyer Scholars, offering them an early assurance of admission into the College of Medicine prior to the start of their junior year. The early assurance decision secures selected Scholars a spot in the medical school’s incoming class in the fall after the Scholar’s spring gradu- ation. Admission is contingent upon the Scholar having successfully completed all requirements for graduation with honors outlined by the Schreyer Honors College and Penn State.

For successful candidates, the academic rigor of the Schreyer Honors College and the leading research and excellence of care practiced at Penn State’s College of Medicine may be a prescription for a lifetime of success in the medical field. Smart medicine, indeed.

Scholars must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

  • Hold a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher at the end of their sophomore year with demonstrated high academic achievement in both science and non-science curriculum
  • Have completed 8 of 10 required math- ematics and science courses. The required courses are:
    • Biology (2 semesters)
    • Inorganic Chemistry (2 semesters)
    • Organic Chemistry (2 semesters)
    • Physics (2 semesters)
    • Mathematics* (2 semesters) — *Calculus recommended

The application review also includes an evaluation of:

  • Extracurricular activities
  • Community service
  • Medical experience exposure (clinical observation, job shadowing, summer internships, etc.)
  • Letters of recommendation from the Scholar’s honors adviser and from two faculty members

Application deadline:
May 15 of the sophomore year Application review:

Applications will be reviewed by the Schreyer Honors College Selection Committee with finalists submitted to the College of Medicine’s Admissions Committee by the middle of June. Upon further review by the College of Medicine, selected finalists will

be interviewed and decisions offering early assurance admission will be made by early August, prior to the start of the Scholar’s junior year.

For more information about the Schreyer Honors College-College of Medicine Early Assurance Program, contact Dr. Arun Upneja, associate dean, Schreyer Honors College, at axu4@psu.edu.

PSU Smeal College of Business #1 Among Recruiters

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Once again this year, Smeal is ranked first among recruiters. See the full story here.

Penn State’s Smeal College of Business again No. 1 among recruiters

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Business Building, Penn State University Park campus.

Credit: Annemarie MountzBusiness Building, Penn State University Park campus

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For the second year in a row, employers surveyed by Bloomberg Businessweek have ranked the Penn State Smeal College of Business as having the best undergraduate business program in the country.

To view the complete rankings, go to goo.gl/1OYur. To see Smeal’s No. 1 ranking, click on the column titled “Recruiter Survey Rank” on this website.

The magazine surveyed 257 corporate recruiters as part of its 2012 ranking of the best undergraduate business programs. The recruiters were asked to identify which schools have the best graduates, most innovative curricula, and most effective career services. The recruiter ranking also takes into account surveys from 2011 and 2010.

Joseph Vincent Paterno, 1926-2012

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Today I was going to reflect on the fact January 22, 2012 is the one year anniversary of the passing of Mr. William Schreyer. Sadly instead we remember one of his closest friends, Coach Paterno. It is a truly sad coincidence that these two great men who transformed their respective fields and each of whom left such an indelible mark on Penn State should share this anniversary.

The circumstances of the last few months are not what anyone would have wanted, but I do not believe they will define his career and certainly not his life. Coach often said he lived a full, happy life doing what he loved best with a wonderful family and friends. He transformed the lives of thousands of young men for the better. He reminded us all to be gracious in defeat and when we are successful, to act like we have been there before and will be there again. That, I am convinced, will be his legacy.

At Mr. Schreyer’s funeral Joe said Bill was like a brother to him and that his passing marked the end of a great era. I am sure Mr. Schreyer would say the same.

This evening’s 9 pm mass in the worship hall at Pasquerilla Spiritual Center will be offered for Mr. Schreyer and I am sure Coach Paterno will be remembered as well.

“May light perpetual shine upon him.”

Joe Paterno 1926-2012

 

A Post-Weekend Message from President Rodney Erickson

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A Post-Weekend Message from President Rodney Erickson

Nov. 14, 2011

This past week has tested the character and resilience of the Penn State community in ways we never could have imagined. Many of you shared my shock and surprise as the reports unfolded. Yet, after this past weekend, I just want to take a moment to tell all of you how proud I am. Our students and athletes, in particular, demonstrated the best of what it means to be a Penn Stater.

On Friday night, our students organized a candlelight vigil for the victims of abuse, and thousands came to express their concern and resolve. It was a meaningful and deeply moving way to show support.

At the Penn State-Nebraska football game on Saturday, tens of thousands of fans supported the Blue Out, a solemn moment of silence, as well as many other efforts to raise awareness and money for this very serious issue.

On the field, the football players demonstrated a level of maturity and determination that was an inspiration. The athletes from both teams came together at midfield in unity, respect and prayer for the victims. Then they played their hearts out. It was remarkable in so many ways.

Thank you for coming together as a community.

Today, we are back to class and the business of running this university. I urge you to refocus on your educational goals and remain mindful of the five promises I have made to the Penn State community as we move forward. Collectively, we need to show the nation and world that Penn State cares, and that Penn State is a community of individuals committed to moving forward with a shared sense of purpose.

If you have not yet seen the five promises, I will share them below.

Again, thank you for your support and the kind words I have heard from so many people. It gives me the confidence to know that together we are moving in the right direction.

My Promise to the Penn State Community

  1. I will reinforce to the entire Penn State community the moral imperative of doing the right thing – the first time, every time.

–    We will revisit all standards, policies, and programs to ensure they meet not only the law, but Penn State’s standard. To oversee this effort, I will appoint an Ethics Officer who will report directly to me.

–    I ask for the support of the entire Penn State community to work together to reorient our culture. Never again should anyone at Penn State feel scared to do the right thing. My door will always be open.

  1. As I lead by example, I will expect no less of others.

–    I will ensure proper governance and oversight exists across the entire University, including Intercollegiate Athletics.

  1. Penn State is committed to transparency to the fullest extent possible given the ongoing investigations.

–    I encourage dialogue with students, faculty, alumni, and other members of the Penn State community.

  1. We will be respectful and sensitive to the victims and their families.  We will seek appropriate ways to foster healing and raise broader awareness of the issue of sexual abuse.
  2. My administration will provide whatever resources, access, and information are needed to support the Special Committee’s investigation.  I pledge to take immediate action based on its findings.

 

Rodney Erickson

 

 

 

Message from President Erickson

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Dear Penn State community,

This note is the first of many that you will receive from me as Penn State’s president. I will be sending emails periodically as part of my promise to you to provide meaningful and timely updates.

Today I am outlining my promise to the Penn State community, which includes the naming of an ethics officer and a commitment to transparency as the University moves forward.

Right now, the nation’s eyes are upon us, looking at where we will go from here. Many of you already are representing this University’s high standards for honesty and integrity. It is imperative that every member of our community model the best that Penn State has to offer as we begin to rebuild the confidence and trust that has been shaken this past week.

Please join me in this effort to rebuild our community. Below, you will find my promise to all of you.

 

President Erickson’s Promise to the Penn State Community

1.   I will reinforce to the entire Penn State community the moral imperative of doing the right thing—the first time, every time.

-     We will revisit all standards, policies and programs to ensure they meet not only the law, but Penn State’s standard.  To oversee this effort, I will appoint an Ethics Officer that will report directly to me.

-     I ask for the support of the entire Penn State community to work together to reorient our culture.  Never again should anyone at Penn State feel scared to do the right thing.  My door will always be open.

2.   As I lead by example, I will expect no less of others.

-     I will ensure proper governance and oversight exists across the entire University, including Intercollegiate Athletics.

3.   Penn State is committed to transparency to the fullest extent possible given the ongoing investigations.

-     I commit to providing meaningful and timely updates as frequently as needed.

-     I encourage dialogue with students, faculty, alumni, and other members of the Penn State Community.

4.   We will be respectful and sensitive to the victims and their families.  We will seek appropriate ways to foster healing and raise broader awareness of the issue of sexual abuse.

5.   My administration will provide whatever resources, access and information is needed to support the Special Committee’s investigation.  I pledge to take immediate action based on their findings.

 

 

 

Scholar named Miss Black Penn State

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Congratulations to junior Schreyer Scholar Jamilah Matthews on being crowned 2010 Miss Black Penn State! The Collegian has the story. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jamilah since she arrived at Penn State and she has also worked with us in the office. She inspires her peers and all of us. Congratulations Jamilah!

Courtesy of Jamilah Matthews Miss Black Penn State Pageant winner Jamilah Matthews holds up a triangle for her sorority Delta Sigma Theta.

Courtesy of Jamilah Matthews Miss Black Penn State Pageant winner Jamilah Matthews holds up a triangle for her sorority Delta Sigma Theta.

Pageant winner ‘inspires’ peers

By Lauren Ingeno
Collegian Staff Writer

Jamilah Matthews removed her sparkly gold dress and tore off her weave, revealing a black body suit during the talent portion of the 23rd Annual Miss Black Penn State Pageant. She was removing ornaments to show her real self.
Those close to Matthews (junior-security and risk analysis and religious studies) said the pageant winner has been nothing less than genuine throughout her life.

“She inspires me so much,” said her best friend, Briana Clarke (junior-theater technology and design). “That’s such a major thing to inspire one of your peers.”

Notoriety and Sobriety

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This week’s episode of NPR’s This American Life is all about Penn State…and alcohol abuse on college campuses.

396: #1 Party School

This year, The Princeton Review named Penn State the #1 Party School in America. It’s a rotating crown—last year it was University of Florida, before that it was West Virginia University. So we wondered: What is it like to be at the country’s top party school? This American Life producers spent a recent football weekend at Penn State to figure this out. There, we learned the definition of “fracket” (think frat plus jacket); the best way to clean up beer cans after a big party (snow shovel); and how hard it is to get college kids to drink less (really hard).

The episode is a fair even if uncomfortable treatment of student life at Penn State. As the host Ira Glass said in his opening, however, it could be any college town in America.

This year Penn State has received an awful lot of attention regarding our students’ social lives.  This began, of course, with our being ranked the number one party school in the nation but took on a far more grave and somber tone with the death of one of our students Joseph Dado.  As you’ll hear in the piece, alcohol use and abuse at universities around the country is perhaps the greatest challenge that we as administrators face. President  Spanier has been at the forefront of seeking change of policies and behavior, most of all for the safety of our students.

Some of you may be aware of a new program at Penn State called the Presidential Leadership Academy. This program enrolls 30 students beginning in their sophomore year and has as its hallmark the development of critical thinking skills that leaders require when tackling the most difficult of issues. This past semester our inaugural class took a one credit course led by President Spanier and next semester they will take a three credit course that I will teach.

In the wake of Joseph Dado’s death the students expressed a strong desire to find a solution, or at least to mitigate the impact of binge drinking upon the student population. As a result of their desire a portion of their course this spring will be to work in groups investigating the underlying causes, current policies, and the current state of research regarding student’s unsafe behavior. At the end of the semester each group will present a policy proposal to the university administration.

This is, as I said, a problem that many intelligent and thoughtful people have been trying to tackle for years, so we might not expect a class of 30 sophomores would be able to solve it in a single semester. But I think we should be encouraged that there are those within the student community who recognize that things cannot remain the same.

Penn State Ranked #7!

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Today is the day for news!

Penn State seventh in Washington Monthly national rankings

Washington Monthly has once again recognized Penn State for its ability to
prepare students to be valuable citizens. The University is ranked No. 7 in
the publication’s 2009 College Guide and Rankings. Washington Monthly is a
political, inside-the beltway publication that prioritizes its annual rankings
based not only on what institutions do for their students but also what they
do for the nation, based on criteria including social mobility, research and
service. Topping the list were three University of California schools –
Berkeley, at No. 1, followed by U.C. San Diego (No. 2) and UCLA (No. 3).
Stanford, also in California, ranked No. 4, followed by Texas A&M University
and South Carolina State University.

Read the full story on Live: http://live.psu.edu/story/41242/nw1

You can find the rankings on the Washington Monthly site here.

Annual Academic Plans

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A reminder from our listserv announcements. Our biggest source of frustration is when we have to remove scholarship funds from someone because they have not met the deadlines. We only have a handful (Annual Academic Plan, Thesis Proposal Report, and thesis turn in) and we have to be firm about these. So please, just get the forms done and if you have any questions be sure to ask!

2009-10 ANNUAL ACADEMIC PLANS (AAPs)

All current Scholars should have filed the 2009-10 Annual Academic Plan (AAP) in April.  If you did not, you should do so immediately.  We will do a review next month and anyone who has not filed will be in jeopardy of losing scholarship monies and dismissal from the Honors College. The online form is available at the SHC Web site at shc.psu.edu.  Once you file, your honors adviser will be able to review and approve it.

If you are not sure you filed, check the online forms system.