I sat down with Penn State’s own astronaut Dr. James A. Pawelczyk ’85g. Dr. P has also been an honors advisor and faculty member in residence! In this interview he also gives valuable advice about doing an honors thesis. So head over to iTunes and subscribe to our podcast!
Archive for September, 2009
Last night, had things gone as planned, honors students along with athletes and graduate students, would have been able to register for their classes. This early registration is a privilege that Schreyer Scholars and a few others enjoy and as usual there was a “registration party” in Atherton computer lab. Unfortunately there was a problem at the Registrar’s office yesterday. ALL priority scheduling – scholars, athletes, grad students, etc. were not activated for 9/10/09 midnight access as expected.
As a result I awoke to dozens of facebook messages and a few tweets of students in dire panic. At the time we did not know exactly what had happened and clearly students were very concerned about being able to register. A few emails and phone calls later we learned of the error and the Registrar’s office is working to have things in place later today. Registration will begin at midnight tonight. (Delayed only 24 hours.) I want to thank the Registrar’s office for handling this situation in a prompt and professional manner.
That being said, I would like to encourage our students to take a moment to consider whether some of their reactions were appropriate. I understand that those of you who stayed up past midnight were tired and anxious but that is not an excuse for losing civility. Mistakes occur and thankfully this was nothing more than a computer error. Furthermore the rest of the Penn State community will not register for another week so you will have plenty of time work on your schedule.
Learning how to cope with adversity is one of the best skills that anyone can develop. This was, in the broader scope of life, a rather mild challenge and one that will be easily overcome within the next 24 hours. So enjoy the beautiful day, come to our inaugural Founders Day at noon in the HUB and remember what a privilege we have to be a part of one of the best universities in the world and a member of the Schreyer Honors College.
This morning an AP story has been picked up around the country about our innovative fundraising initiative that was begun by several of our students’ parents to help other Scholars who are in financial need. This special appeal encourages parents who are able to do so to make a gift equivalent to the $3,500 Academic Excellence Scholarship their son or daughter is receiving from the Schreyer Honors College or in any amount that they may choose. Each year even after the AES and other scholarships are counted, many of our Scholars have significant financial need. Last year at this time there was well over $1 million in unmet need.
Some history about this fundraising initiative: Over a year ago parents of current Schreyer Scholars approached us and said that while they have been happy to give back to the SHC to help other students they realized that there are likely many other parents in similar financial situations who could help others. So last year a letter went out from one of our parents and the result was over $200,000 dollars raised, including a $100,000 endowment for a Trustees Scholarship. For the 2008-09 academic year, $120,000 was given out to 34 students who had high financial need.
The appeal has gone out again this year with a letter sent from another parent. It is important to note that in neither campaign have students ever been asked to “give up” their scholarship. This appeal is directly to the parents of students who have not applied for financial aid. It is very exciting and encouraging that it in such times of financial difficulties for so many there are those who are in a position to donate who come forward and enable us to support our students.
You can read the entire AP story here.
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.
Our signature course Leadership Jumpstart is featured in the Collegian today. Read it here.
Judy Ozment wants her Leadership JumpStart students to ask themselves if being a good leader means they have to be the boss.
Launched in the fall of 2000, EDTHP 234H (Leadership JumpStart) is an intensive honors course that allows freshmen students to undergo a hands-on learning experience about the qualities that define a leader. Though the course has only entered its ninth year, its reputation as being a valuable learning experience has quickly spread among incoming students, said Ozment, associate dean of the Schreyer Honors College.
The number of students interested in participating in Leadership JumpStart has risen every year since its establishment. This was the first year students on the waitlist were not allowed admittance.
Ozment said this is a result of students spreading word about the class and its effect on them.
“A lot of results are more profound than what I could wish for,” said Ozment. “I want them to be more empowered to be leaders.”
As we approach our first football game of the season just a quick reminder to keep your eye on the center of our offensive action. Penn State Center is also Schreyer Scholar Stefen Wisniewski. Last week it was announced that Stefen has been nominated for another award. Congratulations to Stefen and all the team. We wish you all the best in the upcoming season!
University Park, Pa. — Penn State junior Stefen Wisniewski (Bridgeville) is among the nominees for the Allstate/AFCA Good Works Team, which honors college football players who make outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement.One of the team’s most active members in community service, Wisniewski has participated in the Student-Athlete Advisory Board Autism Awareness reading program, THON Make-A-Wish program, Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Summer Games, Habitat for Humanity, Athletic Director’s Leadership Institute, Athletes in Action, and The Second Mile, in addition to other charitable activities.
Wisniewski, along with senior tackle Dennis Landolt, return as Penn State’s most experienced offensive lineman and will anchor the 2009 unit. A physical and versatile player, he has transitioned to center this season after spending his initial two years at guard, including 12 starts in 2008.
Despite not having played a down at center in a Penn State game, Wisniewski has gained national recognition, receiving preseason first team All-Big Ten honors from Phil Steele’s 2009 College Football and preseason third team All-America selection by Athlon Sports’ 2009 College Football.
One of the University’s most accomplished student-athletes, Wisniewski earned second team ESPN The Magazine All-American honors in 2008, one of a program record five Nittany Lions so recognized last season. A student in the Schreyer Honors College, the former Pittsburgh Central Catholic standout owns a superlative 3.89 grade point average in secondary education after having compiled a perfect 4.0 GPA during the 2009 spring and 2007 fall semesters.
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