The meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, second floor of Sutton Hall.

The trustees meeting offers an opportunity to learn more about actions of the trustees as they affect the university.

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

Four participants (left) were interviewed by journalism  student and group facilitator Hannah McCracken (standing) and three other members of the Strategic Visioning Project team on Thursday, April 18. 

Talking about IUP

About 175 members of the university and Indiana communities have been interviewed for the Strategic Visioning Project since President Michael Driscoll announced his innovative plan to have 29 journalism students, led by Professor Michele Papakie as part of her Public Relations and Presentation Making class, execute this project important to the future of the university.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Indiana community members, including business owners and legislators, have been interviewed by the student team.

Groups of a few people to almost 30 people at a time have shared their views of IUP's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and what is most distinctive about IUP.

The team has compiled about 40 typed pages of comments and will continue to interview as many people as they can throughout the Indiana and campus communities until sometime in August. They'll enter the data into qualitative analysis software in the summer to identify trends university leaders can explore as they prepare for Middle States reaccreditation and determine strategic planning initiatives.

Interviews have been held both on campus, at meetings of the Career Advisory Board and IUP Ambassadors and other organizations, and off campus, at alumni events in Pittsburgh.

The student team headquarters is Room 418, Davis Hall, and interviews are also held there on Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:20 p.m. Three more sessions are scheduled for April 25, May 2, and May 9. Everyone is encouraged to sign up and participate.

"Thrown to the Lions" and Liking It: The Student Team Experience

Many of the students on the project team are sharing their thoughts on this exceptional real-impact learning opportunity on a project Facebook page, on Twitter, and on a blog called Reflections.

A number of them say the challenge was intimidating at first. After all, the work requires them to facilitate discussions among strangers, give public presentations in front of groups of people, and learn more new skills—all with the understanding that their work will have a bearing on the future of the university.

Anthony Hall "was a little uneasy," and Shawna McCutcheon says she was "being shoved out of my comfort zone." Caleb Murphy, who as a teenager battled such intense shyness that he stopped talking for years, says he's "thrown myself to the lions" in leading these group interviews.

But two months on, the Strategic Visioning Project has many of the students seeing themselves differently as they gain a framework for and experience in facilitating a sizable public relations project.

“I showed them how our course objectives could be met through these real-world experiences,” says Papakie, “rather than giving five or six speeches in the classroom to their peers.”

“Never did I expect such a huge opportunity," says McCutcheon, a nontraditional student. "The learning process alone is worth its weight in gold, plus it'll look great on my resume."

Although Papakie has given the students the option to return to more traditional course work only, no one has taken her up on it yet.

"They're growing and learning," she says, "well beyond what they'd originally expected from the class.”

—Deborah Klenotic 

Their prize: lunch with the president. (We’ll be contacting you to set it up!)

The winners appear in order of submission.

Dottie Hillard: Department of Criminology

IUP Sailing Club

IUP ROTC

And One More…

We also had a late entry from Joel Goodling ‘04—it didn’t qualify for the contest, but we’re pleased to include it here!

Planning for the most likely scenario for Fiscal Year 2013–14 shows a projected shortfall of $5.78 million.

President Michael Driscoll's cabinet has identified central savings and new revenue for $1.80 million, reducing the shortfall to $3.97 million. Permanent budget reductions totaling this amount must be identified within the next 45 days.

President Driscoll is relying on the leadership and expertise of his vice presidents in determining budget reductions, and has provided them with a set of general strategic criteria to guide their choices.

The Inaugural Committee invites the IUP community (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members) to participate in an inaugural video contest.

The contest is called “Open (Video) Letters to Dr. Driscoll,” and it asks entrants to tell our new president what makes IUP so special. Four winners will be chosen, one in each of four categories: excellence, opportunity, success, and tradition.

The prize? Lunch with Dr. Driscoll, to continue the conversation you started in your video.

Go to the contest website for full details, including several sample videos from IUP professors.

I have recently learned of the death of Cheryl Samuels, who served as IUP’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from March 2006 to June 2008. She died March 23, following a five-year battle with ovarian cancer.

While I did not have the honor of knowing Dr. Samuels, I have been told that, although her tenure at IUP was short, she was a valued contributor and colleague.

In addition to her husband, Jeff, she is survived by her daughter, Courtney; her son, Blair; her parents, Richard and Wanda Troy, of Toledo, Ohio; and two sisters.

Her family has suggested that anyone wishing to remember Dr. Samuels make a donation to the charity of his or her choice in Dr. Samuels’s name.

Those who wish to send condolences to her family may do so at the following address:

104 King Farm Boulevard, Apt. C-201
Rockville, MD 20850

An electronic guestbook is also available.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Driscoll
President, IUP

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

The meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, second floor of Sutton Hall.

The trustees meeting offers an opportunity to learn more about actions taking place that affect all parts of the university.

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

In this role, Associate Professor Michele Papakie will lead a team of students who will spend the rest of the calendar year facilitating the next steps in the IUP strategic visioning project.

Papakie has enlisted the help of students in her Public Relations Presentation Making class this semester to turn her preliminary proposal into a plan and to begin executing the plan before the semester’s end.

President Michael Driscoll spoke with students who'll participate in the IUP strategic visioning process under the direction of Professor Michele Papakie.

According to Papakie, the 30 students are “champing at the bit” to get started.

“When I first presented the idea to the class, the students were stunned,” she said. “They had a lot of questions, but when they realized what a monumental opportunity this is for both their résumés and their legacies at IUP, they said they couldn’t wait to get started.”

Driscoll also lauded the opportunity for IUP.

“I am very pleased that we can advance IUP utilizing the expertise of our own faculty and providing students with the hands-on learning experience for which IUP is known,” he said. “Dr. Papakie brings a wealth of experience and energy to the project, and our students will be a great asset in getting the job done.”

During the first year of his presidency, Driscoll has worked to engage IUP’s stakeholders in developing a shared vision for the future. He has been asking two questions:

• What is it that makes IUP distinctive? 
• What would they like to see IUP celebrate at its sesquicentennial celebration in 2025?

The student team’s first assignment is to research the visions, missions, core values, and strategic plans of each university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. They will also examine PASSHE’s overall plan for the system.

Next, they'll learn how to facilitate groups and manage brainstorming sessions that will include members of various publics, including students, faculty and staff members, administrators, alumni, community leaders and business owners.

Papakie and her students will create a brief presentation that will explain the goal of each group interview. “Then, the students will take their show on the road,” she said.

The format of the group interviews will be for the students to guide participants through a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis, which will explore their perceptions of the following: the way IUP can capitalize on its strengths, diminish its weaknesses, maximize its opportunities, and limit the consequences of its external threats.

Participants will also be asked to answer Driscoll’s two questions.

When the semester ends, Papakie will interview journalism students to secure a team of 10 who will continue the project through the summer.

The information gathered through these sessions will be carefully documented and entered into qualitative analysis software. Interviews will also continue throughout the summer until the team believes it has captured enough information from IUP’s various stakeholders.

“Dr. Driscoll has dedicated some funds to this project, so I can pay each student a stipend for this summer work,” Papakie said. She is hoping some of the students may be able to treat the experience as an internship as well.

“Either way, this experience will enhance their learning and better prepare them for their careers,” she said.

In the fall, Papakie will teach a Public Relations Campaigns course, and she hopes to engage students in that class to take the research and planning to the execution level of strategic visioning for IUP.

Those interested in participating in the group interviews may leave a message for Papakie at (724) 357-1401 with contact information or send her e-mail at michele.papakie@iup.edu. Members of the student team will also invite people to participate.

“If you happen to be invited to participate in a group interview, I encourage you to make the time to participate,” she said. “We need to hear from a variety of members of our community to help to determine the strategic direction of our university.”

Dallas was well-known for his internship work at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex and for his leadership on the Spirit Team. In his memory and honor, there will be a moment of silence during the men's basketball game tonight, February 20, 2013.

Arrangements for Dallas have not yet been announced.

News like this can evoke strong feelings. The best way to cope is to talk to your closest friends, family members, or trusted teachers. There are people among us who have experienced the same or similar events, and they are often more than willing to help others going through difficult circumstances. Students who would like to speak with a counselor should call 724-357-2621 or visit the Counseling Center in the Center for Health and Well-Being, Suites on Maple East.

Michael A. Driscoll
President 

Joseph was a teacher at Western Area Career and Technology Center in Canonsburg. He was named Pennsylvania Vocational Teacher of the Year in 2010.

A memorial service for Joseph was held in January.

Sad news like this can evoke strong feelings. The best way to cope is to talk to your closest friends, family members, or trusted teachers. There are people among us who have experienced the same or similar events, and they are often more than willing to help others going through difficult circumstances. Students who would like to speak with a counselor should call 724-357-2621 or visit the Counseling Center in the Center for Health and Well-Being, Suites on Maple East.

Michael A. Driscoll
President, IUP

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

I am saddened to share the news of John Woolcock’s death on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.

While I did not have the opportunity to get to know John until late in his career, I quickly learned that he was a great man, an inspiration to IUP’s students, and an incredible colleague.

John was a member of the IUP Chemistry Department for 29 years, serving as department chair from 2005 to 2011. He had been very active at IUP and was especially involved in programs that promoted teaching excellence and mentoring faculty. That involvement included serving as co-director of the Reflective Practice Project and interim co-director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. He was also a member of the Project ChemLab Committee of the American Chemical Society’s Chemical Education Division.

In recognition of his involvement in many university and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics committees and projects, he received his college’s Outstanding Achievement Award for service in 1999. Recently, he was honored by the Center for Teaching Excellence with a university teaching award named for him.

He was active in scholarship, with 12 publications, numerous presentations, and six funded external grants totaling more than $420,000.

Most important, he leaves a legacy of being dedicated to his students and helping his colleagues to achieve success.

In the words of one of his coworkers, “John was always helpful, always available, and always went out of his way to help. He was the kind of colleague who actually assigned himself to work at the Northpointe campus because he wouldn’t assign one of his colleagues to a difficult job that he hadn’t done himself.”

Friends will be received from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday at Robinson-Lytle Inc., Indiana. On Sunday, a celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Robinson-Lytle, with the Rev. Arthur C. Dilg officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the Foundation for IUP, G1 Sutton Hall, 1011 South Drive, Indiana, PA 15705-1046.

Michael A. Driscoll
President

P.S. An obituary in the Indiana Gazette has more information about John.

Earlier this month, students received an update about influenza (flu) and information about ways to stay healthy during the influenza season. Visit the Health Services Hot Topics flu page for information.

You may also be concerned about the status of the faculty union negotiations.

If you are interested in an update, I have provided one at the IUP Negotiations Update page.

Sincerely,

Michael Driscoll
President, IUP

Major Gene Deisinger, PhD, managing partner of Sigma Threat Management Associates, shared his expertise with IUP senior administrators and faculty in two days of discussions focused on the complex issues related to campus violence and principles of campus threat assessment and management.

Deisinger met with over 100 people, including President Michael Driscoll; the Concern and Response Team; trustees; Cabinet members; University Police; deans, chairs, and other faculty; the Counseling Center; and Residential Life, Student Affairs, and Human Resources colleagues.

“Dr. Deisinger’s experience and training will help move IUP forward in strengthening our systems to address threat assessment and management," said President Driscoll. "He brings a unique expert perspective to the field of forensic and law enforcement psychology on college campuses like IUP."

Deisinger said he was impressed by how "deeply committed to the safety and well-being of your campus" the IUP leadership is.

Deisinger also serves as deputy chief of police and director of Threat Management Services at Virginia Tech. For the past 15 years, he has provided training and consultation on threat assessment and management issues to a range of schools, colleges, universities, and corporations. He has also provided training and consulting to law enforcement agencies regarding pre-employment evaluation, promotional assessments, fitness-for-duty evaluations, leadership and organizational development, hostage/crisis intervention, and post-incident trauma response. His background includes serving as a licensed psychologist, certified health service provider in psychology, and state-certified peace officer.

He is the lead author ofThe Handbook for Campus Threat Assessment & Management Teams, a practical guide for colleges and universities who are developing the capacity for threat assessment teams. His specialties include threat assessment and management, forensic consultation on workplace violence issues, law enforcement selection, hostage negotiation, and crisis intervention.

I introduced the process for Strategic Funding Initiatives in a communication distributed in October. I want to share with the entire university community the end result of this new enterprise.

A total of 19 proposals received final consideration. Those final 19 requested nearly $1,360,000 against a total of $1,180,000. They involved work that would move IUP ahead in one or more key areas:

• strengthening academic quality and reputation;
• improving student success, retention, and completion;
• enhancing IUP’s financial sustainability;
• furthering IUP’s strategic goals.

Based on the proposal review process, I have decided to award approximately $877,000. Eleven proposals will receive funding from the Strategic Initiative Fund.

Ten of them received one-time funding, but two—one that entails the creation of an energy research cluster and the other the creation of a veterans reintegration cluster—will receive permanent funding for new faculty positions beginning in fiscal year 2013–14.

In addition, I have reserved an additional $205,000 to fund four proposals that will be reconsidered after further development. They are related to additional support for veterans and to student success programming.

As originally planned, I also have retained some funding to serve as a buffer in the event of future budget shortfall.

It is important to note that proposals not advanced for final review by each department head or dean and then vice president were considered thoroughly. Deans and vice presidents reported to me that most proposals contained worthy ideas—truly great ideas—but their decision to not advance them for final consideration was based on our greatest needs at this time. I want to assure everyone that just because a proposal did not receive funding this year or was not passed along for further consideration does not mean that it will not be considered strategically important in the future.

I want to thank all who took the time to respond to the call for proposals. I appreciate the care and concern for IUP’s future that all the submissions illustrated. I look forward to seeing the funded projects come to fruition in the next year.

2012–13 Projects Supported by Strategic Initiative Fund

Enrollment Management and Communications Division

Website Assistance for All Undergraduate and Graduate Programs: $100,000

Academic Affairs Division

Creation of Energy Research Cluster: $175,916*
Creation of Veterans Reintegration Center: $175,916*
Increasing Federal Grant Awards: $90,000
OB Birthing Simulation Lab: $98,143
Engaging and Educating the Shale Gas Partners: $74,880
State-of-the-Art Image Analysis Facility: $100,000

University Advancement

Phonathon Room Enhancements: $15,675
Additional Solicitation Projects in Annual Giving: $22,250
Alumni Solicitation Travel to Three Cities (Faculty Presentations): $8,000
Video Production to Show at Alumni Gatherings: $16,000

*Includes permanent commitment for faculty positions.

Dr. Timothy S. Moerland has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs. He will begin his position on January 14, 2013.

Moerland comes to IUP from Kent State University, where he served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to that, he held several positions at Florida State University, including chair of the Department of Biological Science, interim director of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Moerland replaces Dr. Gerald Intemann, who has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at IUP since April 2008. In August 2011, Intemann announced his intention to retire from his position by the end of the 2012–2013 academic year.

“I want to thank all of the members of the provost search committee, especially chair Dr. Ben Rafoth, for all of their great work in bringing this search to a successful conclusion,” said President Michael Driscoll. “We had a number of excellent candidates, but I believe that Dr. Moerland is the right fit for our institution.

“Because of his research and teaching accomplishments as a faculty member, his successful management of large and complex academic units, and the breadth and depth of his successes in growing and sustaining strong academic and research programs at two doctoral research universities, Dr. Moerland is well positioned for IUP’s current needs and aspirations for our future.

“I also want to offer my appreciation to Provost Gerald Intemann for his service to IUP,” Driscoll said.

Moerland has been a faculty member in the biological sciences departments at both Kent State University and Florida State University. He has a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Michigan State University and master’s and doctoral degrees in zoology from the University of Maine.

Moerland’s research interests include biochemical and physiological mechanisms of temperature compensation; muscle physiology and the energetics of muscular contraction; and intercellular diffusion and molecular transport. He has been part of research projects that have been funded with more than $2.5 million in grants through a variety of federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the National Institutes of Health. He has also authored more than 30 articles and chapters in scholarly publications in his field.

“I am deeply honored by this appointment and excited by the opportunity to lead the academic division at IUP,” Moerland said. “What drew me to IUP were the people I met, all of whom are genuinely committed to educational excellence and student success and providing high quality academic programs in a personalized environment.  I look forward to working with the entire university community in leading IUP to the next level of academic excellence.”

The provost and vice president for academic affairs is the chief academic officer of the institution, reports directly to the president, and serves as acting president in the absence of the president. The provost and vice president for academic affairs also is a member of the president’s senior cabinet.

Holiday Open House for Employees and Retirees
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Blue Room, John Sutton Hall

We’ve extended the hours to give everyone a chance to attend. Stop by and join the festivities!

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

Ronald was a senior majoring in Physical Education and Sport and was scheduled to graduate in December. He had served with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne in Iraq.

Funeral services were held over the weekend. Memorials may be made in care of his family.

Students who would like to speak with a counselor should call 724-357-2621 or visit the Counseling Center in the Center for Health and Well-Being, Suites on Maple East.

Michael A. Driscoll
President 

Melvin Jenkins, who chairs the Department of Developmental Studies, has agreed to lead the search committee.

Those who will work with Dr. Jenkins are listed on the Social Equity website, where you will find details about the search as it progresses and as candidates are invited to campus.

I am confident the search committee will find a candidate who is a good fit for IUP.

Michael A. Driscoll
President 

A few months ago, the General Assembly passed important legislation that granted PASSHE greater potential to develop and market new products and services.

The Higher Education Modernization Act enables our faculty, staff, and students to be more entrepreneurial by providing us with greater opportunities to work directly with businesses to develop commercial applications for any inventions we might develop in the course of our research.

In the past, we’ve been restricted from such activities because of our unique status as state employees. The new legislation creates a level playing field, not only with all other institutions of higher education in the commonwealth, but also with other public universities throughout the country.

To help you better understand the possibilities opened up by this new legislation, I invite you to join me at the first PASSHE Entrepreneurial Forum.

You’ll hear about these new opportunities and how, together, we can help PASSHE remain the smart choice for students, faculty, and the commonwealth.

Michael Driscoll
President

Application/nomination forms are available in the Office of the President, 201 Sutton Hall, and on the president’s website.

Completed applications must be submitted to the Office of the President by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.

To be eligible, a candidate must be at least a first-semester sophomore with an expected graduation date not earlier than May 2015 and in good academic and judicial standing.

The successful candidate will:

• Be appointed yearly by the chair of the Council of Trustees to serve on trustee committees and other committees as appropriate
• Serve on the Student Congress Executive Board as ex-officio
• Attend quarterly meetings of the Council of Trustees
• Participate in Commencement ceremonies and other official functions of the university
• Chair the next search committee for the student trustee position

Andrew Longacre, our current student trustee and chair of the search committee, suggests that interested students be familiar with the Powers and Duties of Councils of Trustees, Act 188, Section 20-2009-A.

Your thoughtful consideration of the student trustee position is appreciated.

Michael A. Driscoll
President

DonnaJean Fredeen Visit (rescheduled)

Fredeen will meet with students, staff, faculty, and the community in a series of open forums on both days.

Monday, October 22

• Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum
  2:30–3:30 p.m.
  HUB, Susquehanna Room
• Faculty Open Forum
  5:00–6:00 p.m.
  HUB, Monongahela Room

Tuesday, October 23

• Faculty Open Forum
  9:30–10:30 a.m.
  Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall
• Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum
  11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall

Feedback Requested

The Provost Search Committee seeks your feedback on the candidates.

To submit feedback, please print and complete the Evaluation Form. Then send it by e-mail to brafoth@iup.edu. You may also deliver it to Eicher Hall, room 217.

The deadline to receive your feedback on the Provost candidates is Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. Please make sure the Evaluation Form is submitted by this time, because the Provost Search Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. on that day.

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

In addition:

• Candidate 1’s visit has been rescheduled for October 22–23.

Donna Henry Visit

Henry will meet with students, staff, faculty, and the community in a series of open forums on both days.

Thursday, October 18

• Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum
  3:00–4:00 p.m.
  HUB, Monongahela Room
• Faculty Open Forum
  5:30–6:30 p.m.
  HUB, Monongahela Room

Friday, October 19

• Faculty Open Forum
  9:30–10:30 a.m.
  HUB, Monongahela Room
• Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum
  11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  HUB, Monongahela Room

Visits by Candidate 1 (rescheduled)

• DonnaJean Fredeen: October 22–23

More information about this candidate’s visit will be posted closer to her arrival.

On July 20, I communicated to you in an e-mail message and via IUP Daily an overview of our budget picture and said then that I would engage in further discussions on identifying highest priority investments for spending money held back from budgets.

The $1.1 million hold back I described in July acts as a buffer against future reduced allocations, but it also allows for modest investments in areas of critical strategic importance to the future of IUP.

We recognize that we must make at least some investment in those areas that are most important to our future success. Proposals for possible investment are now being solicited.

Proposals should be submitted through your reporting structure and will be filtered through each vice presidential area for consideration. The deadline for vice presidents to submit final proposals to the Budget Office is October 30. The Budget Office will facilitate review of the submitted proposals by the University Planning Council, which will make recommendations on funding to the President’s Cabinet. The President’s Cabinet will make final funding decisions by November 15.

Michael A. Driscoll
President

Proposing a Strategic Initiative

• Details on criteria, process, and instructions (.pdf)
• Proposal template (.doc)

In addition:

• Candidate 1’s visit has been rescheduled for October 22–23.

Barbara Feldman Visit

Feldman will meet with students, staff, faculty, and the community in a series of open forums on both days.

Monday, October 15

Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum

3:00–4:00 p.m.
HUB, Allegheny Room

Faculty Open Forum

5:30–6:30 p.m.
HUB, Allegheny Room

Tuesday, October 16

Faculty Open Forum

9:00–10:00 a.m.
HUB, Monongahela Room

Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
HUB, Monongahela Room

Visits by Candidates 4 and 1 (rescheduled)

The other two candidates will visit campus over the next two weeks.

• Donna Henry (Candidate 4): October 18–19
• DonnaJean Fredeen (Candidate 1): October 22–23 (rescheduled)

More information about these candidates’ visits will be posted closer to their arrival.

In addition:

• Candidate 1’s visit has been rescheduled for October 22–23.

Timothy Moerland Visit

Moerland will meet with students, staff, and the community in a series of open forums on both days.

Thursday, October 11

Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum

3:00–4:00 p.m.
Wallwork Hall G98, Multipurpose Room

Faculty Open Forum

4:00–5:00 p.m.
Wallwork Hall, G98, Multipurpose Room

Friday, October 12

Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Crimson Event Center, Folger Hall

Faculty Open Forum

5:30–6:30 p.m.
Crimson Event Center, Folger Hall

Visits by Candidates 3, 4, and 1

The other three candidates will visit campus over the next two weeks.

• Barbara Feldman (Candidate 3): October 15–16
• Donna Henry (Candidate 4): October 18–19
• DonnaJean Fredeen (Candidate 1): October 22–23 (rescheduled)

More information about these candidates’ visits will be posted closer to their arrival.

We received news today that William Shane, who served on the IUP Council of Trustees from 1991 to 1995, died on Thursday in a car accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

A well-known figure in Indiana, Mr. Shane served over the years as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Indiana County Board of Commissioners, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and the Indiana Borough Council. An avid sports fan, he attended many IUP football and basketball games, and he volunteered to assist with the university’s Gateways to Opportunity capital campaign in the early 2000s. In recent years, he had taken classes at IUP and was an avid community volunteer.

His wife, Esther, is a professor emerita of the Special Education Department. According to news reports, she was with him at the time of his death, sustained injuries, and is now back home in Indiana.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. When this information becomes available, it will be posted on the IUP.edu website.

Michael A. Driscoll
President 

Moerland was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State from 2008 to 2012 and has been a professor of biological sciences there since 2008.

At Kent, Moerland spearheaded creation of the innovative School of Digital Science, a virtual interdisciplinary program, and has received numerous extramural grants.

Previously, Moerland was chair of the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University for five years. He also served as an associate dean at Florida State.

He earned his PhD in zoology from the University of Maine in 1984 and his B.S. in biology from Michigan State University in 1978.

Moerland's visit is the second of four provost candidate visits scheduled throughout October.

Provost search candidate DonnaJean Fredeen, of Southern Connecticut State University, will visit campus on October 22–23 to talk with constituents and learn more about IUP.

Fredeen has been dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Southern Connecticut since 2001 and was interim dean for three years before this time. She oversees 600 full- and part-time faculty.

Fredeen led the university’s implementation of a new Liberal Education Program, including a freshman seminar. In addition, she helped to create the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science, Center for Coastal and Marine Studies, and Center for Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Education. During her tenure, her college created new M.F.A., M.S., and B.A. degrees.

Fredeen earned her Ph.D. in analytic/inorganic chemistry from Texas A&M University in 1986 and her B.A. in chemsitry from McMurry College in 1981.

All faculty, students, staff, and community members are invited to review the candidate's resume and attend these open forums:

Monday, October 22

2:30–3:30 p.m.: Student, Staff and Community Open Forum
Susquehanna Room, HUB

5:00–6:00 p.m.: Faculty Open Forum
Monongahela Room, HUB

Tuesday, October 23

9:30–10:30 a.m.: Faculty Open Forum
Sutton–Gorell Recital Hall

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Student, Staff and Community Open Forum
Sutton–Gorell Recital Hall

Fredeen's visit is the first of four provost candidate visits scheduled throughout October.

The four finalists for the position of Provost will visit campus October 11–23 to talk with constituents and learn more about IUP.

In addition, a news item presenting each candidate’s brief biography and resume will be posted several days before his or her visit.

Faculty, students, staff, and community members are invited to review candidates' resumes and attend these open forums.

Candidate #2: October 11–12

Thursday, October 11

• 3:00–4:00 p.m.: Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum
  Wallwork Hall G98, Multipurpose Room
• 4:00–5:00 p.m.: Faculty Open Forum
  Wallwork Hall G98, Multipurpose Room

Friday, October 12

• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m: Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum
  Crimson Event Center, Folger Hall
• 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Faculty Open Forum
  Crimson Event Center, Folger Hall

Candidate #3: October 15–16

Monday, October 15

• 3:00–4:00 p.m.: Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum
  Allegheny Room, HUB
• 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Faculty Open Forum
  Allegheny Room, HUB

Tuesday, October 16

• 9:00–10:00 a.m.: Faculty Open Forum
  Monongahela Room, HUB
• 11:00 a.m.–noon: Student, Staff and Community Open Forum
  Monongahela Room, HUB

Candidate #4: October 18–19

Thursday, October 18

• 3:00–4:00 p.m.: Student, Staff, and Community Open Forum
  Monongahela Room, HUB
• 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Faculty Open Forum
  Monongahela Room, HUB

Friday, October 19

• 9:30–10:30 a.m.: Faculty Open Forum
  Monongahela Room, HUB
• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Student, Staff and Community Open Forum
  Monongahela Room, HUB
  

Candidate #1: October 22–23

Monday, October 22

• 2:30–3:30 p.m.: Student, Staff and Community Open Forum
  Susquehanna Room, HUB
• 5:00–6:00 p.m.: Faculty Open Forum
  Allegheny Room, HUB

Tuesday, October 23

• 9:30–10:30 a.m.: Faculty Open Forum
  Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall
• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Student, Staff and Community Open Forum
  Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall

"IUP is committed to encouraging our students to be active citizens of the commonwealth and the nation," said President Michael Driscoll. "One of the privileges – and responsibilities – of citizenship is participating in the democratic process: making your voice heard by voting."

Detailed information on many ways college students can register, including through absentee ballot and via many government agencies, may be found at VotesPA.com.

Students can vote in Indiana County only if they register to vote here with their local address.

Starting Monday, October 1, volunteers from the student organizations College Republicans and College Democrats will be at the Oak Grove, the HUB, and other locations between classes and at other times every day to help students who wish to register here.

Students can also register at these locations on or near Philadelphia Street:

• Indiana County Courthouse, 825 Philadelphia Street: Downstairs, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
• Democratic Party headquarters, 15 North 7th Street: Third floor, 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. daily
• Republican Party headquarters, 35 North 8th Street: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily

"Clearly, many students agree on the importance of voting and ensuring that all eligible voters are registered," said President Driscoll. "It’s gratifying to see students at events like IUP Day or around campus, working on a volunteer basis to help fellow students register."

Registrations have increased by 1,359 in Indiana County since August 16, and, according to voter registration officials, the great majority of new registrations are from IUP students.

On Election Day, students can use their IUP I-Card as photo ID at the polls. If they have a new card, issued since spring 2011, they're all set. Students who have an older I-Card without an expiration date can go to the I-Card office in the HUB lobby to get a free expiration sticker, and their I-Card will be valid at the polls. UPDATE: As a result of the October 2, 2012, court injunction, no expiration date is needed on I-Card to be used as voting ID. Any I-Card may be used as ID at the polls.

Voting sites are based on street address. Students with campus addresses can watchThe Beak for information on where to vote.

See you at the polls on November 6!

Following a national search assisted by a consulting firm, the committee received 54 applications and then met on September 11 to choose the nine semifinalists. Each one met with the committee in a conference room near the Pittsburgh Airport.

Four candidates had a particularly strong combination of experience, background, references, and successful interview.

Prior to each campus visit, candidate vitas will be available for review and a schedule of meeting opportunities will be published.

“Everyone in the IUP community will be invited to meet the four candidates and offer their input,” said Professor Ben Rafoth, chair of the committee.

The 15-member search committee consists of faculty members, administrators, students, and deans. In addition to Rafoth, they are:

• Francisco Alarcon, Mathematics
• William Balint, IT Services
• Patricia Connell, Developmental Studies
• Brian Jones, Theater
• Matthew Klitsch, undergraduate student
• Timothy Mack, Graduate Studies and Research
• Jack Makara, Student Affairs
• Theresa McDevitt, IUP Libraries
• Kelli Paquette, Professional Studies
• Teresa Shellenbarger, Nursing
• Deanne Snavely, Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Elizabeth Solomonides, graduate student
• Ramesh Soni, Management
• Cornelius Wooten, Administration and Finance
• Patti Krausslach, President’s Office, provides administrative support

President Michael Driscoll (center) with IUP SECA coordinator Ray Wygonik and Indiana County United Way director Susan Sapko

With more than 1,400 charitable organizations SECA supports, each one of us can undoubtedly find a charity or cause that is important and meaningful to us.

Many donors choose to use SECA to contribute to the United Way of Indiana County. The United Way supports 16 community agencies, ranging from the Alice Paul House to the Salvation Army. All the funds donated to the United Way of Indiana County stay in the county, and the programs it supports affect one in four individuals in the county. Your contributions, which you can make by payroll deduction through SECA, truly make an impact right here at home.

Once again, the campaign will use minimal printed materials, but pledge forms will be sent to employees electronically and through campus mail. A complete list of participating SECA agencies is available on the SECA web site.

Contributing through payroll deduction is easy and allows a donation to be spread over the entire year. One-time contributions made by check, cash, or credit card are always welcome.

Everyone who makes a pledge will be eligible for weekly prizes.

In support of SECA, I have donated the prize of joining me at a luncheon for three at an Indiana County venue of the winner’s choice.

In addition, I'm pleased to have been asked by the IUP SECA committee to be the honorary host for the annual SECA luncheon on October 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Oak Room.

I will be making a pledge to SECA, and I hope you will join me in supporting this important outreach effort. I have no doubt that, by working together, this great university community will meet its goal of raising $50,000 and increasing the number of donors.

So, please take the time to consider the opportunities for giving on the SECA web site, and I hope to see you in the Oak Room on October 25.

Imagine the impact we can have here in Indiana County and beyond if every member of the IUP community gives to SECA.

Michael Driscoll
President 

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

Jacob was a sophomore in the College of Health and Human Services and is the stepson of Jeff Perkovich, an IUP staff member. Jacob was also a former member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Farris Funeral Home, 427 East Main Street (Route 11), Abingdon, Virginia.

The funeral service will be at noon on Saturday, September 15, at Rosedale Baptist Church, 26396 Lee Highway (Route 11), Abingdon, with burial at Old Glade Presbyterian Church in Glade Springs.

Students who would like to speak with a counselor should call (724) 357-2621 or visit the Counseling Center in the Center for Health and Well-Being, Suites on Maple East.

Michael Driscoll
President 

The meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, second floor of Sutton Hall.

The trustees meeting offers an opportunity to learn more about actions of the trustees as they affect the university.

We have been in touch with members of Brandon’s family, who have asked us to let the IUP community know that he is receiving care through West Penn Allegheny Health System (Allegheny General Hospital). E-cards may be sent to him at this website.

Students who would like to speak with a counselor should call 724-357-2621 or visit the Counseling Center in the Center for Health and Well-Being, Suites on Maple East.

Please join me in offering your thoughts and good wishes to Brandon and his family and friends.

Michael A. Driscoll
President 

Timothy was a senior majoring in Nursing.

Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 3, at Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Cabot.

Timothy began his nursing studies at IUP in fall 2010. He was very involved in the Department of Nursing, was passionate about a career in nursing, and was well known and respected by his faculty and peers.

Students who would like to speak with a counselor should call (724) 357-2621 or visit the Counseling Center in the Center for Health and Well-Being, located in the Suites on Maple East.

Michael Driscoll
President

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

Provost Gerald Intemann will act as master of cermonies and introduce the speakers, Michael Driscoll, university president; Mark Staszkiewicz (Education and School Psychology), IUP APSCUF president;  David LaPorte (Psychology), University Senate chairperson; and Andrew Longacre, the student member of the IUP Council of Trustees. 

The formal program will last approximately an hour. Refreshments will be served in the Oak Grove after the program. The campus community is invited.

While the budget picture for this year is much better than was feared just a few months ago, this is not a time to maintain the status quo. There is significant economic uncertainty in Pennsylvania, and several fiscal challenges are in our future. The vice presidents and I agree that we must take advantage of last year’s work in setting strategic priorities and identifying administrative efficiencies to ensure that we protect IUP’s core mission. We also must make at least some investment in those areas that are most important to our future success.

I have therefore decided that 75 percent of the cuts planned for the FY 2012–13 E&G budget will be returned to the vice presidents to be allocated to the most important strategic priorities in each of their divisions. (The only exception is that the Office of the President will take 100 percent of its planned cut.) The remaining 25 percent of the planned cuts will be retained centrally as a hedge against looming fiscal challenges and for one-time and base investment in areas of critical importance to IUP’s future. I will be engaging in further discussions with the vice presidents and with all of you to identify the highest priority investments as quickly as possible.

I encourage you to consult with your vice president about the specifics of how this decision will be implemented in your unit.

Michael A. Driscoll
President

The purpose of the Open Forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

In addition, a box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the time the forum begins.

The reception is hosted by the IUP Council of Trustees and the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., remarks will be presented by:

• Dominic Paccapaniccia, Chair, Indiana County Chamber of Commerce
• Susan Delaney, Chair, Council of Trustees
• President Mike Driscoll and Becky Driscoll

He told IUP Magazine that his first key task as president will be to "open the lines of communication and involve all stakeholders, internal and external, in discussions to determine a shared vision for IUP's future."

Read more in "Ready for the Challenge," a special advance feature from the summer 2012 issue of IUP Magazine.

Verdon was a junior majoring in Sport Administration.

A viewing will take place on Thursday, July 5, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., at which time a funeral service will be held at Reformation Lutheran Church, 1215 East Vernon Road, Philadelphia.

Students who would like to speak with a counselor are encouraged to call or visit the Counseling Center in the Center for Health and Well-Being, located in the Suites on Maple East.

The phone number for the Counseling Center is (724) 357-2621. The center is open 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with some evening hours available by appointment.

Mike Driscoll
President

I am eager to begin my work here at IUP and am humbled and truly honored by the trust you have placed in me as your new president.

While this is my first “official” day here, I am already feeling at home. My wife, Becky, and I sincerely appreciate the many congratulatory and welcoming messages we have received since January.

Dr. Werner has provided me with a great deal of information and sage advice during the past six months to help prepare me for this important role. As you well know, he has been an exceptional leader and has left this university in a very good place.

My guiding principles for my first weeks and months as president are to be visible, to listen, and to learn from you. This great university deserves nothing less than the best thinking and effort from all of us.

I hope that you can join me, along with Becky and our son, Greg, at my first Picnic in the Grove on Wednesday, July 11.

Becky and I also look forward to the opportunity to meet you and members of the community at a reception on Monday, July 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. This reception is co-hosted by the Council of Trustees and the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce.

Please enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer and the Independence Day holiday.

The purpose of the forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

A box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

The purpose of the forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

A box will be placed in front of Gorell for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the forum begins.

The provost is administratively responsible for all academic departments and programs and serves as acting president when the president is absent.

The 15-member search committee is being aided by an academic search firm, Academic Search Inc., to ensure a large, talented, and diverse pool of applicants.

The opening of the search follows meetings between Thomas Fitch, senior consultant with the firm, and members of the IUP and Indiana communities to discuss the qualifications needed for the job. The search committee met to review the qualifications and add information about the university and community to the search materials, according to Ben Rafoth, chair of the search committee.

A prospectus for the position was then forwarded to IUP President-designate Michael Driscoll and Interim President David Werner for their input.

For the next three months, advertisements for the opening will appear in national publications such as the Chronicle of Higher Education as well as on the Human Resources web site. The review of applications begins August 31, with campus interviews tentatively planned for late fall.

Nominators or prospective candidates may direct inquiries to Fitch at rtf@academic-search.com. All inquiries and applications are confidential.

The new provost is expected to start in January 2013 or as soon thereafter as feasible, Rafoth said.

Gerald Intemann, current provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced in August 2011 his intention to leave the position and assume professorial duties.

Mr. Cook, age 20, was a sophomore Communications Media major.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place Thursday, May 24, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecelia Roman Catholic Church, 45 Wilus Way, Iselin, N.J.

The family requests that those who wish to honor Mr. Cook donate blood to their local blood bank in his memory. To send online condolences, visit Holcombe-Fisher funeral home.

Students who would like to speak with a counselor should call or visit the Counseling Center and the Center for Health and Well-Being in the Suites on Maple East.

David Werner
Interim President

Kipp was 21 and a junior Religious Studies major. He was very active in his major and was the former student president of the Committee for the Study of Culture and Religion.

Students who would like to speak with a counselor are urged to call or visit the Counseling Center in the Suites on Maple East and to make it known that this is their concern.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 12, with viewing from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and service at 3:00 p.m., at Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, 2100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110‎.

The funeral home may be contacted at (717) 652-7701.‎

David Werner
Interim President

The meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, second floor of Sutton Hall.

The trustees meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about actions of the trustees as they affect the university.

Mr. Engler died early Sunday in his room in Wallwork Hall. The cause of death is still under investigation.

Friends will be received from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Rusiewicz of Lower Burrell Funeral Home, 3124 Leechburg Road at Alder Street, Lower Burrell.

A blessing service will be held at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Friday, followed by a Christian funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary Church, New Kensington. Burial will be private.

David Werner
Interim President

Committees of the Council of Trustees meet on May 10 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Inquiries may be made by calling 724-357-2200 for specific information. These meetings are open to the public.

The purpose of the forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

A box will be placed in front of Gorell Recital Hall for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the time the forum begins.

All members of the IUP community—faculty, administration, students, staff, and members of the Indiana community—are encouraged to participate in the search process for selecting the next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at IUP.

The Provost Search Committee has chosen a search firm. Thomas Fitch, senior consultant for Academic Search, Inc., will be on campus on May 1 and 2, 2012, to listen and gather input from as many people as possible.

The following is a list of open forums that all are encouraged to attend.

Faculty Forum

Tuesday, May 1

• noon–1:00 p.m.
• Ohio Room, Hadley Union Building

Student Forum

Tuesday, May 1

• 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• Ohio Room, HUB

Staff/Community Forum

Wednesday, May 2

• noon–1:00 p.m.
• Susquehanna Room, HUB

Faculty Forum

Wednesday, May 2

• 3:30–4:30 p.m.
• Susquehanna Room, HUB

During these meetings, Fitch will ask for input on the qualities and credentials that you believe are important for the position of provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at IUP. Fitch will then take the input he receives from the various constituencies and draft a leadership profile, which will be used to recruit candidates and guide the committee. Once the committee has selected candidates for campus interviews, everyone will be invited to attend the interviews and offer input on the candidates. The timeline for this process and our eventual success depend on achieving a strong pool of applicants.

Candidates are often recruited by individuals who currently work for the institution. If you know of anyone who is qualified and might be interested in the position, please forward the person’s name and contact information to Ben Rafoth at brafoth@iup.edu or to Thomas Fitch at rtf@academic-search.com.

All members of the campus community are invited to events on May 4 and June 6 to bid farewell to Interim President David Werner and his wife, Kay Werner. President Werner’s term closes on June 30.

The first farewell event will be an Open House on May 4, 2012, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the University Museum, John Sutton Hall.

The second event will be at Picnic in the Grove on June 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Oak Grove. If it rains, the picnic will move to the Blue Room of John Sutton Hall.

Please attend either event to send David and Kay off with good wishes, and please share this news with friends and colleagues. Everyone is welcome.

The purpose of the forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

A box will be placed in front of Gorell Recital Hall for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the time the forum begins.

The meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, second floor of Sutton Hall.

The trustees meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about actions taking place that affect all sectors of the university.

Interim president David Werner honored state senator Don White with the 2012 President’s Medal of Distinction.

Trustee Jonathan Mack was honored with the Male Civic Leader Award, and Michelle Fryling, director of Media Relations, was honored with the Athena Leadership Award.

Robin Gorman, executive assistant and chief of staff in the President’s Office, and Elizabeth “Betsy” Sarneso, assistant director of Student Life/Student Leadership and Greek life, were finalists for the Athena Leadership Award.

Read more.

Left to right: Betsey Sarneso, Michelle Fryling, Robin Gorman, Jonathan Mack, and David Werner

Left to right: Jonathan Mack, Don White, and David Werner

The committee will begin its work soon, with the expectation of bringing candidates to campus shortly after Dr. Driscoll takes office. The committee will select a search firm to assist it in its work.

David Werner
Interim President

The purpose of the forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience.

A box will be placed in front of Gorell Recital Hall for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the time the forum begins.

The purpose of the forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience. However, a box will be placed in front of Gorell Recital Hall for those who wish to submit questions anonymously until the time the forum begins.

Ms. Burkett was a sophomore in the Anthropology Department. She was from Gifford, Pa., and lived in Delaney Hall.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 31, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Home in Smethport, Pa., with funeral and committal services immediately following. More information is available at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

David Werner
Interim President 

As you probably remember, the helicopter used to do filming of the show crashed in an off-campus parking lot. We continue to be relieved that there were no injuries to students or others on the ground, and we also continue to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the helicopter pilot who died as a result of injuries he sustained in the crash.

I want to make clear that the helicopter was being used by the staff of the reality show Campus PD. The title of the show implies that IUP police were involved. They were not. The university was neither consulted nor involved in any arrangements related to this project. The show’s producers made all arrangements for filming in the community with Indiana Borough Police Department.

David Werner
Interim President 

Dr. Driscoll continues his duties as provost and executive vice chancellor at the University of Alaska Anchorage and will be busy throughout the winter and spring wrapping up his duties there and planning his move to Indiana.  During his brief visit to the IUP campus this spring he will be busy in meetings to learn more about IUP.

As a result, he will not be available to attend local events until after he takes up his presidential duties on July 1, 2012.

If you would like to invite Dr. Driscoll to attend an event that will occur after he takes office, please contact Ruffina Winters at 724-357-2200.

The next president of IUP will be Michael A. Driscoll, provost and executive vice chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage. His term will begin July 1, 2012.

Watch the board meeting live through a link on the PaSSHE website. 

In the release the Governor said, “We did not make the decision to freeze these funds lightly. If the revenue picture improves in the months ahead and we determine these funds no longer need to remain frozen, we may be able to free up some or perhaps even all of the funds we are now placing into budgetary reserve.”

Along with the vice presidents, I will be monitoring this situation and developing plans to comply with the Governor’s request should it be necessary to reduce our expenditure from our appropriation from the Commonwealth by 5 percent or $2.6 million, IUP’s share of the PASSHE appropriation.

David Werner
Interim President 

This meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about actions taking place that impact all sectors of the university. I hope that you will attend as your schedules permit.

David Werner
Interim President 

This is a time for choices.

The end of the first semester of this academic year provides a valuable opportunity for us to take a step back and gauge how our campuses are managing during these challenging times. With the help of many, our university presidents and their teams have made critical choices to ensure that our students continue to receive a quality education that they and their families can afford.

As we know, the 18 percent reduction in our state appropriation for this year translated into an $800 per student loss. Our Board of Governors made the choice to raise tuition by $436, keeping our commitment to students and their families not to fully recover the lost revenue through tuition. Hopefully, the fact that our enrollments are close to our historic high level of 120,000 students means it was the right choice.

However, that decision, and the reality that state revenues are not recovering, means that we are facing several more years of difficult financial pressures. In response to these realities, our university leaders have made a number of tough choices to manage with limited resources, not only in the current year, but also possibly for several more years of difficult budgets ahead.

In some cases, fewer adjunct faculty have been hired. In others, class sizes have increased. Vacancies have not been filled and many lower-enrolled programs have been put in moratorium or discontinued. We are doing more with less.

Through a combination of retirements, voluntary separations, and furloughs, PASSHE has 339 fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) positions funded in today’s budget than were funded in 2008/09. Throughout the System, over 900 funded positions (full-time and part-time)—approximately seven percent (7%) of the total PASSHE workforce—have either been held vacant or eliminated in 2011/12. Many of the vacated positions will remain unfilled.

These decisions have been made in the context of the goal of ensuring that our students will continue to get the programs and courses they need to graduate and be prepared for their lives and careers after college.

Colleges and universities across the country are responding to similar challenges by changing the way they do things, including how they teach, to better reflect current research-based understanding of how students learn and access information. The choices that lie ahead for us include taking the innovations that many of our faculty have developed and spreading them across our System. They also involve adopting national best practices in using peer tutors in certain courses, an approach that has been shown to increase student learning, even (and sometimes especially) in large section courses. These and other options must be considered in order for us to respond to changes in the ways that students learn and acquire information, and retain our position as a System of universities that deliberately incorporates the best and most effective ways to provide a top quality education to our students.

But there is good news as well. The choice was made to offer new programs, especially those provided online, which are growing at a robust pace. New Professional Science Masters programs have been introduced at Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg, Indiana, Kutztown, and Millersville Universities, with others planned. New 2+2+2 partnerships with high schools, community colleges, and PASSHE universities provide innovative and effective ways for students to obtain degrees in a variety of technical fields. And, several of our universities are creating collaborative courses and programs. Through the creative efforts of many of our faculty, Web-enhanced opportunities have been created, including eye-popping virtual labs that result in better education for our students.

We are advocating for legislation which will, among other things, permit all PASSHE universities to offer applied doctorates and give our faculty and staff new opportunities to be entrepreneurial. We have enjoyed broad support in both chambers of the Legislature and hope to have a final bill or package of bills approved early next year.

Regardless of how successful we are and will continue to be in balancing all of the current pressures on the System, there are several major issues on the horizon that, if not addressed quickly, could make future choices even more challenging, or eliminate the opportunity for choices entirely.

PASSHE active employees and annuitants, excluding those enrolled in the PEBTF, are covered under a group health plan. Our workforce demographics reflect an aging population; 50 percent of our current employees are over the age of 50. One outcome is a steady growth in our annuitant healthcare costs. By 2020, is it likely that the number of annuitants will exceed the number of active employees in the health plan. In other words, more retirees will be using benefits and services than active employees. Together, we have to determine menu options and cost sharing responsibilities that will create a fair healthcare package that doesn’t unduly burden our new and existing employees and students. Additionally, you have heard a great deal in the media about benefits’ costs in general, largely because the cost of healthcare continues to rise very rapidly. PASSHE is not excluded from these problems.

At the same time, PASSHE’s employer funding obligations to the two state pension funds, SERS and PSERS, are increasing significantly. Based on recent changes to Commonwealth law regarding these retirement programs, it is projected that the employer contribution rate for SERS will grow from its current average of 6.99 percent of payroll to a peak of 25.9 percent of payroll in 2016/17 and result in an estimated increase in the System’s annual retirement costs that exceeds $80 million.

Benefits’ costs are a large part of our budget. Here’s an example of what these healthcare and retirement cost increases mean. Today, benefit expenditures equal approximately 38 percent of all tuition revenue. If costs continue to increase at current rates and tuition increases remain modest—which has been our history— that percentage will increase to well over half of all tuition dollars by 2020/21.

How to address these future trends is a choice we have to make today.

PASSHE leaders must continuously review our policies and procedures to ensure that they not only are totally compliant with state and federal statutes, but also are relevant to issues which directly impact our campuses. Most recently, I have asked for a full review of our policies and procedures with respect to the reporting of sexual harassment and misconduct. Those are underway, and have been completed on most campuses. I also remind all of us that each of our campuses has a designated area for free speech. We strongly value the right to voice opinions, even those with which we personally disagree. We also place the highest value on our students’ safety. So, we regularly work with our campus police as well as local and regional law enforcement to ensure that we are doing all we can to provide that safe environment.

In closing, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for all that you have done in 2011 to make PASSHE a great university System. You make a difference in the lives of our students. I know the reason you come to work every day is that you want to make sure that our students have the best possible places to live and learn. Others before us made choices that gave us those opportunities. Now it’s our turn to pass it on to this generation of students.

I wish you a wonderful holiday season, and all the best for 2012.

The purpose of the open forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience. However, a box will be placed in front of Gorell Recital Hall, and those who wish to submit questions anonymously may do so until the time the forum begins.

A reception will be held in the Blue Room of Sutton Hall following the ceremony.

All are welcome. Please come enjoy the festivities and refreshments as we celebrate the holiday season with IUP and the Indiana community.

David Werner
Interim President 

The purpose of the open forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience. However, a box will be placed in front of Gorell Recital Hall, and those who wish to submit questions anonymously may do so until the time the forum begins.

This unfortunate incident is the most recent among several expressions of intolerance experienced by members of our university community. When students and faculty and staff members experience intolerance, hatred, and/or injustice, it is vital to counter these expressions by reaffirming the value of each individual, exchanging ideas, and listening to one another with consideration and respect.

Members of the university community who are emotionally distressed by the images and/or experiencing intolerance may contact the Counseling Center in the Center for Health and Well-Being at 724-357-2621.

Community members concerned about safety or who may have information regarding the graffiti are urged to contact University Police at 724-357-2141.

Please see IUP’s stance on civil behavior, IUP’s Civility Statement. We ask that all members of the university community review the statement.

David Werner
Interim President

The purpose of the open forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience. However, a box will be placed in front of Gorell Recital Hall, and those who wish to submit questions anonymously may do so until the time the forum begins.

Members of the student body, faculty, and staff are invited to attend and pose questions.

I hope you are able to attend.

David Werner
Interim President 

Maintaining or increasing enrollment, while simultaneously increasing the quality of incoming students, requires the efforts of the whole university, not only Student Affairs. Moving enrollment management to the vice-presidential level underscores its importance to IUP’s future.

The following units will report to Mr. Begany:

• Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Career Development
• Student Success
• Communications

These departments together represent the full continuum of enrollment management, from recruitment, matriculation, retention, and graduation through the pursuit of professional goals. The addition of Communications demonstrates the critical linkages among enrollment, integrated marketing, communications, and the university’s image, both internally and externally.

This restructuring does not change the scope or function of the units now reporting to the vice president for Enrollment Management and Communications. Through the reallocation of existing financial and human resources, these administrative changes are achieved without increasing administrative costs.

Under the leadership of Vice President Rhonda Luckey, the Student Affairs Division remains focused on fostering and providing services and programs vital to students’ achievement and success.

Bill Speidel, associate vice president for Development, continues to direct the University Relations Division, emphasizing exclusively the functions of university development and alumni relations, areas critical to IUP’s financial health and legacy. The position of vice president for University Relations remains unfilled.

David Werner
Interim President

Likely topics of discussion include fall enrollment numbers, Hawk Walk, Into the Streets, IUP's third straight year being recognized by Washington Monthly for contributions to society, the search for a new president, and Werner’s plans for his remaining months at IUP.

Dr. Dandurand arrived at IUP in 1986 and served as director of the Literature and Criticism program for several years.  She was a beloved teacher who was known for her interests in nineteenth century American literature, women’s literature, autobiography, and letters.

She was one of the founding editors of Legacy, a journal of American women writers published by the University of Nebraska Press.

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Dandurand are not yet final.

David Werner
Interim President

This meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about actions taking place that impact all sectors of the university. I hope that you will attend as your schedules permit.

David Werner
Interim President 

See his message in this PDF file.

The purpose of the open forum is to answer questions posed by members of the audience. However, a box will be placed in front of Gorell Recital Hall, and those who wish to submit questions anonymously may do so until the time the forum begins.

In addition to a speech by President David Werner, faculty members, staff members, and community members heard from Gerald Intemann, provost; Susan Drummond, APSCUF president; David LaPorte, University Senate president; and Andrew Longacre, the student member of the IUP Council of Trustees.

After the formal program, those in attendance enjoyed refreshments in the Oak Grove.

President Werner’s speech may be seen on the President’s Office website.

Above: President David Werner with Professor Francisco Alarcon at Friday’s reception

A reception with light refreshments will follow in the Oak Grove.

David Werner
Interim President 

Dr. Julian had been a faculty member in the Economics Department since August 2003. A popular teacher in International Economics, he also served as the editor of the Economics Department alumni newsletter and as a member of the University Senate.

Dr. Julian was a native of Akron, where his parents still reside. Visitation and other events in celebration of Dr. Julian’s life will take place at Newcomer Funeral Home in Akron. Information on funeral arrangements also appeared in yesterday’s Indiana Gazette.

David Werner
Interim President

Questions may submitted through a box outside of Gorell Recital Hall, located on the second floor of John Sutton Hall. The box will be placed in front of the hall at noon on Monday, July 11, and those who wish to submit questions anonymously may do so up until the time the forum begins. The forum takes place at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2010, in the recital hall.

To ensure accuracy, it is suggested that questions be typed rather than written by hand.

President Werner also will continue to answer questions posed by members of the audience. 

The meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about trustees’ actions as they affect the university.

David Werner
Interim President

We are relieved that there were no injuries to students or others on the ground. It is our understanding that the helicopter pilot and passengers are being treated at area medical centers.

The helicopter was being used by the staff of a reality television show, Campus PD. The title of the show implies that IUP police were involved. They were not. The university was neither consulted nor involved in any arrangements related to this project. The show’s producers made all arrangements for filming in the community with the Indiana Borough Police Department.

Any students is in need of immediate assistance resulting from this accident have been asked to contact University Police at 724-357-2141.

David Werner
Interim President

History professor Lynn Botelho has been selected as University Professor for 2011–2012. She was chosen from a field of many exemplary faculty members in an extremely competitive process.

The University Professor is an individual who exemplifies excellence in all areas of teaching, research, scholarly activities, and service. Dr. Botelho has a documented record of dedication to IUP’s teacher-scholar model.

During her tenure as University Professor, Dr. Botelho will write a monograph offering a historical perspective of aging as it was viewed during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This book promises to be the first wide-ranging study of old age during this period of European history. She will also create a new dual-level course that combines the history of medicine with the history of the body.

Dr. Botelho will hold the title University Professor for life. Her name will join those of other University Professors on the listing displayed in the lobby of Stapleton Library.

David Werner
Interim President

The letters are being sent to comply with contractual agreements and don’t necessarily mean that retrenchment will occur. We are engaged in efforts to clarify our mission and set our academic priorities in order to better focus our efforts on our strategic goals. We must reallocate resources to institutional priorities, and this will mean reducing or eliminating academic programs and services not central to our mission.

We will keep the lines of communication open and provide as much information as we can as soon as it is available.

David Werner
Interim President

At IUP, we had anticipated a decline in funding and had prepared various scenarios to deal with it. However, nobody expected a cut this big.

The State System chancellor and his staff are working with university presidents and student government leaders to organize advocacy teams of students, Council of Trustees members, alumni, and campus presidents. These teams will make presentations to legislators in Harrisburg on April 4 and 5.

Representatives of the State System will be on the IUP campus this coming Monday, March 21, 2011, and will make a presentation in Eberly’s Alumni Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. They will share a plan for advocacy developed by the System with the following purposes:

• To speak with a unified voice about the State System
• To provide key data about the System’s impact on Pennsylvania’s economic development and educational efforts
• To request support for the System in very difficult financial times

Although it’s impossible for all campus constituents to participate directly in Advocacy Days in Harrisburg, I hope you can take advantage of this presentation to learn about key messages that will be conveyed and to gain important legislative and background information on State System funding.

David Werner
Interim President

This event recognizes Distinguished Faculty Award recipients and initiates of Phi Kappa Phi.

A reception will be held in the HUB atrium immediately following the ceremony.

At IUP, we had anticipated a decline in funding and had prepared various scenarios to deal with it. However, nobody expected a cut this big.

Essentially, if it takes effect, this reduction will change the character of the university as we have known it. It will change the programs and services we can offer students; it will affect their ability to graduate in four years; and it will jeopardize their ability to secure an education they can afford.

We have been good stewards of the taxpayers’ money. While the State System Board of Governors has increased tuition every year since 1998, the rate of increase has been well below the rates found at other universities. In four of the last five years, the increase has been below the rate of inflation.

If you happen to have been a student at IUP in 1983–1984, about 63 percent of your education was supported by the commonwealth. By 2010–2011, that support had fallen below 34 percent. The cuts now proposed would turn the clock back to 1983 in terms of dollar amount of state appropriations—only those dollars are even fewer when adjusted for inflation, and they would have to cover 38,000 more students. According to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, this “would be the biggest one-time percentage cut to state higher-education funds in history.”

If you’re a Pennsylvania resident and you want to safeguard students and their families, please contact your state legislators:

• Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, listed with e-mail addresses
• Members of the Pennsylvania Senate, listed with e-mail addresses

Please speak up for IUP and the State System. Your voice is needed now more than ever.

David Werner
Interim President

The PACT Conference Committee invites proposals from IUP’s faculty, staff, and students on all topics related to student achievement at IUP. Proposals should address the conference theme, “Students First,” and focus on the university’s mission to engage students as learners and leaders in an intellectually challenging, culturally enriched, and contemporarily diverse environment.

Proposals may include, but are not limited to:

• Poster sessions/exhibits
• Brief papers
• Full papers
• Workshops
• Panels
• Symposia
• Artistic performances

If you are interested in presenting at the PACT Conference, view the submission guidelines.

About the PACT Conference

PACT sponsors two conferences each year. Usually, these conferences are held on the campuses of State System schools. IUP has been chosen to host this year’s fall conference.

The purpose of these conferences is to

1. Provide trustees with professional development that will support their responsibilities
2. Give host universities the opportunity to showcase outstanding faculty/staff/student programs and projects

About the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT)

The Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT) is an organization composed of members of the Councils of Trustees from each of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s fourteen universities. Trustees are nominated and appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania with the advice and consent of the Pennsylvania Senate.

Each of the fourteen Councils of Trustees is charged with establishing academic programs and schools for consideration by the Board of Governors; reviewing and approving annual operating and capital budgets, fees, purchases, and contracts; participating in university and System-wide strategic planning; reviewing and approving policies and procedures governing the use of university facilities and property; conducting annual inspections of university facilities; and evaluating university presidents.

IUP Council of Trustees

IUP’s planning to this point has been predicated on a 10-percent reduction in state appropriations and a 4-percent tuition increase. Obviously, those assumptions are no longer valid.

I assure you that the leadership in Harrisburg and at IUP is concerned about the dramatic impact this budget would have on the university community. While it is important to note that this budget has not been passed, the leadership at every level of the system is committed to our students, and our first priority is to do everything possible to avoid disruptions in their education.

As you know, PASSHE is committed to its core missions of providing high-quality education at an affordable cost and to creating opportunities that will ensure student success. Over the last decade, the system has reduced costs by $200 million. The system has held annual tuition increases below the rate of inflation in four of the last six years.

Budget reductions alone will not address the impact of the proposed budget cuts. And, it would be irresponsible of the system’s leadership to not begin developing its response to the governor’s proposed budget, along with plans and contingencies for it. As the system begins this process, it will be guided by the four major strategic initiatives recently endorsed by our Board of Governors, all of which are focused on student success as measured by the following:

• the quality of education we deliver
• the creation of the best learning environments, including the appropriate use of technology to expand and enhance student learning
• the generation of sufficient resources to support our universities
• partnerships with our communities and the commonwealth to help create and sustain a strong economy

I will keep you informed as planning continues at the system and university levels. Beginning March 10, 2011, you will find a section on the Budget Matters website dedicated to providing updated information related to the governor’s budget proposal.

David Werner
Interim President

The meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about trustees’ actions as they affect the university.

David Werner
Interim President

Mrs. George had been a temporary faculty member in the Nursing and Allied Health Professions Department since January 2010. She was a 2009 graduate of the master’s in nursing program. At the time of her death, Mrs. George was a doctoral candidate in the Curriculum and Instruction program.

In addition to her work and studies here at IUP, many of you may have known Mrs. George from her nursing work in the community, including at East Pike Elementary School and Indiana Regional Medical Center.

She and her husband, Tim, are the parents of three children: Christa, Becca, and Timothy (T.J.), a student in the Athletic Training program at IUP.

Funeral arrangements are not complete at this time.

David Werner
Interim President

Mr. Myers is leaving IUP at the end of February to accept a position at Gulf Coast University in Florida.

Office of the President

I have now completed that review. Given the importance of inclusion and social equity, compliance with law and regulation, and investigation of complaints by faculty, staff, and students, I will conduct an internal search for an interim assistant to the president for Inclusion and Social Equity. Matters related to civic engagement will no longer be part of this position, since they are being handled elsewhere in the university.  The addition of the term “inclusion” reflects the intention to mainstream all members of the university into the fabric of its operation.

In the event that the internal search cannot be successfully concluded by March 1, matters formerly handled by Mr. Myers can be directed to my office for processing.

University employees will be informed of the internal position announcement in IUP Daily. The announcement will be posted on the Human Resources website at Employment at IUP.

David Werner
Interim President 

The PACT Conference Committee invites proposals from IUP’s faculty, staff, and students on all topics related to student achievement at IUP. Proposals should address the conference theme, “Students First,” and focus on the university’s mission to engage students as learners and leaders in an intellectually challenging, culturally enriched, and contemporarily diverse environment.

Proposals may include, but are not limited to:

• Poster sessions/exhibits
• Brief papers
• Full papers
• Workshops
• Panels
• Symposia
• Artistic performances

If you are interested in presenting at the PACT Conference, view the submission guidelines.

About the PACT Conference

PACT sponsors two conferences each year. Usually, these conferences are held on the campuses of State System schools. The purpose of these conferences is to

1. Provide trustees with professional development that will support their responsibilities
2. Give host universities the opportunity to showcase outstanding faculty/staff/student programs and projects.

IUP has been chosen to host this year’s fall conference.

About PACT

The Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT) is an organization composed of members of the Councils of Trustees from each of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s fourteen universities. Trustees are nominated and appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania with the advice and consent of the Pennsylvania Senate.

Each of the fourteen Councils of Trustees is charged with establishing academic programs and schools for consideration by the Board of Governors; reviewing and approving annual operating and capital budgets, fees, purchases, and contracts; participating in university and System-wide strategic planning; reviewing and approving policies and procedures governing the use of university facilities and property; conducting annual inspections of university facilities; and evaluating university presidents.

IUP Council of Trustees

The proclamation states the following:

• Whereas, school counselors are employed in public and private schools to help students reach their full potential; and
• Whereas, school counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development; and
• Whereas, school counselors help parents focus on ways to further the educational, personal, and social growth of their children; and
• Whereas, school counselors work with teachers and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves; and
• Whereas, school counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and complement comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society; and
• Whereas, comprehensive developmental school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school;
• Therefore, I, David Werner, IUP interim president, do hereby proclaim February 7–11, 2011, as National School Counseling Week.

The forum will be held in Gorell Recital Hall, on the second floor of Sutton Hall.

She was twenty-one and majored in Management in the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology. She was also formerly a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Students who would like to speak with a counselor are urged to call or visit the Counseling Center in the Suites on Maple East and to make it known that this is their concern. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Roupp Funeral Home in Karlene’s hometown of Mifflinburg.

David Werner
Interim President

The meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about trustees’ actions as they affect the university.
 
David Werner
Interim President 

1. Small games of chance of any kind are not authorized by the university, as IUP does not have a small games of chance license.
2. Fifty-fifty raffles are in violation of state law (even for those who have a small games of chance license).

After hearing about games of chance on campus, IUP officials recently looked into acquiring a license to comply with state laws and regulations.

In addition to learning that fifty-fifty raffles are against state law, officials learned that requirements for the license application and reporting procedures for small games of chance are problematic.

For example, the license application requires Social Security numbers of all members of the Council of Trustees and of those responsible for the operation of the games.

Those deemed responsible on the application must then ensure that the games adhere to operating and reporting procedures required by law—procedures that are very specific in terms of contest guidelines, information required on tickets, tracking of the people involved in ticket sales, and more.

As IUP lacks the resources needed to ensure compliance, an application for a license will not be submitted at this time. For that reason, IUP fund-raisers and other activities should not involve small games of chance.

Mr. Dearing was director of choral activities at IUP for twenty-eight years, during which he toured extensively with the IUP Chorale, both internationally and regionally. He sang with several professional choral groups, including the Roger Wagner Chorale. His wife, Kristi Dearing, is also a Music Department faculty member.

While I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know Mr. Dearing, I’ve heard a great deal about his talent, his passion for music, and his tremendous impact on decades of Music Department students. I want to make you aware of two memorial events to which you are invited.

Mr. Dearing served for many years as choir director at Calvary Presbyterian Church, Church and Seventh streets. His family has arranged a memorial service there on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.

In tribute to his memory, students and alumni are planning a concert on Sunday, January 16, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. in Sutton’s Gorell Recital Hall. Scores of alumni are expected to return for this event and for a reception afterward in Cogswell Hall, where a room, the James C. Dearing Ensemble Library, will be dedicated in his memory.

David Werner
Interim President 

I am pleased to share with you PASSHE’s new strategic vision, which was approved by the Board of Governors at its meeting last month. It is focused first and foremost on student success; and, secondarily, on responsiveness to state, regional, and national needs through the delivery of quality academic programs, research, and service. It will serve as the basis for the next PASSHE strategic plan and will provide guidance to all PASSHE universities in their own planning.

The vision includes four major components, all grounded in the need for transformation:

1. how, when, and where learning occurs;
2. how the resources necessary to ensure learning are pursued, retained, and sustained;
3. how our universities relate to their various communities; and
4. how we partner with the commonwealth to create and deliver a shared vision for the future.

Only through transformation, grounded in a thoughtful reexamination of our historic emphasis on high quality student learning opportunities, will our success be assured during these very difficult economic times.

PASSHE’s priority has always been and will continue to be our students and ensuring that their experiences are the most enriching possible. I am energized by the possibilities this new direction gives to enhancing our already thriving learning environments. PASSHE has talented faculty and staff who are committed to the success of our students. Today’s economic challenges and the ever-changing face of education have already resulted in much change at our universities. We are serving more students, collaborating more, implementing and using more technology and creative approaches to teaching and learning, developing new programs, providing multiple modes of learning, improving student services, maintaining facilities, and meeting greater regulatory requirements, all with fewer employees and limited resources. Because of the changes we have already achieved for the betterment of our students and the commonwealth, we are poised for a great future.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, thank you for your hard work and commitment to the students, your university, and PASSHE. I look forward to achieving this transformation with you, which not only will ensure the ongoing vitality of the System and its universities but, most importantly, the success of our students.

PASSHE Strategic Initiatives

Approved by the Board of Governors on October 13, 2010

Transforming Students and the Learning Environment

To be successful in the twenty-first century, students must be prepared for lifelong learning, a habit of the mind that will continually encourage them to refresh their content knowledge. PASSHE is committed to leading the way in improving how students learn, faculty teach, and courses are delivered. PASSHE must ensure that students who learn in its universities reflect the diversity of the communities from which they come, and that faculty and staff who teach and support them do so as well. The physical spaces in which learning occurs and the means by which information and courses are delivered must be adaptable and flexible. Goals in this area include ensuring quality and currency in academic programs and services, expanding greater inter-university collaboration, employing technology and designing facilities to enhance teaching and learning, and providing evidence of student learning and achievement.

Transforming Resources

Providing adequate resources in difficult economic times will require continual rethinking of university entrepreneurship and flexibility, and a realization that new ways of thinking and conducting operations are essential. PASSHE prides itself in being a national leader in implementing significant cost reductions and cost avoidance strategies. PASSHE universities are seeking the same opportunities for revenue creation as other publicly funded institutions. To recruit and retain quality talent, PASSHE will strive to create an inclusive environment in which its diverse students, faculty, and staff can thrive; to implement best practices in teaching and learning; to enhance institutional flexibility; and to increase private fund-raising.

Transforming University-Community Relations

The communities and regions in which PASSHE universities are located must be better for and enhance those institutions. This mutually beneficial relationship must be nurtured and enhanced in the myriad ways that respect and use each other’s strengths. PASSHE universities have an obligation to enhance the quality of life of the citizens in their communities, and to help improve local and regional economic conditions. All core constituency groups (students, staff, and faculty) must work together with local, regional, national, and international communities to ensure that each leaves the situation better than he or she found it. Goals in this area include enhancing community and regional engagement, expanding opportunities for workforce development, and fostering local and regional economic and community development.

Transforming PASSHE’s Role in Determining the Commonwealth’s Future

As state-owned universities, PASSHE institutions have a special relationship with the commonwealth. As a result, the System has an obligation to ensure that the strategic needs of the commonwealth are its focus, and that PASSHE plays an appropriate role in creating the policy and direction for the state’s future. This means that PASSHE must be part of the vision of the future, and have a significant role in creating and delivering it. Goals in this area include expanding capacity for public policy development; capitalizing on the broadband initiative for educational, health, and economic improvement; and aligning academic programs at all levels with the commonwealth’s strategic needs.

Office of the President

David Werner
Interim President

Music, singing, and the lighting of the holiday tree will precede the serving of refreshments in the Blue Room.

Please come, and bring your family and friends to enjoy this wonderful event. 

David Werner
Interim President

All employees are cordially invited.

Office of the President

Do you have any suggestions on how IUP can save money? Let President Werner know by using the Suggestion Box on the president’s website.

With news of IUP’s upcoming budget challenges came initiatives designed to communicate information, address questions, and provide a forum for discussion of budget issues:

• The monthly President’s Open Forum, in which David werner, interim president, hosts hourlong sessions to address questions from employees on any topic
• The Budget Matters web video series, in which Dr. Werner answers questions about the budget and budget planning from host Mary Ann Rafoth. Employees are encouraged to suggest questions for the show via e-mail at budget-matters@iup.edu.
• And, the Suggestion Box, an online form through which employees are encouraged to submit ideas to help IUP through its budget crisis

The Suggestion Box is intended for constructive ideas that will result in a cost savings to IUP or improvements in efficiency.

Employee input for each of these initiatives is needed for them to be effective.

President Werner looks forward to hearing your ideas:

• Suggestion Box: Complete the online form.
• Budget Matters: E-mail questions to budget-matters@iup.edu.
• President’s Open Forum: Check IUP Daily or the president’s website for an announcement about the next open forum.

I hope you can take advantage of this opportunity for business, community, and university networking. Even if you can’t be part of Business After Hours, please plan to see the museum show, which is in cooperation with Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and features works by artists with a connection to IUP.

Please RSVP your attendance to the Chamber Office; see the Chamber Business After Hours flier.

David Werner
Interim President

Applications for the student-trustee position for 2011–2013 are now being accepted, and faculty and staff members are encouraged to make personal recommendations to qualified students.

To be eligible, the student must be at least a first-semester sophomore in good academic standing who will graduate no earlier than Summer 2013.

Find more information about the student-trustee position on the president’s website.

Applications are available in the Office of the President, Sutton Hall, Room 201, and online: Student Trustee Application/Nomination Form.

Applications must be returned to the Office of the President by 4:30 p.m. November 17, 2010.

Budget Matters—a periodic, web video series in which David Werner, interim president, will address questions relating to the budget and budget planning—will debut Thursday, October 28, 2010, on the President’s office website and in IUP Daily, the e-newsletter for employees.

The program will be hosted by Mary Ann Rafoth, dean of the College of Education and Educational Technology, who will pose the questions to Dr. Werner.

Each episode is designed to be brief, addressing two to three questions. Budget Matters with Dr. Werner will be featured prominently in IUP Daily, perhaps twice a month. An archive of shows will be found on the Budget Matters website once the series has launched.

Employee Input Needed

This web series will be successful only if it addresses what’s on the mind of the university community. Your input is crucial. If you have a question you would like to see Dr. Werner answer on the program, please e-mail it to budget-matters@iup.edu.

Please note that your question will not be answered via e-mail. Rather, submissions will be reviewed for common questions or topics, and those will be integrated into future episodes.

Upcoming Episodes

Two episodes of Budget Matters are planned for this week. Topics to be covered are as follows:

• Budget Matters, October 28: The general outlook for the 2010–2011 budget and rumors about retrenchment of faculty and furloughs of staff
• Budget Matters, October 29: The status of performance funding for 2010–2011

David Werner
Interim President

Among the most important roles of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the creation of a welcoming culture of inclusion on our campuses. Harassment of any kind—whether face to face or online—cannot be tolerated.

The recent suicide of a Rutgers University student, the cyberattacks on the student government president at the University of Michigan, and other tragic incidents that have occurred on college campuses have brought national attention to the issue of cyberbullying. We need no stronger reminders of how dangerous this practice can be and the terrible effects it has on victims.

All of us must commit ourselves to addressing this very serious issue and eliminate harassment in all its forms. Many of our universities have hosted programs that can serve as examples for us all. Millersville University earlier this year hosted the Pennsylvania Cybersafe Conference, inviting both their collegiate colleagues as well as K-12 officials to participate in the program, which featured national experts as speakers and session leaders. On October 14, Lock Haven University will present a two-hour program titled, “Yes, We Care,” to let anyone in the campus community who might feel unsafe, bullied, or threatened know where he or she can go to seek help. Several of our campuses include “Safe Zones” that provide both resources and personal assistance. We encourage you to learn about the programs offered on your campus.

These and other similar efforts are to be commended. They should be the standard. My office stands ready to assist PASSHE universities in helping them ensure a safe living, learning, and working environment for our students, faculty, and staff.

Application/nomination forms are available in the Office of the President, Sutton Hall, Room 201, and online: Student Trustee Application/Nomination Form.

Completed applications must be submitted to the Office of the President by 4:30 p.m. November 17, 2010.

To be eligible, a candidate must be at least a first-semester sophomore with an expected graduation date no sooner than two years from the start of his or her appointment in Summer 2011 (expected graduation no earlier than Summer 2013).

The successful applicant must be in good academic standing and must have significant leadership experience and strong communication skills.

He or she will

• Be appointed yearly by the chair of the Council of Trustees to serve on trustee committees and other committees as appropriate
• Serve on the Student Congress Executive Board as ex-officio
• Attend quarterly meetings of the Council of Trustees
• Participate in Commencement ceremonies and other official functions of the university
• Chair the next search committee for the student trustee position

Ray Edwards, our current student trustee and chair of the search committee, suggests that interested students read the following documents to enhance their understanding of the State System strategic directions:

• Act 188
• Leading the Way: The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education: A Plan for Strategic Directions, 2004–2009
• Cornerstone of Excellence: The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Diversity Strategic Plan, 2005–2009

Candidates should also be familiar with the Powers and Duties of Councils of Trustees, Act 188, Section 20-2009-A.

Your thoughtful consideration of this position is appreciated.

David Werner
Interim President

The 2010 SECA campaign has begun and will run through October 22. The IUP SECA website provides the information and forms you need to make your donation. You will not receive a packet this year. All forms and instructions are on the website. Payroll deduction makes it possible to spread contributions over the year. However, one-time contributions are also welcome and can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Prizes will be awarded weekly for those who participate.

Also, as part of this campaign, ARAMARK will contribute all proceeds from lunches served in the Oak Room on October 21. Look for details to come.

Please take this opportunity to demonstrate your generosity to help improve the quality of life for all people. This year’s theme is “Give Hope Today, Build a Better Tomorrow.” Let’s show IUP’s commitment to caring and sharing.

David Werner
Interim President 

The setting is the courtyard of the building currently called the Crimson Suites. Remarks at 11:30 a.m. will be followed by a reception and tours of the complex.

David Werner
Interim President 

Instead of being two-day affairs on Thursday and Friday, the meetings will now take place on Thursday only. The new dates are December 16, 2010; March 3, 2011; and May 5, 2011.

Public meetings will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall.

The trustees made this change to save money, streamline agendas, and better use the time of all.

David Werner
Interim President

First, I want to congratulate and thank all of you as members of the university community for your hard work during the most recent academic year—the time period on which the university’s performance was judged.

On the basis of its 2009–2010 performance, IUP met or exceeded standards on 41 of 48 measures and submeasures, including degrees awarded, second-year persistence, graduation rates, faculty productivity, employee diversity, instructional cost, and faculty terminal degrees. In contrast, for 2008–2009, IUP met or exceeded performance standards on 35 of the same 48 measures and submeasures.

In planning the 2010–2011 budget, based on historical data, we projected that IUP would receive $2.9 million in performance funding. The difference between our original budget projection and the allocated amount will be examined very closely, so that we can determine how best to serve the university’s priorities. There are many options for the use of this $2.15 million, including paying off university debts or allocating the money to the university’s reserve funds to bring the percentage of funds currently in reserve more in line with Council of Trustees policy. We plan to explore all the options.

It is important to note that this year’s performance funding total reflects a transition to a new formula for funding allocation being developed by the State System. We must be cautious about projecting next year’s performance funding level in our budget planning, because the performance funding formula will, once again, be significantly different.

David Werner
Interim President

A Note from PASSHE about Performance Funding: The State System’s Board of Governors established the performance funding program in July 2000. The System was one of the first public university systems in the nation to offer performance funding, and the current level of funding is among the highest percentages being provided. Since the program began, virtually all of the universities have improved their graduation and retention rates; have increased student, faculty, and staff diversity; and have improved their operating efficiency.

A moment of silence at the forum was observed in her memory.

Baria Miley was a sophomore in the College of Health and Human Services from Philadelphia.

David Werner
Interim President

David Werner, interim president, addressed a crowd of about 125 during his second open forum for employees on Friday, October 1, 2010, in the Crimson Event Center.

Werner, who said he held similar events as chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, plans to hold a forum each month on different days of the week and different times in order to accommodate as many schedules as possible. The intent is to give faculty and staff members an opportunity to ask questions about any issues they choose.

Werner opened the session with a moment of silence in respect for the passing of student Baria Miley.

He updated the group with information about the resolution of some issues that were raised at the first session on September 2, 2010. These included a request for consideration of creating a partnership with National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance and information about athletic scholarship funds requested from the Co-op board of directors. Meetings have been scheduled on both of these issues.

Werner also offered information about the university’s Performance Funding allocation. (See Performance Funding for 2010–2011 Higher than Expected, Werner Announces.)

Friday’s questions began with an inquiry about the rationale for moving from Moodle to Desire 2 Learn (D2L) for online coursework. Chief Information Officer Bill Balint explained the history of Moodle and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s request that universities switch to D2L so that universities share a common technology for distance learning. Each university in the State System pays a “fair share” for this project, Werner noted.

Balint said that IUP will continue to support Moodle for as long as permitted, but training for new faculty will be on D2L (this training will start in February) and the software for migrating from Moodle to D2L just became available.

An AFSCME representative asked that Werner consider resuming monthly meetings with the IUP-AFSCME president, as has been done in the past. Werner said that he has already been in contact with the IUP-AFSCME president to begin discussions on this request.

Other topics addressed based on audience questions were as follows:

• Would it be possible to establish a “speech zone” away from the Oak Grove to avoid disruptions to classes and events by other speakers? This concept has been dismissed by the courts as a violation of the First Amendment, but no one is allowed to use amplification during events in public spaces without prior approval by the Division of Student Affairs. University Police or the Division of Student Affairs should be notified with concerns.
• When will information be available on the budgetary planning process? Werner said that two all-day meetings and one two-hour meeting have been held to date, but most of these sessions have been informational in nature. The executive team is in the process of reviewing all positions, including open positions. He said that it is too early to rush to judgment because of so many unknowns—state appropriations, enrollment, tuition, and a possible change in legislative position on supporting higher education. He agreed that periodic communication would be positive and he would work to offer that as clear information becomes available.
• In light of the email about no retrenchment for tenure and tenure-track faculty, will there be furloughs for other employees? While the goal is to avoid that if at all possible, it is too early to say that furloughs will or will not happen, Werner said.
• Can anything be done to address “embarrassing” and overly expensive Spring Commencement ceremonies? Werner said he is open to suggestions for changing Spring Commencement, which will likely be held in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex in Spring 2011. He agreed that it should not be an expensive event but an occasion for parents to celebrate their child’s graduation.

President Werner closed by noting that good ideas are not limited to the second floor of Sutton Hall. He commented that there were some positive ideas forwarded by the Council of Deans. He also noted he is aware of issues raised by offices about the real need for reports and procedures that are time consuming related to the Purchasing Card, and that this needs to be examined.

While this particular issue has been resolved, this fact remains: IUP faces very significant budget challenges for 2011–2012.

While keeping our central mission in the forefront of our planning, we are working diligently to identify strategies to increase revenues and reduce costs for the 2011–2012 budget year. As I stressed during the academic year opening program, there will be no “sacred cows” in this process.

David Werner
Interim President 

David Werner
Interim President

Ms. Davis was a part-time student in the Child and Family Studies program based at our Monroeville center.

Please join me in offering our sincere condolences to Ms. Davis’s family and friends.

David Werner
Interim President

This meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about actions taking place that impact all sectors of the university. I hope that you will attend as your schedules permit.

David Werner
Interim President

David Werner, interim president, addressed a crowd of about 150 during his first open forum for employees on Thursday, September 2, 2010, in the Crimson Event Center.

Werner, who said he held similar events as chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, plans to hold a forum each month. The intent is to give faculty and staff members an opportunity to ask questions about any issues they choose.

Much of the discussion Thursday focused on the university’s financial challenges—the need to find creative ways to address budget concerns, to increase donations and generate revenue, and to prepare better for decisions of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Werner noted that the Office of the President has already begun making changes—leaving a vacancy in the office unfilled and scaling back on some presidential events.

Other topics addressed based on audience questions were as follows:

• IUP’s future as the sole doctoral university in the State System: While other universities in the State System offer doctorates for professional programs, such as Doctor of Audiology degrees, IUP is the only one that can offer Ph.D. programs.
• Clarification of Werner’s comments during the Opening of the Academic Year event about the complexity of IUP’s committee structure: Werner explained that he sees committees not as problem solvers but as groups to give feedback on possible solutions or alternatives.
• Efforts to collect money owed by students: The process for collecting accounts receivable was explained, including when cases must be referred to the state. Students with outstanding debt are not able to register or receive transcripts.
• The status of the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex: The facility is on track to be finished in December and to open in March or April, Werner reported.

President Werner and other administrators plan to do further research on some of the other needs and issues raised Thursday:

• Opportunities for partnership with the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance
• Tuition waivers for managers pursuing graduate study
• Questions about the need for increased support from the Student Cooperative Association for athletics (Project Frontrunner)
• Need for central location of the College of Health and Human Services dean’s office
• Additional funding for student workers at the IUP Libraries

The forum will be in the Alumni Auditorium of the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology.

David Werner
Interim President 

The book signings are as follows:

Indiana

Sunday, September 26, 2010, noon to 2:00 p.m., Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Georgetown Club, 1530 Wisconsin Avenue

Pittsburgh

Thursday, September 30, 2010, 7:00 p.m., Joseph-Beth Booksellers, SouthSide Works

The Indiana and Pittsburgh events are open to the public. The Washington event will be ticketed, as it is also a fund-raising event for a children's literacy organization, Reading is Fundamental.

Pettit’s book includes four chapters on his experience as IUP president, from 1992 to 2003.

Readers can go to Pettit’s website to read reviews and news stories about the book, check the table of contents and index, and go on to Amazon.com or the Barnes and Noble website.

Tuesday marks Werner’s first full month on the job. It is also his first interview on Indiana in the Morning. He is expected to discuss the start of the 2010–2011 academic year, enrollment figures, upcoming events, and more.

The first of these sessions will be held Thursday, September 2, at 2:30 p.m. in the Crimson Event Center.

David Werner
Interim President

Please join me in offering your thoughts and prayers to Mikhail’s family, friends, classmates, and faculty as we mourn this loss together as a community. Members of the university community who would be comforted by speaking with a counselor may call the Counseling Center at 724-357-2621.

Sincerely,

David Werner
Interim President

As interim president, I will have two major responsibilities: first, to prepare IUP for the eventual arrival of a permanent president who can assume responsibilities in a seamless manner; and, second, to move IUP steadily forward. We will not stand still during this interim period; an institution that tries to stand still invariably slides backward. We will not do that.

IUP faces serious challenges, many of which are driven by the economy. I am confident that, working together, we can meet those challenges and make IUP an even stronger institution than it is now—and, it is, by many measures, a very strong institution.

In recent years, the IUP president has delivered a State of the University address in late August. In my opinion, I would be presumptuous in trying to describe the state of the university so quickly after my arrival. So, instead, we will return to a format similar to that of the past and use the title: Opening of the Academic Year: 2010-2011. Details about this event will be distributed shortly.

In the spirit of open communication and sharing of information, I will be hosting a monthly meeting at which members of the IUP faculty and staff can ask me questions about whatever issues they choose. The first of these sessions will be held in September; details will follow.

Best regards,

David Werner
Interim President

Jordan, a resident of Export, Pa., was in a fatal car accident on Saturday, June 26, 2010. I am sure that Jordan’s family, friends, and faculty would appreciate your expressions of sympathy for their deep loss: “Living Tributes” Guest Book for Jordan D. Cobb.

Members of the university community who would be comforted by speaking with a counselor may call the Counseling Center at 724-357-2621. The Interfaith Council is also available to provide support.

Sincerely,

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

As I noted in last fall’s State of the University address, higher education—especially public higher education—is facing significant financial challenges as a result of the national recession. This issue is not unique to IUP, nor to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. It is at the forefront of concerns being faced by colleges and universities throughout the nation. As you may know, the state is facing a $1.3 billion shortfall for the current fiscal year. And, the state budget outlook for FY2010–2011 is not encouraging.

As we began our budget planning for 2010–2011, we projected enrollment of approximately 14,810, with projections of a budget imbalance of $8,611,519. Revenue projections totaled $180,194,296, with total spending projected at $188,805,815. The budget gap resulted from a number of factors several of which were beyond IUP’s control, including flat state appropriations (continuing at 2007–2008 levels plus the ARRA funds).

While working to meet the budget challenge faced by IUP in the next academic year, maintaining the academic quality of this institution has been the highest priority. After many months of work and planning, engaging campus constituencies, we project a balanced budget for the 2010–2011 fiscal year through a combination of permanent and temporary budget reduction measures.

As personnel costs make up approximately 74% of our university budget, a significant part of our budget planning efforts continues to include careful and strategic workforce planning, including maintaining vacancies in positions due to attrition in many divisions and departments. The projected FY2010–2011 budget envisions no layoffs or furloughs of university employees at this time. A primary goal of the administration in its budget planning efforts throughout the 2009–2010 academic year has been to avoid laying off university personnel.

The financial outlook for FY2011–2012 is especially challenging. We anticipate that the 2011–2012 budget will warrant consideration of additional permanent budget reductions due in part to the loss of federal stimulus funding and projected flat state appropriations. The administration will be working to identify revenue generating initiatives and cost saving measures across all divisions and departments. Unfortunately, IUP cannot rule out the possibility of retrenchment and furloughs for the 2011–2012 fiscal year.

While these difficult budget conditions are unprecedented in the history of IUP, they are not insurmountable. During the summer months, there will be ongoing meetings of the University Budget Advisory Committee. I can assure you that the members of this group, as well as the executive team, will continue to pursue various cost containment measures and budget reduction strategies in order to mitigate any potential personnel reductions or layoffs.

As we work together to resolve our budget issues, I can assure you that preserving IUP’s academic core mission and the financial health and viability of the institution, will continue to be the utmost priority for our institution.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

It has been my honor to serve you, the members of the university community, over the last five years. I wish you good luck.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

The meeting will include action on resolutions recognizing a Barry Goldwater Scholarship Recipient, Senate Distinguished Faculty Awardees, faculty and student Fulbright recipients, and recognition of outstanding student athletes.

The Council of Trustees is the principal governing body for the university. This meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about actions taking place that impact all sectors of the university. I hope that you will attend as your schedules permit.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

A lifelong resident of Kittanning, he died April 11, 2010, after a long illness.

Mr. McCue was a World War II veteran, retiring as a colonel and later given the honorary rank of brigadier general by the commonwealth.

Active in his community, he worked as an attorney in Kittanning and served Armstrong County's 60th District as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for two terms.

He served as a member of IUP’s Council of Trustees from November 9, 1982, to April 17, 1991. He was a member of the Armstrong Educational Trust, the advisory link between the university and the community, from its inception until 2001, and was its president for eight years.

I know that you join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to Mr. McCue’s family at this difficult time.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

This year’s theme will be “Successful Aging: Preparing for Life’s Transitions.” The program will feature presentations by faculty, staff, and community experts in a variety of panel presentations planned throughout the day. 

Pittsburgh broadcasting legend Eleanor Schano will serve as the keynote luncheon speaker. 

All presentations and the keynote luncheon are free and open to the community, but reservations are requested by calling 724-357-4062.

I hope to see you at this program as your schedules permit. A complete schedule for the event is available on the website.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

The reception will be April 27, 2010, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the main floor of Stapleton Library, next to Java City.

Scholarly and creative works will be on display for the reception.

Please join me in congratulating and recognizing your colleagues for their recent scholarly accomplishments as published authors, artists, journal editors, videographers, and composers.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

The parade will start at 6:00 p.m. at Philadelphia and Fifth streets and travel Philadelphia Street to the Indiana County Court House, where a brief ceremony will be held after the parade.

The IUP men were the first team in school history to advance to the NCAA Division II national championship game.

The parade will also honor the Indiana Area Senior High School girls’ basketball team, which advanced to the PIAA state championship game, and two Indiana High School swimmers.

On behalf of the entire university, our athletics department, head coach Joe Lombardi, and his student-athletes, I want to thank you for your ongoing support of the Crimson Hawks.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

The reception will be held Tuesday, April 27, 2010, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., on the main floor of Stapleton Library, next to Java City.

Scholarly and creative works will be on display for the reception.

Please join me in congratulating and recognizing your colleagues for their recent scholarly accomplishments as published authors, artists, journal editors, videographers, and composers.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

Although our Crimson Hawks team was not victorious, we salute team members on their incredible success as 2010 PSAC and NCAA Division II Atlantic Region champions.

I also wish to convey my thanks to the university’s cheerleaders; Norm, the IUP mascot; the IUP pep band; and the hundreds of fans who supported our team in the championship game.

This occasion was an impressive example of university pride, team spirit, and citizenship. The Springfield, Mass., daily newspaper referred to our fans as “road warriors” who “made the 450-mile trek from western Pennsylvania to pull for their team.”

Again, congratulations to our men’s basketball team. Thanks for bringing pride and national recognition to IUP.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

Obviously, the death of any member of the IUP community is tragic and difficult to bear for members of the IUP community. I am sure you join me in expressing concern and sympathy for Jacob’s friends and family and the Criminology Department.

The Counseling Center provides crisis counseling to students. Students may call the Counseling Center at 724-357-2621 to make an appointment or to speak to a counselor. A twenty-four-hour crisis hotline is available at the Open Door, 724-465-2605.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

The Office of the President has established the President’s Advancing Grantsmanship Fund to provide $2,500 for faculty who submit a grant proposal of at least $25,000.

To apply, faculty must be nominated by their academic dean. The provost and the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research will select awardees based on their potential for writing successful proposals, as documented by the nomination from their dean. It is expected that up to twenty awardees will be given summer contracts.

Faculty will receive funding after the grant is completed and submitted. The proposal must be submitted during the 2010–2011 academic year (ending June 30, 2011).

Deadline for application is May 1, 2010. For further inquiry, contact the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr. Tim Mack, at 724-357-2244 or by e-mail at TMack@iup.edu.

It is my intention that the Grantsmanship Fund will help to ease the teaching and research load carried by our faculty while advancing grant successes for IUP.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

Award recipients are as follows:

• Dr. Joseph W. Domaracki, Department of Special Education and Clinical Studies, Distinguished Faculty Award for Service
• Richard Kemp, Department of Theater and Dance, Distinguished Faculty Award for Creative Arts
• Dr. Becky A. Knickelbein, Department of Special Education and Clinical Services, Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching
• Dr. Kelli R. Paquette, Department of Professional Studies in Education, Distinguished Faculty Award for Research

Each year, students, faculty, administrators, and staff are invited to nominate faculty for these prestigious awards. The winners are determined by the University Senate Awards Committee.

In addition to the award presentations at Honors Day, I look forward to recognizing these outstanding faculty members during the university’s May Commencement ceremony.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

The Legacy Gala’s proceeds fund a variety of academic opportunities for students, but there is plenty to gain by partipating in the gala’s on-line silent auction.

Vacation and golf packages, collectibles, and more can be yours for the right bid. Have fun and help IUP students at the same time.

Visit the Legacy Gala Silent Auction website to place a bid or see the list below for a sampling of what you can purchase while contributing to the University Fund for Academic Excellence. 

• Black Pearl pottery
• New York City Theater Bus Trip
• Cape May, N.J., Getaway
• Steelers collectibles of varying types
• Enterprise Weekend Rental
• U.S. Women's Open Package (Oakmont)
• Waterford Crystal
• And much more!

Visit the Legacy Gala website for information about attending the April 10 event, which takes place in the foyer of Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh.

Proceeds from the annual gala—falling this year on Saturday, April 10, in the Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer—benefit the University Fund for Academic Excellence.

This fund was established with proceeds from the inaugural Legacy Gala in 2008 to support activities that directly benefit students and expand their opportunities beyond the classroom.

In its first year, the fund provided fellowships for graduate students and scholarships for undergraduates. At the same time, planning commenced on ways to enhance global awareness of students—many of whom are first-generation college students who have not seen much of the world.

The IUP International Education Scholarship Program, announced in February 2009, was made possible in large part by the University Fund for Academic Excellence.

This program provides financial support to students taking part in overseas educational opportunities such as study abroad, student exchange, and faculty-led or independently arranged programs. It also helps to defray associated costs such as travel expenses and passport and visa fees.

This financial support can make the difference in a student’s ability to participate in the potentially life-changing experience of studying abroad.

How You Can Help

You can support the University Fund for Academic Excellence in the following ways:

• Purchase a ticket to attend the gala ($350 per couple or $175 per person).
• Reserve a table of eight at the gala ($1,400 per table).
• Become a sponsor of the gala.
• Make a donation to the University Fund for Academic Excellence.
• Donate items for the gala’s silent auction or purchase items through the auction.

More about the Gala

In addition to acting as a fundraiser, the IUP Legacy Gala celebrates IUP’s ties to the Pittsburgh region, recognizes some of the region’s highest achievers, and brings together members of the extended IUP community for a night that includes dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.

The event is hosted by IUP President Tony Atwater and his wife, Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater.

Two regional achievers will be recognized with Presidential Legacy Awards: Glenn Cannon, a 1971 IUP graduate, for civic service and Barbara Russell, a 1954 graduate, for alumni distinction.

Cannon is senior vice president for Hillard Heintze, a strategic security advisors company, and former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster operations.

Russell, an actor-educator, is known for her thirty-five years on the comedy team Brockett and Barbara.

Find more information on the IUP Legacy Gala website.

• A public meeting of the Council of Trustees will be held Friday, March 5, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, on the second floor of Sutton Hall. Topics of discussion include the University Campus Facilities Master Plan, the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, and achievements of the men's basketball team.
• A reception to welcome Terry Carter, vice president for University Relations and executive director of the Foundation for IUP, will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. in the Blue Room of Sutton Hall.
• IUP Honors Day will be held Sunday, March 28, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in the Ohio Room of the Hadley Union Building. This event recognizes Distinguished Faculty Award recipients and initiates of Phi Kappa Phi. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony in the atrium of the Hadley Union Building.

At the 2010 Leader’s Circle event March 18, William Montgomery, director of Public Safety and University Police, will receive the 2010 President’s Medal of Distinction from Dr. Tony Atwater, IUP president.

Montgomery will be recognized for dedication and support.

The President’s Medal of Distinction is the highest nondegree award presented by IUP. It was established in 1985 to honor citizens of the state and region whose contributions in the areas of professional achievement or public service are of national significance or whose contribution is of special significance to the university.

“This high honor is reserved for individuals who have served the university with extraordinary success and commitment,” Atwater said. “And, these characteristics well describe IUP’s chief safety officer, Bill Montgomery. He has tirelessly and creatively worked to make and keep IUP a safe place for all members of the university community. Consequently, he is worthy of this distinguished honor and recognition.”

Montgomery began work at IUP in 1988, serving as operations manager of the S.W. Jack Cogeneration Plant. He assumed his current role in 1990.

“I am truly honored to be selected for this prestigious award,” Montgomery said. “However, all of the achievements of the public safety and IUP police program are a result of a team effort of the police officers and staff of the public safety departments. Our successes could not be possible without the sincere commitment of so many university employees, especially university leadership, to safety and security as our number one priority.”

During Montgomery’s tenure, a new safety plan was put into effect on campus, with significant results: Lost-time accidents dropped from sixty-six in 1994 to six in 2008. The campus crime rate, measured against statistics from the past nineteen years, is at an all-time low. The crime rate for 2009 is 0.0226.

Under his leadership, the Office of Public Safety has received grants totaling more than $275,000, including a Community Oriented Police grant from the United States Department of Justice.

Montgomery implemented the arming of university police, which took place in 2006 following significant universitywide consultation and planning.

During his tenure, the university has instituted a new campus fire-alarm system with backup programming that immediately links alarms to the university police dispatch center. He has also worked collaboratively with university officials to complete plans for an outdoor, emergency public-address system as part of the university’s emergency alert system.

Emergency blue light telephones on campus grounds are also part of the safety program. In 1990, there were fifteen phones, all attached to buildings. Today, there are seventy-eight free-standing phones throughout campus, including along the bike trail to Robertshaw.

Montgomery is the manager of the university’s Point of Dispense site for emergency medical situations, including the dispensing of vaccines for IUP and Indiana County community members. In 2009, IUP’s POD was successful in administering the H1N1 vaccine to IUP students and employees.

Montgomery also instituted a new parking system that moved away from manual enforcement to a computerized system and added a Parking Visitor Center. Nearly five hundred mechanical parking meters were eliminated from campus and replaced with machines that accept coins, paper currency, and major credit cards.

With the Residential Revival, the project to replace student housing, Montgomery worked to establish new parking patterns and transportation plans to serve visitors, students, and employees.

Outreach and community policing continue to be priorities under Montgomery’s leadership.

In 1994, he began the first bicycle patrol in Indiana County with four officers. The program continues today with six officers. He also introduced the Crime Prevention Office and residence hall policing program.

Montgomery has been part of many IUP committees and task forces: President’s Commission on Reducing Student Substance Abuse, University Parking Advisory Committee (chairman) and Parking Authority Review Board, Administrative Advisory Council, University Planning Council, Crisis Assessment and Response Team, University Emergency Management Administrative Team, and the Safety and Justice, Development and Finance, University Safety (serving as chairman for twenty years), Facilities Use, Commencement, Tobacco-Free Campus, Domestic Violence Against Women, New Student Move-in, Late-Night Program, Homecoming Planning, and Student Affairs Emergency Preparedness committees.

A native of Baltimore, Montgomery came to Indiana in 1976. Before working at IUP, he was the plant manager for McCreary Tire and Rubber Company.

He and his wife, Irene, have two sons, John and Ryan, both graduates of IUP.

Topics being discussed or acted upon by the council include

1. Progress on the development of a University Campus Facilities Master Plan 
2. An update on construction of the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex 
3. Recognition of the men’s basketball team as Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference champions

I hope that you will be able to join other university community members in attending this important meeting.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

IUP President Tony Atwater provided the following remarks about U.S. Representative John Murtha, D-Johnstown, who died Monday, February 8, 2010, at age seventy-seven:

I am saddened to report the passing of Congressman John P. Murtha.

The nation and the commonwealth have lost a tremendous leader and public servant. Congressman Murtha was always about helping those in need and maintaining the security and strength of our nation. He will be deeply missed but revered for his passion, leadership, and devotion to others.

Congressman Murtha had a longstanding commitment to workforce development and worked closely with regional chambers of commerce to improve the economic situation in rural communities throughout Western Pennsylvania. IUP was privileged to recognize his efforts with the naming of the facility at Northpointe as the John P. Murtha Center for Education and Workforce Development.

Congressman Murtha also was a strong advocate for diabetes education and awareness. In 2007, IUP began its IUP Cares programming with a presentation on this topic, and we were proud to feature the congressman as a speaker during the event.

In 2003, we dedicated the John P. Murtha Institute for Homeland Security in recognition of his foresight and commitment to homeland security initiatives and his confidence in IUP’s homeland security initiatives. IUP was privileged to present Congressman Murtha with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1996.

Miss Fornear was a graduate of the university and retired from her position as music professor at IUP in 1974, after sixteen years of service. She also taught for several years in the Windber public schools.

Active in the community, she was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and Mary Circle, Indiana Arts Council, College Club, AAUW and AAUW Book Club, the Indiana Hospital Auxiliary, and the New Century Club. She was selected for the Indiana Arts Council Award for Distinguished Services to the Arts.

She was honored for her commitment to IUP with the President’s Medal of Distinction in recognition of Professional Achievement, with the designation of Honorary Emeritus from the Department of Music, and with the naming of the Olive Mae Fornear Music Education Classroom in Cogswell Hall.

Friends of Miss Fornear will be received Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church.

A member of the IUP Organ Scholarship Committee, Miss Fornear has designated the IUP Carol Teti Memorial Organ Scholarship Fund as a recipient of memorial contributions.

Please join me in offering thoughts and prayers to Miss Fornear’s family at this difficult time.

Gerald W. Intemann
Provost and Acting President

• Scott T. Millar Jr., a sophomore Physical Education and Sport major from Hellam, on December 27, 2009, at Memorial Hospital. Mr. Millar was enrolled for the Spring 2010 semester. A funeral service was held December 31, 2009.
• Angela Martin, a freshman from Kittanning, on January 7, 2010, following injuries from a traffic accident. A memorial service for Ms. Martin was held January 10.

The death of any member of the IUP community is tragic and difficult to bear. I am sure you join me in expressing concern and sympathy for Mr. Millar and Ms. Martin’s friends and families.

The IUP Counseling Center provides counseling to students. Students may make an appointment with the Counseling Center by calling 724-357-2621 or by visiting the center at the Suites on Maple East, Room G-31, during office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when classes resume on January 19, 2010. 

A twenty-four-hour crisis hotline is available at the Open Door, 724-465-2605.

Gerald Intemann, Ph.D.
Provost and Acting President

The Legacy Gala celebrates IUP’s connection with the Pittsburgh region and recognizes leaders in the areas of alumni achievement and civic service.

Proceeds from this black-tie affair benefit the University Fund for Academic Excellence. This fund is used for academic, programmatic, and experiential expenses that benefit our students, particularly in expanding their opportunities beyond the classroom. Examples include scholarships, travel and expenses related to conference presentations, research supplies and equipment, and classroom materials.

The goal of this year’s gala is to raise a minimum of $100,000 in charitable contributions for the fund. A successful silent auction is crucial to achieving this goal.

Examples of auction items that have been donated in the past are

• Visit for four to Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, including some autographs, VIP viewing, and a cookout
• Golf outings
• Paintings, vases, and other artwork
• Jet-boat trip through the Niagara Gorge
• Outdoor landscape and architectural lighting system
• Spa package
• Autographed Steelers memorabilia
• Gettysburg trip
• Suite for a Pittsburgh Pirates game
• Gift baskets
• White-water rafting trip

We have been fortunate to offer several unique items that our alumni, employees, and other IUP family members have arranged through their vast connections. These types of donations are deeply appreciated.

Companies donating auction items will be listed on the Legacy Gala website, with a link to their business’s website. They will also receive recognition throughout the event and will be identified next to the auction item, in the auction pamphlet, and in the event program. The silent auction begins on line and continues during the Legacy Gala.

To donate an auction item, contact Debra Valentine-Gray, director of Regional Advancement, by e-mail at Debra.ValentineGray@iup.edu or by phone at 412-258-2524.

Other ways in which you can support the Legacy Gala are by attending the event (table purchases are encouraged) or becoming a gala sponsor.

To be placed on the mailing list for this event, please call 724-357-2145 or send an e-mail to rsvp-events@iup.edu.

Legacy Gala Schedule

The Legacy Gala schedule is as follows:

• 6:00 p.m., cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auction
• 7:30 p.m., dinner and presentation of Presidential Legacy Awards
• 9:00 p.m., music and dancing

The event is hosted by Dr. Tony Atwater, IUP president, and his wife, Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater.

Several resolutions were passed during the December 20, 2009, public meeting of the Council of Trustees.

See photos of those who were recognized on the Council of Trustees website.

Photos were taken by Keith Boyer, university photographer.

Last month, to my surprise and concern, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As you may know, the incidence of this illness is significantly higher among African American males. On January 8, I will be undergoing major surgery to address this health issue. While this is a very serious matter in our household, the medical prognosis is encouraging, in that my physician has indicated that the condition is curable.

Consequently, I will be on medical leave for most of the month of January 2010. In my absence, Provost Gerald Intemann will serve as acting president from January 7–29. I certainly appreciate your prayers and good wishes as Beverly and I face this physical challenge in my life.

I wish each of you a happy and peaceful holiday season.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

The meeting will include action on resolutions commending student Erik Lloyd as the top-ranked ROTC cadet in the nation. Resolutions recognizing the contributions of retiring deans Valarie Trimarchi and Phil Zorich will also be acted upon by the council.

The Council of Trustees is the principal governing body for the university. This meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about actions taking place that impact all sectors of the university.

I hope that you will attend as your schedules permit.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

Dr. John Cavanaugh, chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, will be on campus Friday, December 4, 2009, for an open forum with faculty and staff in Gealy W. Wallwork Hall (formerly the Sutton Suites) multipurpose room from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.

During his time on campus Thursday, Chancellor Cavanaugh held a student forum—attended by some thirty students representing a variety of disciplines and organizations—and attended the Holiday Open House in Sutton Hall’s Blue Room to meet informally with the IUP community.

Cavanaugh became PASSHE’s chancellor on July 1, 2008. From 2002 to 2008, he served as president of the University of West Florida in Pensacola. He served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington from 1999 to 2002. He also held various positions at the University of Delaware, including vice provost for academic programs and planning and associate provost for graduate studies.

Cavanaugh began his academic career as an adjunct instructor of psychology at Indiana University at South Bend while completing work on his doctoral degree at the University of Notre Dame. His first permanent appointment was as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Bowling Green State University in 1980.

He held various appointments at Bowling Green, including head of the developmental psychology program and director of the Institute for Psychological Research and Application. He also served five years as director for behavioral research at the Northwest Ohio Dementia and Memory Center at the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo.

Recently, Cavanaugh was selected to serve as vice chair of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Committee on Policies and Purposes. This committee serves as AASCU’s think tank to help the organization remain on the cutting edge of issues in higher education and society at large that will have an impact on member campuses.

Office of the President

All attendees will have an opportunity to meet Chancellor Cavanaugh. The Holiday Open House is being held in honor of university employees.

Office of the President

The event is in honor of university employees.

Award winners are nominated by readers of the publication, which is the largest and oldest African-American newspaper in the region. Nominees are African-American men from a variety of careers judged as shaping the character of the Pittsburgh community and region by a commitment to excellence.

“This is a tremendous honor for Dr. Atwater and for the entire IUP community,” said Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh. “His leadership is emblematic of the university presidents across PASSHE. This recognition is well deserved.”

The Men of Excellence Award program is in its second year. Last year’ winners included Bill Strickland, president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation; Larry Davis, dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh; Christopher Allen, cardiologist at UPMC Shadyside Hospital and professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh; former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and community leader Franco Harris; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin; Eric Kevin Mann, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh; and George Miles, president and CEO of WQED Multimedia.

Also included among this year’s award winners is IUP graduate Davie Huddleston, vice president for human resources and college relations for PNC Financial Services Group.

The show is broadcast on WDAD-AM (1450).

Mr. Woodward will deliver an insightful address on the fascinating world of presidential politics during his presentation “From Nixon to Bush: What Can President Obama Learn from Presidents Past?”

Free tickets can be obtained at the Hadley Union Building ticket office.

I hope to see you Wednesday evening as your schedules permit.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

This weekend also is designed to honor our veterans and active duty military personnel, with all members and former members of the military admitted free to the football game. Please join me in recognizing our families, veterans, and colleagues during this special weekend.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

Obviously the death of any member of the IUP community is tragic and difficult to bear for members of the IUP community. I am sure you join me in expressing concern and sympathy for Shawn’s friends and family.

The IUP Counseling Center provides counseling to students. Students may make an appointment by calling 724-357-2621 or by visiting the center at the Suites on Maple East, Room G31, during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A twenty-four-hour crisis hotline is available at the Open Door, 724-465-2605.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

The state Senate has confirmed the appointment of Jonathan B. Mack of Indiana to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors.

Mack is an attorney and partner in the firm of Marcus & Mack, P.C., of Indiana. He also is a member of Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Council of Trustees.

The twenty-member Board of Governors has overall responsibility for planning and coordinating the development and operation of PASSHE, which comprises Pennsylvania’s fourteen public universities. The board establishes broad fiscal, personnel, and educational policies under which the PASSHE universities operate.

The board comprises eleven public members and three PASSHE students, all of whom are nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Senate; four legislators; the governor or his designee; and the Secretary of Education or his designee.

Mack is a graduate of Dickinson College, from which he earned bachelor’s degrees in both English and Spanish and a minor in geology, and the University of Toledo School of Law. He has been a practicing attorney since 1983. He also has been a local business owner and has owned and operated businesses in Boulder, Colo.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Spokane, Wash.

He holds memberships in the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Indiana County Bar Association. He is a past member of the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and was elected and served as president of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association from 2002 to 2003. He currently serves as a panel member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Commission.

Mack was a member of the Indiana Area School District Board of School Directors from 1999 to 2005, serving as president from 2003 to 2005. He currently serves as a board member of the Seeds of Faith Christian Academy, an elder of the First Assembly of God Church, and a board member of the Indiana Experiment. He has been a trustee for the J.S. Mack Foundation since 1985, serving as its president since 2006.

Mack replaces Guido Pichini on the Board of Governors. Pichini had served on the board since June 2005.

Other members of the Board of Governors are chairs Kenneth M. Jarin of Newtown, vice chairs C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni of Bryn Mawr and Aaron A. Walton of Allison Park, Rep. Matthew E. Baker of Wellsboro, Nick Barcio of Erie, Marie Conley Lammando of Harrisburg, Paul S. Dlugolecki of Mechanicsburg, Rep. Michael K. Hanna of Lock Haven, Sen. Vincent J. Hughes of Philadelphia, Richard Kneedler of Lancaster, Jamie Lutz of Tionesta, Joseph F. McGinn of Linwood, Sen. Jeffrey E. Piccola of Harrisburg, Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Harrisburg, Harold C. Shields of Allison Park, Thomas M. Sweitzer of Swarthmore, Christine J.Toretti of Indiana, Mackenzie Marie Wrobel of Bloomsburg and Gerald L. Zahorchak of Harrisburg.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth, with nearly 117,000 students. The fourteen PASSHE universities offer degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Approximately 454,000 PASSHE alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. PASSHE also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Freeport, Oil City, and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.

The open forum will take place Wednesday, October 21, 2009, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in Sutton Hall’s Blue Room.

An interview schedule and vita for the candidate will be posted on the University Relations website by Monday, October 19.

I hope that your schedule will permit your participation at this open forum, which is an important component of the search process for next vice president for University Relations.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

Hosted by Dr. Tony Atwater, IUP president, and his wife, Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater, the event includes dinner and dancing to the music of the IUP Jazz Ensemble. The evening begins with cocktails at 7:00 p.m. Black tie is optional.

All proceeds benefit the Presidential Scholarship Fund, which assists promising students in their studies at IUP. Thank you to all who are supporting this cause by attending the ball.

We’ll see you there!

The deadline to make your reservation for the annual Homecoming Ball is quickly approaching.

Reserve your spot today by registering on line or by calling the University Events office at 724-357-2145. The deadline for reservations is October 2.

This year’s Homecoming Ball will be held October 9, 2009, at the Indiana Country Club.

Hosted by Dr. Tony Atwater, IUP president, and his wife, Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater, the event includes dinner and dancing to the music of the IUP Jazz Ensemble. The evening begins with cocktails at 7:00 p.m. Black tie is optional.

Tickets are $75 per person. All proceeds benefit the Presidential Scholarship Fund, which assists promising students in their studies at IUP.

The University Museum, in cooperation with IUP Special Collections and University Archives and the Institute for Mine Maps and Archival Procedures and Safety are sponsors of the museum’s fall exhibit, “A Walk Through Time: Pennsylvania Coal Culture Featuring the Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Company Collections.”

Artifacts and documents of coal mining life in Western Pennsylvania are presented by IUP Special Collections and University Archives, the Tri-Area Historical Society and Liberty Museum in Nanty Glo, the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, and private collectors.

I hope you will be able to attend this event and take advantage of potential opportunities for business, community, and university partnerships.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

The meeting will include action on resolutions for naming the Sutton Suites, recognition of professor Sally McCombie as a recipient of a national Teacher Educator of the Year award, and recognition of student athlete Nafee Harris as the NCAA Division II Champion in the long jump.

The Council of Trustees is the principal governing body for the university. This meeting offers an opportunity for all members of the IUP community to learn more about actions taking place that impact all sectors of the university. I hope that you will attend as your schedules permit.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

Photographs of the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the IUP Fairman Centre renovation are now available on the President’s office website: IUP Fairman Centre Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Photo Gallery.

The ceremony took place Friday, September 18, 2009, at the center, located at 101 Mahoning Street in downtown Punxsutawney.

Photos were taken by Keith Boyer, university photographer.

President Tony Atwater and Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater invite the university community to the annual Homecoming Ball.

The ball will be held Friday, October 9, 2009, starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Country Club. The event includes dinner and dancing to the sounds of the IUP Jazz Ensemble. Proceeds benefit the Presidential Scholars Fund, which assists promising students in their studies at IUP.

Contact the University Events office for details at 724-357-2145. Cocktail attire requested.

Homecoming takes place October 9 and 10. See all related events.

The event included remarks by Michael Hood, dean of the College of Fine Arts; Alyssa Stiles, president of the Student Government Association; and IUP President Tony Atwater, who delivered his poem “Flight 93: Paradise Found.”

Atwater wrote the poem in honor of the United Airlines Flight 93 passengers who mounted an assault against the hijackers to gain control of the plane, which later crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pa.

Video footage of the poem is available on IUP’s YouTube channel: “Flight 93: Paradise Found.”

President Tony Atwater delivered the speech on Thursday, August 27, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. in Fisher Auditorium.

The State of the University Address provides an opportunity to review some of IUP’s major accomplishments during the previous academic year and reflect on some of the goals—as well as challenges—for 2009–2010.

Kennedy, a U.S. senator from Massachusetts, died Tuesday, August 25, at age seventy-seven.

Flags should remain at half staff through August 30, 2009.

Office of the President

This memorial event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be held in the Oak Grove in front of the September 11 monument and artifact. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in Gorell Recital Hall.

The program will include reflections offered by Ms. Alyssa Stiles, Student Government Association president, and myself. The ceremony also will include a remembrance of the three IUP alumni lost in the World Trade Center attack.

I look forward to seeing you on Friday, September 11, as we gather as a community to reflect on this historic tragedy.

Sincerely,

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

With 31 years of experience in the advancement field, including twenty-four years at the senior administrative level and seventeen of those years in higher education, Mr. Williams brings an outstanding track record in fundraising and foundation board leadership to IUP. I have unconditional confidence in his ability to advance the University Relations Division and IUP’s development efforts.

Mr. Williams comes to IUP from his role as senior vice president for development at the Saint Louis (Missouri) Science Center, where he was responsible for the organization’s first seven-figure annual gift. He previously served as vice chancellor of university relations at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation from 2000 to 2007. During his tenure there, he set annual fundraising records for seven consecutive years, achieving a 500 percent increase in giving over seven years. He has held a similar position at Lourdes College and Lourdes College Foundation in Sylvania, Ohio. He also has executive experience in health care management companies. He began his career as a finance and fundraising director with the Boy Scouts of America Councils located in Bloomsburg, Wilkes-Barre, and Oakhurst, N.J. 

Mr. Williams has a master's degree in Health and Human Services Administration from Misericordia University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Kings College. He also has achieved advance certified fundraising executive status from the Association of Fund Raising Executives (AFP), a designation held by only seventy of the 35,000 AFP members.

A reception to welcome Mr. Williams to the IUP and to the Indiana community will be held during the fall semester.

At this time, I want to offer my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Lynn Barger, who served in the role of acting vice president for university relations and acting executive director of the Foundation for IUP for the past four months.

I also want to express my appreciation to Dr. Rhonda Luckey, chair of the vice president for university relations and executive director of the Foundation for IUP search committee, and to all members of the search committee for their excellent and timely work.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

Corporal Walls was killed in action on August 1, 2009, in Mushan Village, Afghanistan. Corporal Walls was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division based in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Flags will remain at half staff through August 10.

This occasion provides an opportunity for us to review some of IUP’s major accomplishments during the previous academic year and to reflect on some of the major goals ahead for academic year 2009–2010.

The title of this year’s State of the University Address is “Through the Storm and Bound for Greatness.” 

Please join your university faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues, along with Indiana area community leaders, as we mark the beginning of a new academic year.

Refreshments will be served following the program.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

The award recognizes the partnership among the Washington Center, the commonwealth, and PASSHE universities. PASSHE sends more interns to the Washington Center than any other system in the United States.

PASSHE will receive the award during the Washington Center’s annual Academic Affairs Awards luncheon October 19 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

The award will also be acknowledged during a gala—for which PASSHE is a Silver Sponsor—that evening at the National Building Museum. Sponsorship was achieved through a $5,000 gift from the PASSHE Foundation, Inc., to the Washington Center. Included with the sponsorship are three $1,000 scholarships to the Washington Center’s internship program. These scholarships will be awarded via lottery to three PASSHE universities whose president attends the gala.

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization serving hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing opportunities for students to work and learn in Washington, D.C., for academic credit.

We have just received official notification of the death of Matthew P. Laird, a junior Communications Media major from Pittsburgh. Matthew died on July 4, 2009.

We also have learned of the death of Cory Michael Denlinger, of Conestoga, who passed away after an automobile accident July 10, 2009. Cory was a sophomore Communications Media major.

Obviously the death of any member of the IUP community is tragic and difficult to bear for members of the IUP community.  I am sure you join me in expressing concern and sympathy for Matthew and Cory’s friends and families and the Communications Media Department.

The IUP Counseling Center provides counseling to students. Students may call the Counseling Center at 724-357-2621 or stop by at Suite G-31 of Suites on Maple East to make an appointment. A twenty-four-hour crisis hotline is available at The Open Door, 724-465-2605.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

The interview schedule and vita for the first candidate will be posted to the IUP website no later than Wednesday, July 8, 2009.

We have scheduled open forums as an opportunity for you to meet the candidate. The open forums are scheduled as follows:

Candidate 1 Open Forum

• Date: Thursday, July 9, 2009
• Time: 3:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Blue Room, John Sutton Hall

Candidate 2 Open Forum

• Date: Monday, July 13, 2009
• Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Blue Room, John Sutton Hall

The interview schedule and vita will be posted to the IUP website the day before the open forum meeting.

Candidate 3 Open Forum

• Date: Thursday, July 16, 2009
• Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Blue Room, John Sutton Hall

The interview schedule and vita will be posted to the IUP website the day before each open forum meeting.

I hope you are able to participate in this opportunity to meet the candidates for the position of vice president for University Relations.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

A historic groundbreaking ceremony for Phase IV, the final phase, of the Student Residential Revival Project will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at a tent in front of the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology.

This project is directed by the Foundation for IUP and is a partnership between the foundation and the university. The Phase IV groundbreaking symbolizes the launch of the final stage of this $270 million student housing replacement project. It is the largest capital project of it kind in the nation, and it is transforming the way that students live and learn on the Indiana campus.

As part of Phase IV, the Governors Quad—Lawrence, Scranton, and Shafer halls—is being razed to make way for the Crimson Suites.

I am also pleased to inform you that the new Phase III housing facilities, Sutton Suites and the Suites on Pratt, are on schedule to open in August 2009.

I hope that you will be able to attend this exciting event to celebrate this special moment in the life and history of IUP.

Sincerely,

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

Mr. Spratt, who will study in China during the 2009–2010 academic year, is the ninth IUP student to be selected for this prestigious scholarship since 2006. This year, scholarships were limited to only 850 recipients throughout the nation.

I know that you join me in offering Mr. Spratt our most sincere congratulations on this honor and our best wishes for a successful time of study.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

Miller was killed from wounds he received while responding to a call in Monroe County. Flags will remain at half staff through Friday, June 12.

Amelia Vaught, a freshman Finance major from Finleyville, Pa., died May 31, 2009, following a traffic accident earlier that day near her home. Amelia was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority. 

Obviously the death of any member of the IUP community is tragic and difficult to bear for members of the IUP community.  I am sure you join me in expressing concern and sympathy for Amelia's friends and family.

The IUP Counseling Center provides walk-in crisis counseling to students on a daily basis. Students also may call the Counseling Center at 724-357-2621 to make an appointment or to speak to a counselor. A twenty-four-hour crisis hotline is available at The Open Door, 724-465-2605.

Sincerely,

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

The alumni of Indiana University of Pennsylvania have provided it with many success stories. One of the most inspiring relates to alumnus Dick Macedonia, former CEO of Sodexho Incorporated, the largest food service provider in the world. When Mr. Macedonia arrived at IUP to pursue his studies, he came with only two paper bags containing clothing and a few other essentials. He was a young man of modest means and did not know if he would be able to make it at IUP, financially or academically. Fortunately, for him, he had generous mentors and supporters at IUP who provided the material and academic support that translated later into his amazing professional success.

Many IUP students, like Dick Macedonia, come to our campus as first-generation college students from low- and middle-income households. The escalating cost of higher education represents an ever-increasing burden in both pursuing a college degree and in paying off the related financial debt after graduation. Simply put, the increased cost of higher education has become prohibitive for many families and prospective students, particularly those from low-income families and rural areas of western Pennsylvania.

Governor Ed Rendell has developed an innovative and critical solution to the challenges faced by first-generation college students and by students from low-income families who aspire to attain college degrees. The solution is the governor’s Tuition Relief Act. And, it is essential that Pennsylvanians express their strong support for this legislative proposal to insure public higher education affordability in the commonwealth.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is an institution that takes great pride in its mission of providing access to first-generation college students and of offering them opportunities for success.

We take this charge very seriously. These young men and women are our future citizens and leaders. IUP is committed to providing the means to assist them. We will not permit economic circumstances to eliminate their opportunities for higher education.

The Tuition Relief Act, in tandem with our commitment to providing access to qualified students, is our opportunity to foster success for first-generation college students.

Governor Rendell’s proposal represents a timely and innovative solution to the ongoing concerns of access and affordability as they relate to higher education in the commonwealth.

The consequences of failing to support the Tuition Relief Act would be devastating. We need it to provide access and opportunity for people like IUP alumnus Dick Macedonia, who arrived at IUP with only two bags of clothing and became CEO of the world’s largest food service provider. Our nation and our world benefit when we make public higher education accessible and affordable to all citizens of the commonwealth, regardless of their financial status.

Following are excerpts from media coverage of the event:

Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Dr. Tony Atwater said beyond the financial crisis gripping the country, there is another crisis that will affect generations to come if it’s not fixed now. ‘It is a crisis of our college students and our potential students in terms of access, affordability and indebtedness of higher education,’ Atwater said. Atwater was one of 11 people to testify on the proposed Tuition Relief Act before the state House Gaming Oversight Committee during a public hearing Thursday at Westmoreland County Community College near Youngwood.

—“IUP President Commends Bill Applying
Gambling Revenue to Tuition Relief,”
Greensburg Tribune-Review, May 8, 2009

The presidents of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Beaver County Community College testified about the positive impact the program would have, especially for low- to moderate-income students. Kathleen Shaw, state deputy secretary of postsecondary and higher education, touted the benefit of giving Pennsylvania a better-educated workforce without piling debt onto families.

—“Video Poker Merits Debated at Hearing,”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 8, 2009

YOUNGWOOD, Pa. — On Thursday, a public hearing was held at Westmoreland County Community College as the debate regarding Gov. Ed Rendell’s plan to legalize video poker machines and use the tax revenue generated to fund college education revved up. It was the second of four hearings that will be held across the states by representatives gathering input on the issue. Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Dr. Tony Atwater welcomed the possible relief from gaming revenue, citing how some students are racking up debt and can no longer afford to go to class. ‘It is a crisis that deserves a solution and a solution now,’ said Atwater.

—WTAE-TV (Pittsburgh, Pa.), May 7, 2009

A public hearing on legalizing video poker machines to provide college students with tuition relief will be Thursday at Westmoreland County Community College. Scheduled to testify are representatives from the state departments of Revenue and Education, the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Pennsylvania Tavern Association, the Pennsylvania Amusement and Music Machine Association as well as Dr. Joe D. Forrester, president of Community College of Beaver County, and Dr. Tony Atwater, president of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

—“Hearing at WCCC Will Focus on Legalizing Video Poker,”
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, May 6, 2009

See an Op-Ed written by Atwater in support of the Tuition Relief Act and distributed to regional media in April 2009.

I also encourage all members of the IUP community to attend the public meeting of the Council of Trustees on Friday, May 1, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, located on the second floor of Sutton Hall.

There are several items to be acted upon by the trustees: 

1. The review and approval of a new Master of Arts in Spanish program
2. A resolution honoring and in memory of Officer Stephen Mayhle, a 2002 graduate of IUP’s Criminology Department, and David L. Johnson, a 29-year alumnus, friend, and member of the IUP Council of Trustees
3. Resolutions honoring athletics

Resolutions honoring Distinguished Faculty in research, service, and teaching as well as resolutions of appreciation will be presented to Vice President for University Relations Robert Davies, student trustee Chad E. Buckwalter, and student Board of Governors representative Jessica E. Carson.

I hope that you will be able to join other university community members in attending this important meeting as your schedule permits.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

The reception will be held Thursday, April 23, 2009, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the main floor of Stapleton Library (next to Java City). Published works and projects will be on display. I will give remarks at 1:30 p.m. 

Please join me in congratulating and recognizing our colleagues for their recent accomplishments as published authors, artists, journal editors, videographers, and composers.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

He is survived by his wife, Shandra; daughters Jennifer, 6, and Brooklynn, 3; his parents, of Indiana; and many members of his extended family. I have conveyed the deep sympathies of the IUP community to Mrs. Mayhle and her family.

A formal viewing for Officer Mayhle and his fallen comrades will be held Wednesday from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the City County Building in Pittsburgh, and a funeral service for the officers will be held Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh.

Locally, friends will be received from noon to 9:00 p.m. Friday at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home, Indiana. A private funeral service for family only will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with public internment to follow in Oakland Cemetery in Indiana.

I know that you join me in remembering Officer Mayhle and his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

The Indiana County Coroner is working to determine the cause of death.

Obviously the death of any IUP student is tragic and difficult to bear for members of the IUP community. I am sure you join me in expressing concern and sympathy for Brenton’s friends and family.

The IUP Counseling Center provides walk-in crisis counseling to students on a daily basis. Students also may call the Counseling Center at 724-357-2621 to make an appointment or to speak to a counselor. A 24-hour crisis hotline is available at The Open Door, 724-465-2605.

Details regarding funeral arrangements and a memorial service will be shared at a later date.

Sincerely,

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

Dr. Atwater will talk with Bill Otto, the program host, at 8:45 a.m. He will discuss recent events at the university, including the recent $1-million gift to the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex by Indiana businessman Ed Bratton; the KCAC contractor’s briefing; Elaine Light’s donation to the Fairman Centre in Punxsutawney; and upcoming events at IUP, including the Undergraduate Scholars Forum.

Several items to be acted upon by the trustees include the review and approval of a proposed Ph.D. degree in Safety Sciences, a resolution honoring athletic championships in women’s track and women’s basketball, and a resolution honoring the benefactor of the second individual one-million-dollar gift for the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.

I hope that you will be able to join other university community members in attending this important meeting.

Tony Atwater

The gala will be hosted by IUP President Tony Atwater and his wife, Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater, at the Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer.

This black-tie event will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m., with music and dancing at 9 p.m.

The program features the presentation of the Presidential Legacy Award for Civic Service to Bill Strickland, president and CEO, Manchester Bidwell Corporation and its subsidiaries, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and Bidwell Training Center; the Presidential Legacy Award for Alumni Distinction to Lynette Singel Horrell, a 1984 graduate of IUP, office managing partner, Ernst & Young, Pittsburgh office; and the Presidential Legacy Award for Philanthropy to George D. Zamias Sr. and Marianna Zamias, the founders of George D. Zamias Developer.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, a 1974 graduate of IUP, will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.
For more information or to reserve a table or seat for the IUP Legacy Gala, call 724-357-2145 or send an e-mail to rsvp-events@iup.edu. Tickets are $175 per person (table purchases are encouraged).

Items being offered include dinners at well-known regional restaurants, stays at area resorts, a horseback tour of the Gettysburg battlefield, and an outdoor custom landscape and architectural lighting system.

Bids on these items may be made at the event or before the event on line at the Legacy Gala Silent Auction website starting March 16. All proceeds from the gala benefit the University Fund for Academic Excellence.

“While Allegheny County is not physically ‘home’ to IUP, we feel very at home in this community,” said Dr. Robert O. Davies, vice president of University Relations and executive director of the Foundation for IUP. “Almost 2,000 of our current student body of 14,200 and more than 13,000 of our 90,000 alumni not only make their homes in Allegheny County, but are community leaders.

"Last year’s premiere event raised close to $150,000, well past the stated goal of $100,000. The University Fund for Academic Excellence is used to enrich the student experience, assisting with costs for students to participate in academic, programmatic, and experiential opportunities that expand the classroom experience."

Funds are available to students for scholarships; travel and expenses related to conference presentations, research supplies, and equipment; classroom materials and equipment; and faculty professional development that translates directly to improvement of current academic programming.

In his current work, Presidential Legacy Award for Civic Service recipient Strickland recently completed the development of a new 40,000-square-foot production greenhouse, created for horticultural training; a 70,000-square-foot medical technology complex; and a 62,000-square-foot facility as a mortgage-free asset for both Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and Bidwell Training Center. The facilities also serve as a demonstration site for Hewlett Packard and Steelcase products.
Strickland was born in Pittsburgh in 1947 and graduated from David B. Oliver High School in 1965. In 1969, he graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in American history and foreign relations from the University of Pittsburgh. He founded the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild while still a student at the university.

Throughout his career, Strickland has been honored with awards for his contributions to the arts and the community. In 1999, he received the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Arts Leadership and Service Award. In 1998, he received the Kilby Award and Coming Up Taller Award, presented in a White House ceremony by first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.

In 1996, he received with the MacArthur Genius Award for leadership and integrity in the arts. Strickland was honored by Pittsburgh Magazine as the 2007 Pittsburgher of the Year and by Ernst & Young in 2007 as the Entrepreneur of the Year in Arts and Education.

He has served as chairman of the Expansion Arts Panel of the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C., and served a six-year presidential appointment as a council member. He has served on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, a trustee at the Carnegie Museums, and as a consultant with the British American Arts Association in London.

In 2002, Strickland was sworn in as a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. He also serves as a consultant, grant evaluator, and mentor in the field of arts and arts education, community development, and workforce development training.

He is the author of the 2007 book Make the Impossible Possible, co-authored by Vince Rause.

Strickland, his wife, Rose, and two daughters, Julie and Olivia, live in Pittsburgh.

Presidential Legacy Award for Alumni Distinction winner Horrell has more than twenty-five years of experience with Ernst & Young. Horrell started her career with the firm as an intern in 1984.

Early in her career, she worked with large manufacturing clients and technology companies, traveling extensively to San Francisco and New York City. She was promoted to partner in 1999.

Horrell took on additional responsibility while serving as partner, including becoming the Pittsburgh office resource production manager in 2005. In this two-year role, she supported hiring, staffing, and people management for the assurance practice.

In 2007, she became the office managing partner of the Pittsburgh office, leading a team of 250 professionals, while serving as assurance cluster leader for Pittsburgh, Charleston, and upstate New York. She continues to serve in this capacity.

In this role, Horrell oversees the assurance practice, including retail, distribution and manufacturing, technology, communications and entertainment, and health care practices.

She has extensive Securities and Exchange Commission experience, serving as coordinating partner on multiple initial public offerings and public registrants during her career.

Horrell actively participates in her community, serving on the boards of the United Way, Pittsburgh Technology Council, and an advisory board of Robert Morris University.

Horrell, her husband, Jeff, and their three daughters, Brienna, Kaitlyn, and Taylor, reside in Gibsonia.

Presidential Legacy Award for Philanthropy recipients George D. Zamias Sr. and Marianna Zamias have been consistent supporters of IUP student-athletes through participation in the Corporate Crimson Club and the university’s priority needs through a challenge gift to the IUP Annual Fund. They have also supported IUP’s Eberly College of Business and Information Technology, the university’s annual homecoming celebration, and outreach efforts to new students.

The couple is responsible for the establishment of the Zamias Aquatic Center at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. They also established the Demos Zamagias Memorial Scholarship for student-athletes at UPJ.

One of the nation’s first shopping mall developers, George Zamias has been ranked as one of the top 100 developers in the nation. He founded George D. Zamias Developer in 1957, a sole proprietorship owned by George D. Zamias. Since that time, he has been actively engaged in the retail real estate business and has developed more than 30 million square feet of retail space.

George D. Zamias Developer and Zamias Services Inc. own and manage twenty-two open air centers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia covering 4.4 million square feet. The companies own and manage six enclosed malls in Pennsylvania: Cranberry Mall, The Dubois Mall, The Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, Indiana Mall, The Johnstown Galleria, and Warren Mall, and four other malls in Georgia, New York, Vermont, and West Virginia, totaling 5.4 million square feet.

The companies have six properties with more than 2.4 million square feet currently in development.

A 1953 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, George Zamias also earned a Master of Letters degree in real estate and insurance in 1954. He began his career by teaching real estate and other related subjects at the University of Pittsburgh. He then worked as a real estate salesman for Penn Real Estate Company in Johnstown from 1953 to 1961, at which time he became a licensed real estate broker in Pennsylvania. He started George D. Zamias Real Estate Company in 1961.

He became engaged in the construction and development of shopping centers in 1962. In 1967, he established Zamias Construction Company Inc. as sole stockholder.

In 1996, Zamias Services Inc. was formed as the successor company to George D. Zamias Developer as the leasing and management arm to Zamias affiliated and third-party owned facilities.

George Zamias was recognized in April 2008 by Retail Traffic magazine as one of the top fifty owners and as one of the top fifty managers. He is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

He and his wife, the former Marianna Dallee, are the parents of four sons, three of whom are active in the companies. They make their home in Johnstown.

Master of ceremonies Wagner is a 1994 IUP Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Wagner, of Beechview, is in his second term of office as Pennsylvania’s fiftieth elected auditor general. He brings twenty-five years of public service to his role as the commonwealth’s independent fiscal watchdog.

Before he was elected auditor general, Wagner represented Allegheny County as a state senator. He served in the leadership of the Senate and as the Democratic chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. He also served on the Appropriations, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Rules and Executive Nominations and Policy committees.

Wagner was a member of the Pittsburgh City Council for ten years, representing all city neighborhoods, and was Pittsburgh City Council’s president from 1990 to 1993.

After graduating from South Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Wagner was employed by Duquesne Light Company in various capacities and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for five years.

While employed by Duquesne Light Company, Wagner enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1966 to 1968. Wagner received a Purple Heart and other military commendations while serving in the Vietnam War in 1967.

Following his military service, Wagner enrolled at IUP. While a student, he worked as a paramedic with Citizens’ Ambulance Service.

He serves on the boards of the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Obediah Cole Foundation for Prostate Cancer, the Veterans Leadership Program, the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Sharing and Caring Inc., and World War II Veterans of Allegheny County Memorial Fund Inc.

He is a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, German American National Congress, Italian Sons and Daughters of America, Knights of Equity, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Lions Club, Elks Club, and Moose Club.

Wagner also belongs to the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans Institute, and Veterans Political Action Committee.

He received the Veteran of the Year award from the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program and the Outstanding Legislator Award from the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also received the Clarion Young Democrats John Shropshire Award.

In the fall of 2008, Wagner was awarded a lifetime, honorary membership to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Wagner is a member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Beechview. He and his wife, Nancy, are the parents of Luke and Sara.

At the inaugural Legacy Gala in 2008, Atwater presented the Presidential Legacy Award for Alumni Distinction to Terry Dunlap, a 1981 IUP graduate and president of Allegheny Ludlum; the Presidential Legacy Award for Civic Service to Keenan Holmes, a 2003 IUP graduate and attorney based in Pittsburgh; and the Presidential Legacy Award for Philanthropy to the Fairman family, of Jefferson County.

Individuals must be nominated for the listing. The editors select honorees who are a “representative sampling of the people who fuel the engines of economic development in central Pennsylvania” and make “an impact on the organizations, businesses and quality of life here.”

Atwater was recognized for his leadership with the IUP Residential Revival project, a $270 million public-private partnership replacing all university-owned student housing facilities; his work to advance the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex project, a $53.4 million facility scheduled to open in 2011; his role in completing the $12 million renovation and completion of the $40 million Performing Arts Center; record enrollment; and IUP’s selection for inclusion in national guidebooks and publications.

Publication editors praised Atwater for “making a difference” and for helping IUP to “create a legacy of excellence in teaching, scholarship and student success.”

“It is gratifying personally to be selected by this prestigious publication for this listing, but more importantly, it recognizes the significant role that IUP plays not only in this community, but in the commonwealth,” Atwater said.

Pennsylvania Business Central, based in State College, is a biweekly business publication serving a sixteen-county region in central Pennsylvania.

The family will receive visitors Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the Hope United Methodist Church, 1108 Steel Road, Havertown, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.

The Frank C. Videon Funeral Home in Broomall is in charge of arrangements. The family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Foundation for IUP.

In addition to his wife, Audrey, Mr. Johnson is survived by his son, Ward, and wife Elaine, of Bryn Mawr; his daughter, Lee, and husband Donald Faulconbridge, of Grove City; and four grandchildren.

Mr. Johnson died Sunday evening, February 22, 2009. He served on the Council of Trustees since January 1980 and was liaison to the Office of Public Policy of the Association of Governing Boards.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Johnson lived in Havertown with his wife, Audrey. He served on the Council of Trustees since January 1980 and was liaison to the Office of Public Policy of the Association of Governing Boards.

He held degrees from both IUP and New York University. He was vice president and corporate secretary of Pennsylvania Manufacturers Corporation in Philadelphia, retiring in July 1992 after thirty-eight years of service. He was a retired member of the board of directors of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation and NBOC Bank, Indiana.

“I know that you join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Johnson’s family at this difficult time,” Atwater wrote in his message. Information about the funeral arrangements will be shared as it is confirmed.

This honor reflects the university’s demonstrated commitment to civic engagement, community service, and citizenship. This national recognition also demonstrates the significant involvement of IUP’s students and faculty members in community service and service learning activities throughout Indiana County and Western Pennsylvania.  Community service has a long and impressive history at IUP, and our university community is continuing that grand tradition.

Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. Honorees for the award were chosen based on a series of selection factors, including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President

Obviously the death of any IUP student is tragic and difficult to bear for members of the IUP community. I am sure you join me in expressing concern and sympathy for Douglas’s friends and family.

The IUP Counseling Center provides walk-in crisis counseling to students on a daily basis. Students also may call the Counseling Center at 724-357-2621 to make an appointment or to speak to a counselor. A 24-hour crisis hotline is available at 724-465-2605.

A memorial service for Douglas will be scheduled at a later date.

Sincerely,

President Atwater

The National Science Teacher Education Association is a prestigious accrediting organization of National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the professional accrediting organization for schools, colleges, and departments of education in the United States. All of IUP’s teacher education programs and eligible graduate programs are fully accredited by NCATE.

Please join me in congratulating Dean John Eck, Dean Mary Ann Rafoth, and all of the members of the accreditation teams, including Mr. Jeff Frantangeli, the IUP NCATE assessment coordinator, and the program coordinators who worked collectively on the accreditation report: Dr. Mike Briggs, Chemistry; Dr. Ken Coles, Geoscience; Dr. Stan Sobolewski, Physics; and Dr. Holly Travis, Biology.

This is another significant external validation of the quality of IUP programs and faculty, and an accomplishment in which we should take great pride.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

This black-tie affair features dinner, dancing, a silent auction of memorabilia and luxury items, and the presentation of the Presidential Legacy Awards for Philanthropy, Civic Service, and Alumni Distinction.

The schedule is as follows:

• 6:00 p.m., Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, and Silent Auction
• 7:30, Dinner and Presentation of Presidential Legacy Awards
• 9:00, Music and Dancing

To be placed on the mailing list for this event, please call 724-357-2145 or send us e-mail: rsvp-events@iup.edu.

Join IUP President Tony Atwater and Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater for this celebratory evening. Proceeds benefit the University Fund for Academic Excellence; table purchases are encouraged.

Learn more about

• Sponsoring the Legacy Gala 
• Taking part in the silent auction of memorabilia and luxury items

Mr. DiStanislao will begin work in this new position on January 5, 2009, through a joint appointment to the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. 

During the past four years, Mr. Distanislao has served as a member of the SYTEC SAP initiative at the PASSHE office. Mr. Distanislao previously served IUP for more than thirty years in positions including registrar and assistant dean of the Kittanning campus, IUP at Northpointe. In this new role at IUP, Mr. Distanislao will work directly to advance the retention and graduation of undergraduate students. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Distanislao as he returns to IUP.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President 

Sincerely,

Tony Atwater, Ph.D., IUP President

Indiana Fire Department officials have ruled the cause of the fires as arson.

Several of the cars are believed to be owned by members of Sigma Chi fraternity. Appropriate support is being offered to students involved.

The university community condemns this unfortunate act of property destruction, and we are working with authorities to support the ongoing investigation.

I would encourage any member of the university community who has information about this incident to contact the Office of University Safety at 724-357-2141.

Tony Atwater

A reception will be held in the Blue Room of Sutton Hall following the ceremony.

All are welcome. Please come and enjoy the festivities and refreshments as we celebrate the holiday season with IUP and the Indiana community.

Tony Atwater 

The Council of Trustees is the principal governing body for this university. This meeting offers an opportunity for all IUP employees to learn more about actions taking place that impact all sectors of the university. I hope that you will attend as your schedules permit.

Tony Atwater

Mrs. Knoll, the state's first female lieutenant governor, passed away November 12. In observance of Mrs. Knoll's position and service to the commonwealth, Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell has ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at commonwealth facilities throughout the state to be flown at half-staff and remain at half-staff until Mrs. Knoll's interment next week.

Tony Atwater 

Applications are now being accepted for the student seat on the university’s Council of Trustees. Eligible candidates must have at least first-semester sophomore standing, must be in good academic standing, and must have an expected graduation date of no less than two years from the start of the appointment. Interested students are encouraged to attend the Council of Trustees meeting December 5 at 1:30 p.m. in Gorell Recital Hall, John Sutton Hall. Applications are available in the President’s Office, Sutton Hall, Room 201. Application deadline is 5:00 p.m. December 8, 2008.

Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities of the Student Trustee

Act 188 of Section 20-2009-A.—Powers and Duties of Councils of Trustees

1. In accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the board, the council of each institution shall have the power and its duty shall be
2. To make recommendations to the chancellor for the appointment, retention, or dismissal of the president following consultation with students, faculty, and alumni
3. To assist the president in developing proper relations and understanding between the institution and its programs and the public, in order to serve the interests and needs of both
4. To review and approve the recommendations of the president as to standards for the admission, discipline, and expulsion of students
5. To review and approve the recommendations of the president pertaining to policies and procedures governing the use of institutional facilities and property
6. To approve schools and academic programs
7. To review and approve the recommendations of the president pertaining to annual operating and capital budget requirements for forwarding to the board
8. To review and approve charges for room and board and other fees except student activity fees
9. To conduct an annual physical inspection of facilities and make recommendations regarding maintenance and construction to the board
10. To review and approve all contracts and purchases negotiated or awarded by the president with or without competitive bidding and all contracts for consultative services entered by the president
11. To represent the institution at official functions of the commonwealth
12. To take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the powers and duties herein delegated
13. In accordance with the evaluation procedure established by the board, each council shall conduct an evaluation of the president and forward the results of that evaluation with recommendation to the chancellor for submission to the board.
14. By resolution adopted by the council to authorize campus police who have completed firearms training in accordance with 53 Pa.C.S. § 2167 (a) (relating to police training) to carry firearms in the course of duty for any institution whose campus police are authorized to carry firearms on the effective date of this paragraph, the authority to carry firearms shall remain in effect unless the council by resolution dissolves such authority.

IUP Addendum

• Chairs the search committee for the student trustee
• Appointed yearly by chair of the Council of Trustees to serve on trustee committees and other committees where appropriate
• Serves on the Student Congress Executive Board as ex-officio
• Attends quarterly meetings of the Council of Trustees
• Participated in commencement ceremonies and other official functions of the university

Please do not let inclement weather prevent you from attending what is sure to be a truly historic occasion. The site has been appropriately prepared to accommodate you comfortably. Free parking for the KCAC groundbreaking will be available in the parking lot of the former BiLo store along Wayne Avenue.

Trolley service to the ceremony also will be available from several campus locations between 9:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Pick up points will include the following:

• Memorial Field House main entrance
• Parking lot in front of Clark Hall
• Sutton Hall at the circle along South Drive
• Cul-de-sac between the HUB entrance and Whitmyre Hall
• Folger Hall and Crimson Event Center along Pratt Drive
• Robertshaw Building front entrance

The trolley will complete this loop several times between 9:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Return service will be provided immediately following the ceremony, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.

Traditional Christmas carols will be performed by campus and community groups. A Blue Room reception will include seasonal treats and the opportunity to vote in the annual Christmas tree decoration competition. The event, which entails voting by donation, benefits a local organization and an IUP scholarship fund.

This event starts at 10:00 a.m. with a groundbreaking celebration on the construction site along Wayne Avenue, adjacent to the university. A reception will follow. Through the combined efforts of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and federal, state, county, and local officials and organizations, the complex is becoming a reality. November 13 will truly be an extraordinary day for the Indiana and IUP communities.

When completed in the spring of 2011, the $41-million Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex will comprise 150,000 square feet on six and one-half acres along Wayne Avenue, adjacent to the university. The complex will include an arena/convention facility that will accommodate large events, including Commencement; sporting events; concerts and other cultural gatherings; conferences; and trade shows. An estimated 111,000 patrons are expected to attend more than 120 events at the complex each year. Nearly 5,000 of these patrons are projected to be high-impact/overnight visitors.

I hope that you will be able to join us on November 13.

Tony Atwater

IUP freshman Sutan Aquil Nafis Magruder was selected as the second recipient of the Dr. Tony Atwater and Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater Presidential Scholarship. Tony Atwater is president of IUP.

Magruder, son of Michael and Kimberly Dzikowski, Lafayette Parkway, Williamsport, is a 2008 graduate of Loyalsock Township High School. He is a psychology major at IUP and a member of the IUP Marching Band.

The scholarship, established by the Atwaters, is designed to recognize and support outstanding high school graduates who are first-generation college students. The scholarship also honors students who demonstrate leadership qualities and who contribute to their communities.

Magruder received the scholarship at the annual IUP Homecoming Ball on Oct. 4.

Dr. Atwater is expected to discuss the upcoming Homecoming festivities; recent and upcoming ceremonies marking construction achievements—including ribbon-cuttings for the Performing Arts Center and Phase II of the Residential Revival student housing project, as well as the groundbreaking for the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex; and the awarding of the Presidential Scholarship, which he and wife Beverly Roberts-Atwater sponsor.

The meeting will include action on resolutions for naming areas and recognition of the two students who completed a “Tour for the Cure” fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.

The Council of Trustees is the principal governing body for this university. This meeting offers an opportunity for all IUP employees to learn more about actions taking place that impact all sectors of the university. I hope that you will attend as your schedules permit.

The University Performing Arts Center project reflects a $12 million investment devoted to a significant renovation and a 20,000 square-foot addition linking Fisher Auditorium and Waller Hall. The project also includes a grand atrium lobby. This center will serve as a stronger resource for local economic development, enhancing cultural life in our region.

I hope that your schedules permit your attendance for this gala evening. If you can attend, please RSVP to the Office of University Events at 724-357-2145 or by e-mail at rsvp-events@iup.edu.

The campus community is invited to attend the September 11 Remembrance program on Thursday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the Oak Grove at the World Trade Center relic located between Stapleton Library and Sutton Hall.

IUP lost three alumni in the destruction of the World Trade Center: William Moskal ’79, Donald Jones ’80, and William Sugra ’93.

Learn more about the relic.

The intent of the message is for Chancellor Cavanaugh to introduce himself to students, faculty, and staff and wish everyone well as the new academic year begins.

To view the video, go to the PASSHE website.

President Tony Atwater’s State of the University Address is now available online.

Atwater made his annual address on August 21, 2008. It was the first event to take place in the newly renovated Fisher Auditorium.

The complete text of the speech is available, as is an audio version that can be listened to with the Windows Media Player.

The State of the University Address takes place Thursday, August 21, at 9:00 a.m. in Fisher Auditorium. At this event, President Tony Atwater will review last year’s accomplishments and set the tone for the new academic year.

The Freshman Convocation also takes place in Fisher Auditorium. It provides a significant start for members of the Class of 2012, comparable to the way students end their college careers. Faculty and staff members are invited to help them mark the beginning of their IUP career, help to set the tone for the next four years, and encourage them to be involved in their campus community. The convocation takes place Sunday, August 24, at 5:30 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium. A celebration in the Oak Grove follows the program.

In cooperation with IUP, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has produced a DVD called Be Vocal, Be Visible, Be Visionary.

The DVD is based on a booklet of the same name and that was designed for college and university presidents to demonstrate how they can and should be a force in reducing and eliminating dangerous and underage use of alcohol. A copy of the thirteen-minute video was sent to all college and university presidents in Pennsylvania. The video features a discussion between PLCB Chairman P.J. Stapleton and IUP President Tony Atwater.

You can view the video on the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s website.

Held at the Carnegie Museum Music Hall, the gala was a fundraising initiative to benefit the University Fund for Academic Excellence. It raised close to $150,000, well past the stated goal of $100,000.

“The University Fund for Academic Excellence is used to enrich the student experience, assisting with costs for students to participate in academic, programmatic and experiential expenses that provide direct benefit to current IUP students and expand the opportunities students can have beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Robert O. Davies, vice president for University Relations at IUP and executive director of the Foundation for IUP.

Funds are available to students for scholarships, travel and expenses related to conference presentations and research supplies and equipment, classroom materials and equipment, and faculty professional development aimed at improving academic programming.

Funding is also available for on-campus speakers and student participation in cultural, recreational and academic events away from IUP.

During the gala, Dr. Tony Atwater, IUP president, presented the Presidential Legacy Award for Alumni Distinction to Terry Dunlap, 1981 IUP graduate and president of Allegheny Ludlum; the Presidential Legacy Award for Civic Service to Keenan Holmes, 2003 IUP graduate and former attorney at Law for Eckert Seamans Cherin and Mellott, LLC, Pittsburgh; and the Presidential Legacy Award for Philanthropy to the Fairman family, of Jefferson County.

“We were gratified to celebrate our recipients of the Presidential Legacy Awards at the IUP Legacy Gala in conjunction with enjoying IUP’s continued success and achievement as a national university that makes this region its home,” Davies said.

The evening included a silent auction with donated items valued at close to $50,000.

Items won by bidders included a tour of YouTube and dinner with YouTube founder Chad Hurley, a 1999 IUP graduate; a Disney Package; advertising on Comcast Cable; Steelers and Penguins packages; an Atlantic City trip; golf packages at Oakmont, Totteridge and Laurel Valley; and a private tour of the Andy Warhol Museum plus golf at the Aronimink Golf Club. People could bid on the items in advance of the event on the IUP website.

“It is very gratifying to have such an incredible response to both the Legacy Gala and the auction,” Davies said. “This certainly speaks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, and the commitment they feel to helping IUP students achieve beyond expectations. 

“We also appreciate the support of First Commonwealth as our presenting sponsor, and the overwhelming support of the auction donors and Legacy Gala sponsors and attendees.”

Photos, from top:

Dr. Tony Atwater, IUP president, right, with Terry Dunlap, winner of the Presidential Legacy Award for Alumni Distinction.

Atwater, left, with Keenan Holmes, recipient of the Presidential Legacy Award for Civic Service.

Atwater with Beverly Fairman, center, and Joyce Fairman. The Fairman family, of Jefferson County, was honored with the Presidential Legacy Award for Philanthropy.

I hope you can join me for this event to help us celebrate this important initiative.

Tony Atwater, Ph.D.
President