By: Diana Dopheide, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, dmd5846@psu.edu

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, ROTC, was created in 1916. Army training courses are offered locally at West Chester University and Widener University; so Brandywine students can enroll in the program, and upon graduation serve their country as military officers.

ROTC is taught at nearly 2,000 colleges across the country. The program teaches leadership management that students will need in order to become second lieutenant officers in the armed forces.

Students learn fundamental military skills in ROTC, but the program differs from basic training in that the focus is on learning organizational techniques and managing operations.

Cadets, who are trainees in the armed forces, do not join the active army; they are required to finish their academic degree, and their service commitment begins after graduation.

The ROTC program is offered through Brandywine; students sign up for the required courses while scheduling their academic semester. The classes are taken in exchange for electives along with their major.

Since the courses are not held at Brandywine, students take the classes off-campus at West Chester University and Widener University.

Benefits for contracted cadets include free tuition and housing as well as a small monthly budget ranging from $100 to $300 depending on the student’s year in college.

Cadets learn battle tactics, critical thinking, navigation and weapon qualification. Students partake in daily labs, which teach simple attacks, maneuvers and ambushes.

The physical training consists of strength building workouts four times a week in addition to weighted marches, which prepares cadets for carrying their gear while on patrol.

“We will use these skills every day when we take our platoon out on patrols in foreign places,” said Brendan Cleary, a Brandywine student enrolled in ROTC.

The field experience involves a weekend of camping held at the Fort Dix Military Base in New Jersey. Cadets sleep outdoors and enact realistic scenarios through keeping watch and guarding their troops throughout the night.

They apply the skills they have learned in class by practicing land navigation with compasses, problem solving and team building in various conditions.

Cleary is passionate about his future role as a second lieutenant officer in the army.

“I want to serve because I like what the army stands for, and I believe that if you have the capacity to serve, you should.”

Cleary plans to use his current field of study, computer science, in his army occupation. “I have the option to include my major into my career if I were to choose a branch such as cyber security; a necessary and growing branch.”

The skills that are taught in ROTC are useful in any profession outside of the army as many employers seek leadership abilities.

“The army teaches great values such as discipline and hard work which are the key to success in any job,” said Cleary.

By: Cole Young, Lion’s Eye Staff, cry5060@psu.edu

It’s the start of another year at Brandywine, and with it brings a new generation of students. This freshmen class is the first group of students born in the year 2000.

Famed American philanthropist Tom Steyer once said, “We will pay a heavy price if we insist on navigating the 21st century with a 20th century mindset.”

With them they’ll bring a new mindset and new ideas that will make them successful in the 21st century. The last few weeks these students have been spending time getting adjusted to college life. We were able to catch up with them and ask a few questions.

Penn State Brandywine was some people’s first choice, and a little further down the list for others. Many picked the campus, because it was close to their home. Other freshmen explained that they enjoyed the small campus, and the reduced cost compared to University Park.

So what made students choose Penn State? Three students explain what they liked about Brandywine.

“It actually wasn’t my first choice believe it or not. I remember the day when they brought us to hear other students’ stories about Brandywine. When they talked about the proximity to home and all the opportunities available it really piqued my interest,” said Vaishalli Devarakonda.

“It was fairly local and it was a lot cheaper than a lot of the schools I was looking at, and it has a really good engineering program,” said Sean Callahan, a mechanical engineering major.

“The faculty here are super helpful and nice, and that was a plus for me,” said Jordan Esterling.

As they’ve adjusted to college life, incoming students have been fans of many facets of Penn State Brandywine. So far, they’ve been enjoying the small class sizes, the Penn State community, and more.

Callahan said, “I really like the campus, the open feel and it’s a really nice look. The people here have been really nice so far.”

“I like the small class sizes, and the attention that professors are able to give to you is great,” said Esterling.

“I really like the atmosphere here after being in high school for the last four years. It reminds me of that. It’s comfortable, while at the same time it’s new enough to not be boring to me,” said Sean Hackett.

Students have come to Brandywine to pursue a wide array of majors. Brandywine has a lot to offer and they are taking advantage of it. Many were attracted by all that Penn State Brandywine has in store for them.

“I’m an English major, and I chose that because I’d like to be able to tell stories in a professional capacity,” said freshman Eric McGinty.

“My major is mechanical engineering, and I picked it because I have a strong foundation in math. I enjoy solving problems and most other things that engineers do,” said Callahan.

These newcomers are also taking advantage of Brandywine’s many clubs and activities. Whether they’re trying something new, or picking up where they left off in high school, these freshmen are getting involved.

McGinty said. “I’m involved in the writing club and the acting club. While they haven’t really gotten going yet, I’m looking forward to the opportunities that I’ll get in these clubs.”

Overall, except for a few complaints about commuting, the new group of freshmen are enjoying Brandywine. They claim to enjoy what it has to offer, and like what they see so far during the first semester. Hopefully, they’ll be able to discover everything Brandywine has to offer and excel in all their pursuits.

* * * *

By: Meghan Coyle, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, mtc5382@psu.edu

Labor Day is typically associated with the end of summer, and, for some, that means one last trip to the beach, a long weekend, or just a day off from work or school to relax. Although many enjoy the day off relaxing or soaking up the sun, it’s important to know the historical significance and reason why Americans have off on Labor Day.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor website, “The first government recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886.” The person who originated the idea isn’t entirely known, and, according to history.com, “Many credit Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, while others have suggested that Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union…” The first official celebration of Labor Day was with a parade in New York City on September 5, 1882, which was a Tuesday that year.

Now, in 2018, 136 years after that first celebration of Labor Day, is Labor Day celebrated differently?

The U.S. Department of Labor website states that, “Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

Some schools give students a day off on Labor Day, as was the case with Penn State Brandywine.

Penn State Brandywine students were treated to a day off from school for Labor Day, giving them a three-day weekend. Sam Shanahan, a human development and family studies (HDFS) major spent her long weekend doing a wide variety of things.

She said, “Friday night, I did homework. Saturday was fun. I chilled for the first half of the day, walked my dog and went to the Phillies game. That (the Phillies game) was the highlight of my weekend. Sunday, I went to the gym. Monday (Labor Day), I played with my cockapoo.”

There are plenty of ways to spend a long weekend, but it was also nice for students to just have the day off from classes.
Brandywine student Tahjir Ellis spent his Labor Day where most people aspire to spend their Labor Day, besides the beach, and said, “I went to a barbecue.”

History.com lists parades, picnics, barbecues and fireworks displays as some of the many ways Americans celebrate Labor Day each year. Clearly, there are many ways to celebrate Labor Day and the long weekend that often comes with it, but it’s also important to keep in mind the real reason behind the holiday: to honor American workers’ achievements.

William Copeland, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, wkc6@psu.edu

Student Affairs began the fall semester here at Penn State Brandywine with a jam-packed Week of Welcome (WOW) that included many events for students, including a game show, scavenger hunt, yoga, and much more.

Each weekday, beginning on August 18, different events held across campus started the school year in a fun and exciting way! The events featured giveaways, PSU swag, and cash prizes. A perk of WOW was that everything was free for students!

On Friday August 18, after the convocation ceremony, a Hawaiian-themed party for incoming freshmen was held in Tomezsko and the brand-new Student Union. This event included an interactive performance based on the premise that hate that is present in society can be countered with a clear goal to promote acceptance and love.

The performance was followed by the Bookstore Blowout where the bookstore staff was helping students secure their textbooks, while distributing free Clif Bars and coupons for school supplies. Free planners, water bottles, and candy were also given out.

Next, students were invited to Tomezsko for the party which featured yard games on the patio, and inside, a DJ known as “Crazy Bob,” who held a trivia game show in which students could win up to $50. There was also a free dinner for the attendees!

The first day of classes, also meant the official start of the full Week of Welcome! On Monday, August 21, the WOW events really took flight. Outside of the Student Union, students were invited to come listen to live music from, “My Hero Zero,” as well as grab some ice cream. The ice cream bar featured Penn State Creamery ice cream!

Also on Monday, an astronomical WOW event literally overshadowed the first day of classes, a total solar eclipse. The science department set up telescopes and pinhole viewers at the gazebo for students to view the eclipse. Professors brought their students out to view this event before getting back to the classroom.

On Tuesday, a trivia gameshow hosted by the company ThinkFast, was held in the Lion’s Den Commons. Prior to the gameshow, students were given free t-shirts representing their majors. ThinkFast used music, pop culture, sports, and Penn State trivia questions. The grand prize for the winning team was $200!

The leader of the winning team, Thomas England, said, “I would love to see more events like the gameshow held on campus.” The gameshow was a hit among all who attended, even those who just wanted the free t-shirt.

On Wednesday, President Barron and other officials, came to Brandywine from University Park for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Orchard Hall. (See ribbon-cutting dedication photo elsewhere in this issue.)

On Thursday, “Get Flexible” was held on the patio and lawn of Main. On the lawn, students eased into the school year with various yoga poses and meditation. The event also featured free giveaways such as stress balls, snacks, water bottles and wire art designs!

Bridget O’Donnell, assistant director of student activities, said, “I think the wire art during the get flexible event on Thursday was a big hit.”

The week wrapped up on Friday with the Student Affairs Open House. The open house offered light refreshments such as brownies and cake. Free I.D. holders and sunglasses were also distributed to those who attended.

At the Open House, scavenger hunt papers were collected! A week-long Scavenger Hunt encouraged students to learn the nooks and crannies of campus for a chance to be entered into a grand prize drawing.

The Week of Welcome brought students out in droves. WOW, is just one of the events students can look forward to from student affairs personnel, Ronika Money-Adams Bridget O’Donnell, Gary Miller, in coordination with residence life staff, Don Brennan and Tiana Peña Colón.

George Davis, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, gad5190@psu.edu

Students at Penn State Brandywine lined up to consider joining any one or many of the featured clubs at the Involvement Fair on August 31 during common hour. Brandywine offers a wide variety of clubs that appeal to the many interests of students.

Teachers and staff encourage students to join different clubs to enrich their time here on campus. Students are able to expand on their interests, meet new friends, and have a great time.

Just a few of the interests represented in this semester’s Involvement Fair were: sports, politics, environment, writing, music, languages, cultures and technology. After students signed up for some desired clubs, they were treated to a meal that gave them the strength to sign up for more clubs.

Leaders of the Brandywine Events and Activities Service Team (B.E.A.S.T), Alan Norrigan and Tammy Katz, had much to say about their club. “Our club is about having students be able pick from a wide variety of activities at Penn State Brandywine,” said Norrigan. They both hope to have many new students join in extracurricular activities this year.

Campus freshman here were interested and excited to see the variety of clubs they had the opportunity to join. Freshman, Alex Bradley, said, “I have an interest in different types of technologies so I decided to join the Information Sciences Technology club (IST).”

One of the most popular clubs here at Penn State Brandywine and across all Penn State campuses is THON. THON is a 46 hour dance Marathon at University Park. Before the dance marathon however, students team-up to raise money for families who are fighting pediatric cancer. Students organize numerous fundraising efforts including “canning” and canvassing to raise money “for the kids.” Dancers are then selected from each campus to participate in the weekend-long dance marathon.

Five Brandywine students were running the THON table, each of them very knowledgeable about the whole project: Samantha Glancey, Allyson Pyle, Derrick Osborn, Kevin Cardella and Alexis Protor were each very excited to let the whole campus know what THON is all about. They encouraged students to sign up and to help raise money for a great cause.

Gary Miller, associate director of student affairs, joined Penn State Brandywine on July 31. “I want students to get motivated to go out and meet new people, mingle and join new clubs, to get involved and enjoy their time here at Penn State,” said Miller.

Overall, with so many clubs to choose from, students will definitely be able to find something that interests them and that will give them something to do when they are not studying for classes. Joining different clubs helps students make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Breath Hand, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, bkh5174@psu.edu

The newly-minted Sustainovation Club announced its receipt of a Pepsi mini-grant, unveiled community projects, and introduced community partners at its well-attended first-ever meeting held in the student union.

An estimated seventy students attended the recent kick-off meeting for the new club, whose name and mission incorporates the ideas of sustainability and innovation into one body, the Sustainovation Club. At the meeting Dr. Laura Guertin, professor of earth science, shared the line-up of community partners in addition to Pepsi, with whom the club would be engaging. These partners include neighbors Ridley Creek State Park, Tyler Arboretum, as well as the Media Food Bank. In addition to a presentation by Dr. Guertin, representatives from Ridley Creek and Tyler Arboretum expressed their excitement concerning the upcoming collaborative projects.

In his brief address to the crowd Gary Stolz, DCNR Park Naturalist for Ridley Creek State Park and White Clay Creek Preserve said, “Trees sustain us, if you’re here and enjoy breathing oxygen, thank a tree!” This before inviting and encouraging all those attending to come for a walk in the park, an inevitability for those active in the club. His enthusiasm for nature was evident as he expressed his thanks for the club’s ongoing efforts to assist in updating existing tree markers at the park and create the interactive app and web presence slated to be completed in the spring.

Among other projects on the docket for the club is participation in Tyler Arboretum’s Pumpkin Days festival (October 14 & 15), at which the club will staff an interactive Sustainability Research Station. In the spring semester, assisted in part by the Engineering Club, the club participates in the nationally recognized CanstructionU project to benefit the Media Food Bank.

A primary mission of the club is to seek out community partners with whom to work on projects related to the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainability Goals to be achieved globally over the next 13 years. The Sustainovation Club has a jump-start on its mission thanks in large part to two factors: the participation of two club advisors in Penn State University’s Sustainable Communities Collaborative and the receipt of a one-year $5000 mini-grant from Pepsi. In the grant-seeking process Brandywine campus competed against many other Penn State campuses, some of whom ultimately received larger, three-year grants. Over the course of the next year Brandywine campus has the opportunity to become eligible for even more funds after satisfying the initial grant requirements. This seems very likely, considering the projects slated for the next two semesters.

The Sustainovation Club looks to be off to an exciting start, aided by broad administrative and faculty support including participation by those in Information Technology Services, Communications, Geology, Biology, Engineering, and Library Services. So, if you are interested in any of those subjects, the environment in general, or are in need of a project to satisfy a capstone experience or for an assignment requiring community volunteerism, this club may be the one for you. After their big splash onto the scene, we expect to hear more from this new club.

Ian Kerrigan, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, izk5047@psu.edu

Brandywine’s counseling services took to the student union lawn on Tuesday, September 5, to show students helpful ways to prevent being overwhelmed by stress—both on and off campus.

Cirque de Stress was the beginning of Suicide Awareness & Prevention Week that Student Affairs conducted from September 5 through September 8.  Events for the week also included free mental health screenings, and a show called “SMILE,” which was a comedian’s experience on his depression.  The week ended with a workshop about suicide awareness and prevention led by Sara Ralph, LPC, a local mental health provider.

Tuesday’s events ranged from engaging games, visiting stress pets, and on-site advice for coping with stress and difficult emotions that come with any amount of course work.   Coordinating the event was Brandywine counselor Jennifer Toadvine, Ph.D., whose resides in in the office of student affairs.  Among the tents on the Student Union lawn were fun carnival games, students playing cooperative games with each other, and a raffle, for prizes, like a yoga kit.

Toadvine offered advice to all students in the event they feel overwhelmed by their course loads and any stressors that came from outside school.  “The first thing is to acknowledge that you are being stressed, know what is stressing you, and talk about it,” said Toadvine.

“The best way to relieve stress is to have fun and find a way to distract yourself, be with friends and avoid creating stressful situations,” was Toadvine’s advice on preventing future stress.

Also at the events were several dogs that act as “stress pets,” providing a calming element in the midst of stressful moments.  Animals like these are able to detect when people are either upset or lonely.  “The connection formed between owner and pet leads to emotional support and de-stressing.  Any animal will do and the best thing is to find a connection with any animal,” was Toadvine’s opinion about how to successfully have an animal make life easier.

For any additional help on relieving stress or help with school life, the counseling center is in room 207 of the Student Union Building and Toadvine can be reached through her PSU email jut46@psu.edu.