Tag: penn state brandywine

Cotton, Compassion and Creations for Love Ones

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By: Autumn Simms, Lion’s Eye Writer, als6765@psu.edu

For Valentine’s Day, student affairs personnell hosted a Stuff-a-Plush event in the heart of the Lion’s  Den.  Many people like to go out and buy candies, chocolates, cards and other romantic goodies for this special day, but a handmade adorable Penn State plushie can also spread jow.  The free event drew in many students during their common hour, an hour of recollection and relaxation.  They got to step away from preparing for their next class and spend a little bit of their free time creating a gift that will last for a while.

Freshman Tayna, “I’m giving my stuffed animals to my niece, everyone gets love.” She and her friends sat together in a circle with their plushies discussing their plans for the holiday and what to do with their bears.

Students had a variety of animals from which to pick. Some were creating stuff animals for relatives or significant others. Other made plushies to add decoration to their room. Sophomore,Tamarah Jones, said, “I am probably going to keep mine for myself. This was fun!”

When asked about the process of creating the stuffed animals Michelle Delaveaga said, “I just grabbed a bunch of stuff and put it together.”

Sophomore, Oscar Delgadillo said, “You know what this means to me? I’m giving it away to someone.” His group of friends started laughing with him. Some of his peers had lions and bears in their hands that were also potentially going to someone else to loved and appreciated. This event allowed students to create cuddly creatures to keep them warm this winter season.

 

Spring is here just in time with multiple championships in mind

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Soon jackets will be shed and warm air will be returning to Delaware County. With the weather quickly changing and the ball fields thawing, it is almost that time of the year—it’s time to play ball!

Spring 2017 promises many opportunities for Penn State Brandywine. There’s history to be made and records to be broken for our baseball and softball teams. With spring, just around the corner, both teams are hopeful and excited for what this season has in store.

While our softball team is busy starting a dynasty, they’ll be entering this spring holding two consecutive conference championships, with a confident mindset and an even more tenacious demeanor.

Even though softball recently arrived as part of Brandywine athletics in 2014, they have already made their mark with dominance in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). The man behind the magic, Coach Mark Caserta, has earned the Coach of the Year award for the past two years. Coach Caserta will be entering the spring holding a 46-11 conference record and two conference championships.

Julia Allman, senior softball captain, also has a vision for this upcoming season.

“We enter this season with countless goals in mind. Our very strong freshman class and incredibly experienced upperclassmen are ready to be seen. Since this is my final season, I look forward to making this one as memorable and unforgettable as possible,” said Allman.

With the support of their upperclassmen and coaching staff, the women are preparing to make this season one for the record books.

As the softball team looks forward to reaching their next milestone, Brandywine’s baseball team is seeking out to make history of their own.

Returning from a disappointing finish last spring, the baseball team ferociously looks ahead with one thing on their mind—a championship. The PSUAC title is something that the majority of the upperclassmen have been within arm’s reach of achieving, but have not obtained.

Fall 2016 brought new opportunities with the promotion of Vinny Gallo to baseball head coach. The team also welcomed, Corey Hepher, Tony DiGiammo and Mike Sciasci, as new assistant coaches.

Optimistic senior captain Joey Samohod says, “The talent this team possesses, and the unbreakable brotherly bond this team carries will lead to dominance. With the challenges, not only in baseball but in school and life, you learn it’s about the people you surround yourself with that makes the biggest difference. We’re so lucky to have a family of brothers who are continuously there to pick each other up without hesitation on and off the field. This team has been through a lot to get them to be the strong and recognized team we strove to become.”

John Gorgone, senior captain outfielder, states, “There’s different building blocks that a team takes to the road of a championship title. This team has never had a thing handed to them, we’ve worked for every little thing. This dedication is something we’ve been building off of in the past four years, and that’s what is giving us success in this moment.”

Nathaniel Forwood, Joe Samohod, Tommy Crumlish and John Gorgone, all baseball team captains, are hoping to make this season memorable. With a few college baseball careers coming to an end at the conclusion of this spring 2017 season, it is their goal to make this last year memorable and, more importantly, to leave their mark on the school and the program.

Captain outfielder Tommy Crumlish concludes with, “This determined group of men are coming back from a year of incredible performance but unsatisfactory finish and ready to set fire to the field, and bring Brandywine our first ever baseball championship title.”

In early February, the baseball team opened their season with the softball team following in early March. Both groups of student athletes are prepared to put their countless hours of sweat and stress to the test.  With both teams chasing a goal of their own, they share a common motivation—success.  The championship title sits right at their fingertips, ready to be taken.

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer
Nathaniel Forwood, Nlf5120@psu.edu

Snakes, Skinks, and Lizards Invade the Lion’s Den

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Autumn Simms, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, als6765@psu.edu

Putting aside their fears of reptiles, students at Penn State Brandywine got to interact with various reptiles deep within the Lion’s Den. Keith Gisser, founder of the HERPS ALIVE!! program, brought creatures of varying sizes and intimidation levels for students to learn about.

Gisser has over thirty years of experience handling reptiles and amphibians. Since 1990, HERPS ALIVE!! has been traveling to 250 colleges in 36 states educating students on reptiles in a fun interactive way. They have been to Villanova University, Temple University and Delaware Valley College to name a few places.

Students like, Antonio Nicosia, got to pet one of four tortoises.

Nicosia said, “They’re pretty awesome. This stands out to me as a semester highlight.”Several students volunteered to be draped with an eight foot five inch Albino Burmese Python named Silas. Silas weighed 40 pounds. A student, named Ameer, described the snake as “super soft, exciting, and slippery.”

Bridget O’Donnell, assistant director of student affairs, said the event was, “Educational-something different for the students.”

While assisting Gisser and O’Donnell with the python, student helper, Vince Dejohn, said, “This is something I want to do for a living.”

There were skinks (a type of lizard), corn snakes, a baby alligator, a bearded dragon and an Asian Water Monitor. All the cold-blooded reptiles appeared extremely friendly and comfortable being in the hands of curious Penn State students.

There was a 5-foot, 10-year-old Asian Water Monitor named Gator, weighing 25 pounds. Gator nestled herself like a baby on students’ shoulders.

Jake Fida said, “It was fulfilling to hold a very large lizard.” He wasn’t the only one who felt this way.

Keith Gisser is also the executive director of the non-profit Herps Alive Foundation started in 2013 and dedicated to rescuing neglected and/or abused reptiles and amphibians. The volunteers of the Herps Alive Foundation rehabilitate these animals and provide a sanctuary for them until they find a new home. They emphasize the importance of educating the public about reptiles and amphibians.

Herps Alive Foundation is a member of the Northern Ohio Association of Herpetologist, U.S Association of Reptile Keepers and Zoological Association of America. They have their own website at gggreg.com/herps_alive.html and a Facebook page at Herps Alive.

 

 

Speed Networking

Posted By under Advertising, Alumni, Campus News, Entertainment, Networking , , , , , , , , , ,

By: Ciera Britton, Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, clb434@psu.edu

Penn State alums at the Speed Networking with Alumni event offered students the unique opportunity to practice before the real interview.

The event was an opportunity for the students to network with the alumni and practice their ‘‘elevator speeches.’’ The Speed Networking with Alumni saw a total of 14 alumni and 27 students attend. The feedback received from both the alumni and students was encouraging and very positive.

The collaboration of the Student Government Association (S.G.A), Blue and White Society (B.W.S), Career Services and Alumni Relations made the event a success. The event was open to all students; for two internship prep classes (CNED 280 and BA 420), participation was mandatory. For the first half of the Speed Networking with Alumni, the students rotated from one alumni station to another after every four minutes.

“I attended the event because it was an excellent opportunity to network and meet knowledgeable and experienced PSU alumni,” senior Jodi Mitchell said.

Jim Callagher, who is employed by Hotel and Restaurant Management, shares his reasons why he is always there to help the students of Penn State.

“PSU is what it is all about,” Callagher said. “It is important to share our business experience with future students in the business world. It can help them with better interviewing skills.”

Penn State alum Michael Cappelletti works at Warfel Construction Company.  He was honored to attend.

“Penn State has the best students,” Cappelletti said. “They are always present for events and great at networking. I am here to help the students learn to reach out, to communicate and to network.”

After lunch, Penn State Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations Virginia Harrison explained how she could not miss the event.

“I am the adviser to the Blue and White Society and in the campus alumni relations office,” Harrison said. “I came to see and help alumni and students network and interact.”

Numerous connections were made for potential opportunities, and students are better equipped and more confident as they prepare for upcoming job opportunities.

Don’t stop now

Posted By under Advertising, Alumni, Campus News, Commencement, Entertainment, Graduation, Networking, Op/Ed , , , , , , , ,

By: Sharifa Small, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sns161@psu.edu

As Penn State Brandywine 2016 commencement draws near, students are wrapping up research projects, internships, independent study classes and exams in preparation for what lies ahead.

The commencement ceremony is set to be held on Saturday, May 7, at 10 a.m., in the Commons Building/Athletic Center. Additionally, the commencement speaker will be Jennifer Morgan, President of SAP North America.

While many students are counting down the weeks until graduation day, which tends to be the busiest, others are reminiscing about their first day on campus.

Will Gruehn, a senior Corporate Communications major, is set to graduate this spring. He remembers his first day as a freshman.

“It was fairly uneventful,” Gruehn said. “I remember thinking that the campus was a lot smaller than I initially envisioned it.  I also remember being very shocked by the general size of most classes, but as the days passed by, the class sizes were a thing of the past.”

Within the weeks leading up to graduation day, there are always activities on campus to either ease one’s mind of final exam stress or help a student look for a job. Such activities include mock interviews, speed networking with alumni, career day prep (Resumania), career day and internship poster and capstone presentations. There are also fun events like Tunes Thursday, Movie Night, Senior Send-off, Spring Fling and much more.

Commencement is a joyous occasion. With that being said, seniors are urged to RSVP with attendance and ticket requests by April 20 for the commencement ceremony as well as pick up their cap and gowns, as it is very much needed for the service. Seniors are still required to RSVP even if they do not plan to attend the commencement ceremony, to ensure an appropriate count of attendees.

“I have a lot of mixed feelings about graduation, Gruehn said. “I honestly cannot wait to be finally finished with research papers, presentations and exams; however, I am also a bit sad about the prospect of leaving my friends behind.”

Congratulations to those seniors graduating. A new chapter will begin soon. It starts with being called a Penn State alum.

Speed Networking with Alumni

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By: Sharifa Small, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sns161@psu.edu

One way for college students to learn about what the real world has to offer is to network and connect with alumni.

Penn State Brandywine’s Career Services collaborated with the Student Government Association, Blue and White Society and University Relations to host the annual Speed Networking with Alumni event on February 24.

The purpose of the event was for students to get a better understanding of and experience with networking. By practicing networking, students may feel more comfortable when engaging in two-way dialogue.

Olivia Shiner, a junior business management major and the President of S.G.A., was one of the many people who made the event a success.

“This event offers an excellent opportunity to make contact with people from Penn State and within the local area,” Shiner said. “Because of the past speed networking events, I have met many alumni. Plus, I know at least three people and myself who have worked with alumni after the event.”

Shiner believes networking is essential and once students start talking to people, they will realize what they have in common and how others can help in a job search.

How it worked

The networking event took place in the Tomezsko Lounge during common hour.  The lounge was staged as a coffee house; refreshments, lunch and music were available. There were 27 students and 14 alumni in attendance. Each alum was assigned to a numbered table and each student received a number upon arrival, which placed them as a group.

The group consisted of one alumni and two to three students. For the first half of the event, and at the sound of a bell, participants were able to take turns asking questions and delivering their elevator pitches. Each session was timed, so students rotated to the a new alum’s table every four minutes.

Photo by: Sharifa Small
Photo by: Sharifa Small

Observing the success of the event, and one of the many people in charge was Christine Allen, the Career Services Coordinator.

“Feedback from both students and alumni was very positive,” Allen said.  “Students were primarily from two Internship Prep classes, (BA 420 and CNED 280) but student leaders opened the event to all students. Many connections were made for potential opportunities and students are better prepared and more confident as they prepare for Career Days on March 1st and March 24th.”

Denita Wright Watson, Penn State Great Valley’s Academic Program Manager, said she loves participating and been to several of these events.

“I think it was a great event,” Watson said.  “The students were very well prepared, and they asked thoughtful and insightful questions and were very receptive to receiving advice. One thing that stood out to me was the way in which the students traveled in pairs to each station. I think it allowed them to offer support to each other. What I noticed in some of the groupings is that one person might have been nervous. However, the person they were paired with was very reassuring in making the person feel more comfortable by nodding and smiling.”

Virginia Harrison, Penn State Brandywine Assistant Director of Development and Blue and White Society Adviser, said she enjoyed seeing Penn Staters connect.

“The Speed Networking event at Brandywine was an excellent opportunity for alumni to be mentors,” Harrison said.  “It also gave them a chance to come back to campus and remember their time here.

Career Day will be held March 1 and 24; March Madness/Resumania will be held on March 21 and 22 to help students prepare. For more information or a list of all the events, visit www.bw.psu.edu/acs-events-fairs, or stop by Career Services located in 104 Main Building.

Men’s Basketball Outhustled by Penn State York

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By: Erin Dolan, Lion’s Eye Writer, evd5158@psu.edu

The Penn State York men’s basketball team defeated Penn State Brandywine 91-69 on January 30.

From tip-off, Penn State York’s momentum and speed outhustled was evident.  In the first half, Brandywine shot 20 percent from the field verses York’s 62.1 percent.  Missing shots and being outrebounded impacted the team mentally.

Omar Richburg, Brandywine men’s basketball coach, explained what went wrong.

“It appeared there was a lack of energy and passion,” Richburg said.

In addition, within the first ten minutes of the game, both teams were in foul trouble. York racked up 12 fouls, but shot 11 for 13 from the line, while Brandywine racked up ten fouls and went 9 for 17 from the line.

By the end of the first half, York led 53-24. In the second half, Terrance Quinn, Brandywine’s guard, came out strong shooting two 3-pointers. The team’s momentum picked up, but could not be sustained. With five minutes remaining, York had its largest lead — 32 points.

York’s freshman duo of Trent Thomas and Mike Coleman led their team in points; Thomas contributed 28.

Fan Margo Gargus claimed, “Thomas was unstoppable.”

Brandywine’s forward, Marcus Turner, lead the team with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists.

“Turner played phenomenally,” Richburg said.  “The game is his first game back from an ankle injury, so he is trying to get his flow and repetition back.”

Turner’s high energy assisted in closing York’s lead. Brandywine forward Cyrie Spencer grabbed eight rebounds for Brandywine.

Brandywine’s victory against Penn State Hazleton the night before, 73-59, couldn’t offer any added momentum in this game.

“Back-to-back games were challenging because the team didn’t get home until late last night after beating Penn State Hazleton,” Richburg said. “But it’s not an excuse.”

With a 3-6 conference record, the team hopes to make a run for the playoffs as they approach their final seven games.

Richburg talked about his strategy going into a game against Penn State Mont Alto.

“We will go back to the drawing board and take a few days off to focus on the game ahead,” Richburg said.

Winning four games this season, Penn State Brandywine men’s basketball players look to improve their record by playing with more passion.

Involvement Fair Looks to Recruit New Students

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By: Michael McCarrick, Lion’s Eye Writer, mqm5415@psu.edu

In contrast to its size, Penn State Brandywine has its fair share of clubs to interest any student; on January 19, Penn State Brandywine held its Student Involvement Fair in the gymnasium during common hour.

It is one thing to go to college and take classes, but it is better to be taking classes and participating in a club that matches a student’s interest and passion. Not only do students have the opportunity to get involved in clubs, but also they are also likely to make new friends with club members because of their shared interests.

There were nearly 20 different booths, along food and refreshments available while pop music was playing in the background at the fair. Attending the Student Involvement Fair, newcomers discovered the various clubs on campus while the others saw what new clubs were established this year.

Among the many booths were the club titans that have been a major part of Brandywine’s culture such as THON, Brandywine Events & Activities Service Team (B.E.A.S.T.), Student Government Association (S.G.A.) and Phi Beta Lambda. However, the lesser-known clubs were the ones that enrich the fair, such as Nittany Needles, Rainbow Alliance, A Capella and Anime Club.

Among the new clubs were the Badminton Club, the Musicians Collaboration Club and the Trapshooting Club. With all these new clubs arriving on campus, it should encourage students to create a club that fits their niche.

Stephanie Jones, the Associate Director of Student Affairs, was one of the coordinators for the event. Jones was everywhere trying to make everything coherent and appealing to the students.

The purpose of the fair was to, “Show students ways to engage in their campus community,” Jones said. “I hope they [the students] learned about ways to get involved and about student organizations on campus.”

The next Student Involvement Fair will take place in September and will likely be outside, making it impossible to miss. In addition, it is not too late to join a club. For more information on joining a club, contact the club leader or go to the website brandywine.psu.edu/student-clubs-and-organizations.

 

Updated by the Lion’s Eye Web Staff

From Blocking Shots to Saving Lives

Posted By under Campus News, Entertainment, Sports ,

By: Symantha Marrero, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sjm5946@psu.edu

It’s almost every kid’s dream to become a college athlete or a police officer. One woman in particular has a shot to fulfill both of those dreams.

Melanie Kempf, a 20-­year-­old student at Penn State Brandywine, is your average girl. She loves to listen to music, spend time with friends and family and to be active. There’s a catch—she’s a 6-­foot center who’s on the path to becoming a state trooper.

A college athlete typically plays for the duration of their time at school, which four years. Kempf’s time on the basketball court, as well as in the classroom, has been cut two years short because of her upcoming task.

The process to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper is rigorous and exhausting. Not only do physical demands need to be met, but also written exams and polygraphs are expected to be passed as well. Once these expectations are completed, the final stage is the academy, where cadets partake in hardcore physical training, in addition to police training for six months.

The physical training includes an intense amount of running, pull­-ups, push-­ups, lifting and even swimming. The police training, which will likely be Kempf’s favorite part of the time spent at the academy, includes how and when to use a firearm, how to drive a police vehicle properly, how to “cuff” people, as well as self­defense.

Perhaps the best part of the entire process is graduating from the academy and starting the first “assignment,” wherever that may be. Finishing this semester at Brandywine brings Kempf that much closer to her goal.

Kempf reminisced about leaving the game of basketball behind.

“Since I was able to walk, I always had a basketball with me,” Kempf said. “Now, it’s like I’m losing a piece of me that had always been there.”

Kempf starts for the Lady Lions and averages just under 18 minutes a game. She’s a huge factor in the team’s success. Basketball isn’t her only talent, however. She also played on the women’s volleyball and soccer teams at Brandywine.

“Mel has the biggest heart I know,” former teammate Colleen Kennedy said. “She gives her all at anything she sets her mind to. I think she’s going to make the perfect police officer.”

Ride-alongs are what sealed the deal for Kempf. After researching and being inspired by family members in the force, Kempf began going on ride-alongs and quickly learned just what it takes to be a police officer.

“Going on these ride-alongs have assured me this is what I’m supposed to do,” Kempf said contently.

From gruesome scenes of suicides to speeding over 85 MPH to chase down a wanted man, Kempf wants it all.

“This is what I’m supposed to do, protect and serve my community, family, friends, everyone,” Kempf said. “I see myself being a police officer within the next two years, ideally a PA state trooper. As long as I’m a police officer, I’ll be happy!”

Until then, she’ll settle with making baskets on the hardwood.

Don’t Be Lethargic, Get Involved

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By: Sharifa Small, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sns161@psu.edu

Penn State Brandywine’s Office of Student Affair hosted its annual Student Involvement Fair on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, in the gymnasium to start the fall semester.

This event was an opportunity to showcase the organizations on campus. It was also an opportunity to meet and talk with members of the student organizations and for students to learn about the many opportunities to get involved.

All clubs, organizations, committees, teams and groups were invited to attend. This year, organizers said was a great turnout with over more than 30 student organizations represented.

The person in charge, making each involvement fair possible, is Stephanie Jones, the Associate Director of Student Affairs.

“My goal with the Involvement Fair was to give students the opportunity to learn ways to get involved in student organizations here at Brandywine,” Jones said. “My hope is that students will find something here that they can connect to that will enhance their college experience.”

One organization’s adviser believes there was something for everyone.

“I enjoy seeing all the diverse student groups on campus,” Virginia Harrison, Assistant Director of Development and the Blue and White Society adviser, said. “This is my first year as the adviser to the Blue & White Society, so when I attended the Summer Involvement Fair I was trying to get the word out about the club.  This semester, I was thrilled to see students coming up to our table to learn more about our group because they had heard about the Blue & White Society. I was also glad to have our president and vice president there with me!”

The Student Involvement Fair is a great place for students to join an organization or create their own that interests them because being a part of something on or off campus gives students a feeling of satisfaction. For more information about the Student Involvement Fair or ways to get involved, drop by the Office of Student Affairs located in the Commons building.