Day: February 25, 2016

Involvement Fair Looks to Recruit New Students

Posted By under Advertising, Campus News, Contact, Entertainment , ,

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

Road to Europe Begins at Brandywine

Posted By under Uncategorized

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

One of Brandywine’s unique opportunities for students is the study abroad program.

It’s a one-week trip to a country in Europe which provides students with a taste of culture from another continent. Last year, Brandywine students had a fantastic voyage in Greece, where they experienced its scenic views and ancient history.  Before that, trips to London and Italy gave students a refreshing taste of culture and inspired their imagination.

This Spring Break, Penn State Brandywine will have three trips going on simultaneously: Ireland, Paris and Cuba. The trip to Paris was originally going to be held over Thanksgiving break last semester; because of the terrorist attacks, it was changed to March 6-13 for the safety of the students.

There are various classes for students to take, depending on the trip.  Each class appeals to students of almost any major or minor.  Students going on the trip to Paris are enrolled in either Introduction to the Arts in Paris led by Professor Dr. Paul Green, Black American Writers taught by Dr. Kimberly Blockett or Cross Cultural Psychology by Dr. Pauline Guerin.  Each course is worth three credits and the work for each class is online.

For Ireland’s Spring Break trip on March 4 to 12 there are several different courses including: Family Disorganization, Wellness Theory, Irish Art and Philosophy and the Foundations of Linguistics. Linguistics professor Evan Bradley is excited for the Ireland trip and speaks about the trip’s purpose.

“In a general sense, the whole concept is giving exposure to the world and other cultures,” Bradley said.  “In an academic sense for linguistics, we can do research for the difference in the pronunciation of words in another culture, and get a wider view on things worldwide.”

The Cuba trip on March 5 to 12 is for students taking courses in Civic and Community Engagement or Ethics and the Design of Technology. Art History Professor Dr. Paul Green describes that experience.

“You could take multiple courses for one trip and have the opportunity to graduate with a minor in International Studies,” Green said.  “It would look great on any student’s resume.”

Students who were unable to travel this semester can look forward to future trips. Those who want to keep in touch with the program and find more information about it can go to the website brandywine.psu.edu/global-programs. Each trip costs less than $2500, which is affordable.

No matter what trip each student is participating in, it will be an experience he or she will not regret.

Updated by the Lion’s Eye Web Staff

Young and Hungry: Women’s Softball

Posted By under Uncategorized

Meghan Burton, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, mcb@psu.edu

The 2016 Penn State Brandywine women’s softball team might be young but they are hungry.

The team is led by head coach Mark Caserta and assistant coaches Christine Mattis and Clarissa Harris.

Caserta’s coaching style focuses on positive energy and encouragement. Captain Julia Allman (Broomall, Pa./ Marple Newtown) explains how his style works.

“He has so much confidence in every single player, from the beginning to the end of the season,” Allman said.

This positive coaching style and a young team filled with talented players led the team to finish the 2015 season on a high note, as the team claimed the PSUAC softball title.

Some key players that played a part in that victory and are returning this spring could be called the fabulous five. These women are all sophomores looking to defeat their biggest rival Penn State Hazelton again. They include: Katie DeStefano (Kennett Square, Pa. / Kennett), Julie Foeldes (Kendall Park, N.J. / South Brunswick), Robynn Gannon (Lansdowne, Pa. / Archbishop Prendergast), Jen Patterson (Springfield, Pa. / Springfield) and 2015 All-American Katy Steffen (Downingtown, Pa. / Downingtown West).

“Our team as a whole is an awesome unit, because we click on the field and are all such good friends,” Foeldes said.

Following up on this upcoming season, the team is looking forward to numerous things.

“I am looking forward to seeing how well all of the new freshmen do on our team,” Allman said. “They all seem really aggressive and have love for the game.”