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Inside Outreach
Martin brings 4-H youth development model to Caucasus Region
Michael J. Martin (wearing Penn State hat), special assistant to the vice president for Outreach and Cooperative Extension, presented a workshop on the American 4-H youth development model to Heifer International staff members and volunteers from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In the upper photo, Martin is shown with Silva Mamikonyan (on Martin’s left), extension youth club specialist with the Armenian Agricultural Academy, and members of the Young Leaders and Zongah clubs in Martuni Village in Armenia. In the lower photo, Martin visits Geghard Monastery.	By Deborah A. Benedetti   Twenty members of Heifer International from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia learned about the American 4-H youth development model during a five-day workshop led by Michael J. Martin, special assistant to the vice president for Outreach and Cooperative Extension at Penn State.   Martin spent several weeks in Armenia, presenting the workshop and consulting with officials involved with Cooperative Extension and Heifer International youth projects. His visit was sponsored by ACDI/VOCA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Heifer International. ACDI/VOCA received a request from USDA’s Marketing Assistance Program in Armenia for the training program for staff and volunteers who work with youth in the three countries comprising the Caucasus Region. Martin coordinated his visit with the Armenian Agricultural Academy’s Department of Extension.   “The value of 4-H training is the same for participants here and in Armenia,” Martin said. “The goal is sharing with adults the philosophy and model of 4-H so they can use it to teach children life skills that will empower them to grow into confident, caring and contributing adults. During the workshop, I presented a youth development model that I’ve participated in my entire life. This was a chance for me to give back to 4-H a piece of all that I’ve benefited from as a 4-H youth member, adult volunteer and professional.”   Martin added, “I was so impressed with the poise and level of accomplishment of the young people involved in youth clubs that I met. They demonstrated an ease and confidence in their presentation skills and a great enthusiasm for their projects.”   The purpose of the workshop was to introduce and train adult volunteers of Heifer International on the American model of 4-H youth development. Martin provided participants with an overview of 4-H history, concept and philosophy; 4-H administration and management; cooperation between county clubs; community participation and adult volunteer involvement; types of 4-H programs for rural youth promoting healthy lifestyle, community leadership, partnership with adults, group process skills and other programs; 4-H activities to stimulate academic education; interaction between schools and extension for 4-H programs; examples of real-life situations; and international collaboration examples of the 4-H Foundation with other countries.   Each workshop participant has been asked to share the American 4-H youth development model with at least 15 youth participants in Heifer International projects.   “I hope this workshop is the beginning of an ongoing relationship between USDA, Cooperative Extension and Heifer International in the trans-Caucasus Region and beyond,” Martin said. He recommended to ACDI/VOCA that a follow-up training workshop be held in a year to provide volunteers with additional knowledge and skills.   Deanna M. Behring, director of international programs in agriculture for the College of Agricultural Sciences, said, “The College of Agricultural Sciences supports these types of experiences for Penn Staters. These experiences open doors of cooperation and resources to help professionals and volunteers in other countries seek ways to improve their quality of life. For its part, the college’s involvement in the region has been growing. We are building on our world-renowned research on some of the most pressing problems of youth, our expertise and experience with program development and delivery and years of exchanges between faculty, extension and 4-H clubs.”   Behring said a full description of the college’s activities in the region is available online at www.cas.psu.edu/docs/international/russia.html.   “The College of Agricultural Sciences’ links with ACDI/VOCA are also extensive,” she added. “Many of Penn State’s Cooperative Extension agents and others affiliated with the college have taken the opportunity to share their expertise through ACDI/VOCA’s volunteer programs. I encourage anyone interested in a growth experience through volunteering to visit www.cas.psu.edu/docs/international/VolOpps.html.”   ACDI/VOCA is a “private nonprofit organization that promotes broad-based economic growth and the development of civil society in emerging democracies and developing countries.” Martin serves as a youth program consultant for the organization.   Heifer International helps develop small farming practices and self-reliance in rural communities by distributing animals to families. Through its Peace to Our Homes Project, it works to empower people so they can improve their lives. Heifer International began working in the Caucasus Region in 1999, with small projects in Armenia and Georgia.   Martin said Heifer International distributed five pregnant goats to each of five families as part of a project in the Yehegis Village. The families receiving animals are asked to donate newborns to other members of their community, thus sustaining and expanding the impact of the project in each community.   “One mother living in Yehegis Village whose family received five goats was so proud, because for the first time her family had fresh goat milk, yogurt and cheese,” Martin said. “The project helped raise this family’s self-esteem.”
Outreach activities earn national honors   Penn State outreach programs and initiatives have been honored with eight University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) awards.   The University Continuing Education Association is the principle organization for continuing higher education in the United States. Its members include colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations involved in professional education. The association presents awards annually during its national convention in April.   Penn State faculty and staff members contributed to these outreach programs and initiatives honored with UCEA awards: The Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning Institute for Chilean Educators, developed by the College of Education and CREAD—The Inter-American Distance Education Consortium, won an Exemplary Program Award from the Conferences and Professional Programs Community of Practice of UCEA. Outreach Scholarship 2001: Learning, Discovery and Engagement, developed by Penn State Outreach and Cooperative Extension units in collaboration with Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin-Extension, won an Exemplary Program Award from the Conferences and Professional Programs Community of Practice. Redefining Community: A Smart Growth Approach to Street and Neighborhood Design, Crime Prevention, Public Health and Safety, developed by Penn State Continuing Education’s Conferences and Institutes and the College of Arts and Architecture, won an Exemplary Program Award from the Conferences and Professional Programs Community of Practice. This program also received a UCEA Region II Exemplary Program Award. ORION: Penn State Wilderness Orientation, developed by Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center in partnership with the Penn State Outing Club and Penn State Continuing Education’s Conferences and Institutes, won an Exemplary Program Award from the Conferences and Professional Programs Community of Practice. The Adult Educator Virtual Newsletter, developed by Penn State Outreach Marketing and Penn State World Campus, won a Gold Award in the Judges’ Choice: Recognition for Electronic Communications category. Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center newsletter Shavings, developed by Penn State Outreach Marketing and Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, won a Gold Award in the newsletter category. Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center Web site, developed by Penn State Outreach Marketing and Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, won a Silver Award in the most improved category. “Making IT Work” brochure and poster for information technology (IT) camps offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension in Potter and McKean counties, developed by Outreach Marketing Consulting Services, won a Bronze Award in the campaign publications category.   Two other Penn State outreach programs were honored with University Continuing Education Association Region II awards: Mosser Village Family Center Youth Enrichment Partnership Program, developed by Penn State Lehigh Valley, won an Award of Excellence for Programs for Special Populations, and Performative Sites: Intersecting Art, Technology and the Body, developed by Penn State Continuing Education’s Conferences and Institutes with the College of Arts and Architecture, won an Exemplary Program Award.
Projects receive national marketing awards
	Admissions Marketing Report and the University and College Designers Association have honored University marketing projects with eight awards.   “The awards demonstrate Penn State’s commitment to a high-quality and coordinated marketing approach for University educational and outreach programs,” William E. Minor, senior director for Outreach Marketing with Outreach and Cooperative Extension, said. “We are thrilled to have our marketing efforts recognized nationally.”   Admissions Marketing Report is a national monthly magazine covering the admissions marketing field of colleges, universities and vocational and proprietary schools. Outreach Marketing staff members contributed their expertise to the following projects: The “Penn State for You” advertising campaign received three awards: Gold Medal for Best Total Advertising Campaign, Gold Medal for Best Newspaper Ad and Silver Medal for Advertising Insert. Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center received a Silver Medal for Web site. The Penn State World Campus Dietetics “Grow Professionally” program received a Merit Award for Magazine Ad. The World Campus Adult Education newsletter received a Merit Award for Newsletter. The Distance Education Catalog received a Merit Award for Catalog.   The University and College Designers Association presented an Award of Excellence to the Penn State Outreach Marketing team that created a coordinated series of invitation pieces for the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of public broadcasting. Founded in 1979, the association is a professional organization dedicated to the interests of designers for educational institutions.
Penn State researchers win awards for farm-safety research
	Dr. Dennis Murphy, Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Engineering, and Nancy Ellen Kiernan, program evaluation specialist, both in the College of Agricultural Sciences, have been honored by the National Institute for Farm Safety for “exemplary contributions to agricultural safety and health.”   At its annual conference, the institute recognized Murphy, Kiernan and three other researchers for their study of 216 small farms in Pennsylvania, comparing the efficacy of safety education alone versus education plus hazard self-audits.   “This study is a good example of how many field educational intervention programs could and should be evaluated,” a news release from the institute stated. “Their results showed a significant decrease in hazards identified and addressed when the owner/operator was actively engaged via the self-audit. Notable from the standpoints of evaluation design and execution was questionnaire-based self-report measures coupled with independent hazard inspections to verify self-reports.”   The National Institute for Farm Safety is the largest professional development organization in North America solely dedicated to the professional improvement of agricultural safety and health leaders. To recognize outstanding contributions, the institute expanded its awards program in farm safety, consisting of research awards and prevention awards.   Also receiving awards for the research were Cathy Kassab, a State College statistical consultant, and Douglas Landsittel and David Hard, agricultural researchers with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in Morgantown, W.Va.
Penn State Altoona is honored for human resource training
	Penn State Altoona has been recognized by the national Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for excellence in human resource training. The college was one of only 13 higher education institutions across the country to have 100 percent of its students pass the fall 2001 Senior Professional in Human Resources examination. The exam is the more rigorous of the two certification exams given by the Human Resource Certification Institute.   Jeff Covino, continuing education and training specialist, accepted the award at the Society for Human Resource Management conference in New Orleans.   Penn State Altoona offers the Certificate in Professional Human Resource Management Preparation course, which provides assistance in preparing for the Professional in Human Resources or Senior Professional in Human Resources certification exams. The 30-hour program is designed for professionals desiring a review course in preparation for the Human Resource Certification Institute exams and for human resource professionals and specialists seeking a broad overview and greater understanding of human resource management.   The Society for Human Resource Management is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 165,000 individual members, the society serves the needs of human resource professionals by providing the most essential and comprehensive set of resources available. Founded in 1948, the society currently has more than 500 affiliated chapters within the United States and members in more than 120 countries.
Kudos for Kid’s Times Web site
	By Karen Tuohey Wing   The Kid’s Times Web site (www.kidstimes.org) developed by Penn State Public Broadcasting and WPSX-TV has been selected for inclusion in the American Library Association’s Great Web Sites for Kids located at www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/amazing.html.   To be selected as a Great Web Site for Kids, the site must be outstanding in both content and conception; it must encourage young people’s interests in exemplary ways; and it should be targeted to children age 14 and younger.   The Kid’s Times Web site features topical articles written by youth and invites children to add their own voices. It’s an extension of the award-winning, current events news program What’s in the News, produced and distributed by WPSX-TV. This fall, What’s in the News will enter its 37th season and will reach more than 5.7 million fourth- to seventh-grade students nationwide.
Educational series helps unravel nightmare of Sept. 11
	In an effort to help parents and teachers guide children through the aftermath of Sept. 11, the award-winning What’s in the News broadcast team offered a four-part video series “Naming the Nightmare: The Journey Back from 9/11” as a free, two-hour satellite feed for classroom and community use on Sept. 8. In addition, What’s in the News hosted a live call-in program about terrorism targeted to middle school students on Sept. 11.   The impact of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has been felt by many, especially children. In its May 2, 2002, edition, The New York Times reported “tens of thousands of public school children in New York City are experiencing chronic nightmares, fear of public places, severe anxiety and other mental health problems months after the World Trade Center attack.”   Through the series, the What’s in the News broadcast team attempted to unravel the mystery and message of terrorism. The series explored the social, religious and political factors of Islam, investigated how war and politics affect families and took an insider’s look at the public service agencies keeping the nation safe. Lesson plans and discussion guides, along with series transcripts, are available through the What’s in the News Web site at http://www.namingthenightmare.org.   Katie O’Toole, producer, writer and host of What’s in the News, hosted “What’s in the News Live: Kids Ask About Terrorism.” During the live national call-in program, she talked with a small group of middle school students and adult experts about the changes brought by terrorism. Students and teachers nationwide participated in the program by submitting their questions by telephone and e-mail. The program was available by satellite to public TV stations and their associated schools across the country via PBS Satellite Schedule 513 by National ITV Satellite Schedule (NISS). NISS is a service of NETA, the National Educational Telecommunications Association, a nonprofit organization serving public television and education.   What’s in the News is a multimedia instructional series that uses current events as a springboard for exploring history, geography, civics, world cultures, science, language arts and all other areas of the curriculum. Used around the country in grades four through seven, What’s in the News is a comprehensive and challenging instructional tool that combines 15-minute television programs with computer-based resources and print materials. It is distributed by ITS and is fed via satellite by NETA.   What’s in the News is a production of Penn State Public Broadcasting in cooperation with the College of Education.
O’Toole receives Barash Award for Human Service
Katie O’Toole, producer/writer for Penn State Public Broadcasting, is the recipient of the 2002 Barash Award for Human Service. Dave Shelly—Penn State Image Resource Center	By Vicki Fong   Katie O’Toole, producer/writer for Penn State Public Broadcasting, has been awarded the 2002 Barash Award for Human Service. She is host of What’s in the News, a national news program for children in grades four to seven.   The Barash Award for Human Service, created in 1975 by the family of the late Sy Barash, recognizes a full-time member of the Penn State faculty, staff or student body at University Park who has contributed the most, apart from assigned duties, to human causes or public service activities in the Centre Region or the University Park campus. Barash, a Penn State graduate, was a State College, Pa., businessman who was committed to humanitarian causes on and off campus.   O’Toole was honored for her leadership role and contributions to a wide variety of community organizations. For the past 15 years, she has been a committee member of the Second Mile and has served as a host family for a student in the Second Mile’s ABC program. She also was a member of the inaugural board for the State College Area School District’s Advisory Board for Private Fundraising.   Since 1993, she has been active in the Houserville-Lemont Parent-Teacher Association, as well as coaching soccer and basketball teams in the Pioneer YMCA Leagues since 1994. In the 1980s, she was the moderator for the State College Area School District “Battle of the Books.” More recently, she has moderated the Bob Burgess High School Leadership Institute, and for the past seven years, the Aim High Leadership Conference for young women.   At the United Way of Centre County, she has served on the communications committee, where she has written the scripts for the agency’s radio and TV ads.   O’Toole has served on the Library Development Board of Penn State since 1993, currently as the board’s chair, and helped to raise $27 million for the University Libraries over the last four years. Recently, she joined the Friends of Schlow Memorial Library Board.   She is currently on the board of the Mid-State Literacy Council, where she has helped plan and moderate the Spelling Bee, the council’s largest fund-raising event. From 1995 to 1999, she served on the long-range planning committee of the Foxdale Retirement Village.   “Katie O’Toole brings a level of energy, enthusiasm and commitment to each situation; all that have been privileged to be part of these activities are better for having been so engaged,” says one supporter. “She is an encourager and motivator who sees the good in others and offers avenues for their strengths to be appreciated.”
Continuing Education administrators honored as Achieving Women
Dr. Patricia A. Book (top), associate vice president for outreach and executive director of the Division of Continuing Education, and Melinda Stearns, director of the Outreach Office of Client Development, are recipients of 2002 Achieving Women Awards from the Penn State Commission for Women. Penn State Image Resource Center	Dr. Patricia A. Book, associate vice president for outreach and executive director of the Division of Continuing Education, and Melinda Stearns, director of the Outreach Office of Client Development, are recipients of 2002 Achieving Women Awards from the Penn State Commission for Women.   Each year, the Commission for Women celebrates the accomplishments of women across the University who have achieved and excelled at Penn State and in their communities. The commission seeks nominations in the categories of faculty, staff exempt and nonexempt, administrative, technical service, locations outside University Park and students. Women are nominated by their peers, and the Outreach Committee of Achieving Women of Penn State reviews nominations and selects winners.   The Commission for Women presented Achieving Women Awards to seven women, including Dr. Barbara Brannon, department head and professor of health policy and administration, College of Health and Human Development; Barbara McDanel, campus nurse and student learning disability coordinator, Penn State Beaver; Joan Begolly, coordinator of the Mechanical Engineering and Technology Program and instructor of engineering, Penn State New Kensington; Lanik Lowry, undergraduate student majoring in labor and industrial relations and political science, College of the Liberal Arts; and Tammy Showalter, food preparer B, Waring Square Food Court, Housing and Food Services. Dr. Patricia A. Book   Book was honored for her vision and hard work as an administrator, her constructive and inspiring role as a supervisor and her community service activities.   She joined Penn State Continuing Education in 1992 as the first associate vice president for Program Development for Continuing Education. Her current role as associate vice president for outreach and executive director of the Division of Continuing Education expanded her responsibilities to include a broader policy role in implementation of Penn State’s Plan for Strengthening Outreach and Cooperative Extension. Her responsibilities also include overseeing the University’s continuing education credit and noncredit program, which serves more than 200,000 participants from every state and some 80 countries worldwide. She also oversees program development activities and serves as an advocate for the mission and professional development needs of campus college continuing educators statewide. She is committed to extending outreach programming to nontraditional learners and audiences, including international audiences. Continuing Education is part of Outreach and Cooperative Extension, which annually serves more than 5 million people in Pennsylvania and worldwide.   Book also is actively involved in Penn State’s workforce education initiatives and is a nationally recognized leader in lifelong learning. She is an immediate past member of the board of directors of the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA), chaired the association’s 2001 annual conference and is chair-elect of UCEA’s Global Associates board of directors. She also is immediate past chair of the Women’s Caucus of the American Association of Higher Education. In addition, she serves as Penn State’s representative to CREAD— The Inter-American Distance Education Consortium, based at the University.   She chairs the board of directors of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which annually attracts 500,000 people to central Pennsylvania, and she is an active supporter of the United Way. Book is the recipient of a number of awards, including a 1997 Certificate of Recognition from the Penn State Commission for Women and the 2001 Oakland University Distinguished Alumna Odyssey Award. Melinda Stearns   Stearns was honored as a role model, motivator and inspiration to her Client Development staff and Continuing Education colleagues.   Since joining Penn State Continuing Education as manager of Client Development in 1991, she has been responsible for the development and strategic management of outreach client relationship activities across Outreach and Cooperative Extension delivery systems. She wrote the strategic business plan for the new Office of Client Development and in 1992 was appointed director. The office is structured as a corporate model sales team operating in a higher education environment. Stearns and her Client Development staff have grown the business twenty-five-fold since 1993.   In addition, she leads the corporate and group sales focus for the Penn State World Campus and manages the World Campus Advisory Board. Her responsibilities also include training outreach staff members in client development practices. She has shared her client development education and training expertise with external organizations through seminars and workshops, as well.   Stearns has been honored for her contributions to Penn State with the 2002 Continuing Education Award for Outstanding Motivator and 2000 Vice President’s Award for Outreach Leadership.
Vice President’s Awards recognize outreach efforts of faculty & staff   Penn State faculty and staff members have been honored with Vice President’s Awards for their extraordinary contributions and dedication to the outreach mission of the University.   Dr. James H. Ryan, vice president for Outreach and Cooperative Extension, presented the Vice President’s Awards at a dinner. Award recipients are: Vice President’s Award for Outreach Leadership: Dr. Marilyn Corbin, assistant director of Penn State Cooperative Extension and state program leader for children, youth and families, for her strong leadership demonstrating a solid record of growth and achievement and vision for outreach programs within Cooperative Extension and throughout Penn State. Vice President’s Award for Innovation—“Pathfinder Award”: Dr. James W. Travis, professor of plant pathology, and his team for creating the “Eradication, Containment and/or Management of Plum Pox Disease” group to blunt the impact of this potentially devastating disease of stone fruits. Team members are Dr. Theodore R. Alter, associate vice president for outreach, director of Cooperative Extension and associate dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences; Dr. Paul A. Backman, professor of plant pathology, associate dean for research and graduate education and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station; Dr. Herbert Cole Jr., professor of plant pathology; Dr. Robert M. Crassweller, professor of tree fruit; Dr. Frederick E. Gildow Jr., professor of plant pathology; Dr. John M. Halbrendt, associate professor of plant pathology; Dr. Jayson K. Harper, professor of agricultural economics; Dr. Larry Hull, professor of entomology and scientist in charge of the Fruit Research and Extension Center; Lynn Kime, Adams County Cooperative Extension agent; William Kleiner, Adams County Cooperative Extension director; Dr. Grzegorz “Greg” Krawczyk, extension tree fruit entomologist, Fruit Research and Extension Center; and Dr. Michelle S. Rodgers, regional director of the Capital Region of Penn State Cooperative Extension and Outreach. Vice President’s Award for Quality Enhancement: Tracey Demko, financial assistant with the Division of Continuing Education’s Conferences and Institutes, for her many contributions to Conferences and Institutes, including the development of an extensive financial training manual, which she is using to train all new staff members in her unit. Vice President’s Award for Customer Service: Jean Callazzo, staff assistant in the Continuing Education Technology Division at Penn State Great Valley, for her professionalism and commitment to customer service in her interactions with faculty, staff and students. Vice President’s Award for Partnership—“Bridge Builder Award”: Dr. John W. Comerford, associate professor of animal science and extension beef specialist, for the development and implementation of the Blueprint for Success program to support the educational needs of the beef cattle industry in Pennsylvania. Vice President’s Award for Diversity and Public Service: Karen Thomas, family and consumer science extension educator with Lackawanna County Cooperative Extension, for convening the Lackawanna County Diversity Coalition, comprised of social services providers working together to provide educational programs and services for minority populations in the county. Vice President’s Award for Special Contributions: The Distance Education/World Campus Advising Team for exemplary service to Distance Education and Penn State World Campus students during the period of meteoric growth for the World Campus since its launch in 1998. Team members are Donna Anderson, staff assistant, and academic advisers Tamsin Crissman, Kimberly Furst, Gerald Goff, Jane Ireland and Karen Lesch.
Penn State Continuing Education honors administrator and staff members
Donald Leslie, associate dean for undergraduate studies and outreach in the College of Arts and Architecture, is the recipient of the second annual Shirley Hendrick Continuing Education Award for Outstanding Academic Leadership. Dr. Patricia A. Book, associate vice president for outreach and executive director of the Division of Continuing Education, presented the award to Leslie during the annual Continuing Education awards ceremony. Dave Shelly—Penn State Image Resource Center	Donald Leslie, associate dean for undergraduate studies and outreach in the College of Arts and Architecture, has been honored with the second annual Shirley Hendrick Continuing Education Award for Outstanding Academic Leadership from Penn State Continuing Education.   The award recognizes an academic administrator whose visionary accomplishments have contributed significantly to the success of Penn State’s Continuing Education efforts.   Dr. Patricia A. Book, associate vice president for outreach and executive director of the Division of Continuing Education, said, “Donald Leslie has provided Continuing Education with strong academic leadership, sustained service and visionary guidance for over a decade. His commitment to bringing people and groups together to generate ideas and solutions, to making our system work more effectively and to truly making life better for both traditional undergraduates and nontraditional students has had an enormous impact on our organization and how we do our work.”   She added, “Under Dean Leslie’s leadership, the College of Arts and Architecture has dramatically increased both the quantity and the quality of its outreach activities and has made strong advances toward its strategic goal of becoming the continuing professional education provider of choice for architects, landscape architects and teachers in the performing and visual arts. While his leadership contributions to the college have been significant, his leadership contributions within the larger outreach organization are what truly set him apart. In the past few years, he has provided guidance and support to the development of arts-focused Summer Institutes for Teachers and to a new World Campus initiative focusing on the professional needs of landscape architects and design professionals. Because of his commitment and support, these new and innovative programs are now an ongoing part of the college’s growing outreach portfolio.”   During the annual awards program, Continuing Education staff members were honored for their contributions and commitment to Penn State Continuing Education.   Kenneth A. McGeary, director of continuing education at Penn State Lehigh Valley, was awarded the Continuing Education Outstanding Leadership Award.   “Throughout his 30 years with the Lehigh Valley campus and Berks-Lehigh Valley College, Ken McGeary has earned the respect and admiration of not only his University colleagues, but also the professional business community,” Book said. “His ability to think outside the box is evident in his accomplishments, which include leading the Penn State Berks and Lehigh Valley Continuing Education program to become the largest provider of Management Development programs within the Penn State system. He has also developed programs for at-risk youth that have resulted in more than 200 ‘expected dropouts’ to remain in school. In addition, he established an international partnership with the University of Turabo in Puerto Rico to provide a master’s degree in English as a Second Language for area teachers.”   The following Continuing Education staff members also were honored during the awards ceremony:
Newcomer Award, recognizing individuals who have been with the Continuing Education organization less than two years and who have made significant contributions during that time: Susan LeWay, program development specialist for outreach in the College of Health and Human Development, and Jay Polakoff, program manager, Continuing Education, Penn State Great Valley. Best Quality Award, recognizing a significant contribution to improving the quality of Continuing Education processes: Tracey Demko, financial assistant with Conferences and Institutes. Creativity and Innovation Award, recognizing creativity and innovation in the development or delivery of education programs, products or services to outreach clients: “Penn State for You” marketing team, including Outreach Office of Marketing Communications staff members Andy Petkac, account specialist; Dave Maser, senior graphic designer; Betty Bechtel, director; Scott Moore, Web coder; Marie Young, creative services supervisor; and Ryan Badowski, marketing associate; and Jim Fong, director, Outreach Office of Marketing Research; and William E. Minor, senior director for Outreach Marketing. Customer Service Award, recognizing outstanding performance in meeting customer needs and following through in interactions with clients: Cathy Barefoot, staff assistant, Management Development Programs and Services. Exemplary Program Award, recognizing a credit or noncredit program that was outstanding in meeting the needs of the audience and the goals of the outreach organization: Migrant Students: The Road to Success program coordinated by Sally McGuire, director of Continuing Education, Penn State Hazleton; Georgia Farrow, 4-H program assistant, Carbon County Cooperative Extension; Sue Stettler, migrant education and ESL services, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit; and Sandra Medina-Lopez, student support specialist, Northeast Migrant Education Program, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. Making Life Better Award, recognizing exceptional service to one’s community beyond job responsibilities: Glenda Houser, program aide, Management Development Programs and Services. Mentor Award, recognizing commitment to lifelong learning through teaching and providing guidance to colleagues: Jim Campbell, director of Outreach Operations. Outstanding Employee Award, recognizing individuals who demonstrate a high quality of work and support for the Continuing Education organization: Janet Rosenbaum, assistant director of Continuing Education, Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Outstanding Motivator Award, recognizing an individual whose positive attitude inspires others: Melinda Stearns, director, Outreach Office of Client Development. Rainmaker Award, recognizing academic administrators whose visionary accomplishments have contributed significantly to the success of Penn State’s outreach efforts: Lothar Gumberich, Management Development coordinator for Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley campuses. Outstanding Part-time Teaching Award, recognizing a Continuing Education faculty member who exemplifies and encourages enthusiasm in teaching and who demonstrates knowledge of specialized expertise: Laurie McLaughlin, staff member with Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Outstanding Full-time Teaching Award, recognizing a Continuing Education faculty member who exemplifies and encourages enthusiasm in teaching and who demonstrates knowledge of specialized expertise: Dr. Albert Mastantuono, assistant professor, Management Development Programs and Services. Team Award, recognizing teamwork that has contributed significantly to accomplishing the goals of the outreach organization: Penn State Continuing Education team, including staff members at University Park campus: Joe Olenoski, area representative; Melissa Pressler, area representative; Jean Duffy, adult counselor; Sharon Youtzy, program assistant; Michelle Lucas, staff assistant; Barb Wilkes, staff member; Diana Weaver, staff assistant; Judy Ryan, staff assistant; Angela Hess, staff assistant; Kay Partenheimer, staff assistant; Karen Wilson, program assistant; David Lykens, computer support specialist; Dave Decker, microcomputer consultant; Scott Davinsizer, staff member; Mary Cameron, staff assistant; and Linda Saylor, staff assistant; and Williamsport Center for Continuing Education staff members Angelique Caffrey, Continuing Education representative; Christy Allen, program aide; Isabelle Yanni, area representative; Mary Smith, staff assistant; and Rhonda McCusker, staff member. Learner Advocate Award, recognizing an individual who consistently demonstrates a commitment to meeting the needs of specific audiences and advocates for programs and services adapted to these groups: Chriss Schultz, academic youth program coordinator and conference planner, Conferences and Institutes.
Penn State Public Broadcasting honors staff with awards   Penn State Public Broadcasting celebrated outstanding accomplishments by staff members during its annual awards program.   “The awards luncheon is a celebration of the hard work of individuals, teams and the many projects the station completes during the year,” explained Ted Krichels, assistant vice president for outreach and general manager of Penn State Public Broadcasting.   Awards presented were: Teamwork Award: SAMs (Staff Assistant Members)—staff assistants Tammy Hahn, Belinda Tyson, Pat Johnson, Deb Rogers, Nancy Eckenroth and Roberta Stover and administrative assistant Brenna Swires, for creation of the New Employee Checklist. Cents-Ability Award: Sue Powell, associate director of development, for creating a new standard of professional outreach in donor services and satisfaction. Customer Service Award: Nancy Eckenroth, staff assistant, for arranging the White House trip for the What’s in the News staff and student essay winners from across the country. WPSX-TV produces the award-winning children’s news program, which airs in schools nationwide. Volunteer Award: Mel DeYoung, folk coordinator, for developing the Folk Music Programming Guidelines and an online folk CD-ROM database for WPSU-FM. Community Service Award: C Roy Parker, cinematographer/videographer, for his work with the youth of the area in Centre County ARC and as a mentor for the Friends Fitness program for the Second Mile. Diversity Award: Ted Krichels, assistant vice president for outreach and general manager, for fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, being open to issues of diversity and being an example of those ideals. Quality Achievement Award: Ajamil Calloway, program specialist with What’s in the News, for the development of the KidsTimes.org online newsletter for What’s in the News. Creativity/Innovation Award: C Roy Parker, cinematographer/videographer, for his highly creative work as a videographer, graphic artist and video editor. Venture Award: Betsy Hutton, producer/director, for forging new partnerships within the University community and across the country and setting an example for strengthening the future of both What’s in the News and Penn State Public Broadcasting. SAM (Staff Assistant Members) Award, chosen by members of the staff assistants group: Bernie Samansky, maintenance/operations, for his creativity, ingenuity, dependability and assistance in helping the staff assistant members of SAM. Outstanding Employee Award: Belinda Tyson, staff assistant, for unfailing kindness, generosity and willingness to help solve any financial tangle in any department at any time. General Manager’s Award: What’s in the News team—Betsy Hutton, producer/director; Katie O’Toole, producer/writer and host; Bethany Sefchick, associate producer; Ajamil Calloway, program specialist; Nancy Eckenroth, staff assistant; C Roy Parker, cinematographer/videographer; and Carmen Frost, host and associate producer.
Dodson joins Penn State Management Development faculty
	Former corporate training executive and independent training consultant Maureen R. Dodson has joined the faculty of Penn State Management Development Programs and Services as an instructor in association with the College of the Liberal Arts.
	Maureen R. Dodson has joined the faculty of Penn State Management Development Programs and Services. Penn State Management Development Programs and Services
Mastrofski honored with Volunteer of the Year Award
	Dr. Jennifer Mastrofski, associate professor of administration of justice for the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute, has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Center for Alternatives in Community Justice. She was honored during the annual Centre County Council for Human Services’ Rose Cologne Volunteer Dinner. Mastrofski has been a member of the board of directors of the Center for Alternatives in Community Justice since 1988 and also has served as chair and co-chair of the center during that time. Among her many contributions to the center, she was directly involved in implementing and expanding the Mediation, Pretrial and Family Group conferencing and training programs.
New humanities position focuses on arts-in-medicine initiatives
In her new role with the Department of Humanities at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Dr. Cheryl A. Dellasega is stimulating development of arts-in-medicine initiatives.	Dr. Cheryl A. Dellasega, Ph.D., G.N.P., has been appointed to the Department of Humanities at the Penn State College of Medicine at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She is associate professor of medicine and humanities and co-director, Research Program, Division of General Internal Medicine.   In her new role, she will stimulate focused development of arts-in-medicine initiatives. She also will serve on the Advisory Board of Penn State’s Arts and Health Outreach Initiative, representing the College of Medicine, along with Dr. R. Kevin Grigsby, D.S.W., vice dean for faculty and administrative affairs.   Dellasega currently acts as faculty sponsor of the Healing Arts student interest group at the college, which examines the connection between arts and healing and uses arts modalities to enhance patient expression and coping.   A focus of Dellasega’s research, publications and outreach is therapeutic writing to promote health and healing, including for cancer patients, incarcerated women, caregivers and individuals with Type 2 diabetes. She was an invited presenter at the 2002 Society for the Arts in Healthcare “Diabetes and the Arts and Humanities” national conference. She spoke on “Arts and Humanities in Health-care Research: Successes, Failures, Best Practices.” Her book, Surviving Ophelia, was published last fall, and she won first prize in the WILD ONIONS Doctors Kienle Competition in Literature this year for her poem Pea Pod.   Dellasega’s arts-in-medicine responsibilities build upon the College of Medicine’s tradition of excellence in incorporating the arts and humanities into the health-care environment. For 20 years, the college has been recognized for a variety of projects in the arts and humanities, including WILD ONIONS (annual magazine of literary and artistic works by medical staff, students, volunteers, patients and family members), a medical theatre program and an interactive art display for children, among other programs.   These programs are supported by the Doctors Kienle Center for Humanistic Medicine and the Department of Humanities, the first department of its kind at any medical school (see www.hmc.psu.edu/humanities/kienle/). For more information about arts in medicine at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, contact Dr. Cheryl A. Dellasega by phone at 717-531-8161 or by e-mail at cdellasega@psu.edu.