Edition - Penn State Hazleton - Penn State University

Edition
Keeping in touch with friends and family of Penn State Hazleton http://www.hn.psu.edu/ July 2010
Inside this issue...
Gary M. Lawler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Graham Spanier . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
For the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Campaign kickoff . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Making a difference . . . . . . . . . .3
Alumni Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Alumni Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Tales from the Road . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Engineering degree program . . .8
Practical nursing program . . . . .8
GVTA Business Plan . . . . . . . . . .8
Engineering alumni meet . . . . . .9
Alum trains responders . . . . . . .9
Graduation held . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Blue Cross CEO speaks . . . . . . .10
Student play in ‘black box’ . . . .11
Salute to troops . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
FBLA/PBA winner . . . . . . . . . . .12
On the Calendar...
Admissions Event
Spend a Summer Day
Tues., Aug. 3, 11 a.m.
Kostos 1
Move-in Day
Fri., Aug. 20
Classes Begin
Mon., Aug. 23
Great Books discussion group
Mon., Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
Harlam Lounge, Administration
Building
All-Alumni Reunion
Sun., Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Highacres Café
Community Day
Sun., Oct. 3, 1 to 5 p.m.
Campus-wide
Great Books discussion group
Mon., Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Harlam Lounge, Administration
Building
Penn State Day Open House
Sat., Oct. 23, 10 a.m.
Evelyn Graham Academic Building
Visit www.hn.psu.edu and click on
“News and Events” for more information.
Since its inception in 1934, Penn State Hazleton has been
a gateway for students from small towns in northeastern
Pennsylvania, a path to Penn State, creating possibilities
and the potential for a better life. Our students enjoy a
rich experience, one that provides the opportunities of a
Penn State degree while allowing our students to grow and
challenge themselves in a caring, comfortable, small-college
setting. Today, Penn State Hazleton serves students from
across the country and around the globe. As we celebrate our
history and contemplate our future, we remain committed to
building on this tradition with an international perspective
that will allow our students and communities to compete
in an increasingly interconnected world. I’m excited about
the coming years and what they will mean to Penn State
Hazleton, and I hope you’ll join us in this new campaign.
Whether you choose to support scholarships, athletics,
faculty research or the study abroad program, your gift will
make a difference for our students and For the Future.
– Penn State Hazleton Chancellor
Gary M. Lawler
In this special edition of Insight/Outlook,
we take a special look at “For the Future:
The Campaign for Penn State Students.”
Penn State Hazleton building on its traditions for the future
You can help your University create future opportunities
The lyrics of the Penn State Alma Mater reach across the
generations, forming a bond of loyalty and pride. Each year,
as graduating students join the ranks of nearly 500,000
living Penn State alumni, they have not only earned a
degree whose value is recognized around the world; they
have become part of traditions that have guided our
institution for more than 150 years. Penn State’s founders
were at the forefront of the creation of a new kind of
higher education for students from all classes of society.
Today, Penn State is still educating students from every
background, and our alumni are transforming every sector
of twenty-first-century life.
Penn State Hazleton is a powerful example of how
the University is creating educational and economic
opportunity for individuals throughout the Commonwealth.
To continue to fulfill this mission, however, the campus
needs the support of its alumni and friends. For the
Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students will ensure
that students at Penn State Hazleton can learn from top
scholars and scientists, explore their own potential for
leadership and service, and make a difference in their
communities and the larger world. I hope you will join
us in this historic effort to become the nation’s most
comprehensive, student-centered research university.
– Penn State President
Graham Spanier

page 2
Give online at www.hn.psu.edu/giving/givetoday.htm
At its heart, this is a campaign for Penn State students: to
enable the next generation, and all succeeding generations,
of our graduates to realize their full potential as individuals
to sustain their families, advance their professions, and
contribute to our country’s strength. It is also a campaign to
enable Penn State to realize its full potential as an institution
to create prosperity, keep our nation competitive, and enhance
quality of life. All of the campaign’s objectives are directed
toward a single vision: advancing the frontiers of learning at
the most comprehensive, student-centered research university
in America. For Penn State Hazleton, the campaign will
deepen our ties with our partners, expand and internationalize
our curriculum, and encourage our students’ personal and
professional growth. Within the University-wide campaign
objectives, we have established goals that will bring us bring
us closer to fulfilling that vision and creating the educational,
cultural, and economic opportunities that our students and
our communities need to thrive.
Penn State Hazleton For the Future Campaign Goals
Campaign Objective
Goal
Ensuring Student Opportunity $4,600,000
Students with the ability and ambition to attend the University will have this
opportunity through scholarship support.
Enhancing Honors Education $500,000
Students of exceptional ability will experience the best honors education in the nation.
Enriching the Student Experience $400,000
Students will thrive in a stimulating atmosphere that fosters global involvement,
community service, creative expression, and personal growth.
Building Faculty Strength and Capacity $350,000
Students will study with the finest teachers and researchers.
Fostering Discovery and Creativity $50,000
Students and faculty members will come together within and across disciplines to
pioneer new frontiers of knowledge.
Sustaining a Tradition of Quality $100,000
Students will continue to work and study with faculty whose scholarship is enhanced
by continuing philanthropic support.
Total Campus Goal $6,000,000
Campaign kickoff event held at Penn State Hazleton
On the heels of the Universitywide
campaign celebration held
at University Park, the local
campaign kickoff was held in
the Evelyn Graham Academic
Building on the Hazleton
campus on Friday, April 30.
The event brought nearly 100
donors and volunteers together
to provide a solid launch of the
public phase of the Hazleton
campus campaign. Dr. Gary Lawler, emceed the program
which featured remarks from staff, faculty, students and
campaign chair Pasco Schiavo, Esq.
The consistent theme throughout the evening was the
profound need of the campus for private contributions to
provide much-needed financial aid to deserving students.
Kevin Salaway, director of Development and University
Relations, drove home the point by citing some sobering
statistics. “Nearly 90% of our students are in need of financial
aid, yet only 20% receive any scholarship funding.
Today, on average, our students
are graduating with debt
equating to nearly a full year’s
starting salary, and some
with much greater debt,” he
continued.
“There is no greater priority
in this campaign than to build
our scholarship endowment so
that more deserving students
can receive scholarships to help
with the cost of their education,” he said.
Pasco Schiavo, president of the Hazleton Campus Council
and chair of the For the Future Campaign, commented on the
long-standing tradition of local philanthropy directed to the
campus. “There is evidence of private support benefiting the
campus wherever you look on campus,” he said. “The very
building in which we conduct this event was made possible
through gifts from private citizens and alumni who recognize
the importance of the campus to the community, the region,
and most of all the young people we serve.”

http://www.hn.psu.edu/
page 3
Give online at www.hn.psu.edu/giving/givetoday.htm
Making a difference in the lives of Penn State students
The best demonstration of the impact of giving to Penn State is the difference it makes in the
lives of our students. Stephanie Cook just completed her sophomore year at the campus and is
well prepared to continue her degree at University Park. While at Penn State Hazleton, she was
the recipient of the Mary Beth Gallagher Memorial Award which was established by Mary Beth’s
husband, Eugene Gallagher. As a result of this generous support, Stephanie was able pursue her
academic interests with greater confidence and focus. She and Dr. Dan Vice, instructor in Earth
and Mineral Sciences, partnered on research related to Marcellus Shale extraction in the region, a
timely project that Stephanie plans to continue while advancing her research skills.
A top priority for the Office of Development and University Relations is acknowledgement and
stewardship of the generosity directed to the campus. Each year on the third Thursday in October,
new donors are inducted into the Highacres Society at a lovely reception and dinner held at
the Valley Country Club in Sugarloaf. Students and donors share dinner and experiences while
establishing a meaningful bond brought about through the fine tradition of Penn State philanthropy.
Shown here are Nancy and Greg Yurkoski ’84 of Cupertino, California, who were inducted into the
society for establishing the Yurkoski Family Scholarship through a planned gift. Greg is one in a long
line of Yurkoskis who began their college education at Penn State Hazleton.
Scholarships often make a vital difference in the
quality of a student’s collegiate years. Sarah Van
Sise, a freshman from Blakeslee, spoke eloquently
about the importance scholarships made in her
college education at Penn State Hazleton. Sarah
is the recipient of the Cyril W. Sernak Trustee
Scholarship at Penn State Hazleton.
For the Future: The Campaign
for Penn State Students will be a
defining effort for the University and Penn
State Hazleton. Please consider making
a gift today. Contact Kevin Salaway at
570-450-3175 or email kjs27@psu.edu to
discuss your interest in supporting this
effort with a major gift.
___ Yes, I/we want to support Penn State Hazleton with a gift/pledge to the For the Future Campaign.
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ________________
Employer: _________________________________________ Matching Gift Company __ Yes __ No
My Penn State Affiliation: __ Alumnus _____________________________ (Year, Campus)
__ Friend __ Parent __ Other (specify) __________________________
Direct my gift to support: __ Ensuring student opportunity (scholarship support) __ Enriching the student experience
__ Enhancing honors education
__ Building faculty strength and capacity
__ Fostering discovery and creativity
__ Sustaining a tradition of quality
Check Payment: Gift Enclosed: $ ___________ Please make checks payable to Penn State Hazleton
Please return to: Penn State Hazleton, Attn: Kevin Salaway, 76 University Drive, Hazleton, PA 18202
For credit card payments and electronic fund transfers, go to: www.hn.psu.edu/giving/givetoday.htm

page 4
Alumni Society
Campus Alumni Reunion Brunch set for Sunday, October 3
All campus alumni,
family and friends
are cordially invited
to attend the Campus
Alumni Reunion Brunch
on Sun., Oct. 3, from
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
in the Highacres Café,
the campus dining
facility. Hosted by the
Penn State Hazleton
Alumni Society, all
alumni of the campus
are welcome to attend
this second reunion
in conjunction with
Community Day at the campus. Many alumni who were
unable to attend last year’s inaugural reunion, in celebration
of the 75th anniversary of Penn State Hazleton, requested a
repeat of the well-attended event, and the society was happy
to oblige!
At the brunch, alumni and guests will be treated to a bountiful
selection featuring the campus specialty – crème brulee
French toast – as well as local favorite, Chicken Francais. A
wide assortment of traditional weekend lunch/brunch foods
rounds out the menu.
Additionally, attendees will receive campus mementos,
photos with the Nittany Lion, and special recognition.
Campus tours with Lion Ambassadors will be available
following the brunch at the start of Community Day.
Registration with payment must be received by September
15. Prices are $25 for adults, and $15 for guests 14 and under.
Hazleton alumni polo and ringer t-shirts will be available
to pre-order at an additional cost on the registration form
available at www.psualum.com/affiliate/hazleton. All reunion
attendees will also receive a coupon good for a free dish of
University Creamery ice cream at Community Day.
The reunion will be held prior to the start of Community Day,
the annual celebration of campus and community, which
spans the entire campus with free activities, entertainment
and education stations from 1 to 5 p.m.
Reservations may be made by completing the reservation
form or by calling the alumni office at 570-450-3016. We can’t
wait to see you there, and we’re sure your fellow alumni feel
the same way!
Campus Blog
Are you looking to reminisce about your days at Penn
State Hazleton or find old friends Visit the campus
“blog” at www.hn.psu.edu/forum to submit your
memories, stories, and photos of your time at the
campus. Share your memories and spark discussions
in preparation for the alumni reunion on Sun., Oct. 3!
Hazleton Alumni Society Summer ’10
Beginning our
second decade….
The Hazleton Alumni Society reaches
its ten year milestone this fall, and
what better way to celebrate than
to organize a reunion Last year’s
inaugural reunion, in conjunction
with the campus’ 75th anniversary,
was very successful. After hearing
from campus alumni who attended
last year and those who would like to
attend this year, the reunion will be
repeated on Sunday, October 3, 2010.
See the information above for details
and a link to the printable reservation
and payment form. We look forward
to seeing many repeat attendees and
welcoming many new faces.
Year-round, the alumni society
continues to assist in the mission
of advancing Penn State Hazleton, engaging campus alumni,
and supporting the efforts of students during their time here.
Many events took place this year with the crucial support and
involvement of campus alumni, and we strive to expand the
alumni connection with Penn State Hazleton.
To keep alumni informed of events and opportunities for
participation – such as the next reunion – visit the alumni
section of our Web site, hn.psu.edu. Kevin Salaway, director
of development and university relations, will be glad to
pay a personal visit in his travels. He may be contacted at
kjs27@psu.edu or 570-450-3015. Also watch for invitations to
events in various geographic areas sponsored by the Alumni
Association (such as “City Lights” or a meet and greet with
JoePa) or by the campus.
Speaking of “City Lights,” five campus alumni societies from
the region recently teamed up with the Alumni Association
to sponsor Penn State Day at Knoebel’s Amusement Resort
in Elysburg, PA. This event is just one of the many examples
of our outreach to campus alumni, no matter where you may
now reside! More than 600 alumni and friends enjoyed all the
features of the park, visits by the Nittany Lion, and talks by a
Penn State roller coaster expert.
Info update Let us know!
Help us keep the information flowing to you by
completing the Alumni Information/Update Form at
http://www.hn.psu.edu/Alumni/alumniform.htm.
Do you have a new addition to your family
A new position Have you moved Let us know!

http://www.hn.psu.edu/
page 5
Alumni Chapter
Greater Hazleton Alumni Chapter – back in the “swing” of things
The annual golf outing sponsored by the Hazleton Chapter of the
Penn State Alumni Association is back! A beautiful spring day at the
Sugarloaf Golf Club provided the perfect setting for a great day of
golf, food, prizes, and Penn State spirit for alumni and supporters.
Chairman and chapter president Blair Bell ’76 said, “It’s been a few
years since we held our last tournament, and the local interest was
high. We saw the return of the golf tournament as a way to not only
offer an enjoyable community event – Penn State style – but to also
increase our support of the campus in light of the For the Future
campaign.” It could not have been a more perfect weather day for
golf on Friday, May 7, as the teams lined up for the shotgun start to
the best-ball tourney. The day concluded with team awards, as well
as a bounty of door prizes, and rounds of appreciative applause for
all sponsors at the conclusion of the buffet dinner. Thanks to the
great support of participants and sponsors, the chapter is doubling its
contribution to its endowed scholarship at the campus this year. Plans
for next year’s golf outing are already underway, so watch Insight/
Outlook and the chapter and campus Web sites for upcoming details.
Winners of the golf tournament were, from left,
Sean Shamany, Filmore Williams, Rocco Cusat ’96
and Shawn Pursell.
Earlier in the spring semester, the
chapter co-sponsored a blood drive
with student groups. They also
co-sponsored a Chamber mixer in
support of Penn State Hazleton THON
committee, publicizing the fundraising
efforts and contributing to THON. The
ever-popular Creamery Ice cream bar at
this event is a draw each year!
The chapter finished the program year with chapter President
Blair Bell delivering the oath of membership into the Penn State
Alumni Association to all graduates at the May 15 commencement
ceremony at the campus and providing a reception for grads and
their guests in cooperation with the campus Alumni Society. The
Hazleton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association continues
to be a strong connection between campus and community. If
you are Penn State proud, you’ll find your local home with this
organization!
*** CREAMERY ICE CREAM PRE-ORDER FORM ***
Community Day at Penn State Hazleton
Join us for great events, activities and fun for the whole family!
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, 1-5 p.m.
Musical and theatrical performances
Nittany Lion Cubs Den activities
Hand-dipped Creamery ice cream
Bookstore open
Faculty lectures/presentations
Photos with the Nittany Lion
Events and exhibits at Library... plus much more!
Order your ice cream today!
(Deadline is Friday, August 27)
Pre-order half gallons of Creamery ice
cream and pick them up on Community Day
at the Highacres Café from 1-5 p.m.
Visit www.hn.psu.edu for
the most current schedule.
___________________________________________________
Last Name First Name MI
___________________________________________________
Home address State Zip
___________________________________________________
Home phone
Cell phone
■ Each half gallon costs $6.75
■ Order by mail. Deadline is Friday, August 27
■ Pick up orders Oct. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m.
■ Sorry, we can’t accept orders by telephone
Number of
Number of
1/2 gallons Flavor 1/2 gallons Flavor
__________ Butter Pecan _________ Vanilla
__________ Peachy Paterno _________ Chocolate
__________ Peanut Butter Swirl _________ WPSU Coffee Break
Mail form and check payable to “Penn State University” to:
Penn State Hazleton, Institutional Advancement, 76 University Drive,
Hazleton, PA 18202

page 6
Tales
from the Road
By Kevin J. Salaway
Director of Development and University Relations
I met Paul Lesser ’75 1 over lunch at the well-known Hazleton restaurant
Rostas Café where we both enjoyed scamutz on our pizza. Paul told me
about his career, starting as an accountant at Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical
Center where he worked for two years before taking a position at PPL in
fire training utilizing his volunteer firefighter experience. He has worked
there for the past 32 years. (Paul’s story is featured on page 9). He and his
mother recently made a significant contribution to the campus resulting
in the creation of an endowment in business and naming a room in the
Charles T. Butler Teaching and Learning Resource Center in memory of his
uncle, the late John Evancho.
Sy Lazarus ’54 2 and I met for breakfast near his home in Delray Beach,
Florida. An education major, he went to work in commercial real estate
in Wilkes-Barre upon graduation. Soon thereafter, he pursued a career in
the retail industry at Zayres department stores in New York City and then
in the Boston area, where he worked in human resources. Interestingly
enough, Sy has a few publications to his credit. One book, titled Loud and
Clear: A Guide to Effective Communication, provides some great thoughts
on effective communications and customer service.
Brandy Scarcella ’03 3 and I enjoyed a cool drink at the end of the workday
near her home in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she teaches the
third grade at Greenacres Elementary School. Brandy moved to Florida
soon after graduation in search of a teaching job, which she found
more plentiful in the south along with an agreeable climate. Brandy
also happens to be the niece of our own Jackie Scarcella who makes
everything run smoothly in our office. This visit provided an opportunity
for me to say hello on behalf of her aunt, as well.
I met Gary Wisgo ’72 4 for lunch near his home in Boca Raton. Gary has
extensive experience in electrical engineering and software development,
and most recently served as president and CEO of Geofocus, a software
development company. A native of Hazleton, Gary went to work for IBM in
Florida right after graduating from Penn State and worked there 19 years.
He and his wife, Linda, have two sons; one is in an entry level finance role
with a local company and the other is a software developer with Citrix
Corp.
Dawn Faust ’92 5 and I met at her offices at Greater Los Angeles School
District in downtown LA. Dawn has been pursuing her career in
engineering since graduation and is currently assigned to the City of Los
Angeles managing a wide range of projects for the school district. Dawn
is a rare example of a Hazleton student who completed her engineering
degree as an adult student.
I met Philomena (Phil) Sefranek ‘75 6 at her home near San Diego and
we enjoyed lunch together at one of her favorite places in the area,
Claimjumpers. A math instructor at the Art Institute at San Diego, Phil
teaches a full course load as a full-time instructor. She is very clearly a
great math teacher, the type we all wished we had during those intense
undergrad days. She has a master’s degree in mathematics from Cal State
San Diego.
Richard Pecile ’77 7 and I met at his offices at Datacasting in San Diego
where he is an electical engineer involved in digital broadcasting. Richard
has an admirable background in the industry which dates back to the day
ABC aired the motion picture “101 Dalmations” in digital format, a direct
result of his development work. By coincidence, Richard’s brother Bob
serves as head electrician at Penn State Hazleton today.
Nancy Fry Derby ’78 8 has had a diverse career in healthcare and
private business. She started her professional pursuits as a nurse,
then transitioned to medical equipment sales which ultimately led to
her meeting her husband, Eddy, and eventually starting her consulting
business. By chance, Nancy’s mother, Sevilla Fry, was visiting at the time
and shared with me that her close friend back in Landsdale, Pa., is Mrs. Pat
Altieri ’49, another revered alumnus and major benefactor to the campus.
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page 7
A high-energy guy with an impressive background, David
Fortini ’84 9 introduced me to the downtown Grove area in
LA. Starting at IBM, he built his career in computer security
and other mobile and internet technologies. His career has
provided him many experiences around the world. David
is now at the L.A. headquarters of Alcatel-Lucent where he
manages business development across four units. David
went on to receive his master’s degree in IST from George
Mason and his MBA from Washington University.
I met Steven Myer ’88 10 between his trips across the globe
where I learned of his career pursuits which began in higher
education working as a director of admissions at Westwood
College in California. This led to positions in finance at
Mobile, Exxon and Galileo International before landing in
the travel industry. He now serves as district sales manager
at Thai Airways International where he oversees commercial
accounts and manages about 20 people.
Jennae Taylor ’84 11 and I met at her offices at Defense
Technologies Inc. in Tampa where she works as an
accounting manager. She told me that she loves her work
and living in Florida with her three children after moving
from Virginia Beach some years ago. Jennae proudly
informed me that her oldest daughter was a freshman at
Florida State Tampa (no doubt only a result of no Penn State
campus in the area).
Larry Houser ’58 12 introduced me to the Cuban cuisine for
which the Tampa area is known when we met in February.
Larry enjoyed a career in financial management and
strategic planning. He is the proud father of Penn Staters
Michael ’87 and David ’81. Larry remembered classmates Ed
Pensock ’59, Steve Butcher ’58, and Joe Boyle ’58.
Clarence Astleford ’50 13 invited me into his home for a visit
where I learned that he and his wife, Gladsie, were about to
celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary. Clarence spent
his career in the dairy business after earning his degree in
agriculture from Penn State, while Gladsie made their home
and raised their sons, Paul and Michael. I also learned that
Clarence was among the first to land at Normandy in 1944
and became a highly decorated WWII veteran who earned
the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
I met David Woitko ’63 14 at his office at the Orlando
Convention Center where he serves at the assistant facilities
maintenance manager. Dave has an electrical engineering
degree which, he said, set him apart from other applicants
when he applied for his job. Dave oversees the entire
maintenance staff at the convention center and loves his
job. Dave and his wife, Lynette ’68, also a campus alum,
moved to Florida some years ago after Dave sold his auto
repair shop in Hazleton.
Penn State Hazleton Chancellor Gary Lawler and I met Alan
Leininger ’73 15 at his offices at Clear Channel Worldwide
headquarters in Miramar, FL. Alan is the production
manager there and his work focuses on post-production
editing and enhancement of commercials, media scheduling
and promotion. Alan began his career in communications
at local Hazleton radio station WAZL and also was the
editor of the Hazleton Collegian. Among the classmates he
remembered were Dr. Tom Caccese ‘70 (Penn State Hazleton
athletic director) and John Kostic ’70.
Harold Klemow 16 and I enjoyed lunch together in Boca Raton
near his commercial real estate offices. The Klemow name
is well known in the greater Hazleton area for his family’s
furniture store, Klemow’s, which was located just down
the road from the campus for many years. Harold told me
that he sold the business in 1984 and moved to Boca to
start a commercial real estate business with his son. Harold
remembered close friends Marty Cohn ’45, Sam Rabinowitz
’55 and Dominic Landro ’54.

page 8
Academic News
BREAKING NEWS:
New bachelor’s degree program in engineering approved
At the July 8 and 9, 2010 University Board of Trustees meeting,
a proposal for the new Bachelor of Science Degree in General
Engineering with Alternative Energy and Power Generation
Track was officially approved for Penn State Hazleton.
This new degree will be the only such program offered within
the Penn State system. Students will be accepted into the
program starting in the fall semester.
Penn State Hazleton Chancellor Gary Lawler said, “We are
both excited and proud to be bringing this new engineering
program focusing on alternative energy to Penn State
Hazleton. It affords our students incredible opportunities to be
at the forefront of a vital growing industry. Additionally, the
new program will bring valuable educational resources to the
greater Hazleton area and northeastern Pennsylvania, as we
become a leader in alternative energy.”
Associate Professor of Engineering Wes Grebski, who led the
Practical nursing program launched
Chancellor Gary Lawler was joined by a number of community
partners and university staff to officially launch the newest Continuing
Education program in practical nursing.
An 18-month non-credit curriculum offered in the evening and
on weekends, the program began June 22 in a newly renovated
classroom and laboratory in the lower level of the Slusser/Bayzick
Building. Students will take classes at Penn State Hazleton and attend
clinical studies at area partner facilities.
“We are pleased to bring new programs to the region, especially a
program like this that fulfills the dual purpose of the outreach mission
of the University and addresses the statewide nursing shortage,” said
Dr. Lawler.
Sally McGuire, director, Penn State Hazleton Office of Continuing
Education, announced that Patrice M. Rimbey, Hazleton, has been
named program coordinator of the Penn State Hazleton Practical
Nursing Program. A healthcare professional for more than 18 years,
Rimbey has served in a variety of positions as a medical laboratory technician, registered nurse, clinical coordinator and director
of surgical services. She also has been an instructor at Lehigh Carbon Community College and has developed educational
programs for nurses as part of her duties as a clinical coordinator.
The nursing program is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment to provide effective nursing
care under the direction of a licensed professional health-team member. Students who successfully complete this program will
meet the requirements to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Penn State Hazleton students place second in GVTA competition
Four Penn State Hazleton students captured
second place in the Great Valley Technology
Alliance’s eighth annual Business Plan
Competition held in May.
Justin England, Jesse Fox, Niraj Pathak
and Amr Hosni, all studying Information
Sciences and Technology (IST), combined
their passion for learning and experience
in web design, development, programming
and information security to create Innovatrix
Labs, a Web technology development
company and entered the competition.
Serving as adviser to the students, was
Barbara Brazon.
The group was selected to compete as
finalists in the May 4 event and earned second place honors,
receiving $30,000 combined cash and capital.
Innovatrix Labs has set up local offices in the Greater Hazleton
business incubator, CAN BE, in Valmont Industrial Park. CEO
Justin England said, “We are developing relationships in the
business community and have received a lot of support and
interest. This area is a hot bed for IT, and we’re committing to
stay in the area to grow our business and help the community.”
According to their Web site, innovatrixlabs.com, the business
name represents their philosophy to innovate, using
knowledge as a driving force with LABS standing for
Learning and Building Solutions.
effort, said, “Students will be able to earn a baccalaureate
degree in engineering without leaving the area. The entire
program is available locally.”
Grebski stressed the importance of working closely with the
business and educational communities to make the program
a success. “This program can’t exist in isolation. We are
working with K-12 and other higher education partners to
ensure students are prepared for the program. We are also
working with business and industry to develop project topics,
internships and job opportunities.”
The degree program will help prepare students to enter the
alternative and renewable energy sector, as well as the power
generation industry. Graduates will have extensive training
in these areas, along with a critical understanding of the
environmental, social and economic aspects of the power
generation industry.
Participating in Penn State Hazleton’s ribbon cutting for the
Practical Nursing program were, front row, from left, Gary
Guldin, statewide program manager, Penn State Practical
Nursing program; Patrice Rimbey, Sally McGuire and Sharon
Rohrbach, D.O., member, Penn State Hazleton advisory board.
Back row, from left, Michele Mahovich, representing State Rep.
Todd Eachus; Maryanne Petrilla, Luzerne County Commissioner;
Lori Reiner and Laura Jones, clinical instructors; Dr. Gary Lawler,
Keith Rohrbach, Ph.D., CEO, MedQ Systems, Inc.; Tony Cusatis,
vice president, Relationship Manager, KNBT; and William Curley,
executive director, Penn State Statewide Continuing Education.
Congratulating Penn State Hazleton students who placed second in the GVTA Business
Plan Competition were, from left, Jeffery Ghergo, competition co-chair and vice president,
PNC Wealth Management; Christopher J. Haran, president, Great Valley Technology Alliance;
students Justin England, Niraj Pathak, Jesse Fox and Amr Hosni; Bill Sordoni, competition
co-chair and vice president, Sordoni Construction Services; and Frank Joanlanne, competition
co-chair – judging; Frontier Communications.
Innovatrix Labs is focused in the area of network and end-user
security delivered via proprietary digital products developed
and marketed in northeastern Pennsylvania. The students are
in the testing phase of their entry product Security Assessment
Manager (SAM), a Web-based tool that conducts penetration
tests with no on-site commitment, which should be completed
by the end of summer.
The Great Valley Technology Alliance is a regional publicprivate
partnership, dedicated to the creation of a knowledgebased
economy. The Business Plan Competition is the region’s
premier program established to create an entrepreneurial
culture and has facilitated the incorporation of over 20 studentled
businesses since its inception eight years ago.

http://www.hn.psu.edu/
page 9
Alumni News
Engineering alumni meet for annual reunion, updates and tours
Engineering alumni once again
gathered for their annual reunion
on April 9 in the Evelyn Graham
Academic Building. The event,
co-sponsored by the Alumni Society
and Development Office, was marked
by student and faculty presentations,
campus tours, and an evening of
camaraderie during dinner.
Associate Professor of Engineering
Wes Grebski updated the group
on initiatives and changes in the engineering curriculum,
referencing what he calls the “engineering ecosystem.” This
term, according to Grebski, describes how the university,
business community and educational community are all
dependent on one another to provide students with a basis
in engineering and opportunities so they can advance and
become productive members of society.
Kevin Salaway, director of Development and University
Relations, talked about the impact of private support on
They scramble up
the staircase and
down the hallway,
push through a
doorway into a
room choked with
black smoke. With
hoses charged and
breathing apparatus
engaged, they
confront the flames
in the darkness and
before long the blaze
is under control.
Soon after, the
firefighters assemble
near the building to review their actions,
compare notes and share lessons learned
in this latest battle. At the center of group
leading the discussion is Paul Lesser
’75, technical training specialist at PPL
Services in Hazleton.
Each day, enjoying a little more
adventure on the job than most, Lesser
directs fire and confined space rescue
training for power plant fire brigades and
rescue teams at PPL’s Fire Safety Institute
located in Humboldt Industrial Park.
The program, which began in 1972,
has provided incipient and fire brigade
training to thousands of men and
women.
Paul Lesser ’75, right, directs fire and confined space rescue training
for power plant brigades and rescue teams at PPL’s Hazleton facility.
Lesser notes the essential need for this
kind of training in plants generating
energy with fossil and nuclear fuels, as
well as hydro-electric means. “While
the risk of a catastrophic fire is low, it
will be these men and women called
into action to hold the line until area fire
departments respond. They need to be
prepared, and this program has been
instrumental in that level of readiness,”
he remarked.
Each year hundreds of employees in a
variety of industries from throughout the
commonwealth and beyond have come
to this location to train, learn and develop
their skills in what may ultimately be a
battle between life and death.
students and faculty, noting how
current engineering endowments
are being used and the various
ways companies and individuals are
helping the program.
Engineering students Stephanie
White and Timothy Schechterly
discussed their capstone projects
with the engineers who then
provided valuable feedback and
shared their working experiences.
Alumni present were among the first to learn of a new
baccalaureate degree in engineering at the campus when
Dr, Grebski announced the launch of the Bachelor of Science
Degree in General Engineering with Alternative Energy and
Power Generation Track this fall (see related story on page
8). Alumni were then escorted on campus tours, with special
attention given to the new engineering lab in the Kostos
Building and the equipment donated by FMC Corporation
which is now being installed in Laurel Cottage.
Area alum Paul Lesser ’75 trains employee first responders
Lesser’s career path, however, started
out in a much less sensational direction.
After earning his degree in business
administration from Penn State, he
worked as an accountant at Hazleton
St. Joseph Hospital, while serving as a
volunteer firefighter.
He then took a job with PPL, working
in the central division administration
section prior to being promoted to the
Safety Department as a fire protection
coordinator.
“It’s been a great experience… lots
of fun. And I think we’ve provided a
valuable service to a lot of people here at
the facility,” he said.
Lesser is also involved in the Public
Safety Training Institute at Luzerne
County Community College where he
trains firefighters from across the region.
Recently, Paul and his mother, Anna,
made a substantial contribution to Penn
State Hazleton’s For the Future campaign
to establish a scholarship memorializing
his uncle, John Evancho.
This gift will help prepare many students
for the future, just as his training has
helped to prepare many people to
preserve lives, and livelihoods, for
many years.
The Alumni Society board held its last
meeting of the year on June 5 which
included a review of the year’s activities,
budget and event planning for 2010-11,
and board elections. Congratulations to
incoming officers and members of the
board for 2010–2013 including Dr. Harold
Aurand ’86, president; Nick Roslevege ’88,
president-elect; Christy DeMelfi, Esq. ’03,
secretary/treasurer; and Cathy Colangelo
’84, Joe Matukonis ’03, and Lauren
George ’09, new at-large members.
Front row , from left, are Nick Roslevege
’88, faculty representative Maureen
Gaffney ’98, Denise Corcoran ’89, Cathy
Colangelo ’84, Charmaine Tetkoskie ’86,
and Christy DeMelfi ’03. Back row, from
left, are Krista Corrao ’02, alumni chapter
representative Blair Bell ’76, Dr. Harold
Aurand ’86, and Joe Matukonis ’03.

page 10
Campus News
Penn State Hazleton holds 2010 graduation ceremony
More than 100 degrees were award to graduates at Penn State
Hazleton’s fortieth annual commencement ceremony on May 14.
Chancellor Gary M. Lawler conferred fifty-one associate degrees
and fifty baccalaureate degrees to students completing programs
of study at Penn State Hazleton.
The keynote address was delivered by Berwick native Susan
Saint Sing ’78 Lib, ’04 PhD H&HD, a noted athlete, coach, author
and educator. She is head coach of the crew program at Stetson
University in DeLand, Florida.
While on a lacrosse scholarship to Penn State, she fell while doing
gymnastics and broke her neck and back. She suffered paralysis
and major soft tissue damage, which caused her to attend a pain
control center for ten years. During her recovery, she discovered
a link between spirituality and sports, an area in which she has
intensely studied, researched and educated others. In November
2009, she was invited to the Vatican where she had an audience
with Pope Benedict XVI and spoke to a group about spirituality in sports.
Her experience includes serving as program director of the U.S. National
Rowing Center, head coach of men’s and women’s crew teams at Xavier
University and Penn State, manager of the United States National Rowing
Team, and volunteer rowing coach at the United States Naval Academy.
Saint Sing is the author of eight books, with her most recent work The
Eight: One Season in the Tradition of Harvard Crewing released in March
of this year.
During the ceremony, the Frank C. Kostos Award was presented to
two graduates who earned the highest grade-point averages in degree
programs and two students who completed their second year at the
campus.
Elaan M. Yefchak, West Hazleton, received a bachelor of arts degree in
Letters, Arts, and Sciences and was the graduate earning the highest
grade-point average in a Penn State Hazleton baccalaureate degree
program.
Tatjana Marko, Drums, earned an associate in science in Medical
Laboratory Technology degree, and was recognized for the highest gradepoint
average of a graduate in a Penn State Hazleton associate degree
program.
Sophomores Basant R. Nassar, Bloomsburg, a biology major, and Laura
Ariza, Stroudsburg, an international politics major, tied for the honor for
the full-time sophomore enrolled in a Penn State degree program.
Winners of the Frank C. Kostos Awards were, first
row, from left, Tatjana Marko, Elaan M. Yefchak,
Laura Ariza and Basant Nassar. Other participants
in the ceremony included second row, Susan Saint
Sing, speaker; Chancellor Gary Lawler, and Director
of Academic Affairs Monica Gregory. Third row,
Paul McDermott, faculty marshal, and Blair Bell,
president, Greater Hazleton Chapter of the Penn
State Alumni Association.
Following her address to graduates and guests, alumnus
Susan Saint Sing signed several copies of her books
which she presented to Chancellor Gary Lawler.
Blue Cross CEO main speaker at annual Women’s Symposium
“Empowered for Life: Live Well, Eat Well, Be
Well” was the theme of the fourth annual
Symposium on Contemporary Women’s Issues
held on April 18 at the campus. More than 130
students, faculty, staff and community members
attended the event that provides valuable
information to help women of all ages and
backgrounds achieve personal and professional
success.
Denise S. Cesare, president and CEO of Blue
Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, provided the
keynote address, relating the goals, challenges,
success strategies and other experiences of her
career.
Breakout session topics covered interests
ranging from care of the whole person to healthy
food choices to stress reduction techniques, and
included a tea with the food choices mentioned
in a previous session.
Funded through an endowment established by
local business woman E. Lee Beard, the Women’s Symposium
at Penn State Hazleton is designed to engage women’s interest
in topics related to professional and personal development.
Each year, the symposium focuses on a different theme, and all
women are encouraged to support and attend the events.
The campus is pleased to welcome Avon Products, Inc. to the
growing number of major sponsors of the Symposium. With
an increase in support from PPL this year, campus Chancellor
Dr. Gary Lawler remarked, “The commitment of Avon and
PPL is a strong endorsement of the Women’s Symposium.
We appreciate the dedication of all sponsors to this important
diversity initiative at our campus.” Funding and in-kind support
was also offered by Wegman’s, The Penn State Commission
for Women, Christopher and Banks, Auntie Anne’s, Rue 21,
Maurice’s, and Dress Barn.

http://www.hn.psu.edu/
page 11
Campus News
Student performance debuts in new ‘black box’ format
Just as an actor transforms into
different characters, the theater area
of the Slusser/Bayzick Building has
undergone a conversion into a new
black box format. This design allows for
multiple performances in a variety of
configurations, according to Eric-Michael
MacCionnaith, instructor in Integrative
Arts.
The black box theater consists of
a simple, somewhat unadorned
performance space, usually a large
square room with black walls and a flat
floor. Renovations included painting
the walls and ceiling, reconfiguration
of the current stage area, lighting and
sound upgrades, and installation of new
curtains.
Students in MacCionnaith’s four theater
courses assisted with the makeover
which was completed for the student
performance of “Fuddy Meers” on April
15-17. Each performance was given in
front of a sold-out crowd.
The theater students expanded on a
program established through a gift to the
campus by local alumnus and patron of
the arts Dominic Landro. The program,
which debuted in fall 2006, is designed
to engage students’ creative interests,
enrich the student experience, and
showcase student talent at a program
open to the public.
“It’s very exciting to be part of rebuilding
a program that was once very active on
campus,” MacCionnaith said.
MacCionnaith teaches four theater
classes including “Introduction to
Acting,” “Introduction to Theater,” “Acting
Gertie, played by Megan Cerezo, and Claire, played by Amanda Crossett, perform a scene from
“Fuddy Meers” in front of a sold-out opening night crowd.
Production,” and “Technical Production.”
He oversaw 62 students in everything
from acting to set design to promotion
of the event.
“Students were involved in a variety of
aspects of theater production and gained
a wide range of experience preparing
for and promoting a performance. There
were numerous artistic opportunities
for students which take place in this
liberal arts and educational approach to
theater,” he said.
In addition to the theater experience at
Penn State Hazleton, MacCionnaith is
working to establish a short-term study
abroad program for students with the
University College Dublin.
MacCionnaith began teaching at Penn
State Hazleton in the fall 2009 semester
after serving as artistic director at the
Renegade Theatre Project in Eugene,
Oregon, for eight years and an educator
at high school and collegiate levels. He
earned a doctoral degree in Theatre Arts
from the University of Oregon and a
master of science degree in Research
Psychology and dual bachelor’s degrees
in Psychology and Theatre and Speech all
from the University of Tennessee.
Salute to
our troops
We take time to thank military
personnel around the world,
veterans, and their families for their
commitment, dedication and sacrifice
in serving our country. Please join
us in remembering these brave men
and women, especially members of
the Penn State Hazleton family, for
putting country ahead of self.
We salute all of you.

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Campus News
Adult student wins FBLA/PBA state competition
Penn State Hazleton’s chapter of Phi
Beta Lambda, the collegiate version of
Future Business Leaders of America, was
reinstated this year and quickly made an
impact on campus after several members
qualified for the state competition in
Harrisburg.
One student, Paul Makuta, brought
back top honors as he won the written
business communication category and
earned the right to attend the national
competition in July in Nashville.
Helping Makuta prepare for the
competition were Sherry Robinson,
associate professor of Business
Administration, and Paul McDermott,
business program coordinator and
instructor in Business Administration.
McDermott will accompany Makuta to
the national competition.
Makuta’s challenge at the state
competition consisted of using proper
grammar and acceptable letter format
to write a business letter describing
why the mayor of his town should
come to his company’s function. Makuta
had three paragraphs to get the job
done, which he says wasn’t the hardest
part. “That,” he said, “was writing the
letter - with a pen and piece of paper.”
To read the complete version of this story,
go to “News and Events” at hn.psu.edu.
Paul Makuta, left, and Instructor in
Business Paul McDermott prepare for the
upcoming national competition of Phi
Beta Lambda/FBLA in Nashville, Tenn.
InsightOutlook Volume
IX, Number 1
InsightOutlook is published three times a year by the Office of Development and University Relations at Penn State
Hazleton. We welcome your comments and future story ideas.
Office of Development and University Relations · Penn State Hazleton · 76 University Drive · Hazleton, PA 18202
Kevin J. Salaway
Director
Phone: (570) 450-3015
E-mail: kjs27@psu.edu
Susan M. Bartal
Coordinator of Public Information
Phone: (570) 450-3179
E-mail: smb16@psu.edu
Carole H. Shearer
Alumni and Development Specialist
Phone: (570) 450-3016
E-mail: chs14@psu.edu
To learn more about Penn State Hazleton and its academic programs, events, and activities, visit us at www.hn.psu.edu.
Jackie B. Scarcella
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Phone: (570) 450-3560
E-mail: jbs22@psu.edu
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