October 2010 Archives

Paterno Fellows and aspiring Paterno Fellows: Come and enjoy the November 10 performance of Peter Pan--we've reserved a block of tickets at a great price for a great show.

Penn State's Playhouse Theatre (located near the Palmer Museum) will host this professional production, featuring the work of guest artists and top students from Penn State's world-class musical theatre program. According to news releases, the show will be directed by Broadway veteran Michael Lichtefeld, coming straight from the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; and amazing costumes will be designed by Richard St. Clair, a Penn State alumnus coming off his most recent success, the world premiere of Terrence McNally's "Golden Age" for the Philadelphia Theatre Company. Captain Hook will be played by New Zealand professional Hayden Tee, who earned a 2009 Glugg award for best supporting actor. And in the title role will be Audrey Cardwell, a junior bachelor of fine arts musical theatre student who spent this past summer performing at the St. Louis Municipal Opera. (No word on who will be playing Tinkerbell.)

Tickets for Paterno Fellows and aspiring Fellows are just $5. You may purchase a ticket for yourself and a guest (if you'd like; the guest need not be a Fellow or aspirant) by coming to 101 Sparks during business hours, beginning Tuesday, November 2. First come, first served.

P.S.- Oh yes, one other detail: Flying will be made possible by Penn State faculty technical director Eric Rouse, who also works with Cirque Du Soleil and Flying by Foy (the company that created the flying rig for the original U.S. "Peter Pan," which starred Mary Martin).

As Nathan indicated in his posting, Advisory Board members have tentatively approved a roster of Paterno Fellows events for the year. The events are designed to enhance your "out-of-class" education--and provide for some fun and the opportunity to meet other Fellows. 

Here's a preview, so mark your calendars:

• November 10: 
  

Attend the performance of the musical "Peter Pan" at the Playhouse Theatre on campus.  (Details will be coming shortly on how to obtain tickets.)

• January 10 (tentative date): 

A "first annual" ceremony and reception to recognize those juniors and sophomores who have been accepted as Fellows--those "graduating" from "aspirant" to Fellow, in other words.

• February:  

A performance of the eighteenth-century comedy "The Beaux' Strategem." In addition to enjoying the comedy, Fellows will participate in a short, informal preview before the show (featuring the play's director) and, we hope, a cast party afterward.

• March 23:
  

A performance in Eisenhower of the Broadway musical "The Color Purple."  Before the show there will be a short preview, featuring (we expect) performers from the show and faculty experts on "The Color Purple."

• April: 

Forum (topic to be announced) that involves Fellows in a "conversation" on a key issue in current American culture.

Again, reserve dates on your calendar and watch for more details.

Hello Fellows! I know it's been a while since I last posted, but here I am again. This past Tuesday, Dr. Selzer, Christine, Ginelle, Brian, Danielle, Olivia, Doug, and I met to discuss some very exciting events and ideas about the program for the coming months. This post is meant to function more as minutes on our meeting because, while we have some great events in the works, we don't have official plans yet. I felt that it was necessary to clue you all into what we're thinking about.

As of right now, we're planning to coordinate five different events for all Paterno Fellows Program participants (this includes you too, Aspirants). While I am not at the liberty to say exactly what these events are, I will tell you a little bit about them. Our first event will be taking place very soon (November, actually) and those details will be sent to you very soon. This is going to be more of a leisure event, something that will bring you back to your childhood even. The rest of the events, however, are being planned for the Spring 2011 semester.

The second event of the year will be more of a recognition event for those that have been accepted into the Paterno Fellows Program (but attendance will be open to Aspirants as well). For this we are planning to have an item of recognition, which will not be a stuffy award or plaque, but something you can actually use. And of course, no recognition event would be complete without food, so be on the lookout for that and be sure to put it on your calendar! The last three events to be held before May will consist of a play (for those who like comedy), a musical (for those who like plays, but prefer to have music with them), and a forum of sorts (for those who aren't really "artsy"). Again, these events are still in the works, but I will say that you have definitely heard of the musical before; it's based off a famous book (or infamous depending on how you look at it).

This is really where my new information ends and your excitement should begin. I know that none of this information really told you anything, but that's something to look for in the next few weeks because we are excited for the events that we're planning, as should you. Please keep following this blog for more information about the mysterious events that I have described which will be coming soon and for your eyes only.

Finally, I would like to ask you to keep telling your friends about this blog and the other Liberal Arts blogs (LAUSatPSU, LAUS Announcements, and The Education Abroad Experience). Check out what's happening within the College of Liberal Arts and what LAUC is planning and doing (the tab is found in the top right-hand corner of the page). As a Liberal Arts student, expand your knowledge about the college and opportunities available exclusively to you by reading these blog entries. You never know what you may find!

Calling all Paterno Fellows and Paterno Fellows Aspirants - Volunteers Needed! The Paterno Fellows program is partnering with Sue Paterno and the Special Olympics of Centre County to help organize the annual Beaver Stadium Run.

The 5k run/walk, traditionally held on Blue and White weekend, will take place on Sunday, April 17, 2011. To help get the word out and raise awareness for the race, we are looking for volunteers to help us on Saturday, October 30 before the Penn State vs. Michigan game. A tent will be set up between the stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center from roughly 11am - 5pm. Volunteers are needed to staff the tent as well as walk through the tailgating fields. Both groups would be handing out flyers and pre-registration forms, and gathering contact information from potential participants. Anyone who gives his or her contact information will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a Joe Paterno autographed football and a PSU Women's Volleyball team signed volleyball. Donations for the Special Olympics of Center County will be accepted and Special Olympics apparel will also be for sale. Volunteers will work in shifts, and we only need an hour or two of your time to make the race a success!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lydia Scott at LHS5027@psu.edu by Monday, October 25.

Please expect to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, October 27.

I'm looking forward to the Oxford Debate TONIGHT--8 pm in the HUB Auditorium.

It's a debate about the future of nuclear power, and Paterno Fellows will take a leading role.  You can find details about the event on The Center for Democratic Deliberation's website--you'll see that Angelo Cerimele and Samuel Settle will play important roles.

The format sounds fun. From what I've read, audience participation is expected to be extensive: "After each panelist presents a two-to three-minute position statement, the panel's members field questions from the audience. The debate concludes with summary statements from each panel.  At the conclusion of the debate, audience members will be polled as they exit and will be asked to indicate whether their position remained unchanged or if their opinion shifted as a result of the debate. The winning team is determined by the number of audience members whose opinion shifted over the course of the debate." Co-sponsoring the debate are the Presidential Leadership Academy and the Liberal Arts Center for Democratic Deliberation.

I have no idea where I stand on this issue, and I know I will leave tonight with an excellent perspective.

Check out this photo of a few of our Paterno Fellows with President Spanier from the recent Presidents Club reception. From left to right, we have: Jake Plevelich, Sandra Fung, President Spanier, Lauren Perrotti, and Angelo Cerimele.

The President's Club is a gathering of the university's most generous financial supporters.  Lauren, Angelo, Jake and Sandra were among the students who were included in the reception in order to give PSU friends and supporters an idea of some of the great things that students are involved with.

Nice smiles, eh?

Take a look at more photos from the President's Club reception on the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Studies Flickr page.

Here begins the official posts of the Paterno Fellows Advisory Board by yours truly, Nathan Hollister. I would like to introduce you to the Advisory Board, but first I think a little bit of an explanation is in order.

Right about now I'm sure that you're thinking: "What is the Advisory Board?" "What does it do?" And finally, "why do I care?" So let's take these questions one at a time. First of all, the Paterno Fellows Advisory Board is a group of nine students in all levels of the Paterno Fellows Program; some are current Fellows, while others are Aspirants. We have members from every age group and multiple majors within the College of Liberal Arts. But most importantly, we are students, just like you.

As a part of the Advisory Board, it is our job to listen to the concerns of our Paterno Fellows classmates and bring them to the attention of Dr. Jack Selzer, Director of the Paterno Fellows Program. And who better to talk about your needs and concerns with the program that will be so influential in your Penn State career than people in your classes, in your major, or maybe even in your building? We are your liaisons for feedback to the program and we gladly want to hear from you and in return we will let you know what is going on in the program. This is the exact reason why you should seek out one of the Board members if you have a grievance or suggestion for the betterment of the Paterno Fellows Program (hopefully you will have more of the latter than the former, but we're really here for both). We are also in charge of creating events for Fellows and Aspirants alike, as a way to meet people in the same program that you are, or maybe even in the same major. We hope to have events planned within the next month, so be on the lookout for that; we're looking into some pretty exciting events, both of the educational and social nature.

Now for some introductions... Below you will find information about each of the Board members (in no particular order), including contact information so you can get in contact with us. We look forward to hearing from you about anything regarding the Paterno Fellows Program.

Nathan Hollister Year: Sophomore Major(s): Spanish and World Languages Education, focusing in Spanish and ESL From: Montrose, PA in northeast PA, about an hour above Scranton Email: njh5083@psu.edu Fun Fact: Huge fan of How I Met Your Mother and many other television shows, Member of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council (which you can join as a Liberal Arts student), Looking to study abroad.	Caity Embrey Year: Senior Major(s): International Politics and National Security, Minor: Media Studies From: Carlisle, PA currently, but has lived all over as an Army Brat Email: cme5074@psu.edu Fun Fact: Vice President of Silver Wings, a civilian-military community service club (ask her for more information), Loves old movies and baking, Two years of experience on Advisory Board.
Nachuan Chen Year: Freshman Major(s): Philosophy with a possible double in Marketing From: Beijing, China Email: nvc5074@psu.edu Fun Fact: Member of World Taekwondo Federation, International Student	Ginnelle Sroka Year: Junior Major(s): English and Sociology From: Philadelphia, PA Email: gls194@psu.edu Fun Fact: Studying abroad in Florence, Italy in the spring
Danielle Mackintosh Year: Sophomore Major(s): Crime, Law, & Justice and Sociology From: Chalfont, PA, in Bucks County Email: dlm5322@psu.edu Fun Fact: Loves music, Favorite bands include Brand New and Circa Survive, Involved in THON (through Morale last year)	Olivia Hoover Year: Freshman Major(s): Psychology, Minor: Spanish From: Small town near Harrisburg, PA Email: orh5010@psu.edu Fun Fact: Wants to study abroad, Likes to read and spend time with family and friends, Football fan
Caitlin Ogram Year: Junior Major(s): Psychology (neuroscience option), General Science, and Religious Studies From: Unionville, PA Email: cmo168@psu.edu Fun Fact: Original member of Advisory Board, Co-founder of Psych Squad (open to all majors), Research Assistant for Hillary Neuropsychology Lab, Loves autumn, Attempts yoga	Brian Prewitt Year: Freshman Major(s): Crime, Law, & Justice From: Hyde Park, NY Email: brp5121@psu.edu Fun Fact: Percussionist, Sports fan (including baseball, basketball, and the ever popular, football), Son of two alumni, Fountain of Penn State football knowledge, Golfer, Favorite sports teams include the Yankees and the Jets
Christine Theberge Year: Junior Major(s): Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish From: Drexel Hill, PA Email: mwt5073@psu.edu Fun Fact: Trilingual, Black belt	Douglas Smith Year: Freshman Major(s): CAMS and International Politics From: Columbia, MD Email: das5559@psu.edu Fun Fact: Huge Baltimore Ravens fan, Wants to study abroad in Italy or Greece

So there it is: the Paterno Fellows Advisory Board. Please contact any of us with any questions or concerns about the program and we will be able to make your voice heard with Dr. Selzer. And finally, as the blogger for the group, it will be my goal to get as many readers as possible, not only for the Advisory Board, but also for the rest of the bloggers on the Liberal Arts Blog. Tell your friends, tell your enemies, even tell that kid that sleeps in your 8 AM about this blog. This is your way to learn about and contribute to a program that will give you so many opportunities as a student. Also look for my future posts to learn about how you can get involved with the Paterno Fellows Program and what we as a Board are planning for you.

  It's five am. I've slept maybe four hours tops. And I've just downed three cups of Dunkin Donuts coffee and a cream cheese bagel. I do not want to get on a three hour bus to Baltimore.

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By the website definition, Kayam Farm embodies and inspires social and ecological responsibility by transforming our community through hands-on Jewish agricultural education. So think Jewish CSA? Well, right, but wrong. It's much more.

Picture 160 acres of rolling hills, spotted with fruit orchards, cross hatched with grape vines (named for the 3 Patriarchs) and patched with gardens of carrots, okra, cabbage and beets. That's what I saw as I spun around in groggy circles from my view on the hill by the parking lot. Lots and lots of farmland. Kayam farms vegetables organically according to Jewish Laws. Lots and lots of vegetables.

And for the next nine hours that's exactly what our little tour group did. We joined the caretakers of Kayam, many who live on or near the grounds, in planting, picking, seed saving and harvesting. We carried our veggies (literally) from the field to the table. And in the process I learned about how the laws and traditions of Hebrew culture from centuries past influence the dinner table today at Kayam. Every veggie must be carefully cleaned over (bugs are not Kosher, if you were wondering). But more than scrutiny goes into the meal, a lot of attention and care does too.

When you take your food literally from the ground to the dinner plate you take a whole lot more responsibility for what you're about to eat. You become more than a passive presence in your own food chain- a lot more involved than just standing in the dining hall lunch line.

So even if you're not harvesting your own dinner (which is fantastic, I might add) you can take a more involved roll in your food. Buy local - and by local I mean literally down the street, locust street for that matter. Donate to the Centre County Food bank, to make sure you're not the only one eating up. And if you're interested in the savory flavors of Jewish Culture with a side of organic greens, look into Kayam. Just wear work clothes if you visit, okay?

I'm sure everyone reading this has heard the common stereotypes of an honors student: a ghostly-pale figure that never leaves the dorm room (or the general vicinity of their desk) for their entire four years in college. And, believe it or not, I was a huge believer in this before coming to Penn State. In fact, I knew of many people like that from my high school: those who would sit in the library during lunch, complain to teacher about an A-, or glare at you when you got a better grade than them. So, by now, you may be asking yourself: "Well, if this is what Mike thinks of honors students, why is he trying to get into Schreyer's through the Paterno Fellows Program?" Because, while the people mentioned above may have gone on to continue doing that, and only that, we here at Penn State have something very hard to come by at those schools: Balance    

To aspiring and current Fellows and readers: Want to be involved with an exciting and inventive opportunity for involvement in the arts and international service? Interested in discovering what it's like to collaborate with a non-governmental organization (NGO)? Read on!

First, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ruth and I am pursuing a double major in international politics and sociology with a minor in linguistics. As a junior Fellow, I enjoy learning about a broad range of topics but I'm especially taken with classes/research/activities that address the intersection of conflict, culture, and development. Belonging to a family of refugees from war-torn Sri Lanka, it could have been predictable that I would aim to work in the international conflict and reconstruction scene. This wasn't the case. It took considerable time and reflection, especially because I was very young when we fled.

These interests have led me to help out with an NGO called SJC 87, a scholarship initiative that uses art as a rehabilitative tool for war-affected students in Sri Lanka. I had offered to sell calendars for their Art of Hope project which used art-work made by the youth, organized them into a calendar, and sold them to the Sri Lankan diaspora around the globe. I took a different trajectory by suggesting the expansion of the project to college students. Penn State was the trial run, which unfortunately did not work out as well as I had envisioned. And while it wasn't mind-boggling letdown--Sri Lanka, after all, is a small, remote country that is thousands of miles away and Penn State has hundreds of organizations that are advocating for their own significant issues every day--it motivated me to find more engaging and creative approaches of raising awareness in a legitimate and representative manner.

I am now spearheading a project called Paalam (a Tamil word meaning "bridge") in collaboration with SJC87, Oxfam at Penn State, and the PSU Theatre Department. At its core, the project uses playwriting and theatre as a tool for self-reflection, rehabilitation, and community-building among Sri Lankan youth. The website goes more into it but basically, we allow youth to write plays and monologues through which they share their experiences and their hopes for the future. These plays are then performed here at Penn State and the money we raise goes to the youth's education. This project is truly a bridge; it'll bridge internal emotions to external expressions, unspoken hopes for the future to cultural conversations on rebuilding. It is capable of bridging the chasm between two completely different countries and cultures, if only by a strained thread.

What excites me more than anything is that this project is no longer just an idea that is bouncing in my brain and between extremely supportive friends and family. It's finally an active collaboration.

During the summer, Paalam was enthusiastically approved by principals in northern Sri Lanka and things have been rolling ever since. On Sept. 18th and 25th, workshops for playwriting were held for all interested youth (photos here!).

If you've stuck around this far and if anything here sounds like something you'd want to learn more about and get involved with (we'll be meeting this upcoming Thursday), contact me at RLC272@psu.edu. This project is looking for ambitious self-starters, compassionate cosmopolitans, and idea-generators.