January 2013 Archives

Here is an overview of special events for spring semester.  Watch for additional information--and mark your calendars!

Events include important meetings, a Broadway show, volunteer opportunities, and a graduation celebration!  For all the details, download and print the flyer.

Volunteers are wanted to support all aspects of Sue Paterno's 5K Beaver Stadium Run in support of Special Olympics Pennsylvania.  The run / walk will take place on Sunday, April 21, and volunteers are needed for all sorts of activities before the Big Day and on the day of the run / walk itself.  This special volunteer opportunity has become a tradition for Paterno Fellows, so do attend an Information Night For Volunteers on Wednesday, February 6, at 7:30 pm in 124 Sparks.

For more information about the run / walk, see  http://www.specialolympicspa.org/specialevents/beaver-stadium-runwalk.  Last year Paterno Fellows helped to raise over $270,000 for this great cause:  http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2012/04/23/beaver_stadium_run_triples_total.aspx.

If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to help, send that message to Jack Selzer, jls25@psu.edu.

I'm writing to encourage first-year Paterno Fellows and PF aspirants to apply for membership in the next Presidential Leadership Academy class. The selection process takes place this semester and activities begin in the fall.

Interested? Come to an info session Wednesday, February 6, at 4 p.m. in 124 Sparks. You can still apply without coming to the info session, but the info session will include helpful hints and address frequently asked questions. Current Liberal Arts Presidential Leadership Academy members will be there to offer their perspectives on what makes a successful application and what the PLA involves and offers.

Established in Spring 2009, the Academy is a three-year leadership development opportunity for a select group of students. Through the Presidential Leadership Academy, students will develop leadership fundamentals to thrive in an environment in which multiple dimensions of an issue are explored, diverse viewpoints are welcomed and heard, and a fully informed and respectful discourse ensues that leads to sound action. The curricular and extracurricular opportunities available through the Academy lead to further development of critical thinking abilities necessary for leaders to implement decisions with sensitivity to the circumstances that led them and the flexibility to rethink decisions and even change course along the way. A highlight of the Academy is a one-credit introductory seminar led by the President of the University. For more information, see http://academy.psu.edu/.

Note that the only requirements necessary for nominations are:

1. Current status as a first-year student
2. Demonstrated leadership skills (or the desire to acquire them)
   
3. Minimum GPA of 3.2
   

Deadline for receipt of nominations is Monday, February 11, 2013. Students nominated for the Academy will be asked to complete the application process, which includes a resume, two essay questions, and two letters of recommendation. The actual application is due on Monday, February 25, so the info session will include information mainly on that. (The nomination part is simple.)

Happy New Year everyone from the Paterno Fellows!

To all the sophomore Paterno Fellows -- we thought we'd kick the new year and new semester off with a social night. Come out to the Memorial Lounge in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center from 7-9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16th, for a trivia night. If you like Sporcle, this will be perfect for you. We plan on having some team challenges as well so bring your friends and your brains for some food and fun! Pizza and drinks will be served.