For me, the end of the calendar year and completion of our first semester always ushers in a season of reflection and thankfulness. As I reflect on the past year and consider all that was accomplished, I am most grateful for my colleagues across Commonwealth University. Our mission is only possible because of so many dedicated individuals working toward the same goal—improving and increasing opportunities for our students.
And so, in this season of thankfulness, I am filled with
appreciation and gratitude for the people that make Commonwealth University
run, day in and day out. Wonderful things are happening in Bloomsburg, Lock
Haven, and Mansfield as a result.
At Mansfield, student
Lauren Griffith recently received a NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant, which
she plans to use to continue her research on pancreatic cancer under the
mentorship of faculty member Dr. Kristen Long, associate professor of biology.
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| Mansfield student Lauren Griffith at work in the lab. |
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| Students and faculty at Lock Haven plant a tree on campus. |
At Bloomsburg, students are learning with cutting-edge technology under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Technology and Analytics, Dr. Scott Mehall. The Hololens is an augmented reality tool that allows students to utilize emerging technology that will likely play a major role in the future of work, giving students hands-on experiences that prepare them for future success.
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| A Bloomsburg student demonstrates use of the Hololens. |
These are just a few examples of the exciting and impactful hands-on
experiences taking place across our campuses. I’m grateful for the
opportunities afforded our students by our highly talented faculty and staff.
Such student experiences would not be possible without the
support of our generous partners in education. I am grateful for our numerous
alumni, donors, and friends who share our vision and support our mission. Their
generosity helps our students in immeasurable ways, from philanthropic support
to mentorship, to networking and career opportunities.
In this season of celebration and thankfulness, I’m filled
with gratitude and admiration for our University family and all that we have
accomplished together. I wish you a restful, restorative Thanksgiving and look
forward to continuing our mission of supporting our students and their success in
the coming year.
Bashar W. Hanna, President
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Worldwide during the month of October, people show their support and raise awareness for individuals affected by Breast Cancer.
This year, the National Breast Cancer Foundation embraces
the theme RISE, or Rally in Screening Everyone to encourage and ensure that
every individual has access to life saving screenings and support. Currently,
breast cancer represents 15% of all new cancer cases in the US. Due to early
detection, breast cancer fatality rates have decreased by 40% since 1986, which
is why it’s so important to continue to raise awareness for screening and early
detection.
Across our campuses, our students and campus communities demonstrate
their support for Breast Cancer Awareness through a number of events and
fundraising opportunities. Athletic teams across the campuses held Pink Out
events to support the cause, giving attendees opportunities to donate, don pink
ribbons, and receive information about Breast Cancer awareness month.
At Bloomsburg, over 300 students participated in the 20th annual Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 9. So far, students have collected over $3,000 to benefit Breast Cancer awareness, and will be continuing to accept donations until the end of the month.
This month, Mansfield Football and Field Hockey teams held
Pink-Out games, and Women’s Soccer hosted a tripleheader Pink Out. The events
rallied support for an important cause.
Thank you to our students and campus community for their
support and advocacy during Breast Cancer Awareness month. One of the things
I’m most proud of is the way our university community rallies together to care
for one another. By raising awareness for issues that affect us all, we can
help to ensure the health and vitality of our university family.
Bashar W. Hanna, President
September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Month. This is a time to come together as a community to acknowledge and
recognize the importance of raising awareness around this important issue. As a
community that cares about one another, we can all play a role in supporting
each other.
At this time in the semester, things can begin to feel
overwhelming. I encourage you, despite the pressure of rigorous academic work,
to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing and be gracious with yourself.
Be sure you are making time to spend time with friends and family, and doing
things you enjoy. We are at our best when we are fully ourselves and grounded
in our relationships and connection to others. Even when things seem difficult
or isolating, you are never alone. Your university family cares deeply about
you and your future.
As a community, it’s important to be there for others and to
watch for signs of friends, students, colleagues, and classmates who may be
struggling. Many suicides can be prevented by caring individuals who recognize
the red flags:
Resources are available if you are or know someone who may
be struggling. I encourage you to reach out to our campus counseling centers at
Bloomsburg,
Lock Haven, and Mansfield.
The 988 Suicide and
Crisis Lifeline is a free resource available 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year.
As we work hard to achieve our goals, let’s remember to lean
on each other and look out for one another. We’re all in this together and I am
proud to be part of a community that supports, uplifts, and truly cares about
each other.
As we near the end of August and the summer begins to slip
away, those of us in higher education see this time of year as a new beginning.
Our students have returned to campus, and the air has filled with equal parts
excitement and anticipation.
For our new students, this is the beginning of a life-changing
journey. No other transition in life is as transformative as the start of a
collegiate career. Remarkable opportunities await and I urge our students to
make the most of them. For our returning students, arriving back on campus
should feel like a homecoming. They are being reunited with friends,
professors, and valued staff members as they move ever closer to their goal of
graduating.
That goal of graduation rests at the heart of our mission as
educators. I’m encouraged to witness the trajectory we’re taking in Pennsylvania
in support of our students and their future success. This is a historic time
for public higher education in Pennsylvania. The past few months have seen both
a first-of-its-kind integration of public institutions and record investment by
the legislature in our state-owned universities. The unprecedented
16% increase in the State System’s appropriation signifies the state’s
support of the power and promise of public higher education in Pennsylvania.
We at Commonwealth University are paving the way for bold
ideas and collaborations as we embark on a new path that unites three historic
institutions—Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield. Individually, these schools
carry storied legacies of educating students, serving their communities, and
preparing tomorrow’s leaders. Together, as Commonwealth University, we will
offer students increased access to a broader range of academic programs,
opportunities for experiential learning and research, keeping an eye to affordability,
while promising a high-quality education powered by high-impact practices.
Students graduating from Commonwealth University, many of whom stay and work in
the region, will be prepared to enter the workforce and make an immediate
impact in their careers and communities.
This season of new beginnings is brimming with possibility
and promise, and I hope that, like me, you’re eager to join the journey.
Bashar W. Hanna, President
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| Student Athletes move in at Lock Haven |
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| Bloomsburg students are all smiles walking across campus |
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| Move in day at Mansfield |
Bashar W. Hanna, President
On the one hand, we are happy to see the students we as educators have mentored and worked with for years reach the pinnacle of their journey and walk across the stage having earned a college degree. They have forever changed the trajectory of their futures.
On the other hand, we are saddened by their departure as they will no longer be part of our daily life. We are left with the beautiful memories we shared in and out of the classroom, watching them mature into young adults with aspirations of greatness awaiting them in the world.
I wish that wherever life’s journey takes the class of 2022, they will never forget their time spent with us in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield and fondly recall how they grew from teens to young adults and into contributing, productive members of our society.
Please enjoy a wonderful summer full of fun, joy, and laughter. All the best!
Bashar W. Hanna, President
Artist Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Over the past several months, our campuses have offered meaningful examples of Picasso’s words at work. Students from each campus have been out in the community lending a hand and giving their time and talents to help local organizations.
At Lock Haven, students recently partnered with Downtown Lock Haven to put together spring time activities for kids and assist in community clean-up efforts. Multiple athletic teams have also given their time to support local charities, schools, and churches.
Bloomsburg students recently participated in The Big Event, a CGA community service event that gives them the opportunity to help and assist businesses and residents of the Town of Bloomsburg with projects such as raking yards and cleaning up streets.
Mansfield student organizations, Greek life, and athletics programs have been giving back to their community in big ways this spring through volunteering in and around the Mansfield area.
Last week, all three campuses participated in an All-In Day of Giving. The 24-hour giving challenge is in its eighth year at Lock Haven, with Bloomsburg and Mansfield hosting inaugural events this year. I am humbled by the generosity of our donors who together gave more than $500,330 to support our students. Each gift will make a difference in the life of a student.
Giving comes in many forms. This month we’ve witnessed shining examples of what it means to give of oneself in support of others. Whether it’s time, talent, or treasure—every gift is meaningful and works powerfully in the life of our students and the people in our communities.
Thank you to our students and supporters for your continued generosity of spirit and selfless consideration of others.
Bashar W. Hanna, President
During the last several weeks the world has witnessed the unjustified invasion of a sovereign nation as Ukraine faces attack by Russia. Television and social media bring us images of the horrors of war that inflict both physical and emotional trauma to Ukranians of all ages.
Please keep the Ukranian people and their loved ones abroad in your thoughts. Not knowing the fate of your loved ones is agonizing, especially when they are faced with such difficult choices—fleeing their homes as refuges, or staying behind to fight for their country and freedoms.
Television icon Fred Rogers said, “in times of crisis look for the helpers,” That sentiment rings especially true today. I think of the image of strollers left at a Polish train station for Ukranian refugees and their children. It’s an image of neighbors helping neighbors—helpers in action.
Leaving your home for a foreign land is not easy. When I left my native Syria to come to the United States it was incredibly difficult, but a decision that gave my family hope for a better future. Fortunately, I had a strong support system, including my teachers who helped me bridge the language barrier as I learned to speak English at age 10. I was blessed to find the helpers.
In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”
The theme represents the countless number of women, who as medical doctors, nurses, soldiers, counselors, clerics, teachers, and mothers worldwide, have stepped forward to provide healing throughout history and certainly during the ongoing global pandemic.
We’re also seeing that in Ukraine with female doctors taking care of the wounded, or the mothers who are desperate to protect their children and keep them out of harm’s way. We’ve seen teachers in underground shelters working to keep children safe and focus their attention on stories and learning while hoping the attacks will soon come to an end. We need to be eternally grateful for the sacrifices women around the globe have made for others. In story after story, they are the helpers.
Bashar W. Hanna, President
Bashar W. Hanna, President
The start of a new calendar year always brings me a sense of excitement, anticipation, and hope for the coming year. While I have never been someone to make resolutions, I have spent some time looking for ways to become a better version of myself as a husband, father, brother, uncle, colleague, and leader.
As our campuses spring back to life and we welcome students from the semester break, we move forward with enthusiasm immersed in the details of the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield. Each day walking through the doors of Carver Hall I am energized knowing our vision for the integrated university is taking shape, and the promise of an exemplary student experience remains our highest priority. The expansion of high-quality affordable educational opportunities for our students remains our steadfast commitment.
We're also looking forward to spring semester traditions that are the hallmark of maintaining vibrant campuses within our respective communities. And most importantly, we're changing the lives of students and their families forever. In short, we're reimagining public higher education for the coming decades!
If you have any questions about the integration process, please email neintegration@bloomu.edu or check out bloomu.edu/integration for more information.
So remember, a new year means a new blank canvas awaits to paint a new picture. Always remember, as Iva Ursano, a Canadian blogger, once wrote, 'You are the artist of your own life. Don't hand the paintbrush to anyone else.'
Go Huskies!
Bashar W. Hanna, President
