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. |
At Lock Haven, students, faculty, and staff came together to plant a community orchard to combat food insecurity. Biology faculty from across the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), led by Dr. Heather Bechtold, collaborated on the project, which will not only provide food for students, but serve as an outdoor classroom.
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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
