Giving Thanks

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.

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.

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.

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

Love what you do

The late Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

The greatest joy I have had in my first 19 months here at Bloomsburg University is the opportunity to work with so many great people. With the tireless dedication of so many individuals, BU would not be the strong institution it is without our great faculty and staff.

We recently held our annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation ceremony to honor the nearly 180 employees who were celebrating a work anniversary from between five and forty years. The total combined years of service for all these employees added up to more than 1,900 years – an amazing total and a number of which we can be quite proud.

Many times in speaking with our faculty and staff I have heard, “My plan was to stay here a few years, and then move on. But that was over twenty years ago. I realized I loved it here and stayed.”

That sentiment speaks volumes about our campus community. I am grateful to all my colleagues – not only those who are celebrating work milestones, but also those who have joined us more recently – for the great work that they do every day, for loving what they do, and for contributing to the success of our students.

A big THANK YOU to all our faculty and staff, and GO HUSKIES!

Bashar