A Historic Time for Public Higher Education

 

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 

Student Athletes move in at Lock Haven

Bloomsburg students are all smiles walking across campus 

Move in day at Mansfield 

    Bashar W. Hanna, President

National Volunteer Week

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.

April 17 kicks off national volunteer week, providing an opportunity to recognize the work of the students, volunteers, donors, supporters, and friends of our universities whose contributions to our campuses and communities make an immeasurable difference in the lives of so many.

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

Our world needs more kindness

I recently tweeted a statement that really speaks to me and which I believe can guide us as we live, work, and learn together.

“Leadership does not need to be loud and kindness should never be interpreted as weakness. Lead quietly with kindness.”

Our world needs more kindness. As the late General Colin Powell wrote in his book, It Worked for Me, "You can never err by treating everyone in the building with respect, thoughtfulness, and a kind word."

Whether you find yourself in a leadership position today or aspire to lead others in the future — Let’s choose to lead with compassion, kindness and respect. It’s up to us to create and foster working environments that embody our values of inclusion, growth, and kindness.

During the month of February, our nation celebrates Black History Month. Together we must continue to champion the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to make our campuses more welcoming to our underserved populations.

To that end, our campuses, along with our sibling PASSHE schools, are conducting the System-wide Campus Climate Survey which opened Jan. 31. The results will allow our campuses and the State System to assess ourselves and support the development of strategies to promote inclusive campus and system communities.

If you are a student or employee of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield please complete the survey. Your participation is important and anonymous.

It is our goal to make our university families and communities open and welcoming to all.

Frederick Douglass, one of the great Black scholars of the 19th century, penned many profound words on education. He underlined the importance of education as part of a process of realizing human potential, furthering justice, and achieving freedom: “Education …means emancipation,” he said. “It means light and liberty.”

During Black History Month, I encourage you to engage one another with kindness, respect, and understanding. Let us take this opportunity to embody our values through our actions and bring light and liberty to those around us.

    Bashar W. Hanna, President