Challenge Yourself in 2022

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. 

Taking a step back, like an artist staring at a blank wall and reimagining who you are, is a healthy way to grow as a person. Whether that means creating good habits or committing to doing something to help others, it takes time and continuous effort to be the best you. So don't be afraid to challenge yourself in 2022. Together, we can make our community a shining example for others.

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

Greatness is determined by service

Happy New Year! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday break and preparing for a great spring semester.

January is the month that we celebrate and honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His lasting legacy of peace and equality is something we continue to strive for to this day. While progress has been made in many quarters, much work is still needed.

One of Dr. King’s many powerful statements that moves me is "Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame, but greatness, because greatness is determined by service."

This call to service should be an everyday goal for each of us. It doesn’t take moving a mountain to be considered great. Right here on our campus, a student’s call to greatness can be helping tutor a classmate or volunteering with one of BU’s many service organizations.

Your call to greatness could also be working at The Big Event or just donating blood. For faculty and staff, there are many organizations inside the communities where we live that are starving for a helping hand. We should all consider lending a helping hand in the coming 12 months. Not only will you be assisting someone else, you’ll feel better about yourself.

Enjoy your final few days of break and be sure to look for future meet and greet opportunities this semester. And as always, Go HUSKIES!

     Bashar