The Time is Now: Reflections on Black History Month

 “The time is always right to do what is right.”—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we near the end of Black History Month, I find myself reflecting on the words of several champions of equality. Dr. King was a pioneer of the civil rights movement and a proponent of kindness, empathy, and social justice.  He believed these qualities when pursued together would make our world a more openhearted, fair, and equitable place for all people to pursue their dreams. That was, after all, Dr. King’s central message—that all people should have the right to dream and the freedom to work toward the fulfillment of such dreams.

I am so proud of the efforts of so many passionate Commonwealth University colleagues who embody Dr. King’s message and are continually doing what is right for our students and our community. Over the past month, close to two dozen Black History Month events have taken place across all CU locations. From “Lunch and Learn” events to movie nights, day trips, and speakers, our students have had the opportunity to engage in a wide-ranging offering of events designed to expand their knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for Black History.

The 2024 Sankofa Conference, hosted by the Bloomsburg Multicultural Center, saw students from all CU locations come together to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of people of African descent. Sankofa has long provided a forum for unity and understanding among students. It is heartening to see students from diverse backgrounds come together with a genuine desire to improve their own understanding and thereby begin to foster change in their own lives and communities.

Students from across CU's locations came together for the 2024 Sankofa Conference 

Sankofa is a tremendous example of what is possible when we strive to live by Dr. King’s principles—to endeavor to do what is right and to bring people along on that journey with us. I want to thank our CU students, staff, and faculty for their heartfelt efforts in celebration and recognition of Black History Month. I truly believe that the work we are doing together is making an impact, both in our campus communities and the communities they call home.

Maya Angelou said, “We may encounter defeats, but we must not be defeated.” Progress does not mean perfection and though there may be times when it feels like every step we take forward leads to two steps back, I encourage you to remember the words of Ms. Angelou. When you encounter defeats or experience hardships, when the world is less than kind and injustice seems to prevail, take heart in knowing that you are surrounded by people who care about you and share your values. Take heart in the words and lessons of leaders like Dr. King who kept pushing forward no matter what. And he did so with the support of good, and kind, and caring people who saw the world the same way he did—for all its beauty, possibility and flaws.

As Black History Month comes to an end, my hope is that you will take its lessons and inspiration with you and work to make positive changes through your words and actions. It is truly amazing what can be accomplished when we all make small steps together in the same direction.

Bashar W. Hanna, President 

Growing and Giving Back

 

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” These words from Helen Keller epitomize the events taking place across our campuses as we launch into the spring season and the final weeks of the semester.

Spring is a time for growth, and it’s been in full bloom these last few weeks as we’ve all enjoyed the warmth and sunshine the season has brought. Earlier this month, students at Bloomsburg and Lock Haven participated in The Big Event—a campus-wide day of service focused on sending student volunteers out into the community to complete service projects. I’m incredibly proud of the selflessness exhibited by our students and their willingness to give back to the communities our campuses call home. Over 1,000 students took part in The Big Event, making a big impact on the towns of Bloomsburg and Lock Haven. At Mansfield, students rallied together through the annual Paddy Murphy fundraiser to raise $10,000 for a local teacher battling cancer. The campus also hosted Relay for Life this month.

Bloomsburg students at the start of the Big Event 

Lock Haven students filled Jared Boxes during the Big Event 

Mansfield students gather during Paddy Murphy Week

Volunteerism centers around selflessness, and at this busy time of the semester when many priorities compete for our students’ time and attention, it’s inspiring to witness them take a step back to give back. I’m always incredibly proud of our students and their dedication to excelling academically. Our campuses are filled with future leaders who will go on to achieve great things and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. I have always believed that effective leadership is rooted in servant leadership, which is why it’s so heartening to see our students embracing these principles. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Our students are living this truth by doing work that matters, both in and out of the classroom.

We know that our students carry these values with them long after their days on campus. The generosity of our alumni prove it year after year. April has been a month of giving for our proud alumni and supporters as well. They are supporting our students in big ways through the All In Days of Giving, which took place earlier this month and raised over $375,000. These gifts make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students and support valuable initiatives that lead directly to enhanced learning experiences and outcomes for our students.

Growth. Giving Back. In so many ways, this is what the college experience is all about. I often speak about our number one priority at Commonwealth University—student success. As president, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our students grow as individuals in their four years here. It’s even more rewarding to know that the students who came before them are instilling the value of giving back—demonstrating the truest measure of success.

Thank you, sincerely, to every student and supporter for the generosity of spirit and selflessness you have demonstrated this month. Your actions have made a difference in the lives of others!

    Bashar W. Hanna, President

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