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 semester begins anew

Just a few weeks ago, our students left campus for various destinations with the plan to return for classes after their spring break. As you all know, our world has changed significantly since then because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, we resume our academic semester through remote teaching and learning. This is not a day any of us had anticipated when we began the semester in January, but the current circumstances have required us to move to online instruction for the remainder of the semester. The health and safety of our entire BU community is our highest priority, and it is my sincere hope that this message finds each of you in good health.

I want to take a moment to thank our students and their families. In the past few weeks, we have made several decisions that have impacted our students’ academics, their living arrangements, and the BU experience with which they have become so accustomed. I am ever grateful to each and every one of them for their patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues for their service, selflessness, and support these past couple weeks. This global pandemic has led to extraordinary circumstances, and the response from our faculty and staff has been equally extraordinary.

As our semester begins anew, I am filled with pride – Husky Pride – and great confidence that we are embarking on this journey together. As one pack, let us finish the semester with the grit and determination for which Huskies are known. May we face this uncharted territory as a family and do what we do best by supporting one another, even if from afar.

Please stay connected each day by checking our website, please focus on your health and well-being in the weeks ahead, and GO HUSKIES!

Sincerely,

Bashar