A season of giving and thanks

During our most recent Bloomsburg University Council of Trustees meeting, I had the honor of announcing a $5.3 million gift to the University from radio and media legend Kerby Confer. This generous gift will allow us to create a state-of-the-art media center for students aspiring to achieve success in the fields of radio, video, podcasts, live streaming, as well as other areas of broadcasting and media. In recognition of the impact this gift will have on the University, BU will name the new facility the Kerby Confer Media Center.

A central focus of the Confer Media Center will be to prepare students to enter the radio and media industries. As Kerby said to our trustees after the gift was announced, “This will make north-central Pennsylvania the hub for media.” I can’t thank Kerby enough for his commitment and for helping us bring that vision to life.

Gifts such as this one from Kerby and Steph Pettit ’89 in 2019 help BU transform the lives of our students and their families for generations to come. While gifts of this magnitude are transformational, every gift is significant. Our most recent Giving Tuesday resulted in over $40,000 from 168 donors. Those donors included 26 current students whose $1,375 in contributions will be matched by me. Now, more than ever, the need is great for immediate use funds to support students in earning their BU degree. 

On behalf of our students, a heartfelt thank you!

Speaking of the moments that can change a family’s direction for generations, last weekend, we held our Fall commencement ceremonies, in-person. It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone event with our students, their families and friends.

Now, as we near the end of 2021 and gather with those near and dear for the holidays, I send warm wishes for a season of joy.

May you stay healthy and safe and have time to relax, recharge, and get ready to usher in 2022!

    Bashar W. Hanna, President

We have much to be grateful for

It has been a busy Fall semester on campus and November was filled with a host of important events.

The month began with First Gen Week, a celebration of our students who are the first in their families to attend college. As a first generation student myself, I have walked in your shoes questioning whether or not if I belonged in college. But know that you are not alone in this journey at BU. There are resources on our campus to help you so don’t be afraid to raise a hand. Your destiny awaits if you stay the course and remain focused. This week I join with our campus community to honor and celebrate the more than 1,700 BU First Gen students who are set to be the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.

We also celebrated Veterans Week to honor and recognize those who have served our country in the military. At BU we take great pride in our Military and Veterans Resource office which works to support our students as they pursue their educational goals. It was an honor to host the fourth annual luncheon for our faculty/staff/student veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. In addition, our BU Student Veterans Association held its annual Suicide Awareness Walk on Friday, Nov. 12, at 8 a.m.

Our final recognition week of the month was No Hate Week from Nov. 13-18. This year’s theme is “No More Silence.” As a campus, town, state, and nation, we must work to treat each other equally, fairly, and without fear. One of the most impactful programs during the week that serves as a bridge for our University and the community we call home is “Beyond the Fountain”, an annual Community Government Association (CGA) event, which was held on on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Kehr Union Ballroom. The week wrapped up on Thursday, Nov. 18, with “A Conversation with Albert Jones,” the chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer for Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities.

Finally, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Bashar W. Hanna, President