Alyssa Brown, a first-year student studying accounting and finance at Penn State Berks, joined other University students from the Berks and Abington campuses on a service trip to Puerto Rico. The students volunteered at two different farms, one at which they planted kidney beans and the other at which they learned about the history of coffee beans in the region; learned about the island’s history and immersed themselves in its culture; and assisted at a nonprofit animal shelter and volunteered as Flight Angels to bring 10 adopted dogs — which have an overpopulation in Puerto Rico — to the United States. “To experience Puerto Rico through the intentionally chosen rhythms of local life was heart-awakening. Every moment — every meal, every smile, every act of care — felt purposeful," Brown said. "In the States, some days the only smile I see is the one I give myself in the mirror before leaving the house. But in Puerto Rico, I never once felt that loneliness. The culture breathes togetherness. Strangers greet you like family. Love is loud and ever-present.” Read more about the trip on Penn State News.
Asher Talty, a first-year student studying political science and philosophy at University Park, traveled to Egypt as part of his ARAB 099/499 course offered through the College of the Liberal Arts. “Not only did I have the chance to use my language skills in the real world, but I gained a new appreciation for the Arab world’s culture, history, traditions and people," Talty said. "This trip was an unforgettable experience that has brought my Arabic studies to life in a way I never imagined.”
Aniya Childers, a senior majoring in health policy and administration with a minor in sociology at Penn State Harrisburg, participated in an Alternative Spring Break trip to Hawaii in a campus partnership with GIVE Volunteers. “This experience has not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but it allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture while reminding me of the importance of humility and global responsibility," Childers said. "Through introspection and community service, I've discovered that, although we are only a small part of a larger globe where every choice we make has an influence, we can occasionally be incredibly self-centered and only consider our roles in our local communities.”
Zamarra Vrabel, left, and James Bernosky produced episodes for the podcast series "Intercultural Interludes," which was recognized by the Pennsylvania Press Club recently in a statewide collegiate contest.
Penn State Scranton Student Government President Gavan Quimby at this year's Student Recognition Dinner, which honors the achievements of students,student clubs and organizations, and staff and faculty throughout the academic year.
The John Sr. and Kimlyn Patishnock Undergraduate Research Award: Excellence in Information Literacy is awarded to University Park students who achieved outstanding undergraduate student research at the Undergraduate Research Exhibition. From left, Isaac Gray, second place; Dalimar Flores-Torres, first place; Paige Fino, grand prize; Gabrielle Mu, honorable mention; Natalie Meriwether, honorable mention; Kimlyn Patishnock and John Patishnock Sr. Not pictured: Lucas Beddick, third place; Jaacob Kohler, honorable mention; Abigail Silberman, honorable mention.
Penn State Scranton graduates process into the auditorium at The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple at the start of Penn State Scranton's 57th commencement ceremony.
The John Sr. and Kimlyn Patishnock Undergraduate Research Award: Excellence in Information Literacy is awarded to University Park students who achieved outstanding undergraduate student research at the Undergraduate Research Exhibition. From left, Isaac Gray, second place; Dalimar Flores-Torres, first place; Paige Fino, grand prize; Gabrielle Mu, honorable mention; Natalie Meriwether, honorable mention; Kimlyn Patishnock and John Patishnock Sr. Not pictured: Lucas Beddick, third place; Jacob Kohler, honorable mention; Abigail Silberman, honorable mention.
Posing for a photo after being inducted into Penn State Scranton's corporate communication honor societies are, from left: Corporate Communication Program Coordinator Kelly Conlon-Mazzucca, inductees Zamarra Vrabel, Ava Compton, Emma Bannon, Rebekah Howells and Matthew Reyes, and Assistant Professor of Corporate Communication Stephanie Longo.
During their week in Puerto Rico on Alternative Spring Break, students made new friends and bonded through their experiences. Here, they pose with Interim Assistant Director of Student Services and Engagement Nikki Paolicelli for a group selfie.
