While most students mark the beginning of a semester by receiving syllabi on the first day of classes, first-year students enrolled in an Outdoor Adventure Program will begin their semester early by participating in one of three different excursions: backpacking, canoeing, or sharing their time with others through community service.
Penn State Berks faculty members Dr. Abdullah Konak and Dr. Sadan Kulturel-Konak are currently teaching an Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship course at the Systems Engineering and Engineering Management Department in the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), which runs from July 3-August 5, 2013.
The Building for Tomorrow program, part of the Outdoor Adventure Program that helps first-year students transition to college life, begins on Wednesday, August 14, and will run through Saturday, August 17, 2013.
In this program, students learn civic responsibility, rehabilitating the surrounding community and broadening cultural horizons through community service.
Dr. Hassan Gourama, associate professor of Food Science at Penn State Berks, received the 2013 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) - Food Microbiology Division Outstanding Member Award. IFT is an international, non-profit professional organization for the advancement of food science and technology. Dr. Gourama served as the chair of the IFT-Food Microbiology Division from July 2012 to July 2013 and previously served as the chair of the graduate student competitions from 2006 to 2010.
The Penn State Berks Freyberger Gallery will present BLUE MARSH: Landscape Lost, an exhibit that explores the story of the Blue Marsh Dam project and the subsequent changes for the families who lived and worked in the area, from September 12-October 31, 2013. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 12, at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.
Penn State Berks will welcome nearly 400 first-year members to its residential community as part of the campus' annual orientation program on Friday, August 23, 2013. Students will move into the residence halls from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be a welcome reception for students and their families at the Perkins Plaza from 2:30-4:00 p.m., which will be attended by students, faculty, and staff of the college.
Dr. Randall Fegley, Associate Professor of History at Penn State Berks, was named Executive Director of the Sudan Studies Association (SSA) during the organization's 32nd Annual Conference on May 24, 2013, at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. This followed his completion of a two-year term as SSA President. In this role, Fegley will oversee the organization's transition to a new generation of officers and board members.
Eyal Press, author of Beautiful Souls, discusses his book, which was the subject of the college's common reading program on Thursday, September 12, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. in the Beaver Community Center Gymnasium. This presentation is free and open to the public.
As part of the Global Studies degree program's African Film Series, Penn State Berks will present four films this fall: Among the Righteous on Monday, September 16, at 1 p.m. in room 308 of the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building; and Cry Freedom on Wednesday, September 18, Yesterday, on Wednesday, October 9, and Endurance, on Wednesday, December 4, all at 6 p.m. in room 101 of the Franco Building. All four films are free and open to the public.
Salsa Magic will bring the newest Latin dance moves to Penn State Berks on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room. This event is free and open to the public.