Tyler Proper has always had an interest in the medical field. After graduating from high school in 2006, he enrolled in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman, acting as a first responder on the battlefield to Marine Corps infantry. When his military career came to an end, he knew he wanted to continue his studies in the medical field. He will graduate with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology on Saturday, May 9. On May 18, he will begin the Penn State College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Each year, Penn State honors several members of its faculty and staff for the highest levels of academic excellence, outstanding leadership and meritorious service. The 2015 Faculty/Staff Award recipients — 33 outstanding University employees and one program — reach across campuses, colleges and administrative units and exemplify best practices and achievements among Penn Staters reflecting the University's mission of teaching, research and service.
Ann Clements, associate professor of music education in the School of Music, wins the first annual Open Innovation Challenge, which is a high-profile speaking opportunity to present new innovative ideas about anything that enhances teaching and learning in higher education. Clements, whose idea involved creating a 3D Virtual Teaching Lab, was one of six finalists chosen from a pool of nearly 40 innovative ideas submitted to the Challenge.
For Belén Rodríguez Mourelo, author of "Encounters in Exile: Themes in the Narrative of the Cuban Diaspora," writing about Cuba is personal. The introduction to her book describes her grandfather’s experience in Cuba over a 40-year span, from 1912–1952.
David Sanford, associate professor of horticulture, was recently honored for 25 years of service to Penn State Berks. During that time, he has seen many changes at the campus but the one thing that has not changed is his love for teaching.
The Committee on Institutional Cooperation's Academic Leadership Program has gained five additional fellows from the Penn State ranks. The CIC is the academic consortium of the Big Ten universities plus the University of Chicago. Through its leadership program, participants who have demonstrated exceptional ability and administrative promise are aided in further developing their leadership and managerial skills.
In October 2013, the Sustainability Institute announced its new internal grant program, The Reinvention Fund, intended to support collaborative projects by faculty, staff and students that will improve and expand sustainability efforts at Penn State. Of the more than $700,000 allocated for investment in these projects, $102,000 has been dedicated to support proposals received by student teams.
Twenty-two proposals were received from interdisciplinary student teams, and 11 were selected to be funded. The funded proposals represent innovative ideas from four of Penn State's campuses -- Abington; Berks; Erie, The Behrend College; and University Park.
David Aurentz, associate professor of chemistry at Penn State Berks; Frederick Haag, associate professor of visual arts at Penn State York, and Mark Maughmer, professor of aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering, have received the Alumni/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching and have been named 2012 Penn State Teaching Fellows. The Penn State Alumni Association, in conjunction with undergraduate and graduate governing bodies, established the award in 1985. It honors distinguished teaching and provides encouragement and incentive for excellence in teaching. Recipients are expected to share their talents and expertise with others throughout the University system during the year following the award presentation.
