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Penn State Beaver Nittany News
Fall 2008
A Message from Chancellor Keefer B
As we tell our prospective students, when you combine the reputation of Penn State with our network of loyal alumni, a Penn State degree gives our graduates a distinct advantage when beginning their job search.
eaver campus enrollment continued to climb this fall with a final official count of 845 students. That’s an increase of 50 students since last fall and an increase of 200 when compared with 2005. In fact, this year’s enrollment is the highest we’ve had since 1995. This dramatic increase in students has led to a more vibrant campus environment, both in and out of the classroom. It’s also given us additional budget flexibility to better serve our students. I believe there are several reasons for the enrollment turnaround. First, we’ve been consistent in presenting our message of “the power of the Penn State degree” to prospective students. Given today’s economy, college graduates will need every possible advantage when they enter the workplace. Employers nationwide as well as globally recognize the academic quality of Penn State. As we tell our prospective students, when you combine the reputation of Penn State with our network of loyal alumni, a Penn State degree gives our graduates a distinct advantage when beginning their job search. We’ve also enhanced the campus “curb appeal” with the construction of the Ross Administration Building, the demolition of the old administration building and maintenance facilities, the redesign of our main entrance road, and the renovation of the General Classroom Building plaza. Frequently the first comment made by vis-
Jamie Silicki poses on the set of “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” with David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely on the television program. Jamie served her internship at WQED last summer.
itors is how attractive the campus is. Currently, we’re working with a landscape architect to develop a long-term plan to enhance the academic core of the campus, including relocating sidewalks, creating additional plaza areas, and providing new trees and other landscaped areas. We also plan to construct a new Wellness Center addition to the gym as well as renovate the Brodhead Cultural Center. This is an ambitious agenda, but one that must be pursued to keep Beaver campus strong and competitive. During the last several years, 50 to 100 high school students per semester have taken classes on campus through our Dual Enroll-
ment Program. Working with the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit, which received a federal grant to provide tuition funding for area school districts, our Admissions and Academic Affairs staff have done an excellent job of providing a college experience for these high school students. The feedback we’ve received has been very positive as students experience both challenges and rewards in the classes. Another reason for our success lies with the Student Affairs staff members who continue to refine campus programming for students. More and more students are becoming engaged in student government, clubs, service activities, and other programming. Students who are active in extracurricular activities are more likely to stay at Beaver campus, so the strategic strengthening of student programming continues to play a part in our student body growth. We face difficult economic times ahead, and the number of high school graduates in our service area is expected to decline, but I remain very optimistic about the future of our campus. Our students are learning what many of you already know, i.e. their time at Penn State Beaver is shaping and preparing them for the future.
Gary B. Keefer, Chancellor
NT STUDE TE U P DA
Last spring Jamie Silicki, a senior communications major, received the prestigious 2008 Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award which is Penn State’s highest student honor recognizing achievement in and out of the classroom at every campus. The award was one more feather in her cap. Jamie’s active college career has included a wide range of honors and experiences, both in and out of the classroom, including an internship
in Congressman Jason Altmire’s office and writing for the campus student newspaper, The Roar. Her latest internship was spent at WQED Pittsburgh, where she worked closely with Rosemary Martinelli, WQED’s executive director of marketing. Martinelli is also a member of the Penn State Beaver Communications Advisory Board. “Ms. Martinelli chose me to par-
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