Actress Karen Allen, known for her roles in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Starman, will head the cast of Until Death, the third in a series of staged readings being presented through the partnership between the Pocono Mountains’ Theater Company and East Stroudsburg University’s Department of Theatre.

The drama by Sarah T. Schwab will be presented Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. in Smith-McFarland Theatre of ESU’s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg.

In the play, an elderly woman is faced with a life/death decision after her husband, a man with terminal heart disease, informs her that he will spend his final days alone in order to spare her emotional distress.

The reading, which is recommended for adults and mature high school students, is open to the public at no cost. There is a suggested donation of $5 per reading.

Reservations for the reading are recommended, but not required. To make a reservation, email SarahT.Schwab@gmail.com, and include your name, the title of show, and the number of seats requested.

The Pocono Mountains’ Theatre Company is a newly formed, 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre company whose mission is to produce and develop diverse new works by American artists, both local and national; to cultivate and develop audiences to support the future patronage of American theater; and to provide a positive collaborative impact to the community, both culturally and financially.

For more information about the presentation, please contact the Pocono Mountains Theater Company at SarahT.Schwab@gmail.com.

On April 30, East Stroudsburg University is celebrating the world with its annual Community on the Quad, organized by the Student Senate. All local businesses, clubs and organizations are invited to come together for the 16th annual event.

The theme “We are the World at ESU” is meant to bring the campus and local communities together for a day that celebrates culture and diversity.

In order to participate, Student Senate requests a nominal donation of $20 which will be used for scholarship funding through the ESU Foundation. With that donation, vendors will be provided with two chairs and one 6-foot table that may be decorated to coincide with this year’s “We are the World” theme. Vendors are welcome to sell merchandise at their tables.

“We welcome any opportunity for our students to connect with members of the community,” Chantal Fulgencio, a senior majoring political science from Stroudsburg, Pa., said.

The Student Senate at East Stroudsburg University is committed to accurately representing the views of the university’s student body and providing services to individual students in order to advance their academic and social progress. The Senate promotes the general welfare of ESU’s student body. It serves as a medium for expressing the opinions of university students on matters of general interest by providing experience for all of its members in leadership skills and democratic government. The group is also responsible for oversight of student organizations and allocation of student activity funds.

Those wishing to reserve a space or looking for more information about the event should contact Fulgencio at cfulgencio@live.esu.edu.

Close to three million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. Individuals diagnosed with autism can face social-interaction difficulties and, depending on the severity, a lifelong speech and learning impediment. As of 2016, a cure for autism has yet to be discovered, leaving millions of autistic individuals and their families pushing for a cure. East Stroudsburg University’s (ESU) chapter of Autism Speaks U, a student organization that raises funds and awareness for Autism, is hosting a 5K walk/run on Sunday, April 24, beginning at 10 a.m. on the Shawnee-Linden quad on campus.

“All proceeds from the event go directly to Autism Speaks which supports autism research,” Rachel Wolf-Colon, Ph.D., assistant professor of speech-language pathology and club adviser to Autism Speaks U at ESU, said. “April is Autism Awareness month and our club is happy to contribute to this worthy cause.”

Other organizations are joining in the fight. ESU’s Phi Sigma Kappa, an on-campus fraternity, is helping set up and organize the event.

“Autism is becoming more common,” Stephen Samaan, a junior majoring in business management from Allentown, Pa., and a Phi Sigma Kappa member, said. “It means so much to Phi Sigma Kappa that we can help raise awareness for such an influential organization.”

This event is open to the public. Registration is $10 per person and is from 9 to 9:45 a.m. For more information contact Dr. Wolf-Colon at 570-422-3929.

Thirty percent of college students feel so depressed that they cannot function, according to a study done by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). This depression is what marks suicide as the third leading cause of death of young people.

Students at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania want to make a difference in these statistics. On Saturday, April 23, ESU will be joining thousands of students across the country in a walk to fight suicide. Out of the Darkness, a national walk that raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will begin at ESU at 12 p.m. on the front lawn of the Hoeffner Science & Technology Center, Normal Street.

This is the third year the university is participating in the suicide walk. ESU partners with the Monroe County Coalition for Suicide Prevention to bring the walk to campus, according to Linda Van Meter, Ph.D., director and chair of counseling & psychological services. “We hope many come out and join the walk,” she said. “Education and awareness as to how we can help those in pain and those who are left to grieve are so important.”

The walk is free of charge and open to the public. Registration is at 11 a.m. and the walk is predicted to conclude at 1 p.m. This event is open to the public and it is free of charge. There will be free t-shirts for participants who are walking. Donations are welcomed. For more information contact counseling and psychological services at 570-422-3277.

ESU President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., announced today that ‘The Circle’ by David Eggers is the university’s selection for its One Book, One Campus program. In her remarks, Dr. Welsh, encouraged individuals and book club participants within the regional community to purchase a copy of the novel and to participate in planned book discussions with faculty, students and staff on campus and around town this fall.

‘The Circle’ is an engaging read about a fictional future and the power of social media. The book, chosen by a committee of students, faculty and staff, is timely, relatable and offers a unique perspective about the power of technology. What begins as the captivating story of one woman’s ambition and idealism soon becomes a heart-racing novel of suspense, raising questions about memory, history, privacy, democracy, and the limits of human knowledge.

In the photograph, from left, are Peter Prium, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and One Book, One Campus co-chair, Dr. Welsh and Doreen Tobin, Ed.D., vice president of student affairs and One Book, One Campus co-chair. For more information about ESU’s One Book, One Campus program or to order a copy of the book online, visit www.esu.edu/onebook. Copies of the book may also be purchased in the University Store, located on Normal Street in the center of campus.

Katherine Reardon, a graduating English major and theatre minor from Rockaway, N.J., is East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s student speaker for the spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 7, at 8:45 a.m. in Koehler Fieldhouse, and Chantal Fulgencio, a graduating political science major and French and Spanish minors from Stroudsburg, Pa., is the student speaker for the spring commencement ceremony at 1:45 p.m.

Undergraduate student speaker candidates must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average entering the spring semester; a demonstrated record of service to the university community and a record of leadership and cooperation; demonstrated evidence of meaningful extra/co-curricular involvement and must be in good academic standing.

Reardon transferred to ESU in the fall of 2013. When she stepped foot on campus, she knew she wanted to get as involved as possible. She became a tutor at the ESU writing studio, a member of Sigma Tau Delta, a member of Stage II, the historian of Alpha Psi Omega, president of the Musical Theatre Organization, a member of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success and a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau. Reardon also competed at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, where she was chosen to be a featured performer in the Musical Theatre Cabaret. Reardon was also Homecoming Queen in 2015, and raised $1,570 for Project Turkey, a Greek initiative aimed at helping families in need during Thanksgiving. “By joining these clubs, honor societies and organizations, I have gained so many wonderful community service and social opportunities,” she said. “My professors have given me an invaluable education and they have inspired and encouraged me to pursue my dream of being a performer,” she said.

As a theatre minor, Reardon found a second home within the theatre department. She has played the roles of Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz, Bird Girl in Seussical the Musical, Eurydice in Eurydice and Luisa in The Fantasticks.

“Katie is truly one of ESU’s shining stars,” Margaret Ball, D.M.A., associate professor and chair of theatre, said. “She is a gifted performer and a passionate English scholar who has served ESU in an exemplary fashion.”

Reardon credits ESU for giving her the skills she will need to succeed in her future.

“My college experience has been unforgettable,” she said. “I am proud to be an ESU student and a member of the 2016 graduating class.”

Like Reardon, Fulgencio never expected that her experience at ESU would change her life. After getting involved with the Student Senate her first semester, she realized that she wanted to make a difference during her time on campus.

“I became the poster child for getting involved,” she said. “It really shaped and enhanced my entire college career.”

During her time at ESU, Fulgencio was an Orientation Leader, a campus Tour Guide, served on the Student Senate Executive Board as the Secretary and Vice President respectively, President of the Spanish Club, a member of the Feminist Alliance, the Warrior Elite, and the International Student Organization. In the fall semester of her senior year she also interned at the Pennsylvania State Capitol for Senator Vincent Hughes in Harrisburg, Pa.

“Since arriving on ESU’s Campus, Chantal has been one of the most active and socially conscious students that I know,” Annie Mendoza, Ph.D., assistant professor of Modern Languages, said. “She has embodied the goals and mission of the university.”

For Fulgencio, the experiences she had at the university helped her grow both personally and professionally “in the best way possible.”

“I could not have accomplished any of these things without the support of my family, friends, professors, mentors and the amazing ESU community,” she said.

Fulgencio wants every student to know that they should never underestimate the power of their presence.  “We all have the ability to effect change, make change and be that change,” she said.

Over 700 people spent 12 hours in Koehler Fieldhouse on Friday, April 15 as a part of the seventh annual Relay for Life. The event, organized by Colleges against Cancer at ESU, raised over $24,000  for the American Cancer Society. “We passed our goal by over $6,000,” Emily Creveling, a senior majoring in hotel, restaurant tourism management who is also chair of Relay for Life, said. “We are so excited that ESU gets to help so many more people through their treatment and help fund research to find a cure.”

Pictured from left to right starting with the third row are Kerri Eng, a junior majoring in exercise science from Kinnelon, N.J., Christopher Cherry, a junior majoring in sport management from Henryville, Pa., Jessica Peters, a junior majoring in social work from Hawley, Pa., Pamela Batist, a sophomore majoring in nursing from Mattituck, N.Y., Madeline Cepparulo, a sophomore majoring in business management from Philadelphia, Pa., Samantha Giancaterino, a junior majoring in biology from Philadelphia, Pa., Kiley McKendry, a freshman majoring in exercise science from Philadelphia, Pa., Taylor Lanick, a sophomore majoring in public health from Philadelphia, Pa., Carlee Wrobleski, a freshman majoring in marine science from Pleasant Hills, Pa., Jennifer Ortega, a junior majoring in early childhood education from Allentown, Pa., Amber Bell, a senior majoring in biochemistry from Elkins Park, Pa., Amelia Raser, a junior majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management from East Stroudsburg, Pa., Elizabeth Simmons, a junior majoring in sport management from Bethpage, N.Y., Katelyn Clancy, a senior majoring in speech-language pathology from Northampton, Pa., Olivia Schneider, a sophomore majoring in recreation services management from Greentown, Pa., Valentina Scalici, a sophomore majoring in psychology from Philadelphia, Pa., Jordan Dardas, a senior majoring in psychology from Catasauqua, Pa., Rachael Paisley, a freshman majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management from Tamaqua, Pa., Brooke Lyons, a freshman majoring in psychology from Sellersville, Pa., Gabrielle Marcantonia senior majoring in social work from Slatington, Pa., Gina Sanfratello, a senior majoring in early childhood education from Bethpage, N.Y., Ashley Sudol, a junior majoring in public health from Fair Lawn, N.J.,  Brittany Sheehy, a junior majoring in speech-language pathology from Lansdale, Pa., Emily Creveling, a senior majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management from Bloomsburg, Pa., Natalie Shirley, a freshman majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management from Roselle Park, N.J., Kiersten Knorr, a freshman majoring in early childhood education from Hanover Township, Pa., Sabrina Seeram, a freshman majoring in biology from East Stroudsburg, Pa., Anays Fuertes, a sophomore majoring in biology from East Stroudsburg, Pa., and Brithney Campbell,  a sophomore undeclared major from Allentown, Pa.

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania hosted its 27^th Annual Student Recognition Awards on April 24, where more than 50 students and student organizations were honored.

Eight of those students received the President’s Outstanding Service Awards. Faculty, staff and community members nominate students for this award in two categories: Student Employee Service to the University or Student Service to the Community. Students nominated for the President’s Outstanding Service Award are recognized for unique or genuinely outstanding service, or for service performed under special circumstances.

President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., presented plaques to the following recipients of the President’s Outstanding Service Awards: Katrina Creveling, a senior majoring in speech-language pathology from Quakake, Pa., Alexander Misurella, a senior majoring in theatre from East Stroudsburg, Pa., Gianeli Ortiz, a junior majoring in biology from Bushkill, Pa., Samantha Reilly, a junior majoring in psychology from Doylestown, Pa., Keith Young-Smith, a junior majoring in psychology from Philadelphia, Pa., Brittany Washington, a senior majoring in speech-language pathology from Summitville, N.Y., Emily Creveling, a senior majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management from Bloomsburg, Pa., and Jacob Hinkley, a senior majoring in history from Hallstead, Pa.

ESU’s Student Senate and the Residence Hall Association have sponsored the President’s Outstanding Service Awards for 27 years.

A list of the other awards presented to individuals and student organizations follows:

Most Active in the Community

Political Science Club

Community Service / Philanthropic Program Award

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association

Academic All-District

William Berry, senior, exercise science, Magnolia, Del.

Christian Bukowski, sophomore, criminal justice, East Stroudsburg, Pa.

Casey Choffy, senior, business management, Stroudsburg, Pa.

Chase May, sophomore, exercise science, New Bloomfield, Pa.

Shea Neal, junior, early childhood education, Barto, Pa.

Sammi Ortiz, sophomore, biotechnology, Oxford, Pa.

Jonathan Stuppe, senior, business management, Nutteln, Germany

Academic All-American

Jay Young, senior, computer science, Pen Argyl, Pa.

Alex Zubko, senior, exercise science, Dallas, Pa.

Jon Schnaars’15, Harrisburg, Pa.

Devon Ackerman, junior, biochemistry, Hanover, Pa.

PSAC Winter Top 10

Travis Toth, graduate student, exercise science, Newfoundland, Pa.

PSAC Fall Top 10

Emily Howell, junior, physical education teacher certification, Bangor, Pa.

NCAA Elite 90

Sydney McCarthy, sophomore, exercise science, Reading, Pa.

Physical Education Teacher Education Outstanding Future Professional

Lauren Mateyak, senior, physical education teacher certification, Andreas, Pa.

Physical Education Teacher Education Outstanding Future Professional

Nathaniel Becker, senior, physical education teacher certification, Bernville, Pa.

Recreation Center Official of the Year

Jack Smith, freshman, communication studies, Basking Ridge, N.J.

Recreation Center Recreation Attendant of the Year

Tyler Rice, junior, sport management, Bronx, N.Y.

Recreation Center Group Fitness Instructor of the Year

Amanda Hewitt, sophomore, exercise science, Wallkill, N.Y.

Recreation Center Personal Trainer of the Year

Dan Hislop, senior, exercise science, Levittown, Pa.

Recreation Center Rookie of the Year

Brandon Hidalgo, junior, computer science, Cresco, Pa.

Recreation Center Leader of the Year

Paul D’Imperio, junior, speech-language pathology, Palmer, Pa.

Outstanding Orientation Leader

Lian Mlodzienski, senior, biology, Bushkill, Pa.

Outstanding Marketing Award

Cameron Maher, senior, art + design, Chester Springs, Pa.

Student Innovator & Entrepreneur Recognition Award

Amanda Amodeo, junior, art + design, Middletown, N.J.

Christy Flynn, senior, art + design, Hawley, Pa.

Andrew Grant, junior, art + design, East Stroudsburg, Pa.

Jared Keller, senior, art + design, Reading, Pa.

Cameron Maher, senior, art + design, Chester Springs, Pa.

Ryan Scardecchio, senior, art + design, Broomall, Pa.

Jeffrey Shapcott, junior, art + design, Bristol, Pa.

Sarah Shiner, senior, art + design, business management, Lehighton, Pa.

Gabrielle Silva, junior, art + design, East Stroudsburg, Pa.

Christian Torres, senior, art + design, Long Pond, Pa.

Most Active Multicultural Organization

Feminist Alliance

 Commitment to Diversity Award

Drew Johnson, senior, communication studies, Philadelphia, Pa.

 Greek Man of the Year

George Downs III, junior, history, Levittown, Pa.

Greek Woman the Year

Rachel Lees, senior, psychology, Bloomingdale, N.J.

Greek Life Chapter of the Year

Theta Chi

Greek Life Chapter of the Year

Sigma Sigma Sigma

 Female Feminist of the Year

Chantal Fulgencio, senior, political science, Stroudsburg, Pa.

Male Feminist of the Year

Drew Johnson, senior, communication studies, Philadelphia, Pa.

 Rising Star Award

Weston Strubert, senior, environmental studies, Bartonsville, Pa.

Robert Dillman Memorial Student Leader Award

Allison Simon, senior, political science, Garrison, N.Y.

Club of the Year

Political Science Club

 Most Active on Campus

90.3 WESS FM Radio

 Shirley Chisholm Award

Chantal Fulgencio, senior, political science, Stroudsburg, Pa.

 DAEL Outstanding Mentor Award

Andrea Sokolowski, senior, speech language pathology, Scott Township, Pa.

 STAR Program Outstanding Mentor Award Recipient

Mikhail Dacres, junior, criminal justice, Philadelphia, Pa.

 RA All-Stars Hawthorn Suites

Markella Wickel, senior, speech language pathology, Bethlehem, Pa.

RA All-Stars Hemlock Suites

Kristine Bengel, senior, public health, Tannersville, Pa.

RA All-Stars Laurel Hall

Rebecca Stevenson, senior, social work, Bushkill, Pa.

RA All-Stars Lenape Hall

Cory Pollina, junior, business management, Clifton, N.J.

RA All-Stars Linden Hall

Kaitlyn Denbaum, senior, exercise science, Wappingers Falls, N.Y.

RA All-Stars Minsi Hall

Kahlil Greene, senior, sport management, Morristown, N.J.

 RA All-Stars Shawnee Hall

Bridget Marley, senior, public health, Havertown, Pa.

RA All-Stars University Ridge

Jordan Allen, senior, business management, Wind Gap, Pa.

State System of Higher Education Student Business Plan Award

Blaise Delfino, graduate student, speech-language pathology, Bethlehem, Pa.

Edmond Hawi, senior, exercise science, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Tammy Tuckey, junior, business management, Ambler, Pa.

Ali Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence

Zachary Cappella, senior, computer science, Bangor, Pa.

Sixteen East Stroudsburg University students traveled to New York City on April 20 for a lesson in heritage, humanity, dignity and hope — a day of Remembrance, according to Kimberly S. Adams, Ph.D., professor of political science.

“We wanted to provide students with cultural experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting,” she said.

During their visit, the students received a guided 90-minute tour of the Jewish Heritage Museum, where they explored Jewish culture and history from the 20^th century to the present from the perspective of those who lived it. Exhibitions included first-person accounts and personal objects that display Jewish life before, during and after the Holocaust.

Their day also included a trip to the African Burial Ground, the final resting place for the 419 African skeletal remains unearthed in 1991.  The memorial that was built there features several design elements including, to name a few, Wall of Remembrance, Ancestral Pillars, and Circle of Diaspora, which includes signs and symbols engraved in the perimeter wall inspired by areas and cultures throughout the African diaspora.

The trip concluded with a visit to the 9/11 memorial, which honors the 2,983 people that lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

“I hope that this trip enhanced their understanding of the past and will inform their decisions in the future,” Dr. Adams said.

For more information about the political science department contact Dr. Adams at ksadams@esu.edu or 570-422-3924.

Lacy Jones, a graduate student studying speech-language pathology, will be the student speaker for the graduate commencement ceremony on Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m.

Jones, who resides in Bangor, Pa., received her bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology from ESU in 2014. Spending over 30 years battling with a stuttering disorder, Jones became interested in speech-language pathology to help others struggling with a speech impediment. But speech-language pathology was not always in her plans. After graduating high school, Jones attended the University of Pittsburgh as a computer science major.

“At that time I was very shy and I wanted to work in a field where I would not have to interact with others,” she said.

A year later, Jones realized that she wanted to work with other people and make an impact on their lives. Jones took some time off school and began working in retail and eventually landed a position as a patient services representative at Bon Secours Medical Group in Port Jervis, N.Y.  After working in health care for seven years, Jones found her passion in the field and enrolled at ESU as a speech-language pathology major.

“My education at ESU has contributed to my development as an individual and a professional prepared to take on leadership roles in my career and in the community,” she said.

While in graduate school, Jones worked as a clinician at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, N.J., where she conducted assessments of patients’ speech, language and cognitive abilities. She also served as the graduate student clinician in ESU’s speech and hearing clinic. Jones founded a support group on campus for individuals who stutter and developed and implemented a hearing screening protocol for U.S. military veterans. During her undergraduate career, she co-founded the charter chapter of “Autism Speaks U” at ESU.

Jones did all of this while raising a family. She wanted to inspire her two daughters by showing them it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

“I hope that my experience will one day inspire my children to strive for excellence in all they set out to accomplish,” Jones said.

While she turned to her family to motivate her during her years in graduate school, Jones knows that every member of her graduating class has a different story to tell.

“Each individual graduating with a master’s or doctorate has his or her own driving motivations for achievement,” she said. “We all have different a different story that led us to walk across the graduation stage.”

Photo: Seven ESU employees were selected by faculty, staff and students to be recognized throughout the 2015-2016 academic year as an “ESyoU” honoree for demonstrating student-centered service. From left: Linda VanMeter, Ph.D., Nancy Weaver, Ph.D., Bob Cohen, Ph.D., President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., Peter Pruim, Ph.D., Lourdes O’Kane, and Margaret Ball, D.M.A. (Not pictured: Erica Brilhart.) President Welsh presented Dr. Cohen with the ESyoU Employee of the Year award as a result of a poll conducted via social media.

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania honored 63 employees for their service and dedication during the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony on April 27.  Employee service ranges from 10 to 40 years.

“It is great to see such a nice cross-section of campus represented during this year’s recognition ceremony,” said ESU President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D. “Some of this year’s honorees teach in the broad range of disciplines across the curriculum, while others provide administrative support services or student services, make sure this campus is in pristine condition or serve the campus by keeping our technology running smoothly.  The work by all of these individuals is important for both recruiting and retaining our students and in successfully fulfilling the university’s mission.”

ESU honorees include:

40 Years of Service: Bob Moses, residence life & housing.

35 Years of Service: James Emert, computer science; Patrick Monaghan, residence life & housing; Thomas Read, building care services; and Mike Terwilliger, coach.

30 Years of Service: Marleen Dymond, Kemp Library; Mary Tod Gray, nursing; Peter Hawkes, college of arts & sciences; Donna Hodge, psychology; Gregory Hynds, building maintenance; Douglas Keiper, building maintenance; and Herbert Weigand, art + design.

25 Years of Service: Sally Duffy, student enrollment center; Steven Godin, health studies; Kelly Harrison, athletic training; Wayne Heller, building maintenance; Geryl Kinsel, student enrollment center; Thomas LaDuke, biological sciences; Anne Lesh, facilities management; William Loffredo, chemistry; Susan O’Hearn, theatre; Fernando Perez, academic enrichment & learning; Nunzio “Paul” Schembari, mathematics; and Luis Vidal, instructional support.

20 Years of Service: Robert Barth, computing & communication services; Margaret Benson, early childhood & elementary education; Shala Davis, exercise science and graduate college; Sussie Eshun, psychology; Sandra Gordon, university health services; Nancy Jo Greenawalt, intercollegiate athletics; Roger Hammond, energy & plant services; Mary Ann Lugo, student enrollment center; Claranne Mathiesen, nursing; Rita Plotnicki, theatre; Kim Sandt, business office; and Michael Southwell, academic affairs.

15 Years of Service: Mary DeVito, computer science; Clotilde Fitzsimmons, student enrollment center; Caryn Fogel, university relations; Stephanie French, theatre Jan Hoffman, academic enrichment & learning; Mary Kiernan-Antonioli, Upward Bound; Kevin MacIntire, building care services; James Maroney, theatre; Robert Mishkula, energy & plant services; Leslie Raser, institutional research; Tami Selby, institutional research; and Grant Young, building maintenance.

10 Years of Service: Sara Ali, admissions; Paul Andricosky, building care services; Carlos Aussie, university police & safety; Fred Bernstein, computing & communication services; Ryan Fenical, campus care; Andrew Johnson, mailroom, receiving & distribution center; Steven LaBadie, university relations; Sarah Lavra, admissions; Roberta Lewis, student enrollment center; Lavar Peterson, computing & communication services; Eugene Powell, energy & plant services; Ivan Rosado, facilities management; Ramon Seda, university police & safety; Rhonda Sutton, reading; and Benny Ukaj, mailroom, receiving & distribution center.

Other Awards

President Welsh also took the opportunity to present additional awards to campus personnel during this ceremony. More than 75 individuals were acknowledged for earning ESU’s “Burgy’s Best” nominations. The “Burgy’s Best” program is one that allows faculty, students and staff to recognize the outstanding work of their peers and excellence in service to the students and the campus. Two individuals earned special honors from the president for having received more than 10 award nominations throughout the 2015-2016 academic year.  They were: Mary Ann Lugo, student enrollment center, and Mary Rodriguez, Kemp Library.

The final award of the event was the “ESyoU” Employee of the Year. This year’s honor was bestowed on one of seven candidates who were nominated by faculty, staff and students to be recognized throughout the 2015-2016 academic year for demonstrating student-centered service. The 2016 ESyoU award was presented to Robert Cohen, professor and chair of physics and president of University Senate. Other ESyoU honorees were: Margaret Ball, theatre; Erica Brilhart, enrollment management; Lourdes O’Kane, human resources management; Peter Pruim, philosophy & religious studies; Linda VanMeter, office of accessible services individualized for students; and Nancy Weaver, student affairs.

William Parrish, Chief of Police at East Stroudsburg University (ESU) and recently retired Chief of Police for Stroud Area Regional Police, will be honored by the Monroe County Bar Association (MCBA) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on April 29 and 30, respectively, for his outstanding service and support of these community groups.

Chief Parrish will receive the MCBA’s Liberty Bell Award at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 29 as part of the Law Day ceremonies in Courtroom One of the Monroe County Courthouse.  Each year, MCBA’s Liberty Bell Award accepts nominations recognizing a man or woman in the community who has promoted a better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged greater respect for the law and courts, as well as stimulated a sense of civic responsibility.

A belief in creating “connectivity with the community,” coupled with Parrish’s 33-year career transcending serving the community to community service, solidified his selection for this honor.

Parrish is also being honored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on Saturday, April 30 at the Monroe County NAACP Freedom Fund Gala, and will be awarded the NAACP Community Service Award. The award recognizes Parrish’s achievements when he served as Chief of Police for the Stroud Area Regional Police (SARP) and honors his commitment of talent, time and resources to the greater Pocono community.

“It is important to recognize Chief Parrish for the relationship he has built between law enforcement and the community,” said Barbara Prucell-Clark, executive board member of the NAACP.

Chief Parrish came to ESU in March 2016, after serving as Chief of Police for SARP. Parrish has been a member of SARP since 2000, and prior to his post with SARP, he was a member of the Stroud Township Police Department and the Stroudsburg Police Department respectively.  He also served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer.

“Chief’s career history in law enforcement demonstrates not only his dedication to serving the people of Monroe County but his true commitment to making our community safe,” said Ken Long, vice president of administration and finance at ESU.  “He is a man of great integrity and we are lucky to have him with us at ESU.”

Two doctoral degrees will be awarded during the spring graduate commencement exercises at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania on Friday, May 6, at 6:45 p.m. in Koehler Fieldhouse.

Mark Madson has spent 17 years in public education as a teacher, coach, principal and central office administrator. Madson currently holds the position of Director of Secondary Education and Educational Technology for the Nazareth Area School District.

A Lehigh Valley native, Madson received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Shippensburg University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilkes University. Mark and his wife, Lauren, reside in Nazareth with their three children, Katie, Luke and Cooper.

Like Madson, Cynthia L. Miller has spent the past 21 years in education as a second grade and elementary response to instruction and intervention (RtII) teacher. She is currently an elementary assistant principal for Stroudsburg Area School District. Miller resides in East Stroudsburg with her two daughters, Jordan and Cerra Muffley, partner Christopher Gehm, and his son, Stephen Gehm.

Aside from teaching, Miller enjoys spending time with her dog, Harley, and two cats, Willow and Autumn. She also plays bass guitar, rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle and sings in the band “Endless Life.”
 
 

About the Doctoral Program in Education Administration and Leadership

The professional and secondary education department at ESU developed the idea for the collaborative doctoral degree program with Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1999. The collaborative delivery program provides accessibility to the program for students who live in proximity to East Stroudsburg and northeast Pennsylvania.

The three-year academic package is designed to provide continuous skill development in leadership, writing, reading and research. The program is intended for leaders in education wishing to further their knowledge, skills and expertise in the area of educational leadership.

Over 35 social work students and several faculty members from the department of sociology, social work, and criminal justice from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania joined practicing social workers, social work students and social work faculty from around the state on April 12 to participate in Social Work Legislative Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Harrisburg.

Advocacy Day is sponsored annually by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and focused this year on advocating for practice protection level licensure for social workers in Pennsylvania. The day began with discussions on advocacy strategies led by PA-NASW staff and was followed by opportunities for students to participate in legislative visits and attend committee meetings. The day concluded with a rally on the steps of the Capitol rotunda with speeches from social work leaders from around Pennsylvania and several members of the General Assembly including Sen. John Blake, who serves as ESU’s Legislative Fellow and the sponsor of SB 1078 related to practice protection.

“Taking part in Advocacy Day provided students the opportunity to observe the legislative process and engage in advocacy efforts geared toward practice protection. It also afforded students with networking opportunities as they met with social workers from around the state,” said John Kraybill-Greggo, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of sociology, social work, and criminal justice. ESU social work students began their preparation for the day in March with an on-campus meeting led by Johanna Byrd, Executive Director of the PA Chapter of NASW highlighting the legislative issue. This was followed by another preparation meeting facilitated by social work program faculty.

Students found the experience to be one that contributed to their professional development. “As a future social worker, attending Advocacy Day is an empowering experience,” Katherine J. Moore, a senior majoring in social work from East Stroudsburg, Pa., said. “The atmosphere in conjunction with lobbying for change brings forth a sense of self-efficacy.”

This is the second consecutive year that ESU social work students have participated in this event and Dr. Kraybill-Greggo said they plan to continue to take part every spring. 

“Participating in Advocacy Day is a social worker’s contribution toward change.  To be present in the experience of that change, as it is in motion, is extremely humbling,” said Annie Craige, a senior majoring in social work from Dingmans Ferry, Pa.

Sixteen East Stroudsburg University (ESU) students were inducted into Iota Chi, ESU’s chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, according to Ko Mishima, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, and Iota Chi’s faculty adviser.

“Iota Chi helps students to identify themselves as a political science major,” he said. “It is a recognition of their academic excellence.”

After being inducted, individuals are rewarded with a lifetime membership to the nationally recognized organization, Pi Sigma Alpha. Members will have access to local lectures discussing key political topics, as well as regular national events hosted by Pi Sigma Alpha.

“This is the type of academic credential that students can bring with them long after graduating from ESU,” said Dr. Mishima. “It will be recognized across the United States.”

The ESU students inducted into the honor society were Kennedy Sheeley, a junior majoring in political science and sociology from Saylorsburg, Pa.; Alexander Parise, a junior majoring in political science from Saylorsburg, Pa.; Carol Lunger, a senior majoring in political science from New Brunswick, N.J.; Blair C. Williams, a senior majoring in political science from Millrift, Pa.; Kelsey Bruzgo, a senior majoring in political science from Lehigh Valley, Pa.; Casandra DeStefano, a senior majoring in political science from North Brunswick, N.J.; Chantal J. Fulgencio, a senior majoring in political science from Stroudsburg, Pa.; Joseph Givens, a graduate student seeking a master’s degree in political science from Wind Gap, Pa.; Martha Pezzino, a graduate student seeking a master’s degree in political science from Pittston, Pa.; Joseph Kenosky, a graduate student seeking a master’s degree in political science from Mount Pocono, Pa.; Paul G. Reidmiller Jr., a graduate student seeking master’s in management and leadership – public administration and a Master of Education in political science from Mount Bethel, Pa.; Michael Reisenwitz, a graduate student seeking a master’s in management and leadership – public administration from Cresco, Pa.; Joseph M. Amato, a graduate student seeking a master’s in management and leadership – public administration from Stroudsburg, Pa.; William F. Bucher, a graduate student seeking a master’s in management and leadership – public administration from Philadelphia, Pa.; Anthony Caprario, a graduate student seeking a master’s degree in political science from Stroudsburg, Pa.; and Collin DeVries, a graduate student seeking a master’s degree in political science from Tannersville, Pa.

For more information about ESU’s Iota Chi honorary, contact Dr. Mishima at 570-422-3248 or by email at kmishima@esu.edu.

In 2013, East Stroudsburg University’s exercise science department launched an accelerated program, which allowed students to earn their bachelor’s degrees in three years. In the spring of 2016, the department is graduating its first cohort from the program.

“We are so proud of these students and all they have accomplished,” Shala Davis, Ph.D., professor and chair of exercise science, said. “We tell our prospective accelerated students to take advantage of every opportunity to garner experience and gain a competitive edge in the professional market, and these students did that.”

Isaac Barbolish enrolled in the accelerated program because she wanted to spend more time outside of school and in the field. She knew the program would be the perfect fit.

“Many events and opportunities were opened to us by the faculty that other students would not normally have access to that early in their college years, if at all,” she said. “I saw this as an opportunity that could benefit me and advance my career.”

Like Barbolish, Ethan Lare wanted a program that allowed him to go to school for a shorter time and gain the same opportunities.

“The support from the cohort and the faculty in the program really motivated me every step of the way,” he said. “The program is really meant to prepare you for graduate school or for your career.”

Rob Hoffman, who is headed to graduate school next year at the University of Tampa, feels the program is what really helped him get accepted for admission.

“The accelerated program provides you with every skill you need to be prepared for graduate school,” he said. “If I was not in this program, I don’t think I would be ready.”

In the program, students are expected to “hit the ground running on day one,” according to Dr. Davis.

The program allows students to attend professional conferences, network and work on their leadership skills.

“The students in this program are truly exceptional,” Dr. Davis said. “We want to do everything we can to help them succeed in their future.”

For more information on the accelerated exercise science bachelor’s degree program contact Dr. Davis at 570-422-3336, or sdavis@esu.edu.

Broadway press agent Sam Rudy began talking with the East Stroudsburg University students gathered in the Smith-McFarland Theatre of the university’s Fine & Performing Arts Center by warning them he might have to answer his phone.

“I was looking forward to a nice, relaxed day,” he said. “But it might be CNN calling.”

One of the productions Rudy represents is the Broadway musical Hamilton. The night before he arrived at ESU, the cast of the show  staged a memorial tribute to the recently deceased rock star, Prince.  The videos of the performance went viral on social media.

“Hamilton is a global phenomenon,” Rudy said. “The reach of the musical is so tremendous, especially to young people who are obsessed with it in a healthy way.”

Rudy learned first-hand about the power of the show when he talked at a high school in Pasa Robles, Calif. The students greeted him with the opening rap from the musical.

“This is happening 3,000 miles away from Broadway,” he said. “This is the power of art—to effect change, to make people think about issues and Hamilton does that.”

Rudy discussed a grant-funded partnership between New York City schools and the musical that is helping to ”engage young people on an important subject—American history—through making them see the nation being born right on stage.”

Prior to the performance, the students spend six to eight weeks studying a mixture of American history and theatre and then create an original, three-minute rap based on a selection from the cast album. One student from each school is then chosen to perform his or her rap on the Broadway stage after seeing the musical.

“With very little previous exposure to theatre, what these kids created was astonishing,” Rudy said, talking about the first school matinee on April 12.

Not all of the productions that Rudy handled in his 35-year career were so easy to publicize. Edward Albee’s drama, The Goat or Who is Sylvia?, was particularly difficult. The play–which features a family in crisis because the husband, a middle-aged architect, who has fallen in love with a goat–was written to question the limits of a liberal society.

“Edward Albee believes that theatre has a responsibility to send audiences home in a way that is different from the state in which they had arrived,” Rudy said. “The play’s subject matter, and the fact that it opened “cold” on Broadway—without out-of-town or workshop productions, and a poor response from initial reviews, made the show difficult to sell.”

A Penn State graduate in journalism who grew up on a central Pennsylvania dairy farm, Rudy confessed that sometimes he has to remind himself of how successful his career has been.

Hamilton is the latest show that Rudy represented to win the Pulitzer Prize. He also was press agent for two other Pulitzer-winning dramas, Albee’s Three Tall Women and How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel.

During his 25 years as press representative for the Vineyard Theater, an off-Broadway company, Rudy publicized the Tony-award winning musical, Avenue Q, which moved to Broadway and became one of its longest-running musicals and then reopened off-Broadway where it is currently running.

For Avenue Q, with both people and puppets in its cast, Rudy found that people were more interested in the puppets than the actors. He found press opportunities for the puppets to help publicize the production.

Rudy took many questions from more than 50 students at the two-hour session sponsored by ESU’s Department of Theatre with the support of an ‘entrepreneurship across the colleges’ grant.  “Every work of art is different and people respond to a variety of things,” he said.

During a short break in the discussion, ESU musical theatre majors Sam Kashefska, a freshman from Scotrun, Pa. and Cherval Royster, a sophomore from Philadelphia, Pa., performed the opening number from Hamilton delighting both Rudy and their fellow students.

In advising students who are planning theatrical careers, Rudy noted that “great theatre happens everywhere.” There is a mountain of opportunities in commercial theatre and the landscape is constantly changing.

“Theatre doesn’t have a corporate structure,” he added, “It’s a small community, you need to get your foot in the door so when an opportunity comes, you can go for it. You don’t know what the next phone call will bring.”

CNN didn’t call while Rudy was talking, but the Associated Press did.  He checked his message, and then continued to talk with the students. “I’ll get back to them later,” he said, to the cheers of the audience.

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania will award a record 1,166 degrees at separate commencement exercises for undergraduate and graduate students on May 6 and 7.

ESU will hold three graduation ceremonies: one for graduate students on Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. and two ceremonies for undergraduate students on Saturday, May 7.

The undergraduate ceremonies will take place at 8:45 a.m. (College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, and University College) and at 1:15 p.m. (College of Business and Management and College of Health Sciences). All three ceremonies will be held in Koehler Fieldhouse.

The full Spring 2016 Commencement list is available for download.

The East Stroudsburg University Foundation announced the funding of seven faculty grants totaling $6,242.

The faculty grants are designed to give faculty members the opportunity to pursue needed educational resources and conduct research that benefits the university’s students. The ESU Foundation secures private funds from generous philanthropists within the community – and beyond – with every dollar having a direct impact on the quality of education that students receive. A total of 12 grants proposals were submitted totaling $10,212. Projects were evaluated on their ability to advance the academic and educational mission of ESU and the demonstrable need for the grant in accordance with university, school and departmental priorities.

The projects funded through the ESU Foundation faculty grants include:

• $1,000 to the Biological Sciences Department to fund the purchase of Murine Cytokines Assay Kits used in the evaluation of immune responses in mouse models.
• $1,000 Art + Design Department to fund an art exhibition that will examine artists whose practices, procedures, and rules in their disciplines engage in a scientific inquiry.
• $1,000 to the Art + Design and Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice Departments for a project titled “Cellblock Visions: An Exhibition of Art Created by Prisoners” that will expose students to the aesthetic value of “outsider” art and educate them on the therapeutic value of art in prison programs.
• $1,000 to the Digital Media Technologies Department for Qualitative Analysis Research Software for Research and Instruction in a Service-Learning Project that will enable students to perform practical action research using Nvivo software.
• $1,000 to the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department to host the 29^th Annual Student – First Conference of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Interdisciplinary Association for Philosophy and Religious Studies at ESU held on April 8 – 9, 2016.
• $992 to the English Department to purchase a camcorder to be used by senior Professional and Media Writing track students creating documentary projects.
• $250 to the Speech –Language Pathology Department to provide psychological support for students who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Additional opportunities for faculty research grants will be available in the fall. For information on faculty grants or the second round of faculty grant funding, contact Lianna DeSantis, ESU’s director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, at (570) 422-3179 or ldesantis1@esu.edu, or visit the ESU Foundation at www.esufoundation.org.

Photo courtesy of NASA

The physics department at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania invites the public to observe a celestial event known as the Transit of Mercury on Monday, May 9, 2016 between 12 noon and 2:30 p.m.

A transit can be considered a “mini-eclipse,” where the planet Mercury passes directly between the sun and earth. The tiny silhouette of Mercury takes several hours to cross the sun’s disk, and can only be observed with a telescope with a safe solar filter, such as the solar telescope at ESU.

“The Mercury Transit is extremely rare, occurring only 13 times each century,” said David Buckley, Ph.D., professor of physics. “It’s exciting to be able to share such a unique event with our community.”

According to NASA, the Transit of Mercury was a valuable tool for astronomers in past centuries, allowing them to estimate the planet’s size and distance between the earth and the sun. The last Mercury transit was in 2006, and the next one after Monday, May 9, will be in 2019.

The solar telescope will be set up at the entrance of the Hoeffner Science & Technology Center on Normal Street for free public observation, weather permitting.

For more information about this free public event, please contact Dr. Buckley at 570-422-3320.