Weddings are a time when a woman and man pledge their unwavering devotion to each other, but the months before the big day can be quite stressful and confusing for women, according to Beth Montemurro, assistant professor of sociology at Penn State Abington. In her new book, "Something Old, Something Bold: Bridal Showers and Bachelorette Parties" (Rutgers University Press), Montemurro takes a fresh look at the wedding process, offering a perspective not likely to be found in the planning books and magazines readily available to the modern bride. She focuses on bachelorette parties and bridal showers to show what these events mean to women and what they say about gender roles.
Penn State Abington recognized National Coming Out Month in October by inviting internationally known gay rights advocate Brian Sims to speak with students about LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender)issues. Sims, who visited the Abington campus on Oct. 8, entertained and educated the audience with his quick wit and self-deprecating humor about coming out in 2000 during his senior year at Bloomsburg University while he was the captain of Bloomsburg's nationally-ranked Division II football team. Sims remains the only openly gay college football captain in NCAA history.
Penn State Abington is celebrating the 10th annual International Education Week (IEW) on campus, Monday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 13. IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education highlighting the benefits of international education and exchange. The theme for IEW 2009 is "Creating a Vision for a Better Tomorrow."
Although Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is a holiday from classes for Penn State students, many Penn State Abington students have chosen to take the day to pitch in, helping those who need assistance as a way of honoring King's dream.
Valeria Harvell, associate professor of African American studies at Penn State Abington, was the guest speaker at an NAACP event held in Bucks County. The "College and Cultural Fair" was held Friday, March 12 at the Bucks County Technical High School in Fairless Hills.
Candace Bushnell, author of "Sex and the City," and Jennifer Weiner, author of "In Her Shoes," both wildly popular writers of books that speak to women of all generations, shared the stage on March 19, relaying funny and inspiring stories to the mostly female student audience. The lecture was the premiere event for Penn State Abington's celebration of Women's History Month.
On the beautiful, summer-like morning of April 7 in front of the lion shrine, Penn State Abington's chancellor, Karen Wiley Sandler, accepted the award recognizing the Abington campus as a "No Place For Hate" location. This is the fourth year in a row for the Abington campus to receive this coveted designation given out by the Anti-Defamation League. Michaela Pommells, assistant director of "No Place For Hate" Philadelphia, was on hand to present the re-certification in front of a crowd of faculty, staff and students.
Two lecturers from Penn State Abington -- Steven N. Pyser and Ronald Costello -- enlightened the attendees of the Faculty of the Future Conference held at Bucks County Community College on June 4 by revealing the magic behind successfully teaching with an online learning community.
Theophilis 'T.J.' Chukwueke, a first semester honors student at Penn State Abington, is 2010's worthy recipient of the Actuarial Foundation's Diversity Scholarship. Chukwueke is one of only 24 students nationwide -- and one of only eight first-year students -- to receive this prestigious award.
Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, the United Nations' ambassador from Bangladesh, visited Penn State Abington on Oct. 7 and spoke about U.N. Resolution 1325, an ambitious call for a higher level of female involvement in issues regarding amiability and protectiveness worldwide. The resolution was created 10 years ago, but substantial action has not been taken in order to fulfill its mission, Chowdhury said.