Year End Celebrations

The end of the academic year is a busy, but exciting time. From year-end celebrations to finals to commencement, there is much to do. On Monday, April 20th I attended the Presidential Leadership Program dinner. This group, comprised of 25 students, meets with me several times throughout the academic year and participates in service, social, educational and other activities. I look forward to working with next year’s participants and introducing a new leadership workshop series for all students.

On Tuesday, April 21st, BU student athletes were honored at the Top Scholar Athlete Dinner. The dinner was for outstanding athletes and recognized MVPs for each sport and graduating seniors. Congratulations, athletes! BU’s athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom.

This week the Quad will be transformed into our graduation platform. I am delighted to have David McCormick, son of Maryan and James H. McCormick as the commencement speaker. Jim was BU’s president from 1973 to 1983 and PASSHE’s first chancellor. McCormick Center is named after him.

Congratulations, graduates. Good luck to all students on your finals.

Tuition Relief Plan

Last Thursday, I testified before the Pennsylvania Legislature on Governor Rendell's proposed Tuition Relief Plan. I took this opportunity to impress upon the Legislature the tremendous benefit this plan would be to the more than 112,000 students enrolled in the PASSHE institutions, including the more than 8,000 that attend Bloomsburg.

Walking from Carver Hall to Buckalew, I observed students reading and playing Frisbee on the Quad. I begin to feel a renewed sense of optimism. I embraced this energy and the opportunity to support a creative solution that would keep college affordable for students attending Bloomsburg, her 13 sister institutions, and all of the commonwealth’s community colleges.

Click here to read the editorial I submitted to the local media based upon my testimony.