Penn State students received degrees and awards Friday, May 2 during Penn State Hazleton's forty-third annual commencement ceremony.

Director of Academic Affairs Elizabeth J. Wright presented the candidates to Chancellor Gary M. Lawler who conferred seventy-two associate degrees and fifty-two baccalaureate degrees to students completing programs of study at Penn State Hazleton and other Penn State locations who chose to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Jane M. Waitkus, senior instructor in English and president of the Penn State Hazleton Faculty Senate, served as the faculty marshal and led the academic processional.

Elizabeth A. Maguschak, Esquire, president of the Penn State Hazleton Council, extended greetings and congratulations from the campus advisory board. 

Dr. Harold Aurand, Jr. ’86, president of the Penn State Alumni Society, inducted the new graduates into the Penn State Alumni Association.

Alan J. Blamey ’84 returned to his hometown and alma mater to provide the commencement address. He earned a baccalaureate degree in nuclear engineering with a minor in mathematics and is a branch chief in the Division of Fuel Facility Inspection at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region II Offices in Atlanta, Georgia.

Blamey has made significant contributions to the commercial nuclear power industry and has helped transform the safety focus of organizations in the private and public sectors on a national and international level. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, he was selected to verify that commercial nuclear power plants across the country would be able to maintain critical spent fuel cooling if they sustained severe damage. 

In March 2011, he volunteered to support the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s response to the Japan earthquake. He was dispatched to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo where he provided leadership to assist in stabilizing the damaged reactors. At the request of the U.S. economic minister, he also developed an integrated business process that helped identify, procure and transport critical humanitarian and technical aid from around the world.

Degrees, graduates and their hometowns

Associate degrees

Associate in Arts in Letters, Arts, and Sciences from the University College: Taylor L. Fulton, McKeesport; and Zachery M. Wood, Harrisburg.

Associate in Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering Technology from the College of Engineering: Bruce R. Brown, Bloomsburg; Shawn C. Cancerius, Drums; Adam R. Lee, Pittston Township; and Cole A. Young, Northumberland.

Associate in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the College of Engineering: Keith B. Cook, Bloomsburg; Patrick D. Liscoe, Forest City; Michael J. Pollock, Sugarloaf; Jonathan M. Shoemaker, Berwick; and Steven M. Welsh, Bloomsburg.

Associate in Science in Information Sciences and Technology from the College of Information Sciences and Technology: Robert M. Thiec, State College.

Associate in Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University College: Michelle Balsavage, Ashland; Lisa G. Buzza, Wilkes-Barre; Christina K. Caviston, Kingston; Francelys Fabian, Hazleton; Kyla Hause, Berwick; Seoan P. Henderson, Ashland; Shawn B. Lowe, Dickson City; Matthew A. Nighbert, Forty Fort; Danielle L. Shaak, Pine Grove; Robert P. Ward, Hanover Township; Dawn M. Warnock, Bridgewater, NJ.

Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant from the University College: Steven M. Balut, Taylor; Andres M. Barrera, Tobyhanna; Randall G. Batman, Milton; Sarah J. Beishline, Freeland; Nichole L. Benshoff, Berwick; Stephanie J. Blahoski, Hazle Township; Andrew M. Blyler, Valley View; Elysha M. Bolschi, Shenandoah; Mari E. Boock, Hazleton; Britton B. Breisch, Bloomsburg; Amy R. Cheesman, Freeland; Crystal C. Chudoba, Wilkes-Barre; Garrett I. Connor, Jermyn; Alexa M. Croley, Pottsville; Keenan P. Dunlap, Mifflinburg; Justin M. Elias, Hanover Township; Timothy J. Figueroa, Wyoming; Haley J. Filbert, Beaver Meadows; Janelle D. Greenidge, McAdoo; Tessa J. Haas, Catawissa; John T. Hall, Drums; Eric W. Heck, Pottsville; Melissa M. Janosov, Wilkes-Barre; Kyle S. Joyce, Dunmore; Devon M. Kelly, Marietta; Natalia A. Klecha, Lehighton; Julie A. Kreider, Sunbury; Andrea A. Libranti, Winter Park, FL; Matt R. Liptak, Orwigsburg; Shelby L. Maly, Effort; Mia M. Mancuso, Old Forge; Julie A. Martin, Honesdale; Wendy J. McTammany, Lewisburg; Amanda L. Mozdy, Shenandoah; Michael P. Notaro, McAdoo; Joshua L. O'Connell, Shenandoah; Carolina Parra Munoz, East Stroudsburg; Colin W. Pierce, Scranton; James R. Pino, Hazleton; Angela M. Purcell, Pottsville; Kelly M. Reinertsen, Pottsville; Jessica J. Schlettert, Clarks Summit; Micheal A. Sheetz, Boyertown; Sarah Singer, Taylor; Sonia R. Stevens, Bernville; Amber N. Stoudt, Hamburg; Darcy L. Sysock, Dushore; Candice M. VanDine, Bloomsburg; Shaun L. Vargo, Danville; and Alicia M. Welby, Old Forge.

Baccalaureate degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of the Liberal Arts: Gifford V. Gregory, West Hazleton.  

Bachelor of Arts in Letters, Arts, and Sciences from the University College: William I. Allen, Milford; Leslie A. Capozzoli, Clifton, NJ; Kenneth J. Davies, West Hazleton; Erik R. Forsberg, Mountain Top; Edward A. Hernandez, Bronx, NY; Amy L. Kramer, Mount Carmel; Jenna M. Lenig, Danville; Dahaira Martinez, Hazleton; Joseph B. Martzen, Hazleton; Nathan S. McHugh, Tamaqua; Ashly I. Perez, Hazleton; Beth S. Potter, Shickshinny; Elizabeth A. Ricena, Mount Pocono; Alyssa Rodzewich, Freeland; and Michael Serra, Hanover Township.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University College: Sadielle M. Arias, Conyngham; April A. Cooke, Norwalk, Connecticut; Stefany Cubilette, Mountain Top; Lindsey M. Dempsey, Lattimer Mines; Stephanie M. Fudge, Sugarloaf; and Alycia M. Yost, Barnesville.

Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health from the College of Health and Human Development: Nicholas P. Gnall, Mahanoy City.

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the College of Health and Human Development: Michael W. Cicerchia, Berwick.

Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology from the College of Information Sciences and Technology: Mark D. Abbate, Bloomsburg; Zachary D. Fasnacht, Bloomsburg.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of the Liberal Arts: Earleen A. Escoto, Hazleton.

Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Science: John R. Susan, Frackville.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the School of Nursing: Mary Jo Duna, McAdoo.

Bachelor of Science in Business from the University College: Chelsea M. Benscoter, Laceyville; Miles Casserly, Barnesville; Jonathan E. Celi, Blakeslee; Hossanny F. Cepeda, Hazleton; Alba I. Espinosa Vasquez, Hazleton; Madeline J. Holguin, Hazleton; Amelia A. Hruban, Nazareth; Isaac J. Jean-Pierre, Saylorsburg; Cynthia L. Kearn, Hazleton; Thomas M. Leshko, Hazle Township; Kiersten D. Matika, Summit Hill; John F. Resovszky, Harrisburg; Lamont I. Saunders, Teaneck, NJ; Adekanmi Sijuwade, Roseland, NJ; Gabriel O. Velasquez, Drums.

Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology from the University College: Michael J. Blass, Hazleton; Joseph D. Dubaskas, Selinsgrove; Christopher J. Macri, Mountain Top; Yesmil A. Mejia Pujols, Hazleton; Kyle R. Schweitzer, Tamaqua.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University College: Louis N. Albanese, Effort; Joseph M. Flaim, Ephrata; Michalene E. Grebski, Pringle; Christopher W. Hummel, Andreas; Jamie A. Pursel, Danville; Jessica M. Rodriguez, West Hazleton; Amanda L. Stitzer, Sheppton.

Frank C. Kostos Awards

Carl S. Frankel, assistant professor of biology, announced the Frank C. Kostos Award recipients who achieved the highest grade-point averages in their respective degree programs.  

Sophomores John P. McVeigh, a Computer Science major, and Anthony T. Trezza, a Mechanical Engineering major, received the honor for the full-time sophomore enrolled in a Penn State degree program.

Amanda L. Stitzer, who earned a bachelor of science degree in Psychology during the ceremony, was honored as the graduate earning the highest grade-point average in a Penn State Hazleton baccalaureate degree program.

Lisa G. Buzza and Dawn M. Warnock, who both earned an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, were recognized for the highest grade-point average of a graduate in a Penn State Hazleton associate degree program.

Penn State Hazleton’s Faculty Lecture Committee will host a communications expert for a presentation at 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 8 in 115 Evelyn Graham Academic Building at the campus. Dr. Kory Floyd, director of the Communication Sciences Laboratory and professor of human communication at the Hugh Downs School of Communications at Arizona State University will discuss “Communication and Well-being” during the free event which the public is invited to attend.

According to Floyd, we've all had those days when nothing goes right and our stress levels are off the charts. Then, at the peak of our stress, a simple hug from a friend can turn everything around. Sometimes, a brief gesture of affection is all it takes - a text from our partner, a kiss from our child, a call from Mom. In his presentation, he will address this topic and answer why affectionate communication combats our stress and how it enhances our well-being.

Floyd's research focuses on the communication of affection in personal relationships, and on the interplay between communication, physiology and health. He has studied affectionate communication in a host of family relationships, as well as between romantic partners, friends, and new acquaintances.

His work in ASU’s Communication Sciences Laboratory demonstrates how affectionate behavior can alter stress hormones, lower blood glucose, reduce lipids, and improve immune system parameters. His most recent project, funded by the National Institutes of Health, investigated the role of the peptide hormone oxytocin in the stress-alleviating effects of affectionate communication.

Floyd is past chair of the family communication division of the National Communication Association and immediate past editor of the Journal of Family Communication. He was the 2006 recipient of the Gerald R. Miller Award for Early Career Achievement from the International Association for Relationship Research.

His research has been widely published in a variety of mediums including books and textbooks, journal articles, competitively selected conference papers, and manuscripts. His most recent books are "Interpersonal Communication: The Whole Story" (McGraw-Hill, 2008), "Biological Dimensions of Communication (Hampton Press, 2009), and "Nonverbal Communication" (Allyn & Bacon, 2010).

Floyd is in the process of earning his second doctoral degree, in clinical psychology, from California Southern University. He has earned a doctorate in philosophy in interpersonal communication, with a minor in family studies from the University of Arizona, a master of arts in speech communication from the University of Washington, and a bachelor of arts in English from Western Washington University.

For additional information on this event, contact the Office of University Relations at 570-450-3180.

Alan J. Blamey ’84, a Penn State alumnus who has made significant contributions to the commercial nuclear power industry and who has helped transform the safety focus of organizations in the private and public sectors, will speak at the forty-third annual commencement ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 3. Currently, Blamey is a branch chief in the Division of Fuel Facility Inspection at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Region II Offices in Atlanta, Georgia.

The son of a local businessman, Blamey attended West Hazleton High School. He began his college career at Penn State Hazleton and later transitioned to University Park where he earned a baccalaureate degree in nuclear engineering with a minor in mathematics. After graduation, he moved to East Moline, Illinois, and began his professional career as an engineer at Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station. 

During his thirteen years there, he held positions of increasing responsibilities in the engineering and operations departments. In 1990, after nearly a year of classroom and simulator training, Blamey successfully obtained a Senior Reactor Operator License. He was instrumental in significantly improving the reactor engineering training and led an assessment that restored safety margin at the facility. In addition, he transformed the engineering department through the development of an engineering plant response team that provided real-time engineering support and strong engineering presence in solving emergent issues.

In 1997, he and his wife, Cheryl, also a 1984 Penn State graduate with a degree in medical technology, decided to return home when Blamey accepted an appointment with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the Philadelphia Regional Office. He performed safety oversight at the Susquehanna Nuclear Plant in Berwick, as well as licensed reactor operators at nuclear power plants throughout the northeast. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, he was selected to verify that commercial nuclear power plants across the country would be able to maintain critical spent fuel cooling if they sustained severe damage.

Blamey’s next assignment came in 2007 when he accepted a promotion to assist in the establishment of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Center for Construction Inspection in Atlanta, Georgia. His duties included hiring the engineering staff and developing the infrastructure needed to inspect new reactor construction in the United States.

In March 2011, he volunteered to support the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s response to the Japan earthquake. He was dispatched to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo where he provided leadership to assist in stabilizing the damaged reactors. At the request of the U.S. economic minister, he also developed an integrated business process that helped identify, procure and transport critical humanitarian and technical aid from around the world.

He is a founding member of the Penn State Hazleton Engineering Advisory Board, a group of select engineering alumni from around the country who advise the campus engineering department on academic issues, current trends and future directions in engineering.

The Penn State Hazleton Spanish Club and Faculty Lecture Committee welcome the Dominican poet Eddy Ulerio who will read from his recently published book of poetry during a book signing and reading at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at Penn State Hazleton. The event, free and open to the public, will be held in 115 Evelyn Graham Academic Building.  

Ulerio’s book, titled “Travesía: Estaciones del alma” is a collection of 63 poems in Spanish about life, the Dominican Republic, love, and family. The book is available through Amazon.com.

Born in La Vega, Dominican Republic, Ulerio graduated magna cum laude with a degree in humanities and philosophy from the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC). He taught courses in Critical Readings of the Social Means of Communication in the San Ignacio de Loyola de Dajabón School in the Dominican Republic. Locally, he directed the newspaper “El Faro Latino de Hazleton” in 2010, and has contributed articles to other newspapers including El Mensajero, the Standard-Speaker, and Visión Hispana.

The program will include a welcome by Penn State Hazleton Director of Academic Affairs Elizabeth Wright, with a translation by Dr. Beatriz G. Glick, instructor in Spanish. Several members of the group Friends of the Poet will participate including Dominican poet and educator Tomás Rivera Martínez, who will introduce Ulerio, and Marisol Espaillat, a writer and graphic designer from New York who will provide a brief overview of Ulerio’s poetry and translate some poems into English. After Ulerio’s readings, a question-and-answer session will be held, followed by refreshments. 

Additional information is available by contacting Dr. Beatriz Glick at 570-450-3059 or Máximo Toribio at maximot@hotmail.com.

Penn State Hazleton’s Faculty Lecture Committee will host Professor John Sanchez as the featured speaker for the George Tseo Memorial Lecture at the campus. The event, free and open to the public, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25 in 115 Evelyn Graham Academic Building.

Sanchez, an associate professor of journalism at Penn State’s University Park campus who teaches news media ethics (including an honors section) and American Indians and the media. He will discuss “Mass Media, Mass Media Indians and American Indians in the 21st Century,” a topic he has researched extensively and has had numerous articles published in Communication Quarterly, Communications Studies, The Howard Journal of Communications, Journal of American Indian Culture and Research, and Teacher Education Quarterly, among others.

Sanchez was named one of the leading scholars in the field of intercultural studies by the Communication Institute for Online Scholarship. He is also a Freedom Forum Teaching Fellow and an AEJMC/ASJMC Freedom Forum Journalism Leadership in Diversity Fellow.

During his tenure at American University in Washington, D.C., Sanchez served as the academic director of the American Indian Leadership Program and taught American Indian leadership and politics. Under his leadership, President Clinton’s panel on race initiatives recognized this program as one of the five top programs in the country. He continues to work in Washington, D.C., as a consultant to Indian Country in education, diversity and mass communications initiatives.

Sanchez is also a past recipient of Penn State's Communications Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Award.

Sanchez also serves on the executive boards of the CIC American Indian Studies Consortium, the American Native Press Archives, and as a consultant to the board of directors of the American Indian Policy and Media Initiative.

Recently, Sanchez co-edited a textbook titled “American Indians in the Media” that was released in April 2012. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Washburn University and master’s degrees from Southwestern Louisiana University and Ohio State University. He is affiliated with the Yaqui/Apache tribes.

For additional information on this event, contact Penn State Hazleton’s Office of University Relations at 450-3180.

Penn Staters are encouraged to register and attend Penn State Capital Day in Harrisburg on Tuesday, April 9. The Penn State Grassroots Network has once again joined forces with three student government groups - the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG), the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) - to organize the fourth annual event which brings together alumni, students, and parents with state legislators to advocate for Penn State.

The focus of this day-long event is the pre-scheduled visits to state legislators’ offices in the state Capitol complex by small teams of Network volunteers, students, and other advocates. These teams meet with legislators and legislative staffers to deliver a broad message of support for Penn State and to share how that support affects their personal lives. In addition to the team visits with legislators, another major component of the day is the "Rally in the Rotunda" (1:00 p.m.)—an exciting rally in the main Capitol rotunda where alumni and students have an opportunity to share their Penn State pride in a high-visibility, crowd-gathering venue. The rally concludes with an ice cream social featuring Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream. Main messages from students and alumni request continued government support for Penn State as essential for the University to maintain and improve the quality of a Penn State education, keep tuition increases as low as possible, maintain the value of a Penn State degree, and keep the University's Commonwealth campuses strong.

Students from Penn State Hazleton will leave the campus from the South Residence Hall at 7:15 a.m. on April 9, taking a bus to the event. Students are encouraged to wear appropriate business attire.

For additional information or to register, visit Penn State Capital Day 2013. Registrations are due by March 26.

For additional information about joining the Hazleton contingent, contact Andrew Serino at aas5614@psu.edu.

Penn State Hazleton THON will host a Coach™ bag bingo fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium in the physical education building. More than twenty different Coach™ bags, wallets, wristlets and purses will be given away as prizes during the event. Cost for the event is $25.

All proceeds benefit the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, THON for short, the world’s largest student run philanthropy, which raises money for the fight against pediatric cancer at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Last year, Penn State students raised more than $9.5 million.

The Greater Hazleton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and Penn State Hazleton THON are teaming up with the American Red Cross to sponsor a blood drive on Mon., January 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Evelyn Graham Academic Building at the campus.

Penn State Hazleton THON members will assist the American Red Cross with recruiting donors on campus prior to the bloodmobile and serve as donor escorts and snack table staff during the event.  All presenting donors will receive a $4 donation made in their honor to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. This is the eighth year the Penn State Hazleton THON has assisted with a blood drive at the campus to support their cause.

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON for short, is the world’s largest student run philanthropy, raising money for the families of children with pediatric cancer at the Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey. In 2012, THON raised more than $10.69 million.

In addition to helping our community, each presenting donor will also be entered into a drawing for a seven-day vacation package and $500 Visa gift card.

Blood donors must meet three requirements: be at least 17 years old or age 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. Donating blood takes only about one hour. All donors must provide identification prior to donating.  According to the American Red Cross, blood is a perishable commodity - red cells last only 42 days and platelets only five days - therefore the need for blood is constant.

Donors may schedule an appointment online at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

For more information contact the Hazleton Chapter of the American Red Cross at 570-455-9517.

Photo: Jennifer Stegman, fourth from left, donor recruitment representative, American Red Cross Biomedical Services, accepts a $100 donation from Maria Lutz Barna ’74, board member, Greater Hazleton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, in support of the upcoming blood drive at Penn State Hazleton on Mon., January 28. Also pictured are, from left, Ryan Pacelli, THON PR captain; Megan McGee, THON committee member and dancer; Barna, Stegman, Lauren Sharp, THON Merchandise co-captain; and Mike Bailey, THON Merchandise co-captain and dancer.

Flu season is now in full swing across the United States and Pennsylvania with cases reported in all counties of the state. The influenza season began early and is now blanketing the country with widespread activity in 47 states.  Penn State Hazleton’s Health Services Office is offering information on the 2013 influenza season along with some preventive measures. 

Allen Sabatino, MSN, FNP, NP-C, health services coordinator, says, “We have seen some cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) over the past two week since students returned for the spring semester.” 

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Following is information to help students, faculty and staff recognize and cope with symptoms of the flu:

• Influenza is a respiratory virus and therefore cannot be cured with antibiotics. 

• Primary symptoms include:

• fever/sweats/chills
  • fever may last as long as 7 days and may range from 99 – 105 degrees 
• cough
• body aches (which may be excessive at times)
• headache
• fatigue (may last as long as 1-2 weeks after the illness has cleared)

• Other symptoms may include:

• sore throat 
• congestion
• stuffiness
• runny nose 
• nausea and vomiting (seen more so in children than adults)

• Incubation Period

• The incubation period of influenza is 1-4 days with an average of 2 days.
• Adults may shed (pass the virus on without showing symptoms) the virus 1 day before symptoms begin up to 5-10 days after the onset of symptoms. 

• Transmission – two primary modes of transmission

• Airborne droplets suspended in the air after an individual with influenza sneezes or coughs.
• Self-inoculation – a healthy person touches a surface that has the influenza virus on it (desk or doorknob) and then transfers the virus to themselves by touching their face, mouth, eyes or nose.

• Prevention

• Influenza vaccination – Health Services will be offering influenza vaccines beginning 1/14/2013 until supplies last.

• Recommended for EVERYONE 6 months or older
• High risk individuals
  • 65 year and older, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, immune disorders, etc…
• Nursing home patients

• Cover your mouth with a tissue, your hands or sleeve after you cough or sneeze
• Wash hands or use antiseptic hand wash frequently (at least 6-10 times a day)

• Before and after you prepare food and before you eat
• After using the bathroom
• After you cough or sneeze
• After caring for another sick person

• Remember that whatever you touch has already been touched by another person.

• Treatment

• Antiviral medication may be used to decrease the severity of influenza symptoms but is not meant as a curative treatment. 
• Antiviral medication should be initiated as close to the onset of symptoms as possible and is most effective when initiated 1-2 days after symptoms have begun.
• Symptomatic care

• Rest
• Fluids 
• Management of fever/headache/body aches with Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID’s)

Sabatino added, “Students experiencing flu symptoms may call Health Services at 570-450-3029, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for an appointment or information on influenza.”

Additional information on the flu is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.

At the event, Sarah Evancho, student aid coordinator, will provide information on applying for financial aid for college, required information and steps to complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and financial aid deadlines. She also will present details on financial aid sources available to students such as grants, loans, scholarships and federal work-study programs. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Financial aid materials will be available to attendees.

Parking for the seminar will be available in Lot F near the Physical Education Building.

To register or for more information, please call the Financial Aid Office at 450-3163 or 800-279-8495, ext. 3163.

Penn State Hazleton’s Cultural Events Series continues as Taikoza, a group performing on a variety of Japanese instruments, takes the stage in room 1 Kostos Building at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23. The event is free and open to the public.

Each and every Taikoza performance has one common theme: unique instruments combining for an original (and unforgettable) sound. The featured instrument is the taiko, a large, barrel-like drum that can fill the air with the sounds of rolling thunder. Taikoza uses taikos of various sizes, ranging from two to six feet, and weighing up to 170lbs. The largest is a 6-foot drum that is 4½ feet in diameter.

In addition to drums of assorted sizes, Taikoza incorporates also the shakuhachi, the fue (both bamboo flutes) and the koto (a 13-string instrument) to create a new dimension and a powerful impact on the audience. Their love for the Taiko art form transcends national boundaries, bringing new energy to this ancestral form.

Taikoza’s shows provide enjoyment through a unique cultural experience of Japan. Taikoza introduces the various musical instruments and explains some of the history of the festivals that inspire the music. Traditional costumes add to the visual excitement of the performer’s dynamic movements.

The next cultural event will feature the traditional and contemporary Irish music of the Screaming Orphans at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, in the Slusser/Bayzick Building.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (570) 450-3180. 

The second class of practical nurses graduated from Penn State Hazleton on Friday, Jan. 4 at a ceremony in the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium in the Physical Education Building. Twenty-eight students completed the requirements to earn a certificate in practical nursing and will be eligible sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

The class began their studies in July 2011 for the 18-month noncredit program offered in the evening and on weekends in the newly renovated classroom and laboratory in the lower level of the Slusser/Bayzick Building. Students took classes at Penn State Hazleton and attended clinical studies at area partner facilities.

Chancellor Gary Lawler presided over the ceremony, along with Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Patrice Rimbey and Director of Academic Affairs Elizabeth Wright. Attorney Elizabeth Maguschak, president of the Penn State Hazleton Council, the campus advisory board, extended congratulations from the council. Guest speaker was Dr. Paula Milone-Nuzzo, the dean of and a professor at the Penn State School of Nursing.

During the ceremony, graduates were presented with a certificate and Penn State Hazleton pin to represent the educational institution.

Graduates were Elizabeth Aquino, Hazleton; Jeffrey L. Cromis, Orangeville; Erica M. Davenport, Bloomsburg; Kerrie J. Edwards, Berwick; Juanita Exantus, Hazleton; Amanda A. Ferdinand, Hazleton; Dominique Gonzalez, Zion Grove; Jillian A. Hubel, Freeland; Robin E. Israel, Mountaintop; Alexandra M. Katalinas, Hazleton; Krystle A. Lampman, Nanticoke; Melissa M. Levan, Jim Thorpe; Zuleidy R. Marte Cruz, Hazleton; Brenda M. Noonan, Drums; Chelsey A. Plish, Berwick; Michelle L. Romanic, Nescopeck; Josann J. Russell, Pocono Summit; Robert G. Sachs, Hazleton; Cynthia A. Scaran, Tamaqua; Kimberly A. Shoemaker, Berwick; Melissa A. Swerdon, Freeland; Sarah J. Tihansky, Hazle Township; Kelly C. Ulshaffer, Bloomsburg; Yarilis T. Velasco, Hazleton; Sharon L. Walck, Coaldale; Karen A. Williams, West Hazleton; Regina A. Williams, Jim Thorpe; and Danielle M. Yagalla, Weatherly.

Several graduates received special recognition during the ceremony. Awards and winners included:

• The Excellence in Clinical Practice Award, which recognizes the nursing student who best displays a high regard for clinical care and clinical aptitude, was presented to Melissa M. Levan.

• The Academic Achievement Award for the highest overall grade-point average was presented to Erica M. Davenport.

• The Award for Leadership, which honors outstanding leadership and professionalism during the nursing education process, was presented to Jeffrey L. Cromis.

• The Most Compassionate Award, which is presented to the student who displays exceptional emotional capacities of empathy and sympathy for others, was given to Jillian A. Hubel.

• The Community Service Award, for student who displays the initiative to reach out to those in need within the community, was presented to Brenda M. Noonan.

Following the recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge by the Class of 2012 and members of the nursing community, Erica M. Davenport addressed fellow graduates, family and instructors, thanking them all for their support and encouragement.