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Penn State program aims to help farmers cut costs, increase revenue

Rising costs for fuel, fertilizers and other agricultural supplies are leading farmers to rethink their energy choices. To help them assess their energy options, the Lancaster County Center of Excellence in Production Agriculture is offering Energy on the Farm, a one-day seminar for Lancaster County and Capital and Northeast Regions farmers, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center. The seminar will provide participants with basic information about alternative and renewable energy and ways to reduce costs and generate revenue.

Take Charge Tip of the Month: Reduce your shower time

If every on-campus student at University Park reduced his or her time in the shower by just five minutes, Penn State would save 100,000 gallons of water each school year. That is enough to fill five swimming pools and lower the University's carbon footprint by 18,980 pounds every year.

Coating approach clears up fingerprints

CSI notwithstanding, forensics experts cannot always retrieve fingerprints from objects, but a conformal coating process developed by Penn State professors can reveal hard-to-develop fingerprints on nonporous surfaces without altering the chemistry of the print. "As prints dry or age, the common techniques used to develop latent fingerprints, such as dusting or cyanoacrylate -- SuperGlue -- fuming often fail," said Robert Shaler, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and director of Penn State's forensic sciences program.

Penn State York becomes a smoke-free campus

Penn State York became a smoke-free campus effective Monday, Aug. 30, according to Joel M. Rodney, chancellor at Penn State York. Based on the recommendations of the Student Government Association (SGA), in conjunction with the Penn State York Campus Senate, Rodney made the decision. The only exception to this policy is that smoking will be permitted in the student parking lots. The ash urns now located outside of campus buildings will be moved to the student parking lots.

STEM certificate helps prepare students for jobs of the future

Penn State York is continuing to offer the Chancellor's Honor Certificate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), designed to provide students with the skills they need for jobs in the 21st century. Studies have shown that the demand for students with STEM degrees continues to grow. The certificate is designed for high school students taking part in the dual enrollment program. Through dual enrollment, high school students can earn college credit while still in high school. A variety of courses are available at the campus for dual enrollment and courses toward the STEM certificate are included. High school juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 and qualifying Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores are eligible to take part in the program.

Aurentz, Haag, Maughmer named 2012 Penn State Teaching Fellows

David Aurentz, associate professor of chemistry at Penn State Berks; Frederick Haag, associate professor of visual arts at Penn State York, and Mark Maughmer, professor of aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering, have received the Alumni/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching and have been named 2012 Penn State Teaching Fellows. The Penn State Alumni Association, in conjunction with undergraduate and graduate governing bodies, established the award in 1985. It honors distinguished teaching and provides encouragement and incentive for excellence in teaching. Recipients are expected to share their talents and expertise with others throughout the University system during the year following the award presentation.

York's Green Team plans Earth Day celebration April 20

Penn State York students, faculty, staff, and friends and neighbors will clean-up the campus woods from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 20 as part of an Earth Day Celebration. The event is being organized by the campus' recently formed Green Team, the Penn State York Student Government Association, and the Penn State Sustainability Office. Sunday, April 22 is the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day and a variety of events are set to take place across the University.
MLK at Rec Hall

Penn State York hosts events to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Penn State York will celebrate the life and work of the late Martin Luther King Jr. with events and displays, during the week of Jan. 20 to 24. Beginning Monday, Jan. 20, posters featuring and illustrating some of King’s most memorable quotes will hang on the walls of buildings throughout the campus. The posters, designed by members of the Penn State York Diversity Committee, will help remind readers of King’s work. Also throughout the week, a selection of books, videos and electronic items about King and his efforts will be on display in the Lee R. Glatfelter Library on campus. All programs are free and open to the public.
lion shrine rainbow

Libraries archivist presents 'Queering Penn State History'

Penn State Archivist Doris Malkmus will be traveling to Penn State campuses this fall to present “Queering Penn State History.” Using a game setting and primary sources from The Eberly Family Special Collections Library, she will help attendees discover the tumultuous history of Penn State’s first gay student organization, circa 1968–1974. The presentation is free and open to the public.