October 2004

In this Issue:

Right now I have a postcard sitting in front of me. A foaming ocean narrows to a beach with rocky cliffs from left to right across the center of the postcard, with green mountains stretching above the ocean and into the distance, while a lonely road lined with white stones borders the bottom of the picture. The water looks cold, and the solitude of the land looks awe-inspiring, if not inviting. I'm staring at Atlantic Drive, which runs along a coast of Achill Island, in Ireland. I received this postcard several days ago from two of my best friends, Jori and Bridget, who are studying in Ireland this semester, and I just found it again my pocket. I can't help but stare. I read their note on the back, mentioning that they are heading to London and Paris this coming week, and as I flip the postcard over the only thing I can think is: WHY AM I IN SELINSGROVE?

I am definitely jealous and intend to give them a hard time in the next e-mail I send them, but it makes me consider an important aspect of SU. It's true that Selinsgrove is in Central Pennsylvania, and to someone from a big city or the crowded suburbs it may appear to be the middle of nowhere. But Ireland certainly isn't in the middle of nowhere. London isn't in the middle of nowhere either. Neither is Nicaragua, Japan, Washington D.C., or Australia. Sevilla, where I hope to study this summer (and the reason I can tolerate these postcards from Ireland!), is a famous location as well. No, all of these places are large, culturally and globally important. And they are only some of the places that my friends and fellow students have been while taking classes or participating in programs associated with SU! SU not only prepares students for the world, it sends them out into it, allowing them to have a variety of experiences and perspectives that certainly color, if not change, students lives forever.

It's funny, how "the middle of nowhere" actually turns into a starting point for "the middle of everywhere else." Remind prospective students that, while it might appear that there is not too much going on in Selinsgrove, by coming to this small town you will be surrounding yourself with the rest of the world.

And, while I'm still jealous of the Irish coastline, I should mention that I was running down by the river yesterday afternoon, and the view I had of the flaming reds and oranges of the trees towering on the mountains across the way and reflecting off the Susquehanna, well... that wasn't too bad either.

-Sean

The APAN Member of the Month section highlights individual APAN members who have contributed significantly to the expansion and success of APAN over the past few years.

The October APAN Member of the Month is Bonnie Lightcap, class of '70. Bonnie's first visited SU to attend a reception for rising high school seniors, and, coming from a large high school in the suburbs of Washington D.C., immediately fell in love with the small class sizes and the large, sprawling campus. Before arriving oncampus for her first class, Bonnie decided to major in mathematics, and through her four years of study especially enjoyed her work with Professor Jim Handlan and Professor Carol Harrison in her upper level classes. Of her many activities at SU, Bonnie highlights playing on the women's basketball team, her membership in the women's athletic association, and her involvement with The Music Man, SU's first big cooperative musical as a few of her favorites.

SU not only influenced her life, but has played a major role in her family's life as well. She met her husband, Dave Lightcap, while working in the language lab at SU. Additionally, their son, Chris, attended SU (Class of '99) and graduated with a major in Theatre Arts!

Bonnie is quick to praise SU and her course-work here for life after college. "The work in mathematics has served me well over the years -- developing the ability to step back and see a larger picture, discover relationships, apply known tenets, reduce the situation to component parts. Of course, a strong liberal arts foundation prepares you to think critically in all situations... SU opened a career path I never would have imagined. Susquehanna did not have an on-campus mainframe during my time as a student ...Working in University Relations, I found I had an interest in computerized database systems - especially alumni and fundraising systems... I am currently at Hood College as Director of Advancement Services and Donor Relations. I'm not a programmer -- I'm a skilled and creative analytical manager, teacher and computer-ese translator. As I said, the liberal arts are a super foundation for whatever might come along!"

Bonnie has played a very active role in APAN as the program has flourished over the last several years. "As I've continued working in higher education at other institutions, I've seen the need for volunteers to tell the good news about their alma maters," Bonnie says. " More families should know the benefits of a Susquehanna experience." Her favorite part of APAN is undoubtedly covering college fairs, for which she is always willing to volunteer. "We have a great story to tell and I love seeing the faces of prospective students light up when a particular program interests them. Susquehanna is getting more and more name recognition, so fairs are busy times. What a rush!"

Congratulations, Bonnie, on being the October Member of the Month, and we appreciate all of the good work that you do!

Many students and parents that are in the process of applying to SU often have questions about The Write Option, a unique opportunity that SU now offers to all students applying to the university. As APAN members are on the frontline interacting with these students, we felt we should provide you a detailed, thorough summary of how The Write Option works, and who can take advantage of it.

Few students enjoy standardized tests, and while most SU students score well above the national average, some students just are not good standardized test-takers or do not feel their test scores properly reflect their academic course work. The Write Option is an alternative for first-year applicants to SU in which, instead of submitting SAT or ACT scores, the student submits two graded writing samples. This allows students' academic work in high school to speak for itself! In the past, The Write Option was only available to students in the top 20% of their class, but this is no longer the case! Now, any student can take advantage of this admission option -- there is no minimum GPA or ranking requirement.

There are, however, specific requirements for the two graded writing samples that students submit. The two graded samples must come from college preparatory courses taken in the junior and/or senior year. The samples should demonstrate an ability to communicate complex ideas, theories, and opinions, and to write effective, well-supported arguments, while also demonstrating the ability to apply knowledge gained in the classroom.

Examples of appropriate writing samples may include: an analysis of a book, a work of art, or a literary style; a research project from a natural or social sciences course (e.g., chemistry, psychology, etc.); a position paper. Students can send creative writing samples in addition to, but not in place of, their academic samples. Of course, if a student is not sure if a graded piece is an appropriate Write Option sample, they can simply contact the Office of Admissions, and an Admissions officer will be happy to let them know!

Calendars, Schedules and Events

(Click the link to see all of the latest happenings on campus!)

This political activism has not come out of nowhere; rather, it seems that political interests and ideals have been building over the last several years. A year ago, SU had only one recognized political organization, the SU Politics Club. During the last academic year, however, three new student-formed political organizations received official club status, in the following order: the SU Republicans, Green SU, and Liberal SU. These three groups have been at the forefront of the political activities taking place on campus and have all hosted a number of events preceding the election. Additionally, the SU radio station, WQSU 88.9 began a program last fall called "The Spin Cycle," a political talk show that allows students to speak on-air and debate prominent issues every Thursday night.

Students who are not members of these groups have had plenty of opportunities to express themselves as well. There was a week-long voter registration table set-up in the Degenstein Campus Center where students were encouraged to register in Pennsylvania, a swing state, so that their voices could be heard. Many other students have already filled-out and mailed their absentee ballots. MTV was even on campus with their "Rock the Vote" campaign, challenging students to vote and hosting a large discussion for students to debate and ask questions on the key issues of the upcoming elections. Of course, many students have an easy way of letting their peers know of their opinions: hanging Bush/Cheney or Kerry/Edwards posters, stickers, buttons, etc. from their doors.

No matter what happens this election, you can be sure that SU students' voices will be heard!

Legendary George Carlin to Perform at SU

Four-time Grammy award-winning comedian George Carlin will perform in the Weber Chapel Auditorium at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8th. Carlin, who performed a sold-out show at SU in 1992, has been performing as a comedian, an actor and a writer on radio broadcasts, television appearances and in stand-up since the 1960s.

Carlin's list of accomplishments is extraordinary. He has released two books that have made the New York Times Bestseller List, and he has a third due out this month. He hosted the first episode of "Saturday Night Live" and "MAD TV," and he has filmed 13 HBO specials. Carlin has appeared in numerous movies as well, including: "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," "Dogma" and "Jersey Girl." A member of the "Comedy Hall of Fame," Carlin has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Comedy Awards and the Free Speech Award from the First Amendment Center at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival.

Opening for Carlin will be comedian Dennis Blair, an accomplished performer who has opened for such stars as Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Gary Shandling and Tom Jones. "I'm a comedian by trade who blends elements of music and stand-up comedy together in a style that can be best described as 'music blended with stand-up comedy,'" Blair states on his Web site.

Student tickets are on sale now at the box office in Weber Chapel. Tickets open to the general public on November 1st, and cost $25. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling (570) 372-ARTS. Buy your tickets as soon as possible, because the show is guaranteed to sell out!

Hello Dolly to be Performed in November

The Top 10 Fastest-Growing Occupations for College Graduates

1. Network systems and data communications analysts
2. Physician assistants
3. Medical records and health information technicians
4. Computer software engineers, applications
5. Computer software engineers, systems software
6. Physical therapist assistants
7. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors
8. Database administrators
9. Veterinary technologists and technicians
10. Dental hygienists

Source: Princeton Review, 2004

In Case You Missed it Last Month...

SU Receives College of Distinction Honor

As the reputation of Susquehanna University grows, so do the number of honors and awards it receives. SU has received the honor of “College of Distinction,” and will be featured in Colleges of Distinction, a new book profiling some of America’s best bets in higher education. Based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators, and admissions professionals, Colleges of Distinction honors colleges that excel in four key areas of educational quality, specifically: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Communities, and Successful Outcomes. Colleges of Distinction makes particular note of the personal attention students get from their teachers, the school’s career planning and placement success and its students’ diverse academic experiences through on-campus and study abroad learning. “The Susquehanna community is pleased to be recognized by Colleges of Distinction. We take great pride in the numerous ways we engage our students, both in and out of the classroom, on campus and abroad, to prepare them for lives of achievement, leadership and service – hallmarks of a Susquehanna education,” said University President L. Jay Lemons.

Colleges of Distinction will be published later this year. However, SU is already featured on the Colleges of Distinction Web site! Check out the Colleges of Distinction homepage here, and take a peek at the SU profile here!

Crusader Athletics

Click the Image Below for all Your Crusader Sports News

Fall Sports Success

A number of SU fall sports teams are experiencing record-setting success this fall. The Women's Soccer team, currently in second place in the MAC Conference, have established a new program record for wins. The Lady Crusaders are now 12-4-1 on the season, bettering the program record of 11 wins set last year, with one game left to play in the regular season before heading into the playoffs. Seniors Jess Paulshock and Lindsay Nevins have led the way, totaling 27 goals and 9 assists, ranking them among the conference leaders.

The Men's Soccer team has also had a tremendous season thus far. Their record of 11-5-1 ties the program record for wins set in 1993, and although their in-conference record has not been as good, they are still in contention for a playoff berth with a win in their final game this weekend at Widener. Both the men's and women's teams are coached by Jim Findlay, an outstanding coach who in the last two years has been named Commonwealth Conference Coach of the Year for both the men, (in 2003), and the women, (in 2002).

The Women's Volleyball team has qualified for the playoffs as well, clinching a spot with a 3-2 win over Albright on the 20th. Led by Seniors Kerri Eshelman and Sara Weaver and Junior Cheryl Smith, they have compiled a 19-7 record, and have a tournament this coming weekend at Carnegie-Mellon in a final tune-up before the playoffs.

Finally, the Women's Tennis team had quite a run themselves. The team finished with an 8-4 record overall and competed in the MAC Women's Tournament. The doubles team of senior Jen Moyer and sophomore Allison Handman brought home a medal for the Crusaders, finishing in second place after upsetting the top-overall seed!

APPLICATION DEADLINE REMINDERS

Monday, November 15, 2004: Early Decision I Application Deadline

Monday November 15, 2004: SLEAP (Student Legacy Early Action Plan) Application Deadline

Saturday, January 1, 2005: Early Decision II Application Deadline

Tuesday, March 1, 2005: Regular Decision Application Deadline

Please note that the November 15th Early Decision I and SLEAP Application Deadlines are fast approaching. Please remind any prospective students you know of these important dates!

FALL COLLEGE FAIRS & TABLE BANNERS

Thank you to all of you who have agreed to help with the fall college fair season - APAN is covering over 80 fairs this fall! You can check the Fall 2004 College Fair list on the APAN Homepage or by clicking here. If you have agreed to cover a fair, you will receive your materials in the mail 7-10 days before the fair. Please remember, WE CAN ONLY PROVIDE YOU WITH SO MANY MATERIALS! If you are running low, remember to keep each of your last brochures for a table copy, and tell students to simply fill out an Information Card if they would like brochures and more information about SU. Also, please remember to fill out your College Fair Evaluation Form on the APAN Web site or on the hard copy provided in each package.

Additionally, if you receive a table banner in your package, make sure that you return it to the Office of Admissions in the provided envelope. We are still missing approximately 24 banners from the Spring College Fair season...if you have one and are not covering a fair this fall, please e-mail us at APAN@susqu.edu!

APAN WEB SITE UPDATE

We would like to remind you that all of the materials you receive via mail will also be available through links on our Web site, http://www.susqu.edu/apan/. A PDF version of the APAN manual is available to view and print on the APAN Web site. Please continue to check the APAN Web site as we are continually making updates and improvements. Many key aspects of the program are now run on the Web site. Members can update their personal information, refer a prospective student, submit their College Night Evaluation form, order an APAN Polo Shirt, and read their favorite monthly newsletter, The Pipeline!

REFER A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT

Please be sure to send us the names of any rising high school sophomores, juniors or seniors who you think would make a good Susquehanna student. You can submit the student's name on-line at http://www.susqu.edu/APAN/studentreferral.htm and we will send the student information about Susquehanna.

REPLYING TO E-MAILS

We here at APAN are continually sending out mass e-mails as it is the fastest and most efficient way to contact all members. If you are going to contact us in response to a specific e-mail, it is fine to leave the same subject line. However, if you are responding to us with an urgent or important request, PLEASE CHANGE THE SUBJECT LINE to reflect your request. E-mails with the changed subject line will be read and replied to as soon as possible. If you need to reach us right away, please contact Pam at 1-800-326-9672. Thank you!

APAN POLO SHIRTS

If you have not already ordered an APAN polo shirt, we still have a limited number available. The shirts cost $20 and are available in M, L, XL and XXL (add $2 for XXL). To order your APAN polo shirt, please click here.

ADDRESS/CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGES

Please be sure to keep us informed of any changes to your contact information (address, phone numbers, e-mail). IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE YOUR CURRENT E-MAIL ADDRESS. You can update your information on-line at http://www.susqu.edu/apan/UpdateInformation.htm and we will be sure to pass your updated information along to the Office of Alumni Relations.