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Bringing the World to Our Doorstep
Mouluddin Rahimi has come a long way in recent years, much like his homeland of Afghanistan. Prior to the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Rahimi was living in a refugee camp in Pakistan. His family had been driven from their home by the Taliban. Since the fall of the Taliban, Rahimi has finished high school, served as a translator for the U.S. Army and enrolled in college at Susquehanna University. “I've been through a lot of different situations, and they taught me how to live. They showed me that serving humanity, serving the world, is so important. If you are living in this world, you have a responsibility to do good in it,” Rahimi says. Insights such as these are what make the presence of international students on campus so imperative, says Brian Johnson, director of multicultural affairs and special assistant to the president. “These students bring a real-life wisdom and experience that many of our students have been shielded from, and this brings a richness to classroom and residential activities. They help us to see the world views of others through lenses of religion, nationality, and other cultural traditions,” Johnson says. Susquehanna University has a long history of welcoming international students to its campus. In recent years, students have come to the university from Afghanistan, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Sudan, Switzerland, Taiwan and Vietnam. The interactions between domestic and international students are incredibly beneficial to both sets of students. Archana K.C. , one of the many students SU has welcomed from Nepal, says she was never exposed to another culture until she came to Susquehanna. “Here at SU, I got the opportunity to blend in with American culture, as well as other cultures from around the world. I came to understand how SU is actually a melting pot of different cultures,” she says. (Read more about Archana in the Meet a Student section.) Rahimi agrees. When asked why he chose Susquehanna, he says, “I just wanted to study in an environment that was diverse and this is a diverse environment. Appearance is nothing. It's the diversity of perspective that is important to me.” This diversity of perspective is perhaps best embodied in Malek Giet, a sophomore accounting major from Harrisburg, Pa. Giet is not your typical American student, though he attended high school locally. He is, in fact, one of Sudan 's “lost boys.” Separated from his family in the fierce civil war that continues to ravage the country, Giet spent most of his childhood living in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. In 2001, he was resettled in America. Since then, he has assimilated into American culture and, in many ways, is like most other students – with one exception: “I know where I came from,” he says. -- Victoria Kidd
Forging New Paths
Allison Bankus, a 2006 graduate of Susquehanna University, wasn't like most of her high school classmates. Reading and writing weren't duties she fulfilled for class assignments; they were pastimes she actually enjoyed – passions that set her apart from her peers. It wasn't until she attended the SU Writers' Workshop for high school students that she found others with similar interests. But while most were focusing their academic attention on becoming either writers or English educators, Bankus was forging her own path. Once enrolled at Susquehanna, Bankus combined creative writing and secondary education to produce an entirely new course of study. “The wonderful flexibility SU afforded me to essentially invent a new major was an amazing shock. That feeling of being in control and having a say in my education was thrilling,” Bankus said. It was a gamble, but one that ultimately paid off. Within three months of graduation, Bankus was hired by Spring Grove School District to teach ninth grade English. “ After going through the job search process and having been hired by school administrators who are as excited by my writing background as I am, I have to say that I am extremely grateful I made the decision to take a risk and do what I really wanted with my college education,” Bankus said. Bankus says she is already seeing the benefits of having studied a combination of creative writing and secondary education. “When I assign a piece of writing to my classes, I get a round of moans and groans and a chorus of ‘Ms. Bankus, writing stinks.' Each time that happens, I'm really grateful that I have my unique background in both writing and literature. I feel like I can really bring a lot of insight and aid to my students because of this background,” she said. -- VK The 2006 John C. Horn Distinguished Lecturer
What do you find most interesting and engaging about teaching? In particular, what's your favorite thing about teaching here at SU? DR: The most interesting thing about teaching is the chance to mold the thinking of the students. In the upper-level classes, and particularly among the more adventurous students, you can explore lots of new ideas. Explain the importance of sociology within the context of current world affairs. DR: In many instances people tended to look at economic development only to judge the state of a country. Economic growth, in many ways, has be placed at the forefront of development. However, it is becoming more apparent that development is not only economic but also social. It is social and cultural factors that determine how a society reacts to the actions of other nations. As head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, how do you foresee the department expanding in the future? DR: In the future, we intend to increase the critical and analytical skills of our students, as well as look at the possibility of offering a major in anthropology.
A Day That Changed Lives
Susquehanna University launched the public phase of a new campaign initiative called Changing Lives, Building Futures on September 30 with a combined Homecoming and Alumni Weekend celebration. A Pre-Game Spectacular program, held before the start of the Crusader s vs. King's football game, celebrated the university's rich human history. It is a history that, for nearly 150 years, has changed students' lives in significant ways, and September 30 was no exception. During the Pre-Game Spectacular program, which included live entertainment and an alumni parade, 1968 graduates Barry and Denise Horton Jackson surprised three unsuspecting Susquehanna students with $10,000 scholarships. The scholarships were intended for students working hard, but doing so quietly without a lot of fanfare and recognition. The intended recipients were described as students who are representative of Susquehanna in the best sense and who are strong contributors to their department or to the university as a whole. Due to their academic successes, extracurricular activities and strong work ethic, Karen Davis, a political science major from Sewell, N.J., Amanda Lenig, a graphic design major from Liverpool, Pa., and Sarah Shaffer, an English-secondary education major from New Castle, Pa., rose to the top of a list that included more than 60 nominations. In addition to this announcement, the Biology Alumni Association was recognized for creating the FIRST Fund: Funding Innovative Research and Student Travel, which will make it easier for Susquehanna biology majors to attend professional conferences and seminars to present their research. As described on September 30, Changing Lives, Building Futures is a set of initiatives aimed at further strengthening the student-based, collaborative learning environment that is the hallmark of a Susquehanna education. Its fund-raising goal is to secure $70 million in new gift commitments to advance key academic, endowment and building priorities. Among the campaign's fund-raising priorities is construction of a new science facility on the site now occupied by North Hall parking lot, across University Avenue from Seibert Hall. More advanced laboratory and teaching space will prepare students for careers in the ever-growing, critical science professions of the 21st century. The new building will house the departments of biology, chemistry, and earth and environmental sciences. -- VK
Meet a student
Archana K.C. Activities and Honors: Asian Student Coalition president, SU International, GeoClub, S.A.V.E, Math Club, Outdoors Club, Dean's list Why I chose to attend Susquehanna:I went to a larger university the first year of my college and I found myself lost in a crowd. Susquehanna is exactly the college I was looking for. It is small enough for every individual to be noticed and big enough to have extensive resources for student support . The strong programs of the college convinced me that SU was the place where I would grow, learn and enjoy all at one time. SU's proximity to big cities like New York City and Philadelphia is also a plus. Favorite thing to do with friends: Watching movies at Charlie's and hanging out with friends at the International House, cooking international food and treating SU folks to spicy and exotic food, and, of course, going to TRAX!!! Favorite place on campus: The white benches outside Degenstein Campus Center ; it's a perfect place to enjoy a smoothie, do my school work, or just relax and get a feel for what's going on around campus. Best Faculty Connection: From my very first week here I have been close to my mentor, Karen Mura. She has been like a guardian to me, always ready to help. Whenever I am in a dilemma, she's there to help me make the best decision. I absolutely adore her. To see more student profiles, including the new day-in-the-life videos, click HERE. A Galloping Good Time
Sara Rosenberg was just four years old when she discovered her first love. His name was KC, a 7-year-old Thoroughbred who taught her the joy of horseback riding. Her love eventually grew into a talent and won her several awards at riding competitions. Now a sophomore at Susquehanna University , the Kingston, Pa., native is continuing her equine career with the university's equestrian team. “One of the benefits of me coming to SU was the fact that they had a riding program,” Rosenberg said. Currently comprised of 15 members, Susquehanna's equestrian team made its debut on campus in 2002. Many of Rosenberg 's team members also have been riding for years. But according to team president Sara Sciarello, the group embraces even the most novice riders. “We welcome all levels of riding. We're always looking for new members, whether they are experienced or beginner,” said Sciarello, a senior from Milford, N.J. Traveling to a stable in nearby Kratzerville, each team member takes individual riding lessons with coach Abby Morris, owner of R.E.D. Farm. The lessons are designed to instruct members on a variety of skills, including the cantor (an easy gallop) and jumping. For most members, the goal is to compete at least once during the semester. Riders enroll in shows individually, but if they do well, they can win points for the team. They face competition from Penn State, Bucknell University, Dickinson and York colleges. This semester, many of Susquehanna's riders have placed in competitions. Sciarello and teammate Britany Hufnagle, a junior from Selinsgrove, Pa., placed in an October 1 show for their skills in the trot and the canter. Laura Peffer, a first-year student from Millmont, Pa., and Jessica Owens, a sophomore from Middleburg, Pa., placed in the Novice Flat and Novice Over Fences competitions in an October 15 show, while another rider, junior Sarah Welteroth, of Lewisburg, Pa., won her reining class in an October 28 competition. For Susquehanna riders, the opportunity to preserve their passion while continuing their education is priceless. “I'm really happy that I am at a school that allows me to still be around horses,” Sciarello said. “I brought my horse, Razberri, from home to the R.E.D. Farm and whenever I go and see her, it's like being a little bit closer to home.” -- Tracey Markow ‘07 10 Tips for College Financing1. Figure out your “short list.” Identify the colleges that best meet your academic, extracurricular and geographic criteria. Investigate schools that represent a range of costs. Don't let a higher cost keep you from seeking admission. Some schools, including Susquehanna, offer significant financial aid programs which often equalize your cost among several schools. The chance that more of your financial need will be met is actually greater at a private college or university. 2. Know what you must do to apply for financial aid. Find out what types of aid are available at the schools you like best. Also find out which aid application forms are required and what each school's deadline is. College and university catalogs, financial aid brochures and Web sites, and admissions and financial aid staff are your best resources for this kind of information. 3. Know the difference between scholarships and need-based financial aid. Merit based scholarship aid may be awarded to students with exceptional abilities in academic, music or other areas. Need based aid is available to students whose families need help in meeting college costs. Not all schools offer both types of financial aid but many do. 4. Know the deadlines you must meet. Apply for all the types of aid you want to be considered for. Try not to rely on the advice of helpful friends. Everyone's situation is different and everyone's financial aid experience is too. Don't exclude yourself from the process because your neighbor didn't qualify for scholarships or other forms of financial aid. 5. Know how to compare the aid packages (the combination of scholarships, grants, loans and work-study awards) you receive from different schools. Be sure that in each case you understand: 6. Has there been a recent change in your family's financial status? The financial aid office can consider special circumstances only if you provide the updated information. A financial aid package can even be adjusted after the academic year begins. It's important to keep the lines of communication open. 7. Do you know about other kinds of long term, low interest loans and monthly payment plans? There are a number of opportunities for your parents to borrow or to spread their payments out over the course of the year. The interest on some loans is now tax-deductible. Be sure to check out this feature. 8. Be a saver. It's never too late to start saving. Put aside a portion of every paycheck, graduation gift, or other funds that come your way. It's important to have a nest egg for unexpected needs at school and saving is also an important lifetime habit to develop. 9. Line up that summer job. Now is the time to be thinking about your earnings and savings power for summer. Most new high school grads can easily earn upwards of $2500 working a 40 hour work week throughout the summer, providing spending and book money for the coming school year. 10. Discuss having a credit card with your parents. If you use it carefully, a credit card can be a great tool when you're away from home! It's a great opportunity to learn financial discipline by managing your own account. For example, with a credit card, you can use online resources to buy and sell your textbooks and really save money. Paying off the balance each month is an important lesson to learn before you go away to college. Your goal is to select the college that offers you the best long term value for the price and where your educational needs will best be met. Bottom Line Advice: Do your homework to be sure you have the tools to reach your goal. -- Helen Nunn, director of financial aid
Keep on Track: An SU Admissions/Financial Aid Timeline Admissions March 1 Priority deadline for filing admissions applications March 30 Open house for students admitted to the Honors Program March 31 Open house for accepted students April 21 Open house for high school juniors and sophomores May 1 Enrollment deposits due Financial Aid March 1 Priority deadline for submitting PROFILE and FAFSA applications
For more information, call 570-372-4260 or 800-326-9672.
Stand-alone Theatre Department Established Susquehanna University recently approved creation of the Department of Theatre as a separate entity from the former Department of Communications and Theatre. W. Douglas Powers, associate professor and department chair, said the move will allow the department to grow numerically and artistically and to achieve a national reputation. Each year, on average, more than half of the theatre graduates are accepted into highly prestigious graduate school programs. The department also has graduates working in professional theatres, on national tours, and on cruise lines. Graduates are also breaking into the motion picture industry. One young alum even works behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live. ABC News Cites SU as Top Liberal Arts School In October, ABC News named Susquehanna University as one of the nation's 27 top liberal arts colleges and universities that do not require students to submit SAT or ACT test scores. Susquehanna's Write Option allows prospective students to submit two graded writing samples from their junior or senior year in place of standardized test scores. The samples must be analytical or critical in nature, demonstrating a student's ability to communicate complex ideas, theories, and opinions, and to write effective, well-supported arguments. Examples include analysis of a book, a position paper, or a research project from a natural or social sciences course.
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Last reviewed by Victoria Kidd Chris Markle, Director, Office of Admissions. ©2002 Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1164 Telephone: 570-372-4119 Fax: 570-372-4048 |