Dear Friends:
Susquehanna University takes its name from the longest river on the East Coast. The mighty Susquehanna runs an astonishing 444 miles from Cooperstown, N.Y., past our home here in beautiful central Pennsylvania, to Havre de Grace, Md., where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. Its name means "river of long reach," and I like to think of this definition in terms of impact rather than distance.
What would Selinsgrove and its neighboring communities be without this natural treasure? Many towns might have gone unfounded if it were not for the opportunities afforded here by the river's plentiful resources.
Today, we continue to revel in its beauty. Wide expanses of river, dotted with lush islands, stretch out before us when we stroll along the Isle of Que. Upstream our crew team glides across the water's painted surface at sunrise to the accompaniment of blue heron croons and bald eagle calls. It is an inspiration for all of us.
The ways in which this great resource has been imperiled are well documented. Yet it has managed to survive and, yes, rejuvenate. In this season of reflection and thanksgiving, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for the contributions you have made to the river's health. I am thankful, too, that the river has given back to us the opportunity to live out our ideals of achieving, leading and serving. The Susquehanna, our namesake, has allowed us to reach further.
The story of senior biology major Amanda Janicki is an example. With the guidance and support of her faculty mentor Carlos Iudica, Janicki found her calling in wildlife research. Her decision was informed by the field work she performed with Iudica as part of the Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies, a regional consortium committed to the improvement of the Susquehanna River, its tributaries and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
From her uncertain beginnings as a first-year student who thought the only way she could work with animals was to become a veterinarian, Amanda grew into a leader among her fellow biology majors. She has collaborated with researchers from other universities on projects in North Carolina and Costa Rica. She has attended national conferences and presented research to graduate students and their faculty. She coordinates field projects and teaches underclassmen research techniques, all while contributing to the body of knowledge that is restoring and preserving the Susquehanna watershed.
Amanda's life, as well as the lives of other students mentioned within
these pages, has changed as a result of a Susquehanna University education.
This kind of quality education is only possible through the support
of individuals who understand the value of putting into faculty's
hands the tools they need to create collaborative learning experiences
that allow students to reach and transform themselves. As alumni and
friends, you may sometimes feel as if your influence on students is
minimal. I would argue that it is essential. Like the potential of
our students, your support reaches further than you could ever imagine.
Sincerely,
L. Jay Lemons
President
