People & Places

Writing about family, Laurence Roth says, is never easy. His new book, Unpacking My Father’s Bookstore, explores his own life and his father’s as owner of one of the United States’ most respected Jewish bookstores and the complicated legacy it left behind.  “When you’re writing about family, it’s tough,” says Roth, Charles B. Degenstein Professor of English at Susquehanna. “You’re figuring out what to write, how to write it and how to navigate all the family issues that are part…

Susquehanna University’s new Makerspace is more than a workshop — it’s a shared resource designed to connect creativity, technology and collaboration across campus.  Located in Seibert Hall, the space brings together advanced tools, including 3D printers, power tools, laser cutters, embroidery and heat press machines, a screen printer, an airbrush kit and more. Together, they open possibilities for departments, faculty and students to design, prototype and build custom projects that support academic and co-curricular initiatives.  Soon after its fall 2025…

One person has been greeting students, families, faculty, staff and other dining hall guests for half a century. Tina Landis — also affectionately called Miss Tina — was honored for her 50-year career during Susquehanna’s Homecoming–Reunion Weekend. After receiving a standing ovation at the Milestones Recognition Brunch, Landis was named honorary co-captain of the football game. Donning a No. 50 jersey, she linked arms with players and marched to the 50-yard line to flip the opening…

The Rev. Kristina “Stina” Schaeffer ’04 returned to Susquehanna last December as chaplain and director of Religious & Spiritual Life.  “I have been blessed to experience the best of what the campus has to offer,” Schaeffer says. “I am thrilled to be a part of this thriving community and to be supporting students on their journey. I look forward to walking alongside them as they consider questions of faith and life.”  Schaeffer most recently served the Upper Susquehanna Synod as assistant to the bishop for…

This year’s event took nearly 40 students to New York’s Chelsea neighborhood where they participated in panel discussions on topics including breaking into competitive industries and navigating early career challenges faced by women, and attended alumnae-led site visits to publisher Penguin Random House, marketing communications agency Taylor and global public relations and communications firm Burson. “Being surrounded by such inspiring, strong and accomplished alumnae was a meaningful experience for me as I continue in my professional…

Each day, thousands of students and community members pass through the doors of the Degenstein Campus Center for shared meals, meetings, community gatherings, lectures, theatrical performances and gallery exhibitions. Thanks to the generous support of the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation and the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it’s undergoing a major renovation. Improvements will include a 5,600-square-foot expansion and upgrades to the dining room, kitchen, lounge and meeting rooms. The refurbished Evert Dining Room,…

From 1986 to 1996, Christopher Thomforde was an imposing presence at Susquehanna University. At six foot nine inches, the former college basketball player — who once graced the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine — stood above everyone on campus. But as students and faculty members came to know the university’s chaplain, they experienced a man of great humility with an infectious sense of humor and an exceptionally thoughtful interest in the student experience.  “If you’re lucky in…

The Give Rise campaign brought together over 15,000 donors — alumni, faculty, staff, family, friends, and community — to raise over $185 million for Susquehanna. We are grateful for all our donors and are especially appreciative of the positive impact their generous gifts will have on our students. We are pleased to share a timeline of special milestone gifts that did so much to inspire giving rise to Susquehanna students and our beautiful broad campus. 2012…

It’s not exactly like going back to science class — it’s better. Two emeriti professors reminisce with current students about teaching “in those days.” Produced entirely by a team of WQSU student staff, this podcast brings to life their shared appreciation for science, research and Susquehanna. Recalling what the science equipment, research opportunities and grant funding were like decades ago, the professors recounted details so specific that time didn’t seem to be a factor in…