Penn State Harrisburg News

Two graduates honored as Distinguished Alumni

Two of Penn State Harrisburg’s many accomplished graduates – Ralph J. Papa and Jeffrey B. Miller – have been honored as Distinguished Alumni of the University.

Papa, chairman of Citizens Bank in Pennsylvania, and Miller, director of Strategic Security Programs of the National Football League, were honored Friday, June 5 in formal ceremonies at University Park with six other Penn State graduates.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor that The Pennsylvania State University bestows upon an outstanding alumna or alumnus. The award salutes the achievements of outstanding alumni whose “personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater.” The award is an engraved bronze medallion, matching pendant, and frame inscribed certificate.

Math option now offered in education master’s degree

Schoolteachers and administrators working to improve their students’ proficiency in mathematics have another academic partner at Penn State Harrisburg.

Beginning this fall, the college’s established master’s degree program in Teaching and Curriculum will offer an option in Mathematics Education for those educators who teach math, write math curriculum, coach, or supervise math teachers. Introduced in 1996 with considerable curricular input from teachers and administrators, the Teaching and Curriculum program has enhanced the skills of nearly 1,900 teachers since its inception.

College Events

Summer Reading Program under way

For the ninth consecutive year, first-year students at Penn State Harrisburg are beginning their academic studies a few months in advance of the start of classes in August.

The college’s Summer Reading Program, involving all incoming first-year students, will again focus on encouraging early intellectual interaction among the freshmen. This interaction continues as this year’s book selection, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is included in their fall semester work in English composition and other courses.

Research News

Research targets security of nation’s railroads

Two Penn State Harrisburg faculty members are embarking on a research study to determine how secure America’s rail transportation network is from terrorist attack.

Supported by a grant from the College’s Research Council, Professor of Public Policy and Administration Jeremy Plant and Professor of Supply Chain Management Richard Young are partnering on the national study designed to classify threats and identify safety gaps which need to be addressed.

Community Safety and Health