"I was nervous to go to school, it was really scary, my dad worked in the city, and we didn't know if something was going to happen again," said Lindsey Gehlbech. It has been 10 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon in September of 2001, but instead of recalling where you were when the towers were struck.
Many have noticed the subtle changes to Bloomsburg's campus this semester. One such novelty is the "ReRev" technology in the Rec Center. This program takes energy generated from the elliptical machines, and power is created. But how does it work? According to the website, www.
Even through the flood of September 8, the university maintained its partying reputation as countless students fled to bars, house parties, and rages. The festivities began on September 7 when classes after 4 p.m. were cancelled. Numerous students treaded through the rain to make it to the bars that remained open, posted pictures at parties on Facebook, and resorted to Twitter to post updates on their alcohol consumption.
The several days of heavy rain caused by Hurricane Lee early in September, which resulted in severe flooding all over Pennsylvania, left Bloomsburg in a state of disaster. Due to heavy rain and severe flooding, Bloomsburg University classes were cancelled, and the west end of Bloomsburg was evacuated as town mayor Dan Knorr declared a state of emergency early in the afternoon on Wednesday, September 7.
Students and professors marched from Carver Hall to the Student Services Center on Bloomsburg University Wednesday to continue the protest against budget cuts. While an impassioned core group did their best to spread the word and get a response, as a whole students walking to and from class showed no response or caring to the economic crisis facing education – their education.
BU students spend Spring Break exploring and learning in Paris
The American Expatriate Fiction in Paris class and the International Studies Living and Learning Community had the experience of a lifetime while spending their spring break in Paris, France. English professor FerdaAsya took her students there for a spring break that they would never forget.
‘The Little Town of Bethlehem’ shown on campus
The Protestant Campus Ministry held a showing of "The Little Town of Bethlehem," a documentary depicting the strife and struggle in Israel and Palestine, in the Student Services Center Monday. Ministry Pastor Maggie Gillespie said they showed the film to raise awareness for social justice because the issue is close to their hearts and affects Americans directly.
The worst earthquake to hit Japan in recorded history and its resulting tsunami devastated the island nation March 11, leaving thousands dead, millions out of power and water supplies, and billions of dollars in damages. A resulting nuclear power plant near-meltdown has left the world watching and fearing the worst.
Students, Faculty Join in Celebration of Chinese New Year
Bloomsburg University students and faculty members celebrated the Chinese New Year in Kehr Union on Jan. 29, taking part in the holiday that is very similar to America's celebration of Christmas. "Typically, it is a time where friends and family get a week or two off of work and school to celebrate and welcome the new year," said Zhaoning Yang, a Chinese exchange student and member of the Chinese Student Association at Bloomsburg.
Relay for Life looking for teams
Bloomsburg University will host its annual Relay for Life event, featuring an all-night walk and entertainment, on March 25 in the Student Recreation Center. Heather Mines, the head of team recruitment for Relay for Life at BU, is excited about the prospects of this year's Relay.
"Our destiny remains our choice"
President Obama gave his state of the Union Address on Jan. 25 where he spokeon the issues concerning bipartisanship, energy reform, infrastructure, education reform, improvement of healthcare, reorganization of the federal government, and immigration.
Students help with holiday preparations for BTE fundraiser
TreeFest, an annual event which displays Christmas trees and decorations in the Caldwell Consistory on Market Street and donates trees and decorations to needy local families, will take place on weekends from Nov. 26 through Dec. 5 with help from Bloomsburg University students.
Hispanic traditions, foods highlighted in presentations
Students had the chance to learn about the Spanish All Saints' Day, the Hispanic Day of the Dead, and the history of coffee, tea and chocolate in the Hispanic world while sampling traditional celebration foods at a series of presentations hosted by Bloomsburg University's Spanish classes in Kehr Union's multicultural center on Wednesday.
Republicans gain control of the House, add seats in Senate
The tides have turned for parties in Pennsylvania, as well as in Washington, as the Republican party has gained strength in numbers, according to the poll results of the 2010 general election on Tuesday. Pennsylvania has its first Republican governor since 2003 as Tom Corbett won the race against Democrat Dan Onorato by a ten percent margin.
Repent America group raises ire among some as it preaches against immorality
As Bloomsburg University students walked across campus Wednesday, they found it hard to ignore the large group of religious activists in front of the Student Services Center holding signs with pictures of aborted fetuses. The protest was assembled by Repent America, an evangelistic organization based in Philadelphia.
Orientation program recruiting new members for next year
Applications are available for Bloomsburg University students interested in joining the OWL, or Orientation Workshop Leader, program next year. The OWLs are paid student leaders who give prospective students tours of campus and guide incoming freshmen through the orientation process.
Local candidates debate issues of economy, environmentalism and experience
Recently, two debates took place between the candidates for the State Representative to the 109th district. The first debate was held in downtown Bloomsburg on Oct. 14. The second was held on campus this Wednesday. The first event was held at the Caldwell Consistory on Market Street in Bloomsburg, featuring debates between the three candidates, Dan Rae (D), Thomas Anderson (L) and David Millard (R).
LLCs help students make friends, enhance education and benefit themselves and others
The Living and Learning Communities, or LLCs, have become a large part of the freshman experience at Bloomsburg University. An LLC is a group of students who share common academic interests, live together in a residence hall, participate in activities together, and enroll in a cluster of related courses.
Governor, senatorial, state representative seats up for grabs; who voters should know in this electi
On Nov. 2, the Pennsylvania general election will be held to decide who will be in control of the state's future. With positions open such as governor, state representative, and senator, the changes will be decided next month. Ed Rendell, a Democrat, who has been Pennsylvania's governor for the past seven years, has reached the term limit as of this year and must step down.
With college depression on the rise, center works with students to ease their anxiety
On Thursday, Oct. 7, more than 500 colleges nationwide offered free, anonymous screenings for depression and related disorders for National Depression Screening Day. According to a survey of college students conducted by the American College Health Association in 2009, 30 percent of students reported that they felt so depressed that it was difficult for them to function.
Flag football tournament proceeds go to save Japanese dolphins from mass hunts
The BU Bio Club will host a flag football tournament on Sunday, Oct. 10 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the intramural fields on upper campus to raise money and awareness for a Social Action Campaign for The Cove, an environmental group that is helping save the lives of dolphins.
Students interested in program encouraged to attend
Students who are interested in community life and meeting others will have the opportunity to learn more about the Orientation Workshop Leaders, or OWLs, at their information meeting on Monday, October 11, at 9:15 p.m. in MCHS 1303. This meeting will allow students to meet with current OWLs and to learn about what this group does on campus.
Students organize event to finance Brofee scholarship for Danville high schoolers
A fundraising dodge ball tournament will take place in the Student Recreation Center on October 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. to benefit the Anthony Brofee scholarship fund. Anthony Brofee, who graduated from Danville High School in 2008, died December 19t 2009 at the age of 19.
Dodge Charger a more cost-effective, ‘efficient’ vehicle for BUPD
The newest addition to the Bloomsburg University Police Department has come in the form of a 2010 Dodge Charger. "To be a community police force, more people have to see the officers patrolling," said BUPD assistant director Joe Wondoloski.
Bloomsburg University GSA seeks to spread message of hope, acceptance in wake of recent tragedies
The Bloomsburg University Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) held a candlelight vigil on campus this Friday in memory of the six teen suicide cases in the last month, all of who were victims of bullying because of their sexuality. The vigil was part of a larger effort to increase awareness of bullying issues among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community.
STINF to be eliminated as old BU mainframes are exchanged for Integrated Student Information System
By now virtually every student on campus should be familiar with STINF, the infamously unreliable tool that, every semester, students use to schedule, drop, and add classes and that, every semester, breaks at the precise instant students need to use it.
SOLVE office offers a world of music, dance, food, information, and fun
Bloomsburg University will hold an International Festival based in the Scranton Commons Amphitheater and Kehr Union on October 7, which will feature presentations, world music and dance, international foods, and a film series leading up to the event.
BU’s president introduces new strategic plan, explains issues affecting university
BLOOMSBURG - University President David Soltz addressed a crowd of over 100 staff members and reporters on September 15 in Kehr multipurpose room 345 B. Soltz introduced a handful of new faculty members, discussed some important issues the university would be facing this year, and went over a new strategic plan created to guide the university through the 2015 school year.
State representative hopeful Thomas Anderson discusses issues
BLOOMSBURG – Thomas Anderson is running as the Libertarian candidate for State Representative in the 109th district, which includes Bloomsburg and the university, and will speak on campus with BU's Young Americans for Liberty on Thursday. Anderson, 32, secured the Libertarian Party nomination and collected enough signatures from his supporters to get on the ballot in November, he said.
Tea Party event shares views, shows support for upcoming election
WASHINGTON, DC -- A Tea Party stormed onto Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. on Sunday, in efforts to rally its issues for the upcoming mid- term election on Nov. 2. Banners, posters and megaphones were among the bothered crowd as it marched towards the Capitol building.
BU looks at implementing new ways of fulfilling education requirements
BLOOMSBURG - Professors have combined forces to improve the general education requirements for future students. Unlike the current students, they will not have group A, B, or C, but rather goals titled Foundations, Knowledge, and Application. This new system will allow "students to know why" they are taking the classes that they are taking, according to Dr.
On-campus organization helps students get facts, avoid lifelong consequences
BLOOMSBURG – In light of Brian Savage's recent alcohol-related death, drug and alcohol issues have once again become a focal point on Bloomsburg University's campus. Joe Wondoloski, interim assistant director of the campus police department, said that alcohol abuse is "one of [the police department's] most focused issues," despite BU's zero tolerance policy for alcohol.
BU senior Dan Rae seeks to upset predecessor to become one of the youngest state representatives
BLOOMSBURG -- Dan Rae is running for Pennsylvania State Representative for district 109, which includes Bloomsburg and the university. The senior Computer Forensics major is running against Republican incumbent David Millard and Libertarian candidate Thomas Anderson for the representative position.
Students have the opportunity to learn about laws, personal rights
BLOOMSBURG – Bloomsburg University will hold its annual Constitution Day, an event sponsored by the American Democracy Project, on Thursday, Sept. 16 with a variety of presentations, tables and tours centered in the Scranton Commons Amphitheater.
Soccer player Brian Savage, 19, dies over the weekend
BLOOMSBURG - Bloomsburg University students and faculty mourn the loss of Brian Savage, 19, an Elizabethville High School alumnus and a BU Men's Soccer player. Police have yet to release an official cause of death, but believe that Savage's death was related to alcohol consumption.
New electronic system modernizes student medical records
BLOOMSBURG - A new electronic record system at the university Student Health Center will streamline and modernize medical records, according to Health Center Director Cindy Harris. The EMR, or electronic medical record, system was implemented the first week of August and fully eliminates the need for paper records, Harris said.
Student apartment complex makes changes to parking, security
BLOOMSBURG - Residents returning to Honeysuckle Student Apartments, one of the best-known off-campus housing communities at Bloomsburg University, will notice some major changes to the complex since spring semester. Located at the end of East First Street, Honeysuckle houses 407 Bloomsburg students in 104 three- and four-bedroom units.
Patriotism vs. “Islamaphobia” debate rages as terrorist attack anniversary
NEW YORK, Ny. -- The controversy around the proposed Islamic cultural center in New York City has continued to rage throughout the country. Many conservatives, led by top Republicans Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich, have opposed the construction of the cultural center, citing that the center would hurt those still recovering from the September 11 attacks.
This month provides education and public awareness
This month is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Observed around the country, SAAM's goal is to educate people about the public health issue that is sexual violence and to raise public awareness by giving communities and individuals the education needed to prevent sexual crimes.
New wheelchair-accessible ropes course give students and community members outdoor opportunities
Members of the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps (PCC) will complete a wheelchair-accessible high ropes course on upper campus this Tuesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The course is part of Quest's high ropes and climbing wall features behind the Montgomery Place Apartments, and will be the only ropes course on the east coast for people with disabilities.
Lenders policies change loan processes, private banks no longer student friendly
Current and future students of Bloomsburg University will experience changes to financial aid that involve more accessible loans and less time until loan forgiveness. President Obama's "Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010" will go into effect July 1.
Earth Day projects and panels help to make a change for the environment
Bloomsburg University will observe Earth Day April 22 and 23 with a variety of panels, guest speakers and performers, on- and off-campus tours, and more. This year's Earth Day celebrations are organized by the SOLVE office and the Green Campus Initiative with some participation from Democracy Matters, and the Political Science Student Association and political science department.
Students remember the abused and sexually assaulted
Bloomsburg's annual Take Back the Night event, supporting survivors and victims of sexual abuse, took place Wednesday night. Elaine Pasqua and volunteers from the Women's Resource Center led a discussion on sexual abuse and a silent candlelight vigil in honor of the abused.
The Student Accounting Association is offering free tax assistance and electronic filing now through April 14 at the Wesley United Methodist Church at 130 W. Third Street in Bloomsburg. The program is open to students and residents of Columbia and Montour counties who made less than $46,000 last year, or who are 60 or older.
Town, Greek Life, and ACLU discuss future of Block Party under the new ordinance
A panel of Bloomsburg University administrators, law enforcement officials, and Bloomsburg Major Dan Knorr gave an open forum on Block Party regulations Tuesday in Kehr Union. The pannel explained their expectations on student behavior and conduct during the annual event, slated for April 17.
The campus of Bloomsburg University has gone through numerous changes since its structural beginnings in 1866. It was during that year when the Board of Trustees decided to buy three acres of land and elected Henry Carver as the principal of the Institute, according to BU Archivist Robert Dunkelberger.
Lecture discusses GPA comparrisons between students
The International Studies Living Learning Community lecture series for the semester came to a close on Wednesday, Dec. 2 with "Do You Think Your Roommate Is Better than You?" which was given by Reza Noubary, a professor in the mathematics department.
A string of thefts that occurred on the weekend of Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 in Centennial Hall is under investigation by the Bloomsburg University police department, and may be connected to similar thefts, which occurred on the same weekend involving small electronic devices at both Bucknell University and Penn State University at Hazelton.
The grand finale to this summer's reading – required for all 2009 fall freshman – was held in the Kehr Union Building's Multipurpose rooms A&B. On Tuesday Nov. 10 at 7:00pm, the two rooms were opened up to encompass rows of chairs that quickly filled the room to capacity with students and faculty who hopeed to hear the inspirational first-hand accounts experienced by two of the "Freedom Writers.
In the past few years, you may have noticed t-shirts with phrases like "To Write Love on Her Arms" and "Love is the Movement." You may never have figured out what those shirts meant. Sophomore Jessica Weber was intrigued by these phrases back in high school, and when she looked up their meaning, she was surprised with what she found.
Bloomsburg Fire Chief Hugh Gross has announced last Saturday, that the Oct. 25 fire on W. Main Street was the result of a "cooking accident" involving a stove. Gross and a State Police fire marshal investigated kitchen where the fire was suspected of starting.
Mass Comm. department and university Student health Center host presentation to answer H1N1 question
The H1N1 virus's origins, current statistics, symptoms, and prevention methods were topics of discussion in an information session that seniors from the mass communications department and staff from the Bloomsburg University Health Center presented in Carver Hall on November 4.
The H1N1 virus, also know as the Swine Flu, is stirring up fear and panic across the nation as President Obama has declared a national emergency to deal with the "rapid increase in illness." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported around 20,000 hospitalizations and close to 1,000 deaths associated with the Swine Flu.
Police officer Nicholas M. Szkodny of the Bloomsburg police department was hospitalized after a collision with a suspected drunk-driver on the south end of route 11, near Weis Markets, at approximately 12:25 a.m on Monday Nov. 2. A 2002 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Chad Shultz, rammed Szkodny's car unexpectedly, sending the police car into a traffic poll off the road.
It was October 23rd, on a cool and cloudy Friday afternoon. Matthew Stuck, a freshman student here at Bloomsburg University, set off determined and hunched over from the hefty backpack strapped onto his body. His destination was Loyalsock, and he seemed to be quite ready for the weekend journey that most of us would normally find especially arduous.
The downtown fire that occurred on Oct. 25 has spurred Governor Ed Rendell to ask the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), this past Tuesday, to declare Columbia County a disaster area.
Fire tears through buildings downtown leaving 28 students homeless
What started as a "smoke-in-laundromat" call turned out to be one of the largest fires in Bloomsburg's history. The blaze lit up the pre-dawn sky on Sunday morning, leaving over 30 people homeless and three buildings charred and decimated on the 100 Block of West Main Street.
Three BU student firefighters help oust inferno, save one life
When a small college-town fire wipes out three buildings, decimates the lives of over 30 people, requires 12 local fire departments and over 75 firefighters to extinguish, it will make headlines. The very next day, bolded headlines and incredible pictures secured readers eyes and emptied jingling pockets of quarters.
now search for normalcy in uncertain times
The downtown fire on Sunday night didn't only devastate the buildings, businesses and community but also Bloomsburg students. The blaze caused 28 students to be displaced from their homes and forced to start anew, seeking shelter elsewhere.
As November is just around the corner, local elections are occurring right here in Bloomsburg, but little interest has been seen from the on-campus community. Those little red and blue signs in the front lawns of houses and windows of downtown stores were given a deeper meaning as the Bloomsburg Area Landlords Association held a Candidates Forum Thursday, Oct.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, over 50 students went out in the rain to show their support for domestic abuse awareness at a ceremony held by The Women's Center of Bloomsburg. The vigil ceremony, titled "Empowering Young Women" began at 5:30 p.m. and ran until about 6 p.
There has been a common trend rising steadily year-after-year, not just in the United States but all over the globe. Since the Industrial Revolution, pollution levels in our world have been rising annually, making our Earth a less desirable place to inhabit.
Friday afternoon, the Kozloff Apartments were officially dedicated to Dr. Jessica S. Kozloff, President Emerita of Bloomsburg University. While outside was overcast and chilly, inside was aglow with smiles, handshakes that lit up the room. The opening remarks were made by Steven Barth, the Chair of the Council of Trustees, whose voice broke on several occasions as he spoke of the impact Kozloff had as president of BU, and the honor of speaking at the dedication.
The homecoming committee, which has 19 students, decided against holding a homecoming dance this year. It was the first time in several years that a dance was not held.
teachers ‘cautiously optimistic’
This past Friday, the Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) visited the Bloomsburg University campus. After meeting with a large number of staff members, as well as attending the open forum held for the students, two members of the faculty were able to meet with Chancellor Cavannaugh.
This past Friday, the country was caught off guard when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to President Barack Obama. Headlines broke with titles broadcasting shock and awe, to sudden conspiracy. The media hardly hesitated to raise the inevitable why and how questions.
Voting is a right that each American citizen gets at the age of 18. Many students would ask, "Why should anyone bother to vote? Does it matter if one person doesn't vote?" Tim Pelton, the Civic Engagement Coordinator of the Civic Engagement Center here at Bloomsburg University, is living proof that every vote counts.
Funding to be slashed, cut depending on state budget deal
The future of the Act 101 program at Bloomsburg University hangs in the balance as state legislators fight to end the longest budget impasse in state history; the outcome could cost the program and its students everything. Act 101 is a program that helps students who have been traditionally under-represented in higher education, and generally require more help economically, academically or both to stay in school.
When former Bloomsburg University President, Jessica Kozloff left the university in 2007, Kozzfest went with her. Now after a one year break, Kozzfest, the annual concert that brought in lesser known local bands and artists is back, but with a new name; Bloomapalooza.
This past Saturday, Bloomsburg University's soccer teams took part in "Red Card Cancer," an event that someday hopes to be recognized on a national level for its more than respectable purpose. On October 3, men and women's soccer kicked off the first annual event by warming up in specifically designed t-shirts that bore the "Red Card Cancer" logo.
Brian Sims, a ‘01 BU alumnus and former football standout for the Huskies, spoke at the Second Annual Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference on Gay Straight Alliance Leadership (GSA) on Saturday about his experience during the 2000 season. "I have a rather unique story, part of it is that I really never had any anti-gay backlash," said Sims, who became the first openly gay college football captain in NCAA history.
Theta Tau Omega investigated for month prior to raid
Early in the morning on Saturday, Sept. 12, a party at the Theta Tau Omega sorority was raided by the Bloomsburg town police, leaving 57 people cited for underage drinking and several with disorderly conducts; a report from BloomUtoday.com confirmed.
As rumors continue to circulate about a possible gun-related incident located inside the 300 building of the Honeysuckle apartments, details remain sketchy about what exactly occurred during the pre-dawn hours on Saturday, Sept.12. Honeysuckle administrators have been hesitant to release any information about the incident because the investigation remains open and residents have received no official word regarding the incident.
M.K. Asante Jr. Answers
M.K. Asante Jr., 26, a highly-acclaimed professor, filmmaker, poet and author spoke to students on Monday, Sept 14 in the Multicultural Center in the Kehr Union about how hip-hop music originated and its role in generational movements. His motto, "If you make an observation, you have an obligation," explains the way he understands injustices in the world and then tries to take the initiatives to solve them.
Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act passes in House; loan process streamlined
The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), which was passed by the House of Representatives on September 17, plans to change how future college students pay for college and the amount of money its new polices will save the country's budget.
How students are killing job prospects before the first interview
As social networking sites continue to increase in popularity and social prominence, the business world is beginning to take advantage by investigating online activity of current employees and potential employees. While in high school or college, some young adults post pictures of themselves attempting unprofessional or obscene acts with hardly a cringe.
After eleven weeks, the longest budget standoff in Pennsylvania history came to an end, promising new taxes on cigarettes, blackjack in casinos and a breath of fresh air for schools around the state. According to BU's Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Amanda Kishbaugh, Bloomsburg University, a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education affiliated institution, was coming closer everyday to making some tough decisions regarding student financial aid.
Hey BU, remember that great, strategically placed pizzeria located on Main Street? The one that was sure to lure in all types of passing college kids at just about any time of day when they found themselves in need of a quick bite? As it turns out, in recent weeks, many have come to discover that the popular Jo-Jo's Pizza has appeared to have gone missing, people wondering where the tasty pizza place went and why it up and left its convenient location.