Lycoming College News

Students recognized during Leadership & Service Awards Banquet

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Lycoming College recognized co-curricular achievement on campus during its fifth annual Leadership & Service Awards Banquet on April 13, in the Recreation Center. The Seuren Leadership Speaker was Harry Perretta, a 1978 Lycoming alumnus.

With more than 30 years as head coach of Villanova University’s women’s basketball program, Perretta has established himself as one of the most respected and knowledgeable coaches in the country. A true teacher both on and off the court, he strives to have a positive influence on his student-athletes not only as basketball players, but also as people.

Perretta’s playing career at Lycoming was cut short by an ankle injury during his freshman year. He spent the remainder of his college years assisting the men’s varsity and junior varsity programs and also aided the women’s program. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies and a secondary teaching certificate. In 1995, he earned a master’s in education from Villanova.

At Villanova, Perretta and his staff stress the importance of the overall college experience and closely follow each player’s academic progress. Ninety-nine percent of his student-athletes who have stayed all four years have earned their degree.

In his address, Perretta stressed the importance of service and learning through the relationships it creates, sharing several stories from his own life of those he taught and those who taught him. He credited Dutch Burch, former 32-year head coach of Lycoming’s men’s basketball program, as one of those individuals.

“I think there are people who will cross your path that you are obligated to help, but who will also teach you at the same time,” he said. “You want to be respected more for what you give than what you get.”

The Seuren Leadership Speaker Series was established in 2007 by Andrea D. Seuren, a 1976 Lycoming alumna, in memory of her parents. The purpose of the speaker series is to help build a culture of leadership at the College that espouses service, ethics and critical-thinking.

The award winners are as follows:

Male Intramural Sports Athlete of the Year: Dan Snyder

Female Intramural Sports Athlete of the Year: Maggie Benshaw

Interfraternity Council Spirit Award: David Zablocki of Lambda Chi Alpha

Interfraternity Council Service Award: Jordan Baker of Tau Kappa Epsilon

Interfraternity Council Scholar of the Year: Joseph Kuder of Lambda Chi Alpha

Panhellenic Council Spirit Award: Leannie Custodio of Gamma Delta Sigma

Panhellenic Council Service Award: Ashley Lubold of Alpha Sigma Tau

Panhellenic Council Scholar Award: Holly O’Hara of Alpha Sigma Tau

Fraternity Man of the Year: Kenneth Vicencio of Lambda Chi Alpha

Sorority Woman of the Year: Nicole Pish of Beta Phi Gamma

Fraternity/Sorority Advisor of the Year: Donna Weaver for Alpha Sigma Tau, student programs and leadership development administrative assistant

Chapter of the Year: Gamma Delta Sigma

Outstanding Program of the Year: Habitat for Humanity – Spring Break Trip

Student Organization Advisor of the Year: Larry Mannolini, director of student programs and leadership development

Student Organization of the Year: Campus Activities Board

Outstanding Leader on Campus: Laura Klym

Outstanding Community Service Program Award: Laura Klym - Senior Citizen Prom

Outstanding Community Service Fundraising Event Award: Relay for Life

Outstanding Community Service by an Organization Award: Alpha Rho Omega

Senior Community Service Scholars: Amber Nace and Nick Tomaskovic

Volunteer of the Year Award: Ashley Lubold

Sister Vincent Humanitarian Award: Dr. Daniel Doyle, professor of history, Pennsylvania College of Technology

Relay for Life surpasses goal

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College chapter of Colleges Against Cancer hosted its seventh annual Relay For Life, March 25-26 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the College’s Recreation Center.

Approximately 38 teams consisting of 350 Lycoming students, faculty and staff participated in the event. With donations still being received, this year's relay has raised more than $26,000 for the American Cancer Society, greatly exceeding the chapter's goal of $18,500.

Lycoming’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer was formed at Lycoming in 2004 by Lindsay Martin, a 2007 Lycoming graduate. This year’s event was run by Michael Pius of the American Cancer Society, Lycoming CAC president Ashley Newcomb, relay chair Kayleigh Misner, relay co-chair Lindsay Schulze, and the CAC committee.

Habitat for Humanity participates in Collegiate Challenge

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Thirteen students and four advisors from Lycoming College recently participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge in Pittsboro, N.C. The week-long program is specifically geared toward college students on their spring break. This was 21st year that Lycoming students participated in the challenge.

Students and advisors worked with the Chatham County Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Pittsboro, N.C. For five, approximately six-hour days, they focused on siding, roofing and painting a home.

For many of the students, meeting and working with Amanda, who will be the recipient of the home, was the highlight of the trip. She is an employee of the Carolina Tiger Rescue, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary whose mission is saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.

The students stayed at Camp Royal, a 133-acre summer camp located a few miles from their work site. At the camp, they had access to the dining hall, sleeping areas, showers, gymnasium and outdoor athletic field. During their free time, they traveled to Chapel Hill, N.C., for a day of shopping and sightseeing.

“The most valuable thing I took away from the Habitat trip was how important it is to try new things, meet new people and face your fears,” said Claire Zido, a junior sociology major. “I never would have pictured myself on a rooftop until I went on this trip, and I never would have met such wonderful people. To know that we all come from such different places on campus, yet we were able to come together for such an amazing purpose is pretty special. The memories will last a lifetime, as well as the friendships made.”

As part of its fundraising efforts, the College’s Chapter of Habitat for Humanity will host a pancake dinner Tuesday, April 5, from 4:30-7 p.m. in Lycoming’ East Hall Coffeehouse, corner of Franklin St. and Washington Blvd. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children and students.

Lycoming College Habitat for Humanity is a Christian-based organization that has been active on campus since 1990. In addition to its annual spring break trip, the chapter is involved in the local community. The College dedicated its first Habitat house in December 2003.

Lycoming College is a national liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. It is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News and World Report. Founded in 1812 in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation.

Colleges Against Cancer to host 7th annual Relay For Life

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College chapter of Colleges Against Cancer will host its seventh annual Relay For Life, themed “Survivor Around the World,” March 25-26 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the College’s Recreation Center.

Approximately 38 teams consisting of 350 Lycoming students, faculty and staff will participate in the event. This year’s Relay hopes to surpass last year’s total of $18,000 in donations, which benefit the American Cancer Society. Teams have already collected nearly $12,000 in pledges.

During the 12-hour event, Lycoming clubs and organizations will decorate survivor-themed tables at which they will offer various refreshments and activities to raise additional funds. Examples include a volleyball tournament and build-a-bear workshop.

A luminary ceremony will light up the center’s indoor track in remembrance of those who are fighting or have fought cancer. There will also be a special dinner and ceremony for cancer survivors present at the event.

Entertainment includes choreographer and cancer survivor Tyreik Gaffney, who will entertain guests with hip-hop dancing. Gaffney has choreographed for the television show, “Glee!” Additional entertainment includes live music, dancing and games.

Lycoming’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) was formed at Lycoming in 2004 by Lindsay Martin, a 2007 Lycoming graduate. This year’s relay will be run by Michael Pius of the American Cancer Society, Lycoming CAC president Ashley Newcomb, relay chair Kayleigh Misner, relay co-chair Lindsay Schulze, and the CAC committee.

Lycoming to hold Little Siblings Weekend

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Lycoming College will hold its annual Little Siblings Weekend April 2-3. Programs begin Saturday at 10 a.m. and continue through Sunday at 3 p.m. The weekend coincides with the College’s Bicentennial Charter Day Celebration, scheduled for April 2.

The two-day program provides Lycoming students the opportunity to share their college experience with younger siblings. Student organizations will sponsor a variety of events including showings of the films “Yogi Bear” and “The Princess & The Frog,” family-oriented games and contests, and stuffed animal-making.

Events are free and open to siblings of Lycoming students. Siblings wishing to dine on campus will be charged $15 for the weekend.

A complete schedule of activities is available at http://www.lycoming.edu/studentPrograms/littleSiblings.html. For more information, call Lycoming’s Office of Student Programs and Leadership Development at (570) 321-4118.

Ke$ha to perform on campus April 15

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Singer and songwriter Ke$ha, nominated for two 2010 American Music Awards, will perform at Lycoming College during her “Get $leazy Tour” on Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m. in the College’s Recreation Center. The 23-year-old pop star will kick-off the tour on Feb. 15, in Portland, Ore. Other notable tour stops include Chicago, Boston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, where the run is scheduled to stop on May 6. The event is sponsored by Lycoming’s Campus Activities Board (CAB).

Ke$ha will be touring in support of her latest album “Cannibal,” which features the chart-topping lead single, “We R Who We R,” which debuted recently at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The companion album to her breakthrough debut, “Animal,” was released on Nov. 22.

The singer won best new act honors at the 2010 MTV Europe Awards in Madrid and was nominated for two American Music Awards, including Favorite Female Artist and Artist of the Year.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Lycoming to continue its long tradition of bringing top national acts to campus,” said Larry Mannolini, director of student programs and leadership development at Lycoming. “We are very excited about this show and we hope that our students and the community will come out to enjoy a great concert from an incredible performer.”

CAB will once again offer one free ticket to each Lycoming College student who has paid the student activity fee, a practice that remains to be quite unique among colleges and universities that host major campus concerts. This concert is funded by the Student Senate of Lycoming College.

Public tickets are $20 each and can be purchased beginning Monday, Dec. 20, at Alabaster’s Coffee Roasters & Tea Company at 410 Pine St., in Williamsport, via the concert hotline at 570-321-4056 or online at www.lycoming.edu/concert.

Students organize "senior prom" at the Williamsport Home

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Nearly 20 first-year Lycoming College students and their resident assistant, Laura Klym, organized a “senior citizens prom” at the Williamsport Home on Nov. 13.

The event, themed “A Waltz Down Memory Lane,” featured solo guitarist Steve Sutherlan performing music by Elvis Presley, the Temptations and other artists of the past 50 years. Sutherlan has been playing at the Williamsport Home since 2006.

The students organized the prom as a social activity that would allow them to give back to the community.

“Programs like the senior prom at the Williamsport Home represent the best of both residence hall programming and the resident’s themselves,” says Dr. Dan Miller, dean of student affairs at Lycoming. “It is impressive that a floor of first-year students led by their RA, Laura Klym, took the initiative to make a difference in the day of another by the giving of time, energy and joy.”

Lycoming’s students decorated the home with balloons and 1950s-style centerpieces. Prom-goers were given corsages made of baby’s breath and a variety of colored carnations. The event was coordinated with the help of Becky Woodring, director of activities and volunteer coordinator at the Williamsport Home.

Klym, a junior criminology major from Baltimore, Md., is a resident assistant for a floor of freshmen women residing in Asbury Hall. The group of students has come to be known as “The Pink Ladies.”

“It’s always fun to do social events with each other, but there’s nothing more rewarding to do something for someone else who genuinely appreciates it,” Klym said. “Everyone, including the senior citizens, looked stunning. Although most of them were either in a wheelchair or used a walker, they danced with us and had a great time sharing their stories.”

Lycoming Habitat for Humanity hosts 5K Run/Walk for Shelter

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - The Lycoming College chapter of Habitat for Humanity held its annual 5K Run/Walk for Shelter on Sunday, Nov. 7. Forty-five runners and 18 walkers participated in the fundraiser benefiting Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity.

Overall winners were Kari Smith (22:02), a Lycoming alumna, and Jeffrey Faherty (17:31), both of Williamsport. Two Lycoming College students placed first in their respective categories. Jake Lewis (male age 20-29), a senior Spanish and international studies major from Mickleton, N.J., posted a time of 18:19. Freshman general studies major Michael Puchalski (male age 16-19) of Redlands, Calif., finished in 17:34.

The Lycoming College Chapter of Habitat for Humanity supports the work of Habitat for Humanity in the greater Lycoming County area by raising funds, volunteering at local builds and providing opportunities to both learn about and advocate for the effort to eliminate substandard housing.

Sponsors included the Lycoming Mall, Blaise Alexander, Pudgies Pizza, Papa John''s Pizza and Susquehanna Trailways.

Students participate in 9-11 Day of Service event

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Lycoming College students from the Greek organizations of Alpha Rho Omega, Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Xi Delta, Beta Phi Gamma, Phi Kappa Psi and Tau Kappa Epsilon participated in the first 9-11 Day of Service event sponsored by the College's Community Service Center.

Students worked with several groups in the area including the Salvation Army, American Rescue Workers and Campbell Street Community Center. Projects included sorting donations, helping to clean and organize a thrift store and taking inventory.

"One of the best ways that we can honor those who lost their lives in an act of violence is to counter violence with acts of love and service," says the Rev. Jeff LeCrone, director of the Community Service Center. "Saturday's date was chosen specifically to provide an opportunity to do that on the anniversary of 9-11."

"The best type of the community service does not come from the wallet, but from the heart,"
said Anthony L. Pilla, Tau Kappa Epsilon service chair.

Lycoming's Community Service Center serves as a liaison between students, faculty, staff and community organizations in the greater Williamsport area. The center provides an environment for student learning through service and reflection. Students are challenged to fulfill their civic responsibility and explore who they are in relationship to their peers and those in need.

Family Weekend scheduled for Sept. 24-26

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A variety of entertaining and educational activities are planned for Lycoming College's annual Family Weekend, scheduled for Sept. 24-26.

Registration will be open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday in Pennington Lounge, Academic Center and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Bell Lobby, just west of Pennington Lounge.

Dr. Amy Golahny, professor of art at the College, will guide the "Always Seen, Never Understood: Sculpture and Stained Glass Walking Tour" to James V. Brown Library and the Christ Episcopal Church Friday afternoon. Italian neo-classical sculptures and stained glass by Lamb and Tiffany will be highlighted. Advanced registration is appreciated.

The annual Family Weekend Concert, which includes the musical talents of the Lycoming College Choir and Concert Band, will be held Friday evening in Clarke Chapel.

On Saturday morning, Regina Collins, assistant dean for freshmen, will present "Parenting the College Freshman, Part II" in the Jane Schultz Room, Wertz Student Center. Parents will also have the opportunity to meet with Lycoming's professors at the Faculty Open House in Pennington Lounge. Advanced registration appreciated.

The sisters of Gamma Delta Sigma will host the 20th annual Brandy Lee Sudol Auction on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the East Hall Coffeehouse, in memory of their sister who died of Hodgkin's Disease. All proceeds raised by the auction will be divided between a memorial scholarship and the Salvation Army.

Beth Ann Scruggs '90 will give a "Culinary Tasting" walking tour of historic downtown Williamsport. The tour will highlight restaurant offerings in Williamsport with samples included. This event is sold out but self-guided downtown walking tour handouts will be available at registration.

Several athletic events are scheduled throughout Family Weekend. On Friday, Lycoming's women's soccer team will host FDU-Florham at 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, the women's tennis team and men's tennis team will host King's College at 11 a.m. at Bruce Henry Park in Loyalsock Township. Lycoming's men's soccer team will host the University of Rochester at noon, followed by a women's soccer match-up against Fairleigh Dickinson-College at Florham at 4:30 p.m. Both games will be held at Shangraw Athletic Complex. At 1:30 p.m., the Warrior football team will face Ithaca at David Person Field.

A Hiawatha Riverboat Tour will be held late morning, and the annual Family Feud Tournament, hosted by the Black Student Union, will be held on campus late afternoon. Following Saturday's Family Weekend Dinner, family-friendly entertainment will be presented by musician John Rush, the "Human iPod."

On Sunday, Catholic mass will be held at 9 a.m. at St. Boniface Church, or family members may attend a Protestant Ecumenical Service, with guest speaker Chip Edmonds '98 and music by the Lycoming College Choir, in the College's Clarke Chapel at 10:30 a.m.

The Streeter Campus Store will be open during the weekend. Hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday.

For a complete list of Family Weekend activities, click here.

Photos from the Campus Carnival

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

Lycoming College students and members of the campus community, along with their families, enjoy the annual Campus Carnival held on the Quad.

College holds annual Involvement Fair

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Lycoming College held its ninth annual Involvement Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 1, on the Quad. Representatives from a host of campus and community organizations gathered to welcome students and invite them to get involved in a variety of activities.

Besides several fraternities and sororities, some of the many campus clubs and organizations that attended were the Campus Activities Board, the Commuter Student Organization, the Dance Club, WRLC radio and the English Society.

In addition, numerous area businesses, community service agencies and other non-profit organizations attended the fair to provide awareness of their services and offerings.

The event was coordinated by the College''s Office of Student Programs & Leadership Development and the Community Service Center.

Class of 2014 welcomed

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – More than 380 new student arrived at Lycoming College on Friday, Aug. 27, in preparation of their first semester on campus. After settling into their residence halls, with help from the Lyco Move-in Crew, members of the Class of 2014 and their families attended the New Student Convocation. The students also competed in First Weekend activities.

To mark the official beginning of their academic careers, the class processed through the David B. Sykes gates and was welcomed by faculty and staff in full regalia at the ceremony held on the lawn near the Fine Arts Building. Judge P. Kevin Brobson, who graduated magna cum laude from Lycoming in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics, gave the convocation address. He was sworn in as a judge of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in January 2010.

“To the incoming freshman class, I offer my heartfelt congratulations,” said Brobson. “This will long be a memorable day for you and your family members. You should be very proud of the accomplishments that have led you here today. Congratulations and welcome.”

After describing his run for political office, which, according to Brobson, included traveling more than 35,000 miles, eating countless chicken dinners, and trying strange concoctions like chocolate covered bacon and deep-fried Stromboli at county fairs, he asked the students two questions: Who are you? Why are you here?

He told them that if they haven’t yet explored those questions, now is the time. He said that Lycoming will be their launching point of a life-long period of examination, reexamination and self-discovery.

“Make no mistake … you alone will determine the path before you,” Brobson told the new students. “But, next to the bedrock of what you bring from home; the foundation you build here—in your dorms, in your classrooms, and among your professors and peers—will be the foundation of your future and what you achieve in life.”

Brobson also made a reference to General Douglas MacArthur, who once said: “Nobody grows old by merely living a number in years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interest wrinkles the soul.”

In closing, Brobson told the class: “May your individual efforts here at Lycoming College lead to great advantages, not only for yourself, but to the kind of advantages that will benefit all of humanity. Should you choose it, all is within your reach.”

For the Class of 2014, the conclusion of the convocation ceremony was followed by the start of some new and exciting First Weekend activities. This year marked the beginning of what hopes to be a new tradition. Students divided into teams from the two freshman residence halls, Skeath and Asbury, and competed in activities including laser tag and field events for the “Skasbury Cup.” The men’s team from second-floor Skeath acquired the most points in the individual competition. The overall winner and recipient of the cup, awarded during Sunday’s outdoor campus movie, was the team of Asbury Hall and the commuters.

To view all of the photos from the weekend, visit our photo galleries page.