#neumann joust

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Monday University Evening Closing: PM Flash Freeze

The National Weather Service has just announced that a flash freeze warning is in effect for our area, effective later today. Roads and walkways are expected to begin icing over during the late afternoon rush hour and additional snow will fall this evening.

University offices will close at 4:00 PM. All late afternoon and evening classes are canceled (4:10 PM and after).

The University Library will remain open until 10:00 PM for quiet study. Reference, circulation and other services will not be available.

The Mirenda Center Fitness Room will remain open tonight until 10:00 PM unless weather conditions necessitate an earlier closing. Please watch for additional updates.

Students and faculty who are scheduled for Monday class meetings should plan to meet instead on Blackboard Learn. Thank you and please drive safely.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerard O’Sullivan

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Marisa Rauscher

By: Kirstyn Heller

Dr. Marisa Rauscher, or Dr. R as many of her students call her, is a professor of Education at Neumann University. She is a graduate of Shippensburg University where she received a Bachelor’s in English and Education and a Master’s in Special Education. She later went on to receive her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Temple University. Going through school as an undergraduate at Shippensburg, Dr. Rauscher went through the same situation that most college students find themselves in: trying to choose a career path and a degree to get them there. She fell in love with being a literature major and began to really think about how that translates into the work force. Knowing that she would have to work on certain skills, such as thinking on her feet Dr. Rauscher made the decision to work on this and take the steps to become a certified teacher.

After receiving her Master’s Degree and being in college for six years, Dr. Rauscher went on to teach high school. “When I was teaching high school, I mean I was just literally filled with life from being a part of their  [the students] lives, but I always knew in the back of my head I would have to join higher education at some point,” said Rauscher. As she was teaching in high school, Rauscher decided to obtain her Ph.D. She knew that she wanted to study adolescence further and decided on the Temple University’s Educational Psychology program. This sparked the desire of teaching students to become educators themselves one day.

Any student who has had the opportunity to have Dr. Rauscher as a professor will tell you that she is someone who genuinely cares about her students. She noted that one of the most rewarding parts of being a professor is building relationships with her students. Rauscher emphasizes being able to stay in contact with her students after they leave Neumann and are in the field; being able to meet up with them and talk about their careers: the successes and struggles they face as teachers, and give them advice. She has really enjoyed getting to know all of her students along the way; getting to see each of their personalities and watch each person blossom as a student and as a person. She says that each student she meets really fills her with life.

Aside from being a professor, Rauscher feels that it is important to have interests and passions away from work and education. She makes a point to spend time with her friends. She has a close group of friends from different points in her life, spanning from eight years old to adulthood. She also has trained for and ran a marathon. As someone who has always ran and was a collegiate runner, Rauscher’s next goal is to train for another marathon, which she will run in fall 2015. In doing so, she hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. She also plays women’s soccer to continue being active and expanding into new activities by improving her soccer skills. Rauscher really enjoys watching US National Women’s Soccer; watching it increase in popularity and see the teams preparing for the World Cup. As a person who cares a lot about family, being a mom is perhaps her greatest passion; Dr. Rauscher’s daughter is her world.

Dr. Rauscher is a wonderful professor who is very compassionate and caring towards all her students. She ended our interview by saying, “Just to have this real relationship with students, rather than superficial, is where it’s at.”

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What Drives YOU?

By: Sarah Roberts

What drives you to persevere through your daily struggles? Maybe it is a person/role model, a deadline, a sport or a passion. How we define passion differs for each person. I define passion as an extreme love for something that pushes us to new limits. It is something you work for; not because you have to, but because you want to. We all have that one thing, or maybe it is more than one, that is always a constant in our life that continues to push us.

Different people are driven by different extremities, which is so beautiful. Ultimately, a variety of passions can push wildly contrasting individuals in the same direction. For example, somebody could love music and pursue it just as deeply as person who loves sports. Although those are two very different things, somebody who loves music will set goals and work towards whatever they desire to do with it. They may desire to start a band, score movies, teach children how to play instruments… the possibilities are endless. A person passionate about sports could become an athlete, a trainer, sports manager or sports journalist/broadcaster. Passions are different for everybody but it is how we harness those passions that define us.

We need to stop seeing people’s differences as “weird” and appreciate their uniqueness. We all have passions and we should take time to fulfill and work for them. “The future drives my everyday passions with the hope that one day I can reach the goals I set for myself,” said senior Richard Tutak. I imagine this resonating with a lot of people. The future is something that scares people. What do you think when someone asks you, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” The future, unpredictable as it is, is terrifying.

 Preparing for life after college is seemingly an intangible task. Though imagining the future is like trying to watch an unfamiliar movie of your own life is scary, there is still beauty in the unpredictability. We must work hard and set goals. Use your passions to drive you and have the courage to be imperfect.

My friend, Lev Vygotsky, once said, “We get by with a little help from our friends.” Wherever you may go in life, never let it be alone. We have one life, one journey, one mind. Why not live. Let your passions sculpt the type of person you want to be. Do everything with your whole heart, laugh loudly and often, tell the truth even if it hurts, explore, do everything that you want to do. Life is short and tomorrow is not guaranteed.  

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Campus Fashion

By: Amber Eleazer

College campuses embrace the right of self-expression. Some people may express themselves by coming to school in sweatpants and a hoodie. Others might convey their eagerness to come to campus dressed in heels and make-up. You can dress for comfort, but you always want to wear the appropriate items to campus. Fall is one of the toughest seasons when it comes to deciding what to wear, since you are transitioning from summer to winter. At Neumann, there are plenty of dos and don’ts for the fall. Let us get started!

What not to wear? Being comfortable should always be your number one priority. For example, unless you are “dressing for success,” heels are unsuitable for campus and can possibly be very uncomfortable. After all, you are sitting in classes, not preparing for a fashion show. Pajamas are also unacceptable for school. I know some of us may live here; however, seeing what you wore to bed last night is inappropriate. Although, you may not be in a professional setting, you do not want to give off a bad impression to your professors. For ladies, you would not want to wear the same outfit to class that you will possibly wear on a night out with friends, to a concert or a date with your significant other. Clothes that are too revealing can send off the wrong message, as well. Slippers are also unfitting for campus. However, you can replace your what-not-to-wear clothing with items that may fit your campus style in a more appropriate way.

What to wear? When I think of campus fashion, I think of “relaxed chic”. Meaning, you want to look presentable, but you do not want to overdo it. Many of us have days when we would rather dress up and go to class without a second thought. Sweatpants, yoga pants, leggings and hoodies can be extremely comfortable and also appropriate for campus. Boots and sneakers are laid-back fashion statements suitable for campus. You can substitute those slippers, for a moccasin or a pair of Uggs, which are a big fashion trend on campus in autumn. Distressed denim and plaid could work really well for both sexes. Pair it up with your favorite moccasins and a stylish hat or necklace, depending on your gender and you will be set for fall!

Never be afraid to express yourself with your style. Neumann is incredibly diverse. It is cool to see different styles from all types of people and cultures. This fall be YOU through your own personal style!

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Welcome Back!

Good luck with your first day of classes!

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Annie Crow Knoll: Sunrise by Gail Priest

By: Kirstyn Heller

Sunrise is the first book in the new Annie Crow Knoll series. It takes place on a fictional knoll in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, a place where the author spends much of her time. The first novel follows the story of Annie, starting in summer of 1955 with Annie pedaling her bike off the dock into the bay in front of all the residents of the knoll owned by her parents. The reader follows all of her wild adventures as she grows older and matures, facing many of life’s happy moments and its challenges. As time progresses, the characters go through many historical experiences such as battles with racism and the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan. Annie Crow, as her friends call her, and her loved ones face many universal battles such as love, loss, and financial hardships as Annie is forced to take over the knoll, and other people move away. Annie learns to find love in the most unexpected places and realizes that anyone can achieve their dreams through hard work, despite their past. Throughout the novel, the reader will laugh, cry, and feel every emotion along with Annie and her friends. Sunrise is a heart-warming novel that will keep the reader’s eyes glued to the pages and anticipating what happens next.

Annie Crow Knoll:Sunrise is available on Amazon as a paperback and for the Kindle.

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LEAD Conference Proposals Due this Friday!

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Neumann's Favorite Couple Receives the Gary Papa Award

By: Katherine Moretti

The Delaware County Community Foundation wanted to honor two of their most dedicated supporters. Neumann University President, Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, and husband and Neumann University ambassador Tony Mirenda accepted the 2013 Gary Papa Leadership in Philanthropy Award. They are receiving this award for their kindness toward Delaware County and Neumann University.

Dr. Mirenda and Tony Mirenda supported multiple charities over the years. They are active supporters of Delaware Country, serve on numerous boards that are involved in non-profits and local businesses and supported many scholarship programs, especially for their students at Neumann University.

Neumann University strives to make it financially possible for qualified students to attend the university to pursue their studies. The Scholarship Fund assists the students to obtain their goals. Since the couple is extremely dedicated to the students of Neumann University and their success, a portion of the galas evening proceeds will benefit The Scholarship Fund and The Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development. 

The Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality, and Character Development is named after Neumann University's favorite couple. The Institute supports the development of programs designed to help schools, organizations, and programs increase the learning opportunities in sport which add to character development and spirituality.

On Saturday, November 16th the Delaware County Community Foundation hosted their 2013 anniversary gala at the Springfield Country Club. Anthony and Rosalie Mirenda were joined with family, friends, and faculty of Neumann University. Tony and Rosalie were honored and proud to receive such an amazing award. They set a great example for our community.

The Neumann University community would like to congratulate Dr. Rosalie Mirenda & Tony Mirenda on their award and their continuous dedication to Neumann University.