Volume 30, No. 10
October 23, 1998
Scott A. Miller
Contact: Scott A. Miller 662-4844
NEWS
Large bequest to create scholarships for top students
The largest single contribution in university history will help fund the education of some the brightest students ever to attend MU.
The Mansfield University Foundation Inc. Board of Directors recently approved the recommendation of President John R. Halstead, establishing criteria for the Reva Dickinson Learn and Dana Lee Learn Endowed Scholarship Fund. The fund was established by an $800,000 bequest from the Learns' estate, announced in February.
The fund creates four-year renewable awards of approximately $2,000 yearly to each recipient. The "Learn Presidential Scholarships" will be given to entering freshmen from the top fifth of their high school graduating class who attain a minimum 1200 score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and demonstrate leadership potential through scholastic and community organizations. Once they receive the scholarship, they must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate participation in leadership activities.
"As an important player in the scholastic life throughout Pennsylvania and the Twin Tiers, Mansfield increasingly wants to recognize and reward academic achievement. This is a critical element to our strategic plan to enhance teaching, learning and the academic profile of our students," Halstead said. "The foresight and generosity of the Learns -- both noted alumni and educators -- not only enables MU to compete for the best students, it also encourages the very brightest students to consider Mansfield as a place to put their intellectual abilities to the test in an environment where personal interaction with faculty is valued."
"Talented students have a proven positive impact on the learning atmosphere of a university by affecting classroom participation, tutoring services and student leadership," said Joseph Moore, vice president for academic affairs and provost. "The Learn Presidential Scholarships will benefit more than just the students who receive the funds."
Leslie Folmer, the university's vice president for development and executive director of the Mansfield University Foundation, praised the foundation board for supporting the university's efforts to improve the academic life of the university.
"The university's strategic action plan makes it clear that Mansfield will make a concerted effort to enroll students with strong academic backgrounds," Folmer said. "By approving the scholarship criteria, the foundation shows its support for the university's goals."
Both of the Learns were students at Mansfield when it was Mansfield State Normal School. Mr. Learn earned a diploma in 1920 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Franklin & Marshall. Mrs. Learn earned her teaching certificate in 1923.
In 1991, Mrs. Learn filled out an alumni survey form notifying the university it was included in their estate plans. Mrs. Learn also stated that Dr. William Straughn, Mansfield's president while they were students, had a significant impact on their lives and they had a strong desire to help others as they were helped in school.
Mr. Learn retired in 1963 after teaching history for 38 years at Palmerton High School in Palmerton, PA. He served as president of the Lehigh Valley Interscholastic Athletic Association and as a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, serving for 20 years, 12 as secretary/treasurer and eight as chairman of District 11. He also held a master's degree from New York University. He was born in Westfield, PA. He died in 1991.
Mrs. Learn was born in Lake Carey, PA, and after graduating from Mansfield taught mathematics at schools in Westfield, NJ, Palmerton, and Allentown. She died in 1997.
The couple met at Mansfield and were married here in 1924. After retirement they moved to Florida for five years. They then relocated to Roswell, NM, where they resided for 20 years. The couple also maintained a cottage at Round Lake, Ontario.
The principal of their contribution will remain intact forever. Folmer says that once an entire cycle of Learn Presidential Scholars is enrolled, as many as 20 students could directly benefit from the fund.
Kelchner Fitness Center to host health fair
The Rod C. Kelchner Fitness Center will host a free health fair Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sponsored by the university's Wellness Committee, the health fair will include a cholesterol blood test, heart attack risk assessment, diabetes blood sugar screening, blood pressure screening, AIDS awareness, breast cancer awareness, and a DUI driving and drug alert.
More than 18 community and MU student groups will be present at the fair. The fair is open to the public. For more information, call 717-662-4521.
Press box named in John Heaps' honor
MU and the Mountaineer baseball program dedicated the newly constructed Shaute Field press box in honor of former head coach John Heaps in ceremonies Saturday, Oct. 17.
The press box is a state-of-the-art facility that includes a press area for working print media as well as two radio booths. The bottom of the press box serves as a storage area for the Mountaineer baseball program.
The head baseball coach for the Mountaineers from 1966-1983, Heaps is credited with developing MU into one to the top collegiate baseball programs in the country. Heaps directed the Mounties to three PSAC East crowns and to Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championships in 1970 and 1976. Over the span of his tenure, Heaps built the organization that is nationally recognized for its tradition of excellence. His record of 287-187 is still one of the top marks among PSAC baseball coaches.
Heaps produced 24 players that were selected in the major league draft, including Tim and Tom Brookens. Tim advanced to the AAA level while Tom went on to a 12-year major league career that included a World Series Championship with the Detroit Tigers in 1984.
The John Heaps Press Box was made possible by the generous contribution of Mansfield University former player and team captain John Bittner, a 1984 Mansfield graduate.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m., Steadman. The music department's choral ensembles Department will perform "A Collage of Choral Styles." More than 150 singers will participate under the direction of Peggy Dettwiler, music. The concert presents a wide variety of singing styles including Gregorian chant, classical, romantic, barbershop, gospel, folk, and contemporary. All five of the ensembles -- Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, Festival Chorus, Mansfieldians, and Concert Choir -- will appear in the first choral concert of the season.
Have an Updater announcement? Send it to Scott A. Miller
Ted Ryan, criminal justice administration, recently delivered a paper entitled "Criminal Psychotherapy: A Rationality Classification" at the annual conference of the American College of Forensic Examiners in Naples, FL. He became a diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association for his publications in psychology journals on classifications and criminal belief systems with an emphasis on "the theology of crime." He published a paper on "Futuristic Metaphysics" in "Contemporary Philosophy," the journal of the Institute for Advanced Philosophic Research.
Edith Gallagher, softball coach, was a featured speaker at the Career Expo held Monday, Oct. 19, held in Montoursville, PA. Sponsored by the Hemlock Girls Scout Council Alumni Association, the Career Expo allowed approximately 75 girls to discover firsthand all the careers available to them.
The field hockey team picked up its third consecutive win this season with a 3-1 decision over Slippery Rocky Saturday. Forward and team co-captain Christy Sunchych scored twice while Jamie Huffcut picked up her fourth goal of the season. In the net, Jen Manton picked up the win, stopping two shots.
Cross-country standout Brianne Liddick was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week for her first-place finish at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Invitational Saturday. Liddick set a new course record with a winning time of 16:26 over the 2.9 mile course to lead the Mountaineer women to a first-place team finish. For the men, Todd Stewart finished first at the meet and set a new course record with his time of 25:33.
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