Clarion University News

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Find out the latest in university news and student, faculty and staff accomplishments.

September 14, 2018

The beat goes on

We don’t mean to toot our own horn, but in this case there are 130 reasons to do so. When the Clarion University Golden Eagle Marching Band takes the field this year, they will take up more of it because the band has surged to 130 members including instrumentalists, colorguard and majorettes.

September 13, 2018

Alumni reminisce about Clarion days

In celebration of the sesquicentennial, Clarion University collected fondest memories from its alumni, who reminisced about a variety of topics from residence halls to the professors who changed their futures.

September 10, 2018

The Past 50 Years

In celebration of the sesquicentennial, Clarion University is taking a look back at its 150-year history – 50 years at a time.

September 07, 2018

Our 150-year history: 1917-1967

In celebration of the sesquicentennial, Clarion University is taking a look back at its 150-year history – 50 years at a time. For this story, we celebrate and examine the years 1917-67.

September 07, 2018

Academic credentials reaching new highs for incoming students

As Clarion University kicks off a new year, the quality of academic credentials of the incoming freshman class is the highest it has been in more than a decade. Grade point averages have been creeping up, from 3.20 in 2005 to 3.43 now.

September 05, 2018

University gallery shows lives of Syrians in refugee camp

The University Art Galleries of Clarion University is open with its first exhibition of the 2018-19 academic year. The show features Pittsburgh-based photographer Maranie Rae’s powerful images from the Zaatari Refugee Camp, a Syrian refugee camp in the Jordanian desert. The exhibition will be open through Nov. 20.

August 31, 2018

AFL-CIO president discusses future of organized labor

Clarion University will welcome Pennsylvania AFL-CIO president Richard Bloomingdale at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 in Hart Chapel for a “State of the Unions: 2018” presentation.

August 31, 2018

The First 50 Years

In 1859, local citizens generated a proposal for the creation of a seminary in Clarion. The proposal was forwarded to the Erie Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but Civil War engulfed the nation before any action could be taken.

August 31, 2018

Governor selects Tree Zuzzio as student trustee

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has appointed Tree Zuzzio, a sophomore business management/political science major from Camp Hill, as student trustee for Clarion University. He will serve until his May 2020 graduation.

August 31, 2018

That's a wrap

It’s a bird! It’s a car! No, it’s Clarion University President Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, whose car recently underwent a transformation from SUV to Eaglemobile.

August 21, 2018

Welcome back

Welcome back to Clarion University. We hope you had a productive and relaxing summer and are ready to begin the fall semester.

August 10, 2018

MuniCap seeks out Clarion grads

MuniCap, Inc., a boutique public financing consulting firm, has repeatedly found that Clarion University students are a good fit for its expanding business.

August 03, 2018

CUmentor is making matches

As the coordinator for Career Mentoring and Internships, Josh Domitrovich is Clarion University’s matchmaker – only he’s not looking for love connections.

July 26, 2018

Professor helps refugees assimilate to United States

You may, at some point, find yourself living next door to a refugee. If you’re not neighbors with one, you will most likely find yourself interacting with or working with someone who has been directly affected by the refugee crisis.

July 23, 2018

Clarion’s graduate-level library science program earns continued accreditation

Clarion University’s Master of Science in Library Science has received continued accreditation from the American Library Association. The accreditation is for seven years, the maximum length. ALA’s Committee on Accreditation made the announcement last month at the association’s annual meeting in New Orleans.

July 23, 2018

Students present legal research in Clarion University’s first law journal

Clarion University College of Business Administration and Information Sciences has published the first edition of Clarion University Law Journal. The 52-page journal is the culmination of a class project for Advanced Legal Writing and Research.

July 20, 2018

Clarion University – Venango alumni chapter forms, plans meeting

A group of Clarion University alumni has formed the Clarion University – Venango Alumni Chapter. The chapter formed in May as a way to connect alumni to each other through networking and social interaction, and to provide opportunities for alumni to reconnect with Clarion University by helping to recruit new students, serve as mentors for current students and provide a resource for recent graduates.

July 12, 2018

Dining to Donate has record year

Clarion University’s participation in the Applebee’s Dining to Donate program earned a record amount this year for the annual April fundraiser which benefits the Clarion Cancer Center and raises awareness for esophageal cancer.

July 11, 2018

The case of the composing counselor

Becoming an author was a natural occurrence for William L. Myers Jr. (’80), but it didn’t happen overnight.

July 09, 2018

Clarion University AFSCME hosts summer blood drive

Clarion University’s AFSCME 2326 will host its annual Red Cross Summer Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 13, in the multipurpose room of Gemmell Student Center, Clarion campus.

June 29, 2018

Growth brings name change to Clarion University academic college

Clarion University College of Health and Human Services has changed its name to the College of Health Sciences and Human Services to better reflect the professional programs it offers and represent the comprehensive programming and growth of offerings in these fields.

June 28, 2018

Clarion University students continue NEW tradition

Clarion University student Kaley Simpson attended the National Education for Women Leadership Pennsylvania conference in June at Chatham University.

June 21, 2018

A force in motion

When Jacob Beckey turns 21 in July, he will be in the midst of a physics research internship with the Quantum Information Science Group at Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge Tennessee.

June 05, 2018

Clarion University hosts annual Juneteenth program

Clarion University invites the community to its 16th annual Juneteenth program, “Bring the Dream to Life,” at 10:30 a.m. June 14 in Hart Chapel. The event, which is free, includes special music, poetry and lunch in Eagle Commons.

May 30, 2018

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson named president of Clarion University of Pennsylvania

The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education today unanimously selected Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University, to be the next president of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, effective July 1.

May 23, 2018

Bilan climbs final rung of Clarion University nursing ladder

When Clarion University conferred 1,023 degrees during spring 2018 commencement ceremonies, among them were 107 associate, 645 bachelor’s, 270 master’s and one doctor of nursing practice. The recipient of the DNP is Robin Bilan of Summerville, the first person to complete every step on Clarion’s academic ladder of nursing credentials.

May 23, 2018

Entomology donation will educate future students

When Robert Bruce Jenkins died in December his widow, Libby Jenkins, knew it was his wish to share the insect collection with an organization that could best use it. Bruce was a two-time alumni of Clarion University earning his teaching certificate in secondary biology in 1974 and an associate degree in nursing in 1994.

May 22, 2018

Clarion University-Venango interdisciplinary simulation training prepares students for the workplace

Clarion University – Venango nursing and respiratory care students participated in an interdisciplinary training day on May 1st to better prepare them for being part of a healthcare team as they move from educational training to workforce.

May 22, 2018

Nursing pinning ceremony held at Clarion University – Venango

May 21, 2018

Former Gates Foundation director selected as State System chancellor

Underscoring its commitment to ensuring student success and to its efforts to redesign the State System for the future, the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education today selected a national leader in higher education to serve as the next chancellor.

May 21, 2018

Clarion University-Venango Veterans Club recognized for service

Clarion University’s Venango campus Veterans Club was honored once again by the Oil City Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday April 17th, and by the Oakwood Heights Presbyterian Home on Wednesday April 18th.

May 17, 2018

More than 1,000 receive degrees

Clarion University conferred 1,023 degrees during Friday commencement ceremonies on the Venango campus and Saturday ceremonies on the Clarion campus.

May 08, 2018

Honors students present senior projects

Honors Program seniors were awarded their graduation stoles and presented their senior research last week.

May 07, 2018

Faculty and staff present research and papers

Faculty members who presented at the Faculty and Staff Scholarship Recognition reception stressed how much their research benefits their students by either making themselves better teachers or through the opportunities to include students in their research.

May 07, 2018

Undergraduate and Graduate Research conference showcases student achievement

Clarion University students proved once again that they have a strong place in academia by showcasing their research from the past year – some of which includes titles most people can’t pronounce or understand.

May 03, 2018

Clarion University — Venango celebrates academic excellence

Clarion University, Venango celebrated a Night of Excellence on Monday, April 23.

April 26, 2018

Four candidates for Clarion presidency will conduct open forums

Clarion University Presidential Search Committee has invited four candidates for university president to visit campus and conduct open forums.

April 20, 2018

Clarion trustee Bauer elected to two-year PACT term

Milissa Bauer, vice chair of Clarion University Council of Trustees, has been elected to a two-year term as second vice president of Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees. Her term will begin July 1.

April 20, 2018

Clarion University senior Jacob Beckey earns Fulbright award

Jacob Beckey, a senior at Clarion University, has been awarded a Fulbright scholarship through which he will spend a year at University of Birmingham (England). There, he will earn a Master of Research degree in quantum technology.

April 19, 2018

Come Together Clarion celebrates family, friends, community

Clarion’s University’s ABLE organization will host Come Together Clarion, a celebration of friends, family and community, April 28 on 6th Avenue, Clarion. The event is open to the public.

April 17, 2018

OSHA, Clarion SBDC join to improve workplace safety and health

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Clarion University Small Business Development Center have formed an alliance to educate small businesses in Pennsylvania on workplace safety and health hazards.

April 16, 2018

Dunbar and Bauer present ‘Female Fueled Leadership’

Clarion University alumni and trustees JD Dunbar and Milissa S. Bauer will present “Female Fueled Leadership” at 4 p.m. April 24 in Carter Auditorium, 112 Still Hall. The women will share how Clarion University helped them to develop their leadership mojos.

April 13, 2018

Greek Sing caps off two weeks of philanthropy

Over the first two weeks in April, Clarion University’s fraternities and sororities participated in their annual Greek Week events. Events were designed to highlight and support philanthropic efforts and Greek unity.

April 11, 2018

Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi members convene in Virginia

Members of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi, co-ed service groups dedicated to serving college bands, attended the organizations’ Northeast District Convention March 9-11 At Virginia Tech.

April 09, 2018

Braunagel poster takes first in Wildlife Society conference

Dr. Kurt Regester, Clarion professor of biology, and nine undergraduate biology majors attended the state-level annual conference of The Wildlife Society March 23 and 24 in State College.

April 09, 2018

Clarion’s Culture Night celebrates international differences

Clarion International Association will host “Cultural Night: One Race; Citizens of the World,” at 7 p.m. April 20 in the multi-purpose room of Gemmell Student Complex. The event will feature songs and dance by the Russian dance troupe Barynya and songs from around the world by other Clarion University groups, followed by a tasting of international cuisine.

April 05, 2018

Clarion University’s Logan Chernicky wins Business Plan Competition, $10,000 prize

A Clarion University of Pennsylvania senior has won the $10,000 first place prize in the seventh annual Student Business Plan Competition sponsored by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education for developing a system that allows construction site managers to track the progress of their projects using drones and specialized computer software.

April 04, 2018

American Red Cross blood drive is Tuesday at CU

The American Red Cross, in coordination with Clarion University fraternities and sororities and the Bachelor of Science Nursing Club, will have a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 10 in Gemmell 250/252, Clarion campus.

April 02, 2018

Sigma Phi hosts 5K for Five Causes

The Brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity will host 5K for Five Causes Run/Walk at 10 a.m. April 28, starting at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Wood Street, Clarion.

April 02, 2018

Venango SEED Club spends spring break in service

Seven members and the advisor of Clarion University – Venango’s SEED Club spent spring break in service at Camp Restore, New Orleans. The purpose of the trip was to engage in a different culture, serve others, gain a deeper understanding of the world and learn how restoration of a major city after a natural disaster takes perseverance and the effort of the entire community.

March 29, 2018

Clarion students lead Business Plan Competition with four top entries

Of the 14 student teams still in the running for the top prize in the seventh annual Business Plan Competition, four of them – the most from any State System school – are from Clarion University.

March 29, 2018

Men invited to ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’

Clarion V-Day Project will host the annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event at 5 p.m. April 10, beginning at Moore Hall, Clarion University. Registration begins at 4 p.m.

March 27, 2018

Grant makes Clarion opioid certificate more attainable for workers/trainees

Clarion University has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Appalachian Regional Commission for its Opioid Treatment Specialist Certificate Tuition Assistance Project. The project total of $100,000 includes a $30,000 match by Clarion University and a $20,000 match by Northwest Pennsylvania AIDS Alliance, which will additionally provide instructional training and support.

March 26, 2018

Clarion University commemorates MLK on 50th anniversary of assassination

Clarion University will join a nationwide remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At 6:30 p.m. April 4, the campus and community are invited to gather at the bell tower on Wood Street.

March 21, 2018

Wild game event benefits scholarships for Clarion athletes

Clarion University’s 2018 George Garbarino Wild Game Event will begin at 6 p.m. April 7 at Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #101, 401 Grand Ave., Clarion. The event supports athletics scholarships at Clarion.

March 20, 2018

Bestselling author Tawni O’Dell concludes Seifert Series

Tawni O'Dell is the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling author, will speak at 7 p.m. April 3 in Suite on Main North Theater. Her talk is the final event in the 2017-2018 Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series, “Work and the American Dream.” The event is free and open to the public.

March 20, 2018

Brothers and Sisters in Christ spend spring break in service

Members of Clarion University’s Brothers and Sisters in Christ spent their spring break on a mission trip to Puerto Rico.

March 20, 2018

‘Interrupted Geographies’ reading and signing set at Venango

Iris Jamahl Dunkle, a former English professor at Clarion University, will give a reading from and sign copies of her book, “Interrupted Geographies,” at 7 p.m. March 28 in Robert W. Rhoades auditorium, Venango campus.

March 16, 2018

10 Golden Eagles inducted into Phi Theta Kappa

Clarion University – Venango’s Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society inducted 10 members in a March 8 ceremony in Robert W. Rhoades Auditorium.

March 15, 2018

Committee extends search for Clarion University president

Clarion University Council of Trustees held a special public meeting today at the request of the Presidential Search Committee. “The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s policy requires two candidates to be forwarded to the Council of Trustees,” said trustee Milissa Bauer, chairperson of the search committee.

March 13, 2018

Clarion-BC3 partnership brings four-year degree to Butler campus

Clarion University and Butler County Community College have partnered to allow BC3 students to get a Clarion degree without leaving the Butler campus.

March 13, 2018

Autism activist Temple Grandin visits Clarion University

Dr. Temple Grandin will speak at 7 p.m. March 29 in the auditorium of Marwick-Boyd Fine Arts Center, Clarion University. Her visit is part of the 2017-18 Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series, themed “Work and the American Dream.”

March 06, 2018

Clarion graduate students awarded prestigious scholarship

Clarion University graduate students Erin Neely of Mars and Aubrey Monte of Beaver, both intervention specialist majors, have been awarded Pennsylvania Council on Exceptional Children’s prestigious George O’Neill Memorial Scholarship.

March 05, 2018

Clarion celebrates women’s history with ‘Hidden Figures’ screening

In honor of Women's History Month, Clarion University’s Office of Social Equity, Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, and Women and Gender Studies will host a free screening of the 2016 film “Hidden Figures” at 7 p.m. March 20 in Suites on Main North theater.

March 05, 2018

Eliyahu Sills performs mystical music at Clarion University – Venango

Eliyahu Sills will present “Mystical Music of the Near East” at 7 p.m. March 22 in Robert W. Rhoades Student Center, Venango campus. The presentation, part of Clarion University – Venango’s 2017-18 Cultural Arts and Entertainment Series, is free and open to the public.

February 27, 2018

Clarion students sweep poster category at coldwater conference

Clarion University students swept the poster category at Keystone Coldwater Conference Feb. 23 and 24 in State College.

February 23, 2018

Pioneer Award honors the late John Shropshire at artists’ showcase

In recognition of Black History Month, Clarion University Black Caucus and Minority Student Services will honor the late John Shropshire (’61) during the Pittsburgh Artists’ Showcase at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in Hart Chapel.

February 22, 2018

Spoken Arts Series presents poet Cameron Barnett

Poet Cameron Barnett will give a reading at 5 p.m. March 6 in the University Art Gallery as part of Clarion University’s Spoken Arts Visiting Writers Series.

February 20, 2018

‘Becky’s New Car’ opens Feb. 28 at Clarion University

Clarion University Theatre will present “Becky’s New Car” Feb. 28 through March 4 in Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1-3, and 2 p.m. March 4.

February 19, 2018

Community invited to meet candidates for Clarion University presidency

Clarion University Presidential Search Committee has invited three candidates for university president to visit campus and conduct open forums. Community members, along with employees and students, are welcome and encouraged to attend and provide feedback via a survey managed by the firm, AGB Search.

February 15, 2018

Clarion Spoken Arts Series welcomes writer Lori Jakiela

Nonfiction writer and poet Lori Jakiela will speak at 5 p.m. Feb. 20 in the University Art Gallery as part of Clarion University’s 2017-2018 Spoken Arts Series. Sponsored by the department of English and modern languages, the event is free and open to the public.

February 15, 2018

Speaker Rizzo inspires overcoming obstacles

Author and motivational speaker Darrick Rizzo will present “Overcome and Keep it Moving” at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 in the multi-purpose room of Gemmell Student Complex, Clarion University. Sponsored by the Office of Minority Services, the event is free and open to the public.

February 14, 2018

Venango Veterans Club hosts March 5 blood drive

Venango Veterans Club will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 5 in the gymnasium in Rhoades Hall, Venango Campus of Clarion University.

February 12, 2018

Christian illusionist performs at Clarion University

Christian illusionist Zak Mirzadeh will present “Nothing Up My Sleeve” at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 in the multi-purpose room of Gemmell Student Complex.

February 12, 2018

PA opioid epidemic is topic of Clarion University conference

Clarion University will host “Communities in Crisis – PA Opioid Epidemic” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 12 in the multi-purpose room of Gemmell Student Complex. Dr. Rachel Levine, currently acting secretary of health for Pennsylvania, will be the keynote speaker.

February 08, 2018

Mural fortitude

When Clarion University alumni Dan McAdoo was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease at 8 years old, he was prescribed a form of therapy that shaped his college major, as well as his future career.

February 06, 2018

$42.7 Million Clarion University Tippin Gym Renovation Project Awarded

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services announced today the Clarion University Tippin Gymnasium Renovation Project has officially been awarded and construction is expected to begin in March.

February 05, 2018

Circulate the love and give blood at Clarion Nursing Club drive

Clarion University Bachelor of Science Nursing Club will mark Valentine’s Day at a Circulate the Love blood drive with American Red Cross from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Gemmell Student Center multi-purpose room.

February 05, 2018

Clarion alumnus, trustee Weaver to lead Government Performance Office

Building his commitment to create a “Government That Works,” Gov. Tom Wolf has elevated the administration’s efficiency initiatives to an executive level office by creating the Office of Performance through Excellence. The office will lead Wolf’s ongoing efforts to bring private sector organizational strategies and processes to state agencies.

February 02, 2018

Clarion production of Eve Ensler play will feature #MeToo component

The Clarion V-Day Project and Women and Gender Studies will present “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant & A Prayer” at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 17 in Hart Chapel, Clarion University. The play is a presentation of writings to stop violence against women and girls, edited by Eve Ensler and Mollie Doyle. This is the 18th year that Clarion University has presented a performance based on Ensler’s work.

January 31, 2018

Clarion University – Venango welcomes comedian Andrew Kennedy

Clarion University – Venango will present bilingual entertainer Andrew Kennedy, one of the most hysterical comedians of today, at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 in Robert W. Rhoades Center, Venango Campus, Oil City. Admission is free.

January 30, 2018

Raehsler joins renowned economists as Omicron Delta Epsilon officer

Dr. Rod Raehsler, professor of economics at Clarion University, will serve a two-year term as a vice president on the national board of directors for Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international honor society for economics. As a national officer, he joins Nobel Prize economists Robert Lucas, Thomas Sargent and Robert Solow, as well as internationally known economists William Baumol, Paul Romer, Alvin Roth and Richard Thaler.

January 29, 2018

‘Medicine & Magic’ is first exhibition of spring at Clarion gallery

Clarion University Gallery will open the spring semester with “Constant Albertson: Medicine & Magic.” The exhibition, which runs Jan. 30 through March 17, encourages viewers to distinguish between medicine and magic: What is good for us? What can heal? What is a distraction?

January 29, 2018

Tool eases process of finding, applying for scholarships at Clarion

A new tool is now in place to help Clarion University students identify scholarships for which they are eligible to apply.

January 29, 2018

Clarion student group challenges community to month on SNAP benefits

Clarion University Advisory Board for Leadership and Engagement is coordinating a month-long SNAP Challenge from Feb. 2 to March 2. Participants are challenged to spend only the amount allotted to Pennsylvania residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

January 26, 2018

It’s On Us campaign is focus of Clarion University panel

January 25, 2018

Clarion graduate students awarded prestigious scholarship

January 25, 2018

Will a robot take your job? Clarion presents automation discussion

Clarion University’s 2017-18 Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series, “Work and the American Dream,” will present a panel discussion, “Automation and the Future of Work in America,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in Suites on Main North theater.

January 12, 2018

Welcome back from break

Welcome back to Clarion University. We hope you had a relaxing break and are ready to begin the spring semester.

January 02, 2018

‘Bring the Dream to Life’ is theme of MLK Community Breakfast

Clarion University invites the community to its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 15 at Eagle Commons on Clarion’s campus. This year’s theme is “The King Legacy: Bring the Dream to Life.”