News and Events

The right stuff

To make a good craft beer you need the right basic ingredients, a little artistic flair and the passion for beer. A few Clarion University alums doesn’t hurt either.

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Venango Nursing Club annual 5K benefits Cancer Society

Clarion University - Venango Nursing Club will host its fourth annual 5K walk/run from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12, beginning at the Oil City entrance to the Samuel Justus Trail (across from Venango campus). The event benefits the American Cancer Society.

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Whitney concludes presidency by kicking off sesquicentennial year

On Founders Day – and her last day as president before becoming interim chancellor of the State System of Higher Education – Dr. Karen Whitney launched Clarion University’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration by sharing its proud 150-year past and its promising future.

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Former NFL player and director touts being one’s best

Anthony Griggs, former Pittsburgh Steelers player development director, will present “Life’s a Sport. Win It!” at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 in the multi-purpose room of Gemmell Student Complex, Clarion University. The event, which is free and open to the public, launches Clarion’s 2017-18 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

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Visual representation of Appalachia featured in opening exhibition

The photography of Roger May, an Appalachian American photographer and writer based in Charleston, W.Va., will be on display through Nov. 11 in Clarion University Art Gallery on level A of Carlson Library.

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Charlie Batch discusses leadership at Clarion University – Venango

Charlie Batch, who earned two Super Bowl rings during his time as backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will present “Expect Your Best” at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 in Robert W. Rhoades Center of Clarion University -- Venango.

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Tour the night sky in university's Stars Over Clarion

Clarion University Department of Physics will present Stars Over Clarion at 7 and 8 p.m. Sept. 7 and at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 in Donald D. Peirce Planetarium.

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Vega releases fourth edition of ‘Climatology’ textbook

Dr. Anthony Vega, professor of biology and geosciences, recently published the fourth edition of his textbook, “Climatology,” co-written with Robert V. Rohli.

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Clarion financial planning and legal education programs recertified

Clarion University’s personal financial planning program has received renewed registration from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

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Clarion scores NSF grant to expand nanoscale research

The National Science Foundation has awarded a grant of $151,940 to Clarion University physics professor Dr. Chunfei Li, bringing the total in NSF grants awarded to Dr. Li since 2011 to $700,545. This latest award will be used to purchase an electron back scattering diffraction, an attachment for Clarion’s existing scanning electron microscope. It is rare, even at the national level, for a teaching university to have this level of instrumentation.

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Seifert Cultural Series examines ‘Work and the American Dream’

Clarion University will kick off its 2017-18 Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series in September. This year’s theme is “Work and the American Dream.” Events, including literary readings, lectures, films and a photography exhibit, will focus on wide-ranging issues surrounding the myriad ways in which Americans conceive their ideas of work within the framework of larger cultural limitations and opportunities.

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Enrollment up at Clarion University for 2017-18 year

As Clarion University prepares to kick off its sesquicentennial celebration year, overall student enrollment numbers are up for the first time since 2009. After the first day of classes, enrollment stands at 5,256. The number of new students (undergraduates, transfers and graduate students) is up by nearly 100, the second year in a row that number has grown.

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Welcome to Clarion University

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

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Venango Cultural Series opens with laughs, the search for peace

Clarion University – Venango will kick off its 2017-18 Cultural Arts Series this month with performances by Daniel Martin and John Noltner. Both performances begin at 7 p.m. in the Robert W. Rhoades Center, Venango Campus, Oil City, and are free and open to the public.

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A life-saving Clarion connection

The connection between Clarion alumni is truly something special. Spanning continents and generations, it helps people find jobs and make friends in new places. It even saves lives.

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Jones selected to participate in NCAA Leadership Institute

Chris Jones, director of development for athletics at Clarion University Foundation, Inc., is one of 20 minority athletics administrators who was selected to participate in the 2017 NCAA Leadership Institute.

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Dunbar takes helm for Clarion Council of Trustees

Clarion University Council of Trustees met July 20 with J.D. Dunbar as chair, her first meeting in that role since being elected to the position. Dunbar, who has been a trustee since 2009, was initially appointed by Gov. Ed Rendell; Governors Corbett and Wolf have reappointed her. Dunbar is in her 29th year as program director of Pennsylvania Rural Urban Leadership Program, based at Penn State, where she also is senior extension director.

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State System receives recommendations as part of strategic system review

The consultant hired to assist with the strategic review of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education has completed its data collection and analysis and July 12 presented a series of recommendations for the future of the State System. The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems presented the recommendations to the public and system officials during the Board of Governors meeting.

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State System Board of Governors approves 3.5 percent tuition increase for 2017-18

The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education approved a 3.5 percent increase in tuition for the 2017-18 academic year.

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Clarion University announces opioid treatment specialist certificate

In response to the growing opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania and in the nation, Clarion University College of Health and Human Services announced today that it has developed an opioid treatment specialist certificate, which will be offered online, beginning this fall.

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Clarion AFSCME chapter hosts Red Cross blood drive to ease summer shortage

Clarion University AFSCME 2326 will host a Red Cross summer blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14 in Gemmell multipurpose room.

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Student writers study with pros at annual festival

Clarion English professor Dr. Philip Terman accompanied six students to the 2017 Chautauqua Writers’ Festival June 15-18. The festival, held annually in June, brings six established professional, award-winning writers who work with attendees on fiction, nonfiction and poetry.

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Educational investment pays off for CU grads

Nearly 1,000 Clarion University graduates began new chapters in their lives at spring commencement May 13, and they did so with college degrees in hand and, for many, full-time positions awaiting their arrival.

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The Pygmalion Effect

In the 1960s, German-born and Harvard-educated social psychologist Robert Rosenthal published a paper describing how the expectations of researcher conducting an experiment influenced the subjects being studied. The paper piqued the interest of Lenore Jacobson, an elementary principal in San Francisco, who contacted Rosenthal and eventually offered her school as a place to test the theory in an educational setting.

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Dollins will lead Clarion admissions with proven strategies

Clarion University has selected David Dollins as associate vice president of enrollment management. He will begin work in mid July. Dollins most recently served as executive director of undergraduate admissions and orientation at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. Under his leadership, NAU recently recruited and enrolled its sixth straight, record first-year class, representing growth of 41.5 percent since 2011, and is on pace for a seventh straight year of record enrollment.

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Chomping at the bit

"My love for horses started when I was very young," said Sutherlyn Hollabaugh, a freshman. "I love the sense of security my horses give me: They never judge me, they usually never let me down in the show ring, and they're the best listeners. They've also brought some amazing opportunities into my life."

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Data may be used to shape retention efforts

Can data collection aid in student retention? Three Clarion University employees think so and have the numbers to support it.

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‘Love and Courage’ is theme of Clarion Juneteenth celebration

Clarion University will host its 15th annual Juneteenth celebration, “Love and Courage,” at 10:30 a.m. June 15 in Hart Chapel. Fred J. Hodges Jr., director of multicultural student services at Robert Morris University, will be keynote speaker.

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Kirkland uses skills to help tutoring center grow

Getting the chance to work at the Clarion Community Learning Workshop afforded Camron Kirkland the opportunity to put his education to use before he graduated May 13, as well as pass on what he learned to another community center.

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Greer and Sherman join Clarion University Foundation development team

Clarion University Foundation, Inc., has welcomed Michael A. Greer as director of development and Colleen M. Sherman as development officer.

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Price joins School of Education as director; Stevenson is the new director of the Office of Field Services

Clarion University welcomes Dr. Gwyneth Price as director of the School of Education and Dr. Timothy Stevenson as director of the Office of Field Services.

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Clarion University alumna named Shippensburg University president

The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education unanimously selected Laurie A. Carter to be the next president of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, effective Aug. 7.

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Clarion Center for the Arts founder named Young Entrepreneur of the Year

BreAnna Kirkland Liberto, 23, founder and director of Clarion Center for the Arts and a 2014 graduate of Clarion University, has been named the Small Business Administration’s Pittsburgh 2017 Young Entrepreneur of the Year. She will receive the award during a ceremony and open house from noon to 2 p.m. May 20 at Clarion’s 800 Center complex, where her business is located. As part of the celebration, members of the community are invited to enjoy face painting, karaoke, magnetic poetry, a photo booth, art and pizza, and “everyone will learn some dance steps, because moving makes people happy,” Liberto said.

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English and Modern Languages announces major of each month

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First doctorates among 1,000 degrees awarded at Clarion commencement

Clarion University of Pennsylvania presented degrees to more than 1,000 students during spring commencement ceremonies April 12 at Venango Campus and April 13 at Clarion Campus . Included among the degree recipients were the first nine graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Additionally, 205 students received master’s degrees, 670 received bachelor’s degrees, and 175 received associate degrees.

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Students shine at Advocacy Day

Students from the 14 schools in the State System of Higher Education participated in Advocacy Day in April and Clarion University once again sent a contingent of students who raised their voices for state system causes.

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Students shine at research conference

The Academic Excellence Series showcases the best and the brightest of Clarion University and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Undergraduate and Graduate Research Conference.

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CU Trustees vote to extend Whitney contract

Clarion University Council of Trustees voted April 13 to recommend to the chancellor of the State System of Higher Education that President Karen Whitney’s contract be extended to 2020. Her current contract expires in 2019. Whitney, the university’s 16th president, came to Clarion University in July 2010. During her tenure, she has led the university to articulate a mission to provide transformative, lifelong learning opportunities through innovative, nationally recognized programs delivered in inclusive, student-centered environments.

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Cindy Nellis named director of Clarion University SBDC

Cindy Nellis of Clarion has been named director of Clarion University Small Business Development Center. Employed with the program for more than 20 years, she brings significant experience in program management, business and economic development.

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"Almost, Maine" ends theatre season

Clarion University will conclude its theatre season April 19-22 with "Almost, Maine."

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Clarion graduate wins $5,000 in business plan competition

Bri Nellis, a 2016 graduate of Clarion University, was awarded a second place prize of $5,000 in the sixth annual PASSHE Student Business Plan Competition. Nellis, of Clarion, who holds a bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in marketing, will use the funds to expand her business, Bri Nellis Photography, into the Pittsburgh market, as well as to add drone photography/videography services to her menu of sports, portrait and commercial photography services.

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Celebrate Earth Week at the university

The Society for Conservation Biology Club's will celebrate Earth Week next week and have a variety of events lined up to call attention to conservation.

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Hip-hop artist Nelly performs at Clarion CampusFest

Clarion University’s 2017 CampusFest will feature hip-hop and rap artist Nelly at 7:30 p.m. April 21 at Memorial Stadium. CampusFest, an annual concert hosted by University Activities Board, will open with The Struts, a British band with a sound similar to the Rolling Stones and Queen.

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Stein to deliver Holocaust remembrance lecture

Dr. Arlene Stein, a sociology professor at Rutgers University, will present “Holocaust Denial, Islamophobia, and the Politics of US Nativism” at 7 p.m. April 24 in Clarion University Theater, Suites on Main North. Her visit is in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

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Clarion University Equestrian teams win big

Clarion University's Equestrian Program has won its first ever Western High Point Team Regional Championship on Sunday, March 5.

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Local college students impact community and beyond through volunteer service

Clarion University, Venango's Studying, Engaging, Exploring, Discipleship Club members recently traveled to Valdosta, Ga., to participate in Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge where they built a new affordable home for a family in need.

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Venango Phi Theta Kappa delivers totes to Head Start

Clarion University, Venango Phi Theta Kappa members delivered 200 totes each containing items focused on reading, writing, mathematics, art, science, history, and fitness, to area Head Start programs. Behind the scenes, this project brings together children of all ages from toddlers to college students, as well as local nursing home residents to assist in preparing the totes for distribution.

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Clarion University designates all-gender restrooms

Clarion University has designated all-gender restrooms in 11 buildings on the Clarion campus and in one building on the Venango campus. The facilities department identified buildings that had one-stall restroom facilities and converted those to all-gender restrooms.

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Student Resource Center moves to new location

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Business launch internship provides incubator, experience

Clarion University, along with its Entrepreneurial Leadership Center and Small Business Development Center, announce the Business Launch Internship Program. This highly competitive internship will help students gain experience in business development, market research, marketing plans, fundraising and financing.

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Clarion University SBDC joins national SBDC Day celebration

Clarion University Small Business Development Center, along with Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers, is preparing to celebrate the first SBDC day March 22.

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Clarion faculty debate ‘Gendering of Speech Patterns’ at lunchtime panel

Clarion University Seifert Series will present “Valley Girl, Uptalk and Vocal Fry: The Gendering of Speech Patterns” from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 22 in Carlson Library, Level A. The event is free and open to the public.

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Dede honored as Chamber's Citizen of the Year

Clarion Chamber of Business and Industry named Dr. Brenda Sanders Dede Citizen of the Year for 2016 at its annual fundraising dinner March 11.

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Welcome back, students

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

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Task force named to develop new ‘institutional model’ for Cheyney University

Robert W. Bogle, chair of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania's Council of Trustees, and Aaron A. Walton, vice chair of the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, will co-chair a task force charged with developing a new institutional model for the university. An advisory group of constituents—students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, elected officials, and others—is being formed to provide input to the task force.

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Col. Carmine Cicalese to present on Cyber Mission Force

Col. Carmine Cicalese will address the Department of Defense efforts to build a Cyber Mission Force. He will also discuss student opportunities for employment with the U.S. government during his talk which will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, in the Grunenwald Science and Technology Center in room 120.

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International Women’s Day events inspire reflection, call for change

Clarion University women and gender studies program and the Office of International Programs invite the community to their first International Women’s Day celebration, starting at 11 a.m. March 8 in Becht Hall.

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Musical ‘Violet’ runs March 1-5 at Clarion University

Clarion University’s theatre’s performance of the musical “Violet” opens at 8 p.m. March 1 at the Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre and continues through March 5. “Violet” is an award-winning musical based on “The Ugliest Pilgrim,” a short story by Doris Betts. Violet is a young woman who was struck by a wayward axe blade as a little girl when her father was chopping wood, leaving a scar across her face. In 1964, she finally saved enough money to travel across the Deep South for the healing touch of a TV evangelist that will help make her beautiful. Music and lyrics were written by Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley, respectively.

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Om, sweet om

Mindfulness. "We're naturally born with it, and it goes away," said Joseph Croskey, director of Clarion's Center for Advising Services and resident mindfulness guru. "When we're born, we have a more pure acceptance of the sensations around us. We learn to like something – or not." What is mindfulness?

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Bestselling author, eating disorders expert, visits Clarion

Clarion Student Senate, Bacchus Gamma and the University Activities Board will co-sponsor a visit by Jenni Schaefer, a renowned motivational speaker, author and respected voice on the topic of eating disorders, at 6 p.m. March 2 in Gemmell MPR.

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Returning adults enjoy success with Clarion Online

When Jodi Mansfield decided to go back to school, she was worried that she had been away for too long.

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Spoken Arts Series welcomes award-winning writer Nieson

Clarion University Spoken Arts Series will welcome multi-genre, award-winning writer Marc Nieson at 4 p.m. Feb. 21 in the university gallery, Carlson Library, Level A. The event is free and open to the public.

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Series examines classic WWI novels and their film adaptations

Clarion Free Library will host a book series examining classic World War I novels and exploring their film adaptation. The series, “WW I Centennial: A Commemoration of the Great War through Books & Films,” is supported by a Clarion University Community Fellows grant and runs from March to June, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the war.

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"Brothers" continues Seifert Cultural Series

The Clarion University Seifert Series presents its next event, "Brothers," at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 in the University Theater located in the Suites on Main North along Main Street.

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Gov. Wolf proposes third straight year of increased funding for State System

Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled his proposed 2017-18 commonwealth budget Feb. 7, recommending a third straight year of increased funding for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The governor’s proposal would provide the State System about $453.1 million next year to help fund the operations of the 14 state-owned universities, an increase of almost $9 million from the current year’s funding level.

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Clarion University to launch new College of Health and Human Services

Clarion University has renamed Venango College to the College of Health and Human Services, effective July 1, to better reflect the growing demand for the professional programs it offers and to better align the academic programs that exist on all of the university’s campuses.

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Clarion production brings awareness to violence against women

Clarion University women and gender studies program and student organization The VDay Project welcome students and the community to their second annual production of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 and at 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 18 in Hart Chapel.

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Reception opens collaborative exhibition at university art gallery

An opening reading and reception is planned for “The Four Seasons and Selected Works: A Collaborative Book and Exhibit” from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 7 in Clarion University art gallery.

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Weaver appointed, Kifer and Ali-Zaidi reappointed to Clarion University Council of Trustees

Gov. Tom Wolf has named Neil R. Weaver (’00), York, Pa., to Clarion University Council of Trustees. The Council of Trustees is composed of 11 members who, except for the student member, are nominated by the governor and appointed by Pennsylvania Senate.

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Subtropical studies

You can excuse Taylor Braunagel if you think she talks too fast, or if you think conversations with her jump chaotically from topic to topic. That’s because she’s busy, even in the context of a generation in which individuals pride themselves on squeezing 26 hours of activity into 24-hour days.

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Teaching on the tundra

When Tony Knapp accepted a position as a teacher in Alaska's tundra, he knew it would be a challenge. However, nothing could have prepared him for life in the bush or teaching in a bush classroom - and more often than not, the two go hand-in-hand.

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Community breakfast honors MLK legacy of love and courage

Clarion University invites the community to its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 16 at Eagle Commons on Clarion’s campus. This year’s theme is “Love and Courage.”

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