Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 20h

“Empathy is not agreement; it’s believing in the humanity of other people. We must see each other as fellow human beings.” —Professor Gwendolyn Torges, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Professor Highlight: Dr. Torges cultivates 'civic empathy'

Dr. Gwendolyn Torges has been a political science professor at IUP for 28 years, but her journey to get here brought her across the country and multiple disciplines.

www.thepenn.org

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 23h

"I also tell students that developing relationships with your professors is so important because they are the ones that are helping to guide you." —Associate Professor Christine Pease-Hernandez, Slippery Rock University

Get to know your professors - The Rocket

The transition to college is exciting, challenging, confusing, stressful and eye-opening. Building relationships and finding your place in a new community are two incredibly difficult things to ask…

www.theonlinerocket.com

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 1d

"I am not the least bit surprised that when you have multiple dead bodies in the same body of water showing up, that multiple people in town are going to go, ‘oh, there’s a pattern.'" —Professor Robert Spicer, Millersville University

How news of Houston bayou deaths sparked a serial killer conspiracy theory | Houston Public Media

City leaders have noted 2025 is on track to have fewer dead bodies found in local bayous than last year. Some Houstonians still believe there’s more to the story.

www.houstonpublicmedia.org

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 2d

“By supporting a generation of academically talented students, the project creates a direct pipeline of data science professionals and establishes IUP as a data science hub ... " —Professor John Chrispell, IUP

$2M NSF grant to to launch data science scholarship program

This September, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded $2 million to IUP to assist financially challenged students pursue degrees in data science.

www.thepenn.org

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 2d

“Because of ChatGPT, people assume that AI is just a chatbot, but AI is much broader." —Professor Sam Thangiah, Slippery Rock University

Thangiah explains impact of AI and how SRU is preparing students – SRU News

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way the world works — and Slippery Rock University is ensuring its graduates…

news.sru.edu

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APSCUF @apscuf.org · 2d

Mark your calendar for upcoming sessions of Science on Tap, a series led by West Chester University professors.

Science on Tap - WCU of PA

Address: Office of the Dean College of the Sciences and Mathematics Anderson Hall, Room 320 725 S. Church St West Chester, PA 19383

www.wcupa.edu

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APSCUF @apscuf.org · 4d

Leading a session about meet-and-discuss are, from left, Clarion Chapter President Dr. Mark Kilwein, West Chester Chapter President Dr. Chris Stangl, Past Lock Haven Chapter President Dr. Peter Campbell, State Vice President Dr. Kara Laskowski, and Mary Rita Duvall, APSCUF’s head of labor relations.

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 4d

APSCUF labor-relations directors, from left, Sara Miller, Josh Grubbs, and Julie Reese conduct a session about filing a grievance.

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 4d

APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash provides an overview of the State System to kick off the second day of APSCUF’s Leadership Institute.

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 4d

Labor-Relations Director Josh Grubbs leads APSCUF trivia, following the Leadership Institute dinner Friday night.

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 5d

Member Dr. Dana Morrison, left, role-plays an organizing conversation during APSCUF's Leadership Institute.

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APSCUF @apscuf.org · 5d

Participants discuss a semantics exercise at the APSCUF Leadership Institute.

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 5d

APSCUF Leadership Institute participants discuss leadership identification during an exercise.

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 5d

KB Brower, organizing director with Bargaining for the Common Good, introduces the Skills to Win training. High participation is a prerequisite to power, she said.

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 5d

APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash welcomes members to the 2025 Leadership Institute at the AFSCME conference center in the Harrisburg area. “What’s the difference we can make, if we work together?” he asked.

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 6d

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Brian Patrick Donoghue, who was an assistant coach at East Stroudsburg University for three years.

www.legacy.com/us/obituarie...

Brian Patrick Donoghue Obituary (2025) - Essex Junction, VT - A.W. Rich Funeral Home - Essex Junction

View Brian Patrick Donoghue's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 6d

“Building PA is well known in the industry and is a great resource for a wide range of professionals in the construction and related fields. It’s an honor to be asked to be part of the series.” —Professor Tracey Cekada, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Department of Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering Chair Featured on “Building PA Podcast”

Tracey Cekada, chair of IUP’s Department of Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering, is a guest for Building PA Podcast’s latest episode, “From Classroom to Career: The Path of Safety…

www.iup.edu

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 6d

Congrats, Coach Messer!

Field at Critchfield Park to be named in honor of Jeff Messer - Slippery Rock University Athletics

Slippery Rock University's council of trustees recently approved a naming resolution to honor SRU baseball head coach Jeff Messer. Slippery Rock's home facility collectively is now named "Messer…

rockathletics.com

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 6d

Congratulations to Millersville University Professor Robert Bookmiller on being named a Council on Foreign Relations Education Ambassador.

MU Prof Named CFR Education Ambassador - Millersville News

This is a story about Dr. Robert Bookmiller being names a Council on Foreign Relations Education Ambassador.

blogs.millersville.edu

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 7d

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Shippensburg University Professor Robert Lesman.

SU mourns the loss of Robert Lesman, chair of the Global Languages and Cultures department

Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson announced the passing of Robert Lesman on Friday, Sept. 26.

www.theslateonline.com

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 7d

Congratulations to the honorees!

PSAC 75th Anniversary: 75 “Distinguished Keystones” announced

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, celebrating its 75th anniversary season in 2025-26, continues the process of honoring 300 of its most prominent contributors throughout…

psacsports.org

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 7d

“It’s a lot of work, and it’s very demanding work, but I absolutely view it as rewarding work. While I don’t necessarily consider myself a morning person, I never have issues waking up in the morning to lead my choirs, teach my students, do this, do that." —Ari Sussman, West Chester University

Ari Sussman: Music Man Does It All in Philadelphia

Explore the life of Ari Sussman, a passionate musician and Jewish educator balancing multiple roles in his community.

www.jewishexponent.com

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 7d

“Journalism did not die in 1996. People had told me journalism is dying. It’s still not dead.” —Professor Dhiman Chattopadhyay, Shippensburg University

The Future of Media in an AI World

Professor Chattopadhyay discusses AI & societal tech fears on new Slate podcast

www.theslateonline.com

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 8d

Congratulations to Kutztown University Professor Kunal Das on his second, continuation patent.

Professor Continues Innovation with Physics Patent

Das has received a second, continuation patent to continue his work and progress into the application and implementation of his algorithm.

www.kutztown.edu

APSCUF @apscuf.org · 8d

“This festival brings global perspectives on pressing issues to audiences here in Pennsylvania and beyond. It’s also a chance to interact directly with filmmakers and engage with stories that often remain on the margins.” —Associate Professor Iliana Pagán-Teitelbaum, West Chester University

West Chester University Launches Global Hispanic Film Festival and Latino Communities Conference - MyChesCo

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University is marking Hispanic Heritage Month with a wide-ranging slate of programs, highlighted by the 2025 Global Hispanic Film Festival – Virtual Edition and …

www.mychesco.com