Clarion University Foundation Provides $4.2 Million Support

CLARION – The Clarion University Foundation, Inc. provides $4.2 million in annual support to Clarion University, while the University funds the Foundation $282,265 in support of its operation, according to a report by Harry Trip, vice president for student and university affairs, to the Clarion University Council of Trustees.

“It’s a return that includes scholarships ad grants, campus activities and programs, and fundraising and support services,” said Tripp. The university’s portion includes facilities costs, support services, and administrative overhead.

“You can’t beat a return like this,” said R. Lee James, Trustee chair. “This is the best report we get every year.”

Budgets challenge University

The capital budget picture for Clarion University is bright for the next few years, but the operational budget will present challenges, according to President Joseph Grunenwald.

Clarion experienced a cut in state appropriations this year and is anticipating another for the 2010-2011. Clarion continues to look for savings in many areas such as environmental building operations.

“We continue to develop many environment efficiencies throughout the university, including the construction of five buildings built for LEED Silver Certification. The new buildings are expected to provide significant savings in utility bills and amount of energy used.

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, and others.

Sustainability Institute Opens

Dr. Valentine James, provost and academic vice president, told trustees of the formation of Sustainability Institute, the first in the State System of Higher Education.

The new Institute looks at the ability to provide for the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

“We hope to engage all four levels of community that are part of Clarion University,” said James, “local, regional, national, and international. The Institute is made up of a board, interdisciplinary team of faculty administrators, students, and community members with varying backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Some of the Institute’s objectives include:

•Conduct studies and workshops that enhance the positive links between economic development and the environment.

•Establish and enhance partnerships between Clarion University and local, national, and international agencies in the areas of business, technology transfer, and adoption.

•Facilitate and enhance study abroad and internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to selected countries.

More at http://www.clarion.edu/124504/

Sabbaticals announced

Annual sabbaticals award were reported at the Trustee meeting. Faculty members listed below have been awarded sabbaticals for the period and purposes indicated. Except where noted, all sabbaticals were awarded at full pay.

•Robert Balough, Fall 2010 Semester, achieve certifications in financial planning;

•Jerry Belloit, 2010-2011 Academic Year, research advancements in delivery of distance courses in real estate;

•Karen Bolinger, Fall 2010 Semester, improve mathematical modeling course;

•Deborah Burdhardt, 2010-2011 Academic Year, research online women’s studies courses and programs;

•Corene Glotfelty, Fall 2010 Semester, pursue coursework toward advanced certification in archival studies (half pay);

•Greg Clary, 2010-2011 Academic Year, design experimental curriculum for rural children and youth;

•Kaersten Colvin-Woodruff, 2010-2011 Academic Year, develop three-dimensional artworks and pursue exhibition opportunities;

•Andrew Keth, Fall 2010 Semester, produce a Natural Heritage Inventory Report for Clarion County and complete GIS introductory course;

•Basil Martin, Fall 2010 Semester, complete dissertation on library user perceptions of quality;

•Richard Nicholls, 2010-2011 Academic Year, revise and renew PSY 252: Research Methods Laboratory;

•Thomas Oliver, Fall 2010 Semester, explore strategies for integrating international financial reporting standards into the university’s accounting curriculum;

•Paul Ryberg, Spring 2011 Semester, update upper-level geosciences courses;

•Sohng Soong, 2010-2011 Academic Year, conduct research for a book to analyze current worldwide economic crisis.

Trustees attending

James welcomed new trustee Donna Oberlander of Clarion to her first meeting. Also attending were Dr. Syed R. Ali Zaidi of Shippenville, James Kifer of Rimersburg, Kyle McMinn of Knox, and Larry Pickett of Pittsburgh.

Next meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, at the Carlson Library Board Room at 7 p.m.

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