Plymouth, N.H. – Nearly 1,400 degrees were awarded at Plymouth State University’s 142^nd commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18. PSU President Sara Jayne Steen welcomed the guests, stating the event was a joyous one. tempered with the impressive advance of technology and knowledge that can help overcome these issues.

Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen

“Because of an extraordinary faculty and staff,” Steen said, “PSU students achieve at the highest levels.  These candidates are teachers, scientists, artists, health care professionals, business entrepreneurs and more.  Their contributions will be enormous.”

Richard H. Solomon, former President of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), provided the commencement address and received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the institution. Solomon is considered one of the major figures in international relations over the past several decades, participating in peace agreements across the globe.  He retired last year after 19 years at USIP where he oversaw its growth into a center of international conflict management.

Solomon focused on the difficulty of problems facing the world today, tempered with the impressive advance of technology and knowledge that can help overcome these issues.

PSU's 2013 Commencement Speaker Dr. Richard Solomon

“For graduating seniors, you inherit this complex legacy of the 20^th century,” Solomon said.  “You didn’t ask for this inheritance; or for the special challenge of beginning your professional careers in a time of educational debt and job uncertainty. Yet for those with education and an entrepreneurial spirit, this is a time to build careers on the promising possibilities of technological innovation and social mobility. Be agents of change. We are early in a century that will see transformative innovations that will further improve the quality of life in ways beyond the imagination of my twentieth century experience. Be risk takers. Use your twenties – before obligations of family life constrain risk taking — to exercise your insights and indulge your passions.”

“For graduating seniors, you inherit this complex legacy of the 20^th century,” Solomon said.  “You didn’t ask for this inheritance; or for the special challenge of beginning your professional careers in a time of educational debt and job uncertainty. Yet for those with education and an entrepreneurial spirit, this is a time to build careers on the promising possibilities of technological innovation and social mobility. Be agents of change. We are early in a century that will see transformative innovations that will further improve the quality of life in ways beyond the imagination of my twentieth century experience. Be risk takers. Use your twenties – before obligations of family life constrain risk taking — to exercise your insights and indulge your passions.”

Class of 2013 President Stephanie Melo urged her classmates to set goals and accomplish their dreams.

Jubilant members of PSU's Class of 2013 celebrate their achievement

“With the combination of our experiences at Plymouth State, we have what we need to fulfill our dreams,” said Melo.  “Take these experiences with you to pursue new goals and dreams.”

Judith Ciesielski, representing graduate students, wished all of the graduates success, however they might define it, and referred to Ralph Waldo Emerson as having shaped her sense of its meaning: leaving the world a better place.

The 2013 Commencement marked the first graduation for PSU’s Nursing degree program. Thirty pre-licensure and two RN-BS baccalaureate degrees were awarded.

The commencement ceremony was held under sunny skies at Currier Memorial Field in Holderness and was attended by several thousand  family members and guests.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU News Services Mgr., or call (603) 535-2775.

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Nearly 60 Plymouth State University MBA graduates were recognized with a variety of awards at the Master of Business Administration Certificate and Honors Luncheon May 18, culminating their academic year. The guest of honor and featured speaker at the luncheon was Sharon Beaty, CEO of Mid-State Health Center of Plymouth and Bristol and President of the North Country Accountable Care Organization, which is dedicated to promoting improved care coordination, improving patient outcomes and creating a collaborative environment across healthcare systems in northern New Hampshire. Beaty told graduates that building trust with customers and co-workers is the best way to achieve success.

Sharon Beaty

“It’s going to be the relationships you build that are going to be important to you,” Beaty said. “Those relationships are what will make you a good manager, those relationships are going to build the culture of your organization – they are going to take you where you need to go. It’s about being ethical, trustworthy and honest.”

Following Beaty’s comments, 17 graduates became the newest members of Delta Mu Delta, a national honor society designed to recognize and reward business administration students who have distinguished themselves scholastically.

Marc Abear, Michael Bethune, Christopher Buscema, Matthew Dean, Jennifer DeMoras, Alex Henkel, Jennifer Klemenc, Elizabeth Lajoie, Timothy McNamara, Kenneth Monahan, Christopher Mulcahy, Jane Ndoping, James Reynolds, Jr., Laurie Saia, Deidre Romeo, Jennifer Smith and Valer Suteu.

Delta Mu Delta candidates must be in the top 20 percent of their class and have a grade point average of 3.25 or above.  Plymouth State University has been initiating undergraduate and graduate students as Delta Mu Delta members since 1998.64 graduates received MBA certificates in the following areas:

Health Care Administration

Anand Desai, Andrew Bogart, Bilal Khan, Brian Smoker, Bridget Labrie, Christopher Buscema, Christopher Rhyne, Chukwuemeka Nwajagu, Crystal Nunez, Dominic Draper, Ghazaleh Dastouri, Jane Ndoping, Jason Pavo, Jessica McSheffrey, Jessica Osgood, Joe Chapman, John Gagnon,  John Georgy, John Hatcher, Jude Aurele, Kelly Belcher, Kyle Aman, Matthew McGuire, Melissa Suckling, Michael Chergey, Michaela Martin, Mishelle Vasquez, Nicholas Tiberio, Nilani Clarke, Omotola Oyesile, Raman Krimpuri, Stephen Samuel, William Sweeney Jr. and Yvonne Ukwu. Human Side of EnterpriseChristopher Fenwick, Terri Moore and Francine Ndayisaba.International BusinessBryan Coady, Gerard Grondin and Valer Suteu.Investment and FinanceAaron Goldstein, Ashley Andersen, Brooks McQuade, Bryson Collins, Gerard Grondin, Jennifer M. Smith, Russell Dolan, Ryan Anderson and Valer Suteu.

Organizational Communication

Alex Henkel, Brian Fierley, Lisa Perras and Ryland Kenney.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Marc Abear, Phillip Davis and Tierrah Hussey.

Strategic Marketing Management

AnnMarie French, Briana Drugg, Tierrah Hussey, Hanna Luckowski, Leif Masella, Meghan Cary, Rachel Vermeal and Sandra Chioralia.

Students also received awards for their work with PSU’s Small Business Institute®, which has provided valuable consulting services to small business owners throughout New Hampshire for more than 35 years. Plymouth State’s MBA and undergraduate students produce award-winning business plans, marketing plans and reports to help businesses of all types and sizes.  Over the past 15 years, SBI students have earned at least a first or second place finish in each National SBI Project of the Year.

National SBI Award recipients include:

● Best Specialized Project of the Year 2012-2013

Comptus

Ashley Andersen, Kim Beardwood Smith, Samuel Kamau

● Best Comprehensive Project of the Year 2012-2013

Tendas & Companhia

Maria Elisa Ala

SBI National Award Recipients

● First Place National SBI Graduate Specialized Project of the Year 2012-2013

Long Haul Farm, an organic farm in Holderness with a restaurant and unique entertainment venue. Business plan produced by Mark Abear and Tierrah Hussey.

● First Place National SBI Graduate Comprehensive Project of the Year 2012-2013

Narrative1, a software company located in Holderness that provides software systems for commercial appraisers.

Craig Zamzow

Craig Zamzow, who retired this year after two decades overseeing PSU’s SBI program was also honored. Zamzow’s colleagues and students commended his longtime success in guiding the SBI program to winning numerous national awards.Kim Beardwood Smith

Kim Beardwood Smith

The Timothy Sabol Memorial Fund $2,000 Scholarship winner was Kim Beardwood Smith from Holderness.  Kim assists entrepreneurs and small businesses in the area through her work with the Plymouth Regional Chamber of Commerce, the new Enterprise Center at Plymouth, and as a grad assistant with PSU’s Small Business Support Center.  With a background in education, resort sales and advertising, Kim is pursuing her MBA at PSU with a focus on Marketing and Small Business Entrepreneurship. The scholarship is awarded to deserving MBA students in memory of the late Tim Sabol, who earned his MBA at PSU while suffering a debilitating illness.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu

 “Members of the campus community are rightly committed to environmental sustainability,” said Steen. “You see that in coursework, student programming, the campus landscaping, even in dining services.  Many people deserve recognition for their thoughtful and multi-faceted work.”

The Review notes that “there is a rising interest among students in attending colleges that practice, teach, and support environmentally responsible choices.” This is the fourth consecutive year Plymouth State has been included in the greenest college ranking by The Princeton Review.

The Princeton Review chose the schools based on a detailed survey it conducted in 2012 of administrators at hundreds of colleges across the U.S. and in Canada to tally its annual “Green Rating” scores of colleges for its school profiles in its college guidebooks and website.

Brian Eisenhauer, PSU’s Director of Environmental Sustainability, said he is encouraged that the University’s sustainability efforts are being recognized.

“Environmental sustainability is very important to our identity, operations, and the educational experiences we offer students at Plymouth State University,” said Eisenhauer.  “Having our efforts recognized by third party evaluators such as The Princeton Review is something we take pride in, as it demonstrates that our commitment to sustainability is a serious and successful one.”

Robert Franek, Senior VP/Publisher, The Princeton Review, noted the significant interest today’s college-bound students have about green issues.

“We recommend these schools to all students seeking colleges that practice and promote environmentally-responsible choices,” said Franek.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU News Services Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu

Nikki-Ann Nunes, left, receives the 2013 PSU Distinguished Operating Staff Award from Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen in a May 8 ceremony. Nunes is an administrative assistant for the Department of History and Philosophy and the Social Science Department.

Plymouth, N.H. – A committed and popular employee described as ‘beacon of goodwill for her department,’ was named the 2013 PSU Distinguished Operating Staff Award recipient at a May 8 ceremony. Nikki- Ann Nunes was chosen from a field of six semi-finalists for the annual award, which was presented by PSU President Sara Jayne Steen, who said Nunes is a well- respected employee who received glowing recommendations.

“Everything she does is accomplished at the highest levels of quality,” Steen said. “She makes every human being with whom she works know that they are valued and they are her highest priority.”

Nunes, a New Bedford, Mass., native, is the administrative assistant in the Department of History and Philosophy and the Social Science Department; she began working at PSU 13 years ago. In their nomination letters, her co-workers describe Nunes as, “always willing to learn new things and takes on new challenges with verve. Her dynamic personality helps to knit the new department into a cohesive whole. She is extremely dedicated to her faculty; she is a beacon of good will for the department and all of its members.”

Nunes said she was stunned when she was announced as the winner of this year’s Distinguished Operating Staff award.

“I’m shocked that I won,” said Nunes. “I love Plymouth State University, the diversity, the people I work with, it’s a beautiful place to live and work; I wake up every morning and think, I get to go to work!”

Nunes, a Holderness resident, is the mother of a 20-year old daughter, Chelcey. She is a longtime volunteer and board member of Keeping You Me and Memories Alive, Inc., a local non-profit group that assists cancer patients and their families.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu

Officials of both organizations cited similar goals and objectives and noted that continued coordination and collaboration will advance their respective missions, while helping both institutions make a positive impact on the region’s environment, economy, communities, and people.

PSU President Sara Jayne Steen (left) and AMC President John D. Judge at the AMC High;and Center at Crawford Notch.

The memorandum was signed by AMC President John D. Judge and PSU President Sara Jayne Steen at AMC’s Highland Center at Crawford Notch.

“We are extremely pleased to formalize our collaborative working relationship with Plymouth State University, and we are energized by the prospect of a limitless number of exciting things we can accomplish together in support of our respective missions,” said Judge.

Steen agreed. “We are happy to extend our wonderful partnership with the AMC and advance our common mission for this region.”

Founded in 1876, the nonprofit AMC is the nation’s oldest conservation and recreation organization and operates roadside lodges, visitor centers, camps, shelters, and backcountry huts in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Lakes regions. Its huts serve as centers for education and are venues for scientific research on alpine ecology and air quality. Its staff and volunteers maintain more than 1500 miles of trails throughout the Northeast, provide outdoor leadership training, are active in conservation issues and public policy, and are committed to helping young people make a closer connection to the natural world.

PSU is a regional comprehensive university that provides well-educated graduates, offers ongoing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education and professional development, conducts regionally and globally relevant research and extends to communities partnership opportunities for cultural enrichment and economic development. PSU recently opened the Museum of the White Mountains, where it is committed to interpreting and curating the region’s rich history.

The memorandum noted the two entities will foster effective and efficient communications; sharing of meeting space and archival resources; and “cooperative educational efforts in such areas as youth development, tourism, adventure education, natural and cultural history, and resource management.”

AMC and PSU also agreed to initiate region-wide institutional collaborations with other organizations

Representatives from Plymouth State University and the Appalachian Mountain Club meet at the AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch

sharing similar goals.

AMC and PSU officials agreed to meet annually to identify collaborative projects to be pursued in the ensuing year and to report on results of recent shared efforts.

With more than 100,000 members, advocates, and supporters in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit Appalachian Mountain Club promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment.

Plymouth State University is a regional comprehensive university offering a rich, student-focused learning environment with an enrollment of approximately 4300 undergraduate and approximately 3000 graduate students. Plymouth State University has been honored for its teaching and research environment, innovation, “green” initiatives and civic engagement.

PSU President Sara Jayne Steen presents 2013 Distinguished PAT Award to Jeff Furlone at a May 3 ceremony.

PSU President Sara Jayne Steen said Furlone is a dedicated professional whose commitment to the institution is unparalleled.

“Jeff is a wonderful choice,” said Steen. “He finds great joy in what he does and his commitment to students is genuine and appreciated.”

Furlone said he was surprised at being chosen for the Distinguished PAT award.

“I love being a PAT and I have loved working with Residential Life,” said Furlone. “I have always appreciated working with all of my colleagues and  I look forward to many, many more years here… I love the work I do and the people I get to work with.”

Furlone oversees PSU’s Residence Hall staff and plays a key role in monitoring student conduct and counseling. As an active volunteer, Jeff has also served as the PAT Speaker, Parking Committee chair and member, the Observer to Operating Staff and the PAT Welfare Committee. He currently serves on the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Advisory Board.

Courtney O’Clair, PAT Speaker Elect, said Furlone’s commitment to PSU makes him a great choice for the award.

“Jeff was chosen because of his dedication and loyalty to Plymouth State University. He has worked countless hours volunteering with different organizations and serving on so many different committees across campus. He works tirelessly to ensure that Plymouth State is a great place for all,” O’Clair said.

Furlone earned both associate and bachelor’s from Keene State College and a master’s in Education from Plymouth State in 2003. He began work at PSU as a Residence Hall Director in 1999.

Furlone, a Concord native, lives in Plymouth with his wife Holly ’02, ‘07G and daughter Lily. He is the son of Mark and Debbie Furlone of Spofford and is a 1994 graduate of Concord High School.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu

Steve Sweedler, left, accepts Madie Barrett Award from PSU Provost Dr, Julie Bernier in April 26 ceremony. Sweedler was Plymouth State's horticulturist for 35 years and is credited with beautifying the campus.

Plymouth, N.H. –Plymouth State University has honored retired horticulturist Steven Sweedler with the Madie W. Barrett Award. Sweedler accepted the award at an April 26 ceremony. Sweedler retired in August, 2011 at serving the University for 35 years. PSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Julie Bernier said Sweedler started work at Plymouth in 1976; creating beauty in what had previously not been so.

“An incredible metamorphosis began to take hold,” said Bernier. “Each season on campus brought an element of anticipation for color, unusual blossoms and backdrops that any photographer would love. It became apparent that this undertaking had become a labor of love and one of a true visionary.”

Sweedler, who was accompanied at the ceremony by his family, said he was honored to be recognized for his work.

“It was always a great pleasure and I still take great joy in walking around campus,” Sweedler said. “Thank you so much for this award.”

Terry Downs of PSU’s Art Department said Sweedler’s vision, knowledge and efforts have made profound and positive changes to the Plymouth State campus.

“The impact of the physical space he created helped mold the shared personality of the institution, Downs said. “Because of his stewardship of the appearance of the campus, Steve’s work and artistry set a tone for all subsequent improvements to the campus. His efforts set a benchmark for quality in grounds planning, foliage and flower beds, pathways, signage, new architectural design and construction as well as both internal and external renovations to existing buildings. Steve Sweedler’s influence on Plymouth State University has been truly significant.”

Madie Ward Barrett was a teacher, scholar and Plymouth State benefactor.  She taught French, Spanish and French literature, trained her students in pedagogy and was named Professor Emeriti in 1985.  She also served as dean of the college and later served as interim president. She was widely honored,  and noted for her dedication to students and to serving the community.

The award in her name is presented to a former member of the Plymouth State University community who has, in an extraordinary way, contributed to the advancement of the purpose and mission of the University, and who has made significant and noteworthy contributions in his/her field of endeavor.  Furthermore, the recipient shall have served Plymouth State University for at least ten years but not in the period of one year prior to receiving the award.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU News Services Mgr., or call (603) 535-2775.

Matthew Allen accepts 2013 Student Employee of the Year from PSU President Sara Jayne Steen.

PLYMOUTH, N.H. –Matthew Allen has won the prestigious Plymouth State University Student Employee of the Year Award. Allen, a senior majoring in Adventure Education , works at PSU’s Outdoor Center, where he has earned praise for his initiative, positive outlook and collaborative skills in working with students, staff and faculty. Allen was nominated for the award by the staff at the Outdoor Center. In addition, Allen was named the New Hampshire Student Employee of the year by the North East Association of Student Employment Administrators.

Allen is the son of  James and Denise Allen of  St. Louis, Missouri. In photo, right to left, Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen presents the Student Employee of the Year Award to Allen, who hopes to work in a field with school-age children.

Mike Heitz "unnamed" ink wash and line

Plymouth, N.H.—The Department of Art at Plymouth State University is proud present 17 students who are making their debut as painters, designers, printmakers and creators. The department’s annual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibitions in Graphic Design and Studio Art will be held April 30–May 14.

Graphic design projects will be exhibited at the Silver Center for Arts while the studio art works will be displayed at the Karl Drerup Art Gallery in the Draper and Maynard Building, with opening receptions from 4–6 p.m. April 30 at each venue. A gallery talk will be held from 4:30–6 p.m. May 7 at the Drerup Gallery.

Gallery Director and Professor of Art Terry Downs says,” There comes a time in all our lives when we declare ourselves to be this or that person, profession, or thing—when we declare our identity as Self. For artists this is a powerful moment. It is when they discover what their personal mark is in this world. Like a fingerprint, it bears the stamp of individuality.”

Downs says, “Over the past four years the faculty have nurtured the artist inside these students. They have aided this self-discovery by encouraging the artistic diversity and singularity of each person. In these exhibitions we see the newly declared direction each one has chosen.”

The exhibition presents work that is the capstone achievement of a year of intensive inquiry, creative challenge, experimentation and exploration; and their development of a comprehensive and cohesive body of work from which pieces for the exhibition are selected.  In addition, each venue offers unique curatorial and installation challenges and a unique viewing experience.

Exhibitors include graphic designers Jacqueline Aiello of Burlington, Mass.; Neil Brown of Milford, Joseph Carney of Jackson, New Jersey; Michelle LeBlanc of Merrimack; Lacey Mason of Tuftonboro, and Adam McComb of Belmont.

BFA in studio art exhibitors are Mike Heitz of Warren, Kristin Horan of Fryeburg, Maine; Cortland

Brett Strother "Wading River" gouache and micron pens

Johansen of Meredith, Peter Kovacs of Windham, Danielle Lareau of Milford,Drake McKay of Brookline, Colleen O’Hara of Otego, N.Y., Kristin Sarette of Plymouth, Noelle Stillman of Bedford, Brett Strother of West Milford, N.J. and Jaclyn Wood of Manchester.

Lacey Mason, t-shirt with logo

Lacey Mason hopes to work in the field of children’s media. Her BFA graphic design thesis project is to create a visual identity for a zoo. She says, “In my project, the River Park Zoo is a 90 acre zoological park fictitiously located in Oregon. I chose a zoo because it played well to my strengths in relating to children, but still had a variety of aspects to design that range from the whimsical to the professional, including signage, shops with merchandise, food locations and packaging, marketing materials and the corporate identity for the park itself.”

Cortland Johansen is a BFA studio art major with a minor in art

Cortland Johansen "Fridge" painting

history. She is intrigued by the abstractions of light and reflections within the shapes, spaces and colors she explores. She says, “In each still life there is a celebration of the light and color that continually delights the eye and engages the mind.” She finds inspiration in the food and utensils that are in her kitchen every day. “My desire is for the observer to get in touch with the subject and experience the abstractions of light, space and color,” she says.

Brett Strother is challenged by how fast our brains function day in and day out. “As we live, we experience many moments, good and bad, that may shape, guide or even control who we are and how we live. In my work, I attempt to capture these moments that make us who we are and I try to communicate the constant flow of the working brain to paper to provide a visual interpretation of the mind’s process. The structure of my works is based off that continuous stream of information that our minds produce. The collage-like arrangement and morphing of objects is my attempt to translate the chaos of the never-ending thoughts within the mind,” Strother says.

Kristen Horan "Dream Series@6 etching with aquatint

Kristen Horan’s work is inspired by her dreams. Kristen says that overtime her interpretations of each dream have become less literal, forming more open narratives that allow viewers to have a greater freedom of interpretation and interaction with each piece. “The figures remain as emotionless and impersonal as possible, either with blank stares or their backs turned to the viewer so as not to influence what one may take away from the piece. The multiple layers and processes within each print help to build an environment that is both quiet and yet subtly complex, with enough information to create a real sense of space with no definite setting,” Horan says.

Mike Heitz is a native of Warren currently finishing his BFA degree with a concentration in drawing. His work primarily deals with abstract shapes and forms, with “an obsessive attention tostraight lines.” Heitz drew his initial inspiration from Zen arts, where a few simple brush strokes can depict an entire scene. The pieces he creates using ink washes and lines deal with formation, motion and natural and inorganic forms, like a stain on a carpet or splattered paint. He says, “I have little or no control over ink washes and the forms I get from letting water and ink slowly dry over time. I try to create a visual balance between ink washes and other methods I have minimal control over, and the architectural lines that I completely control. By adding thought out lines and some elements of control, I can make the work my own.”

The Silver Center for the Arts is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon–5 p.m. and closed PSU holidays.

The Karl Drerup Art Gallery in the Draper and Maynard Building is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Wednesday until 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1–4 p.m. Closed PSU holidays.

Exhibition information is online at Plymouth.edu/gallery.

Information about the Silver Center is online at silver.plymouth.edu.

General information about events at PSU is available at ThisWeek@Plymouth.edu.

File photo: Students present research findings to staff, faculty and the public in PSU’s Student Showcase of Excellence, scheduled for Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at the University’s Physical Education Center.

Plymouth, N.H. – Dozens of Plymouth State University students will present projects during a two-day program celebrating research.

The Student Showcase of Excellence, scheduled for Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27 at the University’s Physical Education Center, involves students from many academic disciplines presenting poster displays, demonstrations, and live events. Events times are Friday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. Both events are free and open to the public.

Thad Gulbrandsen, PSU Vice Provost for Research and Engagement, says the event highlight student research and creative projects in the sciences, humanities, social sciences and the arts.

“Through this work, students are contributing to new understanding of our world, even as they prepare themselves for their future careers,” he said. “This is a great chance for parents, alumni, local residents and any other members of the PSU community to see that scholarly excellence is alive and well at Plymouth State University.”

Some of the projects are offered in connection with the National Institute for Health’s IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) grant to increase opportunities for faculty and student research.

Past research topics have included studies of toxins, wildlife, agriculture, music, dance, literature and history. Student projects will come from most of the University’s more than 20 academic departments, representing almost 50 academic disciplines.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU News Services Mgr., or call (603) 535-2775.