ARCHIVES - PSU In the News 2008

A matter of precipitation calculation
December 23, Concord Monitor
2008 might go down in the books as the state's wettest year in history. According to Dr. Eric Hoffman, three factors added to more precipitation this year.
On Thursday night, conditions perfect for power disaster
December 18, Nashua Telegraph
The recent ice storm showed that the finding of a 2004 study by Plymouth State University researchers still holds true.
Plymouth State team makes moot points
December 13, Concord Monitor
As the culmination of the "Individual and the Law" course, six PSU students took a trip down to Harvard where they faced six law students in "moot court" arguments on two issues.
Plymouth marks 200 years from academy to university
December 9, The Citizen
Plymouth State University celebrated its 200th anniversary Monday afternoon.
Holiday parade brings air of festivity to downtown
December 8, The Citizen
Scenes of Christmas and community fun were the order of the evening during Plymouth's annual Christmas parade and holiday festivities. The Festival of Trees featured trees decorated by PSU students and the Red Hat Society as well as trees with themes from TV shows among others.
College roundup: Panthers' Castonia receives top honor
December 3, The Citizen
PSU head football coach Paul Castonia has been selected New England Coach of the Year for Divisions II/III, as voted by the New England Football Writers' Association. Castonia is the first Plymouth State coach to ever win the award.
College basketball: Jacob's Bridge Through Autism Classic set for tonight
December 2, The Citizen
There are times when sports can mean a whole lot more than wins and losses. Plymouth State University and three other of New Hampshire's Division III men's college basketball teams will meet in Concord for the 9th annual Jacobs Bridge Through Autism Classic.
NH prof’s mysteries entertain, teach tourism
November 30, BostonHerald.com
Mark Okrant makes resort owners smile about it all in a series of mystery novels he began writing about 15 years ago.
Stovepipe tourney: It's about the kids
November 30, The Union Leader
Not only did Plymouth State University win the past three Stovepipe Hockey Tournaments, the Panthers helped send 9-year-old Gabrielle Proska to a judo competition in Dallas this weekend. The four-team hockey tourney benefits the Manchester Police Athletic League and more than 300 kids.
Global warming ideas disputed by PSU prof
November 20, The Citizen
While a large number of people, including some scientists, believe that we are in an unprecedented period of global warming caused primarily by humans, Dr. James Koermer, a meteorology professor at Plymouth State University, would beg to differ.
Hold the line, bro: Duvals open holes to key PSU success
November 20, Foster's Daily Democrat
Plymouth State football, coming off a 46-16 win over Maine Maritime Academy in the New England Football Conference championship last Saturday, will play in the NCAA Division III tournament. The 10-1 Plymouth State University football has taken the idea of family to a literal level. Its offensive line has two sets of brothers, including Dover's Joe and Zac Duval.
Plymouth State University Gets the Picture with Rapid Insight Data Integration Software
November 17, IT News Online
Plymouth State University has simplified data management with Rapid Insight(R) Data Integration software, which enables the school to make smart decisions about enrollment and long-term growth.
Women in criminal justice jobs forum topic
November 12, The Citizen
Plymouth State University is hosting a forum, "Perspectives of Women in Criminal Justice," which will provide insight and information about careers for women in the criminal justice system.
Top high school band musicians to perform at Plymouth festival
November 11,
The annual All New England Band Festival will culminate in a performance at the Silver Center for the Arts. The concert will feature 175 high school musicians representing 57 high schools from all six New England states.
Art and humor merge on stage
November 11, The Citizen
The world famous modern dance company Pilobolus performed for a packed house at Plymouth State University.
Common Man Apprentice Dessert competition begins
October 28, The Citizen
The popular Common Man Apprentice Dessert competition is under way, pitting business students from St. Anselm College and Plymouth State University in creating a dessert for the Common Man Restaurant group.
Obama Campaign Releases "50 New Hampshire Student Leaders" Working Across New Hampshire for Democratic Ticket and Releases College Web Video...
October 27, PolitickerNH.com
The Obama campaign released a web video featuring Kal Penn, Olivia Wilde, and Justin Long urging students to register to vote. The web video, which was filmed over the weekend of October 11-12, documents the actors’ college tour in New Hampshire where they visited the University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, and Plymouth State University.
Educator surprised with $25,000 award
October 21, Concord Monitor
Carol Young Podmore won the $25,000 Milken Educator Award, becoming the 18th New Hampshire recipient of the prestigious teaching award and the only state winner this year.
PSU helps draft key plan for Northern Forest
October 19, The Citizen
Plymouth State University and several other New Hampshire organizations and government entities are playing an integral role in a new, multistate economic resurgence plan for the Northern Forest region
Appleton Children's Stage Adventures
October 14, VillageSoup.com
PSU alumni Pamela Heintzelman and Graham MacDonald are members of the nonprofit theater company Children's Stage Adventures Inc. The group travels all over the country with the goal of enriching children's lives through participation in a live theater experience.
R.I. senator makes pitch for Obama, N.H. Dems
October 9, The Citizen
In between stressing the need for them to register to vote — no matter who they support in the presidential election — Democratic U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island was also able to update students at Plymouth State University about the plight of whales and other marine mammals.
Meredith students to get hands-on lesson in water quality
October 6, The Citizen
Local students will have a hands-on learning experience in water quality thanks to the use of grant funds and a state lakes program.
Heroes among us
September 26, The Citizen
Lakes Region Community Services is the area agency that provides services to people with disabilities in Belknap County and Southern Grafton County. Direct Support Professional Nancy works along side of Mike, Evelyn, Larry and Marshall each and every day at Plymouth State University as part of a landscape crew.
National BioTour to visit PSU campus
September 26, The Citizen
Sponsored by Common Ground, the town of Plymouth and the campus of Plymouth State will be an upcoming stop for BioTour, a group of people touring the country in a vegetable-oil-powered school bus in order to spread the message of "sustainability".
Political art exhibit on display at Lamson Library
September 25, The Citizen
Plymouth State University presents "American Politics 2008: A View in Prints," on display through Nov. 21 at Lamson Library.
Poet 'unpacks the boxes' at PSU gathering
September 19, The Union Leader
Donald Hall, the U.S. poet laureate in 2006, read from his memoir "Unpacking the Boxes: A Memoir of Life in Poetry"during a celebration of his life and work at Plymouth State University's Silver Center for the Arts.
Reason for cautious optimism
September 15, The Citizen
The forecast for vibrant colors combined with a projection by Institute for New Hampshire Studies should certainly be welcome news to everyone in New Hampshire, and particularly for those businesses which rely on tourism.
Student athletes raise funds for Co-op Food Bank Challenge
September 14, The Citizen
A fundraiser held by the PSU Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) netted $650 for the New Hampshire Food Bank.
Fall foliage expected to dazzle on time
September 14, Foster's Daily Democrat
Fall's leaf colors likely will be vibrant and arrive on time this year, several forestry and weather experts say. Lourdes Avilés, an assistant meteorology professor at PSU, says the high level of moisture in the soil combined with cooler days and sunshine during daylight hours should produce a brilliant fall foliage season.
Words and Pictures - Beyond Brown Paper
September 12, New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR)
Plymouth State University is working on a project that spotlights Berlin’s past.
Electric cars and hybrids gain their followers
September 7, The Citizen
Colleges and universities around the state are using fully electric and hybrid vehicles, both to save dollars and to reduce their carbon "footprints". Plymouth State University has three hybrid vehicles on campus used by faculty and staff members when they make work-related trips in-state, and is in the bidding process for a fourth vehicle.
Students return to Plymouth State
September 1, The Citizen
Sunday marked the official move-in day for PSU's underclassmen.
Following in the family's political footsteps
August 22, The Citizen
Plymouth State University student Ben Arsenault is jumping into the political ring and running for a position in the New Hampshire Statehouse.
Little Church Theater wraps season with 'Cabaret'
August 21, The Citizen
Terri Dautcher will emcee and perform in "Cabaret" presented by The Little Church Theater.
Reading, writing on DVD
August 9, The Citizen
Plymouth Writer's Project spinoff program records the works of several writing students on DVD.
Tourism and murder go hand-in-hand: PSU professor combines knowledge of area with creative writing
August 3, The Citizen
Mark Okrant, professor of tourism development and geography at Plymouth State University, has found a way to combine his knowledge of tourism with his creative writing talent by developing a mystery series.
NH tornado larger than originally thought
July 30, NECN.com
Lourdes Aviles, meteorology professor at Plymouth State University, has looked back over 50 years of records on tornadoes in the Granite State. She found a couple of F-3s on the books but they don't stack up to what happened last week.
Old Fort House hosted Gen. Washington, housed freed slave
July 27, dailygazette.com
Fort Edward, an upstate New York Village, has a rich past. “We refer to it as the third largest city in America in 1759 because of all the troops that were stationed there,” said David Starbuck, an archaeology professor at Plymouth State University and the author of five books on Colonial New York history.
Was this a twister?
July 25, Foster's Daily Democrat
Lethal storms ravaged a 25-mile swath of the Granite State Thursday. Did tornadoes touch down in New Hampshire? "Every year, we do get some severe weather, mostly straight-line winds, but not a lot of large hail or tornadoes. We get one to two tornadoes every one to two years, so it's not unusual, " said Lourdes Avilés, professor of meteorology at Plymouth State University.
Central alum writes the book on wordless books
July 24, Sprinfield News-Sun
With the publication of "Wordless Books: The Original Graphic Novels," David Berona, Library Director at Plymouth State University, finally has been allowed to write the history of wordless books, or woodcut novels.
Officials say local banks are safe
July 20, Foster's Daily Democrat
Experts say consumers in New Hampshire and Maine have remained largely insulated from the banking industry's most recent woes. Richard Sparks, an associate professor in management at Plymouth State University, said the strength of community banks in New Hampshire and Maine largely could be attributed to the banks' decision to steer clear of risky home loan practices that became popular among many banks and lending institutions in recent years.
Instead of lounging by the lake
July 19, The Boston Globe
The violinist Gidon Kremer is one of the most brilliantly unpredictable performers before the public today. You never know where he'll turn up or what he might play. This week, after completing his intensive 11-day Lockenhaus Festival in Austria, he wandered into the Silver Center for the Arts at Plymouth State University for the New Hampshire Music Festival.
Teachers cross cultures
July 13, The Citizen
The rhythmic beat of drums and chorus of voices could recently be heard emanating from a second-floor music room in the Draper Maynard. The voices belonged to a blend of New Hampshire and Pakistani teachers who where taking part in a week-long arts in education initiative. The New Hampshire teachers were taking the arts in education course as a graduate program at the university, while the educators from Pakistan are at the university for the more intensive, month-long Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute.
Polishing up on writing skills
July 12, The Citizen
Thirteen high school students shared the skills they learned in an event marking the end of a two-week summer writing program for Lakes Region high school students The program was organized thorugh the Plymouth Writing Project at Plymouth State University.
Meet Michael Morgan: New SAU 16 superintendent takes the reins
July 4, Seacoastonline.com
PSU alumnus Michael Morgan took over the position of Superintendent of School Administrative Unit 16 on July 1. Morgan holds a master's degree from Plymouth State University and has taught graduate courses at PSU for the past 11 years.
State still expects holiday traveler boost
July 2, Nashua Telegraph
National predictions point to fewer travelers this holiday weekend than in recent years, but New Hampshire tourism officials expect the number of visitors from other states to remain level. According to projections from the Institute for New Hampshire Studies at Plymouth State University, which prepares seasonal reports for New Hampshire’s state tourism division, this Fourth of July weekend is expected to bring more visitors to New Hampshire than any other time this year
Neopolitan Networks Announces New National Sales Director
July 2, SunHerald.com
PSU alumnus Steve Cote was appointed national director of sales at Neopolitan Networks, Inc., a leading networking solutions provider.
New chapter in town-gown relations
July 2, The Citizen
Making a concerted effort to be part of the community has been one of Dr. Sara Jayne Steen's clearly stated priorities since she succeeded Donald Wharton as president of Plymouth State University on July 1, 2006. According to Paul SanSoucie, a former Plymouth selectman, "The condition in the community and the relationship is far better than they've ever been and that's because of Sara Jayne Steen."
Using nature as a canvas
June 27, The Citizen
Carol Jowdy's artistic roles have included being a landscape painter and later a landscape artist in addition to her instruction at Plymouth State University. Much of Jowdy's designs are based on environmental sustainability and permaculture.
Students, teachers gather for a piano extravaganza
June 26, NewHampshire.com
In an annual assault on the piano keys, musicians of all ages have been amassing at Plymouth State University this week. The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will conclude its Senior Monster Festival on Sunday, June 29.
Students' Solutions Aim to Solve State's 'Brain Drain'
June 23, redOrbit.com
Colin VanDenBerghe and nearly 100 business and marketing students from New Hampshire's public colleges and universities collaborated on ways to make the Granite State more attractive to new graduates and stanch the flow of its "brain drain."
US diplomat urges ‘Finding Commonalities’ at Workshop for Pakistani educators
June 23, Associated Press of Pakistan
20 successful participants will be departing for a four-week-long training program with the The Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute at the Plymouth state University
Write on!
June 22, Concord Monitor
Kids looking for a break from the traditional marshmallows-and-mosquitoes summer camp experience may be interested in the Plymouth Writing Project's day camp for young writers.
Early job search key for college graduates
June 22, The Union Leader
Ruth DeCotis, associate director of career services at Plymouth State University, said she noticed more members of the Class of 2008, concerned about the declining economy, started their job searches early. Paul DellaGrotte just graduated from Plymouth State University with a finance degree. He started his job search last winter, applying for several positions.
PSU alumnus takes on global crisis
May 31, The Citizen
Lela Edgar is an actress and Plymouth State University alumnus, who has been to help form a village for African children orphaned by AIDS.
PSU Outreach benefits students, businesses
May 23, New Hampshire Business Review
“We want to create real action,” said Steve Barba, executive director of university relations. “We’re not about creating reports that sit on a shelf. We need to be an agent in transforming communities.”
Mongeon receives Plymouth Chamber's Hobart Award
May 13, Laconia Citizen
Chris Mongeon, general manager of Sodexho Dinning Services, received the chamber's James C. Hobart Award for Exemplary Volunteer Service at the chamber's annual meeting.
Parents, 2 daughters all getting Plymouth State degrees
May 9, The Boston Globe
Ed and Christine Munz and daughters Jennifer and Karen Munz all are getting degrees from Plymouth State University.
Young guns aim to stop brain drain
May 3, Concord Monitor
To the state's brain-drain fighters, Colin VanDenBerghe is a success story. Before working on a mock marketing campaign to keep New Hampshire college graduates in the state, the Plymouth State University junior was set on moving to California, lured by nightlife and glitz. Now he plans to stay.
Once upon a time: Medieval festival is not just a lark for participants
April 28, Laconia Citizen
When Tyler Borror isn't studying social sciences at Plymouth State University he can usually be found making chain mail shirts and studying the art of long sword fighting.
Can N.H. tourism bounce back after Old Man's tumble?
April 27, Seacoastonline.com
Mark Okrant, director of the Institute for New Hampshire Studies, notes that tourism numbers were already were declining before the Old Man fell and that other factors — mainly weather — could account for the fluctuations.
All things Medieval at PSU
April 26, Laconia Citizen
Chainmail, elegant dresses, painted banners and some archery and sword fighting will be seen around the Plymouth State University campus this weekend as students and professors from around the world gather for the annual Medieval and Renaissance Forum.
For these role-playing devotees, it's always fun and games
April 21, Laconia Citizen
Despite the stereotype of the anti-social role playing gamer, Roxanne Morrison, a sophomore, said she became a gamer because of the socialization factor.
Robinson named PSU Student Employee of the Year
April 20, The Citizen
"I love my job, I get to be best friends with 44 people," said Sean Robinson of North Woodstock as he accepted the 2008 Plymouth State University Student Employee of the Year Award this past Tuesday.
USNH seeks $100 million for capital improvements
April 18, The Union Leader
Among the projects slated to receive funding under KEEP UP are the ALLWell Center athletic facility at Plymouth State University, the Fine and Media Arts Center at Keene State College and Hamilton Smith Hall at UNH.
Composer sets NH authors' writings to music
April 17, NewHampshire.com
First, as part of an 8 p.m. concert at the Silver Center for the Arts at Plymouth State University on Saturday, April 19, the PSU Chamber Singers will premiere a piece in which Santore sets to music a poem written by longtime PSU Professor and colleague Jane Babin from her recently published book, “Pearls in the Pond.”
PSU plans concert for 'Greatest Generation'
April 15, The Citizen
The Plymouth State University Symphonic Band and guest artists will pay tribute to members of the generation of Americans who brought our country through The Great Depression and World War II in a performance on Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. at PSU's Silver Center for the Arts.
Old buildings know a thing or two about saving energy, experts say
April 12, The Union Leader
Plymouth State University is also, for the first time, offering a four-course graduate certificate in historic preservation that can be pursued alone or as part of a master of education in heritage studies degree.
NH colleges flooded with admissions applications
April 6, The Union Leader
For 2008, 4,850 students have applied to PSU, compared to 4,700 at this time last year. Of those applicants, 2,922 have been accepted, up from 2,805 last year.
A springtime of public service in Plymouth
April 4, The Citizen
Three groups of Plymouth State University students devoted their spring breaks last month to doing service projects in other states.
Plymouth State prof to outline his 'Habitable Planet' course
April 2, The Citizen
A Plymouth State University professor who developed a new way to teach environmental science will speak at PSU's Environmental Science Colloquium on Wednesday, April 9.
Ex-Plymouth State star makes MLB club
April 1, The Citizen
For the first time in history, a former Plymouth State University baseball player has made a Major League Baseball roster.
Stopping violence against women focus of PSU event
March 27, The Citizen
"Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: A March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence" is a one-mile march around downtown Plymouth and the campus of PSU. The march is sponsored by the Plymouth State University Police Department and the Sexuality, Anti-Violence Gender Equity (SAGE) Center in conjunction with the Counselor Education Program.
New director for PSU's Center for the Environment
March 25, The Citizen
Acclaimed ecosystem researcher and scientist Dr. Patrick Bourgeron is the new director of Plymouth State University's Center for the Environment.
PSU session will focusing on preserving N.H.'s historic sites
March 15, The Citizen
In conjunction with Plymouth State University's launching of the new Historic Preservation Certificate program, the N.H. Preservation Alliance's conference, 'Preserving Community Character,' will be held April 11-12 at Heritage Commons on the campus of PSU.
Pilot program to link community colleges with UNH expanded
March 13, The Boston Globe
A pilot program that makes it easier and cheaper for community college students to transfer to the University of New Hampshire is being expanded statewide.
PSU president delivers speech on 'State of the University'
March 13, The Citizen
Delivering her first State of the University speech March 12 in the University's Silver Center for the Arts, PSU President Sara Jayne Steen emphasized highlights of the past year and noted challenges that lie ahead for the institution.
It's cheaper, simpler to go to college now in NH
March 13, The Union Leader
The "Connections Program" enables students originally not accepted at UNH, Plymouth State University and Keene State College to attend one of the state's community colleges or Granite State College and, if they meet certain standards, be automatically accepted into their original school of choice without having to reapply or pay a fee.
PSU math prof honored with new accolade
March 11, The Citizen
A Plymouth State University mathematics professor has won the first Wixson Endowed Professorship of Mathematics.
Earth Emerson frustrated by paper trays in the DH - Complaints pile in even as initial EE reports show less waste
February 28, The Berkeley Beacon
According to studies done by Plymouth State's Dining Hall General Manager Chris Mongeon, the school's eating facilities stand to reduce food waste by one third, which is roughly the equivalent of 260 pounds less refuse every day, by going trayless this semester.
Get certified in preservation
February 26, The Concord Monitor
Plymouth State University and the NH Division of Historical Resources are pleased to announce that courses leading to the much-anticipated certificate in historic preservation developed by the university's college of graduate studies will begin the first week of March.
Student loan funding might be trickier this year
February 26, Seacoastonline.com
With financial aid packages going out to students over the next few weeks, financial aid directors are urging families to move quickly to line up loans before some sources of credit disappear.
Plymouth State officer raising awareness of internet dangers
February 26, The Citizen
Plymouth State University Police Officer Jennifer Frank has been making presentations to schools and community groups about internet safety.
Beaudrie wins first Wixson Endowed Professorship of Mathematics
February 22, The Citizen
Professor Brian Beaudrie has won the first Wixson Endowed Professorship of Mathematics.
Students find a different Vietnam For PSU singers, visit 'felt like a dream'
February 3, The Citizen
For the 18 Plymouth State University students who recently visited the country, Vietnam represents a pleasant memory, friendly people and wonderful music.
Personnel programs at university earn honor
January 31, The Citizen
Plymouth State University has been recognized for groundbreaking work in the area of faculty career flexibility initiatives.
Research Project Compares Two Solar Hot Water Systems
January 30, RenewableEnergyWorld.com
Meteorology Professor Samuel Miller and meteorology major Matthew Bedard '09 provide the meteorology technical expertise, trouble shooting, and on-going analysis for an innovative solar research project.
40 under 40: The Class of 2008
January 30, The Union Leader
Thaddeus Guldbrandsen, director of the Center for Rural Partnerships is named to the annual list of of people who are making a difference in New Hampshire.
Plymouth State campus back in full swing after break
January 30, The Citizen
Students were once again walking around the Plymouth State University campus, attending new classes and meeting up with friends they haven't seen in over a month.
PSU finds web ties that bind
January 22, The Citizen
Alumni Relations Director Henry 'Joe' Long recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates to present the university's high-tech method of staying connected to alumni.
PSU launches new program for counselors
January 21, The Citizen
The College of Graduate Studies is offering master's degree programs in School Counseling and School Psychology for international students.
PSU author details rise of '20th Hijacker'
January 20, The Citizen
Professor Katherine C. Donahue discusses her book about Zacarias Moussaoui, the so-called "20th Hijacker" in the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Lakes monitoring initiative in Plymouth gets government funding
January 12, The Citizen
On Thursday, U.S. Sens. Judd Gregg and John Sununu announced that a New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and Plymouth State University partnership will receive $94,000 to further its volunteer lakes, rivers monitoring initiative.
PSU launches financial literacy program for students
January 4, New Hampshire Business Review
Plymouth State University in Plymouth has launched Students Monetary Awareness & Responsibility Today, or $mart, to help students learn to “borrow intelligently,” said June Schlabach, director of financial aid at PSU.