Category: News

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News

New shuttle system in effect

By Allie Mongan

Contributing Writer

The new downtown shuttle system installed by the University at the beginning of this semester offers students, faculty and staff a new way to get around campus.

The Office of Card Services and Student Transit issued surveys to students last spring regarding their interest in having a campus shuttle system.

“Last spring, when I was handed a survey in the Bison, I did not think the shuttle would be necessary on such a small campus, but after learning more about it, I think it is actually a very beneficial addition to our school,” said Brenna O’Neill ’12.

Enough interest was generated to motivate University officials to create the new shuttle system. It offers nine different stops, runs seven days a week and allows students to travel to the University bookstore and other places in downtown Lewisburg.

The shuttle bus alternates between three different loops throughout the day. The loop paths and times for each stop can be found using the Administrative Offices link on myBucknell under the Card Services and Student Transit tab.

The University shuttle runs similarly to a public transportation bus but is completely free to students, faculty and staff members with University identification (BUID). If a guest of a student or faculty member wants to ride, they must be accompanied by a BUID holder.

The bus stops at locations on the uphill and downhill University campuses as well as the downtown bookstore, Evangelical Hospital, Walmart and Weis Markets.

The shuttle runs on schedule from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, the shuttle runs from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. A one-hour break is scheduled from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day to permit a driver change.

An additional bus will be used at the beginning of each fall and spring semester during the textbook rush periods and will run directly to and from campus and the bookstore, according to the office of Card Services and Student Transit.

The Office of Card Services and Student Transit hopes this new shuttle system will cut down traffic on and around campus and will reduce parking issues. The downtown shuttle will also allow students without vehicles easier access to off-campus shopping.

The transit office has plans to continually evaluate routes, timing and ridership until the University’s fall break in mid-October, during which they will make necessary adjustments as they “strive to continually improve transportation services for students, faculty and staff,” said Glenn Fisher, director of Card Services and Student Transit.

In addition to aiding students, the University hopes the new shuttle will become a means to bring the University and the surrounding community closer.

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News

Teleconference discusses Alta Gracia anti-sweatshop initiative

By Courtney Bottazzi

Contributing Writer

A teleconference was held on Tuesday, Aug. 31 to help spread the word about the recent opening of a privately-owned garment factory in the Dominican Republic.

The Alta Gracia factory, owned by Knights Apparel, is becoming known for its anti-sweatshop regulations. Employees are paid three times the Dominican minimum wage and are supported in their right to unionize. The Barnes & Noble at Bucknell

University Bookstore currently carries apparel manufactured by the Alta Gracia factory.

This marks the first time regulations of this type have been implemented in the apparel sector.

“By purchasing the company’s clothing, students can help support the factories’ employees by providing clean water, food and education to company workers,” said Gena Madow, a spokesperson for the project, in an e-mail released last week.
During the teleconference, Knights Apparel C.E.O. Joseph Bozich emphasized the importance of providing education to workers, saying “Education can be the long-term path out of poverty.”

Bozich also stressed the importance of not taking advantage of workers who are willing to work for less because it helps business.

“From a business standpoint, we have an obligation to do more than what’s required of us. Doing good can be good for business,” Bozich said.

The question is whether or not the company will be able to prosper or simply turn out to be an idealistic experiment.
Another speaker at the teleconference, Teresa Cheng, International Campaign Coordinator at United Students Against Sweatshops, hopes that with the help of the community the former will be true. “Once students become aware of what Alta Gracia means, they will support the project,” she said.

Consumers would be supporting the factory’s “living wage”—338 percent more than the minimum wage.
“It’s not based upon the law but based upon calculating and doing a living wage study. We asked, how much money do employees need to receive in order to provide?” Bozich said.

Theresa Haas, Director of Communications at the Worker Rights Consortium, verified that Alta Gracia has earned the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) tag of verification for the living wage and healthy working conditions.

In the final minutes of the teleconference, Maritza Vargas, employee at the Alta Gracia factory and president of the union, answered questions from college students about her experience working on the project. Vargas was asked to compare her past work experiences to working at Alta Gracia.

“The difference is huge, because it doesn’t just offer us a place to live but a home and a living wage. It’s given us a chance to continue our children’s education. This is an opportunity we didn’t have at other factories, because wages were so low that we only had enough to cover food and rent and that was it,” Vargas said.

Vargas was also asked to describe her present work conditions.

“At Alta Gracia we have so much more space, better ventilation, extractors to make sure there’s no dust in the air, properly marked exits and escape routes in case of emergencies, new bathrooms in good condition, and more importantly, we have management that treats us with a lot of respect.”

The anti-sweatshop project has helped many people like Vargas provide a brighter future for themselves and their families. Students can help keep the project alive by purchasing Alta Gracia clothing.

When asked if they would buy an Alta Gracia t-shirt that may be a bit more expensive, students responded positively. “Yes, I would definitely buy it. I think if enough people knew about it, the Bucknell community would support it,” Daina Allison ‘12 said.

Carolyn Breden ’12 agreed. “If I knew the story behind the brand, I would definitely buy a shirt,” she said.

Some students are more skeptical. “I would only buy a more expensive shirt if I knew where the money was going,” Emily Willig ’12 said.
“For this to be effective, it has to be very well advertised,” Sara Palmer ’12 said.

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News

Public Safety Log

Wednesday, August 25

ASSIST/AGENCY

6th and St. Catherine Street: Assisted Lewisburg Police Department.

WELFARE CHECK

Harris Hall: Report filed.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Trax Hall: Under investigation.

ALARM/INTRUSION

Computer Center: Caused by contractor.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Carey House: Report filed.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Gateway Malesardi: Under investigation.

ALARM/FIRE

Theta Chi Fraternity: Cause unknown.

Thursday, August 26

PROPERTY/FOUND

7th Street and James Alley: University property recovered by Lewisburg Police Department.

THEFT

7th Street Parking Lot: Under investigation.

ALARM/INTRUSION

Kappa Delta Rho: Caused by animal.

THEFT

Recycling Shed: Under investigation.

Friday, August 27

THEFT

7th Street: Under investigation.

EMS TRANSPORT

South 7th Street: Individual transported to hospital.

Saturday, August 28

PROPERTY/FOUND

Kress Hall: Report filed.

ALARM/FIRE

Roberts Hall: Caused by employee.

ASSIST/POLICE

Public Safety: Report filed.

THEFT

Smith Hall: Under investigation.

EMS TRANSPORT

Rooke Chapel: Individual transported to hospital.

ALARM/FIRE

Swartz Hall: Caused by humidity.

ALARM/FIRE

Swartz Hall: Caused by humidity.

ALARM/FIRE

Bucknell West: Caused by cooking.

Sunday, August 29

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATION

Harris Hall: Judicial referral.

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATION

Bucknell West: Judicial referral.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON

Route 15 Tunnel: Report filed.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Davis U. Parking Lot: Under investigation.

ALARM/FIRE

President’s House: Detector malfunction.

ALARM/INTRUSION

Emmitt Field: Cause unknown.

Monday, August 30

TAMPERING WITH FIRE EQUIPMENT

Swartz Hall: Under investigation.

THEFT

Roberts Hall: Under investigation.

PROPERTY/FOUND

Vedder Hall: Under investigation.

MEDICAL REFUSAL

Roberts Hall: Refused treatment.

ALARM/FIRE

Vedder Hall: Caused by cooking.

Tuesday, August 31

ALARM/FIRE

Bucknell West: Caused by cooking.

WELFARE CHECK

Hunt Hall: Student located.

MEDICAL TRANSPORT

Smith Hall: Hospital transport.
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News

University panel presents findings in study of sexual assault on campus

By Christina Oddo

Contributing Writer

The University community is constantly searching for ways to improve sexual assault awareness, supply support for survivors and enhance educational services, said guest speakers at the 2010 Sexual Assault Discussion, held Tuesday, Aug. 31 in the Elaine Langone Center Forum.

Bill Flack, associate professor of psychology, joined a group of University faculty and staff to present the 2009 survey results for sexual assault at the University.

The October 2009 and early November 2009 survey consisted of a web-based lottery system. The total sample included 342 women (ranging from sophomores to seniors). First-year students were excluded from the survey. There was a 38 percent response rate. The Sexual Experiences Survey (nation-wide for sexual assault researchers), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Hooking Up Questionnaire were measures included in the survey.

The results of the survey show that sexual assault victimization (experienced one or more times while at the University, which does not include breaks or summer vacations) ranges over a variety of different sexual assault forms. One hundred and seventy people claimed that they were victims of “Touching.” One hundred and two were victims of “Attempted Rape.” Sixty survey participants said they were victims of “Completed Rape.”

Flack made a continuous effort throughout the presentation to make the connection between alcohol, and the more recently used term, “hooking up,” crystal clear.

“Hooking up” is a risk factor of sexual assault, and 80.4 percent of the sample members had hooked up one or more times while at the University. Correlations between alcohol consumption and different types of hooking up were investigated in the study, and highlighted throughout the presentation. Hooking up with a stranger, “Type 1,” is related to higher levels of alcohol consumption. People are less likely to hook up with their “default partner,” or “friends with benefits,” if they have been drinking.
Victims report that virtually all of their perpetrators are male University students. In the 2001-2002 survey, 10 percent of men and two percent of women admitted to being perpetrators. In the 2005-2006 survey, two percent of men and four percent of women said they had “touched” someone, when that person they perpetrated clearly did not want to be touched. Seven percent of men and one percent of women attempted unwanted sex, and five percent of men admitted to having completed unwanted sex. In both the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 surveys, only males admitted to such offenses.

Risk factors for sexual assault victimization at the University include: being female, high alcohol consumption, hooking up, Greek membership and time of year. Sorority members are significantly more likely to report any victimization. The “red zone” means the first semester of the first year of college.

Tracy Shaynak, director of the University’s Women’s Resource Center spoke about the National College Health Assessment, administered electronically by the American College Health Association at the University in the spring of 2009. The entire undergraduate population was surveyed, and 545 surveys were completed.  Shaynak discussed drinking habits, stating that many students believe that other students drink far more than they actually do. She connected this misconception to the hook up culture, emphasizing the nature of assumption, and the pressure a student might feel in a social context, under the overarching umbrella of the prevalent hook up culture.

According to Shaynak, more meaningful work needs to be done on campus. She said the University needs to give more support to survivors, empower its students to make a change, and work hard to tie resources on and off campus.

University Staff Psychologist Dr. Mary Elizabeth Shaw spoke about continuing a group initiated early last year, a survivors of sexual assault support group.  Shaw emphasized the importance of “working for prevention efforts, promoting consent and healthy relationships, and collaborating with different groups on campus to truly make a difference.”

The lecture also consisted of information about the sexual assault advocate program, a program that provides critical information in order to ease difficult decision making for victims including counseling, academic and legal advice.

Concluding the night, all lecture participants, student and faculty agreed on that many students go into college full of expectations, most of these expectations derived from different modes of the media, from films to music. Many agreed that these expectations should be disregarded as they are often fictitiously based.

University representatives stressed the importance of communication and said that the resources and contacts on campus are abundant, and the psychologists, peer educators, advocates, and other workers, are dedicated to ensuring proper prevention, education, safety, guidance and care.

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News

Non-varsity weight room refurbished

By Allie Mongan

Contributing Writer

The non-varsity weight room in the Kenneth G. Langone Athletics and Recreation Center was refurbished with several new weight machines and equipment in addition to a new sound system last summer. Bucknell Student Government (BSG) has been working since January on the project.

The initial request for the project came from the Bucknell Student Government with the help of former President Brian C. Mitchell, associate director of Athletics and Facilities & Event Operations Mike McFarland, the athletic department and various students. The weight room had not seen a major update since the 1990s and students and faculty felt it was time for a facelift.

“I wanted to do something to contribute to the campus and I saw this as a good project to push in order to do just that,” said BSG Vice President of Finance Matthew Goll ’12.

After the initial plan proposition last January, BSG proposed to restore the room and make it a much more updated place for students to work out.

Though the rest of the KLARC is in good condition, the non-varsity weight room was in a very poor state, BSG said. Machines were missing parts, weights had holes in them and many of the leather benches were ripped and torn. The missing pieces and dilapidated material inconvenienced gym patrons and caused the condition of the room to be seen as dangerous to student lifters.

The renovation process started when President Mitchell and the Athletics Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees agreed to the change last semester. Mike McFarland and the athletics department were then brought in to help with the planning and designing of the new room.

With BSG and athletics pushing the issue from two different sides and viewpoints, the process was considered a major priority.

Some students were asked for their input about what kinds of updates they felt the room needed and what students would find most useful. Over the summer, the different parties continued communication and the new non-varsity weight room is the result.

The room has newer benches, free weights, kettle balls and machines.

Another well-received addition to the weight room are the “surround sound speakers … rather than the small little stereo in the corner that routinely skipped,” Howard Smith ’11 said.

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News

Sororities implement no-frills recruitment

By Courtney Flagg

News Editor

This fall marks the first year sororities on campus implemented the National Panhellenic Council’s (NPC) guidelines for formal sorority recruitment.

The NPC has been encouraging all universities with NPC sororities to switch to the more “toned down” style of recruitment since 2003. As a part of the switch, the University’s sororities have eliminated multiple elements of past recruitments, including skits, extra decorations and preference letters, in addition to a budget cap. Sorority sisters must also limit the amount of noise they make during the beginning of each round of recruitment.

“It was a change that was made nationally; the University has been taking baby steps towards a no-frills recruitment,” said Panhellenic Council President Emily Deuink ’11. “We decided to make this fall’s recruitment ‘no frills’ and get in line with national standards. Tradition kept us from accepting these changes. A lot of universities are still making them.”

In the past, sorority recruitment consisted of four “rounds”: a song round, a skit round, a philanthropy round and a preferential round. At the beginning of each round, save for the preferential round, potential new members were greeted by each sorority in enthusiastic ways, such as through cheering, yelling, stomping and singing.

At the onslaught of the decision, many sorority members expressed disappointment that they were not able to participate in the recruitment they had come to know.

“At first I was upset that I wouldn’t be able to experience the style of recruitment that I went through as an actual member. When I rushed, I really got a sense of what each sorority was about through their skits, cheering and energy,” said Kathleen Molgaard ’12, a member of Alpha Chi Omega.

Despite this initial discontent on behalf of the sorority members, Panhellenic representatives agree the transition has gone well.

“Each of the seven sororities on campus are cooperating and adjusting to the new rules really well. We were fortunate to once again host Open Suites last spring, which gave the sororities an opportunity to test out the new policies on chanting/screaming and decorations. Because of that, Formal Recruitment has been exceptionally successful,” said Panhellenic Recruitment Chair Christina Cabiati ’11.

Deuink agreed. “[Recruitment] went well. It’s a very different experience on this side of the fence, but it’s been very interesting,” she said.

One of the major changes to Formal Recruitment was the implementation of a recruitment budget. At the start of the year, the Panhellenic Council formed a committee to develop a recruitment budget for each sorority. The committee was comprised of several members of the Panhellenic Council in addition to a delegate from each sorority.

“Over the course of a couple weeks they met and discussed appropriate budget maximums. After everyone came to an agreement, we voted on the new budget bylaw during a Panhellenic meeting. Since this was the first time we used the budget cap during recruitment, we are looking at each sorority’s receipts to determine how well the cap is working. We feel that there is definitely room for improvement and are committed to discussing any changes the sororities feel are necessary,” Cabiati said.

Both Panhellenic representatives and University sorority members are excited for what the future has to hold for each of the respective sororities.

“The most resistant change has been the elimination of letters on preference round. But with new policies come new traditions. There are definitely ways to make new traditions in line with national politics. Maybe each chapter will decide to give out preference letters on bid night,” Deuink said.

Cabiati is also looking forward to what the future holds for the University’s sororities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing continued improvements with recruitment and ongoing commitments from each sorority to make our Formal Recruitment process as simple and straightforward as possible. I’m also interested in looking into how we can better educate women interested in participating in recruitment as to the mutual selection process that we use to match women with the sororities on our campus,” Cabiati said .

University students who participated in recruitment will find out which sorority they have been accepted into tonight.

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Headline News

Community reacts positively to new Barnes & Noble partnership downtown

By Courtney Flagg

News Editor

This past weekend marked the grand opening of the Barnes & Noble and University bookstore partnership in downtown Lewisburg.

The new Barnes & Noble boasts spacious floors, all of which are wheelchair-accessible, and sells everything from contemporary literature and textbooks to clothing and dorm room essentials.

“[The bookstore] is beautiful. It’s really great to have a large bookstore downtown. It’s very accessible,” Lewisburg resident Chris Exner said.

The decision to move the bookstore downtown—and subsequently off the University campus—was ultimately made by the University Board of Trustees. It followed several years of discussion, led by former University President Brian C. Mitchell, both on campus and in the community.

“The move off campus was made possible by grants from the Commonwealth, which under the leadership of Governor Rendell encouraged and provided grant money for small-town economic development projects, such as this one, and by the University’s desire to link more closely with Lewisburg and create more open space for students in the Langone Center,” said Tom Evelyn, senior director of News and Media Relations.

Despite the initial concern that a Starbucks Café in downtown Lewisburg would threaten local coffee shops, feedback for both the bookstore and café have been very positive.

“Based on the number of customers who have visited the bookstore, and on the comments they have shared with us, there is a significant interest in having a comprehensive bookstore and café in downtown Lewisburg. As a member of the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership, the bookstore is working closely with that organization to help support and promote other downtown businesses. It is in the bookstore’s and the University’s best interest that downtown thrive,” Evelyn said .

Members of the Lewisburg community, including University faculty, agree that the bookstore is a great place for students and community members alike.

“The bookstore is a nice facility and it forces students to come into the community, which I think is great,” Lewisburg resident and University professor of sociology and anthropology Clare Sammells said.

Students are equally pleased with the new bookstore.

“I’m really impressed with the bookstore. I thought having it so far from campus would be an issue, but the University seems to be handling it pretty well and making it easy for students,” Eryn Nagel ’12 said.

Students were encouraged to participate in the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore Grand Opening Weekend.

The Grand Opening consisted of a ribbon-cutting; a street fair, which advertised free food, entertainment and prize giveaways; and “Children’s Day,” which provided the downtown community with free children’s entertainment on Saturday afternoon.

The opening drew a large crowd and involved all aspects of the downtown community.

Evelyn supported the idea that increased business at the bookstore downtown will subsequently increase the business for all of downtown Lewisburg.

“Of course downtown has room for all kinds of businesses, and the hope shared by the University and the Borough of Lewisburg is that the bookstore will serve as an anchor that will help bring more business to all of the area merchants and encourage other businesses to locate downtown,” Evelyn said.

Throughout the planning of the downtown bookstore, the University and Barnes & Noble have worked together to address concerns of both students and the community.

“These efforts have included the University’s adding a shuttle system for students and the option to order textbooks online and have them delivered to the campus post office,” Evelyn said.

He also explained that renovations are in the works to turn the space previously occupied by the on-campus bookstore into a place where “students can gather, socialize and take care of important business for student organizations.”

Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of the semester.

Bookstore manager Vicki Benion was unable to be reached for comment.

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Featured News

Ke$ha and B.o.B. to play fall concert

By Tracy Lum

Editor-in-Chief

Musical artists Ke$ha and B.o.B. will headline this year’s fall concert on Oct. 29. Presented by the Bucknell Concert Committee, the performance will be held at 8 p.m. in Gerhard Fieldhouse.

When selecting the performers for each semester’s concert, the committee tries to choose artists that will be popular with students on campus and that will generate buzz.

“Both Ke$ha and B.O.B., while very different performers, complement each other nicely, and will put on a very upbeat and lively performance with hit singles that everyone will be singing along to,” said concert committee chair Chelsea Burghoff ’11.

Ke$ha, whose real name is Kesha Rose Sebert, is known for her sing-song rap style in singles like “Tik Tok” and “Your Love is My Drug.”

Hip-hop artist B.o.B., also known as Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr., is known for songs such as “Airplanes” and “Magic.”

The committee is excited to bring big-name performers to campus and anticipates a large turnout.

“We have been wanting to get Ke$ha for a while due to the popularity of her first album throughout the last semester,” Sonali Basak ’12, assistant concert committee chair, said. “B.o.B. is also a name we’ve all heard around campus more and more. We wanted something new and upcoming for the campus community.”

Because the concert will take place over Homecoming and Halloween weekend, the committee believes that the event will keep everyone on campus and draw an even larger audience. “The concert should add a great deal to the Homecoming excitement, and we expect this year’s turnout to be spectacular,” Basak said.

This year the concert will be held in Gerhard Fieldhouse instead of Sojka Pavilion. “This will be a great new location for our concert, and will provide much more floor space for all attendees to get up close to the stage,” Burghoff said. The venue will also allow audience members more space to spread out and dance.

Tickets will be available for purchase from the Campus Box Office starting Tuesday, Sept. 7 at noon for students ($25) and all others ($30) beginning Friday, Sept. 10 at noon.

Info Box:

Friday, October 29th

Doors 7pm

Show starts 8pm

Tickets $25 for Bucknell students: beginning Tuesday, Sept 7th, noon

Tickets $30 (all others) beginning Friday, Sept 10th at noon

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News

Gruver awarded Scott Professorship

By Hannah Zachary
Writer

William Gruver, distinguished clinical professor of management and executive-in-residence, was recently named the Howard I. Scott Clinical Professor of Global Commerce, Strategy and Leadership. This position recognizes his extensive involvement on campus and will allow him to interact more with students. He will now extend the courses he teaches beyond the school of management into the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences.

During his time as an executive at Goldman Sachs, Gruver developed extensive knowledge for international business, which has helped his teaching at the University.

“Over the years, my role at Bucknell has evolved from just teaching students of the School of Management,” Gruver said.

Gruver teaches courses in International Relations and other Common Learning Agenda courses in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Gruver has also become involved with select engineering students. Along with Professor Stephen Stamos, Gruver serves as an adviser for the Institute of Leadership in Technology and Management (ILTM). Gruver said the program was “a natural extension of [his] work at Goldman Sachs” because he gets to work with people with great technical and organizational skills.

Through ILTM, he is able to meet students from all five engineering majors as well as the liberal arts. Praised by all of his students, Gruver is most commonly described as “inspiring.”

“Gruver is the reason I have chosen to become a Nuclear Propulsion Officer in the U.S. Navy … he has helped me discover my potential and my future,” mathematics major Sarah Bowen ’11 said. Doug Gordon ’10, a neuroscience major, has gone to Gruver for advice on a start-up company he and a friend are working on.

“Because of Professor Gruver’s success in a variety of professional disciplines, his comments and advice greatly enhanced my confidence in the solution we came up with and our overall business plan,” Gordon said.

With his new title, he will continue to teach four courses a year, but will have opportunities to teach courses beyond the School of Management. He will be the new advisor to students in the College of Engineering on the five -year plan.

Mark Elliot, senior development advisor, said Gruver’s endowed position is a great opportunity for the School of Management.

“Endowments guarantee a professor’s salary, so what would have been budgeted for his position can be reallocated to other areas of the department or used to take on more staff,” he said.

The University has continued to work on securing more endowments for faculty, offering two others in different departments over the past month.

William Gruver, distinguished clinical professor of management and executive-in-residence, was recently named the Howard I. Scott Clinical Professor of Global Commerce, Strategy and Leadership. This position recognizes his extensive involvement on campus and will allow him to interact more with students. He will now extend the courses he teaches beyond the school of management into the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences.During his time as an executive at Goldman Sachs, Gruver developed extensive knowledge for international business, which has helped his teaching at the University. “Over the years, my role at Bucknell has evolved from just teaching students of the School of Management,” Gruver said. Gruver teaches courses in International Relations and other Common Learning Agenda courses in the College of Arts and Sciences. Gruver has also become involved with select engineering students. Along with Professor Stephen Stamos, Gruver serves as an adviser for the Institute of Leadership in Technology and Management (ILTM). Gruver said the program was “a natural extension of [his] work at Goldman Sachs” because he gets to work with people with great technical and organizational skills. Through ILTM, he is able to meet students from all five engineering majors as well as the liberal arts. Praised by all of his students, Gruver is most commonly described as “inspiring.” “Gruver is the reason I have chosen to become a Nuclear Propulsion Officer in the U.S. Navy … he has helped me discover my potential and my future,” mathematics major Sarah Bowen ’11 said. Doug Gordon ’10, a neuroscience major, has gone to Gruver for advice on a start-up company he and a friend are working on. “Because of Professor Gruver’s success in a variety of professional disciplines, his comments and advice greatly enhanced my confidence in the solution we came up with and our overall business plan,” Gordon said. With his new title, he will continue to teach four courses a year, but will have opportunities to teach courses beyond the School of Management. He will be the new advisor to students in the College of Engineering on the five -year plan.Mark Elliot, senior development advisor, said Gruver’s endowed position is a great opportunity for the School of Management. “Endowments guarantee a professor’s salary, so what would have been budgeted for his position can be reallocated to other areas of the department or used to take on more staff,” he said. The University has continued to work on securing more endowments for faculty, offering two others in different departments over the past month.

Categories
News

Zipcar program arrives in fall

By Ashley Isken
Contributing Writer

Bucknell Student Government (BSG) will launch Zipcar, the world’s largest car-sharing service, on campus this fall.

After signing up for membership online and paying a fee, students will be able to use the environmentally-friendly cars wherever they wish for an unlimited time.

“Pending the general council’s approval, Bucknell will become one of the many universities providing this service,” said Glenn Fisher, a member of the transportation department. The University has yet to execute the contract, but BSG has been working to ensure the contract is finalized in the next few weeks and be in place by August. Ali Jones ’11, former BSG vice president of operations, initially introduced the idea of bringing Zipcar to campus.

“We worked extensively with Zipcar and the University to prepare this program and hope that the campus community will embrace it in the coming academic year,” said Michelle Beck ’11, current vice president of operations.

The recently-internationalized company is the largest car-sharing service to date with 6,000 vehicles shared in 67 cities and metros in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar services for a $35 fee. A $35 free driving credit will be applied to all accounts for the first month.

The weekday rates for these cars are $8 hourly and $66 daily. Weekend rates are slightly higher.

Each Zipcar reservation includes gas expenses, insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance and 180 miles of free driving. The Zipcars will be available 24/7 and can be easily reserved online, over the phone or with smartphone applications.

Zipcar is appealing to college campuses because a person only needs to be 18 years old to be eligible to drive one. International students will also be able to access the vehicles without a U.S. driver’s license.

“We are especially excited to cater to first-year and other students who are not able to have vehicles on campus and hope that students may even consider leaving their cars at home. This program has the potential to greatly alleviate our obvious parking problems, as well as to reduce Bucknell’s carbon footprint,” Beck said.