Five Penn State Adult Learners Receive Awards
February 1, 2001
University Park, Pa. – Five of this year's 10 college students honored by the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education (PAACE) are from Penn State and will be honored Wednesday, Feb. 7, at the association's annual conference in Hershey.

"I am thrilled that five of the ten adult learners receiving awards from PAACE this year are from Penn State," says Charlene Harrison, director of the University’s Center for Adult Learner Services. "Many adult learners overcome tremendous obstacles and juggle very busy lives in order to complete their education."

Penn State's five award recipients are Barbara Holt, a Human Development and Family Studies major from Brockway, who is studying at the DuBois campus; Michael Tharan of New Bethlehem, who is majoring in Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Penn State DuBois; Amy Ciccarella, an Applied Nutrition major who graduated from University Park in May 2000 and resides in Altoona; Virginia Foltz, a Lindenwood resident, majoring in English at the Delaware County campus; and Amy Shepherd, a Philadelphia resident enrolled in Business Administration at the Delaware County campus.

A single mom to three sons, Barbara Holt maintains a near perfect 4.0 GPA while also participating in campus activities and doing work-study employment in the Student Affairs office. Under her leadership, the Human Development and Family Studies Club was named Student Organization of the Year. A valuable member of the campus community, Holt serves as a mentor to less experienced students, tutors those who need help, and serves as a Lion Ambassador. Upon completion of her baccalaureate degree, she plans to pursue a master's degree in social work.

A father, husband, 4-H leader, public library volunteer, high school coach, and community and church volunteer, Michael Tharan also excels as a student at Penn State DuBois, and is co-authoring an essay on the Office of Public Safety with his history professor, John McWilliams. An active volunteer both on and off-campus, his involvement includes work with the New Bethlehem Area Free Public Library; serving as an advisory board member of the Educational Talent Search Program at Clarion University; and membership in numerous campus organizations, honor societies, and campus service-learning activities.

Amy Ciccarella began her studies at the Penn State Altoona College while juggling the roles of spouse, mother, and employee. Beginning the summer of 1998, she commuted almost daily to University Park in order to complete her degree program. A nominee for the 2000 Outstanding Adult Student Award, Ciccarella also made time to volunteer with the Altoona Women, Infant, and Children's nutritional program to gain experience in her chosen field. She will complete her ADA-approved internship at UPMC Lee Regional Hospital in June 2001.

Undaunted by personal challenges and sixty years young, Virginia Foltz finally enrolled at Penn State Delaware County in 1998. A cancer survivor, she has undergone nine operations while attending school. Her outstanding academic record has resulted in numerous scholarships and awards including the President's Freshman Award in recognition of maintaining a 4.0 average her freshman year. Foltz serves as a tutor as well as an "unofficial" mentor to several younger adult students at the campus. She also volunteers at the Adult Literacy Center in Kennett Square, helping adults studying English as a second language. An English major, Foltz plans to pursue a career in teaching.

Returning to Penn State after a nine-year "leave of absence," Amy Shepherd plans to graduate in May 2001 with a business administration degree. After her freshman year in 1991, she left Penn State to help with family financial obligations. Her part-time employment evolved into a rewarding career and she postponed reenrollment until 1998. For the last three semesters, she has been working full time while maintaining a full time course load with a near-perfect GPA. Exhausted but proud, Shepherd makes time to be involved in campus activities including leadership positions in student organizations, coordinating student volunteers for community service projects, and tutoring. Nominated for the 1999 Delaware County campus Adult Student of the Year, she plans to pursue a graduate degree while working in a human resource position.

The other PAACE award recipients are: Regina Cooper, Neumann College; Kathleen DeLussey, Beaver College; Bettye Emils, Waynesburg College; Virginia Love, Immaculata College; and Julie Rogers, Saint Joseph's University.

Contact: Betsy Esposito at (814) 863-3887 or email bxb4@psu.edu.