Penn State Graduate Students Celebrate Appreciation Week

4-3-98
University Park, Pa. --- Free ice cream cones for grad students are among the "perks" planned by Penn State's Graduate Student Association, with co-sponsorship from the Graduate School Alumni Society, to celebrate Graduate Student Appreciation Week, April 5 through 11.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge issued a proclamation March 30 making the week an official celebration of the contributions of graduate and professional students to the Commonwealth.

Jill Bush, GSA president, says "Penn State, our land grant institution, has a triple mission: teaching, research and service. The public traditionally views students as undergraduates who pursue bachelor's degrees by being taught by faculty members who also pursue new knowledge through research. Graduate students pursue their educational programs through a more active participation in all three parts of the University's mission.

"Graduate students are not only being trained in their respective professions but training others through instruction in undergraduate classrooms," she notes. "They contribute to knowledge in their fields by collaborative work with their professors and colleagues. Thus, graduate students are the embodiment of an integrated land grant mission: teaching and learning, performing service and outreach."

The week's events will kick off on Friday, April 3 with a GSA Social, in Kern Building. On Monday, April 6, Penn State graduate students can pick up a coupon , at the GSA office, for a free ice cream cone at the University Creamery. The coupons can be used throughout the week. On Thursday, April 9, there will be ice skating at the Penn State Ice Rink for graduate students. Cost is $2 per person, and children accompanied by parents can attend free.

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Contacts:
Barbara Hale (814) 865-9481 (office) (814) 238-0997 (home) bah@psu.edu
Vicki Fong (814) 865-9481 (office) (814) 238-1221 (home) vyf1@psu.edu