Latest News

Abington professor looks at pre-wedding rituals and gender roles in new book

Weddings are a time when a woman and man pledge their unwavering devotion to each other, but the months before the big day can be quite stressful and confusing for women, according to Beth Montemurro, assistant professor of sociology at Penn State Abington. In her new book, "Something Old, Something Bold: Bridal Showers and Bachelorette Parties" (Rutgers University Press), Montemurro takes a fresh look at the wedding process, offering a perspective not likely to be found in the planning books and magazines readily available to the modern bride. She focuses on bachelorette parties and bridal showers to show what these events mean to women and what they say about gender roles.

Habitat for Humanity founder speaks of civic engagement at Abington

Penn State Abington hosted Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller on Thursday, Jan. 22, in coordination with Martin Luther King Day activities. Repeating sentiments expressed by King as well as our nation's newly elected president, Fuller spoke of the importance of civic engagement and responsibility. "Civic engagement is not just something you ought to be involved in; but it is a joyous thing," Fuller said. "It has rewards beyond any words to express how meaningful it is."

Abington lecturer presents at Faculty of the Future conference

Penn State Abington's Steven Pyser, lecturer of political science and an expert in public participation and group facilitation, presented "Opportunity Knocks: Riding the Blended (Hybrid) Learning Wave to Pedagogical Excellence" on May 29 during the Faculty of the Future conference held at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. Several former students were on hand to demonstrate Pyser's unique teaching methods to the audience.

Fun, food, culture abound at Penn State Abington

Penn State Abington is providing a weekend of fun for the whole family beginning on Saturday, Oct. 17. Annual Homecoming activities will take place first on Saturday, Oct. 17 followed by a "Best of the Burbs" concert on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Insiders' view of the Neolithic stone circles of England

Bryan Polk, senior lecturer of religious studies and English at Penn State Abington, traveled across the pond with a group of students to study the mysterious Neolithic stone circles of southwest England, specifically the Stonehenge and Avebury monuments. Penn State Abington students were granted a unique opportunity to examine Stonehenge from the normally inaccessible inner circle during their trip to the famous World Heritage Site in March.

Penn State Abington recognizes National Coming Out Month

Penn State Abington recognized National Coming Out Month in October by inviting internationally known gay rights advocate Brian Sims to speak with students about LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender)issues. Sims, who visited the Abington campus on Oct. 8, entertained and educated the audience with his quick wit and self-deprecating humor about coming out in 2000 during his senior year at Bloomsburg University while he was the captain of Bloomsburg's nationally-ranked Division II football team. Sims remains the only openly gay college football captain in NCAA history.

Fall fun for the family at Penn State Abington on Nov. 1

Penn State Abington is teaming up with Briar Bush Nature Center to offer the community an afternoon of educational fun at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, in the Athletic Building on the Abington campus. Join Kristen Facente, director of public programs at Briar Bush Nature Center, as she discusses the "nature" of Pennsylvania.

Could women and youth be the answer for a peaceful Middle East?

To most people in the Philadelphia area, the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 28 was the night to watch the first game of the World Series; to watch the athletic prowess of the Phillies as they beat the Yankees 6 to 1 on Yankee turf. But to this roomful of people, the chilly, damp night was an opportunity for intellectual discourse as part of the "Penn State Abington Examines" program titled "The Middle East: Hopes and Challenges."