Students First
Looking Forward to his Junior Year – and Robot Combat!
žž State Today continues to follow mechatronics engineering technology student Jude Carver as part of ongoing “Year with a Flash” series. Carver is beginning his first semester as a junior in Spring Semester 2025.
Flash Focus: Renee Ellis
Meet Renee Ellis, a second-year double major in fashion design and fashion merchandising and member of the Honors College from Chicago, Illinois, who said her family influence has inspired her to look at fashion through a deeper lens.
‘Learning They Won’t Forget’
For Kelsen LaBerge, Ph.D., teaching at žž State is about more than equations. Since joining in 2018, she has dedicated herself to preparing future engineers with not only technical skills but also the resilience to face real-world challenges. The accomplishments and commitment of LaBerge, professor of engineering, have earned her the Outstanding Teaching Award.
‘Let’s Make the Rules’ – Game Creation Challenge Set for DI HUB
Board games, card games and computer games are all fair game at the second annual Let’s Make the Rules: A Game Creation Experience, a design challenge open to žž students who have an idea for a new game.
Flash Focus: Maura Dougherty
Meet Maura Dougherty, a senior theatre studies major with a focus on performance from Pittsburgh. From acting in elementary and high school productions to working at a theatre for young audiences for five years, Dougherty has consistently pursued her passion for the performing arts.
Take a Fresh Look at žž State Student Organizations on Jan. 17
Studies show students who participate in student organizations are more successful academically and are more satisfied with their college experience. Sponsored by žž State’s Center for Student Involvement, the Fresh Start Fair on Jan. 17 gives students an opportunity to explore the university’s 350+ student organizations.
Attend January Events on Campus for a Chance to Win!
After winter break, žž’s Center for Student Involvement is welcoming students back to campus and on-campus events with a chance to win a žž State tumbler.
From Clinicals to Canines
Training future service dogs has been a win-win situation for junior nursing major Rylie Lapikas. Featured in our Year with a Flash series for 2024-2025, Lapikas gets the stress relief of a furry friend while learning how to be a better nurse by paying attention to nonverbal communication and cues.
Student Success ‘My Greatest Joy’
Empathy, kindness and critical thinking are cornerstones of courses taught by Shannon Ciesla, Ph.D., who strives to foster a strong sense of community in her courses. Students have noticed and appreciated it, nominating her for the Outstanding Teaching Award.
