Around The USCAA - 10/10/16

Around the USCAA is a weekly article that highlights current happenings, key matchups, and relevant news stories from across the association. If you have a relevant news piece that you would like considered for inclusion please send it to info@theuscaa.com.

Palumbo Recognized with SUNY-wide ACT Award for Excellence & Student Initiative Scholarship

Rochester, NY – On Saturday, October 1, 2016 SUNY Canton junior Francesco Palumbo was recognized  with the State University of New York Association of Council Members and College Trustees annual award for Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship. The ceremony took place at The WoodCliff Hotel in Rochester, NY.

The ACT Award focuses on a student's academic achievements and service to their campus and/or community. Every SUNY school was eligible to nominate one student for this highly respected award. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship for Palumbo and an additional $250 donation in the student's name to the charity of his choice. Palumbo said his charitable donation will be made to Canton High School's Golden Bear Booster Club.

Palumbo, a member of the Roos baseball team and a sports management major, began his junior year this fall. Through his first two years he has been a huge part of not only the SUNY Canton family but the local community.

"Francesco is a tremendous contributor to our baseball team, the athletic department and his Sports Management major," Athletic Director Randy B. Sieminski said. "He works incredibly hard in the classroom, on the field, in the office and in the community. We are extraordinarily proud of his accomplishments. This is a remarkably prestigious state-wide award."

Palumbo served as the lead marketing manager and promoter for the baseball team's inaugural Clemente Cup tournament, which was held in Spring 2016 in Puerto Rico in honor of the late Roberto Clemente. During the trip he helped troubleshoot numerous technological issues, recorded video and pictures and created a blog that the Clemente Foundation features to promote the event. Palumbo has also been crucial in driving the Athletics department's new media initiatives as he has helped to create the Roos Sports Media club on campus and trained other students in video editing.

"Francesco is the true definition of what it means to be a student-athlete and has had a profound impact on SUNY Canton as well as the greater community," Director of Athletic Communications and Marketing Nate Hart said, "He has been crucial to the recent growth and success of our athletic department and promoting not only the baseball team but our entire Roos program. During perhaps his busiest semester to date this past spring he was able to balance coursework, playing baseball and three jobs all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. His work ethic is unmatched."

Palumbo is also involved in the greater local community as he is working with North Country Sports Net on promoting college, high school and community sports this summer. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has volunteered at the St. Mary's School and church along with local softball, baseball and basketball clinics.

While serving in all these capacities and more he has also been a top student carrying a cumulative grade point average of 3.69 including a perfect 4.0 during the Spring 2016 semester. He has received numerous awards for his academics including being named to the Empire 8 Baseball President's List as well as the USCAA All-Academic Team. At the Athletics department's end of year banquet he was honored with the Male Make-A-Difference award to a standing ovation from his peers for having a profound impact on the department as well as the campus community.

"Francesco is a gift to all of those who know him," said Frederick Saburro, the baseball team's faculty athletic liaison. "He inspires me and everyone around him to be a better person."

*Article Courtesy of SUNY Canton’s Athletic Website

Brandywine alumnae, former athletes find success at Nobel Learning Communities

MEDIA, PA. — Miranda Biondi, a 2016 Penn State graduate who attended the Brandywine campus, applied for a position at Nobel Learning Communities (NLC) after hearing about the job opportunity through the Student Career Connection, an email provided by Brandywine's career services office. She ended up accepting an unexpected role within the company and making an unexpected friend.

According to its website, NCL is a network of more than 180 private schools with a commitment to outstanding preschools and K-12 schools. NCL's education department provides curriculum support and training to these institutions.

"The position that I applied for was actually a different position than what I was offered," said Biondi. "I was offered the human resources coordinator role as a full-time employee."

It was in the coordinator position that Biondi met Jodi Dickinson, another Penn State alumna who attended the Brandywine campus. Dickinson, who is a member of the campus' advisory board, accepted a position as vice president of human resources at NLC in 2013.

The two immediately bonded over their shared undergraduate experience, including sports, since both were members of the women's volleyball team during their years at Brandywine.

"Miranda is a joy to work with," said Dickinson. "She is a quick learner who works hard. She asks great questions and has already made a positive contribution to the organization by assisting with special projects."

Biondi, who holds a bachelor of science in human development and family studies (HDFS), sees her role at NCL as proof of the valuable skills she gained during her undergraduate career at Brandywine.

"In HDFS we were required to complete a 480-hour internship, but before that, we had to take an internship course," she said. "Without that class I honestly would not have known where to begin with a cover letter or how to prepare for an interview. Completing an internship gave me working-world experience."

Both Biondi and Dickinson credit Penn State Brandywine with encouraging them to take initiative in preparing for their post-college careers.

"Many of my friends at other universities were not given the chance to do an internship," Biondi said. "At Brandywine, we were given the tools to succeed and had to maintain that relationship with our managers. When I graduated, I felt like I had more knowledge than most college graduates about where to start my job search."

"I find that Penn State students have an exceptional work ethic," said Dickinson. "There is a drive in us and a work ethic that helps us stand out. While I attended Penn State Brandywine, I worked several jobs to pay my tuition, was president of the Student Government Association and played on the volleyball team."

Today, Biondi and Dickinson continue to enjoy their roles at NLC. "NLC has an amazing culture and leadership," said Dickinson. "We do something that matters to the world: educating children. I will be at NLC three years this month with no intention of leaving."

They also appreciate their friendship as colleagues and fellow Penn State graduates.

"Jodi is an excellent mentor and supervisor," said Biondi. "Working with her has opened many doors for me. Human resources is all new to me, so I am grateful to be taken in by Jodi and the team."

"Miranda has been a great addition to my HR team," Dickinson said. "I am grateful to Penn State Brandywine for connecting us."

*Article Courtesy of Penn State Brandywine Athletic Website

Key Weekly Matchups

Men’s Soccer

10/11/16 – Florida National University at Barry University – 6:00 P.M. EST

10/12/16 – NHTI at College of St. Joseph’s Vermont – 3:45 P.M. EST

10/15/16 – Indiana Tech at Marygrove College – 3:00 P.M. EST

10/16/16 – SUNY ESF at Bryant & Stratton Syracuse – 1:00 P.M. EST

Women’s Soccer

10/12/16 – Penn State Brandywine at Penn State Mont Alto – 4:00 P.M. EST

10/15/16 – University of Maine Presque Isle at Hampshire College – 1:00 P.M. EST  

10/15/16 – SUNY ESF at Alfred State College – 5:00 P.M. EST

10/13/16 – Ohio Christian University at Carlow University – 4:00 P.M. EST

Volleyball

10/12/16 – Penn State Beaver at Penn State Fayette – 7:00 P.M. EST

10/12/16 – Rochester College at Wilmington College – 7:00 P.M. EST

10/14/16 – University of Maine Fort Kent at Alfred State College – 3:00 P.M. EST

10/15/16 – Yankee Small College Conference Championship at Unity College