Published: Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 9:00p.m. Updated 17 hours ago

Bethel Park High School has a long tradition of honoring its accomplished athletes in its Hall of Fame, but a basketball game on Friday will mark the beginning of a separate honor roll for accomplished alumni.

The first seven members of the Alumni Hall of Fame will be inducted at halftime of the game between Bethel Park and Canon-McMillan high schools, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Bethel Park High School gymnasium. The inaugural class of distinguished alumni includes veterans of the Air Force and Navy, Ivy League graduates, doctors, advocates and entrepreneurs.

The first group of inductees are:

Lt. Kenneth Buzz Beyda, Class of 2003, a U.S. Navy fighter pilot.

William Brucker III, class of 2000, a doctoral candidate and medical student at Brown University; founder of the Providence Alliance of Clinical Educators to improve the way science is taught in schools in the United States and Haiti.

Thomas R. Watjen, Class of 1972, president and CEO of Unum, a Chattanooga, Tenn.-based insurance company. He established a $1 million fellowship at the University of Virginia for military students of the business school.

Dr. Roger Zelt, Class of 1972, a Harvard-educated opthalmologist and assistant professor of clinical instruction at the University of Pittsburgh.

Grant Hammond, Class of 1962, deputy director of the Air Force Center for Strategy and Technology at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala.

Barbara Bowman Pierce, Class of 1962, president of the National Federation of the Blind and editor of Braille Monitor magazine.

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Bethel Park High School to welcome first seven inductees into Alumni Hall of Fame

The recession and high national unemployment rates make life after college look worse than college itself, often leaving new graduates overqualified and underemployed.

It's an awkward and sobering time for college grads, like recent UW alumni Alice Tattersall, who works part-time at a Ravenna restaurant.

Tattersall has long intended to attend medical school and is now preparing to take her MCATs in March. But in the meantime, she's found her options for college-level employment limited.

"My parents are nervous that I'll get in a rut because it's easy to pick up a shift, take the money and stay in the service industry," said Tattersall, a psychology grad pursuing pediatrics.

Tattersall's story is typical, leading many recent grads questioning whether their costly bachelor's degree was worth the time and treasure.

But a new study by the Pew Charitable Trust's Economic Mobility Project would seem to dispel that skepticism, and confirm what high school counselors have been saying all along: It pays to go to college.

The report, based off a 2003-2011 Current Population Survey, says recent college grads age 21 through 24 experienced higher employment rates than their counterparts with high school and associate's degrees.

According to the report, 42 percent of recent college grads are in college-level job and 26 percent are underemployed in high school-level jobs. Only 10 percent of recent college grads were unemployed or out of the labor force--a small figure compared to 18 percent for high school grads and 11 percent for associate's degree holders.

While the unemployment rate is higher for young people compared to other age groups regardless of their education background, the statistics show quicker employment stabilization for those with a college degree.

At the UW Career Center, Senior Career Counselor Kimberly Petersen was optimistic about prospect for college grads in the economic upswing.

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Don't Brood: It Still Pays to Go to College

ATLANTA, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Over the course of a history-making, seven-year effort, Emory University has raised more than $1.69 billion from alumni and friends to support teaching, research, scholarship, patient care and social action.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130114/DC41840)

Nearly 150,000 donors contributed to Campaign Emory, ensuring the success of the most ambitious fund-raising effort in the university's history. Emory alumni contributed more than $349 million of the overall total. Emory faculty and staff contributed more than $105 million to Campaign Emory.

Funds raised through the campaign already have begun to transform Emory's physical and academic landscapes, enhancing the student experience, teaching, research and patient care by better equipping the university and its medical centers to serve the local and larger communities.

This level of philanthropic support, even in the midst of a worldwide economic downturn, is inspiring, says Emory President James W. Wagner.

"Philanthropy touches every area of Emory's work. The success of this campaign and the generosity of our many donors affirm that we are on the right track," Wagner says. "This campaign exceeded its goal because of the thoughtful, essential support of many alumni and friends, faculty and staff. We are confident that they will share in our success and continue to support us as we pursue the important work their generosity has made possible."

Hundreds of volunteers donated their time to help make the campaign successful.

"Without the dedication of our volunteers, we could not have achieved all they have made possible. The Emory community owes a debt of gratitude to Sonny Deriso, volunteer chairman of Campaign Emory, and every one of our volunteers who gave their time to lead and serve on school and unit committees," Wagner says of Deriso, a 1968 graduate of Emory College and a 1972 graduate of Emory University School of Law.

Campaign Emory provided essential support to enhance academic programs and research in schools and units. More than 351 endowed funds were created. Over the course of the campaign, donors provided more than $225 million for student scholarships and programs.

The steady growth in personal giving reflects a growing culture of philanthropy at Emory, says Wagner.

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Supporters Contribute $1.69 Billion Through Campaign Emory

Mary Sue Coleman University of Michigan President. (File Photo)

ANN ARBOR (AP) - Strengthening ties with alumni in India and pursuing collaboration with schools and researchers in that country will be the focus of a visit later this year by University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman.

Coleman will spend about a week in India in November, The Michigan Daily reported on its website.

Colemans fifth international trip as Michigans president will include stops in Mumbai and New Delhi. She also has visited Brazil, China, Ghana and South Africa on behalf of the university.

Plans are for Coleman to reach out to alumni living and working in India.

They have a lot of MBA graduates, and now BBA graduates, who are generally visible people in their communities, said Jo Rumsey, vice president for International Alumni Relations at the University of Michigan Alumni Association. They take the initiative. They get out there ahead of others. Indias alumni have been pretty active in wanting to stay in touch with the University.

University research has benefited from relationships in other countries, according to the school. The school is involved in a Science Without Borders program in Brazil and is conducting medical research in Ghana.

Were exploring some interesting opportunities for some new educational exchange study abroad programs in India, said Mark Tessler, vice provost for International Affairs.

Research projects between University of Michigan faculty and faculty at schools in India also could be pursued, he said.

The India trip should be beneficial to the university and India, according to Coleman.

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University of Michigan’s Coleman To Visit India

Branciforte thanks you for support

Thank you for helping to strongly support the fundraising efforts at Branciforte Middle School. We are close to our goal of raising money for new computers and software for our Media Lab and appreciate the shoutout to graduates and alumni. We are hoping that with their help and others in the community we will be able to meet our goal. It definitely takes a village.

Kathy Ferraro, Santa Cruz

Serving our schools and community

On behalf of the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, we would like to thank Matt Ryan, program director for Athletics Training Department, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), Santa Cruz and Greg Vandervoort, engineer/paramedic for Scotts Valley Fire Protection District, for providing the Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) that we now have in our high school and middle school gyms. Having these machines readily available in our schools will provide an invaluable lifesaving tool in the event of a heart attack.

We would also like to thank our local fire departments: Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton and Zayante for providing training to our school staff and coaches in AED, First Aid and CPR. Their professionalism and dedication in support of our schools is greatly appreciated.

Karen van Putten, Jeff Calden, Debbie Ruskin, Mark

SC Warriors basketball first-rate

This Warriors thing is really something. I haven't seen people this jazzed about anything since Pete Newell's Santa Cruz High Cardinals' joy ride to the state championship. The arena is cool, the basketball is first-rate and the experience is thoroughly enjoyable.

Thank you Jim Weyermann's Warriors, the Seaside Company, the mayor and City Council, and especially city staff whose enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism has resulted in this wonderful attraction. I'm thankful for your hard work and proud of what you've accomplished. You've enhanced our reputation as a city where unique and exciting things happen.

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Praiseworthy: Jan. 14, 2013

MOUNT CARMEL - Family Home Medical Home Health Agency announces that Stephen Minker has accepted an invitation to join the agency's professional advisory board. The board provides guidance and oversight for the company's daily operations and community outreach efforts.

"Mr. Minker's professional expertise and dedicated community involvement is a welcome and valuable addition to our board," said Warren D. Altomare, CEO.

Minker, of Coal Township, graduated from Shamokin Area High School in 1971 and earned a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Miami in 1975.

He serves on several local boards, including Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and Northumberland County Recreation Commission.

Minker is a past member of the Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority and the University of Miami alumni board.

"His strong community involvement and commitment to the residents of our area give him an excellent understanding of the various health care needs of the community," Altomare said.

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Coal Township man named to health firm's advisory board

Franklin Security Bank

Cheryl DeHaut, assistant vice president compliance officer, was awarded the certified regulatory compliance manager designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers. Ms. DeHaut oversees all compliance functions at Franklin Security Bank, including serving as the coordinator of the compliance committee, development of compliance training and serving as the bank's BSA, CRA and OFAC officer.

Heinz Rehab

Kim Stokes, M.S., L.P.C., a licensed professional counselor in the psychology department of Heinz Rehab, had an article titled "Addiction & Coping with Medical Illness or Disability: It Can't Happen To Me" published in the premiere edition of a professional journal for human services professionals called Mind, Trauma, Addiction Counseling & Organizational Behavior Issues. Ms. Stokes lives in Luzerne County and has been a psychologist with Allied Services for more than 13 years.

James Mattucci, M.D., presented "The 10 Rules for Total Knee Rehabilitation" to the inpatient and outpatient therapy rehabilitation staff at a lunch and learn presentation at Heinz Rehab Hospital, a division of Allied Services Integrated Health System. Dr. Mattucci discussed therapy benefits following total knee replacement and educated on general guidelines for successful outcomes.

Highland Associates

John Durdan, a professional engineer, has been hired as a member of the mechanical engineering department. Mr. Durdan will design and manage projects for a variety of clients across several market segments. A graduate of the Penn State, Mr. Durdan holds a bachelor of architectural engineering emphasizing the built environment and building energy sciences. He lives in Clarks Summit with his wife, Jo Ann, a Realtor with Classic Properties, and their daughter, Elizabeth, a student at Abington Heights.

Holly Akers has been hired as a new business developer. Ms. Akers will seek new opportunities for the firm, assist in maintaining existing relationships with long-term clients and deliver proposals for prospective projects. A graduate of Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, N.J., she holds a Bachelor of Arts. She went on to receive her MBA from Centenary College, Hackettstown, N.J. Ms. Akers lives in Saylorsburg with her husband, Brian.

Highlights for Children

Glenn Boyd, a designer with the Digital Content Group, was recently honored for 20 years of service. He received the company's service award during Highlights' annual holiday luncheon at the Settlers Inn in Hawley. Mr. Boyd started his design work with Highlights in the graphics department and then the new products department before moving into online publishing for children. He earned an associate degree in visual communications in 1980 from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. The Pittston Twp. resident is a 1978 graduate of Scranton Central High School.

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People on the Move, Jan. 13, 2013

Calvary Episcopal Church, 102 N. Second, is hosting "Compassionate Choice: End of Life Decisions with Heart," from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 19. The conference will be led by Rev. Dr. Randy McCloy and Rev. Linda Serino. Breakout workshops include: medical decisions at end of life, hospice care, funeral planning, advance directives, ethical wills, caring for the caregiver, planned giving and wills. The workshop is free and open to the public. Lunch will be available for $10. Call Calvary Episcopal Church with any questions: 901-525-6602.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 Washington in Downtown Memphis, will host "Feed My Sheep" on Sunday: to collect non-perishable food items and canned goods before worship, and afterward take the items to the Mid-South Food Bank. The second Sunday of each month has be designated Feed My Sheep Sunday. For more information, call 901-525-1056.

Hope Church, 8500 Walnut Grove in Cordova, will continue its "Living Well" series this weekend: focusing on nutrition and exercise as well as emotional and spiritual health. Leslie Schilling, RD, a nationally known dietician and nutritionist with expertise in healthy weight management, will speak at services at 5:30 p.m. today and at 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Sunday.

Heartsong Church, 800 N. Houston Levee in Cordova, will host Jay Bakker, son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, at a special service 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday. Bakker currently lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he is co-pastor of Revolution Church NYC, a church that meets in a bar and has a strong online following. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 901-755-6332.

Lucy Baptist Church, 4005 Lucy Rd. in Millington, will host a "Conversational Evangelism Conference: Practical Ways to Connect with Family and Friends," with Dr. David Geisler Jan. 11-12. Registration is $15 for adults, $10 for students grades 7-12. For more information call 901-872-0623.

St. Anne Catholic Church, 670 S. Highland, is hosting its annual St. Anne Parish Dinner-Dance: Jan. 26 in St. Sebastian Hall. A $10 donation at the door includes dinner, dessert, dancing and set-ups but BYOB. "Happy Hour" will be 5-6 p.m. and dinner will be served from 5:30-8 p.m. The Oliveus, an award-winning cooking team, will prepare a delicious Italian feast. DJ Jim Steinbrecher will play tunes from the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s from 7-10 p.m. All school alumni, school parents, parishioners and friends are invited to join in the fun. Babysitting will be provided at no additional cost. Call 901-323-3817 for more information.

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Memphis faith calendar

I worked two years doing research, first in nuclear physics and recently in solid state physics: I am a Classics and Physics double major, but I am going to graduate school in Psychology, specifically studying developmental psychology and linguistics. Thus, while I certainly consider conducting research will help me in my future studies; it is the core methodological experience and not specifically the field in which I studied that I will benefit from.Grinnell student (SURE, Survey of Undergraduate Research Experiences, 2010)

Performing independent research, in high school or in college, regardless of discipline, can prove invaluable.

Conducting research in high school provides research experience that often translates to the college level. For some career paths, research is mandatory. Specifically, if you are applying for a combined degree, such as a BS/MD program at Northwestern Medical Honors, or the Brown PLME program, your credibility as an applicant is bolstered by any science-related research projects performed during your high school years. Such programs as COSMOS through the University of California, or summer research programs through the NIH offer high school students structured research opportunities.

In fact, research at the high school level is so prized that the supplements for both the Northwestern and Harvard applications include requests for submitting research abstracts. One student accepted early at Princeton this year researched style-o-metrics of Elizabethan playwrights and had an article published in the Concord Review (a top academic online publication for high school social sciences): high school research often magnifies an applicants intellectual vigor and drive.

Its not only the elite schools, or the various honors programs that evaluate research in their admissions process or implement research opportunities in their undergraduate offerings. Virtually every college and university provides undergraduate students with research opportunities mentored by faculty members. The Council on Undergraduate Research, http://www.cur.org, has more than 650 institutional members ranging from Bucknell University and Boise State to Fort Lewis College (a public school with fewer than 4,000 undergraduates, located in Durango, Colo., with annual out-of-state tuition of $16,000) and Cal State Long Beach.

UG research is by no means reserved just for the sciences: it extends into virtually every nook and cranny of the arts and humanities, economics, history, sociology, political science, health sciences and psychology.

That Pepperdines psychology department values undergraduate research is evidenced on its website where the department explicitly states under the heading, Objectives of the Major, faculty sets demanding standards of excellence in written expression, especially in writing for scientific publication. It then contains an entire section on student research which features three programs unique to Pepperdine: a Summer Undergraduate Research Program, a 12-week Interdisciplinary UG Research Program, and an Academic UG Research Initiative which provides faculty with grants to support student research projects.

NYU offers its biology undergraduates access to an open laboratory, to its Gencores Illumina HiSeq 2000 gene sequencing machine, and its many laser, spinning disk and photon microscopes. The possibilities of conducting high level UG Research using the shared equipment and resources at NYU are endless.

All this dedication to UG research is for a very good reason: undergraduate research does far more than serve to fill a students resume. It integrates theory and application while it teaches the research process, literature review, data analysis, and, of utmost importance, places students in partnership with a mentor faculty, usually an eminent professor in the chosen field of research. This leads to increased retention, increased enrollment in graduate programs, and promotes an innovation-oriented culture.

Research from SURE (Survey of Undergraduate Research Experience) further indicates that when students take classes in the same department in which they conducted research, they become more independent problem solvers, develop a more innate desire to learn and master a subject, and, in essence become more active learners. No further research is necessary to confirm the utility of these outcomes.

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COLLEGE COUNSELOR: The Importance Of Research

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will award world-renowned artist, scientist and researcher Guy Harvey, Ph.D., with one of NSU's newest awards, the President's Award for Excellence in Community Service. President George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., will bestow the award upon Harvey and four others at the university's annual Celebration of Excellence event on Jan. 24, 2013.

The President's Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes superior professional engagement activities in the community by alumni, students, faculty, staff, and a member of the South Florida community. The awards encourage the ongoing pursuit of community service and exemplify NSU's "community" core value.

The awards are conferred upon individuals (one in each category) who demonstrate significant contributions to the community while exemplifying all eight of NSU's core values. This year's five honorees were selected from 79 total submitted nominations.

"This award defines what it means to be an outstanding citizen and member of the NSU community," said George Hanbury, Ph.D. "I can't think of someone more deserving of the Excellence in Community Service Award than Guy Harvey, a man who tirelessly gives back to this community, and the global community, in so many ways."

Guy Harvey is one of the world's leading marine biologists, painters and conservationists. Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. Growing up in Jamaica, Guy spent many hours fishing and diving with his father along the Island's south coast. He was obsessed with the creatures of the sea and began drawing pictures of the many different fish he observed. Guy's artwork can be found in art exhibits, stores, galleries, restaurants and at fishing tournaments.

A passion for the beauty and wonder of the underwater world has driven Harvey to be a leading conservationist and advocate for the protection of our environment. He dedicates much of his talent, time and resources to programs that protect our oceans, fish population and reef systems. The Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center and The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation have taken on a leadership role in providing the scientific information necessary to understand and protect the world's fish resources and biodiversity from continued decline.

Harvey is the past recipient of many awards and distinctions, including: the International Swimming Hall of Fame Gold Medallion Award; the Vasco Nunez de Balboa Grand Cross, the highest honor the country of Panama bestows on a non-Panamanian; and the first ever IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Fishing Awards Committee, as well as being inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport fishing community.

The 2013 honorees are:

ALUMNIT. David Long, B.S.H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and EntrepreneurshipNova Southeastern University Long is the president of Miller Electric Company, one of the largest electrical contractors in the nation, based in Jacksonville, FL. His commitment to community is evident through his dedication to various organizations, having served as president and board member of the National Leukemia Society, and as vice president and executive board member of the Dreams Come True Foundation. He is also a trustee of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and an executive committee member of the Gator Bowl Association.

CommunityGuy Harvey, Ph.D. Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (see above)

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Guy Harvey to be Honored by NSU with President's Award for Excellence in Community Service