Public Relations commissioned the painting as a backdrop for a story in the summer 2003 Plymouth Magazine. Now it is being made available for purchase. Giclee prints of "Coming Home" on watercolor paper are unframed and measure 10 x 22.5 inches. Limited edition prints signed by the artist are $150 and unsigned prints are $75. An order form in PDF format is available at http://www.plymouth.edu/news/newsimage/print order form.pdf . , or send an e-mail to opr@plymouth.edu.

Hayes has participated in solo, juried and invitational exhibitions throughout the United States. Her paintings have been shown at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, the Fine Arts Center in Taos, New Mexico, and in New York City at the Salmagundi Club, The Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, and the National Arts Club. Locally, Hayes shows her artwork at Surroundings Gallery in Sandwich, New Hampshire. Her drawings have appeared in several magazines and she has illustrated 10 books.

[Ed. note: The term giclee (pronounced zhee-clay) print typically connotes a certain elevation in printmaking technology that enables quality fine art reproductions. Images are high resolution digital scans printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates. The giclee process is reputed to provide better color accuracy than some other means of reproduction.]

Dozens of PSU students, faculty, staff and state dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting of Langdon Woods Residence Hall October 13, culminating a 15-month, $29 million dollar construction project, which is unique due to its environmentally-conscious design and construction. To many at PSU and the community, it seemed fitting that this project be built on the Langdon Woods site.

Nearly 200 years ago, Langdon Woods was a remote, thickly forested part of Plymouth owned by a stagecoach operator named James Fogg Langdon. Langdon had a reputation as a man of foresight, creativity and diligence. Today, in that same corner of town, stands a Plymouth State University residence hall that not only bears Langdon's name, it also aspires to achieve his qualities. PSU president Sara Jayne Steen related the site's history and link with James Langdon, saying, "I think he would have liked the building that bears his name."

This state-of-the-art project features a layout that follows the contour of the land on-site, preserving wetlands and other water elements while allowing maximum sunlight exposure for energy conservation. The brick, wood and glass building was outfitted with energy and water conserving fixtures and systems, including some waterless urinals. Heat is provided through a co-generation plant housed next door. These features will mean 58 percent less energy use and a 36 percent reduction in water use. PSU intends to pursue a gold-level certification in the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership-Energy-Environmental Design (LEEDS) program.

USNH Trustee Chairman Andrew Lietz characterized Langdon Woods as "truly an example of many hands, hearts and the best minds working collaboratively for a superior result."

As for the living quarters, Langdon Woods offers suite-style living options as well as hotel-type single and double bedrooms, a 1,000 square-foot aerobic exercise area, a coffee shop, a common area with wireless Internet access, smaller areas for students to congregate, bathrooms with more privacy, a laundry room, secure bicycle storage and a meeting/conference room. Additionally, the carpets throughout the building are recyclable and the University outfitted the rooms with furniture manufactured locally in Lisbon, N.H.

USNH Chancellor Stephen J. Reno, quoting British statesman Winston Churchill, noted, "We shape our buildings, and then our buildings shape us," in reference to the forward-thinking environmental aspects of the project.

The five-story high building has a capacity of 347 students and will be paid for entirely by student fees.

PLYMOUTH, NH- Do federal laws really work to reduce acid rain in northeast lakes? Plymouth State University's Center for the Environment and partnering researchers have been chosen to help find the answer through a $1.1 million grant. The five-year grant, one of the largest ever received by PSU, will collect and analyze lake samples from Maine to the Adirondacks in an effort to gauge whether the Clean Air Act has helped reduce the effects of acid rain on Northeast surface waters. This grant is part of the national EPA program to collect long-term data on acid rain impacts on lakes.

Center for the Environment Director Dr. Steve Kahl has studied acid rain in New England's surface waters for more than 25 years. The EPA grant will be instrumental in continuing this research to shed important light on the health of invaluable natural resources and whether current laws are effective in protecting them.

"The importance of the work relates directly to the federal Clean Air Act and future amendments in Congress. The key questions are; do reductions in acid-forming emissions from power plants and vehicles result in reductions in acid rain, and if so, do these reductions in acid rain result in less acidity in lakes? The answers to these questions will provide information for EPA to assess the need for future reductions in atmospheric deposition," Kahl said.

The project will also collect samples from high elevation lakes in Maine, and with possible auxiliary funding from other sources, intends to sample high elevation lakes in New Hampshire. These lakes are the 'canary' lakes that are most responsive to acid rain.

Kahl worked on the 2003 EPA assessment of trends in acid rain while on sabbatical at EPA in Corvallis, Oregon. Kahl and his colleagues authored a report the results of which were published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology in 2004, available on the PSU webpage at www.plymouth.edu/cfe/pdfs/ES&T.pdf.

U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) stated, "Plymouth State University is an emerging leader in scientific research, and its established meteorological program is one that has gained national attention. I am pleased that this EPA grant will help fund the University's new Center for the Environment and it's regional lake chemistry laboratory and will further our understanding about the health of our state's surface waters."

The new grant will help fund the new regional lake chemistry laboratory at PSU, being developed in partnership with the NH Department of Environmental Services to assist lake associations and other management groups with their need for environmental data in the north country and lakes district of NH. Graduate student Adam Baumann is funded by the grant to conduct his thesis research on the subject. Baumann is enrolled in the new Environmental Science and Policy graduate program at PSU.

Dr. Bill McDowell, director of the Water Resources Research Center at UNH, is a co-principal investigator on the grant and his laboratory will conduct some of the sample analysis. The grant will also fund researchers at the University of Maine and Dartmouth College to evaluate long-term changes in biological communities by analyzing changes in zooplankton over the past 20 years, using archived collections. The biological response is important because there are few records of fishery response to acid rain. The sampling of fisheries is destructive and effects the populations directly, so indicators' such as microscopic zooplankton are better suited for determining long term trends. Federal officials are looking forward to reviewing the research findings. "Over the last decade, surface water chemistry data has played an important role in assessing ecological response to Clean Air Act programs, such as the Acid Rain Program," according to Brian McLean, Director of EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs. "As we move forward with implementing new programs, such as the Clean Air Interstate Rule, these data will be invaluable in helping us to understand whether we are adequately protecting sensitive ecosystems," says McLean.

AFor more information contact PSU director of public relations Christopher M. Williams at cwilliams@plymouth.edu or (603) 535-2476.

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In a tasty combination of classroom lessons and entrepreneurship, a Plymouth State University student team took home the top prize in creating a new dessert for New Hampshire's Common Man family of restaurants. Team Blue's delicious entry, "Bursting Blueberry Crisp," was awarded 1st place in a ceremony Dec. 6 at the Common Man's Concord eatery.

First launched last year, the Common Man Apprentice competition is modeled after the reality TV show, The Apprentice,' featuring Donald Trump. Business students from PSU and St. Anselm College in Manchester served as apprentices for Common Man restaurants during the semester-long contest. Head chefs from the restaurant chain selected the three best desserts out of 21 total entries from contests at each school. Those six winning entries, three from each school, were put on the menu during November at each of the five Common Man restaurants in a head-to-head competition, with the winner decided by total sales. Team Blue sold 572 servings, beating out their fellow PSU competitors, PSU White Chocolate's Caramel Cheesecake, which tallied 486 orders.

Dr. Bonnie Bechard, PSU business professor, designed the program along with her husband, St. Anselm business professor Tom Fitzpatrick, to give students in her Organizational Behavior course the opportunity to develop teamwork skills and real-life business experience.

"I'm very proud of them, all of the students did an awesome job," Bechard said. "Clearly, all of the desserts this year were a cut above, we did great last year, and the students seemed to learn a lot from the success of last year's students, so I'm very excited about our success and bringing the winner's plaque back to PSU."

The winning team consisted of Matt Carney, a senior from Merrimack, N.H.; Jessica Voaden, a junior from Avon, Conn.; Ryan Griffin, a junior from Canton, Conn.; and Michael Vigneault, a junior from Merrimack, N.H.

"I would say time management is the best lesson I learned, it was very difficult trying to work around each other's schedules and get the work done, but we figured it out" said Jessica Voaden.

Matt Carney of Team Blue believes the blueberry-based dessert caught many diners eyes because it wasn't seasonal. "I thought the recipe was a little different, especially for this time of year, we worked on a different topping using graham crackers, so that little twist really made a difference."

Jason Lyon, Common Man CEO and 1994 PSC alum, was very impressed with the competition results. "Keep in mind these are business students, not culinary arts students, but they jumped right into the process and came up with some pretty impressive and innovative recipes."

Among the requirements for a successful entry, the dessert can take no longer than an hour of preparation time and should take less than three minutes to assemble and serve.

The runner-ups also were PSU contestants, including the Bakers Delight team of Meghan Grubbs, Tom Myers, Alec Vargus, Ali Pothier and Michael Stack. The Dainty Delights team included Meghan White, Jennifer Oddy, Stacy Harkabuf, Lianne Houde and Kara Kiely. St. Anselm's Gretal's Stout Gingerbread entry also placed in the final judging.

The team creating the winning recipe receives a $500 prize from PSU and St. Anselm College, and an additional $500 was awarded from the Common Man to be given to a charity or student organization of their choice. The winning dessert also earns a place on the Common Man menu.

For more information, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., 535-2775, blyndes@plymouth.edu

Plymouth State University has named 325 students to the Dean's List for achieving a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.69 during the fall semester of the 2006-2007 academic year.

To be eligible for the Dean's List students must have attempted at least 12 credit hours during the semester. These credit hours must be in courses that earn grade points and students must have completed all such courses attempted.

Students named to the PSU Dean's List include:

Plymouth State University has named 466 students to the President's List for achieving a grade point average of 3.7 or better during the fall semester of the 2006-2007 academic year.

To be eligible for the President's List students must have attempted at least 12 credit hours during the semester. These credit hours must be in courses that earn grade points and students must have completed all such courses attempted.

Students named to the PSU President's List include:

PSU student teachers in New Hampshire's North Country are getting a critical financial boost from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation-North Country. The $42,000 grant provides stipends to student teachers in the North Country Teacher Certification program.

The stipends help students bridge the economic gap that occurs when they leave their jobs to start full-time student teaching to the time when they reenter the workforce as certified teachers.

"As a comprehensive, regional University, Plymouth State University is committed to helping students in the North Country, and we're pleased that the Foundation has recognized this important need," said PSU President Sara Jayne Steen. "We're grateful that the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is providing significant funding for student teachers."

The North Country Teacher Certification Program, directed by PSU's Irene Mosedale, was developed as a partnership among PSU, the New Hampshire Community and Technical College - Berlin, and Granite State College. The program provides bachelor's degrees and teaching certification to place-bound students in New Hampshire's North Country region in order to address two complementary needs: replacing retiring teachers in the region and offering certification to those who can't complete traditional degree requirements because of family or work considerations.

"We are very grateful for this award," said Mosedale. "The $42,000 will help ease some of the financial burden for the North Country Teacher Certification candidates during their student teaching semester in the fall of 2007."

For more information, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu

Laura Brusseau, a social studies educator at Laconia High School, joins the board of directors after having spent most of her undergraduate years serving the greater Plymouth community.

"I have kept in touch with many of my classmates and would continue to be a great resource in relaying information and garnering feedback on potential ideas," said Brusseau. As a student at PSU, Brusseau was class president as well as a member of the swimming and diving team. Brusseau also co-founded Homeless and Hunger Week at PSU, held positions on the student senate, and served as president of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, an admission representative and a PASS tutor.

Bedford, N.H. resident Patricia Donnelly-Sullivan is a computer technology educator at the DuPont School in Allenstown. "I believe it is time to take responsibility and lead by action, volunteer and assist in any way I can at Plymouth State University," said Donnelly-Sullivan.

Previously a project manager at Expert Server Group in Bedford, Donnelly-Sullivan was an Olympic torchbearer in 2002 and has participated in every Boston Marathon-Jimmy Fund Walk since 1990. She has served on the board at the Joppa Hill Educational Farm from 2002-05 and was a member of the International Society of Technology Educators from 2004-06.

Gregory Serapiglia, an intermediate client administrative associate at State Street Global Advisors in Boston, was active in residence life as a student at Plymouth State. "Looking back over the four years I spent at the university, I have fond memories of my time spent at Plymouth State, primarily time spent serving in various leadership capacities," remarked Serapiglia.

A member of the Residence Hall Association and the Residence Council, Serapiglia was also a member of the Student Alumni Association for two years (1992-94) before becoming its president (1994-96). A volunteer at the American Red Cross and the United Way, Serapiglia holds a master's degree from Northeastern University.

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority Executive Director Claira Pirozzi-Monier has volunteer experience with organizations including the American Lung Association of New Hampshire, the American Red Cross and the Affordable Housing Advisory Council. Pirozzi-Monier has also been active within the PSU community serving on the PSUAA Volunteer Development Committee (1981), PSUAA Alumni Day Committee (1987) and the Harold Hyde Scholarship Committee (2002).

"I feel this is an opportunity to give something back to Plymouth State University for all it has given me," said Pirozzi-Monier. "Plymouth State gave me a solid foundation in my formative years. It is important for our students of the twenty-first century to have the same opportunities."

For more information on this release, contact Kevin D. Anderson, at kdanderson@plymouth.edu or at (603) 535-2211.

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In a gubernatorial proclamation, Gov. John Lynch notes that Gene and Joan Savage met at Plymouth Teachers' College (now Plymouth State University) and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007. They have had an enormously positive effect on the state. Gene Savage served two terms as the Plymouth State University alumni trustee on the University System of New Hampshire's Board of Trustees, and both Gene and Joan have worked tirelessly on behalf of education, Plymouth State University, and the University System of New Hampshire.

Gene Savage also was the 2007 recipient of the Chancellor's Medallion, given to him by Chancellor Stephen J. Reno at this year's Plymouth State University commencement ceremony in recognition of his achievements. Family and friends have established an endowed scholarship at PSU to honor the couple as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

In closing, Governor Lynch states, "Now, therefore, I, John H. Lynch, Governor of the State of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim June 23, 2007 as Gene and Joan Savage Day on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and in recognition to their dedication and work on behalf of the University System of New Hampshire."

"We could think of no better way to honor our parents on this momentous occasion than to establish a scholarship that celebrates their passion for education, their love of New Hampshire, and their ongoing commitment to their alma mater," said Dr. Kathleen Savage Mills, one of the Savage's three daughters.

The Eugene and Joan Savage Education Award will be presented annually to a Plymouth State University student from New Hampshire who aspires to pursue a career in education. The recipient will be chosen by a selection committee and will be awarded on the basis of financial need, academic accomplishment and promise for future success.

"Today's rising costs of higher education are putting considerable financial burdens on students and their families," said Deborah Savage Rearick. "The Eugene and Joan Savage Education Award will significantly reduce this burden for countless numbers of New Hampshire's finest young people."

Mr. Savage's career in education spans 35 years in secondary and post-secondary education. Most recently, he has served as senior government relations advisor for Rath, Young and Pignatelli, PA in Concord, N.H.

In 1967, Savage began working for the University System of New Hampshire. First as Dean of Admissions at the University of New Hampshire, followed by 13 years as vice president for university relations, vice chancellor and, finally, as consultant to the chancellor.

Savage has received numerous awards including this year's Plymouth State University Alumni Association's Alumni Achievement Award, the New Hampshire Distinguished Citizen Award from the Daniel Webster Council of Boy Scouts, the Distinguished Service Award from the PSU Alumni Association, the Thomas More Award from St. Thomas More Church, the Distinguished Service Award from the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors, and the Profile of Service Award from the UNH Alumni Association. He was selected for Outstanding Young Men of America in 1970.

At this year's undergraduate commencement at PSU, USNH Chancellor Stephen Reno presented the Chancellor's Medallion to Savage, citing his tireless efforts on behalf of higher education in general and the university system in particular.

Savage has served his community in various capacities over the years in organizations such as Odyssey House, Inc., Eastern States Exposition, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, and the American National Red Cross.

He has served his alma mater as a member of the alumni association board of directors and on the University's President's Council. He was also chair of the PSU Presidential Search Committee. In 1999, he was elected by the PSU Alumni Association to serve as the Plymouth State member of the USNH Board of Trustees.

Savage, who holds a master's degree in education from Boston University in addition to his undergraduate degree from Plymouth State, also has received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Franklin Pierce College.

Joan Savage began her teaching career at Pittsfield (N.H.) High School, and after doing graduate work at the University of New Hampshire, she continued her teaching at Oyster River Middle School in Durham.

She received the PSU Alumni Association Service Award in 1988, and was the recipient of the Thomas More Award from St. Thomas More Church. In 1998, she was again honored by her alma mater, and was given the PSU Alumni Association Achievement Award. She has served on the PSU Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Girl Scout Council, and was Durham President for American Association of University Women (AAUW).

An accomplished artist, Mrs. Savage is a member of the Durham Art Association as well as the Pine Island Art Association and Heron's Glen Art Association in Ft. Myers, Fla.

"We know our parents will consider it a great honor to have their names associated with an award that will make a difference in the lives of Plymouth State University students," said Suzanne Savage Yeatts.

Sara Jayne Steen, President of Plymouth State University, noted that Gene and Joan Savage are the first couple to have individually received both the PSU Alumni Service and Alumni Achievement Awards. "We are grateful that the Savage family and friends chose to honor Gene and Joan with an endowed scholarship. It is a wonderful recognition of their significant and on-going contributions."

Contributions to the Eugene and Joan Savage Education Award can be mailed to Angela Matthews, Director of Development, 17 High Street, MSC 50, Plymouth, N.H., 03264.

For more information on this release, contact Christopher M. Williams at cwilliams@plymouth.edu or (603) 535-2276.

The aim of the Plymouth Writing Project is to prepare teachers for leadership roles in the teaching of writing. They explore best practices in intensive five-week summer institutes and specialized leadership training. The Plymouth Writing Project summer camps are directed by PWP teacher consultants, who bring the best in writing instruction to area children.

The camps offered in Plymouth are Adventure Writing for students entering grades 4-5, from July 16-20, Fantasy and Fiction, for students entering grades 6-7, from July 23 to 27 and Poetry and Prose for students entering grades 8-9, from July 9-13.

Teachers Kari Allen and Jennifer Larochelle will direct the Plymouth camps. Allen is a second-grade teacher at the Sant Bani School in Sanbornton and a graduate of Plymouth State University's masters program in the teaching of writing, while Larochelle teaches seventh-grade literacy classes at Newfound Memorial Middle School and is a two-time writing project fellow.

The camps in Laconia are directed by Donna Marie Gamlin and Amanda O'Riordan, both teachers at Elm Street School and Plymouth Writing Project fellows. The camps in Laconia include Poetry and Personal Narrative in Your Own Backyard for students entering grades 5-6, from July 9-13, and Fantasy and Realistic Fiction with Fur, Friends, and Fun for students entering grades 3-4, from July 16-20.

Camps are appropriate for children with all degrees of comfort with writing. The aim is to make writing meaningful and enjoyable for all participants.

For more information about the camps, contact Meg Petersen, Plymouth Writing Project Director at 535-2684, or by e-mail megp@plymouth.edu.

Eire was premiered by the Plymouth State Symphonic Band at their spring 2006 concert and is reported to be the only piece by a female composer in the Alfred band catalog.

"Melanie's composition is very tuneful, and it draws upon the popularity of Celtic music worldwide," said Professor Gary Corcoran, director of bands at Plymouth State. "J. W. Pepper and Son, one of the largest sheet music distributors in the U. S., has included Eire on its Editors' Choice promotional recordings, which almost guarantees that the piece will reach a much wider audience than it might have otherwise. Melanie's music reflects an intuitive craftsmanship. She has a wonderful opportunity at this time continue to develop her craft to the highest level possible."

Donahue began composing during her junior year of high school. She was accepted at Plymouth State and found herself drawn to composition classes. Those classes offered significant opportunity to work one-to-one with Dr. Jonathan Santore, professor of music theory and composition and chair of the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance at PSU.

Santore, himself an award-winning composer, "could tell that the finished product would be something special. it works' for band-that verb covers a wide range of issues that confront any director selecting a composition for performance by an ensemble. I think this is the beginning of a notable compositional career," Santore said.

Eire began as a class assignment and was written specifically for band, but the melody which became the theme for the work was in Donahue's head for two years. A second theme is composed in Irish jig style. Donahue says it is "celebratory-perhaps like St. Patrick's day-and reflective of another aspect of Irish culture." The piece is currently online at www.alfred-music.com.

Composition requires more than technical skill-the process involves research, in this case about Irish music, the immigrant experience, and family history. The novice composer likes to walk along the ocean, and kept hearing the central theme of the work in her head as she did so.

"I am so fortunate that Dr. Santore gave me the opportunity to write this piece and to have it performed," said Donahue. "Speaking with noted composer and publisher Robert Sheldon at Alfred was a wonderful experience."

Sheldon says Donahue is a very talented writer and predicts that she will have great success. "An acceptance into our catalogue means that her work was selected over hundreds of other pieces that were not accepted, including many by previously published and successful composers. Eire is a delightful composition that will be very playable by bands across the country."

The Center for Rural Partnerships (CRP), working in collaboration with North Country Resource Conservation and Development Area Council (RC & D) and the State Forester, has secured funding from the U.S. Forest Service to conduct a feasibility study for converting PSU's existing co-gen plant from fossil fuels to sustainably-harvested woody biomass from local forests. Conversion from fossil fuels to a renewable energy source (combined with sustainable forestry) has a number of positive attributes, according to CRP Director Thad Guldbrandsen.

"This advances the mission of the regional comprehensive university in numerous ways," said Guldbrandsen. "By efficiently using sustainably-harvested wood, we would contribute to the well being of the NH forests and forest-based economy."

The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed by next August. The PSU study is being conducted as part of a statewide, institution-scale biomass initiative, which will move toward establishing a biomass plant at Bear Brook State Park, PSU and three other institutions, such as public schools. The study also includes the N.H. State Forester, Phil Bryce of the Department of Economic Development, the UNH Cooperative Extension and the North Country RC & D. The statewide project aims to develop five biomass feasibility studies and create educational material for schools and other public institutions to help them evaluate the feasibility of biomass energy.

"PSU would become a model for other institutions region-wide and provide numerous learning opportunities for students and visitors," noted Guldbrandsen. "Converting PSU's co-gen plant could go a long way in achieving carbon neutrality on campus, because heat and electricity is our major source of carbon emissions."

The CRP is currently working with the President's Commission on Environmental Sustainability (PCES) to implement the feasibility study.

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu.

PLYMOUTH, N.H. -Plymouth State University students have saved thousands of dollars in electricity costs in a month-long energy conservation competition among residence halls.

Danielle Dustin, the Samuel Read Hall residence director and organizer of the Doing It in the Dark competition, says students saved 11,764 kilowatt hours of energy during the month of November. Those kilowatt hours saved in the residence halls are the equivalent of 196,067 60-watt light bulbs burning for 16 hours each.

"Those of us involved in running the competition were not sure whether students would participate or not, but we have been pleasantly surprised since the start of the event," Dustin said."This is really exciting."

Dustin noted at the beginning of the competition that each on-campus student spends an average of $731 each semester on energy costs. In an effort to head off future cost increases, or to possibly even lower the current costs, students were asked to turn off and unplug computers, appliances and other such items when they were not being used, and to turn off the lights when they left their rooms or the various common areas. To help motivate the students, the winning residence hall was promised half priced laundry for a month and a t-shirt for each resident.

"Our student staff and residence hall directors were highly involved in advertising and motivating students to be involved," Dustin said. "They believed in this and it shows in the final results."

Here is a breakdown of how much energy each residence hall saved in the month of November:

Blair - 3,899 kilowatt hours

Belknap - 3,371 kilowatt hours

Geneva Smith - 3,281 kilowatt hours

Grafton - 1,857 kilowatt hours

Mary Lyon - 1,236 kilowatt hours

Pemigewasset - 423 kilowatt hours

Samuel Read Hall Residence Hall - 45 kilowatt hours

Editor's note: Langdon Woods is not included because the reported energy savings in the residence halls are based on a five- year average; Langdon Woods opened in September, 2006.

Dustin also noted the most important result of the competition is raising campus awareness and commitment to saving energy.

"Hopefully students, staff, faculty-everyone tied to the University-will gain a greater appreciation and understanding for how simple choices they make can impact the environment," said Dustin.

"Many people on this campus are working behind the scenes to educate others about sustainability; events like Doing it in the Dark serve as a tool to move their efforts into the public eye. Members of the President's Commission on Environmental Sustainability especially would like to see it happen again in fall 2008. I've also had lots of comments from students who would like to see it happen potentially every semester."

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu

PLYMOUTH,N.H.-The Plymouth State University Baseball team collected 3,040 pounds of food for the Community Closet Food Pantry in Plymouth over the course of two weeks in early November. Players left donation bins at the Hannaford store in Plymouth and at the Hartman Union Building on campus, and also went door-to-door in student neighborhoods seeking additional food items.

"We've been doing this for three or four years now, and it's getting better every year," said Brandon Hodge, a PSU senior and team co-captain, "People are usually pretty grateful and pretty generous. It makes us realize how fortunate we really are."

Chris Welch, a junior who serves as co-captain, was equally proud of his team's work. "It's a great way to help out the community, it's our way of giving back and showing that the team is behind the community," said Welch. The team is coached by Dennis McManus.

Along with the individual donations, Sodexho assisted with food collection and Hannaford pitched in by donating cases of food and beverage items, all of which were brought to the Hartman Union Building on Friday, November 16 for a weigh-in.

Jackie Johnson, a student who helps coordinate many of the hunger and homelessness events on campus, explained that the food drive was part of an effort to keep the campus community aware of such issues throughout the school year, instead of a specific week or month. She also noted that this year, students had made it their focus "to think locally, to do things locally."

While the food drive was underway, a separate drive was also carried out on campus to gather toiletry items for women and children at local shelters. Katherine Tardif of the Campus Ministry said that 133 pounds of toiletries had been gathered, of which 55 pounds would be sent for children at Voices Against Violence in Plymouth. The remaining 78 pounds were destined for the Bridge House shelter, also in Plymouth.

Keeping with the year-round emphasis on hunger and homelessness issues, students also participated in a Crop Walk in Plymouth on Saturday, November 17 to raise additional funds for local food assistance, while on December 5 there will be a fundraiser for the Bridge House in the form of a "hunger banquet," which will call attention to world hunger by providing participants, based on the percentage of those attending, with dinner ranging from a full meal to a cup of rice.

PLYMOUTH, N.H. -- For the first time users of Plymouth State University's Lamson Library are able to read and search excerpts, or even full texts, of select books online.

The University today announced the implementation of the Google Book Search Book Viewability API through its Scriblio library software. This means patrons can preview the text of select books they find in the Lamson Library catalog online free of charge via Google Book Search.

"Access to information is what libraries are all about. The integration of Scriblio, our library's content management system and online catalogue, with Google Book Search promises to enhance the research experience for all our users," said David A. Berona, PSU Lamson Library and Learning Commons Director

Examples of how the Google Book Search Book Viewability API works using Scriblio can be seen in these books by PSU authors Bruce Heald and Joseph Monninger. The "Browse on Google" link in the New Features section leads to extended previews of their works.

"The ability to browse a library's collection online, to see not only what's on the shelf but to peek inside the books and flip through the pages can only help to expand horizons," said Casey Bisson, lead developer of Scriblio. "Free samples attract readers, Google Book Search integration with Scriblio and library catalogs should attract a lot of them."

Google announced the launch of the new Google Book Search Book Viewability API yesterday on the Google blog. PSU is one of the first nine universities worldwide to link to the new Google Book Search Book Viewability API feature at its launch.

* Plymouth State University, (New Hampshire)
* Kansas State University
* University of California
* University of Huddersfield. (Huddersfield, UK)
* University of Iowa
* University of Minnesota
* University of Texas
* Waterford Institute of Technology, (Waterford, Ireland)
* Universita degli Studi di Padova in Italy, (Padova, Italy)

Scriblio, an open source project developed by Casey Bisson at Plymouth State University, has been gaining additional recognition since being awarded one of the first Andrew W Mellon Foundation awards for technology collaboration in December 2006. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has recently selected it as their next generation library catalog.

Scriblio makes it easier for libraries to post their collections online, and as open source software, it is available to other libraries to download and use for free.

For more information contact Christopher M. Williams at cwilliams@plymouth.edu or (603) 535-2476.

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PLYMOUTH, N.H.--- Natalie Shaw, a 2006 graduate of Plymouth State University, was crowned Miss New Hampshire 2008 on Saturday, May 2 at the annual state pageant.

The 23-year old Shaw currently teaches music in Manchester, NH elementary schools. She graduated from PSU with a bachelor's degree in music, concentrating in voice performance and pedagogy. She also minored in theatre at the University.

Music Professor Kathleen Arecchi fondly remembers her former student as a highly poised young woman who earned excellent grades and had a longtime commitment to competing in the Miss America program.

"This has been something she has worked for quite a while," said Arecchi. "She was a good student. She was very talented, with a beautiful voice. She was also a very nice person."

Another PSU faculty member, Associate Theatre Professor Elizabeth Cox, had an equally positive assessment of Shaw's time as a PSU student.

"Natalie was a very graceful and charming young woman," said Cox. "She was very dedicated as a music major and was an excellent student. She acted in several musical theatre productions, providing an opportunity for her to demonstrate her range in singing and performance."

Shaw, a veteran of five previous Miss New Hampshire pageants, will use her new title to try to call attention to hunger issues. Shaw has had a strong interest in hunger relief going back to her time as a young girl, when she would do volunteer work for various organizations with her family.

For more information about this release, contact Bill Laforme at (603) 535-2211 or wjlaforme@plymouth.edu.

PLYMOUTH, N.H.-More than 800 Plymouth State University undergraduate degrees were conferred to the class of 2008 as faculty, staff, administration, friends and family celebrated students' achievements and successes, Saturday, May 17.

Accompanied by a bagpiper, the graduating seniors and faculty marched the traditional route from campus over Route 175-A and gathered on Currier Memorial Field for the University's 137th Commencement Exercise, which drew nearly 4,000 people.

PSU President Sara Jayne Steen welcomed the guests and congratulated the graduates, telling them they are all success stories.

"You have shown that you can complete something difficult, that you can achieve something that matters," said Steen. "You're going to have a chance now to earn your living doing something you love every day. You have also been given the great gift of a higher education. Please use it well."

Highlights of the Commencement Exercise included:

T. Holmes "Bud" Moore, retired Headmaster and President of the New Hampton School, received a Granite State Award.

"I'm especially pleased to be accepting this award from PSU because of its commitment to serving the higher education needs of students and enhancing the quality of life in New Hampshire."

Moore delivered the commencement address, noting PSU's legacy of education in the Granite State. He also provided graduates with a brief list of suggestions for finding happiness.

• "Share your talents with others."
• "Be active."
• "Consider teaching either as a career, or volunteer."
• "Be optimistic."
• "Respect every human being as a worthwhile individual."
• "Be a steward."

Read more about T. Holmes "Bud" Moore ...

Elizabeth Cox, Associate Professor of Theatre, received the Distinguished Teaching Award, telling graduates that you never stop the learning process.

"This award is very humbling. I have learned probably more from you than you from me," Cox said.

Read more about Elizabeth Cox ...

Jay Moskowitz, Adjunct Faculty in Art, received the Distinguished Teaching Award - Adjunct Faculty. He thanked the students and wished them luck in their future endeavors. "I love you all," Moskowitz said.

Read more about Jay Moskowitz ...

PSU Fast facts

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or Bruce Lyndes

The annual award is based on nominations from colleagues, alumni and students, and recognizes comprehensive job knowledge, resourcefulness, leadership on campus committees, activities and functions, participation in professional organizations, ongoing professional development, participation in projects to enhance PSU programs, policies and procedures, and respect and value for all individuals.

Kuzdeba's experience at Plymouth State demonstrates that life does, in fact, go in cycles. She graduated from Plymouth State College in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and after time away as an elementary school teacher, mother of twins, employee relations representative at Lockheed, and co-founder of the first extended after school program in an elementary school in New Hampshire, she returned to Plymouth State with an M.Ed. and eight years of experience. That was 16 years ago.

Over time, faculty members who taught her as a student have become her counselees, as she helps them with employee relations and benefits issues, and retirement planning."I have retired' some of my former professors in my work here!" Kuzdeba exclaimed.

In human resources, you have to be very organized and very caring, Kuzdeba says. Comments from colleagues make it clear that she is both.

One nominator said that "she handles challenging situations with grace, tact and kindness. ... Carol is simply an incredible asset to PSU, and sets a magnificent example for the campus in all that she does."

Another said that she "does a great job balancing her advocacy of PSU employees with her responsibilities to the institution." A third added,"I have been honored to count Carol as a colleague, a role model and a friend."

Being organized has helped her to have time for the volunteer work she also loves, working with dogs at four humane societies. "Every dog I have adopted has been a rescue or from a humane society," the Meredith resident said.

And being organized helps her make time for a monthly polka dancing date with husband, Ray. "He's 100 percent Polish," she says. "His mother introduced us to dancing. She's 90 years old and still dancing!"

"I have nicely laid out plans of what I am going to accomplish and deadlines I have to meet. But people come first. Sometimes I can't even start on my list until three o'clock in the afternoon. We are a close-knit community at the University, and HR is a bit like teaching. It involves lots of listening and understanding people. I do a lot of business on my walks around the campus, but that's okay. I am glad people know I am someone they can turn to for help."

"Carol sees to it that the H is kept in H.R. at Plymouth State," one faculty couple at the ceremony concluded.

Known as Geographers on Film (GOF), Dow's work includes more than 550 film and video interviews of distinguished geographers and selected scholarly sessions.

The project resulted from Dow's years of teaching the history and philosophy of geography. "Students would pour over writings of cognoscenti to acquire an appreciation for the genesis and development of the discipline as a field of learning," Dow said. After considering what an educational windfall it would have been to have Aristotle on film, Dow decided to record for posterity the thoughts of modern scientists in the field. The collection covers much of 20th Century geography.

Citations and awards were presented to Dr. Dow and his late wife, Nancy Freeman Dow at the 104th AAG Annual Meeting in Boston. Nancy Dow served as series videographer from 1982-2004. She is best remembered in New Hampshire as executive director of the Plymouth regional arts organization, Friends of the Arts.

A highlight of the recognition ceremony was announcement that the AAG will assume responsibility for archiving, digitizing and disseminating via the Internet and video discs, this "hidden treasure." Additionally, copies will be archived at several major academic libraries throughout the United States. "The format of the series, plus its depth and span, make GOF one of the richest, discipline-based oral history resources in the academic world," said AAG Executive Director, Douglas Richardson.

Availability of the collection will significantly aid teaching the history and philosophy of geography, because students will be able to review the development of geographical knowledge from a variety of aspects.

For information about Geographers on Film, logon to the Geographers on Film Web site: oz.plymouth.edu/~gof/home.html or contact Dr. Dow by e-mail to mwd@plymouth.edu