NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
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HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY WELCOMES HISTORIC PIONEER CLASS NASA ASTRONAUT BERNARD HARRIS PROVIDES KEYNOTE ADDRESSHARRISBURG to welcome its historic Pioneer Class, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology held its inaugural Opening Convocation today at the Sunoco Performance Theatre, Whitaker Center for the Science and Arts. NASA astronaut and keynote speaker, Bernard A. Harris, Jr., M.D. and Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed joined other dignitaries in welcoming the entering students and their families. Since his selection by NASA in 1990, Dr. Harris has logged over 400 hours and 7.2 million miles in space and in 1995 became the first African American to walk in space during the Space Shuttle Discovery Mission. Dr. Harris is a native Texan, holding degrees from the universities of Houston and Texas, and the Texas Tech School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic, has been a practicing physician and professor of medicine at several universities. In 1998 Harris established the Harris Foundation to support educational programs that enable minority and other disadvantaged youth to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. “This Opening Convocation is an opportunity to celebrate our Pioneer Class and this historic occasion. It also allows us to thank the people of central Pennsylvania who had the vision and initiative to establish the first new university in Pennsylvania in more than a century,” said University President Dr. Mel Schiavelli. “So many civic and business leaders have and continue to champion Harrisburg University solely for the benefit and future of this community and region, and most importantly, for the students.” Harrisburg University was chartered in 2001 as a non-profit, private institution through the efforts of over 1,000 regional civic, education, and business leaders working together as “ENVISION Capital Region.” These community leaders, in conjunction with Mayor Stephen Reed and other Harrisburg City officials, were charged with developing a long-range strategic plan for the region. They determined that a regional university was essential to fostering both economic growth and providing higher education opportunities specifically in scientific and technological programs. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has certified Harrisburg University to offer Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees as well as certificate programs. The University also provides an extensive college-in-the-high school program for regional high schools. The University offers programs in biotechnology, computer and information sciences, geographic and geospatial imaging, and integrative sciences including environmental chemistry, pre-medicine, and health and disease prevention, as well as IT project management. The University’s mission addresses the national call for increased participation of minorities and women in the education and professional opportunities in science, technology and mathematics. Over 60 percent of the students in the incoming class represent minority populations and 50 percent are women. Harrisburg University provides a unique, highly interactive academic experience utilizing state-of-the-art technology for students, complementing traditional classroom and laboratory learning with professional mentorships, workplace internships and individualized attention from faculty. For more information about Harrisburg University, please go to www.HarrisburgU.net. |
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