Smeal Update: November 12, 2021
Hot off the presses: Latest issue of Smeal Magazine available
Smeal alumni, students and faculty are serving as powerful forces for social good, collaborating to achieve success and making connections that endure. The new issue of Smeal Magazine includes stories about how Smeal academic advisers helped students navigate obstacles in a year like no other, three Smeal lifelong learners who continued their growth and success with Smeal's professional graduate portfolio, and support of diversity programs in Smeal. Read all about it:
https://magazine.smeal.psu.edu/. Printed copies of the fall magazine, which is also the 2021 Annual Report, will be mailed in the next week.
Smeal’s Giving Tuesday campaign tackles student financial hardships
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is partnering with the Office of Undergraduate Programs to raise money on Giving Tuesday, an international day of giving that will take place on Nov. 30. Funds raised will be used to alleviate financial stress for Smeal students via the newly established Smeal Student Emergency Fund. The fund provides financial support for students who unexpectedly cannot afford food, rent, utilities, internet access, medical bills or other necessities. You can join the effort by making a gift between Nov. 16-30 or by becoming a “Champion” to spread the word ahead of Giving Tuesday.
United Way remains a critical resource for our community
As it does every year, Penn State has named the Centre County United Way its charity of choice. The University is encouraging all employees and members of our community to take part in helping to support the many vital services provided through the United Way. The campaign officially began last week, with a mass email to all University Park employees and the publication of this letter from University leadership in both the Centre Daily Times and Penn State Today.
Reminder: Benefits Open Enrollment runs through Nov. 19
Penn State’s 2022 Benefits Open Enrollment has started and runs until 5 p.m. Nov. 19. To provide a central location for information related open enrollment, Penn State Human Resources has built a section of its website dedicated to 2022 open enrollment. You also have the opportunity to access knowledge base articles in WorkLion, highlighting topics such as:
University eases guidelines for indoor gatherings
Penn State has eased food safety guidelines for indoor gatherings and events. Some specifics of the new guidelines can be found in an email from Rebecca Cianci that should have hit your inbox on Thursday.
Sales say customers are digging Smeal Business Bash
As you may have heard, the Berkey Creamery recently introduced Smeal Business Bash ice cream. Formerly known as Birthday Bash, the rebranded flavor features yellow cake batter ice cream, frosted cookie freckles, and blue frosting swirl. Smeal-branded half gallons, as well as cups and cones, have been popular purchases.
Smeal in the News
Ketz quoted in Bloomberg Law online story
Ed Ketz, associate professor of accounting, was quoted in a story titled “SEC Questions Auditor Independence as Firms’ Advisory Work Booms.” Read the story.
Know someone who rocks? Nominate them!
Each month the Smeal Staff Advisory Committee names a You Rock! Award recipient. You can nominate a co-worker for the You Rock! Award online.
The Smeal Community Weekly Poll
Click this link to participate in this week’s survey. Results will be shared during the next Smeal Community Zoom, at 1 p.m. Wednesday.