Gail Benchener’s Blog

We are making final preparations today for our back-to-school SIFE Cabinet retreat this weekend on campus and with dinner at my home on Saturday. Our theme is Survive and Thrive and we have some surprises in store from camouflage bags and flip-flops to survivor games that will focus on building consensus and leadership as we review this year's goals. I am excited to have student leaders committed to preparation and am reminded of a PBU intern supervisor who emphasized to my student at my visit with him this summer that "failure to plan is planning to fail." We are energized to make an impact this year in the local community. Now, to the details!

This afternoon I speak to parents on "Parent from Afar" during Weekend of Welcome. What happens when you send your child far away from home? I know as I sent two away myself to different universities. When one left, I sobbed. When the second left, I said "Whew." They both have now graduated, are gainfully employed in their "dream careers" and wonderful men, but one took all the energy I could muster.

At PBU, each student brings a level of energy, commitment, enthusiasm for learning and willingness to engage in university life. I am committed to help them grow in all of these this year, even when some days I finish with a wipe of my brow and a "whew."

Posted by Gail Benchener at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rachel Park, our new SIFE President, worked diligently all year with her committee to participate with Campbell's and SIFE USA and the national Let's Can Hunger campaign. We just learned PBU was selected as an award-winner for our hunger relief campaign and business plan going forward next year. Besides collecting canned goods to donate to the local Penndel Food Bank, PBU-SIFE plans to move forward educating low income community members develop job preparation skills to help lessen the dependence on food banks. Our fall event, Can-o-Treating on Halloween provides the opportunity for students to go door-to-door, collect food and educate about the problem of hunger in our own county. Campbell's awarded funds to help the team support these efforts, a real affirmation of our work all year and an encouragement to go forward.

Posted by Gail Benchener at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)