Social and Civic Engagement Opportunities
Information about the events listed below is announced throughout the year on the SHC Scholars listserv. For other information, contact the SHC student programming office at 863-2636.
SASH – Simmons and Atherton Social Hour
The emphasis here is on “social.” Think fun and food, and you’ve got the right idea. The Simmons and Atherton Social Hour is a great way to get to know other Honors students, faculty, and staff. These very informal events are usually themed—past SASH events centered on Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, and The ’80s. Mark your calendars, and be sure to attend these events on the last Friday of September, October, February and April.
Donuts with the Dean
Good food and good conversation make Donuts with the Dean a great way to start your morning. One morning a month throughout the academic school year, the donuts come out and Dean Chris Brady comes in to talk about whatever’s on your mind about the SHC. Donuts with the Dean alternates between Simmons and Atherton halls.
Social Justice Film Series
Movies with a message are the idea behind the Social Justice Film Series. Selected films tackle such gripping subjects as human rights, the environment, gender issues, and racism. Recent films have included “Iron Jawed Angels,” on suffragists during the early 20th century; “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till,” about the 1955 murder of an African American teenage in Mississippi; “King: Man of Peace in a Time of War,” a documentary on Martin Luther King, Jr.; and “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices,” a look at the impact the retailer has on communities. Join friends the last Monday during the months of January, February, March, and April to watch a film and participate in a short discussion immediately following each film. All films are shown in Atherton Hall beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Cultural Lounge Film Series
Another opportunity to see thought-provoking, distinguished films that probably didn’t have a huge following at the box office. The Office of Residence Life and the Schreyer Honors College co-sponsor screenings and discussions of two films each year. Past films featured in this series have included “4 Little Girls,” “Into the Mind of a Terrorist,” and “Blood Diamond.”
Atherton-Simmons Cup
Who doesn’t like a little friendly competition? Residents of Atherton and Simmons compete throughout the school year, testing their prowess on and off the field, Showdowns include games of Ultimate Frisbee, powderpuff football, dodge ball, a video game tournament, and a Quiz Bowl. At stake, the title of Cup Champions. Watch for flyers around the residence halls announcing events.
Powderpuff Football
The Nittany Lions aren’t the only ones gunning for gridiron glory. Each fall, powderpuff football is one of the premier events in the Atherton-Simmons Cup. Battling on the field: the Simmonators, the pride of Simmons Hall, and the Wrathertons, the fighters of Atherton. Teams are made up of female residents from each respective residence hall coached by a student volunteer.
Mr. and Ms. SHC Pageant
Students vie for the titles of Mr. and Ms. SHC in this tongue-in-cheek pageant, which has contestants competing in talent, fashion, and interview categories. A panel of judges comprised of faculty, staff, and student leaders selects the two individual Scholars to represent the college at future social functions.
“Take Your Honors Professor to Coffee” Program
In your honors classes, you are going to be exposed to distinguished faculty members who are passionate about what they teach. Wouldn’t it be nice to get to talk to these great professors outside the classroom? You could talk about anything from their careers to your goals in the future, research, current events, and even your favorite movies. All you have to do is fill out a form in the SHC main office, C-5 Atherton Hall, schedule the coffee hour, and the SHC Student Council’s Academic Committee will pick up the tab.
Fall Date Auction
Each fall, it is time to “Think pink” as the SHC’s annual Date Auction raises money to benefit breast cancer research. In addition to the SHC’s eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, special guests have included the Penn State Nittany Lion.
Schreyer Scholar Spring Semi-Formal
It’s been called “The Best Semi-Formal Ever!” A night of music, fun, food, and friends, this dance is held each spring and is open to all Schreyer Scholars.
“Pack-It and Go” Food Drive
Twice a year Scholars collect canned goods and gift certificates for the local food bank. In August, during SHO TIME, the Schreyer Honors College orientation program for incoming Scholars, new students and upper-class SHO TIME mentors are asked to bring a canned good with them from home to kick off the first food drive of the fall semester. A second collection is organized before Thanksgiving.
SHC Literary Committee
Getting everyone in the SHC community on the same page—that’s the goal of this committee. The committee selects several book titles each spring for the upcoming fall. Over the summer, current Scholars and incoming students are encouraged to read one of the books and participate in book discussions during orientation.
THON—The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon
It’s considered to be the largest university student-sponsored philanthropic effort in the world, and Schreyer Scholars are a part of it. THON, which raises money for pediatric cancer research and supports families of those being treated for cancer, engages hundreds of students throughout the year, culminating the 46-hour dance marathon in February. Honors and non-Honors students participate in the three SHC-related THON teams—SHC THON, Springfield THON, and Atlas THON. Watch for announcements about organizational meetings early in the fall semester.
Blood Drive with South Residence Halls Association (SHRA)
This is your chance to literally bleed blue and white. As part of the university-wide Penn State-Michigan State Blood Donor Challenge each fall, the SHC Student Council co-sponsors a drive to support PSU’s blood donations to the American Red Cross. In addition to rolling up your sleeve and donating blood, ways to help include promoting the event and providing manpower during the drive.
Pen Pal Program
Schreyer Scholars are partnering with a Scholar alumna working for Teach for America at a school in North Carolina. Scholars are corresponding with members of the eighth-grade class and providing these young students with perspectives about college opportunities.
Cards for the Troops In November, SHC Student Council’s Service Committee provides Scholars with holiday cards and asks students to send a greeting to a member of the armed forces serving overseas.
“Santa-to-a-Senior” Gift Wrapping
Each December, Scholars spend an afternoon at a local senior center wrapping gifts for elderly area residents who would normally not be getting a gift for the holidays.
