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Member News – March 9, 2022

Africa’s First Female Griot Kora Virtuoso Performs at Weis Center in Free Concert

Sona Jobarteh, the first and only female kora player educating the next generation about their West African traditions, will perform on Tuesday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. The performance is free and tickets are not required.

Masks are required.

The performance is sponsored, in part, by Jazz at Bucknell, the Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives & Cultures at Bucknell University and the Bucknell University Music Department Gallery Series – spotlighting new and world music.

Sona Jobarteh preserves her musical past while innovating to support a more humanitarian future. The spirit of her musical work stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African Griot tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one on the all-important future legacy and her heart in both places, she is preparing a place today for the next generation.

Her singing and kora playing while fronting her band spring directly from this tradition. The extent of her recognition is evidenced by more than 17 million watchers on YouTube and considerable numbers on other digital platforms. All this despite singing in her native languages and keeping to her own path within the music industry.

Jobarteh’s dedication to spreading powerful humanitarian messages through her songs and her stage performances makes her much more than a musician; she is active in social change and leads by her own example. She singlehandedly set up The Gambia Academy, a pioneering institution dedicated to achieving educational reform across the continent of Africa. This academy is the first of its kind to deliver a mainstream academic curriculum at a high level, while also bringing front and center the culture, traditions and history that belong to its students into their everyday education.

These efforts have led to invitations for Jobarteh to deliver speeches at high-profile events around the world, including summits for the U.N., the World Trade Organization and UNICEF.

While on campus, patrons must abide by all Bucknell University health and safety guidelines, including maintaining social distancing and wearing appropriate face coverings. All visitors are required to wear a face covering when indoors. We reserve the right to request that any visitors who do not follow University protocols leave the premises.

These protocols may be subject to change at any time. Please continue to visit our website for the most up-to-date information at Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter.

For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach director, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu.

For more information about the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, go to Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter or search for the Weis Center on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


What the Integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield Means

The integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities is a bold investment in the communities and people of Pennsylvania. Our mission is to expand high-quality, affordable academic opportunities to support the needs of all learners.

Powerful ideas start here, carried by dynamic stories and voices, resulting in empowered students. Together, we provide financially responsible degree options that maximize experiential learning, career preparation, and efficient time to degree completion. Click here to read more.


Promotion in SEDA-COG’s Administration

SEDA-COG has recently created a new role within their administration: Chief of Staff. Promoted to that position, is Kristen Moyer. Moyer has worked within SEDA-COG for 30 years and was previously the Director of Community Relations.

Moyer serves the entire organization and each department in this role. Due to her 30-year tenure, she has a great depth of knowledge and understanding of the organization, its partners, and the region’s needs. Moyer began her career at SEDA-COG as a Project Coordinator in Community Development, after which she worked with Procurement Technical Assistance staff helping businesses obtain government contracts. She had been the Director of Community Relations since 2019. 

The Chief of Staff will serve as the Agency’s main point of contact and advocate with external partners, lead and manage special projects, and provide oversight and guidance to staff for projects of high importance. In this role, Moyer will remain the primary connection between SEDA-COG and the federal and state legislative offices.

“As my Chief of Staff, Kristen will be utilizing all of her knowledge, experience and gained insights to advise the Executive Team when it comes to external issues and how it affects the organization and its operations. Today’s landscape outside of our walls looks very different than it did 5 or 10 years ago. Having her in this position will allow the organization to more efficiently handle the complex set of circumstances and issues that we contend with. It is wonderful to have Kristen, with such astounding tenure and experience, step up into this important role for the region,” said Kim Wheeler, Executive Director of SEDA-COG.

Wheeler continued, “I look forward to working with Kristen in this new capacity that will help lead SEDA-COG’s strategic direction for the next generations.”


IMC Welcomes Frederick “Rick” Terry to the Team

The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. is excited to welcome Frederick “Rick” Terry as an IMC Business Advisor. As Business Advisor, Rick will work closely with Central PA manufacturers PA to provide objective, expert advice, and actionable solutions to drive economic success and profitable growth.

“Rick has the background and expertise that will help IMC improve its core services while also allowing for additional pathways of highly specialized services. We are delighted he has joined our team and we are looking forward to his contributions playing a significant role in helping us achieve our mission.” Dennis Gilbert, IMC President.

Rick has experience working with various industries in the areas of process improvement, strategic planning, energy management, and root cause analysis. His areas of expertise are on the business and operations side of industry with a heavy focus on building science, project management, LEAN, and Six Sigma. Rick has proven success in developing and facilitating training, research, and education for industry as well as consulting on energy related verification programs.

“I am very excited to be a part of the team at IMC and to have the opportunity to assist manufacturers succeed in their industries. IMC has a demonstrated history of delivering positive results to manufacturers who utilize their many tools and resources for the benefit of their organization. I look forward to contributing to that mission.” Rick Terry, IMC Business Advisor.

He has an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Penn State University, a Lean-Six Sigma Graduate Certificate from Villanova University, and a Secondary Education Social Studies Degree and a BS in Management Science both from Lock Haven University. Rick also holds various certifications in the areas of Lean, Six Sigma, and Energy.

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