Capital Connections at Home is a webinar series designed to bring Penn State Harrisburg to you! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have designed an ongoing series of webinars for alumni and friends to participate live or watch later. Hear from Penn State Harrisburg Faculty and alumni on fun and interesting topics.
Previous Webinars
A Wellness Journey through the Pandemic: Balancing Mind, Body and Spirit from a Movement Perspective
Presented By: Dr. Rebecca Weiler-Timmins
Associate Teaching Professor of Kinesiology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Thursday, May 13 at 12:00 p.m.
Should we look back and begin to reflect on our last year of life, we would see many challenges, many changes, and a very different journey than what we had planned (pre pandemic) for the year of 2020 and beyond. This presentation will focus on reflecting on the journey with a focus on mind body health. Come ready to reflect on your challenges and changes as we discuss the potential for new ideas and new ways of thinking that have been spurred on by 2020.
Tips & Tricks for Eliminating Debt
Featured Speaker: Lisa Kennedy
Financial Education Analyst, PSECU
Wednesday, April 28 at 12:00 p.m.
Once you acquire debt, it's not uncommon to begin worrying about how you can eliminate it. Depending on the types and amounts of debt you have, there are various strategies that may help you pay it down. If you're ready to tackle your debt and need some inspiration, join us! Discussion topics include:
- Understanding different types of debt
- Strategies for paying off debt
- Tips on cutting costs
- Learning how to handle student loan repayments
Register in advance for Tips and Tricks for Eliminating Debt webinar
Cultural Humility: Promoting Deeper and More Mindful Cultural Understanding
Presented by Dr. Stephanie Winkeljohn Black
Assistant Professor of Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Thursday, April 15 at 12:00 p.m.
Understanding cultural humility and its potential to help people have productive conversations about controversial and difficult topics. Examples are provided based on research on how cultural humility is used to train psychotherapists to work with clients of diverse religious backgrounds.
Register in advance for Cultural Humility webinar.
The Lifecycle of a Pop Genre
Presented by Dr. Adam Gustafson
Thursday, March 18 at 12:00 p.m.
Love it or hate it, Hip-Hop is a powerhouse genre. From video games to the NBA to Tik Tok, Hip-Hop has become the ubiquitous torch bearer for the sound of American popular music today and it shows no signs of stopping…or does it? While Hip-Hop’s star is currently the brightest in the pop music sky, history shows that perhaps we are witnessing that star’s turn toward becoming music’s latest red giant, a genre so big that it is collapsing in on itself. An examination of previous stellar pop genres, including Jazz and Rock and Roll, suggests that there is a lifecycle to the popularity of a musical genre. Using these past genres as our guide, we’ll explore whether or not Hip-Hop is here to stay or whether it is on its way out.
Green Rush: The Past, Present, and Future of Cannabis Policy in the United States
Presented by Dr. Dan Mallinson
Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Administration, School of Public Affairs
Thursday, March 11 at 12:00 p.m.
American drug policy has both changed drastically and little over the past three decades. Cannabis legalization in many states has led the change, but the federal government still strictly prohibits access to cannabis. This talk will discuss the politics and policy of why and how cannabis legalization emerged in the states, the tenuous current situation of state legalization and federal prohibition, and the future of drug policy in the United States.
The Community Experience when Neighborhood Violence Increases
Presented by Dr. Eileen Ahlin
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, School of Public Affairs
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.
During this talk, Dr. Ahlin will describe her current research, The Pittsburgh Neighborhood Project, where she is gathering data from current and former inner-city residents to better understand how community members cope with increased violence resulting from the heroin epidemic and changes in housing policies. This research will be the basis of a book, Living with Violence: Race and Crime in Inner-City Neighborhoods, under contract with Routledge.
On the Road Again: Traveling in a post Covid world
Presented by Martha Good '09g
Bespoke Luxury Travel
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Everyone is anxious for the pandemic to end and safe travel to happen. Even though that time may be months away, just the planning process can be an exciting change of pace. Join Penn State Harrisburg Alumnus, Martha Good ’09 (MBA) of Martha Good Bespoke Luxury Travel who will give us tips and tricks for planning your travel, picking destinations, rules and regulations, and traveling safely in a post-COVID World.
The Mind and Heart of a Leader
Presented by Rita Girondi ’73,’70g
President/CEO, Training Masters Inc.
Monday, November 30, 2020 at 1:30pm
How we think and feel impacts the decisions we make and the actions we take. This webinar focuses on ways we can stretch our potential toward career paths beyond our current mindset. The purpose of this discussion will be to plant the seeds of open minds and open hearts through the leadership skills and inspiration of others. The message will encourage us to push our limitations aside, overcome the challenges we face, and prepare for the excitement of self-discovery.
About our Presenter:
Dr. Rita Girondi is an education professional with 47 years of experience. She has both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Penn State Harrisburg. She served as a classroom instructor for 12 years and went on to earn a Doctorate in educational leadership from Temple University. She transitioned to working with career colleges and schools. She began serving as vice president of education for one of the largest groups of career schools in the country, supporting the effectiveness of 54 schools in 22 states, and then became owner of three career schools in Pennsylvania. In 1995, she established the Thompson Learning Corporation, became the owner of the respected schools known as the Thompson Institute, and served as President and CEO.
In 2002, Rita decided to try her hand at entrepreneurship by creating a new company, Training Masters, Inc., a technology-focused company which offers campus management software. She currently serves as President and CEO of this company.
Home for the Holidays: How to Support a Successful Transition Back to Living and Learning at Home
Presented by Alan Babcock, M.Ed
Disability Services Coordinator, Penn State Harrisburg
Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Your student is returning home at Thanksgiving, and likely will not return to school until late January. In a year of changes, this is yet another challenge many parents face. This webinar is designed to give family and friends tips on preparing for your student's arrival home, how to talk to them about your concerns, and the importance of listening. Be ready to ask questions and share your concerns with an experienced professional.
Sustainable Business Practices
Presented by Dr. Darrell Bartholomew
Assistant Professor of Marketing, School of Business Administration
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Dr. Darrell Bartholomew, Assistant Professor of Marketing, will be talking about how his project with Giant Food Stores, LLC and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has turned into the perfect tool to teach business students about sustainable business practices.
Click here to see a preview of the project.
Belief in the Digital Age
Presented by Dr. Jeffery Tolbert
Assistant Professor of American Studies and Folklore, School of Humanities
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Dr. Tolbert will discuss vernacular belief in a digitally connected world. Digital monsters like Slender Man are part of a larger complex of belief and doubt, popular culture and personal experience. Approaching these creative expressions from the perspective of folklore study, this talk will consider how digital spaces both enable and constrain the creation and sharing of new cultural forms.
Current Investment and Economic Update: Impact of the Election
Presenting Sponsor, The Huntington National Bank
Presented by John Augustine, CFA
Huntington Bank Chief Investment Officer
Tuesday, October 20
The outcome of the upcoming presidential election - regardless of the winner - may have significant implications on our financial lives, from tax and estate planning to how we invest. Please join us for a discussion about the election and how it may impact you financially.
Topics Include:
- Economic Update and Trends
- Political Update
- Market Update and Trends for Investors
From Garden to Glass
Presented by Jennifer Eckinger '96, '00g
Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Wine Association.
July 29, 2020
Have a bounty of fresh vegetables from your garden or finds from the farm market? Join us for this interactive virtual tasting as we discover Pennsylvania wines to highlight the season's gems.
PA Wines:
- Albariño
- Catawba
- Dry Riesling
- Pinot Noir
Fresh Fruits/Vegetables:
- Tomato
- Peach
- Melon
- Cherries
- Summer Salad Greens with bite (for example arugula, mesclun, watercress)
- Zucchini
The Rise of Football in American Life
Presented by John Haddad, Ph.D.
Professor of American Studies, School of Humanities
June 9, 2020
We are all missing sports during the stay at home order. Join us as Dr. John Haddad, award-winning faculty member in American studies enlightens us on the unknown history of America's most-watched sport.
Coronavirus and Supply Chains: So Where Is Your TP?
Presented by Richard R. Young, Ph.D., FCLIT
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Supply Chain Management
May 28, 2020
One of the critical issues during the first days of the shut down was the lack of some basic supplies in local stores - just one of which was toilet paper (TP). Join us for an informative program designed to show you just what happened with a touch of humor.
Science with the Lion
Join us for this four-part series of science experiments for you to do with your children, no matter their age. The supplies you will need may already be in your house or you can pick them up from your local store. The experiments are simple enough for most children to do themselves. Older children get exposure to the scientific principals involved with each experiment. It is the best of both worlds.
Presenters are campus faculty and staff who have a wealth of experience teaching science in all kinds of settings. Supply lists are available at the beginning of each video.
Experiment #1: DIY Lava Lamp
Presented by J. Mitch Spear, M.S.
Laboratory Manager, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Mitch will show you how to make a lava lamp at home with ingredients you probably already have in your house.
Experiment #2: Sunshine on my Beads
Presented by Brittany Anderson, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Dr. Anderson will show you how harmful the sun’s rays can be even if you think you are protecting you and your kids.
Experiment #3: Slime Galore
Presented by Thomas Kell
Laboratory Supervisor, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Thomas and his niece and nephew will show you how to make 5 different kinds of slime. But be careful this project can get a little messy!
Experiment #4: The Science of Fitness
Presented by Brenna Hill, Ph.D., CSCS
Assistant Teaching Professor of Physiology, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
In this video, Dr. Hill will how you how your muscles move and the importance of fitness.