Gorge Named a Great Greenway

Gorge Trail Named Great Greenway

Fourmile Creek Trail at Wintergreen Gorge was recently named one of the 2022 Great Places in Pennsylvania in the category of Great Greenways/Trails by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association, a professional organization that represents the field of urban planning. The designation is a recognition of all those who work to maintain and improve one of Behrend’s most beautiful spaces. The second phase of trail improvements are scheduled to begin soon!

HIGH TUNNEL

A seed grant from the Sustainable Food Systems program helped fund the construction of a new high tunnel in the field behind the Otto Behrend Science Building. A high tunnel is a soft-walled greenhouse that extends the growing season by protecting crops from cold temperatures, wind, and sun stress. Some of the food that may be grown in the structure—including habanero peppers—could be used in Dobbins Dining Hall.

Women’s Engagement Council Hosts First Event

5K run/walk draws nearly 200 participants.

PENN STATE BEHREND’S RICH HISTORY OF INFLUENTIAL

WOMEN BEGAN WITH MARY BEHREND, who in 1948, donated her Glenhill home to the University in memory of her husband, Ernst, founder of Hammermill Paper Company. The first Behrend student was a woman—Dorothy Holmstrom, an engineering major, who was at the front of the line to enroll in the initial class of 146 students.

Recognizing that legacy and the growing importance of engaging women in leadership roles, Penn State Behrend formed the Women’s Engagement Council (WEC) in 2020.

In August, the organization held its first public event, the Run for Women 5K run/walk, drawing nearly 200 participants who completed the 3.1-mile course in Behrend’s Knowledge Park.

Among the highlights: Berkey Creamery ice cream at the finish line, courtesy of the Athletics Department, and Nittany Lion-shaped awards that were designed and 3-D printed by students in the college’s James R. Meehl Innovation Commons. The Black School of Business provided funds to buy much of the race equipment that can now be used year to year.

The top female and male finishers were both Behrend students: Lindsey Hartle, 18 (21:41), and Luke Dillen, 22 (20:46).

WEC’s future plans include a mentoring program, an awards program/luncheon, and a woman-focused speaker series designed to engage women at Penn State Behrend and in the greater Erie community.

The board recently began accepting applications for free membership in the council. Learn more at behrend.psu.edu/wec. Follow WEC at facebook.com/PSBwomenscouncil and instagram. com/behrendwomenscouncil.