Home Economics Alumni Reunion
On April 27 and 28, the College of Health and Human Development sponsored a Home Economics Alumni Reunion to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of a Department of Home Economics at Penn State.
The reunion included a historical exhibit in the Special Collections Room at Paterno Library, a performance by the Singing Lions, presentations by current College faculty, and a commemorative video.
"Home Economics as a discipline grew from the notion that the home was central to the health and happiness of individuals, families, and communities," said Fred Vondracek, interim dean. "Although our academic programs have undergone many changes since the days of Home Economics, our commitment to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities is as strong as ever."
To demonstrate the connections between Home Economics and the current College of Health and Human Development, current faculty gave presentations on topics related to their research. Presentations were given by:
- Dr. Melissa Hardy, Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, Sociology, and Demography and Director, Gerontology Center
- Dr. David Almeida, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies
- Dr. Donna Fick, Associate Professor of Nursing
- Dr. Kristine Clark, Assistant Professor of Health and Human Development (Department of Nutritional Sciences) and Director of Sports Nutrition, Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics
- Dr. Careen Yarnal, Assistant Professor of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
- Lori Gravish, Instructor in Kinesiology and Wellness Coordinator, The Village at Penn State Life Care Retirement Community
- Dr. Peter Bordi, Associate Professor of Hospitality Management and Director, Center for Food Innovation
"Home economics at Penn State laid the intellectual cornerstone for our College of Health and Human Development. The many impressive and diverse contributions that have come from home economics, combined with the multidisciplinary approach taken by our faculty and the real-world applications that have resulted from their work, are major milestones in the history of the College as well as Penn State," said Graham Spanier, president of Penn State, who spoke at dinner during the reunion.
