Millersville University

09/08/2026

Millersville University will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives with a a memorial walk/run beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the campus Quad and a memorial observance at 11 a.m. in front of McNairy Library and Learning Forum.

Both events are open to the public free of charge.

The student chapter of the International Association of Emergency Managers will host the memorial walk/run. Beginning around 8:30 a.m., students, faculty and the public will walk/run 25 laps around the Quad, acknowledging the 25 years since Sept. 11. The event is free, but IAEM asks that participants bring donations to support Blue Rock Fire Rescue. Millersville University Police Department Chief Police Peter Anders address the audience following the event, and participants will observe a moment of silence at the campus bell.

The memorial observance at McNairy Library will provide a space for the community to come together in remembrance of those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93. The program will also recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders, members of the military and ordinary citizens who demonstrated extraordinary service to others in the aftermath of the attacks.

The memorial is sponsored by Millersville University Student Affairs, the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Center for Intercultural Student Engagement, Veterans Affairs, Campus Recreation and Campus Ministry.

As the nation marks 25 years since September 11, these memorials also serve as an opportunity to educate a new generation about the events of that day and their lasting impact. Many of today's college students were born after Sept. 11, 2001, making opportunities for reflection, remembrance and learning increasingly important.

09/04/2026

Since their introduction in 1966, Miller and S’Ville have become beloved figures at Millersville University. They can be found in the historic centerpiece pond along with various local waterfowl and aquatic life, which also serves as a certified wildlife habitat.

The Miller and S’Ville of today are a same-sex pair of Mute swans. Pairing the swans this way prevents them from becoming aggressive toward other pond residents and visitors alike, as they are less likely to bond and cannot reproduce.

As beloved icons on campus, the welfare of the swans “must always take priority,” according to President Daniel A. Wubah: “We are committed to ensuring they are appropriately looked after and protected. Their care is guided by established animal-welfare practices and involves ongoing oversight by University staff and external professionals when appropriate. This includes monitoring health, habitat conditions, seasonal needs and risks associated with human interaction.”

Facilities Supervisor Seth Taylor and his staff ensure Miller and S’Ville are properly cared for. They are fed a diet of cracked corn and poultry finishers daily, and their whereabouts are consistently monitored. While uncommon, the swans sometimes wander a bit too far from the pond and are safely led back by facilities staff.

The pond itself is carefully monitored and maintained to ensure the well-being of its residents. Treatments are on a set schedule and adjusted based on seasonal factors. To improve pond health, the team removed koi fish and installed aeration. Additionally, the water quality was improved by adding micronutrients and enzymes to manage organic pond muck. Rubber pads were also installed along parts of the embankment to help the swans enter and leave the water safely. If any animal exhibits odd or concerning behavior, it is promptly reported, and veterinary care is provided if deemed necessary.

“The swans are cared for and protected by the University,” says Dr. Aaron Haines, professor of conservation biology at Millersville University. “They should be treated ethically and allowed to utilize the campus pond unharmed or harassed.”

When visiting Miller, S’Ville and other pond residents, keep a safe distance to avoid distressing them. Visitors should pay attention to posted signs around the pond, reminding everyone to “Observe but do not disturb the swans!” Miller and S’Ville appear to live happily at their residential pond, and they greatly appreciate fellow Marauders who respectfully honor their space.

09/03/2026

👠 Theatre Alumna Lands Role in Boop! The Musical’s National Tour 👠

“I actually did my first ever legit play through University Theatre at Millersville,” shares Ashley Calderon, talking about a part she played in MU’s 2021 production of “Love and Information.” That was just five short years ago, and now, the 2023 alumna has landed a role in the upcoming national tour of the original Broadway show “Boop! The Musical.”

The show follows the iconic Betty Boop, who longs for an ordinary day off from fame in her black-and-white world and ends up on an adventure in New York City. Calderon will portray Trisha, who she describes as, “a very bubbly and excited teenage girl who loves Betty and everything she stands for. She starts off the show in just about every kind of Boop merch you can think of and then gets to meet and befriend the real Betty Boop!” She also notes the character has, “AMAZING costumes designed by Gregg Barnes, a three-time Tony Award winner, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the character.”

While Calderon’s first “official” show might have been at Millersville University, her first ever stage role was in the cult classic show “Little Shop of Horrors.” “It was my freshman year of high school, and I knew nothing about musicals,” she recalls. “I got to be in the ensemble, and I had one line. I had the time of my life.” Her love of music began when she was very young, and she says that she “always wanted to be a singer or a teacher.” Her childhood, Calderon remembers, was filled with the soundtracks of “High School Musical,” Demi Lovato, and “listening to whatever R&B songs my mom would have on in the car.”

What brought Calderon to Millersville? “I moved to Lancaster in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic because of my theatre friends that lived here. When I turned 24 the following year, I knew wanted to go back to school and start a career for myself before I turned 30.”

Millersville turned out to be the perfect fit, and she enrolled as a theatre major with a music minor. While studying here, she took acting classes, voice lessons from professors, joined a commercial lab band, and became a member and eventually the production manager of the All Campus Musical Organization, and of course, participated in stage productions. She also completed an internship at the iconic outdoor Gretna Theatre in 2022. “I auditioned for that role because of my experience in the MU theatre department, and working for a summer stock theatre was a great use of my time.”

As Calderon reflects on her time at Millersville, she shares, “I am glad I made the decision to go back to school when I did. I’m thankful that I had the chance to learn from Jonathan Strayer, associate professor and director of dramatics at MU, and for the friends I made through ACMO and the music and theatre departments. It was a big part of my life for four years, and I do really cherish the experiences I had at Millersville University.”

For those looking to expand their musical theatre horizons, Calderon recommends a viewing of the famed Lin Manuel Miranda’s first-ever musical, “In the Heights,” a personal favorite of hers. And for those hoping to catch a glimpse of her on the stage as Trisha, the national tour of “Boop! The Musical” begins in Rochester, New York; Lancaster locals can catch it at its Philadelphia stop from Nov. 17 to 29. Get your tickets here: https://boopthemusical.com/tour

09/02/2026

Teachers: looking for a fun, free way to help engage your students in democracy? Join us on September 15 for our daylong conference about democracy - not only is it free for students and teachers, but registration also includes breakfast and lunch.

Millersville University is bringing elected officials, civic groups and journalists together for a daylong conference on democracy in two weeks.

09/01/2026

From the Review: Literacy Efforts and Accreditations Gain Millersville Recognition

It’s one thing to know you are doing good work. It’s another thing to have someone else recognize it.

Dr. Lara Willox, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, knew the College’s strategic investment in literacy put Millersville ahead of many peer institutions. The payoff was when others took notice of the University’s leadership in this area.

“Strong literacy instruction has always been a core strength at Millersville,” says Willox. “The accreditation process didn’t change our work; it confirmed it. Our faculty, particularly Dr. Aileen Hower and the literacy team, have consistently ensured our programs align with national standards and best practices. The difference now is that we have the opportunity to more visibly showcase Millersville’s leadership in literacy education.”

Through efforts led by Hower, Millersville’s M.Ed. in Language and Literacy with Certification program has been awarded two national accreditations.

Hower coordinates the Reading/Literacy Specialist program, which received the highest distinction awarded through the International Literacy Association National Recognition program in July 2025. Fewer than 10 programs have earned the designation since its introduction in 2019.

ILA National Recognition honors outstanding literacy preparation programs that equip candidates with a stronger knowledge base as PK-12 classroom teachers and reading/literacy specialists. Programs that receive this recognition demonstrate exemplary practice, adherence to rigorous standards and a strong commitment to preparing educators to meet today’s instructional challenges.

“ILA’s standards have been created with decades of research and expertise behind them – they are standards that we know will not waver and can be relied upon as highly effective goals to strive toward,” says Hower. “ILA is the North Star to our program, and by receiving this recognition, we know that all of our hard work is aligned to the right information.”

Hower and Dr. Jennifer Shettel, chair of the Department of Early, Middle and Elementary Education, also teamed up to gain accreditation for the Reading/Literacy Specialist program from the International Dyslexia Association. IDA accreditation “is a rigorous and prestigious process that ensures preparation programs meet the highest standards in structured literacy, especially for students with dyslexia.”

“Students attending our graduate program in language and literacy in reading can feel confident that they have been prepared to meet IDA’s standards, thanks to this accreditation,” Hower says.

These accreditations affirm the quality and rigor of Millersville’s educator preparation programs, Willox says. “We earned those recognitions last summer, and we are the only PASSHE school to do so. It’s good to share that we are leading the way in this literacy movement by validating what we were already doing.”

In addition to gaining both accreditations, Hower has worked to ensure that Millersville’s literacy curriculum and those who teach it are in compliance with Pennsylvania’s Act 47 of 2025, which establishes statewide requirements related to Structured Literacy professional development, evidence-based reading curriculum materials, and universal screening and reading intervention for students in kindergarten and grades one through three.

Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach to reading instruction characterized by explicit, systematic and cumulative teaching of language structures – phonology, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, syntax and semantics. It is highly effective for all students, particularly those with dyslexia, by focusing on mastery through direct instruction.

Millersville’s curriculum has been redesigned to align with Structured Literacy principles, ensuring its graduates are prepared to meet the needs of all learners, and 32 faculty members have completed specialized training in Structured Literacy. “This demonstrates our deep commitment to professional development and evidence-based instruction,” Willox says.

“In a time of going back to the foundation of literacy learning, these accreditations of Millersville’s program help to ensure that it adheres to the Chapter 49 Structured Literacy Competencies championed throughout Pennsylvania,” says Hower.

The University welcomed the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Lancaster to campus in the fall of 2025, creating a powerful partnership that enhances community access to Structured Literacy support. Shettel tutored with the organization last year and learned they needed a new location.

“Millersville has always emphasized evidence-based practices in all content areas, including literacy,” says Shettel. “Having the Children’s Dyslexia Center located here on campus emphasizes the University’s local outreach in partnering with community literacy-based initiatives and our commitment to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality literacy instruction.”

“They are here, operationalized and tutoring kids,” Willox says. “Their location in Lancaster House makes it easy for our students who serve as tutors and get training there, because they are right here on campus.”

Other curricular initiatives include adding an English as a Second Language minor for undergraduates, which provides students with experience in an urban environment after their foundational education block, says Hower. “We partner with Penn Manor and the School District of Lancaster and are working with the University’s Migrant Education program to give undergrads this experience.”

A Literacy Coaching Endorsement has been added to the graduate curriculum for reading specialists who want to strengthen their professional knowledge, build skills in instructional coaching and stand out in their field. “Literacy coaches help improve the knowledge, skills and practices of teachers, which enhances student achievement,” says Hower.

Beyond the campus of Millersville, Hower is an active, engaged advocate for literacy efforts. She is a board member and past president of the Keystone State Literacy Association, which presented her with its Service Award in 2019. Hower also runs an annual Summer Literacy Institute on writing. She was just named to a Pennsylvania Department of Education Structured Literacy Advisory Committee after submitting an application on behalf of the undergraduate PK-4 early childhood major.

“There’s been a real focus and intentionality about literacy,” Willox says, “and Aileen was instrumental in all of it. She’s been really focused on graduate programming and has enhanced the program.”

Some of the great names in literacy education – including Dr. Jack Cassidy, professor emeritus who was elected to the Reading Hall of Fame, the highest honor for those in the field – have taught at Millersville, according to Hower. “The legacy of literacy at Millersville is why I came here,” she says. “All of those who came before have made it easy to pick up the torch and carry it on.”

08/28/2026

In the realm of Millersville University traditions, here’s a newer one you may not have heard of: putting pennies on the feet of the Marauder Statue for good luck during finals week.

The bronze statue, which was first unveiled on campus on October 29, 2011, was made possible by through gifts from the class of 1960 in recognition of their 50th anniversary and a senior class gift from the classes of 2008 and 2009, created by alumnus and artist Michael Hurrell ’95. Over time, it’s become an icon on campus, serving as a frequent stop for photo ops from new students to visiting alumni alike.

While not heavily documented online or in The Snapper, the tradition must have started sometime between the unveiling and 2019, where it’s first mentioned in an April blog posted by University Housing. That reference is made in the past tense, from which readers can infer the practice started sometime before then. According to comments the University received on social media, some students even placed quarters on the statue.

In 2025, the Office of Alumni Engagement also provided pennies and a card with information about the practice for students or alumni to pick up and place on their walk around campus.

If you didn’t get one last year, you’re lucky! Between the United States Mint officially discontinuing production of the penny and the mystery of the exact origin of this tradition, the alumni office still has pennies to share. Be sure to schedule a visit to the Duncan Alumni House to pick up your own copper coin and meet Joshua Belice ’08, ’10M, director of alumni engagement, and MU’s new assistant director of alumni engagement, Ronald Graham ’25, ’26M.

If you have any more information about this unique Marauder tradition, send us an email at [email protected].

08/27/2026

From the Review: Mike Fadale ’09 Manages Emergency Care Aboard Life Lion

A boyhood obsession with helicopters and a passion for providing life-saving care led Mike Fadale ’09 to a career as a flight nurse. In March 2026 – with 27 years of healthcare experience that included 21 years as a registered nurse and 14 years as a flight nurse – he was named chief flight nurse aboard Penn State Health Life Lion Critical Care Transport, which is based at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Fadale began his tenure with Life Lion as a part-time flight nurse – a specialized registered nurse who provides critical emergency care and life support to patients aboard helicopters during medical transport – in 2014 and then transitioned to full-time in 2017. “I have been at Life Lion full-time since then,” he says. “I interviewed for and took on the challenge of being chief flight nurse, which involves oversight of the nursing staff and quality management of the program.”

His journey to his current role began at a young age. “I have loved helicopters since I was about 5 years old,” he says. “I grew up in the Lehigh Valley, and my mom knew one of the pilots at Lehigh Valley Health Network MedEvac. They took me to see the helicopter up close and gave me a MedEvac keychain with a house key on it. They told me it was a key to the helicopter. From there, I was obsessed and had a strong fascination for helicopters and aviation.”

In high school, Fadale “leaned toward doing something medical.” He joined a healthcare explorer post at Lehigh Valley, and at 17, took a course to become an emergency medical technician. He worked or volunteered part-time as an EMT during high school and throughout his time at Millersville University.

“I was able to interact with and help offload the MedEvac crews when they flew in,” as a support partner for Lehigh Valley. “As an EMT, I would occasionally have to call for a helicopter and always had amazing interactions with flight providers. They provided a sense of calm, had an enormous amount of autonomy, and always seemed to know what to do in some very chaotic situations. Seeing them in those moments was what made me want to work in flight medicine. Their level of skill, compassion and professionalism set the standard that I would strive for in my own practice. My goal was to start flying by the age of 30.”

“I initially started at MU in 2000 out of high school with plans on going the bio/pre-med route,” Fadale says. “Part way through, I opted to transition to nursing school for my diploma classes in nursing. I graduated in 2005 but always planned to return to MU to finish my BSN. You could say my path to nursing was not the most traditional.”

After graduating from nursing school, Fadale worked in the emergency room at Lancaster General Hospital. He pursued his certification as a pre-hospital registered nurse so that he could continue working in emergency medical services and eventually move to flight nursing.

Fadale returned to Millersville, as planned, and completed his BSN in 2009 as a commuting student. In 2011, he applied for a position as a flight nurse with Lehigh Valley MedEvac and was selected. He started his flying career in 2012, nearly meeting his goal of flying by 30.

“Working in flight medicine is a privilege, and quite honestly is the best office view in the world,” he says. “Even after some of the most challenging patient transports, there is something calming and peaceful about the flight back to base that helps put everything into perspective.”

In addition to his work as a flight nurse, Fadale has also volunteered with Pennsylvania Vent Camp for 25 years, an opportunity he learned about as a Millersville student and member of the Respiratory Therapy Club. “I attended my first time as a Millersville student,” Fadale says. “The free camp is for children who are ventilator-dependent in some way. We take them swimming, ziplining, rock wall climbing and fishing, and they participate in events like a carnival, talent show and camp dance. This camp requires two to three counselors for each camper as well as many other medically trained staff helping to make sure these kids can have a safe and fun week. I function as a team leader, ensuring all campers in my cabin receive their required daily treatments, medications and therapies. “Many of these children require care around the clock. Pennsylvania Vent Camp is a week that provides these kids with experiences to help them feel like typical children, and it’s a week of respite for the families.”

Fadale has also dedicated more than a decade to the public safety aviation community through Every Coast Helicopter Operations. “ECHO is a nonprofit organization that is 100% volunteer-operated and works to provide low-cost education, peer support, safety standards and future flight clinician training across the entire public safety aviation community,” he says.
In 2017, Fadale helped develop and implement the ECHO Flight-Crew Assistance and Support Team, a “deployable, boots-on-the-ground group that provides peer support and assistance to flight crews across the country who have experienced a major incident or crash. We recognized that we in healthcare – and specifically, public safety aviation – do not do a great job of supporting ourselves, and we wanted to change that for the industry.”

Fadale served on ECHO’s board and assists with the Future Flight Crew team that trains future flight clinicians to be better prepared for entry into the industry. His most recent role with the organization is volunteering as a co-host for the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, a collaborative effort between ECHO and Vertical Valor Plus magazine to promote the personnel and equipment behind helicopter air ambulance services. Sponsorship dollars collected by the magazine go back to ECHO and, ultimately, to the frontline crews.

“The mission of ECHO really speaks to me,” he says. “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what color flight suit you wear, what helicopter you fly in, or what kind of transports you do. We can all learn from each other and make this industry safer and better for both our patients and us.”

08/26/2026

Extra, extra, read all about it: The summer digital issue of the Review is here! Inside, you'll find stories about the 100 year anniversary of Winnie the Pooh, a professor emeritus who worked with former students on a research project, and students who offered up insights on their internships. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4xsMadc

08/25/2026

The 2026 candle lighting ceremony was so special. Do you remember doing this as a student?