Penn State Lehigh Valley students will have the opportunity to learn how the effects of alcohol can impair their judgment as part of the campus' annual Alcohol Awareness Day activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, in the Atrium. The campus will offer educational information, alcohol-related screenings and mocktails, as well as a turn at wearing "drunk goggles" that impair an individual's vision and ability to walk. These activities are designed to heighten student awareness on how alcohol, even in moderation, can effect their bodies and capacity to think clearly.

William Newman will present "Taoism: Key Concepts and Selected Practices" at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, in 122 Academic Building, Penn State Lehigh Valley. Newman will look at some of the central ideas and images that constitute Taoism. In addition, the practice of Tai Chi will be discussed as an example of the embodiment of these principles. Newman, professor emeritus of psychology and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, has a long-standing interest in the influence of Taoism and Buddhism on psychology.

Rita Golden Gelman, author of "Tales of a Female Nomad," will speak at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, in the Atrium at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Despite being a successful children's book author and having connections in the entertainment industry, Gelman found a long-dormant desire to explore the world. She tried to fulfill her passion by getting a doctoral degree in anthropology, but years later found herself "panting to go off somewhere." Finally, she took the leap and did it, on her own.

Caring for patients is the No. 1 priority for nurses and other hospital staff. Hospitals need talented leaders to direct this care, but finding such leaders can often be difficult. Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network (LVHHN) decided to develop its own leaders through a customized training program for first-line managers, patient-care coordinators, nurse supervisors, directors and other staff, created in collaboration with Penn State Lehigh Valley and Penn State Management Development. So far, the Penn State Leadership and Supervisory Skills Development program has prepared more than 500 LVHHN employees for leadership roles.

Penn State will distribute $1.2 million in student-parent child-care subsidies during the next four years. The subsidies generate from a new grant the University received from the U.S. Department of Education. Penn State was awarded the maximum amount possible under the federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School program. The University will receive $300,000 per year for four years. The new funding represents an $80,000 increase over an existing grant that expired Sept. 30. Child-care subsidies will be distributed to student parents at all Penn State locations. As required by the Department of Education, priority will be given to student parents who receive federal Pell Grants. Students who do not receive Pell Grants can apply for future subsidy distributions.

Bernard Eastlund will discuss "Artificial Generation of Acoustic and Gravitational Waves in the Atmosphere" at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at Penn State Lehigh Valley, as part of the 2005-2006 Lecture Series. The lecture is free to the public. Eastlund, chief technical officer and founder of Eastlund Scientific Enterprises Corp., will discuss weather modification with electromagnetic radiation and industrial applications of intense ultraviolet light.

Penn State Lehigh Valley is sponsoring its annual Best of the Valley Art amd Poetry Competition for 10th- and 11th-grade students in the Lehigh Valley. Each area high school may submit three artworks and three poems from each grade level for the competition. All entries must be submitted with an entry form to Penn State Lehigh Valley by March 17. All pieces will be displayed at Penn State Lehigh Valley's Concourse Gallery and Library Wing Gallery during May. A reception and award presentation ceremony will be held for all participants, their families and the teachers at 4:30 p.m. May 4. The winning entries will be announced at the reception. Teachers who are interested in having their classes participate can call (610) 285-5011 to receive a brochure and entry information.