Lock Haven University - Eddie Severn Retrenchment Recall

I'm sorry I haven't signed this earlier. It is a travesty what is being done to Eddie and Damarys Lopez- two outstanding faculty who deserve to be allowed to continue to teach LHU students so capably.

Dr. Severn is a wonderful scholar and colleague, and an important part of what makes Lock Haven a great school. Laying off faculty of his caliber is senseless, and shortsighted. Please recall his retrenchment!

Our country needs more good education programs, not less!

The arts are a vital part of education at all levels!

I fell in love with Lock Haven because it had a biology program and a marching band that I could join. Much like a high school athlete wishing to continue their sport in college, band was an essential item on my college list. The marching band was visible in Lock Haven's advertising. I NEVER would have gone to LHU without a band. I would have attended a different state school. The friendships I made and life skills I learned through band were instrumental to my success in life, and in graduate school. I will not make a donation to LHU so long as the music programs, and marching band in particular, are cut. I am sure other band alumni will also cease donations unless there is an official music program (not just student-run clubs). There recently was a large donation drive for athletic programs - why not make a similar effort on behalf of the arts? A faculty member is necessary for continuity of any program. I am sure that the university will be able to find a solution and save this faculty position, especially if they engage with the band alumni association.

Eddie Severn is an amazing musician and teacher and it saddens me to see this strange turn of events. Throughout my time at Lock Haven University, Dr. Severn was always there to help and motivate students to be the best they could with regards to music and its theory. As a trumpet player and brief major in music, Dr. Severn helped me develop a voice and sense of self that I would not have been able to achieve otherwise. He was patient and determined. Dr. Eddie Severn is a gifted musician and teacher. Without a doubt this decision should be reversed and the Fine Arts program at Lock Haven should be protected. Please, Lock Haven, reconsider these hasty actions to dismantle and harm the arts. Lock Haven University would not be the same without Dr. Eddie Severn. Respectfully, Howard Garrett Hufford

Eddie is a masterful player, an outstanding educator, and a remarkable human being. Please recall your retrenchment decision. The loss to his students and to the university would be immeasurable.

Please continue supporting the music department. Music is so important to everyone. Do not abandon those who need it.

I could not have successfully raised 4 children without music teachers and programs! Please reconsider!!!

Music-making is much more than an art form. It is a powerful pastoral tool and exists for the psychological, social and mental well being of all participants.

Class of 2008 Biochemistry Major. LHU Marching Eagle all four years at LHU. I met my husband and best friend in Band. Band was my stress reliever and the experience shaped me into the leader and good coworker I am today. My transition from high school to college was made easier because Band Camp provided me confidence for the first day of class. Band teaches the same life lessons as sports and helps to creat leaders for the future workforce.

I may not have a degree from Lock Haven but i spent 5.5 years there bust butt to try to get one! I’m also an alumni of Tau Beta Sigma & Zeta Tau Alpha!! What saved me many times was having band & having music in my life as an outlet! By not offering band you’re taking the opportunity away from a young adult that loves band but doesn’t want to be a professional musician a chance to since to perform!

These are losses that the future cannot survive. We need the arts.

Music saves lives and calms the brain.

We MUST save our music department and our wonderful educators!

Band is what got me through college. The music program is so important.

Dr. Severn is the reason we were considering Lock Haven for our grandchild.

Very often budget decisions don't seem to take into account (1) the educational value of arts; (2) the contribution such activities make in developing responsible, productive citizens; (3) development of leadership/problem solving skills by members; (4) availability of a variety of "clubs and activities" to assist the University with recruiting students; (5) the importance of such "stress reliever" activities in STUDENT RETENTION; and (6) the tremendous friendships developed by participants, and how it affects their ongoing affinity for their beloved University. This makes me incredibly sad.

LHU alum. Music is important in all levels of education!!

Look, music programs, band in particular, are team work oriented, socially enriching, intellectually stimulating and often lifelines to inclusion in the college life. These experiences are often looked backed on as very valuable and pivotal in fostering a positive nostalgia for an organization. Positive nostalgia is a key component in alumni giving. Also, I would simply not have gone to LHU had it been without a band, matching band, choir and theater, even though they were extracurricular to my degree.