MALVERN, Pa. – Penn State Great Valley students enjoyed a trip to the Tyler Arboretum in nearby Media, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 20. The outing was the inaugural event in the Barnes and Noble Student Engagement Series, which was made possible by a grant from Barnes & Noble College.

Forty students took a guided tour with the volunteer experts at Tyler, a site whose history dates to the time of William Penn. Comprising 650 acres of woodlands, meadows and stream valleys, Tyler offers horticultural collections and educational programs to foster an understanding of the living world.

Building upon Great Valley’s commitment to increase sustainability literacy and practices, students learned about the diverse horticultural, historic and natural site resources and the importance of preservation. Students also received copies of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book “Braiding Sweetgrass,” which explores the relationships between humans and the land in Native American and Western traditions.

“The Barnes & Noble Student Engagement Series is enhancing the student experience outside of the classroom for all students,” said Amy Fisher, student engagement coordinator. “For our international students, this will be an opportunity to experience cultural activities within our region and to interact with fellow graduate students. The campus and University are committed to efforts to increase sustainability literacy, commitment to sustainable practices and development of leadership toward a sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future through our teaching and research.”

As Penn State Great Valley’s student population has grown in recent years, so has the desire for co-curricular activities, which is paramount for success in the classroom and after graduation. With more than 50 new international students having started at Great Valley in the fall 2023 semester, the trip and the Student Engagement Series provide a unique way to explore the Greater Philadelphia region and to get to know classmates.

Donors like Barnes & Noble College advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients, and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.