Maybe it's the hat with the name of the College on it or maybe it's the sweat shirt with the name of the College embroidered across the top, then again, there's the name tag which incidentally, it too contains the name of the College. Regardless of the apparel, even a stranger would know by looking at Terry Falkowski that she has an on-going love affair with Potomac State College of West Virginia University.
This love affair was made public recently when Falkowski was published in the Spring edition of The Eberly College Magazine (of WVU).
According to Falkowski, her journey at Potomac State began in the fall of 1976 as a student, a decision she's quick to point out she has never regretted. After graduating from PSC, Falkowski attended WVU where she earned a bachelor's degree in biology. Returning to Potomac State in 1986, she began her career as a laboratory instructor/preparation room manager and currently serves as the scientific materials manager in the chemistry department.
Terry and her husband, Dr. Henry Falkowski, who is a chemistry professor at the College, have come to refer to Potomac State as a "home away from home." They often take on pet projects, such as providing the funds to have the lecture hall in Science Hall repainted as well as having the front bench and hood refinished this past summer.
They have donated pianos to the music department, books and funds for computer equipment to the library, and along with Terry's mother, Patty Harman, who resides in Petersburg, WV, donated money to replace old curtains with new blinds in the library. In addition, they have donated many items to the Woodrow Wilson Barr Collection which they helped establish and 12 U.V. - visible spectrophotometers to the Chemistry Department.
Their latest and ongoing endeavor is that of the majestic catamount which stands atop a brick pedestal at the entrance to the College to let people know they are entering "Catamount Country.”" The Falkowskis have brought to fruition the vision of Dr. Gratto, (former president at the College), who wanted a focal point for the campus. Upon completion of the brick pedestal, the cat was placed on its perch nearly two years ago to welcome all visitors to the campus. Signs, shrubbery and a bench have since been added with additional lighting to be placed at a future date.
In 1998 a scholarship was established by Terry's family in memory of her father, Chester D. Harman, MD of Petersburg, W.Va., as a way of helping students financially. In addition, each year the Falkowskis take their Geology 105 Dinosaur class, on a trip to the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Pa. so students can see first-hand the skeletal remains of dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago.
"It has been a privilege assisting the many young people on their way to a college degree," said Terry.
Copies of The Eberly College Magazine are available in the Marketing/Communications Office which is located in the Administration Building, Room 204 on the Potomac State campus. Anyone wanting a copy can stop by or contact the office at 304-788-6873.
