Wilson College biology, chemistry, and biochemistry majors showcased their research, professionalism, and scientific curiosity at the 2026 Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS) annual meeting, held this weekend at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania.
Back row: Amber Marble, Assistant Professor of Biology; Sherri Buerdsell, Assistant Professor of Biology; Assistant Professor of Biology; Kylie Gardiner '27, Ellen Zimmerman '27, Brenden Cleary '27 Front row: Matt Browning '26, Katherine Kimmel '26, Acadia Banis '26, Rosa Portilla '26, Adesewami Ajirotutu '26, Marianne Ngo Baba Ba Boumtje'26 Not pictured: Adan Rodriquez-Sapien '27, Alyvia Henneman '27, and Kaelyn Goff '27.
Acadia Banis '26 and Bili Mattes, Executive Director at STEM-UP Network
Several students received notable recognition for their work. Acadia Banis ' 26 was awarded First Place in the Women in Science Oral Presentation category, The Women in Science award is sponsored by STEM Up Network and was presented by its executive director, Bili Mattes, D.Ed.
Rosa Portilla '26 earned Honorable Mention for her oral research presentation.
In addition, Alyvia Henneman '27 and Kylie Gardiner '27 received PAS Research Grants, which will support the purchase of materials for their research projects during the upcoming academic year.
Acadia Banis '26, Alyvia Henneman '27, and Rosa Portilla '26
The Wilson team “Fire Chickens,” with members Alyvia Henneman '27, Rosa Portilla'26, Marianne Ngo Baba Ba Boumtje'26, Acadia Banis '26, and Matt Browning '26, placed third in the PAS STEM trivia competition
Reflecting on the experience, Amber Marble highlighted both the depth of student preparation and the broader impact of participating in a professional scientific conference.
“Over the course of three semesters, our students invest tremendous effort in shaping their projects and honing their scientific communication.” Marble said. “PAS offers our students the chance to see themselves as part of a larger scientific community. By encountering diverse research topics and sharing their own enthusiasm with audiences beyond Wilson, they are able to deepen their curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging as emerging scholars.”
Wilson College students will present 88 original research projects during the College’s seventeenth annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day, taking place Thursday, April 23, and Friday, April 24. The event highlights undergraduate scholarship across a wide range of disciplines, including the sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, and is free and open to the public.
The event features both poster and oral presentations, offering multiple opportunities for attendees to engage directly with student researchers.
The poster session will be held Thursday, April 23, from 3 to 5 p.m., and will include 69 poster presentations representing individual and group research projects from a variety of academic programs. Students will be present to discuss their work and answer questions during the session.
On Friday, April 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 19 students will deliver oral research presentations throughout the day. These presentations will showcase in-depth research and creative inquiry conducted under the guidance of Wilson College faculty mentors.
Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day is made possible through the generous support of Wilson College alumna Louise Barsy Colgan ’80 and her husband, Sean. Their annual gift not only sustains this campus-wide celebration of student scholarships, it also funds academic research grants that support students undertaking senior-year research projects.
For more information about the event, visit www.wilson.edu/SRD.
Wilson College will host an afternoon of inspiring music as the Cumberland Valley Chorale at Wilson College presents its Spring 2026 concert, On the Edge of Light, on Sunday, April 26, at 3 p.m. in the Alumnae Chapel of Thomson Hall.
The free concert will explore themes of light and darkness, examining human experiences of despair, hope, joy and love through choral music. The program will feature selections from The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, timetested hymnody and additional works spanning popular, classical, and contemporary traditions.
The concert will also include a performance by Wilson’s a cappella group, the Ten Tones, featuring a new spring set and live selections from the group’s second professional recording session.
The Cumberland Valley Chorale at Wilson College is a community chorus bringing together singers from both the Wilson College campus and the greater Central Pennsylvania region. The ensemble is known for its diverse repertoire and for performing music that reflects faith, laughter, and love.
The event is free and open to the public and is made possible through the generous support of Wilson College.
Community members interested in joining the Cumberland Valley Chorale are welcome. Those interested may contact Dillon Beede, Wilson College director of choral activities, at dillon.beede@wilson.edu for more information.
A new episode of the Take the Doughnut podcast is live today, featuring Wesley Fugate, Ph.D., president of Wilson College, in conversation with motivational keynote speaker and host Melissa Forziat.
In this inspiring interview, Fugate reflects on his journey as a first-generation college student who set bold goals and ultimately stepped into the college presidency. He shares how pursuing dreams requires both ambition and intention, breaking big goals into small steps while taking calculated risks along the way.
The conversation explores how relationships serve as both Fugate’s greatest motivator and biggest challenge, and how saying “yes” to opportunities—from leading an institution to co-producing a musical in London’s West End—can open unexpected doors.
“When opportunity comes, embrace it,” Fugate encourages listeners.
Listen now: https://youtu.be/fduh6wbmbgE
Wilson College has named Andrea Hoover-Erbig as its new director of athletics. Hoover-Erbig brings more than 20 years of experience in NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics to the position and will succeed Tina L. Hill, who will retire in June.
Hoover-Erbig currently serves as executive director of intercollegiate athletics at Virginia Wesleyan University, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to her appointment as athletics director, she spent 15 highly successful years as VWU’s head women’s volleyball coach. Her administrative leadership roles at Virginia Wesleyan have included senior woman administrator and academic integration coordinator.
In her current role, Hoover-Erbig oversees a comprehensive athletics program of 25 varsity sports and more than 450 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). Under her leadership, the athletic department has introduced three new programs: men’s volleyball, cheer, and women’s flag football. The department also experienced significant growth in fundraising and facilities. Several athletic venues have undergone major enhancements, and the Marlin Athletic Fund has reached record-setting levels.
“As Wilson looks to the future of its athletics program, Andrea’s depth of experience and proven leadership made her the clear choice,” said Katherine Buck, vice president for student development. “She understands how athletics can strengthen the student experience, build community, and align closely with an institution’s academic mission. We are confident she will lead Wilson Athletics with integrity, vision, and a strong commitment to student success.”
As head volleyball coach, Hoover-Erbig compiled a program-best 293–166 record, highlighted by six 20-win seasons, two ODAC Coach of the Year honors, and leading the Marlins to their first ODAC championship in 2019. A former four-year volleyball student-athlete at Slippery Rock University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in education from Marietta College.
At Wilson, the director of athletics provides vision and leadership for the College’s athletics program, ensuring effectiveness, continuous improvement, accountability, and compliance while supporting the overall mission and goals of Wilson College and conference and national associations. In her new position, Hoover-Erbig will provide leadership and strategic direction for Wilson’s 11 NCAA Division III sports and two Intercollegiate Horse Show Association teams in Hunt Seat and Western, as well as overseeing compliance, fiscal oversight, communications, sports medicine, and the use and maintenance of on- and off-campus athletic facilities.
Ken Ohashi, brand chief executive officer of Brooks Brothers and Nautica, will deliver the commencement address to the Wilson College Class of 2026 during the College’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Ohashi is a widely respected global executive with more than 30 years of experience in fashion, consumer products, retail and business development. He currently serves as brand chief executive officer of Brooks Brothers, the iconic 208‑year‑old company with more than $1 billion in global sales and a presence in more than 600 retail locations worldwide. Ohashi led the highly publicized acquisition of Brooks Brothers and guided the brand’s transformation, returning it to profitability in less than two years. In January 2026, he was also named brand chief executive officer of Nautica, where he is leading efforts to reinvigorate the global lifestyle brand founded in 1983.
“Ken Ohashi exemplifies innovative leadership, resilience, and purpose,” said Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. “His career reflects the power of adaptability, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to people, making his message especially meaningful for our graduates as they prepare to lead lives of impact.”
Prior to joining Brooks Brothers, Ohashi served as president of international and global retail for Authentic Brands Group, overseeing brand management, business development, and marketing for a $4 billion global portfolio outside the United States. He also helped form SPARC Group, a joint venture with Simon Property Group that supports more than 4,000 worldwide retail locations and an e-commerce platform.
Ohashi previously held senior leadership roles at Aéropostale, where he drove international expansion into 17 countries, and earlier served as vice president of investor and media relations, playing a key role in the company’s public offerings. He began his career at Arthur Andersen LLP and is a certified public accountant.
A passionate advocate for equity and access to education, Ohashi has led partnerships supporting first‑generation and underrepresented students and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. His work has earned recognition from Institutional Investor, Bloomberg, Gold House and the Asian American Business Development Center.
On this day in 1869, Wilson College received its official charter thanks to the vision of Rev. Tryon Edwards and Rev. James W. Wightman, and the generosity of Miss Sarah Wilson, whose belief in education helped found an institution that continues to grow and evolve today.
The legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania granted the charter on March 24 and Wilson College was announced through the press, through the churches, and through friends of the Trustees.
To celebrate Charter Day, our Hankey Center student research assistants—Vivian Huddleston (graduate assistant), Jeremiah Loyer ’27, and Aislynn Richards ’28—took a close look at the original founding document. Seeing the signatures and language that started it all is a powerful reminder of the legacy we carry forward.
The Hankey Center for the History of Women’s Education preserves the history of Wilson College through the collection of materials and artifacts contained in the C. Elizabeth Boyd ’33 Archives. The Hankey Center also provides support for academic programs by making staff and resources available to the Wilson community, as well as to scholars, independent researchers and educators beyond campus.
From our 19th‑century beginnings to our vibrant community today, Happy Charter Day, Wilson College!
Wilson College will host ArtsFest 2026 from April 6–10, a weeklong celebration showcasing talents of Wilson artists, nationally recognized visiting professionals, and creative programming for the campus and surrounding community. Now in its fourth year, ArtsFest has become a signature Franklin County event that highlights the role of the arts in fostering connection, collaboration, and community dialogue.
The theme for the 2026 festival is “Art Is… Experimentation.” ArtsFest is supported in part by The Palmer Family Foundation, a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. This support enables Wilson to welcome four visiting artists whose work reflects innovation across disciplines: Broadway producer Sue Gilad; multidisciplinary visual artist Jada Patterson; letterpress printer and educator Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.; and dance theater collective Project ChArma.
Featured Events and Exhibitions
A Conversation with Sue Gilad
Broadway producer Sue Gilad will lead an insider’s discussion on the business of bringing shows from page to stage. She will share behind-the-scenes insights into the creative and logistical forces that shape awardwinning productions. The conversation will also highlight the West End hit “Burlesque the Musical,” co-produced by Wilson President Wesley R. Fugate and Gilad, offering a dual perspective on the collaborative process behind a major international production.
“A Seed’s A Star” Exhibition and Talk with Jada Patterson
This exhibition features work by multidisciplinary artist Jada Patterson, whose practice explores identity, adornment, material culture, and Black traditions of hair and body ornamentation, particularly as they relate to girlhood. Patterson’s art merges traditional craft with contemporary perspectives, illuminating the complexities and beauty of human experience. Patterson will discuss their influences and artistic journey in a public talk.
“Consider Everything an Experiment” Exhibition and Talk with Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.
This exhibition showcases the expressive, socially engaged letterpress prints of Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. His bold, layered print work blends cultural wisdom, civil rights history, and graphic power, transforming traditional printing into a tool for community engagement and social justice. Kennedy will participate in a public conversation about his process, purpose, and the evolving role of art in social change.
Spirit-led Dance in the New America with Ama Law of Project ChArma
Project ChArma's movement style has always been shaped by a blend of influences: Hip-Hop culture, West African polyrhythms, and post-modern dance flow. In this dance workshop, they will explore solidarity through these forms. They will start with line dances—literally “jumping in” to learn sequences, embodying the Africanist principle of “each one teach one.” They will review popular line dances, invite participants to share new ones they bring, and close by creating a unique group sequence that marks our coming together in this new space and time. They will discuss the historical significance of these dances in African American resistance, survival, and progress.
The Arts at Wilson created ArtsFest to showcase the remarkable art, artists, and artistic opportunities at the College. The festival seeks to engage the Wilson College campus and regional community in creative experiences to open dialogue and build connections that inspire positive change in the world.
ArtsFest is free and open to the public, although some events are limited to the Wilson College community or require reservations. A detailed schedule and event descriptions are available at www.wilson.edu/artsfest.
Wilson College hosted an engaging panel discussion on modern hiring practices as part of its Health Sciences and Business Programs Strategic Seminar Series on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Professionals from healthcare, human resources, education, business consulting, and recreation management came together to offer candid advice on how to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
The conversation centered on what employers need to see beyond what appears on a résumé. While technical skills matter, panelists emphasized that the interview process is where they could see a candidate’s ability to collaborate with peers or adapt to different daily situations. “A résumé does not tell me how they’re going to do working with colleagues, students, community members, and parents,” said Tina Clever, human resources director for the Chambersburg Area School District.
Panelists encouraged those looking for work to practice telling their stories, whether through mock interviews, peer feedback, or even AI tools that help generate interview questions. The interview is where hiring managers make sure the individual is authentic and willing to make an investment in the company or position. They cautioned against relying on AI to write résumés or cover letters, urging applicants to personalize everything they submit.
Panelists urged students to pursue internships early—and more than one if possible—using those experiences to build skills, confidence, and professional connections. Internships, they said, are often extended job interviews. “When you complete an internship or externship program, employers really get to know you and connect with you,” said Lindsey Kearns, nurse manager for WellSpan Chambersburg. “And I would much rather hire someone who I know is a good fit for the unit, somebody who's willing to learn, who's ready to dive in.”
Networking, both in professional spaces and among peers, was another recurring theme. Students were encouraged to join LinkedIn, attend local events, and get comfortable with uncomfortable situations. “You never know who's watching, who you might have an impact on, and when that's going to come back around,” said Heather Hockenberry, executive coach and business consultant with Hockenberry Management Consulting.
The discussion closed with panelists reminding students that job searching is a two-way process. Candidates should evaluate organizations just as thoughtfully as organizations evaluate them. Above all, they encouraged students to stay curious, stay open, and keep stretching themselves toward their goals.
Panelists participating in this event included a diverse group of professionals with expertise across healthcare, human resources, executive coaching, business management, and organizational leadership:
This event was the third in the Wilson College Strategic Seminar Series. The sessions are held once per semester with the next event being planned for fall 2026.
Wilson College will host the next event in its Health Sciences and Business Programs Strategic Seminar Series on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with a session titled “Hiring Practices and Workforce Planning.” The seminar will explore how modern organizations recruit, hire, develop, and retain employees, including how artificial intelligence is influencing those processes.
The event will begin with networking from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Auditorium.
Hosted by Wilson’s Health Sciences and Business Programs, the panel discussion will examine how workplaces evaluate candidates and employees, what skills and personal attributes hiring managers value most, and how organizations make informed decisions about workforce needs. Whether attendees are entering the job market, re-entering after time away, or seeking advancement, the seminar offers an invaluable look at modern hiring and promotion practices.
Wilson College welcomes a diverse group of professionals with expertise across healthcare, human resources, executive coaching, business management, and organizational leadership:
The event is free and open to the public, and participants may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. Please register at https://www.wilson.edu/leadership-seminar.
