A newly released economic impact report from the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) reveals that Wilson College contributes an estimated $89.9 million to the Pennsylvania economy and supports 820 jobs across the Commonwealth.
The comprehensive 28-page report, conducted by the nationally recognized Parker Strategy Group, highlights the significant role Wilson College and other AICUP member institutions play in driving economic growth, job creation, and public revenue. The analysis considered direct spending on operations, wages, capital projects, and the ripple effects of student and visitor expenditures.
“Wilson College has long been a center of academic excellence, and this report affirms that the College’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. With nearly $90 million contributed to Pennsylvania’s economy and over 800 jobs supported statewide, Wilson is proud to be a vital force in the Commonwealth’s economic sustainability,” said President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D.
According to the study, Wilson College supports and sustains 820 jobs throughout the state through direct employment, indirect and induced jobs created by supply and equipment vendors and contractors, and jobs created throughout the state in support of the institution’s faculty, staff, students, and visitors. AICUP schools are among the top employers in Pennsylvania and contribute to the creation of nearly 200,000 jobs overall.
The study also concluded that Wilson College generates about $6.9 million in tax revenues annually for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for local governments, through sales tax, property tax, personal income tax, and corporate income taxes.
Five Wilson seniors presented their research at this year’s annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS), held April 11-13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa.
Wilson’s senior presenters: (l to r) Cassidy Sowers, Judi Wolf, Hailey Steele, Kylie Wright, and Adrián Lugo.
Kylie Wright“Assessing the correlation between California Mastitis Test results and somatic cell counts in caprine milk.”Advisers: Deborah Austin, Ph.D., and Sherri Buerdsell, Ph.D.
Judi Wolf“The effects of lipid synthesis inhibitor ND-630 on fungal species Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, andCryptococcus neoformans in comparison to fluconazole.”Advisers: Kathryn Sarachan, Ph.D., and Amber Marble, Ph.D.
Cassidy Sowers“Influence of anthelmintic medications on the aerobic bacterial populations of the equid gastrointestinal tract microbiome.”Advisers: Amber Marble, Ph.D., and Sherri Buerdsell, Ph.D.
Adrián Lugo“The effects of serotonin transporter gene variations on major depressive disorder treatment and anxiety.”Advisers: Amber Marble, Ph.D., and Deborah Austin, Ph.D.
Hailey Steele“The cytotoxicity of synthetic dye; Red 40 and its metabolites cresidine-4-sulfonate and 1-amino-2-naphthol-sulfonic acid on the Caco-2 human colon cell line.”Advisers: Kathryn Sarachan, Ph.D., Amber Marble, Ph.D., and Sherri Buerdsell, Ph.D.
PAS Award Winners were (left) Acadia Banis ’26 and (right) Hailey Steele ’25. Banis received a PAS Undergraduate Research Grant for her work with her adviser Amber Marble, Ph.D., titled “A Systematic Comparison of Traditional Veterinary-grade Topical Tick Preventions Versus Holistic Topical Tick Repellants for Canines.” Steele took Third Place in the PAS Spychala Student Presentation Awards for her oral presentation.
At the end of Wilson’s Fall 2024 semester, four student teams in the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Course (BUS 220), presented their final business plans. Each plan reflected a semester’s worth of collaboration, research, and strategic thinking, pitched to their peers as if to real investors. The purpose of the project was to get students to think through what it takes to start up and run an actual business.
Team Breathe-WellLeft to right: Allie Cullison ’25, Jordan Blizzard ’25, Eunbeen Song, Samuel Martin ’28, Logan Frazier ’27
Unlike popular television shows like “Shark Tank,” where the spotlight is on the product and its profitability, this course focuses on the process of building a business. Business faculty encourage the students to dream big—whether creating a nonprofit that provides pet care for low-income families or by creating a financial advisory service tailored to college students—and walk through every step of making that dream operational.
Team Chambersburg SaddleryLeft to right: Catrin Rumondang, Madelyn McCoy ’27, Anna Flenner ’27, Raegen Franz ’24, Jasmine Gruver ’25, Vu Nguyen
“We’re not asking, ‘Can you sell this tomorrow?’” explained Lance Cain, assistant professor and director of the business program. “We’re asking, ‘Can you plan this from the ground up?’”
This difference in focus allows the students to dive into marketing strategies, operating budgets, supply chains, and resource planning. Students learn to identify their target audience, assess competition, and make tough decisions about what’s feasible and what’s not. They read case studies, analyze failures, and learn that most entrepreneurs aren’t overnight successes. Throughout the semester, students also engage with an online business simulation program, managing a virtual retail shop and responding to dynamic scenarios. The system evaluates their decisions, offering insight into real-world outcomes.
Team EDU FinanceLeft to right: Armani Jones ’28, Sydney Marza ’27, Clare Byomujuni ’27, Halley Shaffer ’26, Ellisa Gamby-Mickey ’27, Sefora Antonino Velasco ’27
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the course is that it offers a risk-free environment for experimentation. The only stakes are academic, which frees students to be creative, bold, and even a little idealistic. For some, it’s a steppingstone to launching a real business. One student used the class to develop a business plan for a horse boarding facility—an idea she is actively pursuing outside of class.
Team Mission ImPawsibleLeft to right: Elena Worthington ’27, Adrianna Stricek ’26, Genieva Pawlowski ’27, Tristan Worlock ’25, Benjamin Tunnel ’25, Alexis Shreiner ’26
For others, it’s a transformative experience that reshapes how they think about work, leadership, and innovation. “Since this is a safe environment to work through issues, it provides students the opportunity to deal with things a little more subjectively,” added Cain.
In the end, the entrepreneurship class isn’t just about writing a business plan. It’s about learning how to see opportunities, solve problems, and build something from nothing.
Shortly before embarking on a January 2025 expedition to Antarctica, Shelby Harmon ’25, an animal studies major with minors in biology and psychology, received a diagnosis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, a severe form of Muscular Dystrophy.
Jeremiah Loyer ’27, a history major, is working with language and history during a 10-week internship at JAARS, Inc. in North Carolina. JAARS, an acronym for Jungle Aviation and Radio Service, is a non-profit organization that provides support to Bible translation and language development efforts worldwide.
Loyer's internship is a testament to the hands-on education he has received at Wilson College. "Wilson College has prepared me well for this internship through the hands-on experience I’ve gained working at the Hankey Center for the History of Women's Education, as well as the continuous support from my history professors,” Loyer shared. His experience in archival work and historical research has given him a foundation for his current role.
Max Wagenhoffer, Ph.D., director of the Hankey Center for the History of Women’s Education and assistant professor of history, shared, "During the 2024-2025 academic year, Jeremiah worked over 250 hours at the Hankey Center as a research assistant. He grew as a researcher and scholar, and he is further sharpening his skills through his internship at JAARS."
During his time at JAARS, Loyer is working in two areas. He spends time in the Cardenas Building, which serves as a repository for the history of JAARS, and in the Alphabet Museum, a space that explores the history of writing systems and languages from around the world. "My main responsibility is scanning documents, but I also have had the opportunity to work with collections and help with exhibits around the museum." said Loyer. "Interning with JAARS has taught me how to operate in a professional museum environment, and I've developed several skills that will enhance both my academic and future career."
Jeremiah Loyer's summer internship at JAARS shows how a strong academic foundation, coupled with practical experience, can open doors to unique opportunities.
Sometimes, unexpected events become life’s defining moments. For Colby Maun ’22, a painful injury and a timely reconnection changed the course of his academic and professional journey.
https://mag.wilson.edu/the-power-of-a-curveball/
Jenna Benke ’25, a double major in Animal Studies with a concentration in Environmental Science and Environmental Sustainability, spent her spring semester as a Nature and Conservation Intern with the Conococheague Institute. This experience allowed her to explore and cultivate her deep passion for the environment through a variety of hands-on roles.
One of the projects during her internship was a comprehensive water monitoring study of the Institute’s wetlands pond. Jenna documented her research and findings in this video.
In her video, Jenna explains the importance of freshwater monitoring for both aquatic life and human safety. She demonstrates the use of a low-cost water monitoring kit to perform various tests, each providing insights into the pond's health.
Internships like Jenna's provide invaluable real-world experience, offering mentorship, and a pathway to career growth. Wilson College is committed to supporting student, ensuring they are well-prepared to make a meaningful difference in their chosen fields.
Congratulations to all the students who made the Wilson College Dean's List for Spring 2025.
Hope AdamsJill AhlgrenHannah AkerPaige AlbrightElizabeth AlfaroRusbelly AlmonteEsteban Alvarez MaganaEric ArbogastMary ArnoldKaeden BabcockSydney BabicekBarbara BakerBrady BaknerAcadia BanisJennifer BannonRachel BardsleyEmmy BaschoffHana BellowsJenna BenkePayton BennettRachel BieseckerSeth BivensMichaela BlackKaitlyn BlizzardJason BoakYuliya BondarAmaia BonebrakeMadison BootieHannah BostShelby BowmanEmily BrechbielLaura BreighnerMadison BriggsBrittany BrownTrinity BrownMatt BrowningAlexis BuckleySarah BusheySophia CallahanElisabeth CampleseJustine CastroCinthya ChavarriaArielle ChicoLenin CincoJamie ClendeningCaryn CordellElizabeth CordonJorge CortezLeilannie CortezTyler CottoneRachel CoulterAva CoxFaith CrawfordGavin CreamerSarah CroweKatelyn CrupAllie CullisonRylee CurleyBryson CurtisKaren CutlerLindsey DalenbergGrace DamatoColin DavidsonCrystal DavisMaddie DavisAdaira DeckerHaley DeckerEmma DelicatoAngela DewaldIsabella Di TroiaSarah DiehlPayton DietrichOlivia DingzonKelly DitsonJenna DixonKaylie DixonKassandra DottererAlexis DoyleMadison EbersoleAmelia EdensJulia ElliottOlivia EwingSadie FikeJoi FisherAnna FlennerPatty FlookKylie FochtChelcie ForresterRebecca FoxAlicia FrancavageLaura FrancisDanica FrushourClaudia FumagalliLyssa GableKylie GardinerEmily GarnerHamida GawhariHomaira GawhariOlivia GelbaughAndrew GervasiMary GingrichLainnie GlennErin GoheganAniya GonzalezShannon GougeAlessandro GranadosMargaret GreeleyAbby GroshMaya GroveJasmine GruverHaley HamrickMadison HamrickTaylor HardestyMiranda HardyShelby HarmonAndrew HarnerSydney HartleElysabeth HaughElla HawbeckerTaylor HayesLibby HeatonCarrie HeberligAddie HebertKaitlyn HeffnerOlivia HeidrichLuke HelmanAlyvia HennemanNikki HockenberryOlivia HoffmanLibby HousemanAbigail Howard GoisJenna HowellLexie HubbardSusan HubbardAce HudnellKyra HuebnerTashema HuffmanJada JenkinsShavon JohnsonLily KamarerCasey KauffmanJessica KauffmanKatelyn KellerChloe KelleyStacy KerrTrea KeysMaria KleinMadison KlineRyan KoontzMelissa LabritzSage LagueElizabeth LandonBrooke LeedyAudrey LekeRiley LeMayMichael LightMatthew LineKalyna LloydEthan LocklearAliya LockmanKendi LongJaylyn LopezElena LotruglioLexy LottSarah LoveJeremiah LoyerAdrian LugoSavanna MackieCarleigh MagersAva MagrasKinsey MancillRebecca MarakovitzAmanda MargesonElaina MarkerEmily MartinSage MartinSydney MarzaPayton McCauleyJacob MccoyCadence McmahonCamrynn McmillanCarley McNewDrue MealsAndrea MedinaGianna MenziettiBenjamin MetzTori MeyerKlarissa MileyDelaney MillerEmily MillerKara MillerMadison MillerJeremy MitchellSummer MoffettWaverly MoffettSkylar MolnarMackenzie MonnAbby MorelandMarcus MorenoReagan MorrisLia MortKiaya MouerChristine MulherinNatalie MullenBelle MusselmanCharles MusserAlayna MyattNicole MyersChristopher NataleVincent NataleRachel NewswangerDaniel NillBrandi NissleyBrett NolanKiera O'BrineCaitlin OlivieroAnya ParkolayLaura PaxsonIttai PayneKalea PechartLiam PepolJalen PierceRylee PiperCaden PollardKaylee PomfretRosa PortillaBrooklyn PresleyEmily RandallsTobias ReeseJosie ReinhardtMakayla ReiterKayla RichardsAshley RingquistMichael RiosLaela RobinsonPiper RohrbaughZoe RosenAbby RosenberryEmma RosetErin RoszkowiakAnna RozensonMimi RubioReilly RyanSam RybackiOlalla SanchezLynn SariskyLeila SchreinerNiki SchusslerKatelynn ScottSavanah SeablomAlycia SemancoKate SeymourHalley ShafferMegan ShankSophie ShatzerAlysa SheatsKayla ShepardConnor ShopeHannah ShultzAlea SmithAnna SmithBrian SmithJamie SmithTyler SmithArmana SmithbergerBrianna SnyderRegina SnyderMadison SokolowskiKayla SolomonBianca SommersHeydi Soto-MontanoMarlyn Soto-VelasquezSkyler SpeigleEmily StamperJessica StartzelHailey SteeleKayla SteinmetzCamden SternerAshley StevensBarry StocksAbigail StonerCheyenne StrenskiHennessy StrineErin SullivanPaige SullivanChase SupenskyAndrew SvibenIsabella SwanJade SytoKayla TalbertEngelbert Chinfon TamehKarson TaylorAlexis ThomasAlyssa ThomasDiana ThomasMegan ThompsonJustin TimmonsTravis TimmonsJewels TorresRyan TorresWinter TrammellSenta TrateRebekah TuckeyGretchen TurnerRyan TurnerFinley VandevanderMegan VinsonAmayah WalkerErin WalshGillian WaltersAllison WatkinsSierra WaylandBella WeaverXavier WebberLaci WeinholdRylynn WelshDakota WertsRachael WestonTaylor WhiteLea WilhelmJulia WilkesJace WilliamsArianna WinlackJudi WolfJackson WolfeJade WolfeAnne WolfrumMarissa WoodwardTristan WorlockLexie WyrickLiam YeatmanEmily D. YoungJade YoungEmily ZavadakOlivia ZieglerJoseph ZiercherEllen ZimmermanAnthony ZinziHunter Zittle
Wilson College will host the 2025 M.F.A. Summer Art Show on Saturday, July 19, showcasing the works of its Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) students completing the 2025 Summer Residency Program. Beginning at noon, the event will feature final showings and exhibitions by the M.F.A. students including theatrical and choreographic solo and ensemble performance pieces, site-specific theatrical work, visual art exhibitions, short story readings, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
The show is free for the public. Performances will begin in the Appenzellar-Buchanan Dance Studio promptly at noon and then move to site-specific and exhibition gallery locations.
Wilson’s M.F.A. Program is a two-year terminal degree designed for professionals or experienced artists working in their respective fields. This low-residency program requires two consecutive summer residency periods of four weeks each. The summer intensives include individual studio time with faculty mentoring and critique, as well as seminars addressing major concerns in the disciplines.
For more information, please visit www.wilson.edu/mfa-summer-art-show-2025.
On February 11, 2025, Wilson College held the first spring Common Hour for the 2024-25 with a thought-provoking presentation by Brittany Harman, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology. The event spotlighted Harman’s new research on the impact of technology on memory. Her talk, titled “‘I Can Always Just Google It Later:’ Is Digital Amnesia a Credible Threat to Learning and Memory?”, delved into the cognitive consequences of our growing reliance on digital tools.
Harman introduced the concept of digital amnesia, also known as the “Google effect,” or the tendency to forget information that is readily accessible online. This phenomenon, she explained, is a modern manifestation of what ancient philosophers like Socrates once feared: that externalizing memory could have an undesirable impact on cognitive abilities.
“Different types of technological innovations are typically viewed, at least initially, as a cause for concern,” Harman noted. “In the digital age, this has a direct impact on how we experience information, how we think about information, how we use it, and then how we remember it.”
One of the foundational studies in this area is the photo-taking impairment effect, first demonstrated by psychologist Linda Henkel, Ph.D., in 2014. Participants in Henkel’s study were less likely to remember artworks they photographed in a museum compared to those they simply observed.
Another important study was conducted by Betsy Sparrow and colleagues in 2011, who investigated digital amnesia and coined the term “Google effect.” Their research found that participants were less likely to remember information when they were told it would be stored online—even when explicitly instructed to try to remember it.
Building on the work of Henkel and Sparrow, Harman is exploring how digital amnesia manifests in both laboratory and real-world educational settings. Her research focuses on three key areas:
Harman emphasized the broader implications of her work, particularly in educational contexts when memory is outsourced to technology—whether through photos, search engines, or cloud storage—there is often a disengagement from the deeper cognitive processes that support learning.
“We need to understand how digital convenience shapes our mental habits,” she said. “If students believe they don’t need to remember information because it’s always accessible, they may not develop the foundational knowledge necessary for deeper learning.”
Ultimately, Harman hopes her findings will inform better educational practices and policies. By understanding how digital tools influence attention, memory, and learning, educators can make more informed decisions about how and when to integrate technology into the classroom.
