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.
Wilson College is pleased to announce it will receive a $600,000 education grant through a statewide initiative aimed at addressing Pennsylvania’s critical teacher shortage. As part of a major investment by Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration, this funding will expand Wilson’s efforts to provide special education degrees and certifications for working paraprofessionals in Adams, Franklin, and York counties—enabling them to advance their careers while continuing their employment.
Lynn Newman, Associate Professor of Education and Director of Education | Amy Watson, Coordinator of Field Experiences | Beth Byers, Teacher Certification Pathways Director
"The shortage in teachers receiving special education certifications is significantly higher than those receiving general teacher certifications,” said Wilson College President Wesley R. Fugate. “We aim to shrink that deficit by offering more opportunities for individuals who have the passion and heart to educate one of our most vulnerable populations."With the awarding of this grant, Wilson College will continue its long-standing commitment to teacher education by directly serving the needs of local school districts.
“Wilson College is honored to partner with the Chambersburg Area School District and the Lincoln Intermediate Unit to provide an opportunity for paraprofessionals to earn their bachelor's degree in special education and certification. Our goal is to offer a strong mentorship and academic path during their time in the classroom, as well as professional development. I am thankful to the Governor for providing funds that will assist in the teacher shortage and ultimately provide all students with well-prepared educators,” said Lynn Newman, Wilson’s director of education and associate professor of education.
The funding is part of a broader $7.76 million allocation being provided through the Commonwealth’s Supporting Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship (CTRA) Programs, that will allow aspiring educators, paraprofessionals, and emergency-certified teachers to earn full teacher certification while working in schools. This initiative is fully funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which permits states to allocate a portion of their federal allotment for statewide priorities.
Discover how Wilson College can prepare you to meet the growing demand of teachers in areas like special education through the Wilson education program.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree you can work towards becoming certified to teach in an accelerated time frame with the Teacher Certification Pathway program.
May 3 and 4, we celebrated the Class of 2025. It was a weekend of tradition, excitement, pride, and new beginnings.
Commencement Weekend kicked off with the Ring It Forward Ceremony
Passing on legacy, one ring at a time, students and alums celebrating the enduring spirit of Wilson College at the Ring It Forward ceremony.
A moment of reflection and gratitude during the Baccalaureate Ceremony in Alumnae Chapel.
Students being recognized for their academic excellence during the Honor Societies Ceremony in Alumnae Chapel.
Phi Beta Kappa
Pi Gamma Mu
Sigma Tau Delta
Chi Alpha Sigma
Veterinary nursing graduates proudly receive their pins, marking their dedication to animal care.
Nursing graduates receive their pins and take the Florence Nightingale Pledge, committing to a life of service and care.
Future educators celebrate their achievements and prepare to inspire the next generation at the TCP completers ceremony.
Graduates gather in front of Lenfest, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
The Blue and Silver Line, alumni representatives from all decades look on with pride.
Kevin C. Wells, Graduate Student SpeakerHaving earned his Master of Organizational Leadership from Wilson College, Wells draws on a career dedicated to mentoring students at Milton Hershey School. His message inspires graduates to lead with purpose and compassion.
Erin Rebecca Roszkowiak, Class of 2025 President and Undergraduate Student SpeakerA veterinary nursing major, Roszkowiak reflects on a journey marked by academic excellence, leadership, and service. As the first Wilson student to graduate with honors in veterinary nursing, she now sets her sights on veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania.
Tori Murden McClure — Trailblazing Explorer, Author, and Former President of Spalding UniversityCelebrated for her historic solo row across the Atlantic Ocean and her leadership in higher education, McClure delivers a powerful message of resilience, courage, and purpose to the graduating class.
President Wes Fugate walks the graduates through reflections from their time at Wilson and sends them on their way with encouragement for their future endeavors with his traditional Godspeed speech.
Click here to watch the Commencement ceremony in it's entirety here.
“One of the most critical skills a teacher must have if they are considering longevity in the profession, is passion. This passion is contagious and spreads to students as well as other teachers and creates a welcoming and positive environment.”
This is a quality that 2025 Teacher Certification Pathways student Brent Duffy has, according to College Supervisor Robert Dortenzo.
Duffy, who is pursuing education a second career, said, “The online format, dedicated Wilson professionals, and clear route to certifications allow for adults to complete the necessary steps while gaining valuable insight into the education field.”
Duffy's certification is in PK-12 Business, Computers, and Information Technology Certification and currently serves as a high school classroom teacher at Big Spring School District in Newville, Pa.
Congratulations to all of the students and faculty recognized at the 2025 Wilson College Academic Awards Ceremony.
1957 Civic Engagement Award - Josie Reinhardt '25
The Gloria Randle Scott-Frances Richards Hesselbein Prize - Erin Roszkowiak '25
The Catherine Herr Langdon Award - Skylar Molnar '25
The Suzanne Blumenthal Prize in Healthcare and Medical Humanities - Maria Jackson '25
Outstanding Peer Teacher - Zoe Rosen '27
Organic Chemistry Award - Kaylee Pomfret '27
General Chemistry Award - Alyvia Henneman '27
E. Grace White Prize - Hailey Steele '25
The Davison Greenawalt Grove Award - Adrian Lugo '25
The John D. Rose Award in Environmental Studies - Emily Johnson '26
E. Grace White Summer Scholarship and Barsy-Colgan Academic Research gift award - Matt Browning '26
The Donna Gomer VMT ADP Award - Jade Wolfe '25
The Wilson Glencairn Bowlby Equestrian Award - Jasmine Gruver '25
The Edward and Sarah Anderson Psychology Prize - Deahnirah Menedis '25
Sophie's Six Award - Julia Elliott '25
The Margaret Strode Haines Award - Michael Rios '28
The Alta Lindsay McElwain Prize - Eliza Boehmer '25
Wilson College Nursing Clinical Leadership Award - Lauren Stroup '25
Wilson College Nursing Leadership Award - Jamie Smith '25 and Alexus Testerman '25
The Alice Martin Brumbaugh Award in Sociology - Hennessy Strine '25
The Carolyn Zeleny Prize - Josie Reinhardt '25
The William and Ivy Saylor Prize - Ittai Payne '28
The Grace Tyson Schlichter Award in Communications - Ellen M. Prete '23
The Joanne Harrison Hopkins Literary Achievement Award - Jacob Dull '25
The Mary Beers Sheppard Prize - Natalie Beckner '26
The William P. Van Looy Business Prize - Casey Jo Kauffman '25
The Virginia Dodd Cooper Prize - Eliza Boehmer '25
The Wilson College Fine Arts Prize - Josie Reinhardt '25
C. Elizabeth Boyd '33 Award - Rachel Biesecker '26
The Marel Harlow Cheng Memorial Prize - Tristan Worlock '25
Lucy Bremmer Global Citizenship Award - Rachel Newswanger '27
The Josef Michael Kellinger Award - Rosa Portilla '26
The Helga Rist Prize - Rusbelly Almonte '26
The Mary-Eleanor Maule Travel Grant - Rachel Newswanger '27
The Robert Shannon McElwain Prize - Madison Ebersole '28
The Robert Shannon McElwain Prize - Nevaeh Matlack '28
Joan Thuebel - Earthwatch Prize - Nicole Sanchez-Downey '27, Jenna Benke '25, Alyvia Henneman '27
The Margaret Criswell Disert Honors Scholarship - Rosa Portilla '26
Donald F. Bletz Award for Excellence in Teaching - Tammy Ege, Ginger Peterson (not pictured), and Connor Bowers (not pictured)
Not pictured:General Chemistry Award - Sarah CroweThe Nicky Hoffman Reich Award - Lea WilhelmThe Mildred Franklin Prize and The Helen Adams Nutting History Prize - Matt LineWilson College Nursing Department Award - Regina AlbertThe Richard C. Grove Award in Business and Economics - Breaunna KelsoThe James Applegate Performance Award - Isabella SwanThe James Applegate Scholarship Award - Mary Beth Campbell
Wilson College will host two United East Conference post-season events this week. First, the Men's Golf Championship will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, at the Chambersburg Country Club with an 11 a.m. tee time on both days. On Saturday, Wilson’s second-seeded women’s lacrosse team will host No. 3 Bryn Athyn in a semifinal game at 1 p.m. at Kris’s Meadow. Both events are free and open to the public, with the golf championship open for spectators to attend and walk the course.
Golf will include teams from Lancaster Bible College, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, Rosemont College, Rutgers-Camden, and Wilson College.
The Wilson College Ten Tones a cappella ensemble will provide a special performance during the inaugural “Sing On: Keystone Collegiate Choral Festival.” This collaborative event marks the first collegiate choral music festival in Central Pennsylvania. It will be held in the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre at Penn State Harrisburg April 26 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Students from Wilson, Alvernia University, and Penn State Harrisburg will spend the afternoon on campus working with choirs from the other universities and will perform a free concert for the public. The concert will showcase individual performances by each university’s choir, culminating in a combined chorus featuring all participating groups.
The Ten Tones, under the direction of Dillon Beede, Wilson’s director of choral activities and chair of music, will provide a special performance during the concert. Beede will also conduct the combined choruses, bringing his expertise and passion for choral music to this unique festival.
This collaborative effort marks the first collegiate choral music festival in Central Pennsylvania. It is free and open to the public, making it a perfect opportunity for the community to experience the vibrant collegiate choral scene in Central Pennsylvania.
On Friday, April 18, Wilson College students will present over 80 research projects at the College’s sixteenth annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day. This year's presentations span numerous disciplines from the sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, showcasing the breadth and depth of a Wilson education. The event is free and open to the public.
Students will share their work between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fourteen students will make oral research presentations in the auditorium of the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics and Technology throughout the day. One student will offer an original piece of work during a poetry reading in Sarah’s Coffeehouse at noon and another student will share an exhibition of original art pieces in the John Stewart Memorial Library at 3:45 p.m.
Sixty-eight poster presentations of undergraduate student research in multiple disciplines and student group research from history, biology, criminal justice, and nursing classes will be on display throughout the day on several floors of the Stewart Library and in the front lobby of the Brooks Science Center. Students will be available to discuss their posters from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wilson College alumna Louise Barsy Colgan ’80 and her husband Sean provide an annual gift that makes The Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day possible. Their generous philanthropy also funds academic research grants presented to students for senior year research.
For more information, please visit www.wilson.edu/SRD.
Trailblazing adventurer and academic leader Tori Murden McClure will address the Wilson College Class of 2025 at the 155th annual commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 4.
McClure retired from Spalding University in 2024 having worked there for 25 years and serving the last 14 years as president. She is perhaps best-known as the first woman and first American to row a boat solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She accomplished this 3000-mile journey in 1999 after 81 days at sea in her boat “American Pearl,” a 23-foot plywood rowboat she crafted by hand and later donated to the Frazier History Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. A decade earlier, she was also one of the first two women and first 10 Americans to ski cross country to the South Pole as part of a 50-day, 750-mile Canadian-led expedition.
In 2009, Harper Collins published her memoir, “A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean,” which details her life and journey across the Atlantic. The book is the basis of a stage musical called “Row,” which made its world premiere at the prestigious Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts in 2021.
“It is an honor to have renowned adventurer and scholar Tori Murden McClure providing the Commencement address to our undergraduate and graduate degree students this year,” said President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. “Not only will her extraordinary journeys and academic insights help celebrate this occasion, but it is my hope that her experiences will also encourage Wilson’s graduates to embark on their own journeys with a sense of lifelong learning and adventure.”
As an accomplished mountaineer, McClure has completed major climbs on several continents and served as a former Board Chair of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a nonprofit global wilderness school based in Wyoming. She also worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Wilderness EMT for almost twenty-five years, while also providing EMT instruction to firefighters.
As a former college athlete, McClure is a proponent of collegiate and amateur athletics. While attending Smith College as an undergraduate, she was a dual-sport Division III student-athlete in basketball (team co-captain) and varsity crew and served as a student athletic trainer. As a senior, the College honored her as the student who best represented the ideals of a Smith scholar-athlete, the College’s highest athletic honor. She joined the Smith College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. She served a term as Vice Chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Board of Governors—the top governing body in collegiate athletics, chaired the NCAA Division III Presidents Council, and was Acting Chair of the NCAA Board in 2020.
During her extensive career, she worked as a chaplain at Boston City Hospital, director of a Louisville, Kentucky women’s shelter, policy assistant to the Mayor of Louisville, and the first full-time employee of the Muhammad Ali Center. McClure holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Smith College, a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Spalding University.
Wilson College will showcase the remarkable art, artists, and artistic opportunities available at the College during the third annual ArtsFest to be held on campus April 7 to 11, 2025.
The theme for this year’s event is “Art is…Shared Stories,” which features Wilson College community members sharing their experiences, expertise, and work. ArtsFest is a week-long event that includes presentations/readings, performances, projects, workshops/classes, exhibitions, immersive experiences, “make and take” or arts and craft type experiences, and other type of arts-based events. Wilson College students and faculty who have been engaging in any arts-based research, experiences, or projects/assignments as a part of their coursework will be sharing this type of work, as well.
“We are excited to continue building on the growing success and interest in Wilson College’s ArtsFest. This year our focus is on shared stories and our campus and Chambersburg arts community has stepped forward with some amazing stories to share. In addition to our campus and local talent, we are excited to also present four nationally recognized invited artists as part of this year’s events. Thanks to the generous support of the Palmer Grant, we are able to host Sir Dominique Jordan for a poetry reading, visual artist Sue Coe, singer and composer Melanie DeMore, and choreographer Camille Weanquoi,” said Dillon Beede, director of choral activities and chair of music.
The Arts at Wilson created ArtsFest to spotlight the remarkable art, artists, and artistic opportunities at Wilson. Distinguished by interdisciplinary programs and collaborative approaches to craft and inquiry, ArtsFest seeks to engage the Wilson College campus and greater regional community in art and art-making opportunities that reach across disciplines, subject, and boundaries, intending to foster relationships, connections, and ideas that effect positive change in our world.
ArtsFest is free, but please note that some events are open to the Wilson College community only and some events request reservations. For a detailed schedule and event descriptions, please visit www.wilson.edu/artsfest.
