A farm-to-table, barbecue-style dinner celebrating Wilson’s College’s Fulton Farm, and local farming in general, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in Wilson’s Laird Hall. Tickets for the 4th annual “People, Place, Plates” dinner, which will raise money for the Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies, are $48 per person or $85 per couple.
The dinner will feature organically grown food from the farm and other local partners. After dinner, guests can dance to live music from the Don’t Look Down Band. Those attending will learn about Fulton Farm, its role at Wilson College and its contributions to the community, according to Chris Mayer, FCSS director. She said the dinner will also feature products from local family farms and food artisans, as well as a screening of a student-made short film about Fulton Farm through the seasons.
Proceeds from the event will support program development at the farm, including intern education, Mayer said.
Tickets for the fundraiser must be purchased by Sept. 20 and can be bought online at www.wilson.edu/ppp18. Supporters can buy tickets or sponsorships, or donate door prizes – all by visiting the link.
“People, Place, Plates” sponsors include cultivating partner Noelker and Hull Associates and Sunnyhill Properties, Snavely’s Garden Corner and The Inn at Ragged Edge.
For more information, contact Chris Mayer at 717-264-4420 or christine.mayer@wilson.edu.
H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest, husband of Wilson alumna Marguerite Brooks Lenfest ’55, passed away August 5 at the age of 88.
Following a successful career that brought them great financial wealth, he and Marguerite began a new career – sharing their fortune in support of charities and organizations. Since selling their cable television company, Lenfest Communications, to Comcast Corp. in 2000, the Lenfests have devoted their time and energy to various philanthropic efforts. Individually and through the Lenfest Foundation, the couple has contributed millions to scores of causes, including their alma maters - Marguerite’s being Wilson College and Gerry’s including Mercersburg Academy, Washington and Lee University and Columbia University.
Personally and through the Lenfest Foundation, the couple has made gifts of more than $1.3 billion to over 1,100 organizations, supporting causes ranging from the arts to environmental programs to independent journalism. But their highest priority has always been to build self-sufficiency through education, according to the foundation website.
During Wilson’s “Leading with Confidence” capital campaign, the Huntingdon Valley, Pa., couple pledged a total of $20 million toward the college’s endowment, and over the years, the Lenfests have supported Wilson’s annual fund and unrestricted endowment, student scholarships, faculty development, Single Parent Scholars Program and facilities renovations — including a 2013 gift of $3.6 million to the Reimagining the John Stewart Memorial Library (JSML) renovation project that created Lenfest Learning Commons, a student gathering and study space.
“We had a wonderful campus visit with Gerry and Marguerite during the campaign to reimagine the JSML,” Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick said. “We sat and chatted up on the second floor of the library which gave a great view over our academic quad and toward the Harry R. Brooks Science Complex, named in honor of Marguerite's father. It was special. Their vision for and generosity to Wilson over many decades has been truly extraordinary and their legacy will always be apparent.”
The couple’s philanthropy has also included funding the Lenfest College Scholars program for central Pennsylvania high school students. In 2017, the Lenfests were recipients of the Carnegie Meal of Philanthropy in recognition of their outstanding and innovative leadership in philanthropy.
Services will be private, and a public celebration of his life is being planned for the fall at the Academy of Music.
Two free art exhibitions will open Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Wilson College−one in Lortz Hall’s Bogigian Gallery featuring the work of members of The Foundry, and one in the John Stewart Memorial Library’s Cooley Gallery featuring artwork by Chambersburg artist Anne Finucane.
Receptions to mark the openings will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. that day in both venues.
The Foundry at Wilson exhibition is a selection of member artwork from the grassroots, artist-led cooperative located at 100 S. Main St. A variety of artwork will be exhibited, such as paintings, drawings and sculpture. The exhibition will run until Oct. 12.
In 2016, Wilson and its Division of Arts and Letters formed a partnership with The Foundry that provides opportunities for exhibition exchanges, as well as possible studio/workshop opportunities.
Anne Finucane: Printmaker takes inspiration from Pennsylvania’s forests, orchards and fields. Whether rendering them abstractly or realistically through etchings, pastels or colored pencils, her goal is to convey the excitement she feels about the natural world to others. The exhibition will continue through Nov. 30.
Finucane, who has worked with Chambersburg’s Council for the Arts and the Franklin County Art Alliance, has served as guest curator and juror for art shows throughout the area, and as a panelist for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Her artwork has been featured in solo shows throughout the Cumberland Valley, in juried national competitions and in membership exhibitions with FCAA and Penn’s Woods Printmakers.
For additional information or an appointment, contact Professor of Fine Arts Philip Lindsey at 717-264-2783 or philip.lindsey@wilson.edu.
At its 148th commencement ceremony held Sunday, May 13, Wilson College conferred degrees on 192 undergraduate and graduate students.Twenty-five students graduated from Wilson’s Master of Science in Nursing program: Charity Marie Barber-Heaton , Angela Marie Blair, Joyce M. Burkholder , Sean R. Corcoran , Monica L Diehl, Kelly A. Engel, Holly M. Friese, Maryann K Gaulding, Christina L. Hershey, Matthew E. Hopkins, Danielle R. Leedy, Wanda K. Leedy, Deana L. McClure, Katherine J. Merideth, Nicole A. Mills, Susan K. Monismith, Candy L. Moschetti, Teresa J. Napier, Nicole L. Naugle, Rhonda M. Rice, Sandra K. Strait, Catherine I. Szuchnicki, Heather R. Thompson, Hilary D. Weller and Erin Young.Five students graduated from Wilson’s Master of Fine Arts program: Lisa Ruth Harman and Kathleen Meyer Leiner, Anabella Guillermina Lenzu, Douglas Kenneth Mott and Lillian A. Oglesby.Four students graduated from Wilson’s Master of Educational Technology program: Pamela D. Grimminger, Debra K. Harte, Christina M. Peterson and Naomi Lynn Rupert.Sixty-seven students graduated from Wilson’s Master of Education program: Keara Allshouse, Megan Anderson, Leigh Arnold, Shannon Arnold, Ashton Barry, Theresa J. Bechtel, Stephanie J. Blaker, Marcus M Brothers, Heather Brown, Lisa M. Coder, Monica L. Cox, Laura B. Deyarmin, Dane M. Domonkos, Jessica Durofchalk, Amanda J. Escolarte, Grace Farabaugh, Tiffany Frazier, Terra Funston, Michael A. Furry, Christina Giacchino, Meghan M. Girroir, Colleen A. Glenn, Kristen Green , Dawn Murphy Hardman, Cierra L. Hough, Jeffrey R. Howe, Brittany N. Ilgenfritz, Ashley Janson, Kayla Kapinus, Colleen S. Kassman, Matthew J. Kilgore, Kate E. Kim, Jennifer Kroboth, Elizabeth A. Lancaster, Catherine Bayley Leonard, Erin May, Jennifer L. McConnell, Sean P. McConnell, Jessica E. Morgan, Luke A. Nerone, Heather N Nyquist, Allison O'Handly, Megan Over, Kortni Peropat, Molly A. Pomeroy-Hoover, Jodi Proctor, Kelly L. Robinson, Jennifer L. Rowe, Leighette Sechrist, Kathryn Settle, Debbie J. Shatzley, Dana F. Sheaffer, Rebecca P. Shertzer, Michaela J. Sicuranza, Kaitlin Slessinger, Ryan Small, Zachary Smith, Trina Snoke, Kayla A. Stickell, Kathleen A. Taylor, Stacie L. Trent, Lisa Velazquez, Autumn M. White, Elizabeth Whitehead, Courtney Wiser, Jennifer L. Wyant and Jayme Zimmerman.One student graduated from Wilson’s Master of Accountancy program: Darian Kaylee Hufcut.Six students graduated from Wilson’s Master of Arts in Humanities program: Frances Maria Caroscio, Adam C. Ellerbrock, Travis Frank Horton, Marybeth Richards, Ghada S.Y. Tafesh and Sarah L. Taylor-Foltz.The following students graduated from Wilson College with bachelor’s degrees: Mohammed Ali Alameer, Ahmed Saad Alshahrani, Taylor R. Amsley, Shayla Ladawn Appleby, Kristina Anne Bartholomew (distinction), Melissa Sue Beck (magna cum laude), Marquise Michael Beckett (magna cum laude), Martez A Beckett, Jacob Robert Benford, Ann Therese Bianca, Kirsten D. Bilger, Danielle R Boock, Ashley Brown, Kelsey Lynne Brunner (cum laude), Ashley R. Carbaugh (cum laude), Tiffany Ann Cobb, Justine Lee Commero, Lindsy Jo DeBross, Laura L. Deigert, Cody Reid Dunlap (cum laude), Dasia Janee Edwards, Kaitlyn Michelle Eller, Destiny Amber Feggins, Kristyn T. Fogg (magna cum laude), Daniel Robert Glazier (cum laude), Haley Angeline Glofka (summa cum laude), Amanda Marie Haase, Raechelle Marie Hilbish, Kelsey Marie Hockensmith, Ashley Nichole Horn, Timothy L. Horn, Jennifer Rebecca Hornberger, Rebecca Lynn House (cum laude), Darian Kaylee Hufcut (cum laude), Haley D. Hutchinson, Katherine Ann Jacobs, Raymond L. Kerr, Ian M. Kuykendall, Katie J. Lacko, Anita A. Laman (cum laude), Tara J. Leeking, Kirstin Marion Lehman, Miranda S. Long (honors in the major), Charlene Nichole Marthers, Erin Marie Martin, Katrina J Martin (magna cum laude), Shannon Genette McKenzie (cum laude), Kyle Lee McNew, Beverly A. Meyers, Katelin Marie Mowen, Hong Thuy Nguyen (cum laude), Olivia A. Noone, Aurora M. Ortiz, Heather Paxson, Stephanie Marie Peebles (summa cum laude), Shelby N. Peiffer, Adele Rose Reinoehl, Deborah Ann Rifflard (magna cum laude), Michele Lynn Rogers, Karen Cynthia Saltzgiver (distinction), Abigail Oyler Selman, Roger Michael Shaffer (cum laude), Sarah Elizabeth Six, Andrea L Smith, Heidi Smith, Jenny D. Smith, Shelby E. Spencer, Erin Theresa Stephan (magna cum laude), Darren Grant Stephens (cum laude), Ryan P. Stine (magna cum laude), Autumn Carol Swartzlander, Stephen G. Thompson, Alaya P. Torpy, Esther Ruth Twombly (magna cum laude), Cierra Valentine, Sierra Jade Watson, Amanda E. Waxman (distinction), Audrae Morae Westurn, Kristy L. Zeis, Luori Zhuoma, Danielle R. Zona and Kaitlin V. Zwicker.Two students graduated with associate degrees: Holly A. Mooney and Sierra Lynn Williams.
In collaboration with Coyle Free Library, students in the Wilson College Master of Fine Arts program will present an interactive art exhibition from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the library, 102 N. Main St. in Chambersburg. CONNECT: A Walk-Through Exhibit is free and open to the public.
Visitors are encouraged to “connect” via the temporary exhibitions placed throughout the newly renovated Coyle Library. Artists’ projects include a performance in homage to Margaret Cochran Corbin, who fought in the American Revolutionary War; an interactive yarn installation; a robotic dancing statue and show tunes sung by musical theater performers.
For more information, contact MFA guest faculty member Ed Woodham at ed.woodham@wilson.edu or 347-350-4242.
The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) has awarded Wilson College a $16,000 grant to provide $4,000 scholarships for four students with animal-related majors, including veterinary medical technology (VMT), animal studies, equestrian studies, equine-facilitated therapeutics and equine journalism.
This is the fourth year TERF has given Wilson money for scholarships, which are awarded to students based on need, achievement and equine-related aspirations.
TERF awards scholarships consistent with its mission of supporting and promoting equine education and research by sponsoring scholarships in veterinary medicine and supporting organizations that are educating the public in the proper care of horses.
TERF, which is based in Middletown, Delaware, began in the 1990s as the Thoroughbred Charities of America—the premier thoroughbred charity in the United States. In 2007, several TCA directors, including Dr. James Orsini, a Wilson College Trustee, established an endowment to support the charitable needs of worthy education and research organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2012 the name of the endowment was changed to Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation.
The TERF scholarship program at Wilson is directed by professors Freya Burnett and Ann O’Shallie, directors of the VMT and equestrian studies programs, respectively.
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation has awarded Wilson College a $25,000 grant to support students age 25 and older who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree and need financial assistance.
The Newcombe Foundation, a Princeton, N.J.-based charitable organization, has supported mature students at Wilson College since 1986. The Newcombe Scholarships for Mature Students enroll students through two programs: the Single Parent Scholars Program and the Adult Degree Program.
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation is an independent foundation that began in 1979 as the result of a bequest from its namesake, a Philadelphia philanthropist. The foundation continues Newcombe’s support of students as they pursue degrees in higher education through scholarships and fellowships.
The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, recently awarded Wilson College a $2,500 grant. This is the fourth year the foundation has funded a scholarship for a student with financial need who is enrolled in one of Wilson’s health sciences majors, with preference given to a nursing student. The foundation “strives to strengthen communities by providing support for a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human service organizations,” according to its website. M&T, based in Buffalo, N.Y., and with locations in Chambersburg, has also supported Wilson College in the past through the M&T Bank Endowed Scholarship and by contributing to an outdoor learning pavilion at the college’s organic farm.
After holding tuition for traditional undergraduates without an increase for the past eight years–a span that included a 17 percent tuition reduction in 2014–Wilson College will increase tuition for traditional undergraduates and adult degree program students by 3 percent for the 2019-20 academic year. The tuition adjustment translates to an additional $712 in tuition for full-time traditional students. With the increase, tuition and fees for traditional students living on campus will rise from $36,189 to $36,901 in 2019-20. Room, board and fees for 2019-20 will remain at current levels. The Wilson Board of Trustees, whose members voted on tuition and fees at their May 11-12 meeting, decided to hold the line on tuition for graduate students, as well as students in the Teacher Intern Program (TIP), for 2019-20. Wilson has been distinguished as a “Best Value” college by U.S. News & World Report for 17 of the past 18 years─including a 2018 ranking of 5th best value school among regional colleges in the North─and has been recognized as a Tuition Hero and in a number of other rankings for its commitment to value. The last time the College increased tuition for traditional undergraduates was in 2011-12. “The time has come for a modest increase to keep up with rising expenses and inflation,” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick. “The College remains committed to value and affordability, but we can no longer avoid a modest tuition increase. We believe that after eight years, a 3 percent adjustment for 2019-20 is fair.” Wilson’s traditional undergraduate enrollment provides the single largest source of revenue to the institution. The 3 percent tuition hike for traditional undergraduates and adult degree students is expected to bring in an additional $470,000 in revenue for fiscal 2020. Wilson College works with all prospective students to develop a financial aid package that will make their college education as affordable as possible. Nearly $19 million in aid is awarded through the College annually. The College also offers a Student Loan Buyback plan that pays up to $10,000 toward qualified students’ federal Stafford Loans upon graduation. Since Wilson’s 2013 adoption of a series of measures aimed at rejuvenating the College and putting it on a path toward fiscal sustainability, the College has experienced significant enrollment growth. Total enrollment for fall 2017 was 1,216, which was up 84 percent over fall 2013 when enrollment was 662 across all programs, including traditional undergraduate, adult degree and graduate.
Wilson recently signed a dual enrollment agreement with St. Maria Goretti High School that allows qualified Goretti 11th- and 12th-graders to take classes at Wilson. The accord, Wilson’s 10th dual enrollment agreement, also opens Wilson programs to faculty and staff of the private school in Hagerstown, Md.
Under the terms of the dual enrollment agreement, Goretti juniors and seniors with a grade-point average of at least 3.0 can enroll in and receive full college credit for up to two courses per semester. The students will take classes at Wilson unless a cohort of at least 12-15 students wants to enroll in the same course, in which case the class may be offered onsite at the high school and taught by a Wilson faculty member.
“These kinds of partnerships provide a path for students to earn college credits while they’re still in high school,” said Wilson Vice President for Enrollment David Boisvert. “Dual admissions agreements give high school students a head start in college, allowing them to finish their degree sooner and save money on tuition.”
For Goretti employees, the dual enrollment agreement, which took effect March 1, means staff and faculty can enroll in Wilson adult degree or graduate programs at a discounted rate.
Wilson continues to work with independent schools and school districts in the Tri-State area to provide dual enrollment opportunities. Current agreements include the Chambersburg Area, Greencastle-Antrim, Fannett Metal, Waynesboro Area and Cumberland Valley school districts, as well as with the Cumberland Valley Christian School, Global Vision Christian School, Shalom Christian Academy and the Franklin County Career and Technology Center.
