Wilson College in Chambersburg and Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg today signed an articulation agreement that guarantees qualified Wilson student admission to Widener’s law program and allows them to complete both degrees in six years rather than the usual minimum of seven years.
A five-year agreement to create the new “3+3” program was signed today by Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick and Widener Law Commonwealth Dean Christian A. Johnson. It takes effect immediately. Successful students would earn a bachelor’s degree from Wilson College and a juris doctor degree—otherwise known as a law degree—from Widener.
Under the new program, students would complete the first three years of college at Wilson and three years at Widener, where they would complete the requirement for their Wilson bachelor’s degree while also completing courses for their law degree.
“(Widener) believes that the 3+3 agreement can be a huge benefit to undergraduate students who intend to go to law school,” Johnson said. “The most important reason is that the program enables students to reduce the total educational time commitment from seven years to six years. This results in students effectively saving a year in tuition costs, as well.”
In addition to the savings in time and money, qualifying Wilson students would be guaranteed admission to Widener Law Commonwealth, under the agreement.
“The fact that Wilson can offer graduates who qualify guaranteed admission to a highly regarded law school like Widener provides an incredible opportunity and value for our students,” said Elissa Heil, Wilson’s vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty.
The Wilson-Widener pact offers students other advantages, as well, according to Heil. “This innovative program also focuses students on choosing an undergraduate curriculum that will best prepare them for their graduate work, enabling them to be more fully ready for the demands of law school,” said Heil.
Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 35 majors and graduate degrees in education, healthcare, business and the arts and humanities. In fall 2016, 1,098 students were enrolled across all programs. In the 2018 “Best Colleges” guide from U.S News & World Report, Wilson is ranked fourth in the best value category for regional colleges in the North and 13th overall in the same group. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
Widener University Commonwealth Law School was founded in 1989 and is accredited by the American Bar Association, which gave Widener its Outstanding School of the Year Award in 1994. Widener was named one of the top 20 law schools for government law in 2016 by preLaw magazine and has been recognized by National Jurist as the fifth-best law school in the nation for bar exam preparation. More information can be found at commonwealthlaw.widener.edu.
The Henry R. Luce Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant to the editors of the academic journal Political Theology— Wilson Associate Professor of Religion David True and Vincent Lloyd, associate professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The Luce grant was awarded to True and Lloyd to help develop an interdisciplinary community of scholars interested in the intersection of religion and politics—building on the intellectual community that has already gathered around the journal, according to True, who also chairs Wilson’s Department of Philosophy and Religion.
“Political theology is a subject that’s addressed in an array of disciplines,” said True. “The grant will help us try to, in some ways, act as a catalysing force for those many different conversations—to try to bring them within shouting distance, so to speak; to try and create something of a shared conversation or at least a shared conversation space.”
True, who joined the editorial team of Political Theology in 2004, was originally recruited to serve as a book review editor and later was named journal co-editor. He helped launch the journal’s blog, Political Theology Today, which he serves as executive editor.
True, of Camp Hill, Pa., organizes Wilson’s annual Orr Forum on matters of religion, as well as the Common Hour discussions held throughout the academic year. He is a current recipient of Wilson’s Drusilla Stevens Mazur Research Award.
Do you or does someone you know suffer from joint pain, muscle pain, skin issues, fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, odor sensitivities, sinus issues, digestive problems, heart palpitations, leg or foot cramps, severe headaches or food sensitivities? These are some of the classic, early symptoms of autoimmunity, which has been deemed an epidemic by many in the healthcare community.
Gain a better understanding of autoimmune conditions - which include diabetes, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and more - at a free presentation by herbalist Lori Wroten from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, in Warfield Hall auditorium at Wilson College. During "The Many Faces of Autoimmunity: Overview of an Epidemic and the Self-Care Practices That Can Make a Difference," Wroten will discuss how to recognize autoimmunity, as well as some natural approaches that can empower people to prevent, manage and possibly even reverse these debilitating conditions.
Wroten is a clinical herbalist practicing in the Chambersburg area. She has a master's degree in therapeutic herbalism and a certificate in herbal studies from Maryland University of Integrative Health; a first course in medical herbalism certificate from the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism; and a bachelor's degree in microbiology from Penn State. She is a member of the American Herbalists Guild and is enrolled in the AHG mentorship program to become an AHG registered herbalist. Learn more at her website: www.loriwroten.com.
The presentation is sponsored by Wilson's Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies.
This spring, the Fulton Farm at Wilson College began testing an in-vessel composter that can convert food waste into a soil amendment much more quickly than the static compost pile (windrow) method used on the farm previously.
On loan to the college farm for three years, the 300-gallon, state-of-the-art machine is manufactured by DTEnvironmental Inc., a Lynden, Washington-based subsidiary of dairy manure-handling manufacturer DariTech Inc. It is a smaller version of the company’s larger food waste composters.
The college is using the device to convert food waste into compost, which is then used as a soil amendment on the farm’s fields.
“We were looking for a place that could test it out and give it a little TLC,” said Steven Peerce, DTE’s new business representative. “The college benefits by being able to use it both for education and for their composting program, and for us, the farm operates as a test market for this model.”
The unit, which is capable of producing 300 to 350 pounds of compost a week, will enable the farm to generate compost at a much faster rate than the static compost pile/windrow method previously used, according to Chris Mayer, director of Wilson’s Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies.
Wilson has been composting food waste from the campus dining hall for more than 10 years. In 2015, the Fulton Center expanded the farm’s composting operation when it entered into an agreement with Volvo Construction Equipment in Shippensburg to compost the Volvo facility’s kitchen waste.
“Food waste, when it is sent to a landfill, is a significant contributor of methane gas,” said Mayer. “By diverting this waste from the landfill, we are demonstrating that small-scale systems can and do help curb greenhouse gas emissions.”
During the first six months of this year, the composter processed nearly 4,000 of the 8,871 pounds of food waste composted by the farm. The rest was broken down into compost through the windrow method, Mayer said.
While the DTE in-vessel composter is on loan to Wilson College, “our charge is research and development—to refine the compost recipe and develop a protocol for this type of machine,” said Mayer.
Besides providing compost for the campus farm, the machine will offer students studying chemistry and microbiology opportunities for research. “The in-vessel composter greatly accelerates the natural processes and allows for learning though experimentation and comparison,” Mayer said.
In addition, she said it will provide opportunities to educate people about innovative solutions for reducing food waste. Mayer hopes to hold public education sessions centered on the composter. “As we refine the process, this will be a great opportunity for public outreach,” she said.
DTEnviromental is the environmental branch of DariTech, which got its start manufacturing manure composters to provide bedding for dairy cows before branching out to make food waste composters.
Pittsburgh, Pa. — H.F. “Gerry” and Marguerite Brooks Lenfest, a 1955 alumna of Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa., have been named recipients of the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of outstanding and innovative leadership in philanthropy.
Medal recipients are chosen for their distinguished and longstanding contributions to the public good, according to an announcement from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, made on behalf of the international family of Carnegie institutions.
“The medal reflects Andrew Carnegie’s enduring legacy of philanthropy and is rooted in two core principles,” said Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. “First: with wealth comes responsibility. Second: individuals, whether guided by religious, civic, humanistic, or democratic aspirations, have the transformative power to use wealth for the betterment of humankind.”
“Just as our founder demonstrated, the recipients inspire a culture of giving through their leadership, providing a model for the next generation of philanthropists,” Gregorian added.
The Lenfests are among nine 2017 Carnegie Meal of Philanthropy recipients announced June 22. The other recipients include:
Mei Hing Chak, China; HeungKong Charitable Foundation
Azim Premji, India; Azim Premji Foundation
Julian Robertson, U.S.; Robertson Foundation
Jeff Skoll, U.S.; Skoll Foundation
Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, U.S.; Tompkins Conservation
Shelby White, U.S.; Leon Levy Foundation
Sir James D. Wolfensohn, U.S. and Australia; Wolfensohn Center for Development
Since selling their cable television company, Lenfest Communications, to Comcast Corp. in 2000, the Lenfests have devoted their time and energy to philanthropy. Individually and through the Lenfest Foundation, the couple has contributed millions to scores of causes, including Marguerite Lenfest’s alma mater, Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa., and Gerry Lenfest’s alma maters, 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 library renovation project that created Lenfest Learning Commons, a student gathering and study space.
In 2000, Gerry Lenfest gave $35 million to his former prep school, Mercersburg Academy and in 2008, provided a $27 million grant to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The couple’s philanthropy has also included funding the Lenfest College Scholars program for central Pennsylvania high school students.
The Carnegie medal was established in 2001 and is awarded every two years to those whose philanthropic work embodies the ideals of Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), an American industrialist who built a fortune in the steel industry and then became a noted philanthropist whose impact is still felt today.
Previous Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy recipients include Bill and Melinda Gates (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), Michael Bloomberg (Bloomberg Philanthropies) and the Heinz family (Heinz Endowments).
The Carnegie institutions will award the medals during a formal ceremony at The New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Oct. 3. The Carnegie Corporation of New York will host the private event and Katty Kay, anchor of BBC World News America, will serve as master of ceremonies.
For more information about the medal and recipients, visit www.medalofphilanthropy.org/medalists
MEDIA CONTACT: Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations Phone: 717-262-2604 Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu
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Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 34 majors and master’s degrees in education, educational technology, special education, the humanities, accountancy, management, nursing, fine arts and healthcare management for sustainability. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation.
Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college had a fall 2016 enrollment of 1,098, which included students from 18 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
Tissa Jayatilaka, executive director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, met with Wilson College President Barbara K. Mistick and other college officials today to discuss ways to renew the College’s ties with the island nation off the southern coast of India.
Wilson’s once-strong relationship with Sri Lanka, which regularly brought outstanding students here to study for their undergraduate degrees, has waned in recent years. It was the idea of Wilson alumna and Trustee Pamela Francis Kiehl ’66 and her husband, William – both of whom are former diplomats – to bring their friend, Jayatilaka, to campus to meet Mistick and discuss how Wilson can step up recruiting efforts in Sri Lanka.
After giving a brief tour of Wilson’s renovated library and state-of-the-art science center, Mistick hosted a working lunch with representatives from academic affairs, student development and admissions, who brainstormed ways the College can reach out to Sri Lankan high school students.
Wilson has a strong international student population and is committed to admitting students from all parts of the world, according to Mistick. “International students benefit us as much as we benefit them,” she told Jayatilaka. “It does make our campus richer.”
With only 14 universities in Sri Lanka, it is difficult for students to get into those institutions, which makes U.S. colleges attractive – providing they are affordable and/or financial aid and scholarships are available, Jayatilaka said. “Money is a problem for the generality of Sri Lanka,” he said, adding that in that country, nine of 10 college students’ education is financed by parents rather than through student loans.
Jayatilaka, who said his organization can help direct students to Wilson College in a variety of ways, also suggested the possible creation of a semester-abroad program that would send Wilson students to Sri Lanka. The group discussed getting Sri Lankan Wilson graduates involved by speaking about their Wilson experiences in their home country, as well as helping the college admissions team contact select high schools in Sri Lanka.
The meeting ended with a promise from Jayatilaka and Wilson officials to work together to strengthen connections between Sri Lanka and the College.
Twenty-eight students in the Wilson College Teacher Intern Program were recognized at a May 5 ceremony at the college.
TIP completers are: Dara Boden, Alexander Bolinger, Sarah Codner, Jennifer Cordell, Emily Eckert, Italia Guarino, Keenan Lee, Kendra Ogden, Jadylee Ramos, Elizabeth Robinson, Glenn Smith, Andrew Allshouse, Erin Brennan, Maribel Gonzalez, Stacey Hicklin, Carol Smith, Rebecca Streletz, Daniel Beneventano, Dodie Bishopp, Stephanie Myers, Michael Patten, Joseph Sell, Kyla Swope, Alison Hile, Katrina Smith, Ethan Miller, Michael Miller and Stephanie Yetter.
Approximately 40 people attended the recognition ceremony, which was held in the Brooks Science Complex and included remarks by Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick.
Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 1985, Wilson’s TIP program allows those who already have bachelor’s degrees to become certified to teach. A variety of certifications are available, covering all grades and including specialized areas such as special education.
The Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies at Wilson College will sponsor monthly educational sessions in lieu of selling produce, as part of its evolving role with the North Square Farmers Market in downtown Chambersburg.
The farmers market, now in its 17th year, has grown to include 15 full-season vendors. As a result, Wilson’s FCSS and Fulton Farm will no longer sell produce at the market in order to avoid competing with local growers. The college, one of the market’s founding members, will transition its role toward education according to FCSS Director Chris Mayer.
“As an institution, our mission is to educate,” said Mayer. “I think the role of a leader, our role, is to develop and then get out of the way.”
Wilson will present educational sessions for adults and children on a monthly basis, beginning on the farmers market’s opening day this Saturday, May 27. The first session in the “Growing Our Community: Fulton Center Summer Educational Series,” which will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., will focus on Lyme Disease prevention and symptoms, including how to spot and remove ticks, as well as on planting dates in our growing area.
The educational series was created by Wilson nursing master’s degree candidate Erin Young as part of a project exploring the intersection of health and agriculture, Mayer said.
Sessions will continue on the second Saturday of each month, from June through October. In June, the focus will be on sun safety and July’s emphasis will be on food waste and nutrition labeling. In August and September, presentations will examine eye safety and farm safety, respectively, and the October session will be centered on World Food Day, Mayer said.
The farmers market is located on the east side of North Main Street between King Street and Lincoln Way.
For more information, contact Mayer at 717-264-4141, Ext. 3247, or christine.mayer@wilson.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Mayer, Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies Director Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3247 Email: christine.mayer@wilson.edu.
Wilson College Professor of Fine Arts Philip Lindsey is one of only 119 artists chosen from among 849 applicants whose work will be showcased in the 50th Annual Art of the State exhibition, opening Sunday, June 11, at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg.
The exhibition, which will open with a free awards ceremony from 1:30 to 4 p.m., will run through Sept. 10 at the museum, which is located at 300 North St., Harrisburg. A nominal admission fee applies to the show. More information about museum hours and fees is available at www.statemuseumpa.org.
Lindsey, the only artist from Franklin County whose work will be exhibited in the show, has been a member of the Wilson College faculty since 2000. He works primarily in oil, as well as charcoal. His exhibition piece—one of 130 works selected from nearly 2,200 entries—is an oil-on-canvas painting entitled “St. Patrick’s Day.”
Lindsey, who has a Master of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, won first prize in the Art of the State exhibition several years ago. He describes his painting style as Romantic. “I’m interested in the experience of life, emotional expression, imagination and personal narrative,” said Lindsey, who lives in Chambersburg with his wife and daughter. “’St. Patrick’s Day’ is part of my larger body of work addressing personal narrative.”
More than $7,000 in cash prizes will be awarded in the state exhibition, which showcases work in the following categories: craft, painting, photography, sculpture and work on paper. Exhibit works can be viewed online at https://phmc.info/AOS50.
The exhibition is co-presented by the museum and Jump Street, a central Pennsylvania nonprofit arts organization. WITF Public Media and the Higher Information Group are exhibition sponsors.
MEDIA CONTACT: Philip Lindsey, Professor of Fine Arts Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3305 Email: philip.lindsey@wilson.edu
Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 34 majors and master’s degrees in education, educational technology, the humanities, accountancy, management, nursing, fine arts and healthcare management for sustainability. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation.
Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college has a fall 2016 enrollment of 1,098, which includes students from 18 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
On April 4, the nursing program at Wilson College inducted 40 students and community members into its new nursing honor society during a ceremony at the college.
Members were welcomed into the society by the organization’s president, Sherri Stahl, Summit Health senior vice president of hospital services and chief nursing officer at Chambersburg Hospital. Wilson Vice President for Academic Affairs Elissa Heil was the guest speaker. Inductees of the honor society recited a pledge of membership.
The Nursing Honor Society at Wilson College was created, in part, as a forum to advance the profession within the Chambersburg community, according to Carolyn Hart, director of Wilson’s nursing program. “The purpose of the honor society is to support nursing scholarship and career advancement through mentorship and educational opportunities,” she said.
Wilson’s goal is for the college honor society to become a chapter of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, in 2018, Hart said. SITI is a non-governmental organization that promotes nursing scholarship and advises the United Nations on global healthcare.
To become a member of Wilson’s honor society, nurses from the community must be invited and hold a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in nursing. Students in Wilson’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in nursing who have completed at least three-quarters of their education and have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher are also eligible for membership.
Wilson’s nursing program, which began in 2014 with two programs that allowed existing registered nurses to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, has been growing steadily. Four nursing pathways are now offered, including a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in nursing (MSN). The first BSN completers graduate this month.
In February, Wilson’s nursing program received accreditation from the National League for Nursing’s Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), an indication of excellence and adherence to nationally established standards for nursing education.
For information about Wilson’s nursing programs or to register, contact Hart at 717-262-4853, 717-414-6184 or carolyn.hart@wilson.edu.
