FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 2, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — The Wilson College series “FRESH! — Finding Responsible Eating Strategies for Health” — will continue Saturday, March 12, with a book chat on Cowed: The Hidden Impact of 93 Million Cows on American’s Health, Economy, Politics, Culture and Environment. The talk will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Wilson’s Laird Hall.
All FRESH! events are free and open to the public.
Written by globally recognized environmentalists Dennis Hayes and Gail Boyer Hayes, Cowed offers a revealing analysis of how our centuries-old relationship with bovines has evolved into one that now endangers us. This book chat led by Chris Mayer, director of Wilson’s Fulton Center for Sustainable Living, will explore the impact that our dairy and beef diet has on health and more.
For more information, contact Mayer at 717-264-4141, Ext. 3247, or christine.mayer@wilson.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Mayer, Fulton Center for Sustainable Living Director Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3247 Email: christine.mayer@wilson.edu
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Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 29 majors and seven master’s degrees. 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 2015 enrollment of 923, which includes students from 22 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College will offer free sessions on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on Tuesday, March 15, in Wilson’s Brooks Science Complex. The sessions will be held at 5:30 and 7 p.m. and are open to anyone who is interested.
Those attending must register for a session of their choice by calling Wilson’s financial aid office, which will provide instructions on what paperwork and documents to bring to the workshop. The office can be reached at 717-262-2016.
The workshop, for college-bound seniors, their parents and school counselors, provides the opportunity to get personalized help completing the 2016-2017 FAFSA and the chance to ask questions related to the financial aid process. A short presentation will be provided by a representative from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Financial aid staff from Wilson College will also be in attendance to answer questions and assist family members as they complete the FAFSA online.
The FAFSA is used to determine if students qualify for nearly all forms of need-based financial assistance, including the Pennsylvania State Grant; Federal Pell Grant; federal student loans; and many scholarships, work-study programs and school-based awards.
Families should submit the FAFSA as early as possible after Jan. 1 to ensure meeting earlier financial aid deadlines that may be required by selected schools, according to Wilson’s financial aid office.
MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Peiffer, Assistant Financial Aid Counselor Phone: 717-262-2016 Email: laura.peiffer@wilson.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 25, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — In recognition of Women’s History Month in March, Wilson College will host three lectures and open a new Women’s History Exhibit at the Hankey Center. The exhibit, “Trailblazers and Innovators: Portraits of Educated Women,” is free and open to the public.
The exhibit spotlights Wilson graduates from the years 1875-1975 who made notable contributions in their fields, including medicine, academia, science, law, business, the arts, the military, political activism, social work, libraries and education. It also includes a section on “advice” for women choosing careers and how that advice changed over time, reflecting cultural changes regarding educated, working women.
“The purpose of the exhibit is to recognize the accomplishments of Wilson’s alumnae in various fields of work, during a time when it took great fortitude to gain an education, as well as succeed in some fields which were dominated by men,” said Amy Ensley, Hankey Center director. The exhibit will run through the year.
In addition, the college will sponsor the following Women’s History Month lectures, which are also free and open to the public:
Author Kim van Alkemade, Orphan #8, Monday, March 7, at 4 p.m. Van Alkemade is the bestselling author of Orphan #8. Inspired by true events, and incorporating years of archival research, the novel tell the story of a woman who must choose between revenge and mercy when she encounters the doctor who subjected her to dangerous medical experiments in a New York City Jewish orphanage. This talk is being held in conjunction with the Wilson Writers Series.
Dianna Heim, “Claiming Ground: Challenges and Activism Among Pennsylvania’s Women Farmers,” Thursday, March 24, at noon. Heim’s master’s thesis at Wilson College explores the challenges faced by women farmers from a feminist perspective. Through the use of oral history interviews, she examines the role of activist for those women working in Pennsylvania agriculture.
Karlee Johnston, “Elizabeth McGeorge Sullivan ’38,” Wednesday, March 30, at 4 p.m. Johnston recently interned at the Hankey Center and worked with the Elizabeth McGeorge Sullivan ’38 collection. She will discuss Sullivan’s World War II service as a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) pilot and how women’s service was treated differently than men’s. Items from the collection, including Sullivan’s WASP uniform, will be displayed.
MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Ensley, Director of the Hankey Center Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3279 Email: amy.ensley@wilson.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 24, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. – The Wilson College Child Care center recently boosted its rating in the Keystone STARS program to a STAR 3 designation from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning. The child care center, which is licensed by the Department of Human Services, previously had a STAR 2 designation.
Currently, the center located in Wilson’s Prentis Hall, accommodates 45 children ages 20 months to five years, year-round. The center strives to provide high-quality early care and education for children of Wilson College students and staff, as well as those of Chambersburg families, through a curriculum that is child-centered and developmentally appropriate.
Keystone STARS is a rating system that offers families a way to evaluate the quality of child care programs so they can make informed decisions that best meet their needs. As STAR levels increase from a STAR 1 through a STAR 4, so do the requirements for meeting higher standards of quality.
Keystone STARS also provides training to advance staff education; technical assistance to help programs meet STAR level requirements; and additional resources through support grants and merit awards to support continued quality improvements. In 2014-15, nearly 3,900 Keystone STARS providers served approximately 166,000 children up to age 12.
MEDIA CONTACT: Karen Zakin, Director of the Wilson College Child Care Center Phone: 717-262-2030 Email: karen.zakin@wilson.edu
By Coleen Dee Berry
For the past 20 years, the Single Parent Scholar Program at Wilson has made dreams come true.
Ligmie Preval ’09 dreamed of working for a high-tech company like Google, but her attempt to change careers meant juggling parenthood, a job and community college classes. Enrolling at Wilson in what was then called the Women with Children program and living on campus with her daughter, Sunaii, “was the easiest and fastest way for me to get my degree. I could go to school full time (and) have more time to spend with my daughter in her transformative years. Being a full time student also allowed me to fully participate in campus life.”
After graduating with a degree in computer science, Preval went on to receive a master’s in instructional technology and media, and then was hired to work in software development as a human factor engineer at athenahealth, an electronic health records company in Massachusetts.
Nicole Zvarik ’03 enrolled in Wilson’s program with her daughter, Savannah, in 1999. “When I came to Wilson, I felt a sense of freedom and support that I had never experienced before,” she said. “Although single parenting while in college was challenging, I found my life work while I was there—my passion for dance.”
Zvarik graduated with a degree in dance and sociology and now is an independent choreographer in the San Francisco Bay area and co-founder of the Deep Root Dance Collective.
“Over the years, the Single Parent Scholar program has helped open the door for college education—first to single mothers and now to single fathers as well—whether they are 18, 38 or 48,” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick. “That’s why this program is so special—it is giving students the opportunity to achieve their dreams.”
In 1996, the Women with Children program began with two single mothers and their children. This year, 18 mothers and 19 children were enrolled in the recently expanded and re-christened Single Parent Scholar program, which is open to single parents of both sexes.
The program grew out of Wilson President Emerita Gwen Jensen’s passion to address barriers to education for women in poverty. “I was very concerned about single mothers and the difficulty they faced getting into college,” Jensen said. “What I didn’t realize at the time was that the program at Wilson would also have a tremendous impact on the children—that it would change their lives also.”
Jensen credited then-Dean of Students Kathy Houghton with getting the program off the ground, and praised Sylvia Field of the Eden Hall Foundation with obtaining the grant that allowed Wilson to renovate Prentis Hall for family life on campus. The program continues to receive support from the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation and generous donations from alumnae/i, including class gifts, according to Katie Kough, the current program director.
“Wilson made a very courageous decision to start this program 20 years ago,” Kough said. “Of course it was the right thing to do, but it was also a difficult thing to do from a logistical standpoint, especially for a small college.”
“It’s an incredibly unique program,” said Sherri Sadowski, Wilson’s director of residence life. “The students in the program have their own community. They are very protective of each other. That’s why I like the common rooms they have at Wilson—they share kitchens and play space—because it helps create that community.”
Single parent scholars are treated as traditional undergraduate students, with all campus courses, events and programs open to them—even study-abroad.
Stephanie Marshall ’17 spent this spring semester studying in Berlin with her two children, Brettney, 11, and Logan, 9. “Living and studying in Berlin has been an amazing experience for me and my children,” Marshall said. “As a history major with a particular interest in the lives of women and children under the Nazi regime, the ability to explore and conduct research at former forced labor camps and in the archives and libraries of various museums here is beyond words.”
At the time it was first formed, Wilson’s Women with Children program was one of the first such programs in the nation. Today, according to Kough, only eight other colleges nationally have similar undergraduate residential programs for single parents.
Children, as well as their parents, benefit from living on campus, Mistick said. “Living at a college while their parent goes to school has an enormous impact on the children. The experience encourages them to follow in their parent’s footsteps and achieve a college education. So the program not only helps single parents, it impacts the next generation as well.”
When Keshie Mansouri ’10 enrolled in Women with Children, her daughter, Vanessa Whitfield, was 15, one of the oldest children ever accepted in the program. “I have to be honest, at first I was miserable,” Whitfield said. “I had left friends and basketball behind. When I matured a bit and realized I was going to be here a while, I got more involved, made friends and came to appreciate what a unique opportunity I had.”
When Whitfield graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School (the same year her mom graduated), Wilson was her first choice for college. “I had bonded with several professors when I was here,” she said. “I liked Wilson’s no-distractions environment and I already had friends here.”
Whitfield majored in sports management and starred on the Phoenix women’s basketball team, where she scored more than 1,000 points. After graduation, Whitfield ’14 landed a job coaching seventh-grade girls’ basketball in Waynesboro, Pa., and a year later was recruited by Wilson to become an admissions counselor. At college fairs, she can talk about the Single Parent Scholar program from a personal standpoint.
“For me, being in the program helped me realize the feeling of togetherness, of belonging. We were all like a big family. I still am friends with people in the program— some of them my mom’s friends—still see them and talk to them,” Whitlock said. “The bonds we made are lifetime bonds, something that I’ll have forever, and that makes my heart smile.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 19, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — Virtuoso world/folk/klezmer quintet DanazNova will bring its eclectic brand of ethnic dance music to Chambersburg as part of the Wilson College Performing Arts Series. The group will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, March 11, in Laird Hall.
Tickets for DanzaNova are available now and are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children ages 12 to 18. Admission is free for children under 12 and Wilson College students and employees. Tickets can be purchased by calling 717-262-2003 or visiting www.wilson.edu/events.
DanzaNova was formed in 2009 by composer/pianist/accordionist Ronn Yedidia. The group plays music in the form of folk song and dance, while covering a variety of popular songs with ethnic origins from the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America. The group also plays a series of Yedidia's original dance compositions entitled KlezDances. DanzaNova's performances have been described as “passionate, emotional experiences of deep communication between music, musicians and listeners.”
In addition to Yedidia, DanzaNova’s members include violinist Dmitriy Fisch, guitarist Giacomo La Vita, bassist Eddy Khaimovich and percussionist Yuval Edoot.
MEDIA CONTACT: Joel Pagliaro, Director of Conferences and Special Events, Sage Dining Services Phone: 717-262-2003 Email: conferences@wilson.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 18, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College has received a $5,000 grant from the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF), to be used for scholarships of $2,500 for two students with animal-related majors, including veterinary medical technology (VMT), animal studies, equestrian studies and equine-facilitated therapeutics. Awards will be based on student 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 grant program at Wilson is directed by professors Freya Burnett and Ann O’Shallie, directors of the VMT and equestrian studies programs, respectively.
MEDIA CONTACT: Margaret Light, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Phone: 717-262-2010, Ext. 3179 Email: margaret.light@wilson.edu
Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 29 majors and master’s degrees in education, the humanities, accountancy, nursing, fine arts and healthcare management for sustainability. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 15, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — Acclaimed organist Christopher Houlihan will conclude the 2015-16 Wilson College Van Looy Organ Series with a performance at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 6, in Thomson Hall’s Alumnae Chapel.
Applauded by critics for his “world class chops,” Houlihan attracted international attention with his “Vierne 2012” tour, receiving critical acclaim for his marathon performances of the six organ symphonies of Louis Vierne. His 2015-16 season includes recitals all across the United States, his recital debut at the Kennedy Center and the release of an all-Bach CD.
Houlihan made is Disney Hall debut in 2014, performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra’s principal brass, after which the Los Angeles Times dubbed him “the next big organ talent.” More information about Houlihan can be found on his website: www.christopherhoulihan.com.
Tickets for Houlihan’s performance are on sale now for $8 for general admission; admission for Wilson students and employees and children under age 10 is free. Tickets can be purchased by calling 717-262-2003 or visiting www.wilson.edu/events.
The Van Looy Organ Series is named in honor of Ellen Van Looy Reed, a 1953 graduate of Wilson College. Her mother, Priscilla Van Looy, donated funds to rebuild the console and relays of the Moller Organ in Alumnae Chapel and the Van Looy Endowment provides funding for the annual organ series at Wilson.
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College will host an information session about its master’s degree program in the humanities at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10, in Norland Hall. The session will cover how to apply and provide an overview of the program, including new courses and concentrations now available; financial aid; career opportunities; graduate assistantships and more.
Registration may be completed at www.wilson.edu/MAHum. For more information, visit the website or contact Master of Humanities Program Director Michael Cornelius at michael.cornelius@wilson.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Cornelius, Chair, Department of English and Communications Phone: 717-262-2712 Email: michael.cornelius@wilson.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 12, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College's international student organization, the Muhibbah Club, will host a spring dinner featuring dishes from around the world on Saturday, March 5, in Jensen Dining Hall in Lenfest Commons. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. and the dinner begins at 6, followed by entertainment presented by the students at 7:30 p.m. in Laird Hall.
The dinner will feature a variety of international foods, including:
Bread — French bread (France)
Dessert — Brigadeiro (Brazil) and churros (Mexico)
Drinks — Bubble tea (Thailand)
After dinner, international students will provide entertainment, including traditional dances from Ghana, Mexico and Korea; a dramatic bolero followed by a combination of singing and dancing; and a final cultural fashion show.
The public is invited to attend. There is no cost for tickets for the dinner; however, donations will be accepted. Reservations are required for the dinner only and must be made by Tuesday, March 1. To make reservations, contact club adviser Paul Miller at 717-262-2776or muhibbah.wilson.edu@gmail.com and leave a message with phone number, name and number of tickets needed. Tickets will be distributed to guests upon arrival.
Each year, the Muhibbah Club donates a portion of the proceeds from the dinner to a world relief agency. This year the club wanted to support UNHCR - the UN Refugee Agency - with a portion of the donation collected on the event.
The word "Muhibbah" means unity among nations. This year's Muhibbah Club co-presidents are Hong Nguyen from Vietnam and Nihed Kassab from Tunisia.
Wilson's international students this semester come from over 20 different countries, including Ghana, Nepal, Vietnam, Armenia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Ireland, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Panama, Brazil, Mexico, France, Uganda and China.
MEDIA CONTACT: Paul Miller, International Student and Scholar Services Director Phone: 717-262-2776 Email: muhibbah.wilson.edu@gmail.com
Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 29 majors and master’s degrees in education, the humanities, accountancy and nursing. 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 2014 enrollment of 759, which includes students from 17 states and 14 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
