Chambersburg, Pa. — The Hankey Center at Wilson College is sponsoring its 5th annual National Women’s History Month High School Essay Contest, which is open for entries from now through March 4.
The contest, which offers cash prizes and new this year — a one-time $1,000 scholarship to Wilson — is open to students in grades 9 through 12 attending public or private schools in Franklin, Cumberland, Adams and Fulton counties in Pennsylvania and Washington County, Md.
Essays must be between 750 and 1,750 words, and must focus on a significant person, event or movement in women’s history and must analyze the relevance or influence today. The research for the essay must also include at least one primary source. More details about essay requirements, contact Hankey Center Director Amy Ensley at amy.ensley@wilson.edu.
The essay contest offers a cash prize of $150 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third. In addition, this year’s winner will be offered a one-time $1,000 scholarship if he or she enrolls full time at Wilson after graduation from high school.
Essays must be sent by email to hankeycenter@wilson.edu by Friday, March 4.
For more information, contact Ensley at 717-264-4141, Ext. 3279, or amy.ensley@wilson.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Ensley, Director of the Hankey Center Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3279 Email: amy.ensley@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 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.
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 8, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — The Wilson College series “FRESH! — Finding Responsible Eating Strategies for Health” — will continue Saturday, Feb. 13, with a talk by Julie Castillo, author of Eat Local for Less: The Ultimate Guide to Opting Out of Our Broken Industrial Food System at 2 p.m. in Wilson’s Laird Hall.
All FRESH! events are free and open to the public.
Local author Castillo will share recipes, tips and stories that will help consumers make informed food choices and also explode the myth that healthy eating is expensive.
Castillo will sign copies of her book, which will be on sale at the Wilson College bookstore or online at http://bookstore.wilson.edu/products.cfm/category/new-fulton-center. Book sale proceeds benefit the Wilson’s Fulton Center for Sustainable Living, which sponsors the FRESH! series.
For more information, contact Mayer, director of the center, 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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 2, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College is partnering with Widener University to provide advanced entry into a nurse practitioner program offered to Wilson Master of Nursing (MSN) graduates. The nurse practitioner (NP) career is among the fastest-growing areas in the field of nursing.
The Wilson-Widener partnership provides an accelerated path for registered nurses (RNs) with a diploma or a bachelor’s or associate degree who obtain their MSN at Wilson to become nurse practitioners, according to Carolyn Hart, Wilson program director for the Department of Nursing. “I don’t know of any other program like this,” Hart said. “We’re making this a seamless process so if you complete an MSN at Wilson and meet Widener’s criteria, you know you’re going to get in—you can count on it.”
Under the new partnership, students who graduate with a Wilson MSN degree and have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average will be guaranteed admission to the 18-month Widener program. Credits will be transferred between programs and institutions, Hart said.
A major goal of the partnership is to enable working RNs to complete a nurse practitioners program without having to interrupt their careers and travel to a school out of the area, said Hart, who collaborated on the partnership with Laura Dzurec, dean of the Widener University School of Nursing. “We both wanted to create opportunities for nurses outside of metropolitan areas to have a realistic method of becoming NPs,” Hart said.
Most NP programs are available only onsite at the schools that offer them because of the need for clinical practice, but through the Wilson-Widener partnership, the clinical requirement will be fulfilled through the use of local preceptors—either a nurse practitioner or doctor—who will help guide a student’s studies and oversee hands-on learning experiences.
Two of the Chambersburg area’s largest healthcare providers, Summit Health and Keystone Health, will serve as approved preceptor sites for the new program.
Initially, the Wilson-Widener partnership will offer Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification, but the institutions are considering expanding the options for students interested in other NP specialties, according to Hart.
Widener University is located in Chester, Pa., near Philadelphia. The Widener School of Nursing offers a full range of nursing programs and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Widener has offered a family nurse practitioner program at its Harrisburg campus since 1994 and its main campus since 1995.
The nursing profession has evolved significantly in recent years, with nurses serving a critical role not just in hospitals and private medical practices, but also at urgent and long-term care facilities and community health centers, among others.
NPs are trained and educated to provide physical and mental care and maintenance to patients throughout their lifespan. They perform physical examinations; diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries; provide immunizations; manage high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and other chronic health problems; order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests; prescribe medications and therapies and educate and counsel patients and their families regarding healthy lifestyles and healthcare options.
“People are increasingly comfortable with nurse practitioners’ skills,” said Dzurec. “Much of the healthcare management that needs to be done can be done by nurse practitioners today.”
Anyone interested in enrolling in any of Wilson’s nursing programs, which include a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), the MSN, and RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN, should contact the Department of Nursing at 717-262-4853 or contact Hart directly at 717-414-6184 or carolyn.hart@wilson.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Carolyn Hart, Program Director of Nursing Phone: 717-262-4853 or 717-414-6184 Email: carolyn.hart@wilson.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan. 15, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College was recently awarded a $35,000 grant from the Eden Charitable Foundation to support the college’s Helen Carnell Eden Chaplaincy. The foundation has provided funding for Wilson’s chaplaincy every year since 1993, for a total of $713,000 awarded to date, according to Margaret Light, Wilson director of corporate and foundation relations
The Eden Charitable Foundation, which is based in Wayne, Pa., was established in 1955 by Helen Carnell Eden, a 1929 graduate of Wilson College, and her father and brother, William and Franklin “Bud” Eden. The organization provides financial assistance for “the betterment of health and welfare, religion, education, wildlife and our environment,” according to foundation Trustee Brooks Eden.
Helen Carnell Eden wanted to ensure that her alma mater had a full-time pastor, which led to the creation of the college’s Helen Carnell Eden Chaplaincy in 1993, one year after Helen’s death, Light said.
Wilson’s chaplain, currently the Rev. Emily Morgan, is the spiritual leader of the campus, presiding over weekly chapel services, special religious services, pastoral care and counseling and religious programming. The chaplain also organizes community service activities and oversees several student organizations.
MEDIA CONTACT: Margaret Light, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3179 Email: margaret.light@wilson.edu
Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college has a fall 2015 enrollment of 923, which includes students from 22 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan. 14, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation recently awarded a $530,000 grant to fund scholarships for Wilson College students with financial need through the Stabler Scholarship Endowment. The endowment has provided scholarships for students since the program began in 2009.
The foundation has provided more than $3.45 million for the Stabler scholarships program since its inception in 2008. Students are selected for scholarships based on financial need, academic achievement and service to the community.
"Gifts of endowed scholarship are critically important for exceptional students who need help paying for college," said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick. “This generous gift will allow us to help even more students and families who need assistance. We are very grateful to The Stabler Foundation for its generous and steadfast support of Wilson College and its students.”
Although the number changes throughout the year, a total of 45 students at Wilson are currently being helped with Stabler scholarships in the 2015-16 academic year, according to Margaret Light, director of corporate and foundation relations.
Since 1985, The Stabler Foundation has provided Wilson with funding for a number of programs, including the Curran Scholars program, which promotes student volunteerism, and daycare support for students in Wilson’s program for single-parent scholars, formerly known as the Women with Children program.
Located in Harrisburg, The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation was established by the Stablers in 1966 exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational purposes. The foundation awards grants to educational institutions, parochial or church-related schools, nonprofit hospitals and medical facilities. The foundation also supports religious institutions and social service organizations that seek to preserve and instill traditional moral and ethical values, respect for the family, concern for others, self-reliance and a productive life.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan. 13, 2016
Chambersburg, Pa. — As part of its FRESH (Finding Responsible Eating Strategies for Health) series, the Fulton Center for Sustainable Living at Wilson College will host The Factory Farm Forum: Concerns About Industrial Animal Production in Our Communities from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in the Brooks Science Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Increasingly, today’s agricultural operations are “food factories” where animals spend their short lives in cramped cages tended by workers in biohazard suits. “The family farm with animals peacefully grazing in sunlit pastures has almost become a thing of the past,” said FCSL Director Chris Mayer.
Concerns are growing about the environmental and health impacts of factory farms: massive amounts of antibiotic-laden manure piles up in pits, threatening water supplies; and air emissions from high-density livestock facilities may have harmful effects on human health.
The forum will provide a venue for discussion about the environmental, health and property value concerns of local residents living with confined animal feeding operations nearby. In addition, those attending will learn how they can support another way forward, a move “back to the future” of wholesome, sustainable agriculture, Mayer said.
Topics and speakers for the day include:
Following an open microphone session from 4:30 to 5 p.m., the forum will conclude with a brief discussion of next steps. Visit http://www.wilson.edu/factory-farm-forum-resources for a complete schedule.
Vendor and display tables for businesses/organizations are available for the forum at no cost. For information, contact Mayer at 717-264-4141, Ext. 3247, or christine.mayer@wilson.edu.
Those attending the forum must register at https://eventbrite.com/e/the-factory-farm-forum-concerns-about-industrial-animal-production-in-our-communities-tickets-19410487290.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Nov. 23, 2015
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College will hold its annual Christmas vespers service at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, in Thomson Hall’s Alumnae Chapel. The service will be followed by a special “Hospice Tree of Light” ceremony. The public is invited to attend.
Wilson’s vespers service will include scripture readings by students, faculty and staff; songs by the Wilson College Choir, and Christmas carols sung by all.
After vespers, refreshments will be served in Lenfest Common and at 6 p.m., the tree-lighting ceremony will be held on the campus green. Wilson College partners with the Lutheran Social Services Foundation to host the event.
MEDIA CONTACT: Rev. Emily Morgan, Helen Carnell Eden Chaplain Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3307 Email: chaplain@wilson.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Nov. 13, 2015
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College will host the 6th annual Handmade for the Holidays event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in Lenfest Commons. The event, which will be held on the lower and ground floors, will feature handmade items from local craftspeople. This year’s items for sale include jewelry, textiles and handwovens, paintings, Shaker boxes and utensils, paper crafts, ceramics, soap products and glass ornaments.
Shoppers will not only support local craftspeople, but also an area nonprofit organization – 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit Support Circles of Franklin County, a program of South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP). SCCAP’s mission is to “empower families and engage the community to pursue innovative and effective solutions to break the cycle of poverty.”.
MEDIA CONTACT: Lorie Helman, Student Development Office Manager Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3226 Email: lorie.helman@wilson.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Nov. 5, 2015
Chambersburg, Pa. — The 2015-16 Wilson College Performing Arts Series opens Friday, Nov. 20, with a performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at 6 p.m. in Laird Hall.
The Bard’s masterful examination of conspiracy, assassination and its fallout will be performed by the National Players, America’s longest-running, classic theater touring company — now celebrating its 68th anniversary season.
In the timeless Julius Caesar, the people of ancient Rome venerate their leader, but his close friend, Marcus Brutus, sees that Caesar may be too powerful for the good of the nation.
Tickets, which are on sale now, are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/ youth ages 12-18 and free for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 717-262-2003 or online at www.wilson.edu/events.
The National Players, based in the Olney Theatre Center in Olney, Md., has earned a distinctive place in American theatre by bringing innovative and accessible productions across the country. It has been bringing classic literature to life through thousands of performances and workshops since its founding in 1949. Players’ productions adhere to strict traditions of touring theater – company members double and triple not only in roles, but also in technical assignments such as lighting, sound, costumes and set-up.
MEDIA CONTACT: Joel Pagliaro, Director of Conferences and Special Events, Sage Dining Services Phone: 717-262-2003 Email: conferences@wilson.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Nov. 11, 2015
Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College will host an information session about its master’s degree program in the humanities at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 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: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3308 Email: michael.cornelius@wilson.edu
