Title Body
Wilson Partners with Widener University on Nurse Practitioner Program

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

__________________________________

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.

Eden Charitable Foundation Provides Grant for Chaplaincy

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

__________________________________
 

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 has a fall 2015 enrollment of 923, which includes students from 22 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.

Wilson Gets $530,000 for Scholarships from Stabler Foundation

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:       
Margaret Light, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Phone: 717-264-4141, 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.

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.

Wilson Hosts Forum on Factory Farms Jan. 30

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:

  • The Impact of CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operation) on the Environment, Workers, Our Communities and Animals — Maria Payens of the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project and Brent Kim, program officer for the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
  • Community Experiences with Industrial Agriculture — Marjorie Hudson on swine CAFOs in Fulton County; and Connie and David Slye discussing a chicken CAFO in Franklin
  • Two Approaches to Egg Production in Franklin County — Leslie Bowman of Lesher Egg Farm and Troy Hubers of Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs.
  • Factory Farms, Democracy and Local Government Power — Chad Nicholson of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund
  • Harnessing Tax and Other Policy Incentives to Encourage Sustainable Agriculture — Alanna Hartzok of the Earth Rights Institute
  • Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Eating — Judy Scriptunas of Wilson’s Robyn Van En Center and Patti Nitterhouse representing the local Healthy Eating Adventures.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:       
Chris Mayer, Fulton Center for Sustainable Living Director
Phone: 717-264-4141, Ext. 3247
Email: christine.mayer@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.

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.

Annual Christmas Vespers, Tree-Lighting to be Held Dec. 6

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

__________________________________


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 has a fall 2015 enrollment of 923, which includes students from 22 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.

'Handmade for the Holidays' to Benefit Support Circles of Franklin County

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

__________________________________

 

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 has a fall 2015 enrollment of 923, which includes students from 22 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.

National Players to Perform 'Julius Caesar' on Friday, Nov. 20

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

__________________________________

 

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 has a fall 2015 enrollment of 923, which includes students from 22 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.

Humanities Information Session Set for Nov. 17

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

__________________________________

 

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 has a fall 2015 enrollment of 923, which includes students from 22 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.

Volvo, Wilson Form Unique Partnership with Goal of Reducing Landfill Waste

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  |  Nov. 10, 2015

Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College and Volvo Construction Equipment in Shippensburg have created a partnership in which Volvo will send pre-kitchen waste from its cafeteria to Wilson to be composted and reused on the college’s organic farm.

The partnership, aimed at reducing the amount of waste going into landfills, is believed to be the first of its type in Pennsylvania. It was announced today at Wilson’s Fulton Farm by officials from Volvo and the college, which share a philosophy of promoting environmental sustainability.

The partnership is part of Volvo’s initiative to become a zero-landfill facility, according to Mary Reid, an environmental consultant for Volvo’s Shippensburg operation, which employs nearly 1,000 people. “It’s a core value for us,” Reid said. “When we looked around for composting options and realized we could partner with a local college and make a contribution to the community, it just was the right path to take.”

Wilson recently obtained a general permit for on-farm composting from DEP’s Bureau of Waste Management Division of Municipal and Residual Waste. The college has been collecting food scraps from its dining hall and composting them for use on its USDA-certified organic farm for more than 10 years, but the new permit was required to allow it to accept food waste from an outside entity, said Jeff Olsen, solid waste program specialist with DEP.

“I think you could say this is a first in Pennsylvania that a college has actually gotten a general permit for on-farm composting for a partnership with an industry,” Olsen said.

Wilson’s permit allows it to produce up to 13 tons of compost per year, according to Chris Mayer, director of the college’s Fulton Center for Sustainable Living. She estimates that with pre-kitchen and cooked food scraps from the college dining hall and Volvo’s pre-kitchen waste and coffee grounds, approximately 7.8 tons of compost will be produced annually.

“You have about a 75 percent reduction in volume after the material is composted,” said Mayer.

Mayer said the Volvo/Wilson partnership is beneficial in many ways, including in terms of supplementing the compost produced for the college farm. “We need the compost to increase organic matter to address soil fertility (on the farm),” she said. “Before this we were buying additional compost, so we will see a cost savings.”

In addition, the partnership will help keep methane and carbon produced by decaying materials out of the atmosphere while keeping it out of landfills, which have limited capacities. “It’s just the right thing to do,” Mayer said.

Prior to accepting Volvo’s pre-kitchen food waste, Wilson regraded its composting area at Fulton Farm to address water runoff concerns. In addition to paying for the regrading, Volvo has agreed to provide a $1,000 grant each semester to a Wilson student who will help tend to the farm’s compost area. This year, the grant recipient is junior Danniele Fulmer, who also works as an intern in Volvo’s safety and environment department.

The college began accepting Volvo’s pre-cooked food scraps and coffee grounds on Oct. 9, according to Fulmer. She said she checks and records the temperature of composting piles in various stages of decomposition three days a week to make sure the waste is breaking down properly. If it’s not the correct temperature, the pile is turned.

The Shippensburg Volvo plant manufactures soil and asphalt compactors, pavers, screeds and wheel-loaders.

MEDIA CONTACT:           
Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations
Phone: 717-262-2604
Email: cathy.mentzer@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.

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.

Wilson Expands Program for Single Mothers with Children to Include Single Fathers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  |  Nov. 5, 2015

Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College is expanding its acclaimed Women with Children program—allowing single mothers to live in campus housing with their children—to include single fathers with children.

Wilson’s Board of Trustees voted on Oct. 24 to rename the program, which marks its 20th anniversary in 2016, the Wilson College Single Parent Scholar Program and to accept single fathers with children, effective immediately. The move completes the expansion of coeducation to all programs at the college and keeps Wilson in compliance under the federal Title IX law, which governs gender equity within education.

A recent study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that 26 percent of all undergraduate students are raising dependent children, including those who are married and single. Single mothers make up 43 percent of the total student-parent population, while single fathers make up 11 percent, according to the study.

Vice President for Student Development Mary Beth Williams said that during two campus forums held in August and September, Wilson students and staff expressed a desire to see the college expand the program. “Specifically, regarding the addition of men to the program, all those who attended both forums were in favor of adding opportunities for single fathers,” she said.

At Wilson, 17 women and 18 children are enrolled in the program in the current semester, living in two-room suites with private baths in Disert and Prentis Halls. The program is open to a maximum of 26 students, based on available space in the two residence halls. Students in the program may have up to two children who must be between the ages of 20 months and 12 years while their parent is enrolled in the program, according to Wilson Assistant Dean of Students Katie Kough, who oversees the program.

“Wilson’s Women with Children program has been a model within higher education and we look forward to continuing that legacy as we expand the program,” said Williams. “Giving single parents the opportunity for a residential college experience has benefits not only for the program’s students and their children, but also for the whole student population as well. The life experiences and perspectives that our single parents bring to campus life and the classroom enriches the Wilson experience for everyone.”

Wilson launched the Women with Children in 1996—one of the first programs of its kind in the nation—under the leadership of President Emerita Gwen Jensen, who was a strong proponent of the notion that single mothers would do better in college if they could reside on campus with their children. While living in residence hall suites with their children, program participants also share common spaces with other program residents, including a kitchen, playroom and computer room. Because of the living arrangements, students in the program are fully engaged with campus life—joining clubs, serving on student government and participating in athletics.

For Karalee Nichols, a senior who transferred to Wilson for the program in spring 2014, it allowed her and her son to move out of her parents’ home and become more independent. “I’ve become a better parent,” said Nichols, who is majoring in elementary education. She added that her son, now 5, is experiencing college in a way that few children his age do. “I’m setting an example for him,” she said. “The kids love being on campus. ‘I go to college’—that’s what they all say.”

Through the generosity of Wilson donors, the college provides scholarship opportunities for qualified students enrolled in the program and subsidizes childcare for those in the program through the Wilson College Child Care Center.

According to Kough, eight other colleges across the nation have similar, undergraduate residential programs for single parents, including: Endicott College in Massachusetts, Eastern Michigan University and Ferris State University in Michigan, Dillard University in Louisiana and Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio—all of which have programs for single mothers and fathers.

Anyone interested in enrolling in the Wilson College Single Parent Scholar Program should contact the college admissions office at 1-800-421-8402 or admissions@wilson.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT:           
Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations
Phone: 717-262-2604
Email: cathy.mentzer@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.

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.