Wilson College has received U.S. Department of Agriculture organic certification for produce and herbs grown on the college farm, a major step for the college and its sustainability program.
Wilson sought the certification, which recognizes natural growing practices already in use on the farm, to allow the college to pursue partnerships with the USDA, state agricultural and environmental agencies and other organizations, including research and funding opportunities.
“This is a big deal,” said Christine Mayer, program director of Wilson’s Fulton Center for Sustainable Living, which includes Fulton Farm. “It’ll give our students tremendous opportunities for research with the USDA, and that’s really what we’re after.”
The designation continues to build upon Wilson’s mission to practice and promote environmental sustainability.
“This is wonderful news for Wilson College and adds weight to our sustainability programs,” said President Barbara K. Mistick. “Credit goes to all of our folks who persevered through the lengthy application process to make this happen.”
The 50-acre Fulton Farm, seven acres of which is cultivated, grows produce without synthetic or man-made chemicals. Produce grown on the farm is used in a popular community-supported agriculture subscription program that serves as a CSA model for area farmers. It is also used in the college dining hall and sold at the North Square Farmers Market in Chambersburg.
Wilson’s farm has used sustainable farming practices since the FCSL was founded in 1994. “We have had certified naturally grown status for at least seven years,” Mayer said, referring to a peer-to-peer designation given to farms that refrain from using synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers.
The next step was to become USDA-certified organic, which requires extensive record-keeping and inspections, among other things.
“The products we’re allowed to use have to be organically approved,” said Mayer. “We have to source our seeds organically and any nursery or plant material has to be organic. The USDA also looks at land use practices. Compost and soil amendments have to be approved.”
The process of obtaining organic certification started in fall 2012 with an independent study project initiated by Amanda Kegerreis, who graduated in 2013, said Mayer, who worked with Kegerreis and Fulton Farmer Sarah Bay to satisfy the USDA’s requests for information and verification, as well as inspections.
“The USDA is very strict about who may and may not use (the certified organic) term,” said Mayer. “Unless you’re certified by them, you are not allowed to use that designation on your produce.”
The Fulton Center for Sustainable Living, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2014, includes the farm and the Robyn Van En Center, which houses a national database of community-supported agriculture programs.
During 2013, several projects were completed at Fulton Farm. A pole barn for equipment storage was constructed and a produce wash station was built, providing a covered space where produce grown on the farm can be cleaned and packed.
A related solar project is in process, thanks to funding from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation. Solar panels capable of generating six kilowatts of electricity have been installed on the roof of the new pole barn. After the array receives state and power company approvals, it will be used to power a solar irrigation pumping system throughout the seven-acre farm, as well as an electric tractor.
More information about Wilson’s FCSL can be found at www.wilson.edu/fcsl.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: Dec. 16, 2013 CONTACT: Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations Phone: 717-262-2604 Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu
Wilson College has received a $2.3 million gift to the Reimagining the John Stewart Memorial Library fundraising effort from Wilson alumna Sue Davison Cooley, a Portland, Oregon, area philanthropist.
Cooley’s gift will net the college a total of $4.6 million under the terms of a matching gift provided last year by another Wilson alumna, Marguerite Lenfest of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., and brings the total raised for the library project to $9.6 million in cash and pledges.
“Mrs. Cooley’s extraordinarily generous gift is exciting for many reasons. Perhaps most critical is that it brings us to our goal of having 80 percent of total costs in hand before we break ground on the Stewart library project,” said Wilson College President Barbara K. Mistick. “I want to express gratitude on behalf of everyone at Wilson to Mrs. Cooley for investing in the future of the college and helping make our plans for a comprehensive, state-of-the-art library a reality.”
The college is engaged in a $12 million fundraising effort to repair and restore the original 1924 library building, while razing a 1961 addition and replacing it with a contemporary learning commons equipped to meet the changing needs of today’s learning communities. It will house academic support and information technology services, writing labs, two “smart” classrooms, a commuter lounge, bookstore and outdoor plaza.
The learning commons also will house the “Sue Davison Cooley Gallery” in honor of Cooley’s transformational gift.
Cooley, who attended Wilson from 1940 to 1942, said the college holds a special place in her heart and she is glad to help with a need as significant as the library.
“The gift is in recognition of the fact that I love Wilson very much,” Cooley said. “I am a very, very big fan of Wilson. I think it has much to give for women, and men too. It’s a great place.”
Cooley is a longtime supporter of the college. She donated $1 million in 2005 to establish a scholarship for participants in the Women with Children Program in honor of her old friends and Wilson alumnae Sylvia
Scalera Davison and Mary Meinecke Dee, both with the Class of 1944. She has also been a regular contributor to the college’s annual fund.
Cooley is particularly interested in the library and making sure that students have additional places on campus for convening and quiet study.
Wilson’s library building has been closed since fall 2011 due to a heating system failure. Its functions have been relocated to the lower level of Lenfest Commons.
The design phase of the library project has been completed and the Wilson College Board of Trustees voted on Feb. 21 to authorize the preparation of construction documents and the demolition of the library annex. Construction, which is expected to take about 14 to 15 months, could begin as early as July or August, according to Wilson Vice President for Finance and Administration Brian Ecker. “Our goal is to have the library re-opened for fall 2015,” he said.
It took Wilson just one year to match the $3.6 million Lenfest gift, which had been broken into three, $1.2 million matching elements. Prior to the Lenfest gift, Wilson had raised $2.4 million for the project.
“The deep commitment of our alumnae and alumni to their alma mater and to this project is gratifying,” Mistick said. “And as the college moves forward with our Wilson Today plan to revitalize the college, we have continued to experience wonderful support from those closest to the college.”
Originally founded as a women’s college in 1869, Wilson College is taking a number of innovative steps through the Wilson Today plan to transform itself into a thriving liberal arts institution, including adding programs in the health sciences and other areas, expanding coeducation across all programs, creating a value proposition to lower tuition and repay up to $10,000 in federal loans for qualified students, and improve infrastructure. An updated library configured to meet expanded enrollment will be an important component of Wilson’s revitalization.
For more information, contact Wilson College Manager of Media Relations Cathy Mentzer at 717-262-2604 or cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: Feb. 27, 2014 CONTACT: Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations Phone: 717-262-2604 Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu
Wilson College is offering prospective students a rare opportunity in the increasingly expensive world of higher education – a chance for students to reduce their debt by up to $10,000 through a unique debt buyback program.
Under Wilson’s student debt buyback plan, the first of its kind in higher education, the college will pay up to $10,000 toward a student’s federal Stafford Loan debt if the student meets prescribed academic and service requirements. The debt buyback program will be available to students entering in fall 2014. To qualify, students must be a first-time college student and earn a diploma in four years or less of continuous, full-time enrollment at Wilson College.
Wilson’s debt buyback plan, which was drawn from corporate practices, recognizes the need to make college more affordable and creates a strong value proposition for the institution.
“It provides an innovative form of support for Wilson students while serving as a powerful incentive for academic success, service to the community and participation in the life of the campus,” said Dr. Barbara K. Mistick, president. “We want to encourage students to take full advantage of the college experience, while reducing the burden of student debt.”
The debt buyback program was approved by the Wilson College Board of Trustees in January as part of a bold series of measures aimed at rejuvenating the college by significantly increasing enrollment, strengthening programs and facilities, addressing issues of educational cost and value, and ensuring financial sustainability in the future.
In addition to creating the debt buyback plan, Wilson’s trustees voted to reduce tuition by $5,000, or 17 percent, to $23,745 for first-time Wilson students entering in fall 2014. In fall 2012, the board agreed to freeze tuition for 2013-14 at $28,745 for the third year in a row.
The buyback program will begin with the incoming class in fall 2014, with the first eligible students graduating in spring 2018.
Wilson officials expect the plan to cost up to $100,000 a year, depending on variables. The college will fund the plan through additional the revenue generated by increased enrollments and retention of students participating in the program.
“It’s a proverbial win-win – for both students and the college,” Mistick said. “We are very hopeful that students and parents will see the value in our debt buyback plan and take advantage of it.”
Some specifics of the debt buyback program:
The plan approved by Wilson’s Board of Trustees in January calls for expanding coeducation at Wilson across all programs. Traditional-age male students are being admitted as commuters for fall 2013. The college will admit male residential students in fall 2014.
Wilson College has been named a “Best Value” college in its region for providing quality academics at an affordable price for 11 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” publication. The college has been ranked one of the best regional colleges for undergraduate education for nine straight years by U.S. News.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 2013 CONTACT: Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations Phone: 717-262-2604 Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu
Wilson College is offering two new degrees in spring 2014, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a master’s degree in accountancy, and will add a third new program in fall 2014, a bachelor’s degree in animal studies.
The new degrees are a response to interest expressed by current and prospective Wilson students, as well as to needs/demands identified in the marketplace, according to Wilson Vice President for Enrollment Mary Ann Naso.
“We are already seeing quite a bit of interest in the graphic design and accounting programs, including a 3+1 program in accounting that allows a student to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years,” said Naso.
The animal studies degree, which was recently approved by the Wilson College Board of Trustees after going through a faculty approval process, expands on the most popular degree programs at Wilson: veterinary medical technology and equestrian programs.
“The animal studies program is very exciting for us,” Naso said. “It builds on an enthusiasm in animals shared by a significant percentage of Wilson students and will allow our graduates expanded options, in terms of post-graduation careers.”
The animal studies bachelor’s degree program will include study in such areas as animal behavior, the animal-human bond, training and handling methods, animals in service, environmental impact and ethical treatment. It would prepare graduates for advanced study, as well as for a career as an animal trainer, animal control officer, zoo or animal park employee, researcher or someone who works with animal-assisted therapy or at a veterinarian’s office, among others. Graduates also might work for a government agency such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or Drug Enforcement Agency, or in the agriculture or animal inspection field.
The new Master of Accountancy program is designed to produce graduates who are prepared to assume managerial positions with employers. Those majoring in the master’s program will increase their knowledge and understanding of professional practices within accounting fields and gain executive leadership skills that will elevate them as employees, according to Wilson Assistant Professor of Accounting James Hay.
The new graphic design major, which offers concentrations in graphic arts and graphic media, balances artistic study and skill development with a traditional liberal arts education. Students will work in such areas as image creation, graphic representation, identity, typography, web design, and two- and three-dimensional design.
Graphic design students will be prepared for work in editorial design, advertising, website design, signage, multimedia, branding/logo design, communication design and more.
Graduates will be required to complete an internship to ensure that they get experience in the field before graduation. Potential employers include: design firms, publishing houses, advertising agencies, higher education, government agencies, television, newspapers, web/multimedia design firms, museums/galleries, in-house creative groups and corporations.
For more information about any of the new majors, contact the Wilson College Office of Admissions at 717-262-2002 or 800-421-8402.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: Jan 14, 2014 CONTACT: Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations Phone: 717-262-2604 Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu
The renovation of Wilson College’s John Stewart Memorial Library has received a boost, thanks to a gift of up to $3.6 million from Marguerite Lenfest of Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Wilson College President Barbara K. Mistick announced the gift with its matching elements at a meeting of the college’s board of trustees at its meeting in late February.
“This gift is significant because libraries are the heart of a college and representative of quality academics,” Mistick said. “We are excited about the plans for a progressive, modern library with a learning commons that will become the center of our academic community.”
The college has embarked on a $12 million fundraising effort to repair and restore the original 1923 library building, while razing a 1961 addition and replacing it with a learning commons equipped to meet the changing needs of today’s educators and students. Prior to the Lenfest gift, Wilson had raised $2.4 million for the project.
“I am excited about the transformation recently put in motion at Wilson College,” said Marguerite Lenfest, a 1955 graduate of Wilson. “I am proud to be able to demonstrate my support and to help address the college's most urgent need—the renovation of the John Stewart Memorial Library into a learning commons for the 21st century. It is my hope that this gift shows the strength of my commitment to Wilson today and inspires others to support the library project, which is essential to the academic core of the college and of great importance to both current and prospective students.”
Originally founded as a women’s college in 1869, Wilson College is taking a number of bold steps to transform itself into a thriving liberal arts institution, including adding programs, improving infrastructure and expanding coeducation. An updated library will be an important component of Wilson’s revitalization.
“We are deeply grateful to Marguerite for her generous support,” said Mistick. “I cannot overstate how important the library project is because of its effect on the academic experience of our students, as well as its positive impact on our efforts to attract and retain students.”
Marguerite and her husband, Gerry, are longtime supporters of Wilson College. During Wilson’s “Leading with Confidence” capital campaign, they pledged a total of $20 million toward the college’s endowment.
Over the years, the Lenfests have supported Wilson’s annual fund and generously contributed to the college’s unrestricted endowment, student scholarships, faculty development, the Women with Children program and facilities renovations. Through their generosity, Lenfest Commons was created as a student gathering and study space at the center of campus.
Marguerite Lenfest served as a member of the Wilson board of trustees for many years. She chaired the trustee committee on academic affairs and was awarded an honorary degree in 2004.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2013 CONTACT: Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations Phone: 717-262-2604 Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu
Wilson College was recently awarded a $3,000 grant from the Jean Morrow Fund of the Franklin County Foundation (FCF) that will enable the college’s therapeutic riding program for special-needs residents to continue through the summer. FCF is a regional foundation of the Harrisburg-based Foundation for Enhancing Communities.
Wilson’s equine-facilitated therapeutics (EFT) program serves disabled community members by building their physical, emotional and cognitive strengths through therapeutic riding. It is largely supported by volunteers from the college and the community.
“We have not had a community riding program in the summer for therapeutic riding,” said Ann O’Shallie, Wilson College associate professor of equestrian studies and EFT. “It’s been a gap in our program.”
During the academic year, students in Wilson’s equestrian programs help with therapeutic riding lessons, but during the summer, fewer volunteers are available, which raises the cost of the riding sessions.
The grant will offset a large portion of the cost of therapeutic riding sessions in summer, making them more affordable for residents, O’Shallie said.
Wilson’s summer therapeutic riding lessons are taught by instructors certified either by the Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship or the national Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship.
For more information, contact Wilson media relations manager Cathy Mentzer at 717-262-2604 or cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: June 18, 2013 CONTACT: Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations Phone: 717-262-2604 Email: cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu
Posted: January 13, 2013
The Wilson College Board of Trustees today approved a bold series of measures aimed at rejuvenating the college by significantly increasing enrollment, strengthening programs and facilities, addressing issues of educational cost and value, and ensuring financial sustainability in the future.
Meeting in a special session, the board approved a set of recommendations from Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick, which include reducing tuition and establishing an innovative student loan buyback program; strengthening existing majors and adding a number of new academic programs, including the exploration of several in the health sciences; making facilities and infrastructure improvements; and expanding coeducation across all programs.
“The Wilson College Board of Trustees has acted to ensure the financial well-being of the institution,” said John Gibb, chair of the board of trustees. “Our decision will enable the college to thrive. There is much work to do, but I am confident that with the transformational measures approved today, we have taken an important step toward Wilson’s fiscal sustainability and ensuring a vibrant academic institution.”
The college is planning to create an implementation committee that will include student, faculty, staff and alumnae representation. While work will begin on all of the recommendations, subcommittees will initially focus on the affordability of a Wilson education, retention, coeducation, marketing and academic programs. The committee’s work on coeducation will look at preserving and enhancing Wilson’s culture and traditions, including women-centered education.
Mistick's proposal was based on strategic initiatives from the Commission on Shaping the Future of Wilson College — a 23-member panel made up of faculty, students, alumnae, staff and trustees. The commission, authorized by the board of trustees in October 2011, was charged with developing recommendations to increase enrollments and create transformative change for the future of the college.
The measures approved today by the trustees are based on five broad objectives:
"I applaud the board for its bold actions in the best interests of Wilson College," Mistick said. "We’ve known from the start that there would be no single solution to transform the college and to achieve financial sustainability — that it would take a comprehensive plan to assure success. I am confident that this plan is the right mix of initiatives to help Wilson grow and remain a vibrant institution that will not only provide students with a high-quality education, but also benefit the entire community."
Under the action approved by the board, Wilson — which has a residential college for women that allows men age 22 and older to attend as commuter students — will begin enrolling traditional-age male students as commuters in fall 2013. The college will admit male residential students in fall 2014.
Currently, men make up 11.7 percent of Wilson’s overall enrollment.
More details about the initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.
Named for its chief benefactor, Sarah Wilson, Wilson College was founded in 1869 as a liberal arts college for women. Wilson has added a number of programs, including an adult degree program in 1982 that allowed men to attend, and more recently, graduate degree programs in education and the humanities in an attempt to generate increased enrollments.
Posted: October 1, 2011
Dr. Barbara K. Mistick was formally installed as the 19th president of Wilson College today during an investiture ceremony that highlighted a weekend of celebratory events and brought hundreds of visitors to the campus, including four past presidents of the college.
Although the ceremony was forced indoors because of rain, spirits were high as Mistick formally assumed the presidency, a post she has held since July 1. More than 500 people attended the inauguration, including about 200 who were part of the inaugural procession of delegates from more than 40 colleges and universities, educational organizations, the Presbyterian Church, alumnae class representatives, current and former trustees, faculty and staff, students, past presidents and honored guests and family members.
In welcoming those who attended, Wilson Board of Trustees Chair John W. Gibb called the ceremony “one of the more colorful rites of passage on a college campus, and also one of the most meaningful.” He expressed confidence that Mistick, who was unanimously appointed by the board of trustees in March, is the leader who brings the academic credentials, entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen Wilson will need to thrive in the shifting landscape of higher education today.
“Wilson has been blessed to have the right leader with the right skills for each moment in her history, and today that remarkable run continues with the inauguration of Dr. Mistick,” Gibb said.
Dr. Don L. Francis, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) made introductory remarks before Mistick’s friend and mentor, Seton Hill University President JoAnne Boyle, spoke. Calling Mistick a lifelong learner who is perceptive and intelligent, Boyle said the new president will “ask the right questions” as she goes about doing her job.
“She will examine your investments … and with her businesswoman’s head, she will multiply, leverage and capitalize on them,” Boyle said of Mistick. “She will keep her spirits raised and she will raise the spirits of Wilson College.”
A number of speakers delivered greetings during the ceremony, including the president of the senior class and president of the college alumnae association, representatives of the Women’s College Coalition
and the Synod of the Trinity, and State Sen. Richard Alloway II.
Gibb performed the investiture of Mistick and placed a medallion around her neck.
“And now with the full confidence of the board of trustees, joined by those gathered here today, Dr. Barbara Mistick, I declare that you are the 19th president of Wilson College,” said Gibb, as the audience erupted in cheers and a standing ovation.
In her inaugural address, Mistick — a nationally recognized educator, innovator in entrepreneurship and advocate for women’s issues — spoke about the personal connection she felt to Wilson College when she was a candidate for the presidency.
“Many of you have asked me what first drew me to Wilson, and I must answer you honestly today that it was our students, who remind me of my daughters,” said Mistick said, who spoke of the strong women in her own family and how their courage and strength is reflected in today’s young women.
“If any of you here today have been worrying about the future of this great nation, stop worrying,” she said. “I can assure you as I watch my daughters become confident women, that I know our nation – in fact our world – will be in great hands.”
Mistick thanked those in attendance, including Wilson’s most recent past presidents: Dr. Donald F. Bletz, Dr. Mary-Linda Merriam Armacost, Dr. Gwendolyn Jensen and Dr. Lorna Edmundson.
“I am honored to have the privilege and the responsibilities of carrying on the traditions of a distinguished liberal arts education forged at Wilson, and am humbled by your trust and inspired by all gathered here today,” said Mistick.
She spoke about the confidence that women’s colleges like Wilson instill in girls and young women, as well as the value of a liberal arts education. Miss Sarah Wilson, who donated the money to start Wilson College in the post-Civil War era, “would be thrilled to know that 142 years later, each of our students — women and men — are avid learners who will carry a passion for learning to the next generation.”
Despite the strides made by women since Wilson was founded, Wilson’s focus on educating women remains important, according to Mistick.
“When we educate women, we educate our society,” she said. “This is the courageous spirit I see in the Wilson Woman archetype — pioneers, entrepreneurs, teachers and an unwavering commitment to social justice. Wilson Women have given me very great hope and confidence that our future is secure and strong.”
Finally Mistick expressed her gratitude for being given the opportunity to lead the institution through the next chapter in its history.
“I’m honored and humbled to work alongside these young women and invest in their dreams for the future — a future I know they can find at Wilson,” she said. “And I aspire to confirm and build upon the legacy and love of Wilson College. I am thrilled to be with you.”
The last presidential inauguration at Wilson was held Oct. 6, 2001, when Edmundson assumed the office.
Mistick was appointed to the presidency after Edmundson announced her retirement, effective June 30. Mistick was most recently president of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Library System. Over the course of her 30-year career, she has been an entrepreneur, educator and leader at such institutions as the H.J. Heinz School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the National Education Center for Women in Business at Seton Hill University in Greensburg and at various businesses she managed and/or founded.
Several receptions and dinners, as well as talks and demonstrations, took place throughout the inaugural weekend, including a lawn party Saturday evening. A chapel service and brunch to be held Sunday will conclude the inauguration weekend events.
To read Dr. Mistick's speech, watch video or look through the inauguration weekend picture gallery click here.
For more information, contact cathy.mentzer@wilson.edu.
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Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a liberal arts college dedicated to the education of women. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and located in Chambersburg, Pa. Wilson offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 areas and master’s degrees in education and the humanities. The college’s 2011-12 enrollment in the College for Women and the Adult Degree Programs is 746 and includes 21 students from 10 foreign countries.
