CAL U November 2013
Inside this Issue: NCHC: Honors In New Orleans………….Page 1 Fall 2013 Graduating Seniors’ Theses………………… Page 2 SHAB Election ………Page 3
Heinz History Center Visit………………...…Page 4 Student Success: Karina Sanchez….………...…Page 4 Meet Your Work Studies………………...Page 5 Summer with Georgia O’Keefe……………….Page 6 Washington Internship Center Visit…………………….Page 6
Staff: Kelsey Baumgardner, Editor Emma Will, Editor Brittany Kusinar, Contributor Bridget Rogan, Contributor Shawn Reese, Contributor Rachael Fawley, Contributor Sydney Priester, Contributor Valerie Herrero, Contributor
HONORS NEWS
California University of Pennsylvania
NCHC: Honors In New Orleans By Shawn Reese Anywhere you go, you can find jazz in the streets. New Orleans, Louisiana, is different in that way. A regular gumbo of a city, New Orleans boasts a wide variety of cultures and languages, architectures and peoples, music and food, festivals and events. And from November 6th through the 10th, one of these events included the 2013 National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Conference. Through the aid and support of the University Honors Program, nineteen students and five faculty from Cal U were able to attend this conference and explore this historic city. Keeping with New Orleans's tradition of cultural diversity and tension, the conference's theme for this year was "Conflict, Transformation, and Creolization." Honors students across the country were challenged to think critically regarding these ideas and how they may relate to the ways in which different universities run their respective Honors Programs. As Sophomore Stephanie Moore put it, the ultimate goal of the NCHC is "to gain a better perspective on how we can improve our Honors Program for both current and future students.
The SHAB [Student Honors Advisory Board] members interact with other Honors boards from across the country to learn new ideas and ways to help our students and to make the Honors Program enjoyable." Twelve Cal U Honors students presented this year in various forms, from poster sessions to roundtables, covering a variety of topics. This included, for instance, a roundtable discussion led by Dr. Persinger, Emily Dickey, Valerie Herrero, and Connor Marshman to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of using iPad technology in the Honors classroom. Also notable amongst these sessions was a roundtable discussion led by Brittany Kusniar and Sarah Martik working in tandem with Honors students and faculty across the nation to brainstorm ideas and share their approaches on how to run an effective Honors student government. As well as submissions to the faculty poster session by Drs. Gill, Fox, Aune, and Arrigo-Nelson. Kusniar, junior and SHAB president, reflected back on some of the ideas generated during this and other sessions. Excited about one in particular, Kusniar said, "I think the SHAB will
Special Thanks: Kim Orslene Dr. Aune Dr. Fox Dr. Adair Dr. Tunnerman Honors Students Brittany Kusinar and Jonathan Troutman
Vol. 1, No. 5
begin to implement a variety of committees next semester. It seems like it is a great way to get students involved in a way that is interesting to them." Other noteworthy events from this conference include an impassioned speech from plenary speaker Ruby Bridges, known as being the first black child in the South to attend an allwhite school, in a New Orleans elementary school back in 1960. Bridges addressed problems she faced growing up, as well as problems that we are currently facing today concerning diversity and the role of the government. So, amidst thought-provoking conference sessions and renowned homestyle restaurants and among Honors students from across the nation as well as New Orleans locals, So, amidst thought-provoking conference sessions and renowned home-style restaurants and among Honors students from across the nation as well as New Orleans locals, Cal U students and faculty alike had a great time. Speaking about the benefits of attending the NCHC, Sophomore John Troutman stated, "I would recommend this conference for students who have research to present or ideas to share about the Honors Program." However, he went on to say that the NCHC is also "a nice start for students who have never been to a conference before and would like to experience attending an academic conference of this stature."
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Fall 2013 Graduating Seniors Ali L. Dodson Honors Thesis: “Technology and Students With Autism” Advisor: Professor Sherrill Davis Valerie A Herrero Honors Thesis: “Art as a Learning Tool: Alternative Arts Education for Underprivileged Youth” Advisor: Professor Maggy Aston
Honors News
Dana L. Malley Honors Thesis: “ Shakespeare’s Works in Middle School Classrooms” Advisor: Dr. Diane Nettles
April L. Weirich Honors Thesis: “Change Detection and its Relation to attention Abilities” Advisor: Dr. Carrie Rosengart
Hadleigh M. Nair Honors Thesis: “The Flax Scutching Festival: Keeping History Alive for Over 100 Years” Advisor: Dr. Laura Tuennerman
Meet Your Professors: An Interview with Dr. Adair By Kelsey Baumgardner What do you feel is the students’ favorite part of your class? I think it is the opportunity to read about and discuss the topics of the class. They started out with little interaction and we remained very academic (quoting text) and now personal opinion (informed by the readings) are the major component of the class discussion. How many students are in your class?
Are there any stories or important points you want to share about the class? The class is really becoming sophisticated on this topic-they have learned so much and are comfortable with applying theory to data, making connections across concepts and sharing personal opinions. I have a guest (fellow faculty member who was interested in the topic, he joins us for all the reading discussions), so it is another perspective that joins our voices.
25 What is your class about and what, ideally, do you want your students to take away from it? The class is exploring the topics of Lust, Love, and Attachment-what are they from a bio-psych-social perspective, how are they related to each other, what problems occur for humans because of them and what solutions might work!
What kind of assignments are typical of the class? Readings-primary sources, participation in class discussion, an essay midterm and final and 4 papers on a topic chose by the student. We also constructed a survey to collect data for the papers and are interpreting data as social scientists. We have watched videos as well.
Is there anything (stories, history, education, etc.) that you would like to share about yourself? I went to a conference a few years ago on this topic (the conference was called “Lust, Love, and Attachment”) and was quite intrigued by the findings of the presenting researchers— this class became and opportunity to become more educated on the topic as well. I think it has been a great opportunity for all involved.
Honors News
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SHAB Elections: Come Get Involved by Brittany Kusinar and Bridget Rogan The Student Honors Advisory Board (SHAB) is an advisory board of CalU honors students. The SHAB is elected annually to advise the director and associate director, participate in the faculty Honors Advisory Board, and provide programming and events for honors students. The SHAB hosts game and movie nights, ice cream socials, and organizes local excursions. They also assist with the organization of the Intersections Undergraduate Research Conference and preparation of honors students for conference presentation. Elections are held in November of each year for the following calendar year. This election process is different from most clubs on campus because terms are for one calendar year, not an academic year. Since the freshmen would be here for a semester before being able to join, it allows them to see what SHAB does before choosing to get involved. Also, because it is a calendar year, seniors who have been involved for a few years will not be required to be at meetings during their last semester. For many, the final semester of their college career can get hectic because they are preparing to graduate as well as completing their thesis. However, those seniors are still able to be involved with SHAB by being honorary members. An honorary member is still able to attend SHAB meeting and offer ideas but does not having voting privileges. These members must have previously served on the board. If a student is interested in running for SHAB, they must complete an application. This year, the application guidelines will be sent out via email on November 4th. Interested students should send their application to shab@calu.edu by November 21st. This year, there are four freshmen spots and two junior spots. Annually, there are four freshmen spots,
but upperclassmen spots are only available if past members of the board are no longer present. Elections are conducted via Survey Monkey where each class can vote on the representatives they want. The Survey Monkey link will be sent out via email on November 25th and run until December 5th. A person can only vote for members of his or her own class; therefore seniors and sophomores will not vote this year. After the election, an email is sent out announcing the winners. Anyone who does not win the election is strongly encouraged to be involved with SHAB events.
Meet Your Professors: An Interview with Dr. Tuennerman By Kelsey Baumgardner What do you feel is the students’ favorite part of your class?
What kind of assignments are typical of the class?
I think we have had some good—and colorful—discussions.
I have about 25.
We mostly read and discuss. But students also write essay exams. Perhaps the most fun part has been that students also have to identify sources of information for the class and bring them in. Sometimes students explore things we are looking at more deeply. Sometimes they make connections between what we are studying and other things. Students have brought in primary sources, videos, pictures, data and more.
What is your class about and what, ideally, do you want your students to take away from it?
Are there any stories or important points you want to share about the class?
This class looks at ideas about marriage, sexuality, and gender from around the world during the modern era. I hope students get a sense that societies set standards that govern these things for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways.
One of the best things, to me, is when a student reads something they don’t understand—wonder about—and they go out and find out more information and bring it to the class. When students have had questions about all sorts of things—from the caste system in India to the stoning deaths of adulterers in Iran—they have gone out and found more.
How many students are in your class?
Is there anything (stories, history, education, etc.) that you would like to share about yourself? My own research is in this area. I look at how the United States government tried to push their ideas about marriage, gender, and sexuality on Native American tribes. In this course it has been fun to explore other areas of the world where similar things went on.
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Honors News
Heinz History Center By Rachael Fawley Robert Stakeley, an educator at the Heinz History Center as well as the manager of the History Center Affiliates Program (HCAP), visited the California University campus to deliver a presentation to Dr. Fisanick’s Honors Composition class. In Dr. Fisanick’s class, the students are learning to create digital stories to express narratives rather than simply typing another paper, with our final goal to use the archives of local historical societies to research an occurrence or fact and elaborate on that with a video. We will be presenting our stories, with our groups that we worked with, at each historical society when finished, at a grand unveiling. Our goal is to raise awareness about the historical societies and the information that these societies have to offer. Stakeley’s presentation gave the class helpful tools to use when we visit the societies as well as helped familiarize us with the societies that are HCAP members and would like to participate in
Student Success: Karina Sanchez By Bridget Rogan Honors students have great opportunities due to their academic success and drive to expand personal knowledge. For one honors student, a two-week trip to Ireland was achieved. After searching for archeology opportunities on the Internet, Karina Sanchez found a program with hands on curriculum that explores archeology. The archeology site was on the mountain of Slievemore on the island of Achill in Ireland. It was a house in a deserted village that was on the side of the mountain. The students in Ireland would work weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm on the archeology site, would once a week have a field trip, and have lecture nights two times a week. In the span of two weeks, the students opened and closed a trench. Sanchez now knows how to do paperwork, catalogue, map out a site, work in trenches, draw out the site, and digitalize maps; all of which are important for an archeology major to learn. Sanchez commented that she liked learning things she had never thought of as part of archeology; it’s much more than just digging. She was able to not
this project. Stakeley presented us with information on how to greet society members, handle artifacts, preserve our own materials, and how to safely and properly look through the archives of the historical society. The presentation was very attention-grabbing and helped the class immensely, as most of us have never visited a historical society and were unsure of the etiquette to follow while visiting
only learn, but have hands on experience of the logistics, the behind the scenes aspects. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that will definitely help me in my future. The experience is nothing I would ever want to trade or forget,” commented Sanchez.
wanted to do archeology or possibly go into cultural anthropology. Archeology was the clear winner after the amazing trip. After finishing the program, Sanchez has a certificate stating she “has completed the Module 5 Course of the Achill Archaeological Field School at Sanchez commented that she liked learning things Slievemore and at the Achill Archaeology Centre.” she had never thought of as part of archeology; it’s She also now has connections with professionals in much more than just digging. She was able to not her field. She noted that the director of the field only learn, but have hands on experience of the logis- school is very involved globally with archeology, tics, the behind the scenes aspects. “It was a once in a which could be a great asset to her career. Additionlifetime opportunity that will definitely help me in ally, she met students from all over, who are now my future. The experience is nothing I would ever friends and possible future colleagues. want to trade or forget,” comThe University Honors Program encourmented Sanchez. ages all students to get hands on experience in his or For this sophomore, her field of study. If you are interested in an internarcheology major, this experi- ship of any kind, please contact the Internship Cenence solidified that this is the ter, Career Services, or the Honors Program. field for her. Before Sanchez went, she wasn’t sure if she
Honors News
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In the Office: Meet the Program Work Studies Kelsey Baumgardner
Sydney Priester
Jonathan Veres
Kelsey is a Sophomore Graphics and Multimedia major from Altoona, Pa. She is a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. She hopes to work for Disney in the future.
Sydney is from a small suburban town about an hour south of Philadelphia. She is a freshman Communication Studies major with a concentration in Radio / Television, and plans on going to film school for her graduate degree in Screenwriting. She really likes movies, and other stuff, but mostly movies, and that’s basically it.
Jonathan Veres majors in History, Political Science (Pre-Law), and Arabic. He is the Historian for the Student Honors Advisory Board, an Acacian, and is involved with numerous clubs around campus. He thanks the Honors Program for all of the opportunities it gives, and to the professors for being wonderful guides and mentors.
Hannah Schmitt
Emma Will
Hannah is a freshman. She is majoring in Business and Psychology. She spends most of her time completing homework, working, going to the gym, hanging out with her friends or hanging out with her boyfriend. She doesn’t have too many specific interests, she just like to have fun.
Emma is a Senior Graphic Design major hoping to graduate in the spring. She is a member of the Student Honors Advisory Board and currently holds the position of Public Relations Co-Chair. She likes to draw, to play her violin, to work on design, and to travel and is very thankful for all the opportunities the Honors Program has given her to assist with the last two.
Lindsey Gasper Lindsey is a sophomore here at Cal majoring in Biology with a concentration in Mortuary Science. She is a member of SHAB and currently holds the position of Honors Coach. She has been working in the Honors Office since the second semester of her freshman year, and has loved every minute of it! Her involvement in the Honors program has benefited her in so many ways, and she loves being a part of the program in all ways possible; as a student, as a SHAB member, and as an office employee.
Matt Warren: Honors Alum By Bridget Rogan Being in the University Honors Program (UHP) is a great experience for students in their undergraduate career, but what happens to those students when they are done with the program? The best answer we have for that is: they follow their dreams. Countless alumni from the UHP have gone on to do interesting, life changing things. Here’s the story of one 2011 graduate. Matt Warren completed his time in the UHP in May of 2011 when he graduated from the University with his creative writing major and Spanish minor. Warren was not only a student of the UHP, but he worked in the honors office, worked with the first director, Dr. Chute, and took advantage of traveling with the program. Warren worked in the honors office for three years and was in the program for four. As Warren began his time in the UHP, Dr. Chute was completing his last year. Most current students have not have the privilege of meeting and working with Dr. Chute, but Warren did. “Working with Dr. Chute was
amazing. I only had him for a year, but he scared me straight into taking more control of my schedule and working hard on everything I was assigned. He is a brilliant man and the UHP was lucky to have him. He was always willing to help you if you asked for it, but he didn’t just tell you the right path, he made you find it, and that was something I am thankful for.” Many of our students would agree that the Honors Composition courses are probably the hardest courses they take freshman year. For Warren, the courses were not only difficult, but were his favorite. He was able to learn from Dr. Chute how to write an excellent paper, which gave Warren more confidence, which lead him to never fear any of the creative writing courses for his major. Although Warren studied creative writing and Spanish, he is currently following his dreams to fly. Warren currently works as a flight attendant for Piedmont Airlines, a regional carrier wholly owned by US Airways and operating under the US Airways Express group. They fly Dash-8 aircrafts up and down the east coast in and out of the US Airways hubs in Charlotte, Philadelphia, and DC National Airports. So how did the UHP help Warren as a flight attendant? He said, “Obviously I didn’t learn any safety features or Diet Coke pouring techniques in the UHP, however I did learn how to adapt to
different challenges and situations. I gained a thirst and love for travel. I definitely learned how to organize better and make connections and network way more than I was able to before the UHP.” Of the many trips he took with the program, Warren said he liked the New York City trip in the fall of 2009 the best. Warren attended excursions and conferences with the program, which were always packed with learning experiences and fun. It should be noted that Warren wrote his senior Honors thesis , a short story and play, on being a flight attendant. And while it did not exactly prepare him to be a flight attendant he was still able to use his work for the Honors Program to focus on the career he wanted. The UHP helps students to gain great experiences, both during and after their time in the program. The UHP hopes students will enjoy the opportunities they receive. If you are interested in having great experiences like Warren, make sure to fit in some honors courses and trips!
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Honors News
Summer with
during the summer. This opportunity was one I never thought possible, but with the support of the Honors Program, my professors, and a sense of adventure it is easy to find yourself 2,000 miles
Georgia O’Keeffe
away from home.
By Valerie Herrero I remember the rush of the last few days of the spring 2013 semester, only days before I would find myself 2,000 miles away from home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I packed the car with my summer life and headed straight for the Sunset. Mid-May in New Mexico greeted me with cool breezes and sunshine, and I was ready to start my internship with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum’s Art and Leadership Program for Girls. I spent the summer sharing my knowledge, creativity, and wisdom with adolescent girls in the Santa Fe area. The program was not only centered on creating art but also on the development of the girls we worked with. I worked with a fantastic team of summer interns from various cities across America. Together we created and led art and writing activities, facilitated discussions, played games, and developed friendships. With Georgia O’Keeffe as our role model we became a team, explored the New Mexico landscape through group hikes at Ghost Ranch, and challenged ourselves to grow and share with each
Washington Internship Center
other. The summer came to an end in August after our student art exhibition, the assembling of a sketchbook and photos from the summer, and the publishing of our poetry book, which another intern and I compiled. In addition to the work I did with the Art and Leadership Program, I spent my days bike riding through the desert and exploring the many art, food, and cultural events Santa Fe hosts
help. Students can chose to seek an internship in Washington, D.C. and be exposed to the work place of their dreams in the field their majoring as well By Syndey Priester as attending seminar classes, Kathleen Regan, from lectures, and participating in the Washington Center, visited civic engagement all while classrooms to talk to students about The Washington Center, its programs, and what it has to offer a Cal U student if taken advantage of in the next four years. California University of Pennsylvania waves the tuition and fees for the program for participants and offers credit for certain internships as well; not only that, but there’s $6,500 of financial aid to be offered to any student who meets the requirements. Employers nowadays look for at least two internships on every resume they see, and The Washington Center is here to
living in the nation’s capital and earning real life experience by doing what they love, surrounded by a possible future work environment.
Congratulations on another semester Honors Students! Have a great winter break, and see you next semester!