The Pacer My PACAC Story: Ellen Deitrich and Justin Ledesma Ryan Mignone, Widener University
Last year at the 52nd annual PACAC Conference, arguably two of the Association’s most recognizable members were lauded for their years of service. Ellen Deitrich won the Delwin K. Gustafson Recognition Award, the highest honor given by the Association that reflects the professional dedication, personal qualities and simple sense of service. Meanwhile, Justin Ledesma achieved the William R. McClintick, Jr. Service Award, which recognizes a person with 10 to 25 years of experience who has dedicated significant service to the college counseling profession and to PACAC. As Ellen recalled the events that transpired that evening, she remembers feeling emotional after piecing together that two dear friends nominated her. “Winning it from Chuck Bachman and Francine Block was incredibly special,” she said. “I think highly of them and respect them too.” Regrettably, Ellen also pointed out that she failed to thank Francine in her speech afterwards. Continued on page 2
WHAT’S INSIDE President’s Letter 3 2015–2016 Executive Committee 4 Everyday Professional Excellence: Being Motivated, Engaged, and Inspired Eery Day 5 St. PACAC’s Day 6 Reading List 7 Counselor’s Corner 9 PACAC Postings 10 Safe Space Ally Workshop 11 Successful Instant Decision Days 12 Government Relations Corner 12 R.each Y.our F.ull P.otential 13 PACAC’s Rising Stars 13 PACAC Summer Institute 2016: Celebrating Its 39th Year of Professional Development 14 Calendar 2015 15 PACAC Funnies 15 Camp College 16
From left to right: Chris Boehm (nominator), Justin Ledesma, and Ellen Deitrich
MY PACAC STORY continued Reflecting on her quarter century in PACAC, Ellen is proud of her dedication to the organization and guidance to emerging professionals. “Mentoring is important,” she said. “I enjoy helping someone else find their way in a profession that I love.” Furthermore, Ellen has quite the PACAC resume, attending roughly 20 conferences and led the organization as President, chaired a strategic plan, served on Finance & Budget and volunteered as a faculty member at summer institute. One of her favorite PACAC memories was presenting Bill McClintick, Jr. with the first-ever service award bearing his name. “I would consider Bill a very good friend – he’s someone I admire and he’s very thoughtful. I value his opinion, outlook and common sense.” Ellen also mentioned she’s grateful to Jake Dresden as he encouraged her to get involved in PACAC. “I think being involved in PACAC has been the best thing for me professionally. It has enhanced my ability as a secondary school counselor as I learned a lot and can network with a great resource of people.” Professionally, Ellen is tackling a new challenge as she will become the Director of College Counseling at The Hill School on July 1. She said it was a difficult decision to leave the Shipley School, an institution she called home the past 9 years. She mentioned her youngest son is 18 years old and it’s a great time in her life to start something new. Ironically on the night when Ellen was recognized, she also co-presented the McClintick Award to Justin. She called it special to share the limelight with Justin and remarked that “he’s a bundle of energy and fun.” Justin first attended PACAC’s Summer Institute in 2003 and has been a rising star in the organization since, steadily gaining leadership opportunities. Six years ago he chaired the Conference Planning Committee
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for the 47th Annual Conference and is currently the Director of Marketing. A Senior Assistant Director of Admission at Villanova University, Justin mentioned he was humbled to win the McClintick Award and thoroughly enjoyed conversing with old and new friends afterwards. “That night was pretty awesome,” he said. “I felt like I was walking on air.” He joked that there wasn’t much secrecy as co-nominator Chris Boehm tipped his hand early during his speech by mentioning a slogan only Justin would recall – “Go Drexel – Fire up Dragons.” That phrase was an inside joke between Chris and Justin at the Summer Institute nearly 13 years ago. If you’ve ever met Justin at a PACAC function, you’ll quickly realize he literally wears his love for the
organization. Justin dons purple and gold and accessorizes numerous PACAC buttons. He strongly believes if you find something you enjoy and care about in life, let people know as much as possible. “Wearing purple and gold is part of how I exhibit my loyalty and enthusiasm for PACAC,” he said. Furthermore, Justin said he tries to keep the atmosphere loose and fun as he always tries to look at higher education through the lens of an enthusiastic 18year old. Looking back on his time in PACAC, Justin fondly recalled the calm and solitude after the 2010 conference he chaired in Hershey. “I can remember the hours after everyone left,” he said. “I was packing up and it was quiet. It was a tremendous sense of satisfaction that I was part of a team that put together something special.”
Reflecting on her quarter century in PACAC, Ellen is proud of her dedication to the organization and guidance to emerging professionals. “I think being involved in PACAC has been the best thing for me professionally....” Of the 2010 conference he chaired, Justin said, “... It was a tremendous sense of satisfaction that I was part of a team that put together something special.”
President’s Letter College, in a word, changed my life. It was a new world, a new culture, and new possibilities. One of four siblings, I was the only one who chose (really demanded) to attend a fouryear college and was a “first gen” kid. Randolph-Macon Woman’s College was a world away from my home in Dover, DE and my childhood days spent in Southeastern, PA in Springfield, Delaware County. A southern women’s college was like a different country from Caesar Rodney High School. My family made a herculean effort to send me there. In my work as a college counselor and now high school administrator, I carry the same determination for our students that I had for myself. But, I also recognize that students must first have the courage to get out of their comfort zones and take that leap of faith.
much as the recruitment process and advise students leaving high school and entering college to find their support systems. Students and parents need our time and our patience to explain “Prior Prior,” the Coalition and Common App, but also, what to do when they get there. Freshmen should know that it is expected to seek help when they feel stressed, lonely, or out of their element. Even my own son, after being dropped off his first year, called me within an hour to say “I’m not feeling well” and I talked him through seeking out his RA or even his roommate just to let someone know. My experience at Conestoga as shown me that our students must be trained and directed to reach out to an adult or peer mentor in order to successfully navigate these major life transitions.
We have to remember that this is not an easy transition. When I moved into my dorm my first year at R-MWC, I have a clear memory of girls carrying stacks of white boxes to their rooms with the logo 9West. I literally didn’t know what was in those boxes. Later that year, there was talk of returning home to debutant balls. I didn’t know what that was either and was too afraid to ask. These are silly examples, but they stick in my mind because I thought I was prepared, but I barely got in the door and realized that my world had completely changed. I was scared, a fish out of water, but determined.
PACAC has truly helped me in my first year as a high school administrator. It is the group I have turned to when feeling out of sorts and brand new at my job all over again. I’ve loved my PACAC days equally as I did my undergraduate college years. It has been an inspiring support system throughout my career as much as a place where I’ve had an amazing opportunity to lead.
Luckily, what I found at R-MWC was an intimate community focused on the liberal arts, professors and a Dean of Students Office who truly cared. Dr. Stern inspired me to major in Economics and Dr. Irwin got me through Calculus. Donnie Morgan and President Spivey encouraged me to lead, serve as an RA, and run for Student Government President. We have to be prepared when recruiting to focus on the transition year as
As my Presidential year comes to a close, I can’t thank the Executive Committee enough for their tireless work on behalf of the organization but more importantly for their friendship and encouragement. I’m also so proud of the AdHoc Committee for Secondary Counselors who have picked up momentum on efforts from the past to increase our secondary school counselor membership and services. PACAC will be in great hands as Ed Wright takes over this summer. Hope to see you at the conference where we can celebrate our work helping kids take a leap of faith! We are truly everyday superheroes!
Misty Whelan Conestoga High School
“
PACAC has truly helped me in my first year as a high school administrator. It is the group I have turned to when feeling out of sorts and brand new at my job all over again. I’ve loved my PACAC days equally as I did my undergraduate college years. It has been an inspiring support system throughout my career as much as a place where I’ve had an amazing opportunity to lead. ”
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2015 – 2016 Executive Committee Officers
Committee Chairs
President Misty Whelan Conestoga High School
Admission Practices Michael May Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Immediate Past President/ Chair of Governance & Nominating Ian Harkness Malvern Preparatory School
College Fairs Keo Oura Kounlavong-Sabath Harrisburg Academy
President-Elect Edwin Wright Lebanon Valley College
Communications Corinne Logan Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School
Chair of Finance & Budget Tim Gallen The Solebury School
Conference Planning Sarah Lasoff Cabrini College
Treasurer Dave Antoniewicz Widener University
Government Relations Melissa Boltz Conestoga High School
Treasurer-Elect Justin Mohney Carnegie Mellon University
Inclusion, Access, & Success Ryan Keaton Abington Friends School
Directors Director of Marketing Justin Ledesma Villanova University
At-Large Delegates to the Executive Committee Jeremy Branch Penn State University – Brandywine Campus Krista Evans Lehigh University Cheryl Stewart-Miller LaRoche College Advisory Members to the Executive Committee Executive Assistant Andrea Cassell PACAC Conference Planning Chair Elect Ryan Gillon Villanova University
Membership Bryn Campbell Saint Joseph’s University Professional Development Stephanie Shandra MMI Preparatory School
Director of Public Advocacy Beth Davis Temple University Director of Professional Development Geoff Broome Capture Higher Ed
PACAC MISSION STATEMENT The Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC) is a professional organization dedicated to advocating for equity and promoting access and success for post-secondary education. PACAC meets the diverse educational needs of school counselors and college admission processionals, students, families, and other constituents across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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The Pacer Staff Tom Camillo Michele Diehl Dr. Nicola DiFronzo-Heitzer Paula Dofat Edward Flaherty Hillen Grason Karen Graziano Mara Greiner Julie Hertz Corinne Logan Casey McVay Ryan Mignone Linda Miller Justin Mohney Loren Morgan Michelle O’Donnell Alan Paynter Lauren Savage Debra Saylor Nicholas Skitko Cheryl Stewart-Miller Matthew Swab Rebecca VanderMeulen Jory Wamsley Like Us on Facebook Like ‘Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling’ on Facebook to stay up-todate on PACAC news. Mailing The Pacer is a quarterly publication of PACAC. Please send any comments, corrections, and/or questions to: Corinne Logan St. Joseph’s Preparatory School clogan@sjprep.org
Everyday Professional Excellence Being motivated, engaged, and inspired every day Karen Graziano, President, Graziano Career Works, LLC and Visiting Assistant Professor
The students in my Business Communications course’s final class session worked on next steps in their professional development. It’s one of my favorite sessions because the focus is on creating goals and actionable plans. As they headed out for the summer I told my students to “make the most of it.” I advised that summer is a great time for professionals to sit and slow down, have a cup of coffee and share advice about professional life. The students asked me how I would be using my time, and as I looked at my own list of next steps, I was struck by how I was trying to make the most of it, too, but in a different way than during the fall and spring. I’m trying to recharge—to apply Stephen Covey’s Habit #7: “Sharpen the Saw” principle. Covey, the father of principle-centered professional development, explains in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Personal Workbook, that Habit #7 is “preserving and enhancing the greatest asset—you. It’s renewing the four dimensions of your nature— physical, spiritual, mental, and social/ emotional.” The idea itself—renewal— can seem overwhelming. So I looked to Covey’s checklists and to other writers and researchers for advice on how to travel on this journey of renewal. Starting with Covey’s workbook, the checklists looked like essential “goto” lists to get ready for this journey. However, you should be prepared. His “What-I-Should-Be-Doing-Everyday” checklists are comprehensive and direct. (Think boot camp for your physical, spiritual, mental, and social/ emotional self.) As I looked at these lists—and my own growing list of to-dos—it seemed like more of a year-long conquest than a reasonable renewal. I began to think if it was possible to work on all aspects of ourselves during the summer. Is it healthful to do so? Is self-renewal about all aspects of ourselves or about being
highly selective and intentional about one or two? Gary Keller’s The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, provided some keen advice. To succeed, Keller advised “going small.” He suggested ignoring all things you could do, and doing what you should do. “One needs to recognize,” he advises, “that not all things matter equally, and people need to find the things that matter most. It’s a tighter way to connect what you do with what you want.” The secret he shares is this: “It’s realizing that extraordinary results are directly determined by how narrow you can make your focus.” One take-away idea from Keller: Don’t overwhelm your schedule; subtract, don’t add more; and don’t spread yourself too thin. My favorite suggestion was “You need to be doing fewer things for more effect instead of doing more things with side effects.” Leo Babauta’s The Power of Less prescribes the same remedy in six steps: setting limitations, choosing the essential, simplifying, focusing, creating habits, and starting small. (Sign me up!) Then I listened to travel writer Pico Iyer’s TedTalk, “The Art of Stillness.” When you listen to this, be prepared to be surprised and to roll out your yoga map or slide into your porch chair. As a lifelong traveler who turned a love for travel into his occupation, Iyer
acknowledged a simple truth: “One of the first things you learn when you travel is that nowhere is magical unless you can bring the Karen Graziano right eyes to it.” How did he develop the “right eyes” for his work? “Oddly,” he reveals, “by going nowhere, just by sitting still.” He says “Sitting still is how many of us get what we most crave and need in our accelerated lives: a break. However, it was also the only way that I could find to sift through the slideshow of my experience and make sense of the future and the past. So, to my great surprise, I found that going nowhere was at least as exciting as going to Tibet or to Cuba.” While I’m not taking Tibet or Cuba off my bucket list any time soon, the advice and ideas made me reconsider my to-do list and begin, well, at the beginning: “...sit still long enough to find out what moves you most, to recall where your truest happiness lies and to remember that sometimes making a living and making a life point in opposite directions.” In my desire to achieve everyday excellence, I’ll be sitting still, focusing small, and taking in those flowers and summer breezes—as I redefine recharging this summer.
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st. pacac’s day Nicola DiFronzo-Heitzer
While folks were donning their green frocks and shamrocks, East Coast PACAC members were proudly displaying their purple and gold. In celebration of the third annual St. PACAC’s Day, members got together for a few hours of happy on March 15th, 2016 at Southern Cross Kitchen located in the heart of downtown Conshocken. While the turnout was not quite as large as those in the past, this networking opportunity fueled by delicious appetizers, beverages, and great conversation was enjoyed by all who attended. St. PACAC’s Day was created as a way for higher education and secondary school professionals to network outside of the larger events that PACAC hosts.
Events like these are a great opportunity to network, learn about other institutions, and make lifelong friends through PACAC.
This year’s event was organized by Siobhan Cusumano, Assistant Director of Admissions and Legislative Liaison for Valley Forge Military College. Ms. Cusumano states that, “this event offers those who might not have the availability or funding to attend a larger event like the Annual Conference to still make connections within the organization. It has grown in the past
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three years, and this year was the first year our friends on the ‘West Coast’ hosted their own event in the Pittsburgh area. The networking opportunities within PACAC are not only beneficial for the personal professional growth of our members, but offer valuable connections that can benefit the students that the members of this amazing organization care so much about!”
Events like these are a great opportunity to network, learn about other institutions, and make lifelong friends through PACAC. Be sure to check the PACER, the PACAC website, and your inbox for exciting upcoming events, and please come out to support your fellow members and our incredible organization!
READING LIST
So much to read … so little time! It’s summertime and it’s easy living (although some of us with rolling admission are still hard at work bringing in the 2016 enrolling class). Regardless, now that we all have so much “free time,” The Pacer staff has decided to bring you our first ever summer reading list. Here you will find our recommendations for your perusal while lounging on the beach, enjoying the outdoors on your deck, or having a relaxing day in your living room. Happy reading! Best Rainy Day Summer Read
Best July 4th Read
Two Across by Jeff Bartsch
Without You, There Is No Us by Suki Kim
“A quirky tale of two brilliant teens who meet at the National Spelling Bee finals. The pair are smart but slow on the uptake when it comes to love. Both characters excel at creating and completing crossword puzzles and find each other through the years by planting clues of their whereabouts in crossword puzzles. A must read for anyone who has a daily crossword habit.”
“I didn’t have to read Suki Kim’s memoir of teaching English in North Korea to feel blessed to live in America. However, this account of her six months in Pyongyang was a stellar reading and made me appreciate having my USA passport. Don’t miss Without You, There Is No Us, a retelling of Kim’s experiences inside and outside her classroom. It was grim, shocking, creepy, and totally spellbinding.”
— Linda Miller College Essay Coach
— Linda Miller College Essay Coach
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Best Drama
“If readers are Francophiles, it will be a delight! From Paris to Provence, the novel leads readers on a journey through the French countryside—and of course, there’s a love story!”
“I could NOT put this book down! I flew through it! It’s a dramatic book about an attorney father whose teenage son is charged with murder.”
Defending Jacob by William Landay
— Michelle O’Donnell Mount St. Mary’s University
— Loren Morgan Central Catholic High School
Best Told from a Unique Perspective The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein “Good, emotional story told from a dog’s perspective about the common struggles that one family goes through.” — Michelle O’Donnell Mount St. Mary’s University
Best “I need to learn how to...parent!” No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury “I recommend the audio book (on Audible) to hear her calm, even tone. It’s incredibly helpful for the terrible twos (and ones and threes!) and the relatable stories and frustrations made parenting less daunting.” — Corinne Logan St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
Best “I-Could-Melt-Into-ThisBeautiful-Language-AndScenery-While-I-ArmchairTravel-To-Bhutan-As-I-Sink-MyToes-Into-The-Sand” Book Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey to Bhutan by Jamie Zeppa — Karen Graziano, J.D. Graziano Career Works, LLC
Best book to read to children
“
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. ”
“Anything by Mo Willems. You’ll be laughing as much as the kids even when you have to read it three times in a row.” — Corinne Logan St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
— Joseph Addison
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The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce “A young man wanders into a library where the books literally come to life. A tale about the wonder and excitement of becoming lost in a book, and how ‘everyone’s story matters’.” — Nicola DiFronzo-Heitzer, Ed.D. Immaculata University
“
Reading is an act of civilization ... because it takes the free raw material of the mind and builds castles of possibilities.”
Best “It’s-Time-To-Escape-TheEnrollment-Numbers-For-AFew-Minutes-And-Read-Poetry” Book
— Ben Okri
Best “I finally have time to read something other than college essays” book The Martian by Andy Weir “I’ve been sitting on The Martian for a while and plan on reading it this summer.” — Justin J. Mohney Carnegie Mellon University Anything by Jane Austen “I’ve never read her stuff before, but now I have three of her books waiting.” — Michele Diehl Gwynedd Mercy University
Dream Work by Mary Oliver — Karen Graziano, J.D. Graziano Career Works, LLC
Best Non-Fiction The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot “Very intriguing nonfiction book about a poor and ill woman from Baltimore. Her cells were taken for research without her permission in the 1950s and used in the medical community for polio treatment, cloning, and gene mapping. Her cells are still used in medical research today.” — Michelle O’Donnell Mount St. Mary’s University
Best LOL and Self-Help Book Year of Yes by Shanda Rhimes “A great read that helps remind me what is important in life!” — Loren Morgan Central Catholic High School
Best Thriller Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
Best When You’re in the Mood for a Pulitzer
“It’s a great suspenseful read.”
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
— Justin J. Mohney Carnegie Mellon University Before He Finds Her by Michael Kardos — Lauren Savage Cabrini College
Best Guilty Pleasure Read “Anything by Emily Giffin, most specifically Something Borrowed then Something Blue! The series follows two best friends—one steals the other’s fiancé and you’ll relish in every guilty romantic moment.”
— Linda Miller College Essay Coach
— Corinne Logan St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty “A bunch of wacky Australian kindergarten moms, schoolyard scandal, and maybe a murder? What I loved most about this book is it begins as a ‘fluff’ read, but then the twist leaves you feeling that the story is so much more. A truly pleasant surprise!” — Nicola DiFronzo-Heitzer, Ed.D. Immaculata University
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“Last year’s prize for fiction. A blind girl in Paris, an orphan boy in Germany. They come of age during WWII and as you read, you wonder if they’ll ever meet. Never thought any book would come close to The Book Thief, but this one did. I don’t believe I’ve ever recommended a book to as many people as I did with this particular one. But then again, I’ve rarely come across a book so beautifully written.”
“
Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day.” — Thornton Wilder
COUNSELOR’S CORNER Corinne Logan, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
The anxious, concerned Mom sat across from me, worried because her average student suddenly had an F, a D, and a C on his current report card. Assignments were zeroes and quiz and test grades had plummeted. We discussed possible reasons and changes in his routine that could have led to his sudden academic downfall, but the turning point truly came immediately after my meeting with him early this spring. It was my fault.
I’m approaching a decade in this higher education profession and each year has brought more stress, more pressure, more competition, and, as a result, I’ve noticed more diagnosed cases of depression, anxiety, and terrifying rates of suicide attempts amongst our students. Psychology Today cites that adolescents are five to eight times more likely to suffer from major depression and/or anxiety disorder than just 50 years ago. (https://www.
psychologytoday.com/blog/freedomlearn/201001/the-decline-play-and-risein-childrens-mental-disorders) As counselors, we are charged with encouraging our students to try harder, do more, and get better grades. We offer suggestions--study skills, test prep, tutors--and we bombard them with community service opportunities, summer programs, and educate them on what a “strong” resume looks like.
Corinne Logan
Even with the most noble intentions in mind, we must ask ourselves as responsible counselors: Are we pushing our students towards a complete meltdown? How can we navigate this fine line between being a positive resource of encouragement and being the last straw of stress and pressure for our over-worked students? And this is an issue that not just counselors should address, but
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admissions representatives, too. Do you ever tell a student, “Two points higher on the ACT and you get a scholarship” or “C’s in junior year can be a deal breaker” or, even, “Although grades and scores are most important, getting involved in your community and school can make a real difference.” Saying these tantalizing comments to the vulnerable, sleep-deprived, overscheduled, pressure-cooker brain of a student could be the tipping point. “But, Corinne,” you say, “how can I not say those things? They’re facts!” This is true. The tedious college search process and increasingly competitive nature is composed of harsh realities. We can even argue that competition is reflective of real adult life. Expectations are real life. The college search process is a real life experience that can result in severe disappointment. I’m with you. I even argue that every student should get a deny letter. I believe it’s an important, humbling experience everyone should have. So then how do we appropriately navigate this fine line? Infuse hope and positivity to avoid the stresses of high school pressure and the college search and just deal with the disappointment of potential deny letters later? Or continue the do-more, be-better, strive, achieve, you-can-do it mantra that feeds the frenzy and “culture of over-
achievement” and actually, still, in many cases, results in disappointment? There is no right answer here, but the more aware we are of these young adults’ vulnerability, the more educated we can be in our conversations and modes of counseling. Back to that student and his concerned Mom… In our meeting in January, the student had shared extreme concerns with me regarding the admissions process. He was embarrassed by his average GPA, disappointed in his lack of achievement and, in a word, defeated. He also told me about two schools he really liked, and, thankfully, they were not reaches. I assumed my “Cheerleader” Counselor role and assured him everything would work out. I happily told him that with his current academic record, those two schools were pretty likely institutions to offer him acceptances. He left our meeting beaming with pride and I was, too. But although I may have cured his rising stress level, I also issued him a ticket to lay off the homework and studying … or at least that’s what he heard. So this week, I had to speak with him once more but this time it was about summer school. This time, he cried. So now I’m back on the other side of the fine line, telling a student that F’s
in junior year are often deal breakers… that he better put his head down and work hard to get in where he wants… I patted him on his back as he was leaving my office, defeated, once more stressed and I tried assuring him it was going to be okay, but silently wondered, “Is it?” And that’s a wonder not just for this particular student but for all of my students, all of your students, our students together, and every student fighting this uphill battle. In order to best serve these students and push back against the admission madness, I hereby vow to praise current achievements rather than set standard for future ones. I will commend present strengths rather than point out weaknesses to be honed. I will care and counsel my students where they are and stop (to the very best of my ability for I am human!) feeding the overachievement frenzy. Will you join me? I also suggest you take a moment to read this article (http://cognoscenti. wbur.org/2014/03/18/collegeadmissions-lauren-stiller-rikleen) as it is a painfully real, eye-opening article on this very topic. Happy reading, counseling, encouraging, and supporting!
pacac Postings SUMMER 2016 New Hires Dawn Marie Walker has been hired by Michigan State University as the full-time manager of Pennsylvania recruitment. Dawn and MSU have joined the Mid-Atlantic Regional Counselors Association (MARCA). Point Park University hired four new admissions counselors: Jamie Bowers, Nicholas Joseph, Nathan Petrak and Seth Martin.
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Brittany Strelnik ’14 joined Washington & Jefferson University as Assistant Director of Admission. Rahel Teklegiorgis, formerly with admissions at the University of the Sciences, joined Widener University as the CRM System Administrator.
PROMOtIONs Natalie Batchen of Point Park University was promoted to Associate Director of Admission.
BIRTHs Katie Diamond Rothstein, director of dual enrollment and high school initiatives at Delaware County Community College, and her husband, Jeff, welcomed their first son, Jack, on January 7, 2016.
Safe Space Ally workshop Ryan Mignone, Widener University
A few months ago, I participated in a Safe Space Ally workshop at Widener University. The workshop consisted of two, three hour sessions spearheaded by Michelle Meekins-Davis, the Director of Multicultural Student Affairs. The purpose is to educate faculty and staff to anticipate the needs of someone who is questioning, transitioning or established in one’s identity. Our group consisted of about 20 individuals from various departments throughout Widener. During our sessions we examined LGBTQ related issues as well as listened to three Widener students discuss their coming out stories and transition through college life. I’ve always considered myself open-minded yet never viewed the world through the lens of an LGBTQ individual. For instance, one particular exercise really hit me emotionally. Our presenters handed out paper colored stars; some received blue stars, while others received red, green or yellow. On each arm of the star we were tasked to jot down important people in our lives, such as parents, friends, spouses, etc. Hypothetically, we were read a series of five statements as if we were coming out to those individuals. Those possessing blue stars remained unscathed, their support group approved of their sexuality and they maintained healthy relationships. Sadly, those holding red stars (like me) learned that their friends and family did not accept their sexuality. After each account, I had to tear off an arm of the star, representing a person I trusted or confided. At the conclusion I felt despondent, my star now in shreds. As a result, I empathized with those in the LGBTQ community who may have lost loved ones who disapproved of their sexuality. At the conclusion of the Safe Space Ally workshop, I received a certification and
pride sticker that I placed on my name plate outside my office. If a student is struggling or confused with LGBTQ related issues, they can feel comfortable confiding in me or others on campus displaying the same designation. Similar to the program at Widener, Alex Daniels-Iannucci offers Safe Zone Ally training for those interested in creating inclusive college campuses or private organizations. Alex runs Iannucci Consulting, LLC and is also the Associate Director of Student Success and Inclusion at Saint Joseph’s University. On campus, Alex not only teaches Political Science but is also responsible for counseling LGBTQ students. She’s appreciative the university recognized that someone should be specifically involved with LGBTQ matters. During her workshops, she provides information and achievable ways to change behaviors on a college campus or in the workplace immediately. For instance, she gives an explanation of her own journey and gives tangible examples, redefining what it means to come out. Oftentimes, she discusses LGBTQ terminology which generates conversation among the group. At the end of each session, she tabulates
surveys and so far she’s heard nothing but praise for her work. “I believe they [the participants] feel my experience in some way, they leave thinking ‘wow that was difficult.’ That’s the whole point; you’re going to have students struggling with these same issues.” Since her consulting company’s inception three years ago, she’s received interest from a variety of groups, including pre-med students. “I think people are recognizing there’s a need for this type of service,” she said. “Especially working with pre-med students, they realize that not every patient will be heterosexual.” Over the past decade, she’s noticed a cultural shift toward acceptance of LGBTQ matters, especially since last year the Supreme Court ruled in a landmark decision to legalize same sex marriage. The positive momentum has not gone unnoticed, Alex said. “It has been one of the most rewarding experiences professionally,” she said. “There’s a lot more visibility to LGBTQ issues, especially on the Internet or with actors or on television.”
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Successful Instant Decision Days Jory Wamsley, Kutztown University
Instant decision days provide the opportunity for college admissions professionals to meet individually with applicants to provide a decision on the spot, which is a great benefit to high school students. On the side of the college or university, instant decision days benefit the institution because they allow for a strong connection between students and the college or university, potentially very early on in the admissions cycle. This creates a lasting impact on the student. Meghann Townsend, College Counselor at Hatboro Horsham High School, states, “Hatboro Horsham High School has been hosting instant decision days for two years through our summer Application Boot Camp program as well as on individual school days. While students are often nervous to find out a decision on the spot, I feel the feedback that they get from the admissions representatives in person
is invaluable. The students learn how decisions are made and how they can better their application for this and other institutions if they aren’t admitted during that meeting. In addition, I feel that this type of professional interaction is great practice for our graduating seniors as they make steps to leave high school.” In addition, Lori Gabriel, Assistant Director of Guidance and Counseling at
Villa Joseph Marie High School says, “The benefits include an early on-the-spot decision, non-binding agreement, and a brief personal interview between the admissions counselor and student. Through the years, I have had many students take advantage of this opportunity and I can say that is has brought seniors a sense of relief and joy.”
Government Relations Corner Dave DeBor, Carnegie Mellon University
The Government Relations Committee recently held its annual College Action Forum and Legislative Action Day in Harrisburg on May 9th and 10th, featuring a packed two days of education and advocacy. This year’s event focused on PACAC’s three legislative priorities: a fair funding formula for public K-12 education, support for quality school counseling, and access to a rigorous high school curriculum. The event was kicked off by a keynote address by state Senator Andy Dinniman (D-PA 19) who talked about the best ways to advocate with elected officials as well as the devastating cuts that have been made to education in Pennsylvania and the urgent need to restore them.
Then, PACAC members visited 30 senators or representatives to meet with them or their staffers to discuss ways PACAC can assist with their work and to build on our conversations regarding Senate Bill 111: The PA Pathways to College Act” to be moved out of committee and on to a vote.
Also speaking were Ron Cowell, president of the Education Policy Leadership Center and former state representative, Sarah Friedman, of NACAC, and Kelli Thompson, of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
We look forward to another successful event next year and encourage all PACAC members to contact a member of the Government Relations Committee for ideas about how YOU can advocate with your elected officials on issues affecting the work you do every day.
Finally, Julie Cerrito and LeeAnn Eschbach, both professors at the University of Scranton, discussed President Obama’s “Reach Higher” initiative and the work being done in the state to expand access to quality school counseling.
12 • THE PACER
R.each Y.our F.ull P.otential Corinne Logan, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
One Starburst You may have seen it, but just recently the New York Times released an article about the past contestants on “The Biggest Loser.” http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/02/health/ biggest-loser-weight-loss.html?_r=0 It featured that just about all of these contestants had gained weight since the show. Although some weight gain is expected, many were creeping close to their original weight before the show. Despite keeping up workout routines (some even saying they were working out MORE than they did on the show) and sticking to strict diets, they were inexplicably gaining. Cue in Dr. Kevin Hall, an expert on metabolism at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, who followed contestants after the show for 6 years. His findings are startling and all boil down to your metabolism. In short, these contestants have a lower resting metabolism rate. They burn fewer calories than another identically-sized person and sometimes it is hundreds of calories less. “It was as if their bodies were intensifying their effort to pull the contestants back to their original weight,” the article states. Terrifying! We all know how hard it can be to lose weight but to now hear that the act of losing can make it even harder to keep it off? Yikes.
And the gain can come from such minute changes, such small bites. As small as a single Starburst. “We eat about 900,000 to a million calories a year, and burn them all except those annoying 3,000 to 5,000 calories that result in an average Corinne Logan annual weight gain of about one to two pounds,” he said. “These very small differences between intake and output average out to only about 10 to 20 calories per day — less than one Starburst candy — but the cumulative consequences over time can be devastating.” There’s an entire bowl of Starbursts sitting on my desk. I may have eaten a week’s worth just get through AP proctoring this morning! So what does this all mean? Diets do not work. Fads are shortlived and extreme weight loss is not lasting. This doesn’t give you a pass to stop trying, but this should give you motivation to slowly keep going. Choose fruits, choose veggies. Choose whole grains and homemade dinners. Eat food and eat as much as you need (not want). But, at the same time, realize that “just a bite” has long, lasting implications if preached every day!
PACAC’s Rising Stars Stephanie Sandra, MMI Preparatory School and Professional Development Committee Chair, would like to recognize Loren Morgan, Central Catholic High School. Loren is a dynamic and dedicated member of the Professional Development Committee. Not only does she serve on faculty for Summer Institute, but she also took the lead in planning the 2016 Western PA College Counseling Workshop, an event that was well attended and meticulously planned. We are lucky to have someone like Loren involved with PACAC — not only does she step in to help out whenever needed and offer continued support, but she is also a great advocate for students and PACAC! Thank you, Loren, for all of your hard work!
SPRING 2016 • 13
PACAC Summer Institute 2016: Celebrating its 39th Year of Professional Development Loren Morgan, Central Catholic High School
Are you a secondary school counselor looking to delve deeper into the college admission process and increase your knowledge and connections? Are you a dean or director of an undergraduate admission office searching for a way to educate your new counseling staff? PACAC’s Summer Institute, held at Bucknell University on July 18-20, 2016, is an excellent chance for both new admission counselors and secondary school counselors at any level of experience to come together and learn more about all aspects of college admission. Faculty mentors guide attendees through an exploration of the application process, application review, financial aid, athletics recruiting, admission travel, presentation skills and many other topics. Past participants noted one of the most valuable aspects of Summer Institute (SI) was the ability to connect and learn from faculty mentors and fellow attendees. Katie Gray, Director of Guidance at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage shared, “It was great to interact and learn with other school counselors as well as admissions counselors. By having this opportunity to work directly with these different networks I am now able to better guide my students in areas that will best fit their future goals. The conversations and workshops at SI opened my eyes
to the responsibilities and procedures on the ‘other side of the desk’ and the importance that comes from maintaining continual communication with admissions personnel.”
to prepare for every situation you’ll experience before it happens. SI showed me that there are great people in PACAC who help each other, and all you need to do is ask.”
This experience may also help attendees learn about themselves and the value of the admission community. Nick Skitko, Admission Counselor at Ursinus College, noted, “The most important thing I learned was to ask for help. I consider myself a very self-reliant person, and SI helped me realize that a great way to maintain that attitude is to ask for help when I need it. Admission is a very unique field, and it’s impossible
On behalf of the Summer Institute Faculty, I encourage you to consider this opportunity for you or for your staff. If you have questions, please visit the PACAC website at https:// pacac.memberclicks.net/summerinstitute or feel free to contact Summer Institute Dean, Josh Ditsky, at jditsky@ berkscatholic.org.
Congratulations to Villanova University’s Men’s Basketball Team on Your NCAA National Championship!
14 • THE PACER
Thank you
2016
Calendar
June
for your Platinum Sponsorship of the PACAC Annual Conference!
6th The Pacer Summer Edition comes out 25th – 26th Enrollment Management Institute 26th – 28th 53rd Annual PACAC Conference For more information on College Counseling Workshops or to register please visit https://pacac.memberclicks.net/college-counseling-101-workshops For more information on Regional College Fairs or to register please visit https://pacac.memberclicks.net/college-fairs
Calling All Funnies! We want to hear your funny stories! Please submit your comical travel and admission life stories and blurbs to Corinne at clogan@sjprep.org. The best ones will be shared, anonymously if you desire, in the next issue of The Pacer. (Please keep all submissions clean and respectful of all subjects)
SPRING 2016 • 15
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling P.O. Box 859 Enola, PA 17025 www.pacac.org
HARRISBURG PA PERMIT NO. 533
LOOKING AHEAD TO CAMP COLLEGE 2016 Ryan Keaton, Abington Friends School
In just a few weeks, 60 rising seniors from all over southeastern Pennsylvania will meet at Albright College for an intensive and high energy two-day college admissions workshop lead by admissions and college guidance professionals from all over the state. PACAC Camp College is a residential program focused on giving students a jump start on their college admissions application, familiarizing them with common admissions terminology, deadlines and best practices for presenting their best selves to colleges. In selecting Camp College participants, we look for those students who may be underserved in their college application process, students who are eager to pursue higher education and students who want to work on the application process in an energetic and collaborative setting. Each session is led by a dynamic speakers, and represents a key building block to the application and admission process, like beginning to research colleges, writing the college essay, and understanding financial aid. Mentors, seasoned professionals in the field of higher education, are matched with small groups so that every student has a point person with whom they can clarify details, experiment with ideas, and follow up after Camp College has ended. It takes a fastpaced schedule to cover all the necessary ground during two days, but somehow we manage to fit in dance parties, ice cream socials, scavenger hunts, board games and plenty of bonding. Everyone leaves Camp College exhausted, but the effort channeled into those long days and nights puts the Camp College attendees that much closer to reaching their individual college goals. Nothing could be more worth it. Want to be a mentor? Join us!