Dec. 2011 Vol. 6, No. 4
IMPACT Inspiring Students to Pursue Lives of Purpose
Colleges Against Cancer named outstanding organization For the past four years, Waynesburg University students, faculty and staff members have joined together in the fight against cancer. Passionate leaders and the desire to make a difference has lifted a relatively new campus organization to new heights.
F
our years ago, a vision flooded the heart of the Waynesburg University campus community. The desire and
ability to combat cancer and ultimately make a difference in the lives of numerous individuals around the world was at the forefront of priorities in the Office of Student Activities. As a result of the deepseated passion, the campus community, led by Kelley Hardie, assistant director of Student Activities, has worked tirelessly to create a campus organization fit to conquer a mammoth beast. In 2007, Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) status was granted to Waynesburg University by the American Cancer Society after an application process sought by Hardie. The status allows Waynesburg to run a CAC student chapter as a campus organization devoted to raising money and awareness for the ACS. With the mission of education, advocacy, survivorship, and involvement in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life, Waynesburg’s CAC chapter has proven itself to be one of the largest and most valuable student organizations on campus. The hard work and dedication of university students, faculty and staff has not gone unnoticed. Recently, at the local celebration of American Cancer Society Volunteers, Waynesburg University was named the Outstanding Organization of
the Year for Greene County. The award was accepted by Hardie, appropriately Waynesburg University’s CAC faculty advisor. Margie Smith,
these students exhibit qualities of
Participation Award for her involvement
selflessness, compassion and generosity.
in Colleges Against Cancer.
They are truly inspiring,” Smith said. Kaitlyn Karan, CAC president, said the
Kaitlyn’s selection came as no surprise to those who know her passion for both
Senior Income Development
award has fueled the organization’s desire
CAC and ACS. Participating in Relay
Representative for the American Cancer
to continue to make a difference.
for Life since she was in the sixth grade,
Society, deemed Waynesburg University a “deserving recipient of the award.” “The support from the student body and
“Receiving this award shows that we
Kaitlyn’s 11-year involvement with
are succeeding in our mission and making
the organization speaks volumes of her
a difference not only on campus, but
commitment to its mission.
faculty and staff has helped tremendously
in Greene County,” she said. “It is the
Kaitlyn joined CAC as a freshman, and
in raising awareness of the mission of
passion of finding a cure for cancer that
has since served as the Mini-Relay for Life
the American Cancer Society in Greene
brings us together as an organization,
Co-Chair for two years and the president
County,” Smith said. “These students are
and to be awarded for our efforts is just a
of CAC for one year.
self-motivated, thoughtful, creative, and
bonus.”
dedicated to the mission of the American Cancer Society.” In addition to Waynesburg’s support of
Activities like Think Pink Week, Dig for the Cure and Kiss Away Cancer, among many others, have helped students
“I plan to continue with this organization long after graduation from Waynesburg University,” she said. Working alongside Kaitlyn, Shawn
ACS, Smith said the Waynesburg students
understand the importance of CAC’s
Wharrey and Jessica Malingowski,
involved with CAC give others, including
presence on campus and beyond. Events
Mini-Relay for Life co-chairs, have also
her, “a sense of comfort that there is hope
like the University’s annual Mini-Relay
been instrumental in the success of the
for a secure and prosperous future.”
for Life, an event that has consistently
relatively new campus organization.
“It is so refreshing to see our youth
raised more than $10,000 per year, have
“These individuals are very impressive
give so much of themselves for a cause
helped to contribute to the organization’s
leaders that have been instrumental
that helps so many others, most of whom
success.
in achieving the tremendous level of
they will never know. In a world where
In addition to the University’s
self-absorption and over indulgence is
award, Kaitlyn received a Certificate of
so prevalent among many young people,
Appreciation as well as the Outstanding
success that Waynesburg University has achieved,” Smith said.
Campus organizations support Project Bundle-Up’s mission
T
he warmth from a coat during
through fundraisers completed by many
cheesesteaks is a welcomed opportunity
the winter season is a gift taken
organizations supporting the Project
to benefit the local community.
for granted. When winter winds
Bundle-Up mission.
sweep across western Pennsylvania,
For three years, the junior Bonner
to raise $250. Natalie George, a junior English major
“It’s great to see the money we raise
and Student Senate president, is proud of
staying in the area and helping kids stay
the student response both in the planning
many residents are left to brave the
Scholars have held a cheesesteak
warm during the Christmas season,”
and execution of the event. George
cold defenseless. This fall, Waynesburg
fundraiser, open to students and the
Kephart said.
attributes their hard work to their belief
University students came together with
public. According to Sarah Brandstetter,
fervent passion to assist Project Bundle-
coordinator of Bonner Scholars, the
established fundraiser, Student Senate
Up in its efforts.
While the Bonners continued a well-
in the cause. “Students chose to support Project
students selected this organization
planned a new one. The Harvest Festival
Bundle-Up because, as the weather gets
For 25 years, the Salvation Army and
because of their passion to provide coats
was created for organizations to join
colder, we are each reminded of how
WTAE have worked together to provide
to those in need. This year’s cheesesteak
together for a good cause. Held this fall,
important it is to have a coat,” she said.
warm outerwear for disadvantaged
event raised nearly $600.
more than 20 organizations set up themed
“It’s a simple reminder of a local need,
booths complete with homemade snacks
and students saw that need and responded
and activities and combined their profits
to it.”
children and seniors. Approximately 7,500 individuals are helped each year
For Evan Kephart, a junior biblical and ministry studies major, making
IMPACT NEWS & NOTES • Recently entering into a partnership with Tokyo Christian University in Japan, Waynesburg University students
Three students sacrifice holidays for benefit of others
S
ince November of 2002,
For Marissa, Leeann and Bethany, the
trip for the first time either. Last year’s
Waynesburg faculty, staff and
sacrifice of the holidays without their
trip left Marissa hoping for a chance to
students have traveled more than
families is one they consider blessed to
return.
3,000 miles to experience something
experience.
will have the opportunity to study
far more beautiful than the tangible
abroad in Japan while paying home
gifts given throughout the Christmas
trip, and her desire to return rests in
changed my life, and how much I think I
tuition fees. Students participating in
season. Instead of iPads and designer
her longing to literally “be the hands
changed those kids’ lives, I really wanted
the study abroad program typically
bags, students will experience permanent
and feet of Jesus.” After last year’s trip
the opportunity to do it all again.”
study four classes per semester in
life changes brought to light by little
created life-changing relationships,
Tokyo Christian University’s several
children and love.
Bethany knew she would soon return.
academic schools and institutes
On December 17, Waynesburg
This year marks Bethany’s second
“The kids stole my heart,” she said.
“Those bonds weren’t something that
“Because of how much last year’s trip
In addition to the familiar responsibilities at the orphanage, Leeann is looking forward to celebrating a
including humanities, social sciences,
students Marissa Barr, Leeann Danley
I could just move on from,” she said. “I
different type of Christmas.
language and cultural studies, among
and Bethany Taylor will travel to Patzun,
can honestly say that saying goodbye
many others.
Guatemala, for a not so typical three-
to the kids at the Center was one of the
be able to
week mission service trip at the Centro
hardest experiences of my life.”
celebrate
“I will
• Waynesburg University will hold
Nutricional y Hogar de Ninos. Two
its annual Martin Luther King Jr.
weeks later, the women will be joined by
plans to be a part of the next Waynesburg
in honor
celebration Monday, Jan. 16. The
17 additional Waynesburg students and
trip, but that plan, according to Bethany,
and
Rev. Leroy Barber will serve as the
trip leaders Pat Bristor, associate dean of
didn’t seem like enough.
celebration
convocation
students, and Heidi Szuminsky, director
speaker. The
of Alumni Relations, for Waynesburg
summer 2012 trip, God revealed that He
version that American culture has
convocation
University’s annual one-week trip.
had other plans. Bethany was approached
created,” she said.
will take place
Ironically, in the same year that
Upon returning home, Bethany made
As she began to orchestrate her own
by Leeann to be a part of the three-
Christmas
of Christ’s birth, not the commercialized
Bethany too knows that what she is
Monday at 11
Waynesburg University celebrates the 10
week trip, and feeling that her prayers
called to do in Patzun will yield a far
a.m. in Roberts
year anniversary of its partnership with
had been answered, Bethany, without
greater reward than any package under
Chapel. Barber
the Guatemalan children’s home, an
hesitation, responded, “Yes.”
the tree. While she expects to miss
will speak again
anniversary year signified by aluminum
at 7:30 p.m. in
and tin representing the pliability of a
Alumni Hall.
commitment, students are more excited
He will also serve as the University’s
than ever to surrender to God’s plan.
Similarly Leeann knows that this trip, her third, was one she was called to take. Like her counterparts, Marissa won’t be experiencing the service mission
her family and the familiar holiday traditions, Bethany says the children in Patzun are who she is called to serve this holiday season.
chapel speaker Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. • Dr. Thomas E. Mallouk will speak Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center as part of the Crosby Lecture Series. A distinguished scholar in his discipline, Mallouk is the associate editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. He is also the DuPont Professor of Materials, Chemistry and Physics at Pennsylvania State University. • Husband and wife duo Sebastian and Melanie Catana will perform Tuesday, Jan. 24 in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Melanie Vaccari Catana is the Director of Vocal Activities at Waynesburg University where she leads the Lamplighter Choirs and offers private voice instruction. Both she and her husband have experienced operatic success by touring stages all over the world. • More than 40 students and six faculty and staff members will offer up a portion of their winter breaks to serve various organizations both locally and abroad. Four mission service trips will be offered by the University, allowing students the opportunity to serve various parts of the world. The projects include several nonprofits in Greene County, Pa.; a children’s home in Patzun, Guatemala; a medical mission trip to Nassau, Bahamas; and serving with the Center for Student Missions in Nashville, Tenn.
Students help Wilkes-Barre rebuild In the wake of destruction and devastation, it is the goodwill of others that allows those effected to rise up and regain their lives. At Waynesburg University, students have the opportunity to demonstrate God’s love by dedicating their time to assist those in need. Over Thanksgiving break, seven students spent five days in the WilkesBarre area on a mission trip led by Dave Calvario, dean of students and director of the Center for Service Leadership, and Jason Falvo, assistant football coach, head track and field coach and life skills instructor. When Tropical Storm Lee struck the Lackawanna Presbytery and Susquehanna River area in September, it ravaged the area. Preceded by flooding in 1972 and 2006, all records were broken when Lee produced a year’s rainfall over the area in one weekend. Nick Wozniak, a senior communication major, was shocked to see the area in turmoil months later. “I was in disbelief after seeing some of the houses completely ruined,” Wozniak said. “In one case we saw a house in which the entire basement was gutted out and you could see inside the basement from the street above outside. There were houses that were completely removed from the foundations. It was quite a sad sight to see, something I never thought could happen in Pennsylvania.” During the storm, the river rose from approximately three feet to 42 feet. According to Calvario, some places still had debris 20 to 40 feet up in the trees. Homes located in Falls, Pa., were washed off their foundations, leaving only empty holes filled with memories. As the group moved through the area, they were able to work with the families most affected. They assisted with clearing out a basement, hanging insulation and cleaning a park, among other activities. The group partnered with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Agency and the Lackawanna Presbytery, one of 16 presbyteries in the Synod of the Trinity and part of the Presbyterian Church USA. Wozniak found inspiration from the families and their perseverance. Rather than accept defeat, they continually fight in an effort to return to life the way it was before the storm. “Watching these families be so motivated to get their lives back in shape was such an inspiration,” Wozniak said. “Some of these families have lost a lot, and instead of saying ‘woe is me’ they worked hard alongside us to get their lives back on track. That is something I really admired.”
Trio honored by national football website Senior defensive tackle Darryl Moore Jr. led a trio of Yellow Jacket standouts who were named to the D3Football.com All South Region Team. Moore was selected as a first-team honoree following another outstanding season as the centerpiece of Waynesburg’s defensive front. The Boardman, Ohio, native racked up 60 total tackles, 36 of which were solo stops, nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He also broke up a pass, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble on his way to his second-straight All South Region lauding from the website. Joining Moore on this year’s squad were senior center Nick Hanley and senior cornerback Sean Hunt, who both picked up third-team nods. After overcoming some early season injuries, the Coraopolis, Pa., native snagged a team-high five interceptions, which tied him for second in the PAC. That handful of picks brought his career total to 16, which tied the school’s career interception record. Hanley landed on the all-region team for the first time after being a two-time, first-team AllPAC pick. The Canonsburg native anchored a rebuilt Jacket offensive line that, despite featuring four new starters, allowed just five quarterback sacks all year. That total was not only the lowest in the PAC, but also the sixth lowest in all of Division III. Waynesburg, which finished the year 5-5 after playing in the ECAC South Atlantic Bowl, was the only team in the PAC to feature a first-team selection, and the Jackets’ three picks led the conference.