d e t p i r c Uns spring 2021 | waynesburg.edu
Who will I become? MICAH KURKA, JUNIOR NURSING MAJOR
NURSING MAJOR’S PRIORITY EXTERNSHIP With high praise for Waynesburg University’s Nursing Program, Micah Kurka benefited from his experience in the program by earning an exclusive summer externship last year that took him inside one of Pittsburgh’s top hospitals. For a period of 10 weeks, Kurka, currently a junior nursing major, gained hands-on experience as he shadowed a nurse in the level-one trauma center at Allegheny General Hospital.
perform and with the knowledge I needed to be competent,” said Kurka. Waynesburg’s Department of Nursing holds its students to high academic standards and gives them the experience they need to succeed in the real world. The department starts clinical practice as early as sophomore year, in addition to practice in a hightech, state-of-the-art simulation lab.
It was an amazing experience through which Kurka was able to see his classroom experiences come to life in a clinical setting.
“I’ve always said there’s only so much you can learn from inside of a book. The real knowledge and learning you receive is from experience, and this is what makes Waynesburg so different,” Kurka said.
Usually, the externship is given to rising seniors; however, Kurka was awarded the externship as a sophomore – another credit to the education he is receiving at Waynesburg.
After graduation, Kurka hopes to work in an intensive care unit, but he is keeping his options open for the many other opportunities that may come his way.
Despite his age, Kurka wasn’t worried about working alongside a level-one trauma nurse in a face-paced work environment.
“No matter what you want to pursue, the professors and staff [at Waynesburg] will prepare you for the real world, help you get that experience and set you up for success,” Kurka said.
“I felt that Waynesburg really prepared me for this with the skills I needed to
Waynesburg’s BSN Program is regularly recognized for value and academic excellence. Most recently, the program was named a top-five program in the state of Pennsylvania by RegisteredNursing.org for its student outcomes.
IN THIS ISSUE: Alumnus credits success to Waynesburg atmosphere, experience
Learn more about new dining facilities, including Chickfil-A
pg. 3
pg. 4
A self-reflection letter by a junior journalism major pg. 5
Hear directly from parents about their child’s Waynesburg experience pg. 7
DIRECTOR’S NOTE GREETINGS FROM WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY! We hope that you are enjoying the end of your senior year and that you are excited to take your next step after graduation, pursuing a higher education degree! We also hope that you choose to take that next step at Waynesburg University. If you have already made your decision to attend Waynesburg University, we welcome you to our family and assure you that our Student Services Staff is preparing for your arrival this fall. If you have not yet made your decision to attend Waynesburg University, please contact your admissions counselor to ask your important questions that still need answered prior to making your enrollment decision. If you plan to attend Waynesburg University, you should not delay; send in the enrollment form that was included in your acceptance packet or enroll online at enroll.waynesburg.edu/status. First-year and transfer students who deposit and complete their new student form by March 1 will begin to receive their housing assignments, class schedules and summer orientation information on April 15. All other assignments will be made on a first-come first-served basis. Housing is only guaranteed for students who enroll by May 1.
Jackie Palko Director of Admissions Contact: jpalko@waynesburg.edu
I hope this issue of Unscripted can help you get a good look at what it will be like to be a Yellow Jacket! Blessings, Jackie
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ENROLL TODAY enroll.waynesburg.edu/status
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5 STUDENT ACTIVITIES BOARD (SAB) CAMPUS EVENTS TIE DYE & ICE CREAM SOCIAL
An annual event held in Johnson Commons during the first week of classes, where students create their own tie-dye shirts and enjoy Bruster’s Ice Cream, courtesy of the Alumni Council. BISQUE AND BREW
A monthly event held in the Beehive (Stover Campus Center) where a local artist supplies various ceramics for students to paint, and a free drink coupon for the on-campus Starbucks is provided to students. COFFEEHOUSE
A monthly event held in the Beehive (Stover Campus Center) that features a variety of local musicians who perform a combination of cover songs and original music, where students enjoy Starbucks coffee, hot chocolate, tea and cookies provided by the SAB along with a special edition WU mug. WING NIGHT
An event held twice each semester in the Beehive (Stover Campus Center) where students enjoy free boneless chicken wings and music performances by Waynesburg University students. BINGO
5 QUESTIONS?
A monthly event held in the Beehive (Stover Campus Center) where students can win themed prizes, including the $50 prize for the cover-all winner at the end of the evening (one of the most popular SAB events).
Call 1.800.225.7393
Admissions Counselors
Renee McElligott Sr. Assoc. Director of Admissions Contact: rmcellig@waynesburg.edu
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Kyle Digiandomenico
Assistant Director of Admissions Contact: kdigiand@waynesburg.edu
Spring 2021 | Unscripted Newsletter
Bob Barnhart
Admissions Counselor Contact: rdbarnha@waynesburg.edu
Kristen Friday
Admissions Counselor Contact: kfriday@waynesburg.edu
Emily Smelley
Admissions Counselor Contact: esmelley@waynesburg.edu
Alumnus credits success to Waynesburg atmosphere, experience Tyler Martin, a 2020 graduate, believes that Waynesburg University equipped him with the tools he needs – both knowledge and values – to succeed in the workforce. Martin graduated summa cum laude from Waynesburg University in the Spring of 2020 with a degree in history with a focus on secondary education. “Waynesburg’s most valuable assets were the small classrooms and excellent professors. I think that’s what really makes college worth it. The information and content knowledge is all out there for free, but what is worth paying for, in time and money, is access to people who know more than you and are willing to discuss ideas,” Martin said. After serving in the Air Force for six years prior to coming to Waynesburg University, Martin thought he was done growing, but Waynesburg proved him wrong. “I grew at Waynesburg much more than I thought I would… I met new people, new friends. I built strong relationships with my professors that I am incredibly thankful for,” Martin said. “All these factors made me more mature, more empathetic and more willing to learn new things.” Martin currently works as a 7th grade social studies teacher at Esperanza Middle School, where he teaches Modern World Geography. He continues to grow and learn from his fellow educators while improving himself and his teaching skills. Martin offers his advice to prospective students: go for it. “Bigger schools have their strengths, but I have found that going to a school where the professors know your name and care deeply about your success is a place where you can truly grow and reach your potential.”
Top 5 Places to Visit with Friends
Top 7 WU Traditions 1. President’s Breakfast 2. Pumpkin Bowling 3. WU’s The Voice 4. Thanksgiving Dinner (Served by Staff/ Faculty) 5. Winterfest/Light Up Night 6. Tye-Dye Ice Cream Social 7. Mini Relay for Life
1. Carnegie Science Center 2. Ohiopyle 3. Coopers Rock 4. Cheat Lake 5. Kennywood
NEW: experience a virtual tour of campus on your own at any time. Powered by YouVisit, we recently launched a comprehensive 360-degree virtual tour of our beautiful and historic campus. From academic buildings to athletic complexes, you can place yourself right in the middle of this unique, immersive experience. “Visit” us today, right now!
waynesburg.edu/virtualtour Spring 2021 | Unscripted Newsletter
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CountDown to Chick-Fil-A
The countdown is on to our newest oncampus dining facility…Chick-fil-A! Opening in 2021, the Chick-fil-A will serve as an additional dining option for Waynesburg students, as well as the the surrounding community. This new dining option will be included in student meal plans through flex dollars. All new students are required to have a 19-meal plan their entire first year, which includes $200 flex dollars per semester to be used at Chick-fil-A and other dining facilities, including The Market, Beehive and Starbucks. Follow the progress of construction at waynesburg.edu/chickfilacountdown.
Waynesburg University Chick-fil-A rendering, subject to change.
A newly created exterior entrance for the new Chick-fil-A on Franklin Street.
Framing and plumbing rough-ins are installed in the kitchen area.
Electrical and HVAC work being completed in the new space
The MArket The Market celebrated its grand opening at the beginning of the fall 2020 semester. Located in Stover Campus Center and open 24/7, The Market offers food options around the clock. Also located on the second floor of Stover Campus Center is the newly renovated Starbucks and Beehive, which offers made-to-go food options through a state-ofthe-art kiosk and mobile ordering system.
The Market, a 24/7 mini convenience store.
The newly renovated, full-service Starbucks.
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Spring 2021 | Unscripted Newsletter
WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY OFFERS 4 INTEGRATED BACHELOR’S TO MASTER’S PROGRAMS: BUSINESS
ENROLL TODAY
COUNSELING CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION EDUCATION OUR GRADUATES HAVE ATTENDED THE FOLLOWING GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS:
Apply to Waynesburg University Receive an admission decision SEND IN YOUR ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT TO HOLD YOUR SPOT! enroll.waynesburg.edu/status Resident - $250
Non-resident - $125
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Arcadia University (Philadelphia) Calvin Theological Seminary Carlow University Carnegie Mellon University Lipscomb University (Nashville, TN) Louisiana State University Michigan State University Northumbria University (United Kingdom) Penn State University Pittsburgh Theological Seminary UC Santa Barbara University of Alaska University of Michigan University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech West Virginia University
Questions about your next steps at WU? Please contact us at 1.800.225.7393 or admissions@waynesburg.edu.
WU STUDENTS HAVE INTERNED AT:
STUDENT LETTER:
How have you grown at Waynesburg University? By Sierra Medina Dear Waynesburg University,
began to witness the way our roots are irrevocably twisted together, a community where everyone is needed to grow.
It’s hard to conceptualize that three years ago I came to this campus wide-eyed and curious, with a passion for learning and a thirst to connect to the heart of this world. Waynesburg was the last campus I visited and the only university I applied to. The way their mission was cultivated and emanated in those who reached out to me solidified my certainty that I would obtain my journalism degree here in the Department of Communication.
So I grew here, in an almost effortless way. Life seems to do that to you. In meeting the heart of this county by working for The Yellow Jacket every year, with growing through my political science minor in learning how to change communities from the roots up, from beautiful service trips to the Caribbean and downtown Pittsburgh, and from the thousands (literally) of service hours cooking meals at St. Ann’s, packing food pantries, mentoring youth and calling Bingo at the senior center as a Bonner Scholar.
The demanding world of multimedia uniquely broadened my perspective. Humans were designed to connect, to be knit together by the fabric of relationship and strengthened by the stories we tell. Stories of surmounting, stories of desperation, stories of anguish and triumph. I
I’m not too pessimistic to think that it will only be downhill from here, but attending Waynesburg has set the bar for scholarship through faith and a servant-leader mindset that will undoubtedly touch lives. Life is a highway, and I’m forever glad 51 West College Street was one of my first stops.
• ABC News Radio • Aflac • Allegheny County Fire Marshal • Bosch • Carrick Brain Centers • Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC • CNN • Disney • FBI • Hasbro, Inc. • Heinz • Mary Kay, Inc. • Mylan Pharmaceuticals • Pittsburgh CLO • Pittsburgh Pirates/Penguins • Pittsburgh Post-Gazette • ROOT Sports • UPMC Sports Medicine • U.S. Marshals Service • U.S. Secret Service
Spring 2021 | Unscripted Newsletter
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WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY
AT H L E T I C S
CHECK OUT OUR ATHLETICS VIDEO! waynesburg.edu/jacketup httsp://www.youtube.com/
LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS • Airport Restaurant
• KFC
• Aldi
• Kiln to Table
• Arby’s
• Lily Bee’s
• Big Lots
• Little Caesar’s
• Bob Evans
• McDonald’s
• Brady’s Roadhouse
• Mickey’s Mens Store (Men’s Clothing)
• Burgers ad More
• New Lam’s Garden Chinese
• China 88
• Scotty’s Pizza
• Dairy Queen
• Sheetz
• Dollar General
• Subway
• Dollar Tree
• Taco Bell
• Domino’s
• The Fashion Shoppe (Women’s
• Don Patron Mexican Grill Heavyweight Jake Evans made Waynesburg University sports history in 2018 by becoming the school’s first NCAA Division III champion.
ATHLETICS
WAYNESBURGSPORTS.COM
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Spring 2021 | Unscripted Newsletter
• Dunkin’ • Family Dollar
Boutique) • The Locker Room (Sporting Goods & Apparel)
• Fat Angelo’s
• Walmart
• Fruition Bowls & Brews
• Wendy’s
• Giant Eagle
• 5 Kidz Kandy (Candy and Ice Cream)
• Golden Wok
• …and many more!
• Hardee’s and Red Burrito
HOW WE RANK
Ranked at No. 4 on U.S. News & World Report’s Regional Universities North list, Waynesburg University qualified as a Best Value School due to the high quality of academic programs combined with low costs. Find out more at Waynesburg.edu/value.
THOUGHTS FROM PARENTS DEAR PRESIDENT LEE, There are few moments in my life when I felt as though my heart would literally break. As we pulled into the parking lot at Waynesburg University, after our 14-hour drive from Maine, the moment my husband and I had been dreading for the past four years was upon us. And my heart started to break. Our little girl was not so little anymore. As we hiked up the three flights of stairs to Hollie’s room, the questions nagged. Had we done enough to prepare her for this? Will she be safe? Will she trust in the One who loves her deeply or turn to something else? As we said our good-byes and walked back to the car, alone, the tears began. Little did we know that two short years later, God would call us to serve as missionaries in Africa, over 8,000 miles away from that small dorm room. Waynesburg University would become Hollie’s actual home, as we had sold ours, and her professors, friends, and one very special admissions counselor, would become her second family. Waynesburg is a direct answer to some of our most heartfelt prayers to God. When we think about Waynesburg University, there is one word that comes to mind, invaluable. Waynesburg provides an exceptional education, delivered by professors who are intelligent, challenging, caring and most importantly, faithful believers. They encourage their students to think critically and provide an atmosphere where questions regarding faith are welcome, allowing students to take ownership of their beliefs. Academics are important, but even more important to us is that our daughter becomes an individual of integrity and character who contributes to her community, sharing the love of Christ through both words and actions. The
Waynesburg community encourages this and we have seen tremendous growth in Hollie. She is a young woman who is thriving in her double major, growing confident in her beliefs, and exhibiting courage in new areas of her life. Waynesburg University will have a lasting impact on Hollie’s life and ours as well. Jill & Steve Imperato
Spring 2021 | Unscripted Newsletter
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