Students Serve in Kenya on Alternative Winter Break
WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY, February 2015
A Message from the President It’s the Year of the Ram! The Chinese New Year began on Feb. 19 and while some have been calling this the Year of the Goat, others throughout the world are calling it the Year of the Sheep or the Year of the Ram. As Cecilia Chien, WCU’s acting chair of history, explains it, the Chinese character yang can be translated as all of these animals. Plus, the eighth sign in the Chinese zodiac also is referred to as the sheep or the ram. That makes it the Year of the Ram in Chien’s book. As for me, every year is the Year of the (Golden) Ram. I have never been prouder of this University and of all that we are achieving. For example, in this issue, you will learn about a new alternative winter break in Kenya, the awarding of a prestigious Red Dress Award to assistant professor Joanne Christaldi, an innovative Winter Session class that gives students an inside look at Philadelphia media industries, and about the 18th and 19th basketball players in WCU history to make 1,000 career points. Such good news makes even the coldest and windiest days – and we have had plenty of those lately – not quite so bad. I hope you are having a productive and enjoyable semester. I look forward to seeing you at some of the exciting events ahead, such as Jane Pauley’s appearance at WCU on March 6 as part of the President’s Speaker Series or Research Day, which takes place on March 24.
Greg R. Weisenstein
In This Issue Students Serve in Kenya on Alternative Winter Break ................................................................2-3
WCU — Points of Pride ...............................................7-9 Media Class Focuses Its Lens on Philly ........................10
Christaldi Honored at Red Dress Awards .......................4 A Recent Grad Looks Back ..........................................11 WCU Goes Extra Mile to Help Homeless Students Succeed .......................................................5-6 It’s the Year of the Ram! ..................................................6
Gala Brings Edwardian England to WCU .....................12
Kaitlin Lederer, in white WCU shirt, and Aubrey Ouimet, in purple WCU shirt, gather with schoolchildren in Alendu, Kenya
Students Serve in Kenya on Alternative Winter Break Education is critical to the success of the children living in Al-
Meanwhile, nutrition students assisted with a program that
endu, a village in the Nyanza province of Kenya. But it’s far
encourages the planting of a wider range of crops for better
from their only need. These students and their families also
nutrition and food security.
require access to clean water, an adequate and well-balanced diet, regular healthcare and a safe environment.
“The volunteer activity that I found most meaningful was working with the Women and Girls Club, alongside fellow stu-
WCU’s first Alternative Winter Break trip to Alendu was de-
dent Erica Vasquez and Dorothy Dulo, founder of Rafiki
signed to address these multiple areas of need, says Beatrice
Africa,” says Dangerfield, a psychology major. “I found work-
Adera, an assistant professor of special education. Adera and
ing with the club so meaningful because of my strong desire
Claire Verden, an associate professor of special education,
and passion for female empowerment.”
led the service-learning trip, which was held Jan. 1-16. They were assisted by student leader Chandler Dangerfield.
“Erica and I discussed many topics, such as self-esteem and leadership. Although the material we presented was very
“We took a multidisciplinary approach, partnering with Lan-
helpful to the group we worked with, I believe the connec-
caster, Pa. based nonprofit Rafiki Africa to focus on the areas
tions made were most meaningful for everyone involved.
of education, food security, health, and the social and economic development of women and girls,” says Adera. “We initiated and implemented new programs, supported current programs, and provided training. Our group included students from a variety of majors, including education, nutrition, psychology and public health.” The trip was short but intense, with an emphasis on sustainable activities to improve the quality of life for Alendu residents long after the students had returned to West Chester. On one morning, education students worked in the classrooms while Adera and Verden conducted a special education professional development session for teachers. 3
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
I have been inspired by the dedication of the women I met to
Like all of WCU’s international programs, pre-trip preparation
strive to succeed and reach greatness.”
was a requisite component. In late December, Amber Geist, a middle school teacher and volunteer with Rafiki Africa, met
Secondary education major Kaitlin Lederer also was moved
with the trip members to talk about her experiences in Alendu.
by her time with the people of Alendu. “I think I’ve always shown appreciation towards my parents but this trip made
“Having lived in Kenya until graduate school, I thought it
me feel appreciation on a different level,” she says. Apprecia-
would be better to bring in someone else to talk about cul-
tion for the love and support that I feel every day. Apprecia-
tural expectations,” says Adera. “I am so familiar with Kenya
tion for security. Appreciation for education. Appreciation for
that I feared I’d forget to tell the students something that
financial support from my parents and also for being able to
would be important to know.”
financially support myself.” Kate Baker, a junior majoring in early grades preparation, says “With the bare minimum, people in this village were truly joy-
that despite the rigorous planning “there was definitely culture
ful and happy,” she adds. “People who have experienced
shock upon our arrival in Kenya.”
such hardships still see the glass as half full. It was inspiring.” “There is only so much that we can do to prepare ourselves Adera, who was born and raised in Kenya, planned extracur-
to travel to another country that is basically the complete op-
ricular activities to augment the service learning, including a
posite of our own,” she adds.
day-long visit to her brother’s house in a nearby town and a two-day safari at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
She also experienced what she calls a “reverse culture shock” when she returned from the trip. “America seemed so
But as much as Dangerfield enjoyed these outings, her fa-
foreign for a few days after returning home,” she says.
vorite downtime activity while in Kenya was far simpler. At the start of the spring semester, Adera held debriefing ses“I most enjoyed lying under a mango tree and watching the
sions so students could discuss and assimilate what they
sun set,” she says. “I am a city girl and have grown accus-
learned. (Verden is currently on sabbatical, working to expand
tomed to the beeping of horns, voices of people, and sound
another WCU service-learning program, in the Bahamas.)
of loud music. In my home community, I never had the oppor-
Adera and Verden are already making plans for WCU’s sec-
tunity to appreciate silence and serenity. I enjoyed the sunset
ond Alternative Winter Break trip to Alendu next January.
so much for that reason, as I felt so at peace with myself.”
4
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
Christaldi Honored at Red Dress Awards Christaldi has been at WCU for two years. Currently, she teaches courses in medical nutrition therapy at the undergraduate level and nutrition assessment at the graduate level. She taught at Marywood University in Scranton for five years and has worked as a clinical dietitian. West Chester University has an ongoing partnership with Campbell Soup Company that includes joint research initiatives as well as internship opportunities for WCU students. Campbell’s is a corporate sponsor of the Red Dress Awards.
Heart-Healthy Tips Joanne Christaldi, an assistant professor of nutrition, was presented with the Campbell Healthy Heart Award at the Red Dress Awards gala, which was held in Manhattan Feb. 10. Woman’s
If you are trying to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle, “change small things,” says Joanne Christaldi. Many people think that they need to do a complete
Day magazine holds the Red Dress Awards annually to spotlight
overhaul of their diet and exercise routine to get results,
doctors, advocates and researchers like Christaldi who are mak-
but Christaldi says that small changes can make a big
ing a difference in the fight against heart disease in women.
difference. Plus, you’re more likely to view small tweaks as painless and make them into permanent habits. Here
Christaldi’s research focuses on the physical and nutritional barriers faced by food insecure households. She has worked with area communities to develop strategies to reduce hunger and food insecurity. Her research has shown how farmers markets can be used to increase consumption of local food in
are some small changes to consider:
•
calories a day.
•
over an elevator. If it helps to motivate you, get a fit-
on adult obesity prevention.
ness monitor that will track your steps.
•
ated a student scholarship in honor of Christaldi’s mother. The
Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Use olive oil, canola oil and margarine that’s free of trans fats.
last April, Christaldi has intensified her efforts to promote heart-healthy living. The College of Health Sciences has cre-
Add 1,000 a day. Walk 1,000 more steps each day. Walk during your lunch break and choose the stairs
low-income neighborhoods. She also has conducted research
Since the sudden passing of her mother from a cardiac event
Cut 100 a day. If you need to lose weight, cut 100
Avoid lard, butter, bacon fat and gravy.
•
Switch from high-fat proteins to low-fat proteins. Instead of scrambled eggs, choose scrambled egg
first recipient, Melissa Conover, was announced last May.
whites. Instead of full-fat milk and cheese choose nonfat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
“Joanne Christaldi is an excellent role model for students,” says Ray Zetts, associate dean of the College of Health Sci-
•
ural substances that may help prevent cardiovascu-
ences. “She embodies the mission of the College of Health Sciences; the use of education, combined with drive and passion, in the promotion of greater understanding and healthy living. Receiving the Campbell’s Healthy Heart Award, at the prestigious Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards, is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to how effectively Dr. Christaldi
Eat your greens. Vegetables and fruits contain natlar disease.
•
Up your fiber intake. Soluble fiber has been shown to decrease cholesterol levels and insoluble fiber has other important health benefits. In addition to fruits and vegetables, eat more whole-grain breads and pastas; barley; oatmeal and legumes.
is spreading the heart-healthy message.”
5
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
WCU Goes Extra Mile to Help Homeless Students Succeed Tori Weigant has become a frequent and welcome presence
WCU is the first university in Pennsylvania to formalize this
in Nafeesah Muhammad’s life. Weigant, WCU’s assistant di-
process, with Weigant acting as the single point of contact.
rector of financial aid, helps Muhammad, a freshman, file her
The financial aid office is currently working with the National
taxes and financial aid forms, look for work study jobs, apply
Association for the Education of Homeless Children and
for food stamps and health insurance, and make plans for
Youth to help build a network of programming for homeless
holiday breaks when the residence halls close.
university students statewide.
As a homeless youth, who has lived independently since she
Muhammad brims with energy, optimism and ambition. A bi-
was a high school junior, 20-year-old Muhammad appreciates
ology major, she takes a fulltime course load and works two
the support, advice and friendship that Weigant provides.
part-time jobs – 20 hours at a local fast-food restaurant and 10 hours at WCU’s
Currently, West
Biology Lab. She
Chester University
plans to become a
has 26 students
physician’s assis-
who are classified
tant. “I want to
by the federal gov-
help people and
ernment as unac-
ease their pain and
companied
that’s a job where I
homeless youth.
can do so,” she
When they are not
says.
living on campus, these students re-
Muhammad grew
side in shelters and
up in Philadelphia
other temporary
and that’s where
housing.
she returns, to live at a Covenant
For many years,
House facility,
WCU has worked
when the university is not in ses-
informally to assist homeless students as they navigate
Tori Weigant, standing, assists WCU freshman Nafeesah Muhammad as she checks on the status of her federal student aid application
sion. She says she likes the small
the college experience on their own, says Dana Parker, direc-
town atmosphere of West Chester and knew from the start
tor of financial aid. “For example, we’ve helped these stu-
that WCU was the right choice.
dents complete financial aid forms and made exceptions for them so that they could receive aid without parental informa-
“I went to a charter high school and they showed us a lot of
tion,” notes Parker.
colleges,” recalls Muhammad. “Right away, when I visited West Chester, I liked it here. I liked the diversity, the people
“Questions about whether one was an ‘unaccompanied
and the classes.”
homeless youth’ first appeared on federal aid forms in 2009. In the past year, under Tori’s leadership, WCU’s
Now that she is midway through her second semester as a
process has become more formal, prompting referrals from
Golden Ram, she finds even more to like. “I’ve made friends
other campus offices.”
and I like my residence hall,” she says. “The fitness center is great and the buffet in the dining hall is really good.”
6
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
Muhammad doesn’t seem to know the meaning of the word
deceased, who used to care for Muhammad while her mother
procrastination.
was working. “If I was supposed to be somewhere at 8 a.m., my grandmother insisted I get there at 7:45 so I wouldn’t be
“Nafeesah was in my office the day she received her W-2
late. She was a stickler for being on time. And she was al-
forms, ready to get her taxes done,” says Weigant. “I usually
ways telling me to make something of myself.”
have to keep reminding students about deadlines, but not Although many would find Muhammad’s fulltime course load
Nafeesah. She makes my job easy.”
coupled with a 30-hour work week daunting, she sails Muhammad’s independence and can-do attitude are evident
through her days. “It’s a lot easier now than when I was in
when her taxes are mentioned. “Now that Tori has showed
high school. I was getting up at 5 a.m., at the shelter, to catch
me how to do my taxes, I’ll be able to do it myself next year,”
the bus to high school and then taking another bus to work
she is quick to note.
afterwards,” she says. “I’ve got a good routine here at WCU. It’s going well.”
There’s been the occasional bump in the road but that hasn’t deterred Muhammad. While she did very well in most of her
And whenever things don’t go well – or Muhammad simply
first semester classes she struggled in her math class. She
needs a friendly ear – she knows exactly where to go. Tori
utilizes the tutors and other resources available through the
Weigant may be her financial aid officer but she also has be-
Academic Development Program, in which she is enrolled.
come the big sister Nafeesah Muhammad never had.
She credits her drive and work ethic to her grandmother, now
It’s the Year of the Ram!
A group of WCU students, along with family and friends, gathered in Philadelphia’s Chinatown in 2014 with Cecilia Chien, who is in the middle of the back row
The Chinese New Year began on February 19. Because of inclement weather, this was the first time in many years that Cecilia Chien, associate professor and acting chair of the history department, wasn’t able to continue her tradition of hosting a field trip to Philadelphia’s Chinatown. In past years, such as in this 2014 photo, students in her Asian history classes met in Philadelphia to watch the traditional Lion Dance parade, visit a fortune cookie factory and enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Peking Duck. 2015 marks the Year of the Goat but the eighth sign in the Chinese zodiac is also referred to as the sheep or ram. So Chien and her students are opting to call it the Year of the Ram. Chien plans a field trip to Chinatown in April, when, hopefully, the weather will be more cooperative.
7
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
WCU — Points of Pride WCU Honored for Community Service West Chester University has once again been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in the area of General Community Service. This award is the highest federal recognition an institution can receive for community service, service-learning, and civic engagement. WCU is committed to meeting community needs and placing students on a lifelong path of active citizenship. Volunteerism by WCU students totaled 605,532 hours in the 2013-14 academic year — a new record. This includes service hours from service learning courses, student clubs and organizations, residence hall associations, athletics, campus departments, and fraternities and sororities.
Students in Katie Solic’s literacy service-learning class assembled a library for a local after-school program
The Corporation for National & Community Service administers the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Council on Education, Campus Compact, and the Interfaith Youth Core.
WCU Goes Mobile Want to see which campus parking lots have available spots? Wondering when the next shuttle bus to South Campus will arrive at your stop? Download the new WCU Mobile app for real-time answers to these questions, plus lots more WCU info, from athletic schedules to the current academic calendar. You also can access myWCU, D2L, webmail, library services and the campus map from the app. Future enhancements will include dining hall menus and campus event info. The app can be found in the Apple iTunes Store and Google Play. WCU's Web Team created the new app, in conjunction with Modo Labs. WCU web team members that worked on the project include Kimberly Slattery, director of content & web services; Bob Truitt, web technical specialist; and Michelle Ortner, web team specialist. Chaw-Ye Chang, director of IT strategic sourcing and planning, managed the contract.
Crime Down in West Chester Serious crime in the Borough of West Chester decreased 12 percent in 2014 compared to one year prior, according to Chief of Police Scott Bohn of the West Chester Police Department. The legal definition of serious crime includes murder, rape, robbery, theft and assault. Serious crimes in the borough have decreased 50 percent since 2000. West Chester University's department of public safety works closely with the Borough of West Chester on policing the campus and area community. “The spirit of cooperation that exists between the departments creates the ability to provide a higher level of service to our individual communities,” says WCU's Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Michael Bicking.
8
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
WCU — Points of Pride Athletics Update
• •
West Chester fall athletics programs won 70 percent of conference games. Three West Chester fall programs made it to the NCAA tournaments — women’s soccer, field hockey and football. The field hockey team advanced to the national semifinals and women’s soccer made the national quarterfinals.
•
Junior Dallas Ely, a guard on the women’s basketball team, eclipsed 1,000 career points in the Golden Rams’ Jan. 13 game against Philadelphia University. Brittany Sicinski, who also is a junior and a guard, went over the 1,000 point mark in a game at Kutztown on Jan. 31. Ely and Sicinski are the 18th and 19th players in school history to reach this milestone.
Dallas Ely
•
Brittany Sicinski
The women’s basketball team secured the second seed out of the Eastern Division for the PSAC postseason tournament and will host a second-round game on March 3.
•
The men’s basketball team has clinched a home game in the first round of the PSAC Tournament. They will finish either second or third in the final regular-season standings.
Knowledge Crossing Borders Chairs Named Mary Braz, associate professor of communication studies, and Linda Stevenson, professor of political science, have been named co-chairs of the next Knowledge Crossing Borders conference. It will be held on WCU’s campus in summer of 2016 – exact dates to be announced. Co-sponsored by West Chester University and Universidad Nacional (UNA), the conference is designed to share research and best practices in higher education worldwide. Most recently, it was held in Heredia, Costa Rica, this past October. Braz was on the planning committee for the 2014 conference. She says she enjoyed connecting with faculty, staff and students from various disciplines around a shared value of internationalization in education. Stevenson is a seasoned Latin American researcher and scholar, who says she benefitted from the three previous Knowledge Crossing Borders conferences. “I am looking forward to offering new opportunities for WCU faculty, administrators, staff and students to share and learn about international education in our 2016 effort,” she says. Braz and Stevenson will be assisted by a planning committee to include President Greg Weisenstein and other members of the University community. Look for updates about Knowledge Crossing Borders 2016 in the months ahead.
9
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
WCU — Points of Pride Area Artists Collaborate on 24/7 Project
Artists Darcie Goldberg, left, and Rhoda Kahler, created The 24/7 Project, which runs through Sat. Feb. 28
The New Gallery is hosting the exhibit The 24/7 Project, which chronicles the adventures of photographer Darcie Goldberg and ceramic artist Rhoda Kahler as they traveled through seven East Coast cities, spending 24 hours in each location. Goldberg photographed sites and people and Kahler created ceramic impressions from the architectural details of these cities. The nationally acclaimed artists are both West Chester residents and Kahler earned her bachelor’s of fine arts at West Chester in 1995. The 24/7 Project runs through Sat. Feb. 28. For details, visit www.24-7project.com.
Research Day Shines the Spotlight on WCU Faculty & Students Faculty and students from many disciplines will be presenting their research at WCU’s 14th annual Research Day, to be held March 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Morning posters and oral presentations will focus chiefly on behavioral and social disciplines; afternoon posters and oral presentations will concentrate primarily on the humanities and applied sciences. The keynote speaker is Adrián López-Denis, a University of Delaware assistant professor, who will speak on “Academic Imperialism and Transnational Field Research in Contemporary Cuba.” His address will be at 7 p.m. in the Gates Recital Hall, Swope Music Building. As a prelude, there will be a Latin American-Latino/a Studies Research Panel at 4:30 p.m., in Sykes Student Union. Adrián López-Denis
Research Day is presented by the West Chester University Research Consortium and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Learn more at
http://www.wcupa.edu/wcurc/default.asp.
Advancement News In November and December, more than $850,000 in new gifts and pledges were raised as part of the Becoming More campaign. The campaign has now reached 53 percent of its $50 million goal — $26,693,009 as of the year’s end.
10
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
Media Class Focuses Its Lens on Philly the Comcast tower was incredible and the experience was fun, interactive and professional. Our Comcast speakers talked about the marketing side of the business and how they are able to learn from other successful companies like Apple to secure customers. Some of their marketing strategies and techniques I had never seen or heard of before, which opened my eyes greatly.”
Students took two field trips during the Philadelphia Media Experience class
Several class members say that they appreciated the networking opportunities that the field trips presented.
Philadelphia is the 4th largest consumer media market in the nation, according to Nielsen Media Research. WCU students
“[The field trips] gave me an inside perspective on the busi-
got a first-hand look at this booming media market during the
ness world that I did not already have,” notes Nick Hudson, a
Philadelphia Media Experience course, which was offered
senior communication studies major. “It gave me a little taste
over Winter Session.
of what the business world is like. I also gained some nice connections that hopefully I will be able to use to my advan-
Ed Lordan, a professor of communication studies, taught the
tage one day when trying to find a job post-college.”
class, which traced the past, present and future of media in the Philadelphia region. Multidisciplinary in nature, it covered
For everything Hudson liked about Comcast, fellow
a wide range of topics that impact and influence
student Maria Coladonato did not. But that was
the media, including government regulation,
a valuable learning experience, too.
technology, literacy and urban planning. “I don’t think I would ‘fit in’ with the big Students completed projects that traced
business atmosphere that a place like
the media history of the Philadelphia
Comcast has,” says Coladonato. “I
region throughout the 20th century.
know some of my classmates received
They also enjoyed visits from guest
some really awesome connections
lecturers and designed their own new
there for the future, which is unbeliev-
media product based on what they
ably cool. It’s important to get ideas of
learned about the industry.
what I’m both interested and uninterested in career-wise.”
But, without a doubt, the most popular part of the class was two field trips, which
This was the fourth time that Lordan has
included visits to The Philadelphia Inquirer
taught Philadelphia Media Experience during
offices, Comcast Corp. headquarters, Curtis
Winter Session. Between the field trips, guest
Publishing Co., and a side trip to Camden, N.J., for a tour of an exhibit about RCA, featuring a private lecture from exhibit curator Stefan Arnarson.
speakers and special projects, it makes for a fast and furious pace for Lordan during January. But he says it is well worth it, knowing how much the students learn, and the contacts they gain with media professionals for potential
“The first field trip was a great experience, learning the origins
jobs.
of newspapers in Philadelphia along with radio across the way in Camden,” says Mike Murphy, a sophomore communication studies major. “The second field trip blew my mind —
11
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
A Recent Grad Looks Back By Veronica Campbell
As children, we all dreamed that someday we would be super
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, ‘14
heroes who would change the world for the better. But maybe as we got older the realities of classwork, homework, jobs, living on ramen noodles and empty bank accounts clouded our dreams. I’m here to tell you that we are all super heroes. If you doubt that, think about who your heroes are. They aren’t on TV, they aren’t perfect; they are people you know. People like your kid sister, your math teacher, your neighbor, your mom or dad. And you don’t have to be perfect either. You simply have to be yourself. We all have our quirks — embrace them. That’s what makes you unique. Follow your passions and follow your dreams. I was born two months premature and as a young child was unable to sit up, speak — even hold a pencil. My parents were told it was unlikely that I would make it to public school
Veronica Campbell penned some recollections of her time at
and that I would never be able to speak in front of the class-
WCU shortly before her graduation in December. President
room. Granted, I still take speech classes to this day, but my
Weisenstein asked Campbell if she would share her thoughts
parents and teachers never gave up on me. They instilled in
with the rest of the University community. Here is an excerpt
me a passion to overcome obstacles. They let me know I am
from her essay:
perfect just as I am. It made me understand that everyone has a hurdle. I was in-
Here at WCU, I have made lifelong friends and bled purple
spired to strive for my best, not perfection. I learned to stand
and gold for our award-winning sports teams and our Greek
up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves.
community, which is the best, bar none. Our students, led by our SGA, have created over 260 campus organizations that
Let’s be the generation that cares for each other and for our
span interests from nutrition and break dancing to business
world; one that accepts differences and imperfections. Let’s
and Russian culture. And we are probably the only university
have tolerance and stand up for those in need to help them
of our size that has dedicated more than 605,000 volunteer
overcome obstacles. If you have knowledge, share it, and if
hours to our community.
you have a voice, use it. One person can make a difference. That person is you. Imperfect you. Imagine what we can ac-
While those accomplishments won’t necessarily land us jobs,
complish together.
they speak volumes about our culture and campus commu-
12
nity. And when you think about it, people and community are
Wherever we go, we can trust that we have a community of
the heart of any university, business or country. West Chester
caring people. And a University that stands behind us, long
University has that heart. Our spirit has led to more accom-
after graduation. We must remember to support our Univer-
plishments than I can list.
sity as alumni so we in turn support the classes that follow us.
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015
Gala Brings Edwardian England to WCU One of the most eagerly awaited social events of the year is just around the corner -- the 32nd Annual Presidential Scholarship Community Gala will be held Saturday, March 21. This year, the gala committee is inviting guests to travel to Edwardian England, to “West Chester Abbey.” Don’t be surprised to see some vintage beaded frocks and elbow-length gloves alongside contemporary evening wear at this black-tire affair. “Guests enjoy getting into the spirit of the theme and dressing the part,” says Susan Vanscovich, director of annual giving & corporate relations for the WCU Foundation, which organizes the event. Since its founding, the Presidential Gala has raised more than $1.1 million in scholarship funds for academically talented students. Eighty-nine students have been awarded the Presidential Scholarship. This year’s recipients are Haley Bucker, a physics major; Casey Pietroforte, a nutrition and dietetics major; and Karlie Scherba, a communication disorders major. Visit http://www.wcufoundation.org/ for tickets or more information.
The Gala by the Numbers The Presidential Scholarship Community Gala attracts more than 400 people each year, and usually sells out. New Street Catering is responsible for wining and dining all these guests. Menu planning starts months in advance, according to Diane Miller, catering sales manager at New Street Catering. And because the event is held at Hollinger Field House – which doesn’t have cooking facilities – temporary kitchens are set up on the track. We won’t give away any secrets and divulge the complete menu for this year’s gala. But Miller did agree to share New Street’s “grocery list” and some logistical details:
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, February 2015