Wilson Magazine Summer 2017

Determined

Doer

Deborah Douie Merritt ’76 works with interfaith network to help homeless The Power of Friendship | Commencement Speakers Address Change Research Role Model | Illuminating the Lives of First Ladies | Reunion Recap volume 90 | SUMMER 2017 | number 2

THE WILSON FUND

“Every year, one of the most important financial contributions to the student experience comes from the Wilson Fund, which supports research, internships, scholarships and more. In fact, the Wilson Fund is the most important way that you can directly support each of our students’ individual goals.”

Barbara K. Mistick President, Wilson College

MAKE YOUR GIFT BY JUNE 30 wilson.edu/makeagift

volume 90 | SUMMER 2017 | number 2

FEATURES

22 Interviewing the Stars

08 “Change with Kindness”

By Coleen Dee Berry Speakers at Wilson’s 147th Commencement ceremony deliver messages of inspiration and insight.

24 Activists and Decision-Makers

10 The Power of Friendship

By Coleen Dee Berry Lasting friendships have always been an inherent part of the Wilson student experience.

10

16 A Dedicated Doer

By Lori L. Ferguson Deborah Douie Merritt ’76 volunteers at a Philadelphia interfaith network to provide support for homeless families.

AROUND

THE GREEN

Jenna Kauffman ’17 turns her love of music into a bonanza for The Billboard.

In her new book, Wilson professor Jill Abraham Hummer looks at modern first ladies and their impact on history.

26 For the Love of the Game Kayla Sullenberger Hogan ’16, G’18 completes her Phoenix softball career with a trio of accomplishments.

ALUMNAE/I 30 Alumnae Association Reunion Weekend 2017; President’s Report, Annual Trustees Report; AAWC Awards; Reunion 2017 photos; new trips for 2018; Ring-It-Forward ceremony.

39 Class Notes

61 In Memoriam 20 Research Role Model Anna Harutyunyan ’17 seeks to make her mark in the realm of scientific research.

08

DEPARTMENTS 02 Letter from the Editor

16

03 Wilson News A new student services center takes shape; Master of Fine Arts program adds new concentration; David True wins Luce grant; College announces recipients of Mazur award; nursing honor society inducts members; streetscape improvements continue; alumna gift sparks studies for new bridge over Conococheague; Hankey Center opens exhibit on athletics; Fulton Farm operates state-of-the-art composting vessel; alumna undertakes new movie project; Wilson students present at annual

Pennsylvania Academy of Science meeting; academic awards announced.

07 Alumnae/i News Authors Hall of Fame ceremony; softball tailgate party; West Coast visits.

28 Hidden History: “Healthful Exercise at All Times”

By Amy Ensley 29 Viewpoint: A Response to “The Significance of Jerusalem”

By Ruth Wasser de Sola Mendes ’60 64 Last Word: Watching Students Walk

By Steven Schmidt

ON THE COVER Deborah Douie Merritt ’76 at her church, Summit Presbyterian in Mt. Airy, Pa.

STAFF

WILSON MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Coleen Dee Berry, Managing Editor Mary F. Cramer ’91, Alumnae Association President Amy Ensley, Director of the Hankey Center Marybeth Famulare, Director of Alumnae/i Relations Lisbeth Sheppard Luka ’69, Alumnae Association Cathy Mentzer, Manager of Media Relations and College Editor Camilla B. Rawleigh, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jeremy Shepherd, Assistant Athletics Director for Athletic Communications Brian Speer, Vice President for Marketing and Communications Kendra Tidd, Graphic Designer Courtney D. Wolfe ’12, Class Notes Coordinator Judy Kreutz Young ’63, Alumnae Association Wilson Magazine is published quarterly by the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Alumnae Association of Wilson College.

Send address changes to: Wilson College Alumnae/i Relations, 1015 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, Pa. 17201-1279, 717-262-2010 or mag@wilson.edu.

Opinions expressed are those of the contributors or the editor and do not represent the official positions of Wilson College or the Alumnae Association of Wilson College.

— letter from the —

editor

The college experience can be transformative and eyeopening, stressful and affirming, all at the same time. In the crucible of these challenges, true friendships are forged.

PHOTO BY JAMES BUTTS

Brian Speer Executive Editor Coleen Dee Berry Managing Editor Kendra Tidd Design Cathy Mentzer College Editor Courtney D. Wolfe ’12 Class Notes Coordinator Contributing Writers Coleen Dee Berry, Frances Caroscio, Amy Ensley, Lori L. Ferguson, Gina Gallucci-White, Laura B. Hans, Cathy Mentzer, Meagan Miller �18, Steven Schmidt, Ruth Wasser de Sola Mendes �60 Contributing Photographers James Butts, Fred Field, Daniel Glazier �18, Kimberly Kunda Photography, Matthew Lester, Cathy Mentzer, Ryan Smith, Bob Stoler, Kendra Tidd Cover Photo by: Kimberly Kunda Photography

Wilson is fortunate to have an especially rich tradition of alumnae/i who have become lifelong friends. Read any Class Notes section and you will find countless mentions of alums visiting each other, traveling together and celebrating their own friendship milestones.

What dynamics go into these lasting friendships and how did they begin? In the course of putting together “The Power of Friendship” for this issue, I spoke with many Wilson graduates who told remarkable stories of long-lived friendships that began on campus, and I can only hope that I did justice to those that are included in the article. I found the power of Wilson friendships to be truly amazing!

Reunion Weekend in June brought many friends back to campus to reconnect and refresh their bonds. Look for photos and information in the Alumnae/i section. A recap of Wilson’s 147th Commencement ceremony is also included in this issue.

The event featured remarks by David Risher, cofounder of Worldreader and son of Sarah Walker Risher ’63, and by Susan Breakefield Fulton ’61.

In this issue, you can also read about the volunteer work of Deborah Douie Merritt ’76 to help the homeless in Philadelphia. Find out about the scientific research projects of Anna Harutyunyan ’17 and the interviewing prowess of Jenna Kauffman ’17, and celebrate Associate Professor of Political Science Jill Abraham Hummer’s new book about American first ladies.

News from around campus includes the formation of a new student services center, the addition of a third concentration in the Master of Fine Arts program and a new gift from Thérèse Murray Goodwin ’49. Read about new grants awarded to Wilson professors and a new movie being produced by Candace Straight ’69.

Hope you are all enjoying a lovely summer! Read on, and enjoy!

Coleen Dee Berry Managing Editor

CONTACT US: Wilson Magazine mag@wilson.edu 717-262-2607 www.wilson.edu/magazine Alumnae Association aawc@wilson.edu 717-262-2010 www.wilson.edu/aawc Office of Alumnae/i Relations ARoffice@wilson.edu 717-262-2010 www.wilson.edu/alumnae

You can read Wilson Magazine online at:

www.wilson.edu/wilsonmag Class notes are not published online for privacy reasons. If you would like to receive a PDF of the class notes, please email Wilson Magazine at mag@wilson.edu.

WILSON NEWS NEW STUDENT SERVICES CENTER

PLANNED FOR FALL

A

centralized student services center will open this fall on the first floor of Lenfest Commons. This “one-stop shop”

approach is a response to student feedback about the need to minimize the number of offices they must visit to obtain a wide range of campus services.

The center will create a more student-focused environment by providing quick and efficient assistance with services, including: applying for financial aid and scholarships; obtaining transcripts and parking information, and paying bills and getting student PHOTO BY KENDRA TIDD

identification cards, according to José Dieudonné, associate vice president of technology and library services.

Staff for the center will be cross-trained by the College’s business office, registrar’s office and financial aid office in order to handle all facets of student services. Those three offices will also provide an operations support network for the student center and Dieudonné will act as the director of the center for the first

José Dieudonné, right, reviews student services center plans with Richard Sanders, supervisor for Chambersburg construction company R.A. Hill Inc.

year of operation.

Each student will be assigned a personal student services

transcript, this way it can be taken care of with one visit or phone

counselor, who will serve as a single point of contact to guide

call,” he said. The personal student services counselor is mod-

them through their stay at Wilson—from acceptance to gradu-

eled after Wilson’s personal librarian service.

ation, Dieudonné said. “Rather than students having to speak to one person about finances and then another about getting a

The center will be located in the site of the former college bookstore. Renovations are being made over the summer and a grand opening is anticipated in time for the fall semester.

“Rather than students having to speak to one person about finances and then another about getting a transcript, this way it can be taken care of with one visit or phone call.”

A student services Web page is also planned, providing information about campus services and allowing students to apply online for such things as financial aid, scholarships and parking permits.

The one-stop student services center idea grew out of student responses to a survey about their customer service experience at Wilson. The survey study determined that centralizing student services would appeal to Wilson’s diverse student population, which is engaged in not only academics, but also in raising families and holding down jobs.

— Coleen Dee Berry

José Dieudonné, associate vice president of technology and library services

summer 2017 03

WILSON NEWS COLLEGE INDUCTS MEMBERS INTO NEW

NURSING HONOR SOCIETY

In April, the nursing program at Wilson College inducted 40 students and community members into its new nursing honor society. Officials expect the society to become a chapter of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, in 2018.

To become a member of the Nursing Honor Society at Wilson College, nurses from the community must be invited and hold a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in nursing. Students in Wilson’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in nursing who have completed at least three-quarters of their education and have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher are also eligible for membership.

The honor society was created, in part, as a forum to support nursing scholarship and career advancement through mentorship and educational opportunities, according to Carolyn Hart, director of Wilson’s nursing program. —Cathy Mentzer

MFA ADDS INTERDISCIPLINARY

CONCENTRATION

The Master of Fine Arts program, now in its second year, has added a third concentration—in interdisciplinary arts—to existing concentrations in visual arts and choreography. The new concentration reflects both the collaborative character of Wilson’s M.F.A. and the program’s ability to bridge disciplines, according to program director Joshua Legg.

“The M.F.A. began with the idea of bringing dance-makers and visual artists together in a unique program,” Legg said. “There was an expectation that while students would concentrate in choreography or visual arts, they would learn about the other discipline, as well.”

In the process, the program’s collaborative nature and freedom for students to explore multiple art forms led organically to the new concentration, which was requested by the students themselves and formalizes the relationship between disciplines. “This option reflects how many artists are working in the professional world,” said Legg, who has served as the M.F.A.’s director since January.

Wilson’s M.F.A.—a low-residency program with a unique mentoring component—is designed for working artists and others who have been away from academia and are now seeking an advanced degree. The program graduated its first six students in May. Three of the students live in Pennsylvania, while the other three live as far away as Arizona, New York City and Paris, Legg said. —CM

04 wilson magazine

NEWS

IN BRIEF

OUTSTANDING STUDENTS RECOGNIZED WITH ACADEMIC AWARDS Wilson College held its annual academic awards ceremony on Friday, April 28, in the Brooks Science Center, capping a full day of recognizing academic excellence. Student Research Day was held earlier in the day.

The Margaret Criswell Disert Honors Scholarship was awarded to Deborah Rifflard ’18. For a full list of the awards, go online to www.wilson. edu/2017awards.

STREETSCAPE PHASE 2 COMPLETED As part of the ongoing Streetscape and Pedestrian Safety Initiative, the College and the Borough of Chambersburg installed 36 new lights along campus property along U.S. 11 (Philadelphia Avenue). Due to the necessary trenching to bury electrical lines for the new lights, several trees had to be removed and grading changes were made along the sidewalk. The project was scheduled to be completed in July.

The College is currently working with Chambersburg’s Shade Tree Commission to apply for a grant to pay for 35 new trees to be planted along this stretch of U.S. 11 in spring 2018.

ALUMNA UNDERTAKES NEW MOVIE Candace Straight ’69 is once again in the movie business.

After her executive producer experience in 2016 with the woman-centered Wall Street film Equity, Straight will reprise that role for The Pages, an independent film that begins shooting this summer. Directed by Joe Chappelle, The Pages is described as “a female-driven political thriller about obsession, betrayal and regret,” and co-stars Tika Sumpter, Ben Tavassoli and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film is being produced CorradoMooncoin, a Chicago-based independent film and television production company established by Chappelle and Colleen Griffen.

DAVID TRUE WINS LUCE GRANT FOR POLITICAL THEOLOGY PROJECT

PHOTO BY CATHY MENTZER

NEW COMPOSTER IN USE AT FULTON FARM The Fulton Farm is now using an in-vessel composter from DariTech Environmental to handle food waste from the campus dining hall and Volvo International. This unit will enable the farm to generate compost at a much faster rate than the current, static compost pile/ windrow method, according to Chris Mayer, director of the Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies. She said the state-of-the-art composter will provide opportunities Fulton Center Director Chris Mayer shows for both student off the first batch of compost from the Fulton research and public Farm’s new composter. education about innovative solutions for reducing food-waste. The in-vessel composter is a prototype model from DTE, a subsidiary of DariTech Inc. which is based in Washington state, and is on loan to Wilson for three years. —CDB

to try to bring them within shouting distance, so to speak; to try and create something of a shared conversation or at least a shared conversation space.”

True, who joined the editorial team of Political Theology in 2004, was originally recruited to serve as a book review editor and later was named journal co-editor. He helped launch the journal’s blog, Political Theology Today, which he serves as executive editor.

True, of Camp Hill, Pa., organizes Wilson’s annual Orr Forum on matters of religion, as well as the Common Hour discussions held throughout the academic year. He is a current recipient of Wilson’s Drusilla Stevens Mazur Research Award. —CM PHOTO BY RYAN SMITH

The Henry R. Luce Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant to the editors of the academic journal Political Theology—Wilson Associate Professor of Religion David True and Vincent Lloyd, associate professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The Luce grant was awarded to True and Lloyd to help develop an interdisciplinary community of scholars interested in the intersection of religion and politics—building on the intellectual community that has already gathered around the journal, according to True, who also chairs Wilson’s Department of Philosophy and Religion.

“Political theology is a subject that’s addressed in an array of disciplines,” said True. “The grant will help us try to, in some ways, act as a catalysing force for those many different conversations—

MAZUR RESEARCH

AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Wilson Associate Professor of Religion David True and Assistant Professor of Nursing Brenda Elliott are the newest recipients of the College’s Drusilla Stevens Mazur Research Award.

True was granted the award for his proposal to conduct traditional and field-based research on “prophetic discourse.”

The focus of his study is the history and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. In addition, True plans to use the award to assist in planning for Wilson’s second “MLK Travel Seminar” to be held in the spring term of 2018. The first such seminar was held during January Term in 2016 and involved a trip to Selma, Ala. The upcoming seminar is planned as an Alternative Spring Break course to be taught/based in Atlanta.

Another Mazur award went to Assistant Professor of Nursing Brenda Elliott for her plan to study nursing care provided to military veterans, both in healthcare facilities and in home settings. There are as many veterans in the United States as there are children under the age of 5. Today, fewer of them receive medical care through the Veterans Administration—most now receive care through the traditional healthcare system, according to Elliott. She hopes to use the results of her research to inform nursing curricula about how to address the unique healthcare needs of the veteran population. —CM

summer 2017 05

WILSON NEWS STUDENTS PRESENT RESEARCH AT

PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

Seniors Gaser Ahmed and Anna Harutyunyan were awarded a PAS Outstanding Research Grant for their research projects. Senior Vanessa Lybarger and juniors Ahmed Alshahrani and Tracy Dile also presented research at the PAS meeting, which was the award competition’s sixth year.

Ahmed, who is majoring in biology and chemistry, presented his research project, Analysis of the Effects of Gluten Proteins and Low-Gliadin Wheat Products on Celiac Disease in NOD-DQ8 Mice. This study was performed to determine the effects of gluten, gliadin, glutenin and low-gliadin products on the progression of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of a wheat gluten protein called gliadin. The research was also done to determine whether there is a maximum amount that is safe to consume in a mouse model prone to developing the disease.

Results of the study will provide further information about the immunotoxicity of gliadin and glutenin, and the safety of consumption of low-gliadin products, which may set the stage for application in humans. Ahmed was assisted in his project by biology professors Dana Harriger and Brad Engle.

Harutyunyan, who is majoring in biology and chemistry, presented a research project called Synthesis and Effects of Fe-AZT and Pd-AZT on Viability of Human Hepatocytes and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, is the fifth-most common cancer and third-most common cause of cancer mortality around the world. It is difficult to treat due to early metastasis and progression.

Harutyunyan’s study investigates the potential toxicity of an iron derivative of the AIDS drug AZT (Fe-AZT) in a cell culture model by analyzing cell viability. Results could provide evidence for using this compound as an anticancer treatment for liver cancer. She was assisted in her project by Harriger and Professor of Chemistry Deborah Austin.

Students shared the results of their research during Wilson’s annual Student Research Day on April 28. —CM

06 wilson magazine

PHOTO BY KENDRA TIDD

Five Wilson students presented the results of their research and two were recognized with research grants at the 93rd Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, held March 31 to April 2 at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

WILSON ATHLETICS EXHIBIT

OPENS AT HANKEY CENTER Wilson’s Hankey Center recently opened a new exhibit showcasing the evolution of college athletics, chronicling the history of Wilson sports from the earliest, basketball, to perhaps the most unusual, synchronized swimming.

The exhibit features several noted female sports figures who have taught and competed at the College. Early 1900s tennis champion Mary K. Browne gave special lessons to the most talented players. Wilson lacrosse coach Kathleen A. Heinze took the 1975 U.S. women’s touring team to an undefeated title against Great Britain with the help of players Constance Burgess Lanzl ’72 and Sandra Walker ’74. Constance Appleby, credited with bringing field hockey to the United States from England, introduced the sport to Wilson, where it is still played today.

Vintage gym uniforms, varsity letter sweaters and athletic equipment donated by Wilson Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lori Frey are also on display.

The exhibit runs until next June and is free to the public. Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For an appointment, call 717-264-4141, ext. 3279, or email amy.ensley@wilson.edu. —Meagan Miller �18

GOODWIN PROVIDES GIFT FOR

NEW CONOCOCHEAGUE BRIDGE A $1.5 million gift from Thérèse Murray Goodwin ’49 will enable the College to replace and widen the existing single-lane bridge over the Conococheague Creek, opening the door to expansion of the western section of campus. Goodwin, described by campus officials as one of Wilson’s “visionary donors,” has made a number of important gifts, including a $1.1 million lead gift that laid the foundation for the College’s successful Reimagining the John Stewart Memorial Library project.

The bridge connects the equestrian complex, Fulton Farm and the Kris’ Meadow athletic fields to the main part of campus. The planned replacement bridge would have two lanes and a pedestrian walkway, according to Brian Ecker, vice president for finance and administration. Design studies for the replacement bridge got underway this summer. Construction is expected to begin sometime in 2018. —CDB

ALUMNAE/I NEWS WILSON WELCOMES FIRST MEMBERS

VISITS

TO THE AUTHORS HALL OF FAME COAST-TO-COAST Wilson College President Emerita Gwendolyn Jensen and Elisabeth “Nan” Hudnut Clarkson ’47 were honored as the first inductees into the Wilson College Authors Hall of Fame during Reunion Weekend 2017.

The Authors Hall of Fame celebrates members of the Wilson community who have made significant contributions to the literary tradition and culture of the College. The ceremony was presided over by Michael J. Cornelius, professor of English and director of Wilson’s Master of Humanities program.

Jensen read from her upcoming third book, Graceful Ghost, a collection of moving and emotional poems centered on her husband’s death and the grieving process.

One poem, “It’s a Fearful Thing,” concluded, “It’s a fearful thing to love what death can touch.”

Clarkson regaled the audience with the tale of how she came to write You Can Always Tell a Freshman, a humorous college guide she penned as a senior with fellow Wilson student and illustrator Marjorie Bauernschmidt Barnhart ’47. Published

by E.P. Dutton, the book was a bestseller, selling more copies in its first year than

the Winnie the Pooh series. When Clarkson attended graduate school at the University of Buffalo, the book won her entry into a “by acceptance only” class presided over by author John Barth. “It turned out he had bought a copy for his sister when she went to college,” Clarkson said.

Cornelius read from several of his writings, including a prose poem based on the Georges Seurat painting, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, and written from the point of view of one of the subjects in the painting, who is “not fishing.” Other readers at the ceremony included Francesca Giustini ’18, Gladys Ophelia “Faye” Wilson ’77 and President Barbara K. Mistick.

The ceremony ended with the audience visiting the Wilson College Authors Wall in the John Stewart Memorial Library, where a special section has been set aside for books by Wilson-affiliated authors. All members of the extended Wilson community—alumnae/i and current and former faculty, staff and administration—are invited to send a copy of their published book(s) to add to the collection. Books may be sent to: Wilson College, Office of Alumnae/i Relations, Authors Wall, 1015 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, Pa. 17201.

SOFTBALL TAILGATE

Phoenix supporters were out in force for the tailgate party at a Wilson vs. Penn State Abington softball game on April 29. The event was sponsored by the College’s Office for Institutional Advancement and the Alumnae Association of Wilson College.

Santa Monica—April 10, 2017 From left: Bonnie Mercer Cohn ’64, Daniel O'Keefe ’20 and Christi Wilkins ’84.

San Diego—April 12, 2017 From left, Theresa Filippi Loverro ’63, Michael Cornelius, Wilson professor of English and program director of the Master of Humanities program, Elizabeth Gisiger Stevens ’48, Joseph Garcia ’17, Helen Foster Eveland ’52 and Joanna Ramos.

Pittsburgh Lunch—May 13, 2017 Top row, from left: Bonnie Brindley Morris ’69, Carole Stoehr Ashbridge ’70, Kathy Kelley Karns ’74, Jane Taylor Fox ’59 and Norma Caquatto ’67. Bottom row, from left: Phyllis Kaspareit Davidson ’52, Carol Schaaf Heppner ’64, Carol-Jean Russell McGreevy-Morales ’64 and Barbara Fulton Hinton ’51.

summer 2017 07

‘CHANGE WITH

S

peakers at Wilson’s 147th commencement ceremony delivered messages of inspiration and insight to the Class of 2017: Change with kindness. Don’t think about the amount of time it will take to reach your goals, just start reaching. Find the fuel to do great things.

Commencement speaker David Risher (pictured above with President Barbara K. Mistick) told graduates how a padlocked library in a small town in Ecuador about 10 years ago sparked his initiative to cofound Worldreader, an international organization devoted to expanding literacy. From the time he was a young child, Risher was an avid reader. While visiting a school campus in Guayaquil, Ecuador, he noticed the locked library, unused because most of its books were outdated. When he asked to look inside, the school principal told him she had forgotten where she put the key. To someone “who believed deeply in the power of reading, it was a punch to the gut,” he said. “I thought, ‘We have to change this.’’’ That moment and that outrage ignited the idea for Worldreader.

Risher, son of Wilson alumna Sarah Walker Risher ’63, has played pivotal roles as an executive for tech giants Amazon and Microsoft. Now he is working to give children in developing countries virtually unlimited access to digital books through Kindles and cell phones.

08 wilson magazine

In its first seven years, Worldreader has supported more than 6 million readers worldwide.

With his mother in the audience, Risher read from a letter she wrote while working for the Red Cross, expressing her unhappiness when the organization tried to dissuade her from dating an African-American man.

She married John Risher, David's father, and motivated by her unhappiness about prejudice, continued to fight for causes such as desegregation and women’s rights.

Find your catalyst to make a difference, Risher urged graduates. If life hands you disappointment, “look that squarely in the eye,” he said. “Then ask yourself, how can I turn that into a fuel that burns?”

The commencement ceremony was held on the campus green under sunny skies at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 14. Approximately 108 students received bachelor’s and associate degrees during the ceremony and another 75 graduates received master’s degrees. For the first time, the College had graduates receiving degrees in three programs: Master of Fine Arts, Master of Healthcare Management for Sustainability and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

In her welcoming remarks, President Barbara K. Mistick told graduates that she was “confident that your Wilson experience has prepared you for the challenges

KINDNESS’ ahead. Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to because you are a Wilson graduate.” Mistick also conferred on Risher the honorary degree of doctor of humane letters.

Be supportive of each other.

Lift one another up. What we do with our education is a choice, so choose to make a difference.

—Amanda Kenney 17, Adult Degree Program

Adult Degree Program speaker Amanda Kenney ’17 told the audience it took her seven years to get her degree. “I realized I had to stop thinking about how much time it would take to reach my goals and just start reaching for

them,” she said. Her advice to classmates: “Be supportive of each other. Lift one another up. What we do with our education is a choice, so choose to make a difference.”

Class of 2017 President Samantha Schlegel and Celia Whitcomb, class vice president, spoke about how as freshmen, their class was the first to welcome men as undergraduates. The class adopted some measures to make the men feel at home, such as changing song lyrics and revamping the banner-stealing tradition. “Wilson always had reputation for producing strong women,” said Schlegel. “We decided to be strong women with men at our side.”

During the ceremony, Trustee Emerita Betty Lou Leedom Thompson ’60 conferred trustee emerita status on Susan Breakefield Fulton ’61, who also made reference to the college’s coeducational decision and said she originally disapproved of the idea. “Often we wish that things will not change, that they will remain the same, but life doesn’t often grant us that wish,” Fulton said. “I’ve realized the important thing is to change with kindness. That’s the only way to go about it.”

—Coleen Dee Berry | photos by Bob Stoler

summer 2017 09

10 wilson magazine

THE POWER

OF

Connections forged on campus stand the test of time

by Coleen Dee Berry

A

sk alumnae/i what they value most

would be unrecognizable had it not been for

about their time at Wilson and

the influence of my Wilson friends.”

they mention the liberal arts experience, the attentiveness of professors and the confidence they gained in the College’s supportive environment. But there is one more benefit that many carry with them undimmed through the decades: friendship.

In comments returned on the recent alumnae/i survey put out by the Office of Alumnae/i Relations and the Office of Career Development, the topic comes up again and again. “When I was reviewing the survey, I was truly impressed by the number of re-

“Of everything that Wilson gave me, this is

spondents who spoke about their profound

the most important thing to me—my Wil-

and lifelong friendships with other Wilson

son friendships,” Amy Clapp ’75 said about

alums,” said Camilla Rawleigh, vice presi-

her circle of Wilson friends who, after four

dent for institutional advancement. “I think

decades, still get together several times a

it speaks volumes about the nature of their

year and converse almost daily. “My life

student experiences here.”

of the times, which can also lead to strong relationships.

Many experts agree that college is a transformative experience for students. “If you’re not going home a lot, you create a new ‘family’ for yourself on campus,” said Julie Raulli, associate professor of sociology. “It’s a time when you are exposed to new ideas, when you have an intellectual give and take—and this also helps you to bond, especially if you’re going to school in an era when you’re facing big issues … like the civil rights movement of the ’60s or today’s political environment. It’s like you and your classmates develop a common language. You share this path together.”

The bonds are forged over late nights spent in deep discussions, sharing personal stories or lending a sympathetic ear. At Wilson, the small size of the campus and the intimate environment cultivate connections and often nurture friendships that might not have formed outside of the College. Alyssa Yeip-Lewerenz ’09 and Mariza Lakmini Cooray-Dias ’10 were resident assistants together at Wilson, and that experience sparked a lasting friendship that has survived in spite of the miles between them after graduation.

Cooray-Dias, who attended Wilson as an international student from Sri Lanka, invited Yeip-Lewerenz to accompany her to her brother’s wedding in her home country. “I spent three weeks in Sri Lanka,” Yeip-Lewerenz said. “This when their civil war was still going on, when there were not a lot of tourists in the country. Everyone was interested in me and they loved showing me their country.”

Yeip married Chris Lewerenz in 2014 and asked Cooray-Dias to be her bridesmaid. Cooray-Dias stayed with her for two weeks during the wedding, but with Cooray-Dias working in Australia and then in New Guinea, the two have not been able to spend time together since.

Instead, they use Skype and Facebook so “we can keep up with what both of us are doing,” Yeip-Lewerenz said.

“We’re trying to plan another visit.”

Amid all the pressures of college life and academics, students often find themselves grappling with the tumult

12 wilson magazine

Lynn Negus ’61 found herself leading a protest against a Chambersburg establishment that refused to serve Wilson’s African-American students. She counts one of those students, Janice “Jay” Johnson ’61, among her close friends. “We were there during a time when things were beginning to change, not just in civil rights but also the women’s movement,” Negus said. “We were very supportive of each other and what we wanted to accomplish.” When her parents refused to let her bring Johnson home over spring break, Negus instead spent the time with Johnson’s family in Baltimore. “For four days I did not see another white At left, Mariza Lakmini Cooray-Dias �10 and person. I was toAlyssa Yeip-Lewerenz �09 at Yeip-Lewerenz's tally immersed in wedding. Above, Janice "Jay" Johnson and black culture and Lynn Negus from the Class of 1961 during their it was a real-eye55th reunion in 2016. opener for me. It taught me a lot about what it was like to be a minority—it changed me forever.”

Many graduates speak of friendships that only grow stronger over decades. Long-term friendships such as these may hold the key to well-being, according to Steven Schmidt, associate professor of psychology. “Support through friendship is a huge protective factor for health-related issues,’ he said. “It’s not the quantity, but the quality of the friends that acts as a support network.”

Studies on friendship and social support, like those done

by Darcy Clay Siebert, Elizabeth J. Mutran and Donald C.

Reitzes, have shown that older Americans with lifelong friendships have a positive support system that contributes to better mental and physical health.

These support systems formed by longtime Wilson friends have helped them cope with health issues and even the death of spouses and family members. Lee Stephens ’90 turned to best friend Victoria Barnes-Lewis ’90 when her eyesight began to diminish due to severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. “Her moral support when I had moments of not being able to deal with losing my eyesight was tremendous,” Stephens said. “She saw me frustrated, angry and depressed, but she hung in there through all the cussing and the tears. I think she even learned to appreciate the morbid sense of humor I developed about my sight—or lack thereof!”

I never imagined that when I went to Wilson … I'd meet my best friend for life.”

-VICTORIA BARNES-LEWIS �90 Her support was “part of just being a best friend,” BarnesLewis said. “Lee is my sister from another mother. And I know she would have done the same for me.”

The Tweedles In 1986, Stephens and Barnes-Lewis found themselves on the second floor of the Davison dormitory. Though they were not roommates, they instantly gravitated to each other. “We had a lot in common—like our taste in music, both being from small towns. Something just clicked,” said Barnes-Lewis.

In wasn’t very long before their classmates had a name for the inseparable pair: the Tweedles. “While we were at

Wilson, unless we were in class, you saw both of us in the same place, at the same time, all the time,” Stephens said.

“We were always together. Like Tweedledee and Tweedledum, I guess, but it became just the Tweedles.”

Above, the Tweedles: Victoria Barnes-Lewis '90, left, and Lee Stephens '90 at a Trace Adkins concert.

The two never lost touch after graduation, “even if it was just an occasional phone call to check in, a quick, ‘Hey, how you doing?’” Barnes-Lewis said. Eventually they both married (Stephens was Barnes-Lewis’ maid of honor and Barnes-Lewis was Stephens’ matron of honor) and moved closer to each other. Now they see each other often—Barnes-Lewis lives in Shippensburg and commutes to her job in Harrisburg and Stephens lives and works in Harrisburg.

The pair still has “Tweedle time.” “We’ll take a day off, go shopping, have lunch or dinner, do something fun,” Stephens said. “No husbands, housemates, dogs, cats, whatever—just us.”

“I never imagined that when I went to Wilson as a freshman, that I’d meet my best friend for life,” Barnes-Lewis said. “Lo and behold, she was right there across hall from me.” Stephens echoes the sentiment. “She’s not only my best friend; she’s family. I can’t imagine not having her in my life.”

The Cape May crew In 1973, Amy Neilson Clapp ’75, Susan Aiken Alexander ’74, Betsy May Shead ’75, Carolyn Woodcock Berglund ’75 and Karen Markley Dyer ’73 spent a summer working in Cape May, N.J. Clapp and Aiken had worked there a year before, at an ice cream shop and “We went back to Wilson with all our great stories about our summer, and three oth-

summer 2017 13

ers decided to join us,” Clapp said. “We found jobs, rented a house and had a glorious, fun summer together. That’s when the five of us really bonded. We had been close at school, but the summer sealed it.”

“I think the closeness had something to do with Wilson being a small school,” Dyer said. “There were only about 100 in my class, and only 500 on campus at the time, so we all did know each other. I don’t go to my high school reunions, but I don’t miss the Wilson reunions.”

At first after the friends graduated, they stayed in touch sporadically. “It was before email and cellphones,” Clapp said. Then Aiken suggested a 10th reunion in Cape May. After the group got together, “We thought 10 years wasn’t often enough, tried every five years—still not enough— and soon it was every year. Now we are getting together maybe four times a year,” Clapp said.

The reunions leave the friends refreshed and rejuvenated.

“It sets your sails right again,” Clapp said. “I don’t have a sister but if I did, I think it would be like the relationship I have with these women. There is no pretense. We can share everything. I guess the word is trust. We trust each other. We still confide in each other. You know how life goes on and presents you with challenges. Well, we’ve all been there for each other.”

offer words of advice and encouragement. We make time in our lives to nurture our relationships. It’s hard to believe we’ve known each other so long … we still laugh at the same things and tell our favorite stories.”

“I don't have a sister but if I did, I think it would be like the relationship I have with these women.

-AMY NEILSON CLAPP �75 The friends recently reunited in Cape May this past September for another reunion. In addition to their visits, “We’ve discovered the joys of social media,” Dyer said.

“We’re not only on Facebook and email, but we text each other all the time. Sometimes every day.”

The Norland Nuns

Above, the Cape May crew (and other Wilson friends) at their 40th reunion in Cape May, N.J., in July 2013. From left, Amy Neilson Clapp '75, Susan Aiken Alexander '74, Elizabeth May Shead '75, Karen Markley Dyer '73, Denise LaPointe Johnson '74, Carolyn Woodcock Berglund '75 and Nan Rhoads Littleton ’76.

Dyer said she still stays in touch with many other Wilson graduates, but this friendship circle is special. She now lives in Ecuador, but says she will make the annual reunions a priority. “They knew me when I was a teenager and joined me in the trip to adulthood,” Dyer said. “When we get together, we share the good and bad of our lives and

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In the fall of 1959, the College was overbooked and there weren’t enough dorm rooms to go around. “Of course, back then, they would never dream of letting us live off campus, so they cleared off the top floor of Norland, and nine of us seniors were picked to live there,” said Mary Alice Hocker Bird ’60. The suite of two large bedrooms, one living room and two studies (one smoking, one not) became home for Bird, Gay Wilson, Jo-Ann Stroh Pierie, Pat Reber, Kathryn Watchorn Hearn, Elizabeth Strong Haines Papagiannis, Karla Reuckert Herr, Mary Conrow Coelho and Sally Haines.

“We thought we had it made; we thought we were so grown up,” Bird said. “That experience of living together like that bonded us very closely. We had many long discussions in that living room, sharing our breakups with boyfriends, fears about life after Wilson, thoughts about the state of the world. Having that living room was conducive to having these intense group discussions. That final year

Since then, the group makes a point of trying to get together every few years for vacations of three to four days.

This past September, they met in the New Jersey beach house that belongs to the daughter of one of the group.

“We do fun things like stroll the boardwalk and play boardwalk games,” Bird said. “And of course, talk.”

Above, the Norland Nuns pose with festooned mortarboards in front of Norland Hall after 1960 May Day festivities; at right, the group gathers last year in New Jersey. Clockwise from top left: Kathy Watchorn Hearn, Gay Wilson, Mary Conrow Coelho, Sally Haines, Liz Strong Haines Papagiannis, Jo-Ann Stroh Pierie, Karla Reuckert Herr and Mary Alice Hocker Bird.

Their ongoing reunions now evoke bittersweet memories for the group, with the recent passing of Pat Reber. “Being with a group that has specific shared memories of youthful times together and events at Wilson makes the occasions of being together when you are in your 70s more poignant, since you remember how each person was when they were young,” Coelho said. “And now, we share this difficult adventure of getting old.”

at Wilson had a lasting impact on us.”

T

“Whoever came up with the name ‘Norland Nuns’ also helped us forge a unique sense of identity,” said Coelho.

The friends think the name had something to do with then College President Paul Swain Havens’ tradition of reading “Corinna's going a Maying” during May Day ceremonies.

“Anyway, it was alliterative and it stuck,” said Bird.

This phenomenon is found in many of the best friendships, according to Schmidt. “It has to be someone who you’ve spent a lot of time with. You go through a lot of trials and tribulation together, cry on each other shoulders. No matter how many years go by, you can reconnect.”

After graduation, each went their separate ways but kept in touch through letters. They had one group reunion in 1970 at Gay Wilson’s farm in New Hampshire and then visited one another more often. And there were other bonds: Elizabeth Strong Haines married Sally Haines’ first cousin, Edward, and Sally married Mary Alice Hocker Bird’s brother, Frank.

Around 1995, the Nuns got together for another group reunion. “At this meeting, we thought each one of us should spend about 30 minutes telling each other about our lives up to that point,” Bird said. “Well, that process actually took about two days, and when we were done, it bonded us even closer. Several of us had gone through caring for and losing a partner, and we talked a lot about facing that and how that changes you.”

ime may pass between visits or heartfelt talks, but these Wilson graduates all speak about how little effect time has on their relationships. They all say they instantly reconnect, or “pick right up where we left off.”

The college experience provides a great incubator for lasting friendships. “You have these common memories and experiences and that grounds you as time passes,” said Raulli. “That’s why you can pick up ‘right where you left off’ even though years have passed. You’ve shared part of yourself with your college friends.”

The appreciation for that depth of friendship often doesn’t surface until years later. “We didn’t appreciate what Wilson was giving us, especially in the area of making lasting friendships,” Bird said. “It took us half a lifetime to truly appreciate that. We formed special, lasting relationships— deep connections. We know that when we get together, we understand each other.”

They know they are friends for life. W

summer 2017 15

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY KUNDA PHOTOGRAPHY

A Dedicated D

16 wilson magazine

Doer

Deborah Douie Merritt ’76 helps families in need regain their footing by lori l. ferguson

I

n a word, “doer” sums up Deborah Douie Merritt ’76. “If there’s a task that needs to be completed or a child that needs to be helped, the common refrain around my church is, ‘Ms. Deborah will fix it for you,’” Merritt said with a soft laugh. “I’m an organizer. I’m always trying to get the right person or congregation matched up with the right job.”

The drive to get things done makes Merritt a natural as the congregation outreach coordinator for the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (PIHN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing homeless families with temporary shelter and the support they need to achieve lasting independence. Merritt assumed this volunteer staff position last fall. Her charge: getting churches across Philadelphia to support PIHN. Her current church, Summit Presbyterian in

Mt. Airy, is part of the PIHN network. “I spend my days working the phones, calling local churches to see if they can host a family in need, or help in other ways like cooking meals or donating money to support our efforts.”

Merritt is well-acquainted with the group’s many needs, since she has been involved with the organization since its founding 25 years ago. “At that time, I was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, one of the first churches to be active in the group,” she said. “Our congregation began hosting families in northwestern Philadelphia after realizing that there were many people facing homelessness, with no support system to help them. I found the work incredibly rewarding then, and I still do.”

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The common stereotype of the homeless as impoverished wanderers with addiction and mental health issues ignores the larger problem, Merritt said. Many middle-class people find themselves homeless as result of something as simple as a serious medical bill or car trouble, she said. “Some people have housing, but are living paycheck to paycheck, so all it takes is one big, unexpected hit to wipe them out.” With shelters stretched to capacity and resources scarce, such a blow can often send families into a debilitating spiral that’s difficult to escape.

PIHN strives to fill this gap. The organization currently records a 92 percent success rate in helping families overcome homelessness permanently—impressive by any standard, but even more so for an organization that is completely run by volunteers, Merritt said. PIHN is also the only organization in Philadelphia that offers temporary shelter to entire families, be it a single parent with children or an intact family. “City shelters typically require that teenage boys be sent to a men’s shelter rather than be allowed to stay with a parent,” Merritt explained. “We don’t do that; our goal is to keep families together.”

To realize this objective, PIHN draws on a network of more than 1,500 volunteers and 48 congregations. At any given time, the shelter is serving four families in the northwest part of the city and three in the northeast part. Merritt is confident that they can do much more, a belief that fuels her commitment to shaking the trees for new supporters.

“We haven’t even scratched the surface of available congregations,” she said.

Both Merritt’s compassion and sense of responsibility make her a valuable member of the PIHN team, said PIHN Executive Director Rachel Falkove. “Deborah is a wonderful asset to the hospitality network. She’s been able to make connections with congregations and community members that we’ve been trying to reach for years,” Falkove said.

“She’s an excellent listener and seems to have an innate understanding of what people want and how they can best contribute to the organization. If Deborah is any reflection of the students who graduate from Wilson College, then the school is doing a great job.”

Merritt credits her days at Wilson College for giving her the confidence to engage in the work that she does today.

“It’s a high rejection sort of business, but my time at Wilson really built up my self-esteem. I have a very strong ability to hear ‘no’ and keep going. I don’t take it personally.”

Merritt entered Wilson a bit early, skipping her senior year of high school in Shippensburg and heading for college, a decision that she said proved fortuitous. “I’m so glad that it worked out. Wilson was the right place for me to be at the right time. I was ready to move on from high school.” She served as president of her class and acted as reunion chair

Above, Deborah Douie Merritt ’76 at a PIHN meeting with Maurice Smith, right. At left, Merritt, center, at her church with Abionah Smith, left, and Ella Atchinson, right.

from 1991 to 2016. More than 40 years out, Merritt said she still has “wonderful Wilson friends” she can call on in times of need.

A devout Presbyterian who majored in religion studies at Wilson, Merritt credits the time spent with Wilson theology Professor Raymond Anderson as deeply influential in forming her character. “Ray was my senior adviser and he had a big effect on me. He was very forward-looking about ecumenical and interfaith issues, due to his experiences at the University of Basel studying under Protestant theologian Karl Barth. He shared his experiences and his opinions with us, and helped me to see faith in light of the Church Universal, as well as the Presbyterian Church.”

Those lessons were an asset when Merritt began volunteering at PIHN. “The ways in which Ray encouraged me to reach out to folks of other denominations help me as I reach out to clergy to further PIHN’s mission,” she said. “We joke that I speak fluent Presbyterian, conversational Episcopalian, Methodist and Catholic, and passable Lutheran. Ray’s greatest influence on me was getting me to think outside my admittedly narrow world.”

Merritt subsequently earned her Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary and then worked for a time as a banker in north Philadelphia, helping people secure home equity loans. “It was there that I first saw the needs that PIHN is trying to address,” Merritt said. “You realize that under the right circumstances, anyone can find themselves homeless.”

In her role as a PIHN volunteer, Merritt matches families in need with the right congregation. When a congregation joins the network, its members commit both time and space to those in need. Families stay for a month in a host church—living in Sunday school rooms and other available

spaces—and are given breakfast and dinner. They must leave the church each morning so they don’t disrupt the congregation’s regularly scheduled activities, and can return in the evening.

PIHN also provides social and emotional support. Families are required to meet with a social worker once a week to discuss any challenges they may be facing and must also go through financial literacy training to learn about budgeting. Parenting classes are also available. “We’re here to help people get back on their feet,” Merritt said, “but they have to invest in the effort, as well. It’s essential if they want to avoid homelessness again in the future.”

The system works, Merritt said. Families that regain their footing and find housing through PIHN often come back to volunteer and provide support to new guests (as those seeking shelter are called). “We’re getting into our third generation of families who are coming back to help,” she said.

“It’s really about establishing personal contact with people while they’re in the shelter and then keeping in touch with them after they leave.” For example, alumni from the shelter are sent birthday cards every year. “I found a tiny parish in northeast Philadelphia with an older congregation that just loves preparing birthday cards for us,” Merritt said. “It’s a perfect match of volunteer and task!”

“If Deborah is any reflection of the students who graduate from Wilson College, then the school is doing a great job.

-Rachel Falkove, PIHN Executive Director

Addressing the homeless crisis in these days of diminishing resources is difficult, Merritt said, but nevertheless incredibly important. “There are many families out there (who are) couch surfing with extended family and friends, or sleeping in their cars to get by,” she said. “Volunteering at the shelter can be a lot of work, but if we don’t do it, who will?” W

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PHOTO BY DANIEL GLAZIER ’18

AROUND THE GREEN

Anna Harutyunyan ‘17 at work in the laboratory at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pa.

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RESEARCH

ROLE MODEL From genetics to chemistry, Anna Harutyunyan ’17 excels in scientific analysis

By Coleen Dee Berry

W

hether she’s describing how to construct new plasmids for genetic research on chromatin folding or discussing how to synthesize the drug AZT with trivalent iron to improve its effectiveness at fighting liver cancer, Anna Harutyunyan ’17 impresses not only with complete command of her topic, but also with her boundless zest for research.

From an early age growing up in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, science fascinated Harutyunyan. “You could say it was genetic,” she said. Both her parents are engineers and many other family members are doctors and scientists. “I was the type of kid who was always interested in ‘how’ and ‘why.’

How things were made, how the universe came to be, why things worked the way they did. That was just the way my mind worked.”

published by the scientific journal Nucleic Acids Research.

While majoring in both biology and chemistry at Wilson, Harutyunyan has honed her interest in research. “In science, you have to study, and the more you read, the more interested you become and the more you want to keep studying,” she said.

“You realize how much you don’t understand and you want to find out more. That’s where research comes in.”

Harutyunyan’s research combined AZT with trivalent iron (making a Fe-AZT complex) to determine if the new complex is more effective against HCC cells. “The key is to find that sweet spot, a concentration high enough to kill the cancer cells but not damage or alter the healthy cells,” Harutyunyan said. Preliminary results of her study showed that the Fe-AZT complex was toxic to malignant cells, while not harming healthy ones.

Harutyunyan’s proficiency in research impressed her Wilson instructors. “Her academic drive, passion for science and the discovery of the unknown, combined with her humble, engaging personality and sense of humor, is her formula for success,” said Dana Harriger, professor of biology.

This year, Harutyunyan was honored for her research in two different areas. Her internship at the Penn State College of Medicine at Hershey, where she participated in research on chromatin folding, led to her coauthoring a research paper published by the laboratory this spring. “Regulation of chromatin folding by conformational variations of nucleosome linker DNA” will be

In addition, as Wilson’s Disert Scholar, Harutyunyan presented the results of her senior research at Wilson’s Student Research Day, as well as the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS).

Her project, entitled “Synthesis and Effects of Fe-AZT on Viability of Human Hepatocytes and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells,” won a PAS Outstanding Research Grant.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, is the third most common cause of cancer mortality around the world.

Several studies have demonstrated that azidothymidine (AZT)—best known as the anti-HIV drug—can damage cancer cells, but the drug also has the side effect of damaging healthy cells.

Elissa Heil, Wilson’s vice president for academic affairs, praised Harutyunyan for her sophisticated research and her poise while presenting during Student Research Day and PAS. “Anna has been such a wonderful addition to the student body. Her engaging personality and wit combine with a rare maturity to inform her campus collaborations,” Heil said. “She manages to balance a confident professionalism with healthy humility.

There is no doubt that an alumna like Anna has the power to change the world.”

When she was a high school student and the time came to pick a college,

Harutyunyan said she was determined to begin her dream of becoming a world traveler, and chose Wilson when she was awarded the Bogigian Scholarship. Established from the estate of Hagop Bogigian, an early Wilson benefactor, this full-tuition scholarship is awarded to female students of Armenian descent, with a preference for citizens of Armenia.

She described Armenia as being “very traditional” when comes to women’s roles.

“People would tell me, ‘No, you can’t do that because you’re a girl,’ and I’d say, ‘No, I can do that because I am me.’” Wilson’s tradition of women-centered education intrigued Harutyunyan. “I am very happy that I came to Wilson,” she said. “I feel that I finally found a place where no matter what I said, it will be accepted. Wilson has a reputation for cultivating strong, independent women and I feel I have found myself.”

Her Armenian heritage remains a point of pride. “There are not that many Armenians in the world)—only about 3 million in my country, due to the genocide of 1915,” she said. “I want to keep my name no matter what happens, so that whoever reads my publications will know that here is an Armenian. My name is very important to me and I will never let it go.”

Her internship at the Penn State College of Medicine laboratory in Hershey, Pa., last summer turned into a part-time job this year, and she was able to continue research on chromatin folding. After graduation, Harutyunyan landed a research job at the California Institute of Technology.

“I want to contribute something that will help to understand what causes a disease and how to combat it,” she said.

“I would like to be a role model to encourage more women who study science to go into research.” W

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INTERVIEWING

PHOTO BY KENDRA TIDD

THE STARS Internship hones journalism skills for Jenna Kauffman ’17

By Laura B. Hans

J

enna Kauffman ’17 spent many late nights during her senior year in the Student Media Center writing, designing and perfecting the Billboard, Wilson’s student-run news magazine. As the editor-in-chief, she had many roles: contributing writer, copy editor, photographer, layout designer and social media manager.

“Jenna is very passionate about her role as a journalist,” said Billboard’s media adviser, Kimberly Maske-Mertz. “As a reporter, she's always been on top of her game when it comes to finding and writing interesting stories.”

One of Kauffman’s particular strengths is writing about music and entertainment. She was able to employ this talent and create an internship for herself—fulfilling her communication major’s graduation requirement, providing entertaining stories for the Billboard and seizing the opportunity to interview stars along the way.

During her internship, Kauffman attended concerts, comedy shows and plays that took place locally or in the Baltimore and Wash-

22 wilson magazine

ington, D.C., area; interviewed entertainers; and took photographs for her stories and reviews, which were published in the Billboard. The entertainers Kauffman has interviewed and/or reviewed include: comedian Bob Saget, Betsy Randle of Boy Meets World, Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood of Whose Line is it Anyway? and musicians Boyz II Men, Paula Abdul, Against the Current, All Time Low and Blink 182.

“The people I’ve interviewed were people I grew up admiring or listening to, music-wise. They had some sort of influence in my life—like Bob Saget of Full House. I used to watch that show all the time,” said Kauffman, who is an admitted fan of pop culture.

“Growing up, my sister and I watched E! News and TMZ. They’re not the most reliable news sources, but they’re guilty pleasures and I found it fascinating how they’d report on celebrities.”

Her internship developed after MaskeMertz encouraged her to obtain a press pass for the Warped Tour, a large-scale traveling rock festival. Although Kauffman did not get a pass for that event, it sparked the

idea of an internship. “I really wanted Jenna to gain a genuine experience working in the field, covering bands and events that interested her,” Maske-Mertz said. “When she mentioned that she was planning to attend Warped Tour, I encouraged her to take it a step further and try to obtain a press pass that might give her greater access as an official reporter. This led her to seek out and gain press access for other events throughout the summer.”

Kauffman spent the first half of her internship researching, planning and connecting with press representatives for upcoming shows and events. She spent the second half attending events and publishing articles. “Pursuing press passes is difficult at times, but Jenna's persistence has paid off well for her,” said student media adviser Robin Herring.

When it came to getting interviews, Kauffman found sometimes all you have to do is ask. Bob Saget was a prime example.

“His press person shocked me the most,” Kauffman said. “I emailed him after business hours and he got back to me the next

AROUND THE GREEN

Clockwise from left: Jenna Kauffman ’17 in the Student Media Center; posing with local band Morning Banana Diet during an interview; Kauffman with Bob Saget; Kauffman with her sister Kristen, meeting Brad Sherwood (far left) and Colin Mochrie (far right) before a performance of Whose Line is it Anyway?

morning with everything laid out: what time I’ll interview (Saget), how long I’ll interview him, if I can record it or not.

Usually I’d have to keep emailing. It was a blessing his press person was so organized and on top of things.”

Jenna simply needed someone to encourage her to step out of her comfort zone and try new things. As she did that, other students came to see her as a leader and would seek her out for advice and suggestions on their work.

Saget, who was performing stand-up comedy at the Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, talked at length with Kauffman about his early influences, his relationships with fellow actors in Full House and his upcoming movie project, Jake, a black comedy about a family undertaking an intervention. He told Kaufmann, “If you’re going to be an actor, study, study, study. Study really hard …You really gotta want it more than anything, because if you really want a career in it (acting), it’s one of the hardest things you can possibly do, because everyone tells you no.”

Kauffman realizes one key to great journalism is doing your homework. “I try to be unique with my interview questions, do my research and know what’s been asked before so that I can be different,” she said.

— Kimberly Maske-Mertz, Billboard media adviser “...With Against the Current, one band member said, ‘I really liked your questions.

We’ve never got any of those before,’ and that meant a lot because my overall goal with interviews is to be unique.”

While Kauffman describes herself as a quiet person, her advisers both speak about how she opened up and expanded her skills during her tenure at the Billboard. “Jenna simply needed someone to encourage her to step out of her comfort zone and try new things,” Herring said. “As she did that, other students came to see her as a leader and would seek her out for advice and sugges-

tions on their work.” Maske-Mertz agrees.

“Once she got past the initial shyness and uncertainty, she thrived!”

Kauffman’s persistence and ability to grow was rewarded at the end of her internship when she was presented with Wilson’s Grace Tyson Schlichter Award in Communications, which is given to a senior who has shown general academic excellence and outstanding career potential in the field of communications. Read some of Kauffman’s work at www.thewilsonbillboard.com. W

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PHOTO BY MATTHEW LESTER

AROUND THE GREEN

Author and Associate Professor of Political Science Jill Abraham Hummer in the classroom.

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ACTIVISTS AND

DECISION-MAKERS Wilson professor's book illuminates modern first ladies

By Gina Gallucci-White

A

sk Americans to choose their favorite first lady and Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and Eleanor Roosevelt top the list. One name rarely included is Thelma (Pat) Nixon. Dubbed 'Plastic Pat' by the press, Nixon was seen as the stuffy, unhappy, yet dutiful political wife of disgraced President Richard M. Nixon.

But Wilson College Associate Professor of Political Science Jill Abraham Hummer believes that Nixon is the most misunderstood first lady of the modern era—one who doesn't get much credit for her efforts from 1969 to 1974. “She really was quite the opposite of her ‘Plastic Pat’ image,” Hummer said. Nixon was first lady during a time of dramatic social change that included the modern women’s movement, and “she led the way, and her office did too, in terms of trying to reach out to that movement.”

Nixon also advanced the first lady's diplomatic role as the inaugural spouse who traveled abroad on her husband's behalf.

“It is routine for first ladies to do that now, but she was really the first one who ever did that,” Hummer said. “She was really a remarkable person.”

Hummer’s first book, First Ladies and American Women in Politics and at Home (published in March) is the culmination of years of extensive research.

The 280-page book is divided into three time periods, based on women’s movements in American politics.

The first begins with Lou Hoover, who came into her role in 1929, several years after women got the right to vote, and ends with Kennedy, who Hummer sees as a transitional figure. The second time frame, when

equality issues became paramount, starts with Lady Bird Johnson in 1963 and ends with Rosalyn Carter in 1980. The final section, featuring Nancy Reagan to Michelle Obama, is devoted to women's rights and the politics of motherhood in the wake of a conservative backlash against feminism.

Those prior to 1929, from Martha Washington to Grace Coolidge, are not included in the book because Hummer wanted to concentrate on first ladies of the modern era, which most presidential scholars say began during President Herbert Hoover's administration. “I think things really start to get interesting after women received the right to vote in 1920,” Hummer said, adding that Lou Hoover was vocal about women exercising their right to vote and getting involved in politics. “She was the first, first lady to take more of an activist role and do something with the office beyond the traditional ceremonial (events).”

Hummer’s interest in political science was sparked by lively family discussions about politics around the dinner table when she was growing up in near Pittsburgh, she said.

While earning her doctorate in government at the University of Virginia, she began researching first ladies and traveled around the country to do research at many of the presidential libraries. “I learned so much that I didn't know before,” Hummer said. “You go into your research with preconceived notions about who all these people were and what they did, but then every time, you end up leaving with such a different impression.”

Hummer began teaching at Wilson in 2007. She brings a great deal of disciplinary expertise in political science to the school’s curricular offerings, along with her knowledge of the American legal system, according to her colleague, Wilson Associate Professor of Sociology Julie Raulli. “Jill's

academic breadth and organizational skills have been a real gift to the Wilson community,” she said.

After taking a pause from her first ladies project, Hummer returned to it a few years ago. When she earned a Wilson summer research stipend in 2015, she was able to hire an undergraduate student who lived in California to complete research for her at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley. The student also obtained some records from the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Texas, as well as images of the women used in the book. The stipend, Hummer said, was a big benefit in helping her finish the book.

MaryAnne Borrelli, a Connecticut College government professor, first met Hummer at UVA. A fellow author on the influence of first ladies—she wrote The Politics of the President's Wife in 2011— Borrelli praised Hummer's book as an extensively researched and well-written book. “There are many people who can give a biographical account, but the thing that Jill does exceptionally well is, she talks about the choices that people make in ways that are both respectful and critical—and that is a very fine line to walk,” Borrelli said.

“To read something that is well-written and that nuanced and that engaging about each first lady—both as a person, as well as the decision-maker—I think that is huge.”

Hummer hopes her readers come away with a deeper understanding of why first ladies have done the things they have done. “Really, first ladies—all of them—are a product of their historical moment in time,” she said. “Everything that they have done is a product of when they lived, how they grew up and what was going on with women in politics when they were in the White House.” W

summer 2017 25

FOR THE LOVE

OF THE GAME Kayla Sullenberger Hogan ’16 Finishes Strong

By Frances Caroscio

K

ayla Sullenberger Hogan ’16, G’18 finished her fourth and final year for the Phoenix softball team with a trio of impressive accomplishments: She set the record for most home runs (seven) this season in the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC).

She was named to the first team of the NEAC South Division All-Conference Team for softball. And she was inducted into the Wilson College Athletics Hall of Fame.

For the past four seasons, Hogan has been selected as a NEAC All-Conference performer, joining Taylor Crouse ’16 and Taylor Fields ’13 as the only Phoenix softball players to earn NEAC All-Conference honors four times. She remains characteristically humble in the face of these honors, insisting that she plays softball for the love of the game and not for the glory of the statistics.

“That stuff doesn’t matter because at the end of the day, you’re playing the game that you love and some people don’t get to do that, so stop worrying about the numbers,” she said. “Just go out there and play, and the rest will fall into place.”

Adjusting to life as a college student during her first year at Wilson was a bit bumpy at times, Hogan said. At the end of her freshman year, she moved off campus and decided to finish her bachelor’s degree in business management in three years.

Ultimately, it was the bond she had with her softball teammates that helped her feel at home at Wilson. By her second year she had settled in, playing infield and pitching for the team. “It was awesome—a different group of girls, a different culture,” she said. “I’m just thankful that I stuck it out and stayed here for the past four years because it’s a special group.”

In 2016, Hogan got married and was looking forward to graduating in May 2016 and bidding farewell to school. But Wilson Field Hockey Head Coach Shelly Novak ’92 encouraged Hogan to play softball during her fourth and final year of eligibility, and helped her look into the master’s degree programs at Wilson. “She influenced me to keep going,” Hogan said.

When the team needed a key hit or a pitching performance, she was all about the team. She has set the bar as a Wilson College softball player.

— Brett Cline, Softball Head Coach Hogan’s four years on the softball team were untraditional—she played her fourth year on the team as a graduate student. Before being recruited to play at Wilson by softball coach Brett Cline, Hogan played softball for Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

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When she got accepted into the Master of Science in Management program, Hogan’s whole life changed, she said. “I already had my life planned out: I’m going to move, I’m going to get married,” she said. “I thought, I’m going to get a job and I’m going to start having kids.”

Balancing her new married life with school and softball meant sacrifices. Planning her wedding meant she missed preseason practices. But Hogan reminded herself, “You only get married once.” After her wedding and softball season rolled around in the spring, there were other adjustments—sometimes a softball game took precedence over spending time with her husband. “Once spring hit, softball was my life,” she said. “I make sure my priorities are right and straight because you only do certain things one time. This (was) my last time playing softball ever.”

Hogan demonstrates the same kind of dedication and passion for helping others that her teammates showed her by staying connected to softball in her own community.

She volunteers at summer camps held at her former high school and offers one-onone coaching for youth softball players. She and her father operate a sports facility with batting cages in Gettysburg, and are in the process of opening another in Carlisle.

Hogan said she would like to coach softball because she enjoys working with kids. “They just want to learn and learn and learn, so it’s awesome to be a part of that.”

As a softball player, Hogan’s mantra has been: the most important thing is not the destination, but the journey. “Kayla’s focus was to play the game like it was meant to be played.

That’s what she told all her teammates,” Cline said. “She has been the driving force on the field, always leading by example."

“When the team needed a key hit or a pitching performance, she was all about the team,” Cline added. “She has set the bar as a Wilson College softball player.” W Frances Caroscio is the athletics communications intern at Wilson.

Kayla Sullenberger Hogan ’16, G’18 pitched eight winning games for the Phoenix last season and hit seven home runs.

PHOENIX SPORTS WRAP The WOMEN’S SOFTBALL team earned its ninth consecutive appearance in the North Eastern Athletic Conference tournament and finished the season with a 25-14 record, including a 15-5 mark in conference play.

Potter ’20 was also recognized as a member of the Fastpitch News (FPN) All-American team. Potter received honorable mention for the team, with a season pitching record of 16-6 overall and a 1.75 earned run average.

The team earned the number two seed in the NEAC South Division, defeating Cazenovia College 4-2 in the opening game of the tournament before dropping its next two games vs. Keuka College and Penn State Abington.

The MEN’S VOLLEYBALL program made significant strides by winning eight games during the 2017 season, including five conference wins. The team was in contention for a postseason berth until the season’s final weekend.

Five student-athlete softball players earned postseason accolades. Kayla Sullenberger Hogan ’16, G’18, Jenna Knable ’17 and Megan Potter ’20 were named to the NEAC First Team All-Conference South Division. Jennifer Hornberger ’19 was named to the Second Team All-Conference South Division.

Knable and Potter also earned a spot on the Eastern College Athletic Conference South Division III All-Star team. Hogan has been selected as an NEAC All-Conference performer in each of her four seasons.

Nick Baxter ’20 became the first Phoenix men’s volleyball player to earn All-NEAC honors when he was named to the All-Conference Third Team. Baxter ranked in the top 10 in six NEAC categories: kills, kills per set, total attacks, block assists, points and points per set.

MEN’S GOLF recorded two second-place finishes during the

six-game spring season and finished by competing at the NEAC championships. Dan Perry ’20 fired the best round of the season with a 97 at the NEAC Preview hosted by Bryn Athyn College.

summer 2017 27

PHOTO BY BOB STOLER

AROUND THE GREEN

— hidden —

history

“HEALTHFUL EXERCISE AT ALL TIMES”

By Amy Ensley

W

ilson may have been in its infancy in the 1870s, but the College was ahead of its time when it came to encouraging its female students to take part in physical education.

The first Wilson College catalog, printed in 1870, proclaimed, “The conviction is justly held, that first of all things to be secured and cared for in the training of the young, is sound physical health.” The catalog goes on to stress the importance of “Physical Culture” in addition to the traditional college curriculum: “Accordingly, wise and liberal provision is made to preserve and promote it by liberal exercise in the open air. Ample accommodations are also provided for exercise indoors.”

Just seven years after its opening and despite serious financial problems, Wilson constructed a gymnasium as one of its first priorities and touted the gym as an educational advantage. The 1876-77 catalog states, “A gymnasium has been completed during the Summer of 1877. The building is 40 x 60 feet, and is furnished with Rings, Dumb-bells, Wilson's original gymnasium was completed in 1877. and other needful appliances. Few buildings can be found in the country better fitted for gymnastic purposes. We call attention of parents, who value and maternity overtake these girls, they bend and break beneath the higher physical education of their daughters, to the superior the labor, like loaded grain before a storm and bear little fruit.” advantages which are afforded here for healthful exercise at all What responsible parent would dare send a daughter off to times, regardless of stormy or inclement weather.” college after these dire warnings? Clarke insisted, “The number Wilson’s dedication to physical fitness flew in the face of late of these graduates who have been permanently disabled or fatally 19th-century belief that both education and exercise were bad injured by these causes is such as to excite the gravest alarm.” for young women. The concern for the physical health of those Clarke’s argument would eventually be roundly debunked by attending the new women’s colleges was due to a general anxiety, administrators and faculty of women’s colleges and by women spread by leading physicians and physiologists of the day, that the physicians of the time—and also disproved by the rapidly rising new fad to educate girls would come at the expense of the healthy number of female college graduates who showed no ill effects development of their reproductive systems. from their education and exercise.

In 1873, just three years after Wilson opened, Harvard physician The new exhibit, “Empowered Women: Athletics at Wilson,” Edward H. Clarke wrote a lengthy treatise on the topic and is now open at the Hankey Center and is free to the public. For an warned what the future for college women would likely be: “Girls appointment, call 717-264-4141, ext. 3279, or send an email to of bloodless skins and intellectual faces may be seen among the scholars, skins that cover curving spines. Later on, when marriage amy.ensley@wilson.edu.

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—

viewpoint —

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JERUSALEM

By Ruth Wasser de Sola Mendes ’60

I

must provide some historical context to the “Viewpoint” of Ghada Tafesh that appeared in the spring 2017 issue.

King David established Jerusalem as the capital of his kingdom of Israel some 3,000 years ago.

In the first century A.D., the Romans destroyed the Second Temple and forcibly removed many of the Jews living in Judea.

At that time, Rome sought to blot out all memory of the Jewish people on that land. So they renamed what had been the kingdom of Judea with the name of a long-vanished people who had once lived in Gaza—the Philistines. And so the name Philistia, or Palestine, was the name assigned to that piece of land in the Middle East.

There was a Jewish presence in the region throughout all of the centuries, with celebrated academies in the hills above the Sea of Galilee in Tiberius (several with the sponsorship of Doña Gracia Mendes in the 16th century) and Safed, as well as in Jerusalem in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City.

During all this time, Jerusalem remained a central part of Jewish prayer throughout the world, with many services ending with the hope, “Next Year in Jerusalem.” During the period when the Ottoman Turks ruled, land was purchased from the Palestinian land owners for Jewish settlement. Jews from the diaspora (dispersion) settled on these lands and established the early kibbutzim (communal settlements). Their goal was to create agriculturally self-sufficient communities in their ancient homeland, and they succeeded.

In 1948, the United Nations proposed partitioning the region to create a Jewish state and a Palestinian state. While Israel accepted the partition, the surrounding Arab nations did not, and they invaded the proposed Jewish State of Israel. The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem exhorted the Arabs living in the proposed Jewish state to leave, assuring them that the Jews would be swept into the sea and the Arabs would return to take over.

Not all Arabs left and those who stayed now enjoy full Israeli citizenship, and several Israeli Arabs serve in the Knesset (Parliament). The war—fought by the inhabitants of the nascent Jewish state and the forces of Jordan, Egypt, Syria and the rest of the Arab bloc—ended with Jordan ruling over the area that was intended to be the Palestinian state. The city of Jerusalem was divided into East Jerusalem, held by Jordan, and West Jerusalem, held by Israel.

Those Arabs who did leave became the “Palestinian refugees” because, with the exception of the Lebanon, the countries to which they fled restricted them to refugee camps. The irony is that those who fled to Jordan (which controlled what is now the West Bank) were actually in geographical Palestine. The “refugee camps” on the West Bank are today flourishing cities.

By contrast, the equal numbers of Jews expelled from Arab lands—where many had lived for centuries—were successfully absorbed by Israel, a country the size of New Jersey.

Tel Aviv was the temporary government center of the State of Israel until the government moved to Jerusalem in December, 1949. In 1967, another attack by the Arab bloc was successfully rebuffed by the Israeli army in six days. Israel now held the territories of Judea and Samaria down to the western shore of the Jordan River, and the Golan Heights. These territories included East Jerusalem, as well as the Sinai and Gaza.

Israel has repeatedly given back land for peace—in Sinai and Gaza—in the hopes that in exchange, those on the other side of the negotiating table would simply recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Jews who built settlements in Sinai and Gaza had developed flourishing industries, which were left behind intact. But, when the Sinai and Gaza were turned over to Palestinians, these were destroyed by the new occupants.

In 1955, I stood at the dividing barrier, the Mandelbaum gate.

I could see the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. During that summer, I waded into the Jordan River at its beginnings and visited the Bedouin encampment near the camel market of Beersheba. We saw the rebirth of the Negev, the southern desert area.

The biblical prophecy, “The desert shall bloom as the rose,” came to be true.

Access to, and respect for, the holy sites of all religions is a fundamental core value for Israel. Today, 3,000 years since Jerusalem was established by King David as his capital and 50 years after its reunification, Jerusalem is again the eternal capital of Israel.

—Opinions expressed in the “Viewpoint” column are those of the authors and are not intended to represent Wilson College or Wilson Magazine.

summer 2017 29

E

very year at our annual meeting in June, we have an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s events and accomplishments. We are pleased to report that the Alumnae Association of Wilson College, in conjunction with the Office of Alumnae/i Relations, has the following to share with you: ALUMNAE/I RELATIONS OFFICE The association would like to thank Marybeth Famulare and Jessika Dockery ’15 for their devotion and commitment to our organization and Wilson College. The very nature of their work rests heavily on building relationships, maintaining rapport and creating lifelong connections. Alumnae/i are volunteers, partners, advocates and donors.

By increasing the capacity for alumnae/i involvement, we also increase the capacity for alumnae/i to contribute in meaningful ways.

Marybeth and I have continued our weekly meetings to coordinate activities and keep lines of communication open. In order to share information about upcoming events, provide updates and seek volunteers for activities, check out our monthly e-newsletter, website and the Wilson Magazine. All three also serve as communication vehicles to foster outreach among alumnae/i, students, faculty and staff.

Due to Marybeth’s success in her position, which embodies that of an accomplished and dedicated alumna, the AAWC Board of Directors granted her honorary membership in the association.

ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE Alumnae/i live locally, regionally and around the world. They work in every field imaginable. Engagement is about making stronger alumnae/i under the flag of the College. Our efforts should yield personal and professional success stories and in the process, increase school spirit. We hope successful alums can equate post-college achievements back to Wilson and be compelled to give back both time and treasure over the long term.

The Engagement Committee encourages interaction among alumnae/i through Web pages, social media and the Wilson Magazine. The committee gives insight and feedback into alumnae/i outreach, social media, the magazine, Reunion, Fall Weekend and regional events and club activities. We meet on a regular basis with the communications and marketing department to determine the content of each issue of the magazine. We encourage you to keep us informed of your contact information so that we may keep in contact with you.

Some of the outreach undertaken by the committee this year included a tailgate party held on Saturday, April 29, at the softball game in Abington, Pa. Alumnae/i, parents, trustees and friends enjoyed a day

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of Wilson spirit and camaraderie. At Commencement on May 14, Betty McLaughlin ’67—celebrating her 50th reunion—was the marshal of the Blue and Silver Line and led in the 2017 graduating class. The line consisted of 22 alumnae/i.

In May, the Franklin County Club presented a $1,500 scholarship to a local high school senior who will be attending Wilson College in the fall. Lindsey Palmer will be entering the VMT program.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. The Facebook group is called Alumnae Association of Wilson College. The Instagram page is called aawcsocialmedia. We also have a Gmail account if anyone would like to email photos for us to upload to our Facebook or Instagram pages: aawc.socialmedia@gmail.com. For reunion photos, use #wcreunion17.

FINANCE A compilation of our FY16 books produced no issues as we received a clean review.

As of June 27, 2017, assets total $108,208. Of that figure, there are restricted assets: class treasuries, $68,137; alumnae/i-student activities, $1,311; internship/seminar gift program, $6,206; preservation and restoration, $6,163; Silver Lining Fund, $4,766; and Tift College Awards, $323.

Operating funds for the association total approximately $21,000.

Income earned from travel was $890; from interest, $327; from sale of merchandise, $464; and from the 2017 raffle, $638.

HERITAGE COMMITTEE The Heritage Committee is working with the admissions department to be available to them as needed and to participate in on-campus events to educate prospective students and their families about the role the AAWC plays in college life. The committee encourages alumnae/i to utilize the online admissions referral form to connect prospective students to the College.

The Ring-it-Forward program is a great success. Four rings were “forwarded” this year, bringing our total to 25 rings.

The committee worked with faculty and staff to develop an Author’s Wall in the John Stewart Memorial Library, which will include books written by alumnae/i.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Nominating Committee requests nominations to fill seats for the AAWC Board of Directors and makes contact with nominees. Each year at our annual meeting, a slate representing a wide cross-section of alumnae/i is presented for election. In order to facilitate a smooth

ASSOCIATION NEWS

transition to board service, each new board member is assigned a current member as a mentor. A handbook is also given to each new board member.

The committee fulfills all governance responsibilities for a nonprofit organization. It is, therefore, responsible for updating and revising association policies.

STUDENT CONNECTIONS COMMITTEE The Aunt Sarah Program is going strong. There were 148 volunteers involved in the program this year, with 115 pairings. There are so many endearing stories of the building of friendships and bonds between former and current students.

The association had not given a gift to the College in the past two years. We noticed that the existing picnic tables were in pretty bad shape, so we donated four poly picnic tables— three hexagon shaped and one rectangle—in gray and blue. Students and staff alike will enjoy these for years to come.

We raised more than $300 from our link with Amazon.com. Monies from this account help with the cost of alumnae/i-student opportunities—a day for Food for Finals each semester and participation in Senior Bash. The association participated in the graduation fair this spring with a display and information table.

The association granted three requests for internship monies in the amount of $1,200. One student went to Thailand in the fall. One student is interning over the summer in New York City and the other at the Cincinnati Zoo. The Silver Lining Fund provides relief to students when an emergency occurs. A total of $133 was used this year from this fund for students in such situations. Thanks to your generosity, the balance is now over $4,000.

Gift cards totaling $375 were given to the food pantry to buy food to support students residing on campus when the dining hall is closed. Food donations continue to be given throughout the year by alumnae/i.

We maintain our collaboration with WCGA, interacting to discuss concerns or make suggestions to foster alumnae/i student opportunities.

Student workers provide assistance for Reunion Weekend and other programs. They have a great time getting to know alumnae/i of all ages.

RECOGNITION AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE This committee is responsible for the selection of the association’s award recipients. Again this year, our awards are going to very worthy

individuals whose endeavors are to be given high praise and celebrated. Each chose their own path and succeeded in their personal and professional endeavors. We also awarded two $500 legacy awards to Jennifer Laman ’18, whose mother is Anita Laman ’12; and Kierstyn Winslet ’18, whose mother is Dorothy Winslet-Lutes ‘07.

In our stewardship initiative, Carolyn Woods, director of the Wilson Fund, sent approximately 400 “thank you” notes on behalf of the board of directors to those donating less than $1,000 to the Wilson Fund.

TOURS AND TRAVEL COMMITTEE Need travel advice? Contact the AAWC Travel Desk at AAWCTravelDesk@gmail.com. Seasoned travelers who are members of the AAWC Tours and Travel Committee will be happy to assist you.

Look online to see our Wilson sponsored trips at www.wilson.edu/ alumnae-tours-and-travel. Whenever you travel with our partner companies, be sure to mention you are a Wilson graduate. Your mention will prompt the companies to make a donation to the alumnae association. This offer includes hundreds of educational tours the companies offer around the world, regardless of whether it is sponsored by Wilson.

Consider traveling with fellow Wilson alumnae/i. In FY17, six individuals joined us for some great trips.

BYLAWS COMMITTEE As mentioned last year, a committee was appointed to review AAWC bylaws. They were last revised in 2012. We need to be sure that our bylaws support the organization appropriately and continue to reflect what is important to us. The committee is still hard at work on this project. Revised bylaws will be voted on at our 2018 Annual Meeting.

It is an exciting time to be participating in the life of Wilson College. More and more of you interacted with your alma mater to some degree—anything from updating your contact information to volunteering a significant amount of time to a program. Thank you for your enthusiasm, thank you for caring about the College, and thank you for believing in the importance of your alumnae association.

Regards, Mary F. Cramer ’91 President

summer 2017 31

ASSOCIATION NEWS ALUMNAE TRUSTEES REPORT — JUNE 3, 2017 The Wilson College Board of Trustees met October 20-22, 2016; February 17-18, 2017; and May 12-13, 2017.

The following new Wilson College Mission Statement was approved at the October board meeting: Wilson College empowers students through an engaged, collaborative, liberal arts education that combines the skills and focused study needed for success in work and life. We are a close, supportive community that develops the mind and character of all students, preparing them to meet the challenges of a global society.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS: • The following master’s degree programs were approved by the board: – Master of Educational Technology.

– Master of Special Education, with three options approved: general M.S.E. without certification, M.S.E. with Pre-K-8 special education certification; and M.S.E. with 7-12 special education certification.

– Master of Mass Customized Learning.

• A celebration was held in October 2016 for the 20th anniversary of the Single Parent Scholar Program. This celebration was held in conjunction with the official opening of the new college entrance and quad area. This event was very well attended by former single parents and their families, as well as other alums and members of the Chambersburg community.

• The 147th annual commencement ceremony was held on May 14, 2017, honoring 182 graduates. Graduates recognized included: 101 bachelor’s and associate degrees, 75 master’s degrees and six bachelor of science in nursing degrees.

John David Risher, cofounder and chief executive officer of Worldreader, was the commencement speaker. He is the son of Sarah Walker Risher ’63. At the ceremony, Susan Breakefield Fulton ’61 was honored with trustee emerita status.

• Five students were inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society on Saturday, May 13, 2017: Gaser Ahmed ’17, Karis Daniel ’18, Netha Kane ’17, Stephanie Marshall ’17 and Tailah Nickerson ’17.

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ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT: • The official enrollment number for FY17/ Fall ’16 was 1,098. The enrollment goal for the year was 1,107. Enrollment totals: undergraduate, 458; Adult Degree Program, 290; graduate programs (including Eduspire), 350.

Applications and deposits are up over last year at this time. The total enrollment goal for FY18/ Fall ’17 is 1,627.

• Mary Ann Naso, vice president for enrollment, retired on May 31, 2017. The interim vice president for enrollment is David Boisvert, who will serve while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.

Searches also continue for a chaplain, as well as a director of counseling.

• Members of the incoming class have been invited to participate in the new Rowland LEAP (Learning, Exploring, Achieving, Participating) program, a two-week, summer bridge program for incoming students with a math focus. This program can accommodate two groups of 15 students for a total of 30. Each will have a professor and student mentor. This program is underwritten by funds from the College’s federal Title III grant.

• The VMT program is adopting a LEAD (Listen, Encourage, Assist, Develop) program, whereby sophomore VMT students mentor incoming freshman VMT students.

• Based on student feedback, new systems are being put in place to improve customer service. A one-stop center will be staffed by three student services counselors who will provide financial aid, student accounts and registration services. Financial aid, the business office and registrar will provide input and establish partnerships with the new student services team to ensure that processes and procedures are beneficial to students.

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT: • Overall giving as of May 11 totals $4.783 million. The College is still receiving payments on library pledges. The Wilson Fund stands at $1.151 million.

• The board approved the strategic goals of “Setting the Balance: Prioritizing the

Student Experience,” which will continue the ongoing evaluation of the Wilson experience for each student. Goals include reviewing and assessing programs and processes through a student-first lens.

FINANCE: • The board approved the FY18 budget and FY18 capital budget. Included are upgrades to restrooms and life cycle replacement items.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: • Phase 2 of the streetscape and pedestrian safety project was approved by the Chambersburg Borough Council. The borough will provide 36 lights along the improved sidewalk that borders the campus along U.S. 11. The borough will also provide the electricity for and maintenance of the new lights.

TRUSTEESHIP AND GOVERNANCE: • Margaret Hamilton Duprey, owner and operator of a private equine and beef cattle business in the greater Philadelphia area, and Patricia Camvel Shea, attorney with K&L Gates LLP in Harrisburg, Pa., were elected to the Board of Trustees for threeyear terms.

• Returning trustees elected for an additional term are: Robin Bernstein, Mary Jo Maydew, Phoebe H. Stevenson, Barbara L. Tenney ’67, Robert Baker and Nancy Washington. Judith C. Grove ’74 was ratified as the new alumnae trustee.

• Retiring from the trustee board are: alumnae trustee Dorothy M. Van Brakle ’09, Susanna N. Duke ’71, Tracy C. Leskey ’90, Jill A. Roberts ’88 and Judith R. Stewart ’73.

• The following officers were elected to a one-year term: Barbara L. Tenney ’67, chair; J. Samuel Houser, vice chair; Lisbeth S. Luka ’69, secretary; and James A. Smeltzer, treasurer.

Respectfully submitted, Alumnae Trustees Dorothy M. Van Brakle ’09 Lynne E. DiStasio ’74 Sarah W. Wilson ’10

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNA Delia Moraru Velculescu ’97 began working for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2002. She was named the IMF’s mission chief for Greece in 2015 and now leads IMF’s negotiation team in Greece, working to assess the country’s economy. Since joining the IMF, Velculescu has been involved the development of international debt relief initiatives for low-income countries and is the former mission chief of the IMF’s Cyprus and Slovenia offices. Her published research has included topics such as: pension systems in the European Union, population aging and cross-border and global effects, and intergenerational habit formation. Born in Sibiu, Romania, she earned a scholarship to study economics at Wilson and later earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in economics from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

PHOTO BY DANIEL GLAZIER �18

ALUMNAE AWARDS Alumnae award recipients, from left: AAWC President Mary F. Cramer '91, Kathleen Murphy '67, Delia Moraru Velculescu '97, Barbara Rose Spitzer '57, Susan Shaffer '10, Jane Everhart Murray '67, Julie Solleveld Osborne '64 and Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick.

in establishing 740 miles of canoe trails throughout the Northeast.

Julia Solleveld Osborne ’64 accepted the award on Dyslin’s behalf.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA Barbara Rose Spitzer ’57 founded the first integrated private school in Birmingham, Ala., when she opened her Creative Montessori School in 1968. She began the school in a church basement with 18 preschoolers; today the school has more than more than 225 students and a waiting list. After graduating from Wilson with a degree in biology, she earned her master’s degree in zoology at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. She met her husband while working for Sloan Kettering’s Walker Laboratory in Rye, N.Y., and when he received a job offer from the University of Alabama Birmingham Medical Center, they relocated their family to the city. Spitzer took Montessori classes so that she could teach in her own school. Though she retired from teaching in 2005, she remains on Creative Montessori’s board of trustees and last year the board named the school’s renovated campus in her honor.

Jane Everhart Murray ’67 was elected to Wilson’s Board of Trustees in 1985 as an alumna trustee and served until 1991. In 2004, she received the AAWC’s Distinguished Alumna Award and then was re-elected to the Board of Trustees, remaining on the board until 2013. She received Trustee Emerita status in 2014. She is also a board member for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and the Frederickson Library in Camp Hill, Pa. Murray, whose mother, Mary Elizabeth Stone, was a member of the Class of 1936, graduated from Wilson with a bachelor’s degree in history. She has volunteered as an Aunt Sarah, donated to the College at the Leadership level and also was one of the first alumnae to donate her class ring to the Ring-It-Forward program.

Her husband, Bill, also was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1992 to 2001.

DISTINGUISHED ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM ALUMNA/US Susan Shaffer ’10 is the owner and proprietor of Joyful Arts Studio in Greencastle, Pa. After graduating from Wilson with a degree in studio art, she was awarded a grant in 2012 from Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts to teach therapeutic art exercises to those with cognitive limitations. From that 12-week course came the inspiration for Joyful Arts Studio, which serves as an artistic oasis for people from all walks of life—from established artists to first-time students and those challenged by autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s and post-traumatic stress disorder. Shaffer serves on Greencastle Shopkeepers, a group of women entrepreneurs who own businesses in the municipality, and she is also a member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, the Franklin County Art Alliance and the Washington County Arts Council.

FACULTY AWARD Kathleen Murphy ’67 became Wilson’s library director in 1999 and helped guide the evolution of the John Stewart Memorial Library.

She steered the library through a time of crisis in 2011, when the main library building closed after a massive heating system failure, and through the subsequent Reimagining The John Stewart Memorial Library renovation project. She deferred her planned retirement to November 2015 to become interim dean of library, information and technology services and saw the restored library and new learning commons dedicated in October 2015. Murphy, whose academic library experience includes jobs at York College, Mount St. Mary’s University, the University of South Carolina and Mount Aloysius College, has a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University and an MBA from Mount St. Mary’s College.

TIFT COLLEGE AWARDS Lisa Malmquist Dyslin ’64 was given the award posthumously. She volunteered to be the class correspondent for the Class of 1964 at graduation and never relinquished the role, spending 52 years reaching out to class members, keeping them informed and cajoling them to send her news. She was the leader of the Connecticut Wilson College Club, an Aunt Sarah volunteer and a consistent Wilson Fund donor. She served as co-chair of many class reunions and compiled scrapbooks for each. After graduating from Wilson, she worked as a sixth-grade teacher in Norwalk and Essex, Conn., for 35 years and was named Teacher of the Year in 1984. After her retirement, she served on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail board of directors and was instrumental

HONORARY ALUMNA Marybeth Famulare currently serves as the College’s director of alumnae/i relations and joined the Wilson community in 2012. The board of directors voted to grant her honorary membership in the AAWC to commend her creativity, patience, compassion and drive; and to recognize that her lifelong pursuit of scholarship, public interest and community involvement exemplify the qualities of a Wilson alumna.

In addition, the AAWC board named two recipients of the Legacy Scholarship Award: Jennifer Laman ’18, daughter of Anita Laman ’12; and Kierstyn Winslet ’18, daughter of Dorothy Winslet-Lutes ’07.

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REUNION WEEKEND

—2017—

Sunny skies greeted approximately 215 attendees for Reunion Weekend 2017. Those attending from the United States traveled from as far away as California, Oregon and Alaska—and internationally, from China, Germany and Greece.

The official reunion was for those classes whose graduation years ended in 2 and 7, though other years also attended. The Class of 1967 celebrated its 50th reunion and the Class of 1947 was the earliest class attending.

The Class of 1967 presented the College with a class gift of $59,397.53, to be used for an endowed scholarship.

At the annual Saturday luncheon, the following awards were presented: • The Silver Cup for the class with the greatest percentage of members registered for Reunion was awarded to the Class of 1967 for 31 percent.

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• The Reunion Bowl for the class with the largest number of class members registered was also awarded to the Class of 1967, with 37 registrations.

• The President’s Plaque for the class with the highest five-year participation percentage in the Wilson Fund was awarded to the Class of 1952 for 72 percent.

• The Silver Tray for the class with the highest five-year total of restricted and unrestricted giving to the College was awarded to the Class of 1967 for $892,069.

• The Class Crystal for the class with the highest total Wilson Fund giving for the current fiscal year was awarded to the Class of 1952 for $30,072.

Save the date for Reunion Weekend 2018, scheduled for June 1 through 3, for members of class years ending in 3 and 8.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Class of 1947 – From left: Lunetta Forsyth Headley and Gloria Massa.

Class of 1952 – Front row, from left: Ann Hughes Kinsman, Pari Ardalan Malek, Phyllis Kaspareit Davidson, Joan McCulloh, Jeanette DiLullo Lozupone and Nelle Depuy Nelling. Second row, from left: Beatrice McElhaney Over, Julia Fehler, Elizabeth Pickell Merring and Jane Troutman Ensminger.

Class of 1957 – Front row, from left: Hope Weishaar Asrelsky and Barbara Rose Spitzer. Second row, from left: Nancy Wanner Sims, Janice St. Clair Kohler and Ellen Hagenau Satterthwaite. Third row, from left: President Emerita and Honorary ’57 Gwen Jensen, Carolyn Madden Underwood, Betty Jane Weller Lee, Sallie Park and Priscilla Drury Dentler.

Class of 1962 – From left: Phoebe Snavely Tobin and Susan Fisher Chabot.

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Class of 1967 – Front row, from left: Kim Payette Sindel, Kathleen Dilonardo, Betty Keefer MacLaughlin, Janet Blood de Angelis, Norma Caquatto, Lois Wolff and Susan Weber Graefe. Second row, from left: Ellen Singer Roberts, Linda Westwood Nickles, Helene Kovach Dmochowski, Linda Baker Pettit, Patricia Mooney, Susanlee Marder Bozman and Emily Hulsizer Nicodemus. Third row, from left: Jane Everhart Murray, Betty Mills Vantine, Nancy Young Grove, Susan Reinhard MacFarland, Sara Washburn Stoops and Kent Matthews Loy. Fourth row, from left: Margee Hendrickson Lewis, M. Jane Beattie Kitchel, Kristina Sweval Peters, Susan Cocker Hopkins, Mary Lud Baldwin, Suzette Gallagher Kneedler and Carole Ankeny MacMullan. Fifth row, from left: Karen Stentz Grace, Elizabeth Gaston, Hydie Shull Friend, Barbara Tenney, Robin Yaghjian Hasslen, Susan Schwartz Harrity and Brenda Wheeler Rawlings.

Class of 1972 – Front row, from left: Marlyn Buehler, Julia Beck-Berman and Leigh Wilson Price. Second row, from left: Constance Burgess Lanzl, Patti Ewing Kiley, Margaret Robins Edwards and Sheila Rosato Reed. Third row, from left: Yolande McCurdy Gottfried, Mary Baesman Darlington, Charlotte Weaver-Gelzer and Denise Witwer Lahr. Fourth row, from left: Wendy Margaret Walker, Alice Meloy and Charlotte Pike Krichew. Fifth row, from left: Christina Sponsler Zacco, Marilynn Argondizza Spitz and Susan Bunting Bianchi. Sixth row, from left: Peggy Pontier-Renery, Drucilla Boone-Seelbach and Martha Ewalt Grant.

Seventh row, from left: Liza Wilson Bernard, Julia Bixby, Judith Rush Scott and Karen Serdy.

Class of 1977 – From left: Josephine Nicholson ’76 and Gladys Wilson ’77.

Class of 1987 – From left: Kimberly Chabot and Diane Besch Gombocz.

Class of 1982 – Front row: Elizabeth Verhey. Second row, from left: Adrienne Gall Tufts and Tracy Philpott Walker. Third row, from left: Anne Grimes and Laurel Bauer. Fourth row: Janet Foley. Fifth row: Carol Parssinen.

Class of 2007 – From left: Amanda Harrity and Sara Kann.

Photos by Pictures Plus.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Upcoming AAWC Trips Do you have a travel question? Do you need travel advice?

The Alumnae Association of Wilson College (AAWC) has opened a virtual travel desk to assist you.

Contact AAWCTravelDesk@gmail.com and members of the Alumnae Tour and Travel Committee will respond to your inquiry.

Volunteers are seasoned travelers with an array of expertise.

Announcing the AAWC 2018 Tours: April 18-26 River Life Along the Dutch Waterways

Nine days and seven nights on the deluxe small river ship M.S. Amadeus Brilliant, from Amsterdam to Ghent (or reverse). Early bird discount. Contact: GOHAGAN, www.gohagantravel.com or 800-922-3088.

July 11-21 Nordic Magnificence from Denmark to Norway

An eight-night small group tour. Spend three nights in Copenhagen, take an overnight ferry to Oslo for two nights and then a train to Bergen for three nights. Three-night extension to Stockholm available. Contact: AHI Travel, www.wilson.ahitravel.com or 800-323-7373.

Oct.13-21 Flavors of Spain

Become immersed in the history and culture that shaped the Iberian seaside villages and its people. Fly to Barcelona and check into a boutique hotel in the village of Emporda. Three-night extension in Barcelona available. Contact: ORBRIDGE, Wilson.orbridge.com or 866-639-0079.

If you’re still searching for a 2017 vacation, it’s not too late to book your trip!

Sept. 27-Oct. 5 Alumnae/i Campus Abroad in Italy— Sorrento

Seven nights in first-class Hotel Plaza Sorrento. Tour five UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Greek ruins in Paestum, Herculaneum and Pompeii (optional extra—hydrofoil tour to the Isle of Capri). Includes most meals, wine, tips and motor coach transportation. Contact: AHI Travel, www.wilson.ahitravel.com or 800-323-7373.

Oct. 14-22 Village Life in France: Languedoc, the REAL South of France

Seven nights in the 16th-century Chateau Des Ducs De Joyeuse at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Cruise the 17th-century Canal du Midi (a UNESCO World Heritage site); tour Rennes-le-Chateau; take a walking tour of Carcassonne; take a day excursion to the coastal town of Collioure (inspiration to Matisse and Picasso). Contact: GOHAGAN, www.gohagantravel.com or 800-922-3088.

Remember: Whenever you travel with Go Next, AHI Travel or Orbridge, be sure to mention you are a Wilson graduate. Your mention will prompt the companies to make a donation to the AAWC. This offer includes any trip, regardless whether it is sponsored by Wilson.

For more information, visit: www.wilson.edu/alumnae-tours-and-travel

The Ring-It-Forward program was established by the Alumnae Association of Wilson College so that older alumnae/i can donate their class rings to current students and, on occasion, a recent graduate.

This spring, Sarah Awan Johnson ’77 donated her ring to Rochelle Plummer ’11, G’17 in memory of professors David and Helen Platt. David Platt began teaching philosophy at Wilson in 1956 and continued with Wilson for 39 years. Helen Osborne Platt began working at Wilson in 1967 and remained until 1975.

Jenifer Jennings Hagy ’56 donated her ring to fellow studentathlete Teniera Enjoli Prioleau ’17 and Jane Bennett Frazer ’55 donated her ring to Jenna Kauffman ’17.

Thank you to Presbyterian Senior Living for its sponsorship of the Reunion Weekend picnic on Friday, June 2, 2017!

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Since this tradition began in 2013, the program has resulted in 25 pairings between alumnae/i, students and recent graduates. These legacies “ring it forward” to a new From left, Jenna Kauffman ’17, Rochelle Plummer ’11, G’17, AAWC President Mary F. Cramer ’91 and generation of Teniera Ejoli Prioleau ’17.

Wilson alumnae.

PHOTO BY KENDRA TIDD

RING-IT-FORWARD CEREMONY

— last —

word

Watching Students Walk

By Steven Schmidt

PHOTO BY JAMES BUTTS

D

uring my four years at Wilson, I have been introduced to and engaged in many annual traditions: student move-in day, Convocation, the annual Science Center Halloween dance party, Thanksgiving dinner and Student Research Day, to name a few. Each of these traditions is personally meaningful. The culmination of each student’s journey is, of course, graduation.

This year’s Commencement ceremony was the fourth I’ve attended at Wilson and although I attend each one with pride and joy for my graduating seniors, the 2017 graduation was especially rewarding for me. This year’s cohort was the first that consisted of students whom I’ve known for their entire college career and had the pleasure to see grow personally, academically and professionally. Some are going to graduate school and some are entering the workforce. All will leave a mark.

During my first semester at Wilson in 2013, I met Jamie Burnett, a first-year student who was shy and lacking confidence, but eager to embrace the college experience. One of my first goals when I came to Wilson was to reactivate the Psychology Club. When I asked Jamie about taking on the role of chapter president, her response was, “I would love to. I cannot promise how great I would be, but I do promise to try my best.” For the next threeand-a-half years, she was president or co-president of the chapter and helped make it one of the most active clubs on campus. At this year’s Student Research Day, she presented her impressive honor’s thesis, “Factors Influencing Middle School and High School Students’ Vocational Decision-Making.” It has been an honor to be a part of Jamie’s growth as a scholar and a leader. Seeing her graduate this past May is the epitome of why I chose this career.

From a professor’s perspective, graduation is a bittersweet event—at least for me. I am excited for the future paths that the graduates will pursue, but this year’s graduates will be missed. The Psychology Club will not be the same without the idea-sharing and planning of Samantha Chambers. I will miss seeing Heather Jordan-Clapsaddle working in the psychology lounge on weekends, while her daughter, Amelia, drew artwork on the blackboard. I will miss talking research with Jamie during odd hours while eating Chinese food.

At the same time, I am excited for Samantha as she prepares for her graduate work in public administration, and Heather has been accepted into a master’s of social work program. Jamie plans to pursue a Ph.D. and I have every confidence that she will excel in her doctoral program. In the meantime, we will still be working together, preparing a couple of manuscripts for publication, and she will be the AmeriCorps VISTA coordinator for Wilson’s Learning Campus this coming year.

Graduation also means that a new cohort of seniors will be taking over, and a new cohort of incoming freshmen is on the horizon. This perpetual cycle is an inherent perk to being a member of the Wilson faculty.

Even though each graduation is memorable, the 2017 graduation holds special meaning for me. W —Steven Schmidt is an assistant professor of psychology at Wilson.

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SAVE THE

DATE FALL WEEKEND SEPT. 29-OCT. 1 ALL WELCOME!

Activities include alumnae/i-student networking, Fulton Farm fundraising dinner, Reunion 2018 planning session and more.

Watch for additional schedule and registration information in the monthly e-newsletter and at

www.wilson.edu/fallweekend Contact the Office of Alumnae/i Relations at ARoffice@wilson.edu or 717-262-2010.

1015 Philadelphia Ave. Chambersburg, PA 17201-1279

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Greencastle, PA Permit No. 10

PHOTO BY DANIEL GLAZIER �18

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The love of scientific research drives Anna Harutyunyan ’17 to excel. Find out more about her research projects on page 20.