September 12, 2013 | VOl. 91 NO. 1 | waynesburg.edu
student produced since 1924
Living mission a goal for university's 15th president Lee hopes to revisit the values of 1849 By Nick Farrell Executive Editor
Doug Lee, president of Waynesburg University, thinks that the institution he now leads is headed in the right direction. He knows this because of the enthusiasm he senses
from the students, faculty and staff that have returned to campus for the fall semester, and believes that this enthusiasm is the key to a bright future. “I think we will continue on the same track we’ve been on since at least 1990, the vision that was set by Chancellor [Timothy] Thyreen and Mrs. [Carolyn] Thyreen,” said Lee, who succeeded Thyreen as the 15th president of the university. “That is found in the mission statement of the
institution that we have on our website. All those goals and aspirations that we have, I think we want to continue to move in that direction.” Lee, who is beginning his first year as president and will be inaugurated in the spring, hopes that his term will lead Waynesburg to growth in some areas that the institution already thrives in. The president noted that the Service Learning program will likely expand and become more visible in every aspect
of campus life. In addition, he hopes to emphasize the importance of global experiences. “Chances are, many students that graduate here may be working more internationally than my generation. Chances are they may find themselves in other countries dealing with other cultures as their career paths unfold throughout their lives,” said Lee. “I think if we are really wanting to prepare the next generation of leaders, that’s
an issue that we have to look at and have to make sure our students have that type of experience and background.” These are only a few of the areas Lee hopes to strengthen, because he said that an institution that isn’t growing and improving is one that is surely faltering. “I don’t think you can ever be complacent with anything you
Lee
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University to recall Construction continues in Stewart alumni heroism in Project won't be finished Gettysburg battle until 2017 Event planned to mark efforts during Civil War By Rob Longo
Assistant Sports Editor
History and music will combine to take the stage Nov. 9 in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center for a commemoration of Waynesburg's involvement in the Civil War. “With the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, [the university] thought it would be a good idea to honor those who contributed to the war effort that went to Waynesburg College and lived in Greene County,” said Courtney Dennis, assistant director of alumni relations. When the second Saturday in November rolls around, the Wildcat Regiment Band will perform in the GPAC. The band is a Civil War brass band, which incorporate information about the time period. The Wildcat Regiment Band will also be joined on stage by local Greene County Civil War re-
enactors. “I think it’s important to know who we are, we need to know who we have been,” said Doug Lee, university president. “With the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in July, we thought it would be nice to recognize that part of our history at this time.” The most well-known veteran of the Civil War era from Greene County is James Jackson Purman, whose name graces the run that borders campus. During the second day of battle in Gettysburg, Purman, along with a Confederate soldier, risked their own lives to save a wounded soldier that had injuries to both of his legs. After the gun smoke of battle cleared, Purman was presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor for risking his life to save others, an honor only 62 other soldiers received in the massive battle. “Our alumni give us these examples on what it means to live a life of purpose,” Lee said. See civil on a3
By Katherine Mansfield Managing Editor
The hum of jackhammers that began outside Stewart Hall at the end of last semester played a welcoming tune for returners and newcomers alike when students moved onto campus in August. Just last week, the scaffolding that has decorated the building’s exterior for months was taken down, and the building’s elegant new exterior is nearly finished. “It was falling apart,” said Leena Mustafa, sophomore education major, of the science building. “The bricks make it look new, brand new. The windows are really cool – they’re big, glass windows. It’s good for the school campus.” Renovations to Waynesburg University’s science building began May 10, but have been in the works for years as part of University President Doug Lee’s plans to beautify Waynesburg’s campus. “We’ve been working on remodeling it little by little over the last several years,” said Lee, “and now we’ve taken the large approach to
Abby Wernert, Yellow Jacket
Workers continue construction outside Stewart Hall. Though the exterior of the building is nearly complete, the entire renovation will continue through 2017. really investing the money and to making it a top-quality building.” Renovations to the exte-
rior of Stewart Hall, which houses the science, math and nursing programs, will be attractive to prospective
students, said Dr. Wayne Rossiter, assistant professor See stewart on a4
University sustains enrollment with large class Bucks national demographic, economic trends By Nick Farrell Executive Editor
At its annual Matriculation Convocation in August, Waynesburg University welcomed one of the largest incoming classes in school history just one year after enrollment numbers declined. In total, the university registered 461 new students for the fall semester. University President Doug Lee said he and his wife Katherine were excited to welcome such a large incoming class during his first year as
leader of the institution. “It was a really meaningful time to be able to greet all those new students and their families into our university community,” said
Lee. “Katherine and I both really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to them and meet with them all.” According to records from the Office of Admissions, the number
of students enrolled during convocation week was the second-largest tally in school history, but that number has already declined. “Our numbers fluctuate daily with the first week of classes prior to add-drop being a significant fluctuation week,” said Director of Admissions Jessica Sumpter. “During convocation we were at 461, which would have been the second-largest incoming class, but during the first week of classes we lost 10 students making the final number 451.” Based on the adjusted records kept by Admissions, this incoming class is only tied for third-largest since the school became Waynesburg University in 2007; however, Sumpter says that faculty and staff refer to this incoming class as the second-largest because of the reg-
istration numbers recorded before classes began. Like many colleges around the country, the number of students enrolled at Waynesburg dipped last fall. Waynesburg registered only 401 students in 2012, down 32 students from 2011. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, many schools experienced the same lack of enrollment as Waynesburg in 2012. About 467,000 fewer students joined colleges in 2012 than in 2011, ending a five-year period of increased enrollment in high education. Sumpter said the economy played a role in the decline. “Students want to make sure that if they’re going to a school they’re See Matriculation on A4
Inside
Hearing slated for Friday
Constitution Day nears
Shepas reaches milestones
Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1–A4 Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1, B4 Editorial/Op-ed. . . . . . . . B2 News Digest. . . . . . . . . . B3 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1–C4 Arts & Life. . . . . . . . . . . . D1–D2 Entertainment . . . . . . . . D3–D4
Sen. Tim Solobay will meet with various parties to discuss local power station closures.
An event promising enjoyable activities and events that will help educate and remind students of their Constitution and their rights.
Head football coach reaches 50 wins faster then any coach in program history.
Copyright © 2013 Waynesburg University 51 W. College St. Waynesburg, Pa. 15370
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Shortly before press time, a search committee unanimously recommended Dr. Jacquelyn Core be named Provost. More in Sept. 19 issue
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