What’s Up Vol. 9, Issue 8 Dec. 17, 2014 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Fourteen Freshmen Selected for PSC/Bonner Leader Program 2 Points of Pride: Widener Junior is a Hero in his Hometown 2 Faces of Widener: Osmond Mbaeri, ‘04 3 Campus Kudos 3 Widener’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Exton Celebrates 10th Anniversary 4 Five Students Earn LEADERworks Certificates 4 New Distinguished Professors Announced in Delaware 5 Education Students Mark the Holiday Season with Literacy Pollyanna 5 Faculty and Staff Trained on Bystander Intervention 6 MAP-Works Survey Participants Rewarded Durant Named Professional of the Year by CASE 6 7 7 Noteworthy 8 Send story and noteworthy ideas and items to Allyson Roberts, alroberts@widener.edu Widener University has been named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll “With Distinction” in the General Community Service and Education Community Service categories. Widener has been named to the Honor Roll every year since its inception in 2006. “It is truly an honor to be recognized year after year for our civic engagement efforts in the communities we serve,” said Widener President James T. Harris III. “The real reward, however, is the partnerships with the community that these efforts create, the learning and personal growth opportunities they offer our students, and seeing how these efforts change the lives of the people they serve for the better.” This year, Widener was recognized for four exemplary initiatives: • The Widener Partnership Charter School • The Chester Upland Soccer for Success Program • Widener School of Law Clinics Hospitality Student Represents Widener at National Conference Story Idea? Widener Named to President’s Community Service Honor Roll for Eighth Consecutive Year • The College Access Center of Delaware County A total of 766 higher education institutions were named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. A full list of the honorees can be found at http://1.usa.gov/1vF8tK3. “Service and higher education go hand in hand,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “These schools are inspiring young leaders to roll up their sleeves and work alongside community members to solve programs. By recognizing the institutions who are leading the way to achieve meaningful, measurable results for the communities they serve, we also highlight the vital role all colleges and universities play in addressing community challenges and placing more students on a lifelong path of civic engagement.” Inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll highlights the role colleges and universities play in solving community challenges. As a result, more students are likely to pursue a lifelong path of civic engagement that achieves meaningful and measurable outcomes in their communities. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service, administers the initiative in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Council on Education, Campus Compact, and the Interfaith Youth Core. 1 back to contents table Fourteen Freshmen Selected for Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leader Program Fourteen Widener freshmen have been selected for the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leader Program. Select freshmen are chosen each year for the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leader Program based on their high school academic record, commitment to serving their communities, and leadership potential. The following students are the newest participants in the program: • Abhay Aradhya, a science major from Burlington, NJ • Laura Giordano, a biology major from Cherry Hill, NJ • Corey Laubenstein, a communication studies major from Runnemede, NJ • Sarah-Mae Medalla, a nursing major from Sewell, NJ • Bradley Peditto, a biology major from Mount Laurel, NJ • Cajua Robinson, a mechanical engineering major from Brookhaven, PA • Edmund Seyfried, a management major from Columbia, MD • Stephen Simunov, a preengineering major from Glen Mills, PA • Bridget Leonard, a biomedical engineering major from Philadelphia, PA • Monica Lesinski, a nursing major from Williamstown, NJ • Lauren Oliva, an early years/special education major from Palmyra, PA • LaIndia Santos-Phillips, a Spanish major from Westville, NJ • Christina Whitty, a civil engineering major from Secane, PA • Alison Turner, a psychology major from Mullica Hill, NJ Students in the program volunteer 300 hours of service each year, with 220 of those hours at a community partner site in Chester. Students also have the opportunity to experience an international service trip during their junior or senior year. In addition, students participate in training and enrichment activities that help them develop leadership skills. Each PSC/Bonner Leader receives an annual $5,000 scholarship in addition to any need-based financial aid or academic-based scholarships. Committed to the belief that an education includes both fostering students’ intellectual growth and developing them into socially responsible citizens, Widener President James T. Harris III created the Presidential Service Corps program in 2002. The PSC affiliated with the Bonner Leader Program in 2010. The Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation supports anti-poverty programs in the area of hunger and education. The Bonner Scholar and Bonner Leader programs have expanded to more than 75 colleges and universities across the country, providing access to education and an opportunity to serve to more than 3,200 students annually. Points of Pride… Widener Junior is a Hero in his Hometown Khalil Williams, a junior communication studies major from Chester, has been honored with a Mayor’s Recognition Award for his contributions as a writer, editor, and photographer for the inaugural issue of Chester magazine. Chester Mayor John Linder, a 1976 Widener graduate, and members of Chester City Council presented Williams with the award “for a native of the city of Chester in recognition of outstanding contributions to the city and our community” at the council meeting on Wednesday, December 10. Williams wrote a feature article about the city’s cultural corridor, a column about the potential for Chester’s revitalization, and a restaurant review. He also served as a contributing editor and took numerous photographs that appeared in the magazine about the city that was produced by Widener students. Khalil Williams, right, is presented with a Mayor’s Recognition Award from Chester Mayor John Linder, left. 2 back to contents table Faces of Widener: Osmond Mbaeri, ‘04 School. She eventually pursued her master’s at Widener as well. “Everything happens for a reason,” Mbaeri said. “I never expected to be back at Widener as an employee, but it really is like a family for me. Widener has been a big part of my life.” Osmond Mbaeri, ‘04, Assistant Director of Campus Safety Osmond Mbaeri,’04, graduated with a degree in criminal justice from Widener. He returned five years later as a campus safety officer and then took over as assistant director of Campus Safety in 2010. Perhaps Widener had a special place in his heart because it is where he met his wife, Jeanine Carter, ’03, ’12. She received her degree in education from Widener and taught at the Widener Partnership Charter As a Widener student, Mbaeri was an active member of the ROTC. He then served as a military police officer in the Army from 2004-2008. He was stationed in Germany and served 12 months in Afghanistan. Mbaeri hoped to continue his role in the police force once he returned, but he ended up finding his calling in campus safety. “Being a member of the Campus Safety Department allows me to help people, which is what I wanted to do,” he said. “This position lets me be of help to everyone on campus. Everyone always seeks our assistance first. It also keeps me moving.” Safety, with administration duties, including the logistics around uniforms and shuttle schedules and training. He also manages the evidence room, supervises the part-time staff, and works to ensure that the unit’s annual training is in compliance with the Clery Act. He teaches Red Cross certification LLPD classes and coordinates 40 hours of training a year for all Campus Safety officers. While these responsibilities keep Mbaeri busy, he also reviews daily reports and follows through on investigation cases. He is always out and about on Main Campus to check in with officers. Off campus, Mbaeri enjoys time with his wife and daughter, Joy, 3. He is also pursuing his master’s in divinity at the Palmer Theological Seminary through Eastern University. He hopes to become an ordained minister. In addition, he enjoys running, traveling, and visiting his home country of Nigeria. As assistant director, Mbaeri assists Pat Sullivan, director of Campus Campus Kudos Kudos to the eight students in Dr. Stuart Eimer’s Freshman Seminar Section U titled Learning to Make a Difference: Civic Engagement, College, and You who spent the fall semester organizing a campaign to raise money for the after-school program at Chester Eastside. The students developed their own fundraising ideas, which included selling blue and gold beaded necklaces at Widener football games and Linvilla Orchard pies before Thanksgiving. The freshmen involved were Ryan Christiano, Joseph Fox, Jessie Grimes, Rachael Hanak, Katherine Handy, Michael Shaddow, Kathleen Wendling, and Elizabeth Winski. Their efforts raised $570, which was graciously received by the nonprofit. in princess apparel, helped let Ayana know that her wish had been granted through a scavenger hunt and party. The sorority will host two additional activities for Ayana prior to her trip. The event supported the Make-AWish organization of Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley. Students in Dr. Stuart Eimer’s Freshman Seminar sell beads to raise money for Chester Eastside. Kudos to the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority at Widener for hosting a Make-A-Wish event for Ayana Banks. Ayana, 6, who has neuroblastoma, made a wish to visit Disney World. The members of Phi Sigma Sigma, donned Phi Sig sisters pose with Ayana Banks, center. 3 back to contents table Widener’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Exton Celebrates 10th Anniversary Widener’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, located on the university’s Exton Campus, celebrated its 10th anniversary on December 3 with a party held at the Downingtown Country Club. OLLI members attended in addition to current and past administrators who have played a role in OLLI’s success. Originally the Academy for Learning in Retirement, Widener began the lifelong learning program for individuals age 50 and older in September 2004. The original program offered 12 courses to 69 members. In 2006, a $100,000 grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation led Widener to transform the Academy for Learning in Retirement into an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and join a growing list of colleges and universities that host OLLI sites. The Osher Foundation gifted Widener subsequent grants and a $1 million endowment in 2011 in recognition of the institute’s growth and commitment to providing older adults with opportunities for intellectual development, cultural stimulation, personal growth, civic engagement, and social interaction. With the foundation’s support, Widener’s OLLI has grown significantly. It currently offers more than 80 classes each semester to more than 800 members. “This program is truly special,” said Matt Weidman, director of the Exton Campus. “We have high quality instructors—most former educators— who regularly teach for us because they love it. The social component of OLLI is also worth noting. I have had countless OLLI members tell me that this program has saved their life; they have planned their retirement around our courses and social activities. Many of our members have created friendships that extend beyond the OLLI classroom.” Five Students Earn LEADERworks Certificates The Oskin Leadership Institute recently recognized five undergraduate students who completed the LEADERworks certificate program during the fall semester. The institute presented the following students with their LEADERworks certificates during a ceremony on December 1: • Cassandra Angelo, a sophomore nursing major from Toms River, NJ • Shijo Benjamin, a junior biochemistry major Bensalem, PA • Nicole Cavalier, a sophomore nursing major from Burlington City, NJ • Adrienne Phelps, a sophomore biomedical engineering major from New Ashford, MA • Tyler Virgilio, a sophomore hospitality management major from Glassboro, NJ To earn the LEADERworks certificate, students must complete 18 onehour workshops through the Oskin Leadership Institute on a variety of leadership-related topics including ethical fitness, personal courage, leadership myths and stereotypes, leading groups, decision making, and peer leadership, among others. Students must then develop their own leadership philosophy that addresses the competencies and challenges of leading oneself, leading others, or leading change. Students present and explain their leadership philosophy at a ceremony and receive their LEADERworks Certificate. “Our students have a strong desire for leadership training and experiences that will help differentiate them in the job market and inspire them to be leaders in their professions and in their communities,” said Arthur Schwartz, Widener students engage in a leadership workshop as part of their journey toward completing the LEADERworks certificate program. executive director of the Oskin Leadership Institute. The LEADERworks certificate program was designed to be completed in two years. Since the certificate program was launched in fall 2013, more than 1,000 undergraduate students participated in at least one of the 307 leadership workshops offered by the institute. 4 back to contents table New Distinguished Professors Announced in Delaware been clearly identified by students or peers as outstanding teachers, and contributed significant public or professional service in accordance with their academic disciplines. From left, Distinguished Professors James R. May, John G. Culhane, Alicia B. Kelly, and Jean M. Eggen. Widener Law Interim Dean Erin Daly has appointed four Delaware faculty members with the title “distinguished professor of law.” The honor was given to Professors John G. Culhane, Jean M. Eggen, Alicia B. Kelly, and James R. May. They were among a pool recommended for the distinction by their faculty peers. Daly made the final selections. “These four professors truly merit the accolade of distinguished professor, our highest academic title. They are accomplished scholars and teachers, and they are all widely recognized as leaders in their fields. Their presence on our campus truly enriches the education we provide at Widener Law Delaware,” Daly said. The title comes with a three-year term. To be selected, the recipients had to have achieved national or international recognition for scholarly research, Culhane has edited one book, coauthored another, and has a third in the works. He is a regular contributor to Slate and The Huffington Post. He has participated in more than 30 conferences in the last four years, from the law governing same-sex relationships, to gun control, to public health. He has taken on leadership roles at the school and in the community, including the position of co-director of the Family Health Law & Policy Institute at Widener Law Delaware. Eggen has explored difficult and pressing questions in law and examined them in creative, intellectually rigorous ways. She envisioned the field of toxic torts more than 20 years ago and is author of Toxic Torts in a Nutshell, soon to be in its fifth edition. In addition, she is emerging as a leading force at the intersection of neuroscience and torts. She is a member of the Special Committee on Congressional Relations of the American Bar Association Section on Environment, Energy, and Resources. She has chaired Widener Law Delaware’s Promotion, Retention, and Tenure Committee since 2010. Kelly has been at the cutting edge of an emerging field that she has largely defined, examining within-family economic and care relationships. At the same time, she is co-authoring a forthcoming casebook on property law. She has participated in more than 20 conferences in the last four years and provided energetic leadership and wisdom on a range of important law school committees, as well as in academic organizations. She co-directs Widener Law Delaware’s Family Health Law & Policy Institute. May has edited one book, co-authored another, and is co-editing two more on environmental and constitutional topics. He envisioned the field at the intersection of environmental and constitutional law, which is now at the heart of environmental governance discourse happening throughout the world. He has participated in more than 40 conferences over the last four years and in 2014 alone has been invited to speak in Africa, Asia, Europe, and throughout the United States. He is a member of the Environmental Law Institute and a lecturer at the National Judicial College. At the law school, he initiated a shift toward transparency with the creation of Faculty Governance and Budget committees. He cofounded and co-directs Widener’s Environmental Law Center. He also currently co-chairs the Dean Search Committee for Widener Law Delaware. Education Students Mark the Holiday Season with Literacy Pollyanna Students in Dr. Dana Reisboard’s Education 1302: Early Literacy Foundations course recently celebrated the holidays with a literacy Pollyanna. During the semester, students took time to learn about a classmate. Then, at the end of the semester, they created a gift based on the classmate’s interests. All gifts were motivational in nature, and many displayed quotes that the recipients could hang on their walls. Reisboard said that the activity gives her education students something they can replicate in their future classrooms around the holiday season. The culminating event is both fun and festive without having a religious component. 5 back to contents table Faculty and Staff Trained on Bystander Intervention Widener recently hosted the nationally renowned evidenced-based prevention bystander training program “Bringing in the Bystander” on Main Campus. Sponsored by the Title IX Office, Office of Student Affairs, and the Center for Violence Prevention, the training program featured curriculum from the Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, which develops and evaluates strategies with practitioners to address specific interventions. Members of the Widener community participated, along with personnel from other local colleges and universities. Students will benefit from the program next year, as the Title IX Office will be a implementing a bystander intervention program that will be orientated to students on all campuses. “This curriculum has allowed us to train 10 people at Widener who will lead the trainings for our students,” said Grace Karmiol, assistant director of employee relations and Title IX coordinator. Faculty, staff, and students are excited to see this training on campus. “Research compiled over two decades shows clearly that bystander intervention is the best way to prevent sexual violence on college campuses,” said Dr. Sarah Nicksa, assistant professor of criminal justice. “I’m proud of Widener for bringing the most effective violence prevention effort to the region.” Dayna Rowe, ’15, a second year student in the master’s of social work program and graduate assistant at the Widener Center for Violence Prevention, initiated the idea of having Widener host the “Bringing in the Bystander” training. While attending Allegheny College for her undergraduate degree, Rowe had a chance to participate in the training and wrote a thesis on bystander intervention among athletes and non-athletes. “I’m glad that I was able to be a part of something so significant for the Widener community,” Rowe said. “I know if this program is used to its full potential, students will be better educated and on the forefront of sexual assault prevention.” The highly-interactive program was led by Caroline Leyva and Robert Eckstein of the Research Center at University of New Hampshire. According to Jane Stapleton, co-director of the Research Center, the training offers a strong look at understanding bystander intervention, including one’s role and the barriers that come with it, and when to intervene. “The training allows participants to identify inappropriate behavior, as well as develop empathy,” she said. If anyone is a victim of sexual misconduct or assault or seeking help for others in the Widener community, contact Grace Karmiol, Title IX coordinator, at ext. 1301. MAP-Works Survey Participants Rewarded Tim Cairy, director of student success and retention, annually administers a survey to gather feedback—both positive and negative—about the Widener student experience. “This information allows us to handle situations regarding retention more effectively, and it gives faculty and staff a better understanding of what they can do to improve retention,” Cairy said. To help boost participation, Cairy puts the names of those who completed the survey into a grand prize drawing for an unknown prize. This year he had 72.5 percent of first-time, first-year students complete the survey. The holidays came early for prize winners Melise Bayraktar, Joslyn Drum, Erin Hatfield, Matthew Lemmo, Wyatt Mell, and Kevin Pintozzi. They all received a $50 gift card to the university bookstore. Cairy hopes the survey continues to provide feedback that allows his office to improve the student experience and ultimately boost retention. Save the Date: Katie Koestner Jan. 15 Katie Koestner Katie Koestner, founder of the Take Back the Night Foundation, will speak at Widener about alcohol, sexual assault, and responsible decision making at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 15 in Alumni Auditorium. The first survivor of date rape to speak out nationally at age 18, Koestner was the subject of an HBO movie and has appeared on the cover of TIME magazine and on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend. Pictured from left to right are Erin Hatfield, Matthew Lemmo, Kevin Pintozzi, and Wyatt Mell. 6 back to contents table Durant Named Professional of the Year by CASE Durant, who has been at Widener since 2003, is in the closing stages of leading the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the university’s history. Launched during the peak of the recent recession, Taking the Lead—the Campaign for Widener has surpassed its goal of $58 million, raising $61.7 million to date and growing. Linda Durant The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District II has selected Linda Durant, senior vice president for university advancement, as recipient of the Professional of the Year Award. Durant will accept the award February 2 during the CASE District II Conference in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes a District II institutional advancement professional who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in the development of an institutional advancement program or innovative execution of programs within the area of advancement, contributed to the profession through work with CASE, and volunteered in service to the community or charitable organizations. “It is truly an honor to receive this award, especially from an organization with so many exceptional individuals developing creative and innovative initiatives to advance the cause of education,” Durant said. “I’m very fortunate to have the support of Widener President James T. Harris III who understands the importance of institutional advancement and a terrific team in alumni engagement, development, and university relations.” Under her leadership, Widener has implemented a university-wide branding campaign which has led to increased recognition, visibility, and greater understanding of the university. Since 2005, the university advancement team at Widener has received 45 awards from professional associations for elements of its communication program. Durant has also made significant contributions to the profession through her work with CASE, both nationally and in District II. She has served on the national board of trustees for CASE, and currently serves on the District II board as pastchair. She also served as operations co-chair and conferences co-chair for District II. Since 2000, she served on the faculty and as chair of numerous CASE educational programs in the United States and abroad, delivered keynote addresses, and chaired annual conferences for two separate districts. In the community, Durant serves on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Chester, where she was instrumental in helping the board forge a long-range strategic plan for the organization. She has also served on the Nether Providence Historical Society Board of Directors, and she faithfully participates in community service projects such as alternative spring break and Martin Luther King Day. Hospitality Student Represents Widener at National Conference Caitlin Jordan, ’15, a hospitality management major, recently had the opportunity to represent Widener University and the hospitality program at the American Hospitality senior Hotel & Lodging Caitlin Jordan Association networks with (AH&LA) national Sen. John McCain. conference in Phoenix, AZ. Her trip was funded through a new scholarship available to students through the AH&LA. “It was an honor to have a student accepted to receive the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation scholarship,” said Dr. Nicholas Hadgis, dean of the School of Hospitality Management. “We learned that Caitlin was one of 10 students chosen nationally.” While at the conference, Jordan spread the word about Widener’s School of Hospitality Management to those on the West Coast. “I was able to network with a number of new people who were not familiar with us,” she said. “Everyone was very impressed by the experience we receive as students at Widener.” A highlight for Jordan was the unique connections she made with industry professionals. “I met John McCain and networked with CEOs of Marriott and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Hearing their stories and learning more about how they got to where they are now has helped me envision my career path.” In addition to the networking opportunities, interview sessions, and workshops, Jordan was able to collaborate with two other students on a research project that will focus on what type of technologies millennials seek while staying in a hotel. 7 back to contents table Noteworthy Dr. Annalisa Castaldo, associate professor of English, recently accompanied four undergraduate students from her English 340 course titled Author Study: Pre-1800 to the Moravian Medieval and Early Modern Undergraduate Conference. Emily DeFreitas, a senior English and creative writing major, read from her paper “Edward II: a Flawed Christ Figure.” Devon Fiore, a senior communication studies major, read from her paper “Reception of Modern Performances of the Christopher Marlowe Plays.” Autumn Heisler, a senior English and creative writing major, read from her paper “Asides, Lurking, and Trickery: Spyship’s Influence on Marlowe’s The Jew of Malta and Other Works.” Maria Klecko, a senior English and communication studies major, read from her paper “Parent/Child Dynamics in Marlowe.” Widener Tops Villanova in Annual Army-Navy Flag Football Game Dr. Stephanie Schechner, professor of French and director of the Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies Program, recently visited Chester High School to talk with French students about teaching and studying French and the variety of careers available to those who speak French. The students presented Schechner with a plant, and the culinary arts program treated her to a homemade meal. Schechner is pictured above in the center of the Chester High students. Dr. Arthur Schwartz, executive director of the Oskin Leadership Institute, has launched a new monthly column, “The Ethical Workplace,” in the Philadelphia Business Journal. The column will address ethical dilemmas submitted by Business Journal readers and serve to promote the Oskin Leadership Institute. As a prelude to the annual football game between Army and Navy on December 13, Cadets from Widener’s Dauntless Battalion participated in their own version of the Army-Navy Game on December 5 at Widener’s Quick Stadium. Widener Army ROTC faced off in a flag football game against Villanova University’s Naval ROTC. The Dauntless Battalion Cadets defeated the Villanova Midshipmen in both the men’s and women’s games, with scores of 34-20 and 32-12 respectively. Autumn Heisler Widener Sweethearts Two alums returned to campus last Friday for a very sweet moment. Megan Laskowski, ’11, “thought” she was being interviewed for an alumni spotlight for the School of Nursing, but much to her surprise, her boyfriend, Kevin Carney, ’11, appeared mid-interview with a question of his own. He asked her to marry him, and she said yes! 8
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