Commencement 2023 was a roller coaster of emotions. I was full of happiness, proud of everything that the Class of 2023 has accomplished, but above all of this, I was sad that it is over and I am at the end of my college experience.
The two main leaders of Wilson for this year’s class, Anaida Fahradyan, president of the Class of 2023, and President Wesley Fugate, gave two wonderful speeches that left me and my classmates speechless. Anaida informed us about the war in her country, Armenia, and how her family was not able to come the United States to watch her graduate. After giving a few words addressing and thanking her family for support in her native language (because they were watching the livestream) there was such a strike of emotions.
Later, as our eyes were closed, hearing the President sharing the experiences that will only happen at Wilson, made me realize how much I am going to be missing Wilson and that it is really is the end.
After graduation was over, the hug with my parents and my brother who came to Wilson for the second time all the way from Puerto Rico, was the moment in which all my tears started falling.
Although it is the end of my chapter as a student, my chapter as an alum has just begun and I will be emotionally attached to Wilson forever. The late-night study sessions at Sarah’s Coffeehouse, the ice cream at the dining hall, faculty connecting personally with students, Andrew singing at the dining hall, the bingos, duck hunt, and egg hunt in the green, all of these just happens at Wilson, and it’s what it makes Wilson unique and special.
Victor Ortiz '23 is taking practicum course ENG-309: Social Media/Web Content and for a hands-on assignment shared his thoughts on Commencement 2023 from a student's perspective.
On April 25th, a member of the Student Financial Services Center traveled to the Harrisburg Capitol building with students Maya Grove and Ryan Reinhardt, to advocate during "AICUP Day on the Hill". Both students volunteered their time to speak with State Representatives Paul Schemel and Rob Kauffman to express the importance of continuing to fund the PA State Grant, which benefits students at PA independent institutions, like Wilson. AICUP Day on the Hill is a one day event where our PA independent schools bring students together to advocate. This was our first year back in person since COVID!
The College honored students and faculty at the annual Academic Awards ceremony on Friday, April 29, at the Brooks Science Center auditorium. Each prize recognizes excellence in scholarship, achievement, or teaching, and the event is a celebration of the outstanding students and faculty at Wilson.
We are proud to list the awardees:
Nicholas Mattson received the Outstanding Peer Teacher Award.
Jordan Yeager was awarded the Class of 1957 Civic Engagement Award for a student who exemplifies civic engagement at Wilson College through involvement in volunteer roles on and off-campus.
Mia Harris was awarded the Edward and Sarah Anderson Psychology Prize. The Wilson College Psychology Club established this award in recognition of Professors Edward and Sarah Anderson for their devotion to psychology while professors at the College. It recognizes a graduating senior for outstanding scholarship in psychology. The psychology faculty selected the recipients in consultation with the Dean of the College.
Rachel Staley and Simone Karustis received the Sophie’s Six Award, in memory of Sophie Grace Martin, awarded to seniors majoring or minoring in psychology or a related field and with an intended career in counseling.
Elizabeth Rentsch (performance) and Madeline Neway (scholarship) won the James Applegate Award. Established in honor of James Applegate, Ph.D., Dean Emeritus and Emeritus Professor of English, it is awarded to a student or students with an interest in and appreciation of drama and theater.
The Donald Bletz Award for Excellence in Teaching went to Daniela DiGregorio and Alan Jeff Rock.
Mariah Kiefer received the Lucy Bremmer Global Citizenship Award for a student or students who participate in the service-learning component of the Global Citizenship Initiative. This award is to offset expenses associated with travel to another country for the awardee.
Daeshaun Johnson won the Alice Brumbaugh Award for Sociology, awarded to a sociology student in honor of Professor Brumbaugh. It was created in her honor in 1998 by fellow faculty member and sociologist Carolyn Zeleny.
Amanda Smida won the Carolyn Zeleny Prize awarded to a sociology student in the junior or senior class in honor of Professor Emerita of sociology Carolyn Zeleny. It is awarded for academic excellence and/or community service. The winner is selected in consolation with the sociology faculty.
Judith Wolf received the General Chemistry Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in general chemistry.
Katie Riley and Lydia Story received the Barsy-Colgan Academic Research Gift Award. The Student Research Day Committee presented the two students with this award to support their academic research. They were selected by the committee after submitting a proposed budget, timeline, and cover letter describing their project or conference and how it would benefit both their academic careers and Wilson College
Anaida Fahradyan won The Marel Harlow Cheng Memorial Prize. This award recognizes a student who has done well in international studies or has made noticeable contributions to international understanding.
Nicholas Mattson won the Regina Shaputnic Cuomo Mathematics Award. In memory of Regina Shaputnic Cuomo, class of 1961, it is awarded to a student or students pursuing a major in mathematics who exhibit outstanding ability.
Ella Hawbecker was awarded the Robert Shannon McElwain Prize, established by the gift of his daughter, the late Mary Belle McElwain, class of 1895. It is awarded to the best student in mathematics in the first-year class.
Lydia Story won the prestigious Margaret Criswell Disert Honors Scholarship. Established in 1993 in memory of Margaret Disert, Dean Emerita, of the class of 1920, it is awarded to a rising senior who has, in the judgment of the Selection Committee, submitted the proposal for Senior Advanced Study and Research considered most worthy of support. Outstanding achievement in this project will merit the awarding of Honors in the Major upon graduation.
The Joan M. Thuebel ’52 Earthwatch Prize sponsors students and faculty members to participate in an Earthwatch Institute project of their choosing. 2023 recipients were Myla Owens and Kendi Long.
Eryka Sager was awarded the Estep-Lawson Memorial Prize. Established through gifts in memory of Jean McSparran Estep of the class of 1929 and Beverly Bell Lawson of the class of 1958, it is awarded to a senior graduating with a major in Liberal Studies who demonstrates excellence and leadership across the disciplines.
Paige Schade won the Donna Gomer VMT Award. It was established by Donna Gomer ’98 in 2004 to be awarded to a CCE student displaying excellence in their field of study in Veterinary Medical Technology.
Kelly Lepouski received the Davison Greenawalt Grove Award, in honor of Davison Greenawalt Grove, Professor Emeritus of Biology. Established by Dr. Carol Sachs Scatarige, a member of the class of 1968, and the Wilson College Science Club, it is awarded to a member of the junior or senior class participating in research in the area of Physical and Life Sciences. Candidates are nominated and selected by a committee composed of the Science Faculty and one Science Club representative not currently involved in research.
The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) has awarded their Outstanding Senior Award for 2023 to Michael McGee.
Madison Ross received the Richard C. Grove Award in Business and Economics. Established in honor of Richard C. Grove, Board of Trustees from 2010-2016, it is awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding ability and has distinguished themselves academically in accounting, business administration, financial mathematics, or economics.
Anaida Fahradayan won the William P. Van Looy Business Prize. It was established in 1990 by Priscilla Van Looy and Ellen Van Looy Reed of the class of 1953, in memory of William P. Van Looy, businessman and community servant. It is awarded to the junior or senior business and economics major who has demonstrated excellence in business studies and service to the Wilson College and the larger community. The business and economics faculty select the recipient.
Melissa West received the Dorle Haas Memorial Prize, endowed by the members of the class of 1946, in memory of Sister Dorle Haas, member of the Order of the Little Sisters of Jesus. It is awarded to a senior for outstanding service within the greater Chambersburg community. A committee appointed by the president selects the winner.
Rebecca Galvin was awarded the Gloria Randle Scott-Frances Richards Hesselbein Prize for Exemplary Volunteer Leadership, established by Gloria Randle Scott, former member of the Board of Trustees and recipient of an Honorary Degree. This is awarded to that member of the senior class who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service during their four years at Wilson College.
Aaron Rein won the Joanne Harrison Hopkins Literary Achievement Award, endowed by classmates and friends of the late Joanne Hopkins, class of 1957. The prize is for the finest piece of imaginative literature in fiction, poetry, or drama produced during the academic year.
Natalie Beckner was awarded the William and Ivy Saylor Prize. Endowed by Raymond W. Britcher and established through the Academy of American Poets, the prize supports young poets through a program established by the Academy of American Poets at colleges nationwide. Winners receive a cash prize and a one-year membership in the Academy.
Andrea Sandoval received the Helga Rist Prize awarded in honor of Jose Cordova and Beate Schiwek to a dedicated, successful, American foreign language student who has demonstrated integrity, promise, and potential.
Anaida Fahradyan received the Josef Michael Kellinger German or Foreign Language Award in honor of Josef Michael Kellinger, Ph.D., Professor of German. His wife, Cesi Kellinger, and their daughters award it to a student who has demonstrated excellence in German or foreign language studies.
Ryan Reinhardt received the Mary-Eleanor Maule Travel Grant for travel planned in support of a student's study in Spanish, which is awarded from the proceeds of the Mary-Eleanor Maule Memorial Fund. The recipient must be a member of the incoming junior or senior class or graduating senior selected by the Dean of the College in consolation with the Spanish faculty.
Moriah Steinberger was awarded The Lt. Colonel William A. Knaus Award for Veteran’s Service. This award recognizes a senior student who is a veteran with high academic achievement. Awarded in memory of Lt. Colonel William A. Knaus, father of President Barbara K. Mistick, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. He received two Bronze Stars for his service and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel at the time of his discharge.
Megan VanScoyoc received the Mildred Franklin Prize for excellence in classical languages. Endowed by the late Mildred Franklin, Professor Emerita of classical languages, it is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated proficiency in Latin or Greek and has shown understanding of the literature and thought of the ancient civilizations.
William Merk won the Helen Adams Nutting History Prize for a junior or senior who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the field of history. Established in memory of Helen Adams Nutting, Professor Emerita of history, it is maintained by alums and students of Wilson College.
Lydia Story won The Alta Lindsay McElwain Prize given to a first-year student who shows excellence in Latin or Greek studies.
Kaitlyn O'Shea was awarded the Wilson College Nursing Clinical Leadership Award. It is given annually to a student who demonstrates outstanding overall ability to excel in their clinical work within the nursing program.
Vanessa Efelomo George and Aura Langley were awarded the Wilson College Nursing Department Award. It is given to students who have demonstrated continuous support of the nursing department through hard work and effort that echoes the department’s philosophy.
Amber Ausherman received the Wilson College Nursing Leadership Award for a student who has demonstrated nursing leadership abilities both outside and inside the classroom.
Marielis Lopez received The Suzanne Blumenthal Prize in Healthcare and Medical Humanities for a graduating senior studying Healthcare and Medical Humanities for academic excellence in the disciplines of both healthcare studies as well as the humanities.
Ariel Noel, Lydia Story, and Hannah Aument received the Wilson College Organic Chemistry Award – an anonymously supported award given to a student or students in organic chemistry who have the highest grades earned for the year. The award funds a reference book of the student’s choice.
Annmarie Batey was awarded the Nicky Hoffman Reich Award, given annually to the Wilson student whose work with animals shows commitment to their humane treatment.
Katie Riley was awarded the John D. Rose Award in Environmental Studies. Established in 1995 by family and friends in memory of Wilson student and naturalist John Rose, it supports those who share his enthusiasm and love of the wilderness and natural world and promotes a tradition of dedication to wildlife and its conservation. The award is given to an outstanding junior majoring in environmental studies or biology to fund a summer research project or internship in some area of environmental studies, ecology, or conservation biology.
Connor Bowers and Abby Sentz received E. Grace White Summer Scholarships for the most outstanding junior students in the area of biology. The scholarships are to be used towards an approved summer laboratory.
Rose Runyan (not pictured) received the E. Grace White Prize, awarded to a senior whose major is biology or biochemistry and who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and plans a career involving the biological sciences. The prize is endowed by a bequest from the eponymous Professor Emerita of biology.
Jarret Gelsinger was awarded the Margaret Strode Haines Award, which recognizes a student with outstanding qualities of scholarship, interest in the humanities and strength of body, mind and spirit.
Julia Johnson and Kobe MacPherson (not pictured) received the Mary Beers Sheppard Prize. Established by Benjamin M. Sheppard in memory of his sister who was of the class of 1895. It is awarded to members of the senior class who, in the judgment of the English faculty, have shown the keenest understanding and appreciation of literature.
Anika Eigen-Zucchi received the Virginia Dodd Cooper Prize. Established by a number of her former students in memory of Virginia Dodd Cooper, Professor Emerita, it is awarded to a senior graphic design or web design student who has demonstrated excellence in the field and all of their academic work.
Julia Johnson was awarded the Wilson Glencairn Bowlby Equestrian Award, presented to a graduating senior who has excelled in her academic work and equitation. The recipient, selected by the equestrian studies faculty, has her name engraved on a plaque mounted on the base of a sculpture donated to the College by nationally recognized sculptress Glencairn Bowlby.
Jarrett Gelsinger received the Wilson College Fine Arts Prize, awarded to a graduating senior for outstanding achievement in both art history and studio art.
Today is Teacher Appreciation Day, a day to celebrate the amazing teachers who work tirelessly to educate our children. Teachers deserve our gratitude and appreciation, so we are spotlighting Teacher Certification Pathways completer and Master of Special Education student, Jacob Warner.
This is what Jake’s college supervisor, Dr. Wendy Royer says about Jake in the classroom with students:
"Establishing positive relationships with students is a priority for Jake. He works hard to create a safe learning environment, encouraging his students to take risks. Jake consistently brings contagious enthusiasm to his lessons."
Thank you to Jake and all the teachers who make a difference in our lives!
Graphic design major, Jeremiah Carter-Johnson '23, served as a graphic art intern at Virginia Union University’s Intercollegiate Athletics and Community Wellness division. While there he developed promotional materials for the men’s and women’s basketball teams that were used on the internet, email, communications, and social media. It was a great experience that will serve him well as he embarks on his chosen career path.
The Honorable Elaine Chao, the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor and the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, will address the graduating class of 2023 at Wilson’s 153rd annual commencement ceremony Sunday, May 14.
Secretary Chao is the first Asian American woman appointed to the Cabinet of the United States and is the longest-serving Cabinet member since World War II, having served under two Presidents. She was born in Taiwan, came to this country at the age of eight, and became a U.S. citizen at the age of nineteen. She earned a bachelor’s in economics from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA from Harvard Business School and has received 37 honorary doctorate degrees.
“It is an honor to have Secretary Chao join us for this important day in the lives of our graduates,” said Wesley R. Fugate, Wilson’s president. “Secretary Chao’s life and career are the embodiment of the American dream and are an inspiration to all of us. I am excited for her to share her wisdom, accrued through decades of service to our country and at the highest levels of the private and nonprofit sectors, with our graduates as they, too, head out into the world to make a positive difference.”
Chao’s career has been distinguished and varied. Some of the highlights include being President and CEO of United Way of America, Director of the Peace Corps, Deputy Maritime Administrator, Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, and a banker with Bank of America and Citicorp. Currently, she serves on the board of Kroger and several technology companies. She has also been a director and trustee on many nonprofit boards, including Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, United Way Worldwide, Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee of Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28), and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Advisory Board.
Learn About Swift Foxes, Clean and Sustainable Energy, Armenian Refugee Resettlement, Gypsy Moths in Michaux Forest, and Much More at Wilson’s 14th Annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day
Our 14th annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day is Friday, April 28, and is free and open to the public. Enjoy beverages and light snacks while you experience some of the fantastic research and creative projects our students have done this year with the guidance of their faculty mentors. From ways to block cancers from metastasizing to paternal bonds in Shakespeare’s plays, Wilson students have contributed to our understanding of science, medicine, art, and civilization. The student researchers will present their research in person or display it on posters in the library’s Lenfest Learning Commons and the Brooks Science Center. Seventy-five students representing multiple disciplines will present their work.
The live oral presentations will explore the likely spread of tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania, poems about heartbreak, nursing students’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and much much more. Presentations at the Brooks Science Center auditorium will kick off at 9 a.m. with a welcome address by President Wesley R. Fugate. Presentations in the library’s Lenfest Learning Center will kick off at 9 a.m. with an address by Dean of Faculty Elissa Heil. After a break for lunch around noon, oral presentations will resume in the Brooks sudatorium at 1.30 p.m. They will conclude with this year’s Disert Scholar Morgan Wineburg presenting her research on the effects of a beta blocker on glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer) migration and cytotoxicity.
Visitors can view the research posters displayed in the front lobbies of both the Library and Brooks Science Center. The research will cover subjects as wide-ranging as organic waste composting, horse bedding, mange in red foxes, treatments for various diseases, and the war on drugs. The student researchers will be available to discuss their projects and answer your questions between noon and 1.30 p.m. at both locations.
Louise Barsy Colgan ’80 and Sean Colgan are generously endowing student research grants and underwriting the “Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day” to honor two Wilson College alumnae—Louise Barsy Colgan and her mother, Helen Yeager “HiY” Barsy ’44. The Colgans hope their support encourages students to passionately pursue their interests and to follow the patterns of the universe’s minute and immense handiwork. For a complete schedule, go to wilson.edu.
Saturday night, members of Wilson's Muhibbah Club put on various performances after a cultural dinner. The international group is known for promoting cultural awareness and celebrating diversity. A portion of the proceeds from the evening are being given to Habitat for Humanity.
Son Huasteco Dance by Claudia Martinez Taba (Mexico) and Tiyas Chakraborty (India)
Son Huasteco is a form of traditional Mexican music that takes its name from the region known as "La Huasteca", in the Northeastern area of Mexico. This type of music is performed by three musicians that play three string instruments a violin, a jarana and a quinta huapanguera. "La petenera" is one of the most popular songs of Son Huasteco and other traditional Mexican music.
Poem "America" by Claude McKay read by Ryan Reinhardt (US)
Claude McKay was a Jamaican American poet who lived from 1890-1948. He was a prolific writer during the Harlem Renaissance writing primarily about race during the 1920s in America.
Jensen Dinir "Lewanay Waziri" Dance by Tayyaba Shahid (Pakistan)
Attan is the traditional dance originating from the tribal Pashtun regions of North Western Pakistan. It is conducted in weddings, engagements, and other informal gatherings. The dancers gather in a circle, and are followed by music which starts slow at first, and then gradually speeds up.
Song "Tumi Sondharo Meghamala" ("Night Flowers") by Rabindranath Tagore sung by Tiyas Chakraborty (India)
A Song of Love. Tagore is describing the beauty of the blooming night flowers. He dedicated the song to his wife and lover who lived a thousand miles away From him at that time.
"Parmani" Dance by Anaida Fahradyan (Armenia)
Armenian women's lyrical solo folk dances are noted for their expressive and lyrical use of the hands, arms, and upper body, combined with unique traveling steps that evoke images of delicate beauty, embodying elements from nature.
Dance to "Candy" by H.O.T. and "Permission to Dance" by BTS performed by Eunbi Lee , Mingyo Jung, Gayoun Cho, Hyunju Lee, Seongyeon Cho, Jungin Yang, Jooyoung Jang, Jeonghyun Cho (South Korea)
These songs represent the K-pop genre and are composed of the Korean language. The song "Candy" by H.O.T was selected as the most popular song at the time when K-pop was first popularized.
"Permission to Dance" is a song by BTS that has been nominated for a Grammy Award every year. These songs show the evolution of K-pop from the beginning till now, when it's more famous.
The first annual Wilson College ArtsFest was a huge success! Campus was immersed in dance, design, visual art, and song over three days. Here are just a few photo snippets of the events.
Musical Beauty: A Social Art Collaboration
Open Choir Rehearsal
Work in Progress Choreography Showing
Gallery Crawl
Open Mic Poetry Reading
Coffeehouse Cabaret
Liquid Spine: Art as Activism Film Screening & Talk Back
Mike Bloomford’s Open Studio
A SHADOW THAT BROKE THE LIGHT
Mariah: Acts of Resistance Film Screening & Talk Back
Empathy Lab Immersive Installation
Create Your Own: ArtsFest 2023 T-Shirt Press, Shirt Making, & Button Making
Over spring break Chaplain Derek Wadlington led an Alternative Spring Break service trip to New Bern, NC. The trip partnered with Lend A Hand, the Camp Hill based volunteer agency from Carlisle Presbytery. Teaming with Chaplain Derek was Crystal Lantz, Director of International Scholar Services, and six others: Claudia Tabbas, Fulbright Scholar and Spanish TA; James Pasaribu ’22; Carly Ashway ’24; Heather Judge ’26; Tiyas Chakraborty ’27; and Marta Davidova ’27.
The group, along with eleven volunteers from Lend A Hand, worked on about half a dozen homes doing projects ranging that included roof repair, drywall and insulation replacement, subfloor and floor replacement, plumbing, drywall mudding, priming, and painting. Plus a number of other random tasks. The group volunteered with the Craven County Disaster Recover Alliance, a non-profit that spans three counties in the New Bern area providing repairs to homes of those in need. It was a very successful trip – as a group, the Wilson/Lend A Hand team logged over 860 volunteer hours.
