This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Wilson College invites the community to join a powerful presentation on "Centering Love, Healing, and Liberation in Our Social Justice Work." The event, featuring interdisciplinary researcher and a scholar-practitioner Durryle Brooks, Ph.D., will take place on Monday, January 15 from 5 to 6 p.m. in Alumnae Chapel, Thomson Hall at Wilson College. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Brooks will delve into Dr. Martin Luther King's notion of a "love that does justice," exploring how this concept can fuel and guide our movement building and social justice efforts. His talk will challenge us to reimagine the role of love in dismantling systems of oppression based on collective healing and prioritizing our overall well-being.
Dr. Brooks has a B.A. from St. Mary's College of Maryland in Religious Studies, an M.A. in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. in Teacher Education and School Improvement from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a concentration in Social Justice Education. His work centers on dismantling systems of oppression through critical examination of power, privilege, and everyday experiences. He has spent the last 15 years examining complex social issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, religious oppression, and various other forms of social oppression and their impact on historically marginalized populations, thus making him uniquely qualified to nationally train leaders to make a difference effectively and authentically.
Wilson College is committed to fostering inclusive dialogue and empowering individuals to be agents of positive change. This MLK Day event is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Dr. King's legacy and explore how love and healing can become powerful tools for building a more just and equitable world.
By Morgan Faith '24
Wilson College students have been taking advantage of the resources, tools, financial aid, and study abroad trips that the college has to offer. One equine studies student, Kendi Long '26, has taken advantage of her time at Wilson and applied for the Joan M. Thuebel ‘52 Earthwatch Prize that changed her life for the better.
The Earthwatch Program
After the call to change in 1962 from Rachel Carson’s published book, Silent Spring on the usage of pesticides, the public started to become even more aware of taking care of the earth. The modern environmental movement had begun, and programs like Earthwatch started to surface as a result.
Earthwatch, being a research corps, was founded in 1971 because of the modern environmental movement. Through its offered programs and expeditions, Earthwatch pairs “scientists with non-scientists in research locations around the world.”
Since Earthwatch was founded, they have accomplished ground-breaking research such as a mammoth excavation (1975), discovering a new spider species (1981), saving oiled penguins (2000), and unearthing a new dinosaur species (2001).
Joan M. Thuebel, an alumni of Wilson College, offers a scholarship for any student who may be interested in taking a scientific excursion to study the planet through the Earthwatch program. Known as the Earthwatch Prize, students can apply for this scholarship fund, choose a scientific excursion they would like to participate in, and prepare for a trip that will change their lives.
Long applied for an experience exactly as that. The Earthwatch Prize was awarded to her and two other recipients, Myla Owens and Professor Julie Raulli. Each student and professor at Wilson College was given the chance to experience an excursion that let them experience and explore the wonderful planet around them.
Long reflects on Earthwatch's presence in changing the planet for the better, “Earthwatch is an absolutely amazing organization that gathers individuals from all over the world and from all walks of life to participate in various environmental expeditions. They are giving your day-to-day citizens, such as myself, the opportunity to work alongside scientists to make this world a better place.”
Studying the Andorran Pyrenees Environment
Long, being one of the 2022 and 2023 Earthwatch Prize recipients, experienced a trip like no other in the valley of Ordino, Andorra located in Europe. The expedition, lasting nine days, focused on the issue of climate change.
Kendi worked alongside two other biologists. Working with these two biologists Long said that “They were extremely knowledgeable and professional, and they never failed to make us laugh.”
Within the nine days that she was there, a typical day was waking up, eating breakfast around seven, and then driving to a small mammal plot. At this small mammal plot, they would check any live traps and record and captures. After checking the plots, the group would drive to a trailhead, hike to a site, eat lunch, and then complete all research sites. Once they were finished, they would hike back down the trailhead, take a break, and then eat dinner at eight.
On the trip, each day had a different site that the group would attend to that would ultimately require different research to be completed. Kendi shared that, “We participated in monitoring small mammals, tree growth surveys, next boxes, and various other activities that explored the effects of climate change in the Andorran Pyrenees.”
If the group happened to capture an animal at the small mammal plot locations, Long shared that they would measure the tail, ear, genitals, and foot. Additionally, they would record the weight, the trap number, the species, gender, and sexual activity. On other days, Long would participate in hikes where they would check nest boxes and do tree growth surveys.
Long reflects on her nine-day excursion with Earthwatch in the Andorran Pyrenees saying, “It was truly a life-altering experience.”
Reflecting on a Life-Changing Experience
After the expedition, Kendi was willing to share her experiences from the trip with peers, professors, and faculty at Wilson College. For a special common hour event, Kendi and the two other recipients of the Joan M. Thuebel ‘52 Earthwatch Prize presented their research they found on their excursion and how it opened their eyes to the real world around them.
Throughout her presentation, Long shared her research in a powerpoint along with numerous pictures of her excursion. Pictures that will remind her of the beautiful opportunity she was given through Joan M. Thuebel’s generous donation of the Earthwatch Prize.
Long reflects on her Earthwatch excursion saying, “Earthwatch is a program full of inspiring individuals that simply strive to protect our planet, and I would do every single expedition they offer if I had the chance. Waking to the beautiful Andorran sunrise, measuring the adorable Bank Voles, scaling breathtaking peaks daily, and sharing many laughs with my team have become memories I will cherish forever. I learned so much through our various studies and will never forget this amazing opportunity.”
“I've been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil, so I've always had a very strong relationship with the arts (not to mention that graphic design is actually a great gateway into what I will be studying for my master's degree). I plan to become an architect in the future and an understanding of graphic design is integral to that career.
I originally came to Wilson to play field hockey, but I was drawn to the campus without the sport. I adored the layout and the energy of the campus, and my experiences with the professors and staff have all been very positive. I am especially attached to those I have met through the fine arts courses. Everyone I have met in my art classes has been so supportive and passionate!
My experience has been very encouraging. I have never felt more confident in my abilities since coming here largely due to my instructors. I feel accomplished in class while still learning new things. I am being challenged to grow, but not overwhelmed. I feel that as I continue my time here, I will be more than prepared for higher learning and starting my career.”
Ryleigh Mullins ’27
Meet Amanda Ducharme, TCP/FLIP (Teacher Certification Pathways/Foreign Language Intern Pathway) completer this Spring 2024.
Amanda's supervisor, Dr. Wanda Richie, shared "Amanda brings a passion for language and culture to the classroom and shares this love with students enthusiastically. When I visit their school, I immediately see a teacher who cares deeply about student success. Amanda creates a beautiful, warm space for students to learn and grow."
Amanda had this to say about the TCP program "After years of insisting I didn't want to teach, I discovered a passion for sharing my love of Francophone language and culture. When I started looking for programs, it was difficult to find anything that would allow me to keep working. With Wilson's program, I was able to find a permanent teaching position that's perfect for me. The skills that I've learned here make me a better teacher."
Wilson College will host a senior capstone exhibition for Simone Hawkins at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 19, at Bogigian Gallery in Lortz Hall at Wilson College. The exhibition will continue through January 19, 2024.
Hawkins, from LaPlata, Md., is completing a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a Concentration in Art and plans to graduate in May 2024 from the College. For her senior capstone project, she created a body of work exploring mental health and the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of its effects on how we think, feel, act, manage stress, relate to others, and make choices. Hawkins explores a variety of materials and techniques to express emotional depth through drawn, painted, and photographic form.
The Bogigian Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. For additional information or an appointment, contact Professor of Fine Arts Philip Lindsey at 717-264-2783, or philip.lindsey@wilson.edu.
“I am passionate about the field of genetic counseling because I want to use my knowledge to help my patients understand their diagnoses and provide them with the empathetic healthcare they deserve. I am a biology major, and dual minor in healthcare & medical humanities and chemistry. The healthcare medical humanities program at Wilson is outstanding. This program goes beyond the science and teaches critical skills such as death literacy, active listening, as well as communicative techniques that will help me in my future career. The small class sizes have allowed me to form meaningful connections with my professors, who have been very encouraging and helpful while learning about these topics. I have acquired skills in the healthcare & medical humanities program that can take years of field experience to obtain. I’ll take those skills with me to graduate school, and my future career.”
Hailey Steele ’25
by Morgan Faith '24
The fall semester is quickly approaching its end while students like me are preparing to work their butts off studying for exams and designing final projects.
Anybody else feeling panicked or stressed?
One semester left, and then graduation in May. Crazy, right?
In moments of distress, I wonder what the heck I am going to do with my life after I graduate from Wilson.
Ideally, after graduation, I would like the job of my dreams of editing for a publisher in Tennessee. That dream job doesn’t always necessarily come as easily as I would like it to. I have to find a publisher with an open position that I can apply for.
Life is not always easy. Figuring out what we want to do after college isn’t always easy either.
For me, I took small, baby steps to prepare for my future by making sure that I had not only education but experience in my field of study. Taking advice and guidance from my advisor and career development office at Wilson has also benefited me toward heading in the right direction after graduation.
Applying for Internships
One of the first things my advisor told me is that I needed an internship to graduate as an English major. In time, my advisor and I reached out to the career development office here at Wilson, filled out the paperwork, and applied to numerous ones.
Filling out the paperwork and applying for numerous internships was a new experience for me. Finding the right internships directed toward my specific major and dream job drove me to set goals, achieve those goals, and continue to gain more experience in my field of study.
Eventually, I found an internship with a small business that was right for me in developing my social media marketing skills. Through the internship, I was able to develop skills such as writing short social media posts, taking professional photos, and redesigning a website. The internship also gave me experience in working with other individuals in a teamwork setting that encouraged brainstorming.
Taking the next step of applying for internships can be stressful, but it is worth it. The career development office alongside an advisor will encourage you to find the right fit for you.
Experience in the field of study is important when it comes to preparing for the future ahead. I have come to learn that while applying for jobs and even internships. Finding the right internship that gives you experience in the field of study is a huge step in taking away some of that anxiety, worry, and fear after graduating from college.
And, it will look great on your resume too.
If you are currently looking for an internship, search locally first. For the Chambersburg area, I recommend reaching out to the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County Visitors Bureau, and even the Franklin County government website.
Applying for a Work-Study Position
Remember how I mentioned that experience can be important when it comes to applying for jobs?
Luckily, Wilson College has numerous opportunities for students to apply for what are called work-study positions. Since I have transferred to Wilson, I have held two work-study positions as a writing tutor as well as the editor-in-chief of the Wilson Billboard Newspaper.
Getting a work-study position is pretty simple.
Wilson College uses an app called Handshake, and this application can be accessed through the main Wilson portal. Students can apply for work-study positions such as a program assistant, a tutor, a library assistant, a Fulton Farm Tech, and even a supplemental peer leader. All work-study positions can be applied for within the Handshake app.
Connections are important as well, so if you are interested in a specific work-study position contact a director or leader of the specific department for more information or assistance.
As a work-study English tutor myself, I can say that gaining the experience of helping others in writing their papers, create outlines for the papers, or understand the rule of commas for the next English class has been surprisingly rewarding and enjoyable all at the same time. The experiences that Wilson College has given me so far as a work-study tutor have been extremely rewarding and have given me ideas as to which career path I want to pursue down the road.
Applying for the Dream Job
So, let’s say that you secured a work-study position at Wilson in your field of study. On top of that, you have gained experience through an internship or two.
What comes after that? What is that next step?
Reaching out to your advisors and professors for ideas or current job openings is a good idea. Communicating to them that you are ready to take that next big step is huge in applying for that dream job or applying for a job that will help you get your foot in the door somewhere. For job searching, whether local or out-of-state, I recommend using state or county websites to search for the perfect job. The Franklin County Government website, the Pennsylvania state website, and the USA Jobs website are what I always use in searching for county, state, and federal job positions.
I recommend letting your advisors and professors look over your resume and cover letter. Getting feedback is important as well when it comes to applying for jobs.
Lastly, I want you all to remember this important piece of advice that I have learned as a student at Wilson College. That is: you may not always get your dream job right off the bat. Things in life just simply take time, experience, and education.
Yes, the Wilson College staff and faculty will always cheer us on as Wilson alumni, but we as future alumni must be willing to help ourselves too.
We might have those days where it feels like we are taking three steps forward and five steps back. It is quite okay. I believe that our futures as graduates of Wilson College are bright and empowering, calling us to step outside of our comfort zones.
Be expectant for those opportunities, but don’t expect the door to swing wide open for you right away. If anything, be patient in your job searching, continue to do things you love, and be ambitious about applying for jobs in your field of study.
My friends and dear students, don’t give up on the dreams that you hold close to your heart. Be expectant, be prepared, and be bold in whatever the future may hold.
Fly high Phoenix!
Evidence In Motion (EIM) proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Wilson College to launch graduate degree programs catering to the burgeoning demand in health care professions. The collaboration will offer aspiring professionals the opportunity to pursue degrees in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP).
Located in Chambersburg, Pa., Wilson College, known for its commitment to student-focused education, will spearhead this initiative to address the critical shortage of health care professionals in our communities. Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D., president of Wilson College, expressed enthusiasm about this venture, stating, "This new partnership with EIM aligns with our mission to provide accessible and relevant curricula that meets the needs of today’s students. These degrees will help meet the pressing demand for well-equipped health care professionals in Pennsylvania and beyond."
The degree programs, delivered using EIM's hybrid and accelerated education model, will be accessible to students nationwide. Most of the coursework will be available online, supplemented by hands-on lab immersion experiences conducted in Philadelphia, Pa. Emphasizing a career-focused approach, each program integrates clinical and capstone components, ensuring a seamless transition into clinical practice and post-professional education programs.
This strategic alliance reflects a growing trend toward hybrid graduate programs in high-demand fields. Pradeep Khandelwal, CEO of EIM, expressed, "Wilson College embodies our commitment to student-centered education, and we are thrilled to welcome them into our growing network of universities. We are confident that our collaboration will not only enrich their institution but, more importantly, contribute significantly to the lasting success and achievements of their students.”
Pending accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the OTD program is scheduled for launch in January 2026, followed by DPT in August 2027, and finally, MS-SLP in January 2028.
Elissa Heil, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Wilson College, emphasized the significance of the accelerated hybrid model, stating, "The accelerated hybrid model in graduate health care studies helps students reach their professional goals more quickly while training them at the highest standards of their chosen field. Wilson College is excited to pursue this option for tomorrow’s leaders in the allied health industry."
The projected growth in health care programs reflects increasing demand in the sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of Physical Therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, Occupational Therapy 12%, and Speech-Language Pathology 19%.
President Fugate concluded, "Through this partnership, Wilson College is leading important health care and educational transformation not only in our region but across the national landscape."
Stay informed about trends in health care education and new innovative partnerships on the EIM Partner Newsroom.
Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 32 majors and 40 minors in high-demand and innovative fields including education, nursing, equine studies, veterinary nursing, and sport management, as well as graduate degrees in education, fine arts, the humanities, nursing, and organizational leadership. With degree programs of study available in person and online, the College is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for today’s students. Visit wilson.edu for more information.
Evidence In Motion is recognized as a health care learning solutions company dedicated to reimagining education that transforms every community. We do this by partnering with leading universities and colleges to power hybrid, accelerated graduate programs in health care.
“Since age 11, I have been behind a lens, photographing sports. Working with athletes has always been a goal of mine and choosing sport management at Wilson College was just a natural progression for me. Wilson has opened so many doors that led me to choose this major and I'm so grateful for the connections I have made here. My experience working with the baseball team and the opportunity Wilson provided for me with my internship along with my studies has given me the tools and the knowledge to take what I have learned here and be the best that I can be in my chosen career path!”
Casey Kauffman '25
“I am an animal studies major with a biology/psychology concentration. I am a psychology major as well. Animal studies has been a wonderful experience so far as I am learning about all types of animals including dogs, cats, small animals, horses, farm animals, wildlife animals, etc. I enjoy my major as it has the basics of understanding the biology of animals but provides more on their behavior and psychology. I have the opportunity to work with animals without having to be a veterinarian. I am thankful for Wilson offering this major and the wonderful professors who teach my animal studies courses. All understanding, helpful, and kind individuals who care about my education and make sure I am prepared for whatever animal career I choose in the future (that is not vet-related). I hope more people hear about what Wilson offers, so more people know they have an opportunity to work with animals even if being a vet it not for them. I hope to one day be a well-known service dog trainer–training dogs for people with mental health disabilities like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and those who feel like they or a family member would benefit from a service dog.”
Lesley Rodriguez ‘25
