In this Issue
Campus News Upcoming Events Foreign Correspondence Arcadia in the News
Living the Promise:
Lauren Spearman ’98
“I have the chance to learn what insects can teach us about these incredibly special places on Earth.”
Learn more.
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Living the Promise: Lauren Spearman ’98
At Arcadia Lauren Spearman ’98 discovered her passion for conservation. Today, she is a Fulbright Scholar searching for praying mantises and grasshoppers in South Africa. “I have the chance to learn what insects can teach us about these incredibly special places on Earth.” Read More about Spearman’s research. Learn more about Lauren and living the Arcadia promise at www.arcadia.edu/arcadiapromise.
877 Graduates — Largest Class in Recent History
Arcadia’s Class of 2006 is the largest graduating class in recent history, with students earning 47 doctoral degrees, 435 master’s degrees, and 392 bachelor’s degrees. That’s a total of 877 degrees this year.
“While at Arcadia, you have been challenged to achieve your full potential and recognize your ability and responsibility to make choices that affect the future of your world. Through interactions with faculty, staff and peers representing a diversity of cultural backgrounds, you have gained self-confidence and respect for others, learned by using the latest technologies, and acquired essential skills and knowledge that have prepared you for a rich and meaningful life,” said Lois Haber, Chair of Arcadia’s Board of Trustees, in welcoming the graduates to two ceremonies, one for master’s candidates on May 18 and one for bachelor’s candidates on May 19.
She noted that one-third of the bachelor’s recipients have studied abroad in one of 18 countries, including Australia, Italy, China and Greece. Master’s candidates have studied in countries such as Tanzania, Northern Ireland, the Czech Republic and Spain. “This is not surprising as Arcadia is recognized as having one of the most successful and innovative international study programs in the nation,” she said.
Commencement Awards
Dr. Naomi Phillips, Assistant Professor of Biology, received the Ellington Beavers Faculty Award for Intellectual Inquiry award at Commencement on May 18. Phillips was chosen to receive this award based on her research related to an understanding of the evolution and taxonomy of brown algae, one of the largest and most important groups of primary producers in marine environments. Read more about Dr. Phillips.
Justin R. Losh received the A. Richard Polis Graduate Scholarship Award at Commencement on May 18. Losh graduated with distinction from the Master of Arts program in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and with a distinguished record of scholarship and service, particularly in the nation of Tanzania, where he helped establish a new IPCR center. Read more about Losh’s award.
Dr. William D. Biggs, Professor of Business Administration, was named Arcadia University's Professor of the Year for 2006 at Commencement on May 19. “In bestowing this honor on Professor Biggs, we recognize Bill’s impressive teaching ability, the national reputation of his scholarly contributions, and the numerous service contributions he has made to his department, the University, and national professional associations,” said Academic Vice President Provost Dr. Michael Berger. Read more about Professor Biggs.
Amber LaJeunesse received the Senior Golden Disc Award at Commencement on May 19. The award which exemplifies the highest standards of leadership in activities that enhance the quality of student life and demonstrates a lasting commitment to the welfare of the University.
Kate E. Barbetto received the Ira R. Kraybill Award for Full-Time Study at Commencement on May 19. The award goes to the student with the highest academic achievement in at least three years of full-time study at Arcadia University.
McKean Armitt Sinkler received the Ira R. Kraybill Award for Part-Time Study at Commencement on May 19. The award goes to the student with the highest academic achievement while completing at least half his or her coursework at Arcadia University.
Honorary Degrees Awarded
Arcadia University recognized four outstanding individuals with honorary doctorate degrees at its Commencement ceremonies on May 18 and May 19. The recipients are:
Lorene Cary, author of novels including Black Ice and The Price of a Child and founder of the Art Sanctuary in Philadelphia, received the Doctor of Literature.
Joseph L. Castle II (posthumous), former Chair of the Arcadia University Board of Trustees and founder of Castle Energy Corp., was awarded the Doctor of Laws posthumously. His wife, Sally Castle, accepted the award.
Alfred Uhry, author of Driving Miss Daisy and winner of a Pulitzer Prize, an Oscar and two Tony Awards, received the Doctor of Letters.
Rosemary Deniken Blankley ’57, an Arcadia Trustee and long-time alumni volunteer and supporter who also received the 2006 national CASE volunteer award, received the Doctor of Humanities.
Spotlight
on ... Who can put you on a path toward an unforgettable
experience of global proportions? Who promises an inspiring academic
voyage? Who expands Arcadia’s name and reputation throughout
the United States and around the world? Learn
more about this department.
New Mascot, Courtesy of the Class of 2006
Amber LaJeunesse, President of the Class of 2006, needed more than visual aids or Power Point to show off the class gift to the University at the Undergraduate Commencement on May 19. And even without a white horse to ride in on, the gift made a dazzling display in his shining armor. The suit of armor, to be inhabited by future generations of students, is Arcadia’s new “mascot.” He’ll (or she’ll) be available to cheer on fellow Arcadia Knights and welcome new students to Arcadia.
New Athletic Conference Gives Arcadia Broader Reach
The presidents of the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation
(MASCAC) voted unanimously to offer Arcadia University membership in
the Freedom and Middle Atlantic conferences, effective Aug. 1, 2007. “Membership
in the MASCAC allows us to expand our recruiting visibility to a broader
geographic region as our student-athletes compete with others from institutions
of high academic caliber,” says Arcadia President Jerry
M. Greiner.
“Arcadia is strongly committed to the Division III philosophy of ensuring that athletics programs are an integral part of students’ educational experience,” said Greiner. “Our student-athletes have been very successful both in the classroom and on the field, and we look forward to increasing their opportunities for competition. The University has dedicated extensive institutional resources to growing and enhancing its athletics program during the past decade, and our recently completed master plan calls for the further development of athletics facilities in the near future. In addition, we are committed to our hallmark of personal attention by hiring more full-time coaches who will serve as head coaches of one or more sports, such as the recent appointment of Rick Brownell as head coach of both women’s soccer and golf.” The new men’s soccer coach also will be a full-time, dual sport position.
The Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation originated in 1912 and is one of the largest Division III Conferences holding NCAA membership. In 1993, spurred by changes in the NCAA championship structure, the Corporation formed as an umbrella for three conferences—Freedom, Commonwealth, and Middle Atlantic. The Middle Atlantic Conference encompasses all the institutions in both the Freedom and Commonwealth conferences. Arcadia University joins Wilkes University, King’s College, The University of Scranton, DeSales University, Delaware Valley College, Manhattanville College, and Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham in the Freedom Conference. Starting with the 2007-08 academic year, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, baseball, and softball will compete in the Freedom Conference, while swimming and women’s lacrosse participate in the Middle Atlantic Conference.
Learn more about MASCAC at www.lvc.edu/mac.
Campus Events
Artwork Auction to Fund Congo Effort, May 31
Louis Herbst ’06, is proof
that you don’t need millions of dollars and an Academy Award to help
a beleaguered African nation. All you really need is passion, drive and
a group of enthusiastic eighth graders from Wissahickon Middle School.
Herbst is hosting an art show to benefit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country wracked by civil war and human rights violations yet on the verge of its first democratic elections since gaining independence in 1960. Letters from Fidel, based on Herbst’s year-long efforts with activists in the Congo, will be on exhibit in the Arcadia University Art Gallery from May 31 to June 7. An opening reception and silent auction will be held on Wednesday, May 31, from 7 to 10 p.m. Proceeds will fund election education materials for the people of Goma in the DRC.
More about Herbst's exhibition at http://gargoyle.arcadia.edu/bulletin/06-0516a.htm.
See Colorful Birds, Big Cats at the Zoo, June 10
A day at the Philadelphia Zoo, including the special exhibit Birds of Australia is planned for Arcadia staff members on Saturday, June 10, for $11 per person, open to close. Bring friends and family to see the Birds of Australia exhibit where visitors walk around with a cup of nectar while the colorful birds come for a drink. Or be some of the first visitors to welcome the "big cats" back to the Philadelphia Zoo in their new exhibit, Big Cat Falls. Please contact Andrew Johnson (x2520) by Friday, May 26, to reserve a ticket!
foreign correspondence
Uganda: ‘Educational, Inspirational and Life-Changing’
Editor’s Note: Scott Will graduated May 18 with dual degrees, earning both the Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant) and the Master of Science in Public Health. He also received the PA program’s award for Humanitarian Student of the Year.
By Bridget Curtis ’08
Across the ocean and through the jungle, Scott
J. Will ’06 traveled,
making his way to Bundibugyo, Uganda, one of the poorest districts in
all of Uganda.Will participated in an eight-week clinical and public
health elective rotation that transformed him into a global-minded man.
Beginning in February, Will worked at the local Nyahuka Health Center, a clinic with very little resources. Through use of his skills as a physician assistant and public health major, Will worked daily among a myriad of tropical disease and public health dilemmas including malaria and marasmus (malnutrition). Though a typical workday involved only three to four hours at the clinic, Will’s experience was intense. “In those few hours, I saw more patients with the clinical officers here in Uganda than I would in an entire day back in the States.”
More on Will in Uganda at http://gargoyle.arcadia.edu/bulletin/06-0523h.htm.
Arcadia in the News
Deborah Fries was named Poet Laureate of Montgomery County in an event held at Arcadia and organized by Dr. Richard Wertime, Professor of English. The event featured a poetry reading by Pulitzer-prize winner Galway Kinnell. The Philadelphia Inquirer profiled Fries on May 21.
Fauclty in the News
Dr. James Paradis, Adjunct Professor of History, was on hand for the celebration of Camp William Penn at the historic Wall House on Church Road, Cheltenham, on Sunday.
Alumni in the News
Ann (Kolongowski) DiAddezio, an All-America lacrosse player at Penn State, recovered from a knee injury with the help of physical therapists. Now, with a PT degree from Arcadia, she’s helping others recover from illness and injury. DiAddezio is Supervisor of Outpatient Physical Therapy Services at Springfield (Pa.) Hospital. She was profiled in the May 21 Burlington County Times.
Publication Information
During the summer, the Bulletin will be published on the first day of the month. Our next issue will be published on Thursday, June 1. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 26.
Contributors to this issue of the Bulletin: student Bridget Curtis '08. Photos by Joshua Blustein, Associate Professor of Psychology.
The Arcadia University Bulletin is distributed to students, faculty and staff weekly on Tuesdays during the academic year. Campus members are encouraged to submit information to be included in the Bulletin. The deadline for submission will be the Friday before each edition. E-mail information to UR@arcadia.edu or call Lori Bauer, University Relations, 215-572-2970.
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