This past spring, Taylor Berry ’15 took part in the annual L.A.C.E.S. alternative spring break trip to the Dominican Republic. Inspired by her 10 days there, Berry, along with Hannah Morrissette ’15, will be returning to the Dominican Republic to do full-time environmental research on mangrove restoration in Las Terrenas, a town on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic.

“I have always had an interest in environmentalism and I plan to go to law school for environmental law,” said Berry. “However, I don’t have much experience in the field; so, when I met Jose Bourget (executive director, Fundacion Mahatma Ghandi) and he offered me the opportunity to work on mangrove restoration, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Fundación Mahatma Gandhi. I feel that environmental conservation and, more importantly, the education that comes from conservation and advocacy is vital to communities.”

While in Las Terrenas, their main task will be to plant, protect and advocate for the importance of the mangrove restoration. A mangrove is a tree that provides a habitat for wildlife and minerals to both the soil and water banks. Mangrove ecosystems have been torn down in many places for industry or agriculture creating a dry and nutrient robbed environment. In order to create healthier and thriving ecosystems, mangroves need to be planted in order to balance the ecosystem.

They will dedicate much of their time on the beach planting mangrove sprouts, setting up protective fences and lobbying government officials. Along with restoration, the two will spend time educating students in the international schools on the importance of conservation so that the local community can learn to understand the importance of mangrove ecosystems.

“I knew I wanted to return to the Dominican Republic when we were standing in the middle of a downpour under a little shack on my last day,” said Berry. “Jose was telling us about how so many people say they want to come back but don’t. I remember thinking how sad it is that people say they will be back but have no intention. I promised him I would make it happen, and now I am!”

A.C.E.S. North America and Foundation Mahatma Ghandi will support them by connecting them with individuals and organizations in the Dominican Republic to help them complete their mangrove restoration. Berry and Morrissette will be responsible for travel expenses, living expenses and the project costs. If you’d like to contribute to the two alumni, please visit their GoFundMe page.

Advancing Communities by Educating and Serving (ACES) is a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to improve the lives of impoverished people in the Dominican Republic. They work with communities to develop individualized plans and solutions that focus on sustainable solutions that will eliminate poverty and improve the standard of living for the long-term. They do this through efforts such as education, health initiatives, and entrepreneurial programs.

Fundación Mahatma Gandhi (FMG) is an emerging community organization of recent formation that seeks to better the quality of life of people in Las Terrenas through service and development in education, health, technical and professional formation, the environment and the arts. They are a service-oriented, not-for-profit, non-governmental and non-partisan organization.

The Lycoming College Music Department will host a “Cellobration” on Sunday, June 28 at 4 p.m. in the Mary L. Welch Honors Hall on the corner of Basin and Fourth streets. This event is free and open to the public.

The Cellobration performance will feature 13 cellists and one soprano performing pieces by Ástor Piazzollaan, an Argentine tango composer who termed “nuevo tango”, incorporating elements from jazz and classical music, and Heitor Villa-Lobos, a Brazilian composer whose music is influenced by both Brazilian folk music and by stylistic elements from the European classical tradition.

The performance was created by Andrew Rammon, adjunct faculty member at Lycoming College and will be conducted by William Ciabattari, Ph.D., director of bands and associate professor of music at Lycoming College.

Two Lycoming College staff members, Alison Gregory, associate professor and associate dean and director of library sciences, and Jason Moran, director of admissions, were among the 22 members of the Leadership Lycoming Class of 2015 that graduated on Tuesday, June 23.

Gregory started at Lycoming College in 2005 as assistant professor and instructional services librarian and coordinator of information literacy and outreach, and she became the associate dean and director of library services in 2013. In addition to directing the library and teaching, she manages the Lycoming College Archives and the Lycoming County Women’s History Collection and its grant projects, and she is the vice chair of the faculty for 2015-2016. Gregory earned a master’s degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College.

Moran has been recruiting at Lycoming since 2004 where he began his career as an admissions counselor. In 2006, he took on the role of assistant director of admissions and then moved into the position of director in 2011. He oversees daily operations for the Office of Admission and his recruitment territory includes Lycoming and Clinton counties. Moran earned a master’s degree from Bucknell University and a bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College.

Leadership Lycoming is a leadership-training program, offered by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, designed to understand the needs of the communities it serves, then educate and motivate potential leaders to commit themselves to address those needs through a variety of community leadership roles.

For the 25th consecutive year, Lycoming College will welcome nearly 1,800 students, volunteers and guests as it hosts the 37th annual Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week. Lycoming will host four sessions of PFEW from July 5-Aug. 8 with a fifth mirror session taking place at Pennsylvania College of Technology during the week of August 2-8.

“We’re excited to welcome these bright and motivated college-bound students to Lycoming each summer,” said Mike Konopski, vice president for enrollment management. “In fact, we are so impressed with the caliber of students that we offer a special scholarship to PFEW alumni and enroll 20-25 of them each year.”

Rising high school juniors and seniors from across Pennsylvania travel to the program, which educates students about the American free enterprise system by bringing them together with business executives from throughout the state.

During the series of week-long events, student teams simulate the operation of their own company. This unique concept in learning has enhanced the lives of nearly 36,000 young adults for thirty-six years. Lycoming and PFEW both benefit from the partnership, as the students also gain first-hand experience living on a college campus.

This year, Lycoming College President Kent C. Trachte will be the keystone speaker for the first week of the program. His speech, “Lessons on Leadership,” includes insights from a few of the leaders whom he admires, the scholarship on leadership and his own experience as a leader in higher education.

“My hope is that by sharing lessons that have influenced my own approach to leadership, I will encourage the students to reflect more actively on what they learn about leadership from participating in PFEW,” Trachte said.

Other weekly keynote speakers include: Jennifer Delaye, chief executive officer, JDK Group; Tara Hemmer, vice president, Waste Management; Christine Toretti, former chairman and chief executive officer, S.W. Jack Drilling Co.; and John Shegda, president, M&S Centerless Grinding.

While most Lycoming College students are enjoying their summer breaks, the campus continues to serve as an environment for learning. Nearly 200 area elementary and middle school-aged students in grades two through eight will be on campus July 27-31 for the 30th annual Lycoming College for Kids and Teens (CFK) program. Join Lycoming College for Kids and Teens as they “Occupy Mars” this summer.

“When I founded College for Kids, it was important that the classes have a hands-on approach and many were in the science and arts,” said Melvin Zimmerman, Ph.D., College for Kids founder and professor of biology at Lycoming College. “I developed and directed the program for 20 years and in several of those years enrollment topped 300 students. It is a testament to the need and quality of the program that it has endured for 30 years!”

Lycoming College for Kids and Teens is an opportunity for students to experience a hands-on, educational environment that’s stimulating and safe. Workshops are taught by dedicated and enthusiastic local volunteers and are designed to enhance creativity and problem-solving while providing students with a variety of fun, academic opportunities.

Each student participates in a morning and afternoon workshop, which gives them the opportunity to explore two topics of their choice. This year’s program offers dozens of exceptional classes that have been developed throughout the years and leave the students returning to the program with anticipation.

In past years, students participating in the Junior Journalists class wrote stories and took photos about the summer program and then published these on the College for Kids and Teens website. Others learned about simple machines using mechanized Legos, developed their own photographs or created crystals and volcanoes. Examples of this year’s classes include: Geocaching, Young Engineers, Candid Camera, Global Arts, Ancient Egypt, Fantasy Storytellers, Junior Rangers, Young Inventors, Weblogs and Magical Wings, Structure It, Super Science and Grossology. The Aeronautical Workshop, a favorite for the middle school students, allows participants to make and launch their own rockets.

“Most parents are concerned about their children’s summer vacation and CFK offers education and adventure,” said Robin Van Auken, director of College for Kids. “At CFK, instead of becoming couch potatoes watching television or playing video games, children learn how to make crystals and slime, solve a mystery, build a bridge, experiment with levers and gears, launch a rocket, go on a geocache, and invent toys.”

The summer program consists of two classes each day; the first class meets from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the second class meets from 1 to 4 p.m. Extended care is offered for parents who need to drop off and pick up children between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again to 4 to 5:30 p.m. A supervised lunch break is held from 12 to 1 p.m. Lunch is not provided.

Registration for the full-day program is $200.00 for the first child in family, and $125.00 for each additional child. The cost for the half-day program is $125.00 each child. Discounts are offered for each additional family member. Extended care fees range from $2 to $5 daily. Checks and credit cards are accepted for all fees.

Parents may enroll their children online at the College for Kids website or by contacting Debbie Smith at 570-321-4180 or smithdeb@lycoming.edu for an application form. Enrollment is limited, often to 10 to 15 students per class. Placement is based on the order in which the applications are received.

There are opportunities to serve as classroom volunteers for those who are at least 16 years of age. In the past, high school students have used this opportunity for community service hours.

For a complete list of classes and descriptions, and for further information on the program and application, visit the College for Kids website or call 570-321-4180.

Ten Lycoming College students recently traveled to Europe for the Institute for Management Studies (IMS) European Business Experience May term course. During their 10-day trip, the students explored London, England; Brussels, Belgium; Bruges, Belgium; and Reykjavik, Iceland where they visited various business, government and cultural sights.

“It was an amazing learning opportunity and an unforgettable experience,” said Andrew Hindes, a rising senior with majors in economics and Spanish from Pasadena, Maryland. “I really enjoyed visiting Lloyds of London. It has an interesting history and the building itself is awe-inspiring.”

The students received a private tour of Lloyds of London, an insurance market located in London’s primary financial district; visited the European Parliament in Brussels, National Bank of Belgium and received a guided tour of Cantillon Brewery. During their tour of London, the students had the opportunity to have a private meeting with Christopher Carnaghan, a trade consultant with the Pennsylvania Trade Office for the U.K., Ireland, and Scandinavia.

The trip was organized and led by Mehrdad Madresehee, Ph.D., professor of economics and director of the Institute for Management Studies, and Elizabeth Moorhouse, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of economics.

“We had a very good group of students on the trip and we all really enjoyed ourselves,” said Moorhouse. “The students were able to relate some of the ideas and concepts they learned in the classroom to a global context. It was so rewarding to see the students learn about global business in such a direct way. Their confidence grew every day; not only in their knowledge about the global business world, but also in their place in it.”

Along with Hindes, the following students also participated in the May term: Shante Dennis ’15, from Kingston, Pa., with majors in business marketing and psychology; rising seniors: Brooke Adamski, from Catawissa, Pa., with majors in accounting, business finance and Spanish; Alex Anderson, from Webster, N.Y., with majors in accounting and business finance; Victoria Siebecker, from Cleona, Pa., with a major in business marketing; Adam Miller, from Landenberg, Pa., with a major in economics; rising juniors Madison Walmer, from Ephrata, Pa., with a major in economics; Bethany Adamski, from Catawissa, Pa., with majors in business marketing and corporate communications; Kerri Kuntz, from Harrisburg, Pa., with majors in accounting and business finance; Andrew Ognibene, from Sparta, N.J., with majors in business finance and economics.

Eight Lycoming College students recently traveled to Ireland for the “Being Irish: an exploration of identity and cultural issues in Irish and Irish-American people” May term course. During their 10-day trip, they explored several towns in Ireland, including Bective Abbey, Trim, Rath Cairn, Loughcrew and Tara.

“The purpose for the course was for students to see and gain an appreciation of other cultures and identities,” said Amy Rogers, Ph.D., professor of education. “My favorite part was watching the students have those ‘ah-ha’ moments as they learned more about the culture. They really became a community while we were there.”

Prior to leaving for Ireland, the students spent a week on campus studying identity theory and learning about all aspects of Irish culture, specifically the history, modern education and criminal justice system. Students focused on their specific areas of interest, evaluated their itinerary and were able to select a personal research topic based on what areas of Irish culture interested them the most. A few of the topics students chose included the social scene, sports, traditional food, churches and religion, and the equality movement.

In order to conduct their research, the students focused on applying identity and cultural theories to Irish culture by conducting personal interviews with Irish locals.

“Overall, the May term trip to Ireland was an incredible experience,” said Emily Weaver, a rising junior with a major in psychology from Pen Argyl, Pa. “I think that having a research topic to focus on and learn more about while there gave me the ability to not only be a sightseeing tourist in Ireland, but also to really be able to learn about the country and its people. It was a learning experience unlike anything I've ever encountered!”

Students took iPads provided by the Lycoming College Information Technology Services Department to photograph, take notes and blog about their experiences during their time in Ireland. The iPads were provided through the Lycoming College Innovation in Teaching with Technology grant.

They visited variety of sights and locations, including an active archaeology dig at Trim, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Cliffs of Moher, Kilmainham Gaol, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Dublin Castle. The students also received a personal tour and speaker presentation at University College Dublin.

The trip was organized and led by Rogers and Kathryn Ryan, Ph.D., department chair and professor of psychology.

Along with Weaver, the following students attended the May term: rising seniors Kelsey Harsham, with a major in psychology from Hamilton Square, N.J.; Erica Spero, with a major in psychology from Chantilly, Va.; rising juniors Amanda Wisolmerski, with a major in psychology from Florham Park, N.J.; Alexa Bowman, with a major in criminal justice from Ambler, Pa.; Joshua Gildea, with a major in psychology from Center Valley, Pa.;, Megan Kearns, with a major in archaeology from Ellicott City, Md.; Andrew Squires, with a major in biology, ecology from Milford, Pa.

The Lycoming College Art Gallery will host Lawrence Charles Miller’s “A Retrospective Look” exhibit from Thursday, July 23 to Saturday, Sept. 5. A reception and gallery talk will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4 at 25 W. Fourth Street, Williamsport. These events are free and open to the public.

In “A Retrospective Look,” Miller creates pictures that imply their own fiction, making pictures within and about pictures. He is known for his sense of humor, which is often evident in his art.

“The work in this show dates from 1972 to 2014,” said Miller. “While selecting these pictures I was surprised to see a vocabulary of persistent signs and symbols. This suggests that I knew what I was doing. I didn’t, and I don’t. I do know that I made an effort to find a most common denominator – and I don’t know what that means either. This blind spot interests me.”

Miller has exhibited extensively across the United States, including exhibitions in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, as well as exhibition abroad in Wales, Tijuana, and San Paulo. His work is in the permanent collection of Museum of Modern Art in New York City; Museum of Modern Art in Wales, U.K.; Museu Brasileiro da Escultura, Sao Paulo; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the FluxMuseum in Texas. He received his Master of Arts from Syracuse University and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from Kutztown State College.

The Lycoming College Art Gallery is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1-9 p.m. The gallery features regional and national exhibitions in addition to the annual Art Faculty Show and Senior Show. For more information, please visit the Lycoming College Art Gallery Web page.

Lycoming College is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The college took honors in two categories, collaborative governance and confidence in senior leadership.

“We are honored to be recognized for our collaborative culture of innovation,” said Kent C. Trachte, Ph.D., president of Lycoming College. “Our recent, broadly inclusive strategic planning process involved half of the full-time faculty and a significant number of staff sharing ideas and developing plans for institutional improvement. Everyone at Lycoming College helps to make this a great place to work.”

The Chronicle’s 2015 Great Colleges to Work For survey is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. Now in its eighth year, it recognizes the colleges that get top ratings from their employees on workforce practices and policies. This year, 281 institutions participated and only 86 institutions were recognized as a “2015 Great College to Work For.”

“As a field biologist – one of the highlights of working at Lycoming College for me has been the support that allows me to not only provide trips to local ecological sites, but also to expose students to field study in the Chesapeake Bay and international study in marine biology in Jamaica and Honduras.,” said Melvin Zimmerman, Ph.D., professor of biology.

The Chronicle works with ModernThink LLC, a strategic human capital consulting firm, to administer the survey and analyze the results. The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captures demographics and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.

“The Chronicle’s Great Colleges to Work For program shows how the colleges and universities on the list are getting it right: They’re leaders in creating environments where smart people enjoy their work. The faculty and staff WHO make up our readership want to know which institutions are Great Colleges to Work For because many of them are either seeking to improve their own campus or are looking for that next great career opportunity,” Liz McMillen, editor, The Chronicle of Higher Education, said. “The selection process is rigorous and being named to the list is a tremendous accomplishment, but it also positions colleges and universities well to recruit the people that make them a success.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education is the No. 1 professional source for news, jobs, and information for college and university administrators and faculty. The Chronicle provides institutions with multiple paths to effectively communicate and engage with the largest audience and most influential decision makers in higher education in print and online. Visit http://chronicle.com to learn more.

As a research and consulting leader in workplace issues, ModernThink has supported a wide variety of “Best Place to Work” initiatives. Through these programs, the firm has gained substantial survey and industry expertise, including specific insight into higher education. ModernThink knows what it takes to build a great place to work and shares that know-how with its clients. The ModernThink team of organizational development experts is dedicated to helping colleges follow through and capitalize on feedback from employees and benchmark data from peers to drive meaningful change at their institutions. Learn more at http://www.modernthink.com.

Twelve students are spending the summer as interns with the Lycoming College Clean Water Institute (CWI). Several projects are being conducted under the direction of Mel Zimmerman, Ph.D., director of the Clean Water Institute and professor of biology, and Peter Petokas, Ph.D., research associate for the Clean Water Institute.

This summer’s projects include collecting data to determine the protection status of streams for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Unassessed Waters Project; continuing research on the Eastern Hellbender and installation of nest boxes; studying the effect of the invasive Japanese Knotweed plant on the riverside plant community; developing educational programs at Camp Victory in Millville, Pa.; and evaluating the stream restoration work done by PA Fish and Boat to improve aquatic habitats.

These internships were made possible through the support of the Degenstein Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation, CromaFlow Inc., Lycoming County MS4, Wetlands Training Institute and Archaea Solutions, Inc.

Lycoming College student interns include:
Alec Minnick ’15, from Montoursville, Pa.; Samuel Wanner ’15, from Benton, Pa.; rising seniors: Hannah Dulovich, from Schuyler Lake, N.Y., with majors in biology and archaeology; Peter Gnocchi, from Bristol, R.I., with a major in biology; Clayton Good, from Muncy, Pa., with a major in ecology; Jennifer Monico, from Harleysville, Pa., with a major in biology; Kalynn Newman, from Hughesville, Pa., with a major in biology; rising juniors: Alison McNett, from Canton, Pa., with a major in biology; Dominic Novella, from Hastings, Pa., with a major in biology; Ryan Orgitano, from South Williamsport, Pa., with a major in biology; Abigail O’Connor, from Mount Holly Springs, Pa., with a major in biology.

The Lycoming College Clean Water Institute (CWI) recently hosted the Annual Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies (SRHCES) Summer Intern Meeting on Friday, July 17. Over 40 faculty and student interns from six academic institutions and other partners attended.

In its ninth year, the meeting provides student interns the opportunity to present their research and also learn about other research that is being conducted in the area. In addition, students have the opportunity to hear from representatives from different environmental institutions in the area.

“The annual meeting allows the student interns to not only network with other intern/scientists working on similar projects, but also to see the connection between their project, which may be small in scope, to the much larger issue of the water quality of the Susquehanna River watershed and its link to the Chesapeake Bay,” said Mel Zimmerman, Ph.D., director of the Clean Water Institute and professor of biology

Emily Vebrosky, a 2014 graduate of Lycoming College, gave a testimonial on how her internship with SRHCES and CWI helped her career choice and success in grad school at Louisiana State University.

The institutions and partners in attendance included: Lock Haven University, Bucknell University, Susquehanna University, Bloomsburg University, Kings College, Geisinger Environmental Health Institute, the Degenstein Foundation, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, the North Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies (SRHCES) is a unique collaboration of professors and students working together to research and study the ecological conditions and processes in the watershed, create educational opportunities to promote student interest and involvement in the natural resources of the Susquehanna River watershed and create a partnership that connects post-secondary students attending institutions in the Susquehanna heartland region with local communities and environmental organizations.

Howard Tran, M.F.A, professor of art at Lycoming College, traveled to Beijing, China, to present at the 2015 Across the Divide - International Art Education Conference held in June at Beijing Normal University. Tran was one of 12 speakers from the United States that presented at the conference.

“My presentation focused on using the liberal arts philosophy as a way to broaden students’ perspectives in the visual arts,” said Tran. “China does not have liberal arts colleges, so this is a topic that is of particular interest to them.”

Tran spoke about the mission of a liberal art education – in his words, “to give students a broad knowledge of a wider world as well as an in-depth study of an area of interest.” At Lycoming College, students are required to take distribution courses in a variety of disciplines, including: humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, foreign languages, math and the arts. The intended result of these distribution courses is that students gain the ability to think critically in several subjects, and are consequently well-rounded. Tran spoke specifically about art students within this type of education, and how he encourages them to take the information they learn from their distribution courses and apply it to the artwork they create.

Along with discussions on observation and experiences in studio teaching and art education, members of the Association of Chinese Artists in American Academia and China’s scholars and artists presented their ideas and viewpoints through presentations, lectures, publication and art education exhibition. The conference represents a continuing effort to bring the forum of Across the Divide to a wider range of public audience.

The 2015 Across the Divide - International Art Education Conference was sponsored by the College of Arts and Mass Media of Beijing Normal University and the Art Education Committee of Chinese Artist Association.

Eighteen rising high school seniors from 18 different high schools across the country completed a two-week residential college-prep program at Lycoming College July 11-25. The program was made possible by a generous contribution from AT&T.

Designed to introduce high-achieving, first generation students to a residential liberal arts college and campus life, the program offered non-credit academic courses led by Caroline Payne, Ph.D., professor of political science, and Jeremy Ramsey, Ph.D, professor of chemistry, and workshops on preparing for college and the admissions application process.

The students included representatives from two local high schools, Loyalsock and Hughesville, along with peers from Philadelphia, New York City, Texas and California, who are enrolled in KIPP, MOSTE, NOBLE and YES Prep, national public charter school networks with which Lycoming has partnered.

"This program opened already wide eyes and bright minds to so many possibilities—what their life may become, where their journey may lead them, and how they can impact our world," said Andrew Kilpatrick, dean of first-year students and director of the program. "The experiences had and relationships formed, will impact these students for years to come."

The program went well beyond the academic and addressed the importance of giving to others. Under the guidance of Administrator Kirstin Burkhart ‘92, students hosted a picnic and games for the residents of West House Personal Care Home in Williamsport. The program also provided time for recreation, religious worship, and cultural events. Kayaking down the Susquehanna River with Canoe Susquehanna in Lewisburg was balanced with yoga classes at Trudy’s Barefoot Yoga Studio in Montoursville, nature hikes and a movie night at a drive-in theater.

Participants also benefited from sessions on career preparation. They had an open forum with interns in the Lycoming College Williamsport Internship Summer Experience (WISE), who are completing internships in the Williamsport area this summer. The interns shared how these opportunities came about and how they will impact their future careers.

“Lycoming College Prep gave these high school students a chance to experience college life while learning more about what it takes to succeed in college and careers,” said J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid Atlantic. "We hope they will return to their schools this fall inspired and ready to continue on a path to academic and career success.”

David Kerr, regional vice president of external affairs for AT&T, also spoke to the students about his successful business experience and career readiness. Lycoming College Prep began in 2014, and continued this year, thanks to a total contribution of $60,000 from AT&T.

Students were also treated to a closing banquet and award ceremony hosted by Phil Sprunger, Ph.D, provost and dean of the college.

During the program, current Lycoming students, Annie Blazer, Deborah Sharp, and Timothy Dargan, a 2014 Lycoming Prep graduate, served as Lycoming College Prep Facilitators; along with Tiffany Buckles, an intern from Carson-Newman University graduate school.

"Lycoming College Prep is successful because of team-work, thoughtful planning, innovative programs, passionate educators, positive partnerships with local businesses, and most especially the wonderful young people who traveled from as far as California and as near as Loyalsock to be with us," said Kilpatrick. "We are very grateful to AT&T for their generosity in supporting this program."

Phyllis L. Yasui, a former member of the Lycoming College Board of Trustees, passed away on Aug. 4. She was 84.

Yasui participated in a number of committees during her many years as a trustee from 1990 to 2008. She was an avid Warrior fan often attending games with her husband, Robert, who was a physician for Lycoming’s athletics department. She also was her husband’s inspiration for creating an endowed scholarship in her name.

“Phyllis was a generous and community-minded person who made everyone feel welcome,” said President Kent Trachte. “She was also a valued and loved member of the college’s board of trustees.”

Yasui, who lived in Williamsport, Pa., gave generously of her time not only to Lycoming College but also to a number of other organizations. She was active with the Pine Street Methodist Church and volunteered with the Junior League, Hope Enterprises, PTAs, the Children's Development Center, and the Salvation Army. She also was a nurse on the Little League World Series medical team for 40 years.

Yasui graduated from the Williamsport Hospital Nursing School in 1952.

Lycoming College welcomed the class of 2019 to campus during its annual New Student Convocation on Friday, Aug. 21. The traditional ceremony marked the beginning of the academic year and was held on the college’s upper quad near Clarke Chapel.

The ceremony began with the traditional opening of David B. Sykes gates, followed by a procession to the quad and the invocation, given by Jeffrey LeCrone, campus minister.

Daniel Miller, Ph.D., vice president for student life and dean of students, gave the college welcome followed by a student welcome from Allison de Haas, a junior who serves as the Lycoming College Student Senate president. Philip Sprunger, Ph.D., provost and dean of the college, made the official presentation of the class, which was followed by a charge from Kent Trachte, Ph.D., president of the college.

The final speaker for the event was Cullen Chandler, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of history, who delivered the faculty address.

Prior to the New Student Convocation, Lycoming’s Move-In Crew, comprised of students and staff, was on hand to assist new students and their families with move in.