The Art Department of Lycoming College will again host the annual Intercollegiate Art History Symposium on April 20. The event runs from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Lycoming College’s Fine Arts Building, Room 107. The event is free and open to the public.

A professional forum for topics in art history, the symposium offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to present their ideas to scholars and peers, as well as the general public.

Sixteen students are invited to present their original research from nine colleges and universities, including Bloomsburg University, Bucknell University, Gettysburg College, Juniata College, Lebanon Valley College, Lycoming College, Pennsylvania State University, Susquehanna University and Ursinus College. These presentations deal with a variety of subjects, such as feminism, indigenous art and iconoclasm (i.e. the destruction of art and cultural objects for religious or political reasons).

Two speakers represent Lycoming College: Alicia Skeath, a senior art history major with an American history minor, and Tracy Robinson, a senior double-majoring in art history and international studies with a minor in photography. Skeath will present her research on Caravaggio, one of the most prominent Italian painters in the Baroque movement. Robinson, on the other hand, will examine modern iconoclasm as seen in the recent acts of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as known as ISIS.

“This annual event brings students together from area colleges to share experiences and research. It builds community and fosters the exchange of ideas and research among students who share interests and aspirations. And the presentations are always fascinating!” said Amy Golahny, Ph.D., professor of art history at Lycoming and participant in the symposium since its inception.  

This annual symposium was established in 2006 by Roger Rothman, Samuel H. Kress Chair and associate professor of art history at Bucknell University, and previously hosted by Lycoming in 2012. Providing a forum for art history undergraduate research, it offers a chance for undergraduates to present their research, hone their speaking skills and share their ideas with an audience of their peers. These presentations highlight senior thesis research, the results of an in-depth research or independent study project, field work and study abroad, or exceptional internship experiences.

On March 24, in the pleasant atmosphere of its Pennington lounge, the Lycoming College community celebrated the annual International Dinner, an all-out fiesta of cultures, languages and traditions. The event was organized by the Multicultural Awareness Group (MAG) and the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), two prominent student organizations on campus.

A spring tradition, the International Dinner was established and preserved by MAG and the supportive community in which it resides. The event celebrates the various cultures represented on campus, and features international cuisines, languages and arts.

The event explored the globe from the perspective of sports, and particularly from that of soccer, also commonly referred to as football. The theme was derived from the idea that soccer is something in common among the 200 countries around the world and the many ethnicities housed by each of them, and that sportsmanship transcends all geographical and cultural boundaries.

This year, the Lycoming College community was introduced to the delicacies of various countries and continents around the world, ranging from South America to Africa, Europe and all the way to Asia. The dinner “kicked off” with vegan Spring Rolls from Vietnam, followed by Sambusa (a dumpling dish commonly found in India and some countries in North Africa), Schäufele (German-style pig shoulder), Mexican Chicken Taquitos, and more. Attendees also got a taste of Japan’s renowned Miso soup and drinks from Egypt, Mauritius and Mexico. Many of these are rising first-timers, but veteran players such as the Spring Rolls still appealed to  guests’ palates.

Yet another unique aspect of the International Dinner is the opportunity to experience first-hand performances that represent various ethnicities. Coordinated by members of LASO, the line-up included a drum performance, poetry, songs and dances, brought to the community by 20 talented students and faculty members.

“The Lycoming community is enriched by the many cultures, races and enthnicities that are represented in the student body. The international dinner is both a showcase and a celebration of the diversity of Lycoming,” said Daniel Miller, Ed.D, vice president for student life and dean of students. “Like many programs at Lycoming both international and domestic students are to be acknowledged and given the credit for the energy, creativity and thought they put into the dinner each year.”

“The International Dinner and MAG have both grown consistently throughout the years,” remarked Nam Do, a current senior at Lycoming College and four-year member of MAG. “Every year, the club members look forward to this event, as we consider it an occasion to express our gratitude for the Lycoming College community, including our professors, staff and peers. Tremendous effort is put into its preparation by our members and supporters, among which are LASO, the foreign language teaching assistants, Parkhurst Dining, Buildings and Grounds, and the Office of Student Life, all striving to create a meaningful and enjoyable cultural experience for the community.”

Lycoming College invites the Williamsport community to enjoy free shows in its Detwiler Planetarium on May 4. The shows, which are part of Williamsport First Friday, begin at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

This month, some of the most widely asked scientific questions will be answered. What is Climate Change? What is the Big Bang? What is Gravity? These and many other questions will be explored inside the Detwiler Planetarium. The audience will gain a general understanding of the scientific discoveries that help us better understand these important questions.

Free tickets are available that evening starting at 5 p.m. outside the planetarium. Seating is first come, first seated. The planetarium is located in the Lynn Science Center on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Mulberry Street.

Academy Award winner Tom Woodruff Jr., special effects artist, actor, director and producer, will address students and their families, as well as faculty and staff as the keynote speaker, at Lycoming College’s 170th commencement, May 12. Woodruff will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Lycoming during the commencement ceremony.

Woodruff has been entertaining and terrifying moviegoers for decades with a carefully cultivated ability to create some of film’s scariest and most lifelike monsters and aliens, as well as other special effects. His most notable works include “Death Becomes Her,” for which he received an Academy Award, last year’s “IT,” “Annabelle: Creation,” and the Netflix feature, “Bright,” as well as past hits including “The Santa Clause,” “Starship Troopers,” “Alien: Resurrection,” and “Mortal Kombat.” Coming this year will be “Sorry to Bother You,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” and “The Predator.”

“We very warmly welcome Tom back to his alma mater to share in this special celebration of the conferring of bachelor’s degrees upon the Class of 2018,” said Kent C. Trachte, Ph.D., president of Lycoming College. “A liberal arts education enabled Tom to successfully follow his interests. His willingness to pursue his passion and dedication to perfecting his craft can be a model for all, especially for graduating seniors.”

Born in Williamsport in 1959, Woodruff grew up in the area and graduated from Loyalsock High School. He graduated from Lycoming College in 1980 with majors in business administration and theatre. With classic films such as “Planet of the Apes” and “Frankenstein,” influencing his career path, Woodruff headed to Hollywood and quickly broke into the film industry, securing early film credits for the 1984 film “The Terminator” and in 1986 for “Aliens.”

In 1988, Woodruff co-founded Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. (ADI) with Alec Gillis, based in Chatsworth, Calif., to provide specialized animatronics and prosthetic make-up for a variety of movies. ADI has contributed to the success of more than 100 movies and Television Shows. His efforts have earned him an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, a BAFTA for Best Special effects for “Death Becomes Her,” as well as nominations for “Alien 3” and “Starship Troopers.” His work has also garnered several other awards and nominations.

“It’s a privilege to be invited back to Lycoming College as an honored guest and to address the 2018 graduating class,” said Woodruff. “I hope that by staying involved with Lycoming I can encourage others to believe they too have the opportunity to pursue what matters most to them and earn personal success and satisfaction.”

Lycoming College awarded Woodruff the Dr. James E. Douthat Outstanding Achievement Award for alumni in 1993. He returned to campus in 2006 as the freshman Convocation speaker, and again in 2017 to discuss his creative work and Hollywood career in a lecture. He and his wife, Tami (Spitler) ’81, have three children; David, Taylor and Connor.

Don Francis, president of the Associate of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), who will retire in June after 25 years of service, will also receive an honorary degree at this year’s commencement ceremony. During his tenure, he helped Lycoming College and other Pennsylvania private colleges, navigate contentious issues, such as rising tuition costs and fiscal legislation. Francis’ knowledge of higher education and his strategic abilities proved vital assets to Lycoming College. His advocacy has been instrumental in achieving funding of PHEAA and Ready to Succeed grant programs, which have assisted thousands of Pennsylvanians in pursuing the dream of a college education.

Graduating senior Ericka Booker, a Spanish major with a minor in human services from Brooklyn, N.Y., will deliver a greeting from the senior class at the ceremony. Booker is an active member of the Lycoming College community with involvement in Alpha Sigma Tau, Student Orientation Staff, L.A.C.E.S. (Lycoming Advancing Communities through Education and Service), the Leadership Experience at Gettysburg, W.I.S.E. (Williamsport Internship Summer Experience), Dance Club, and R.A.R. (Revolution Against Rape). Additionally, she helped to plan and participated in the inaugural Black Women Empowerment Workshop this spring. She also worked as a student assistant in the Health Services department. Booker was recently inducted into Rho Lambda Honor Society at Lycoming College.

On Sunday, April 22, Lycoming College hosted its annual Scholarship Day Luncheon in Pennington Lounge on campus with more than 120 guests in attendance. The event provides students and their families time to celebrate with scholarship donors and express appreciation for the opportunities their generosity has provided — fueling a new generation of Warriors. Lycoming is grateful to its loyal donors for supporting initiatives that assist in offering an outstanding and affordable education for its students.

During the 2017-18 academic year, Lycoming provided more than $31 million in scholarships and financial aid to its student body. A portion of these awards are funded through endowed scholarships, which have been established by generous alumni and friends. As part of its Campaign for a Greater Lycoming, $19.2 million has already been committed to new or existing endowed scholarship funds, including more than $4.5 million in new gifts over the past 12 months.

Guests were welcomed by Robb Dietrich, senior director of major and planned gifts. Lycoming College President Kent Trachte followed with opening remarks and reflected on the impact scholarships have on the success of Lycoming students. “This luncheon is about expressing our gratitude to all the donors whose gifts help the College to fulfill its mission to compete for and recruit every year talented and high-achieving students from across the United States and around the world. Their generosity enables the College to create opportunity for all who are qualified for admission regardless of financial circumstances,” says Trachte. “This luncheon is also a time to celebrate our scholars who enrich the intellectual, social, and cultural life of this campus.”

Scholarship recipients Melissa Bilza ’19 and Benjamin Conrad ’19 addressed the audience and shared their experiences at Lycoming and how receiving scholarship assistance has been beneficial to their educational journey. Bilza is a music and corporate communications double major with a minor in business administration. Conrad is a religion major with a biblical languages minor. Both are Lycoming Scholars.

Keynote speaker Frank Kindler ’77, president of Planet Fitness Central PA, spoke about why he is a proud supporter of Lycoming and highlighted two lessons he says have made an impact on his life. “When you take the time to get to know someone, you realize how much easier it is to relate to them and make a connection. I’ve also found that sometimes all a person needs is a few words of encouragement. If you focus on really getting to know people and encouraging others, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.” Kindler, who studied business administration and economics, was an exemplary student-athlete who learned the skills of leadership, hard work, and dedication through his experiences in the classroom and on the football field at Lycoming. Throughout his successful career, as a business owner and long-time high school head football coach, he used the skills he honed and developed at Lycoming to impact his community.

The luncheon concluded with remarks by Chip Edmonds ’98, executive vice president, thanking donors once again for their generosity and helping to create a Greater Lycoming. “Thank you to our keynote and student speakers whose testaments demonstrate both the power of investing in education and how these investments are transformed into people who make a profound difference to this community and ultimately the world.”

More than 100 volunteer students from the Lycoming College football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and volleyball teams participated in an annual tradition, the Favors Forward Spring Cleanup, on Saturday morning, April 21.

The volunteers helped dozens of residents for several hours, raking, power washing, mulching and landscaping at several properties in and around the Williamsport area, as well as at the Lycoming College Field Station on Lycoming Creek.

Steve Wiser, assistant football coach, helped organize the event along with Jeff LeCrone, director of Spiritual Life and Community Service. Athletic Director Mike Clark and Vice President for Student Life Dan Miller also joined the students. The College supported the event by providing tools, gloves and other equipment to students.

Spring Clean Up Day is sponsored by the Favors Forward Foundation annually. The organization pairs groups of college volunteers with senior citizens, handicapped individuals and other local residents who need help. Wiser is a member of the non-profit’s board of trustees.

During the month of April, the college community took time to celebrate the wonderful students who attend Lycoming College as well as the loyal donors whose generosity provides the scholarships that make it possible for the College to enroll talented and ambitious students from across the country and around the world. April was a time when we demonstrated our Warrior pride even as we remain committed to building a Greater Lycoming.

The month opened with April’s First Friday festivities in downtown Williamsport that featured the opening of an exhibit at the Lycoming Art Gallery displaying the work of senior art majors and a Lycoming College Music Gala performance at the Community Arts Center (CAC). We then moved on to a Leadership and Service Awards Dinner recognizing co-curricular student achievement and the induction ceremony for new members of Phi Kappa Phi. On the fourth Sunday, we held induction ceremonies for three honor societies in the morning followed by a Scholarship Day Luncheon where we expressed gratitude to all who provide gifts to establish either endowed or current use scholarships, and we concluded the afternoon with Honors Convocation.

Sharon and I had the pleasure of attending both the opening of the Senior Art Show and the Music Gala. I felt a great sense of pride watching as our senior art majors presented brief gallery talks to a packed room that included numerous community members as well as students, parents, faculty, and administrators. We then walked down West Fourth Street to the CAC where we and an audience of five-hundred were treated to beautiful music by the Lycoming College Community Orchestra and Concert Band, an inspiring performance of Rutter’s “Gloria” by the Lycoming College Choir, a special guest ensemble, and the Williamsport Chamber Choir.

The Leadership and Service Awards Dinner focused attention on students who have achieved at a high level in fraternity and sorority life, intramural sports, and planning campus events. Mr. James Tkach ’78 was the Seuren Leadership Speaker. Jim recounted how the loss of his son to suicide led him to form a foundation that provides assistance to other young people struggling with mental illness. His remarks certainly inspired awardees to give of themselves to improve the lives of others.

Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest, and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. In recognition of their academic achievement at the highest level, as well as having exhibited high moral character, eighteen students were inducted last month. During their induction, the students pledged fidelity to the organization’s motto, “Let the love of learning rule humanity.” 

Along with Phi Kappa Phi, the Circle of Omnicron Delta Kappa (ODK) is one of four societies that are part of the prestigious collegiate Honor Society Caucus, and ODK is widely considered the most prestigious leadership honor society present on American college campuses. Reflecting their accomplishments in different facets of college life and potential for development as leaders, thirty-two students were inducted into ODK. Their records of accomplishment testify to the contributions that students are making to community service, spiritual activities, athletics, campus government, and the creative and performing arts.

At the Scholarship Day Luncheon, two outstanding students spoke about their experiences at Lycoming and expressed gratitude to our scholarship donors. Melissa Bilza ’19, a double-major in music and corporate communications, earned a music scholarship to Lycoming. Since arriving, she has pursued her passion as a member of the Tour Choir and a performer in musicals, but she has found so much more. Because of the generosity of alumni and friends, she traveled with the Tour Choir to China, studied abroad in London, and conducted independent research. Challenging the public narrative questioning the value of a college education, Ben Conrad ’19, a religion major and biblical languages minor, passionately defended the value of a Lycoming education as a preparation for life and not merely a credential. Alumnus Frank Kindler ’77 outlined the value of a Lycoming education in his life and explained that his endowed scholarship is his way of giving back to the College.

More than fifty students were recognized by academic departments and programs for their excellence at Honors Convocation. Awards were also given for community service and athletic achievement and Drs. Micah Kurtz and Darby Lewes received faculty teaching awards. The ceremony culminated with the naming of the College’s 67^th Chieftain: Kaitlyn Hipple ’18 from Montgomery, Pa. During her four years, Kaitlyn has been a Mellon Foundation Research Scholar, conducted independent research as a Haberberger Fellow, and studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. She also co-translated a book of short stories, “Heartbeat” by Xánath Caraza, which was published this year with Dr. Sandy Kingery of the department of modern languages. We are all very proud of Kaitlyn.

This period of celebrating the exceptional students who attend Lycoming College will conclude on May 12 with Commencement where Academy Award winner Tom Woodruff Jr. ’80 will be the keynote speaker. We will recognize the Class of 2018 one final time and then look forward to the contributions they will make to our world.

Kent C. Trachte, Ph.D., is the 15th president of Lycoming College.

The Lycoming College chapter of Sigma Beta Delta (SBD) academic honor society inducted eleven students during a ceremony on April 18. The society consists of students majoring in accounting or business, ranked in the top 20 percent of their junior or senior class, with a GPA of 3.25 or higher. 

“Sigma Beta Delta was established at Lycoming College to honor students who have attained superior grades in the accounting or business programs,” said Heather Demshock, assistant professor of accounting at Lycoming College. “Each year, the top students are invited to join SBD. The faculty of both programs are very proud of their accomplishments.” 

Students inducted into the honor society are rewarded and recognized for their hard work during the ceremony and beyond. Having the distinction on their resumes sets them apart from their peers, and opens doors to annual fellowships provided through SBD.   

“Being inducted into SBD was an honor,” said Daniel Tierney ’18. “I am thrilled and proud that the College has recognized my academic achievements in this way.”  

This year’s student inductees included Rachel Duda ’19, Morgan High ’20, Chantelle Lutz ’19, Joseph Oquendo ’19, Lilya Renner ’19, Daniel Tierney ’18, Andrew Traxler ’19 and Cheng Yang ’19. Krishna Arnachellum ’19, Domonic Loffredo ’19 and Kelly McGinniss ’19 were inducted in asbentia.

With an understanding of the need for a place for black women to come together to be praised, to connect, to inspire and to grow with each other, the Lycoming College Black Women’s Empowerment Workshop was held on March 24 on the Lycoming College campus. The event brought together Lycoming College Black women and supportive Black women from the community.

The event fulfilled the planning committee’s and College’s vision of a place where black women could learn about and sympathize with one another’s personal stories, as well as an opportunity for participants to better understand themselves and connect with other local women, alumni and the YWCA GirlsFirst group in Williamsport. Valuable knowledge and experiences were passed down to younger generations by inspirational individuals.

“It was amazing… We laughed, cried and learned things about ourselves,” remarked Deborah Sharp, senior economics major at Lycoming College and event organizer. “I’m blessed to have been able to help make the workshop happen, and I look forward to further supporting its growth.”

The planning committee and the College intend for the workshop to be an annual event and in time a regional event.

Lycoming College is committed to promoting racial inclusiveness, gender equality and an appreciation of cultural diversity. It supports individual growth and community development through a combination of academic and co-curricular programs in a supportive residential environment that seeks to foster self-awareness, model social responsibility and provide opportunities to develop leadership skills.

Lycoming College students, faculty and staff recently wrapped up their RecycleMania campaign, which ran from Jan. 31-March 28. This marks the fifth year that the College has taken steps to increase awareness of recycling opportunities by participating in the friendly competition.

RecycleMania pits colleges and universities across the United States against one another to show who can recycle the most waste at their institution. The race was created to foster a greater sense of accountability among college students and to encourage them to recycle waste in every part of their daily lives.

To effectively compete, the Lycoming College Sustainability Committee ensures that marked recycling bins are placed in dorm rooms, offices and other campus facilities, in an effort to promote clean living and sustainable practices campus-wide throughout the duration of the competition. The recycled materials are then collected, weighed and reported for comparison with other institutions.

Lycoming College has steadily improved its results in the per capita (person) category in the competition, moving from 46% in 2017 to 78% in 2018, ranking it in the top 50% in recycling per capita (per person) among competing institutions overall. This year’s efforts have helped the campus to recycle 7.2 pounds per capita (per person) for a total of 11,976 pounds during the eight-week competition. The College credits the increase with the introduction of single-stream recycling, allowing students the option to place all recyclables into one bin, without the need to sort. Materials are later sorted at the Lycoming County Recycling Center.

Team coordinator, Katie Katzenberger ’18, a biology major from Lake Hopatcong, N.J., and biology major from Cochranville, Pa., Andrew Shelly ’18, project manager, both oversee the project and continuously encourage the campus community to improve their recycling efforts.

“RecycleMania should encourage progress but should also be something we think about as individuals every day,” said Shelly. “I hope this effort can encourage the community to think about sustainability, but also question what habits in their lives are not currently sustainable and address them. That way we create a positive change that can grow on our campus for years to come.”

Can this be recycled? Is it biodegradable? Is this reusable? These are all questions that RecycleMania will continue to prompt participants to think about more, in the hopes of evoking real change in recycling habits on campus. More information on the Lycoming College Sustainability Committee is available at http://www.lycoming.edu/sustainability/.

Six students from Lycoming College spent their spring semester at the Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (CAARI), participating in a study abroad program titled, “The Afterlife of Artifacts.” The four-course curriculum offered students the chance to engage in an intensive museum internship, a research and museum visit experience, and hands-on lab courses that dealt with artifacts excavated by the Lycoming College Expedition to Idalion.

The semester abroad included visits to all of the museums in Cyprus and several archaeological sites throughout the island.

“This program has catapulted the six students participating from ordinary undergraduates to citizens of the world,” said Pamela Gaber, Ph.D., the program director and professor of archaeology and Judaic studies at Lycoming College. “Several of them are unquestionably graduate student material now. It is gratifying to witness—and participate in—such a transformation.”

Stevanakelly Dolence, a junior archaeology major, found the experience incredibly worthwhile. “The study abroad trip to Cyprus was one of the most valuable experiences of my life,” said Dolence. “I was provided with practical experiences that have equipped me with tools that I will be able to apply in graduate studies and in my future career. I will forever be grateful to Lycoming College for providing me with this opportunity.”

Student attendees included Emily Anderson ’19 of Columbia, Pa.; Stevanakelly Dolence ’19 of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Katelyn Donohue ’19 of Fairless Hills, Pa.; Emily Hepner ’19 of Leesport, Pa.; Karlise Jones ’20 of New Orleans, La.; and Dominic Lyons ’19 of Dundee, N.Y.

Lycoming College’s archaeology program allows students to analyze the physical remains of the past in pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of human culture. Students majoring in archaeology receive a solid foundation in the theories, methods, and diverse approaches that archaeologists use to answer important questions about cultural diversity and social change through time and across vast geographic regions. For more information on the archaeology program, please visit: https://www.lycoming.edu/archaeology/

Lycoming College commercial design major, Nam Do ’18, won the 2018 Young Globals Student Competition, an international student advertising competition sponsored by New York Festivals International. Do will be honored at the annual Global Awards Ceremony in New York City in November 2018.

The Global Awards invites students from the world's top portfolio, design and technology schools to build a career in the advertising industry and help agencies transform healthcare advertising. In conjunction with The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, "Pushing Back on Opioids” was chosen as the theme for this year’s challenge. The prize is a Global Award and a summer internship at one of the sponsoring agencies, Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, and CALCIUM advertising agencies.

Do’s winning design, “The Opioid Gang,” caught the attention of the judges for its originality and appeal to the target audience. He also impressed judges with “demonstrated nuances” in his approach and an open mind for potentials.

Fran Pollaro of The New York Festivals said this was the “toughest competition in our four-year existence,” pointing out that Do is the first single-person team win, giving him a choice of internships. Do has opted for a summer internship as a creative intern at Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness in New York City.

Lycoming College commercial design students all complete a professional internship to gain real world experience, and design students are encouraged to enter local, national and international design contests. In addition to the Global Awards, Do recently won first place in a national contest to design the 2018 logo and poster for the annual film festival Tech Doc Fest, based in Seattle.

A Vietnamese international student, Do came to the United States in 2014 to pursue an education that would allow him to explore passions and broaden his horizon. His love for arts and culture has brought him places, from a semester abroad in Berlin to an upcoming art history course in Barcelona. This passion, together with inspirations from his family, friends and the community at Lycoming College, has motivated him to pursue visual communications and declare a second major in art in his senior year. Nam hopes to work in advertising and use his creativity to support meaningful causes in the future.

“I was already at a loss for words when finding out I was a finalist, let alone the winner of this prestigious competition. It was astonishing. [And it was] Hard to believe that only one year ago, I was telling myself, ‘Nam, học vẽ đi mày, không thì làm giám đốc sáng tạo bằng niềm đấy!’ (‘Nam, you really need to start learning graphic design!’),” said Do. “It has been an eventful year, and now I feel so much more confident in my abilities.

“I have been working hard, but all of this would not have been possible were it not for the inspirations, feedback and unconditional support that I have received from others. A big part of this is thanks to Lynn (Estomin), who has been there for me since the first day I learned to use Photoshop, through the countless journeys, and who introduced me to this competition; to the faculty, staff and students of the art department at Lycoming, who welcomed me like a lost child having just found his way home and who constantly inspire me to pursue excellence; to my roommates, friends, and to the staff at ITS who root for me wherever I go. This win is not mine. This win is ours.”

The Lycoming College Art Gallery invites the Williamsport and surrounding communities to visit its upcoming exhibition, “See Me,” a collaborative installation designed by Holley Fuller ’18 and coordinated by Andrea McDonough Varner ’03, art department coordinator for the Williamsport Area School District. The exhibition opens with an artist reception on June 1, 5 – 7:30 p.m., and a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. The gallery will be open until 9 p.m. on June 1.

Resulting from recent concern for student safety in schools, the “See Me” project provides a creative outlet for public school students to express their thoughts and feelings about these issues by contributing self-portraits using their medium of choice. 

“Student artists from across the globe were invited to respond,” explained Fuller. “The gallery will feature works that have been submitted by students in grades 7 – 12, with selected enlarged artworks and student quotes on display. The responses in this powerful exhibit will encourage viewers to think about the importance of each and every student by looking directly into their eyes.”

Several Williamsport Area High School visual arts students produced original works in response to the “See Me” prompt, offered by McDonough Varner.

“This project affords students the opportunity to engage in critical contemporary conversation,” said McDonough Varner. “The visual representations of their opinions and emotions can speak just as loud and eloquently as words. Young people should be empowered to initiate change, and we hope this display will continue the conversation.”

The Lycoming College Art Gallery, located in downtown Williamsport at 25 W. Fourth St., contributes to the city’s arts culture and provides a way for the College to become more involved with the community surrounding it. Lycoming art students have the opportunity to interact with visiting artists, as well as learn first-hand the inner workings of a gallery.

Summer gallery hours during exhibitions are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 5 – 9 p.m. For more information, please visit the gallery online at: https://www.lycoming.edu/art/gallery.html or send an email to dirocco@lycoming.edu.

Lycoming College was recently honored with eight national awards in advertising and marketing by the Higher Education Marketing Report and the Collegiate Marketing Awards. These recognitions once again testify the College’s unceasing efforts in creative and insightful communication, an approach consistent with its vision of liberal arts and sciences education.

Founded by the Higher Education Marketing Report, The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest, oldest and most distinguished competition in educational advertising in the United States. In its 33rd year, more than 2,250 entries were submitted across 33 categories. Among 1,000+ colleges, universities and secondary schools from all fifty states and several foreign countries, Lycoming College was recognized for a total of four awards.

These awards consist of a gold medal in the direct mail category for “10 Reasons You Should Apply;” a gold medal in the new media category for “Happy New Year, Thank You;” a gold medal in the other category for the “Discovering” folder; and a merit medal for the Warrior Coffee brochure. Reviewed and selected by a national panel of industry specialists, these awards reflect the highest standards of creativity, marketing execution and message impact.

Lycoming College also earned four titles in the 2017 Collegiate Marketing Awards, an elite national program dedicated to advertising, marketing and promotion for higher education. The Collegiate Advertising Awards allows colleges, universities and other educational organizations of similar sizes across the nation to compete against each other. The judging panel consists of seasoned design and education marketing professionals and evaluates entries based on creativity, layout/design, typography, production, quality and overall effectiveness.

Among the 900 entries submitted to the 2017 Collegiate Marketing Awards, Lycoming won two gold and two silver medals in its size group. Once again, the “Discovering” folder and the Warrior Coffee brochure were recognized, respectively, with a gold and a silver medal. Lycoming College’s admission postcards won the College another gold medal in the category of direct mail series, and its “President’s 1812” invitation was honored with a silver medal.

10 Reasons You Should Apply, Gold, Direct Mail: http://www.lycoming.edu/marketing-communications/2017-Awards/10-Reasons/index.html

For a complete list: http://www.lycoming.edu/marketing-communications/awards.aspx

Aspiring teachers and others from the Lycoming College campus community gathered in the Mary Lindsay Welch Honors Hall to receive a message from H. Richard Milner IV, Ph.D., one that will resonate with the campus for some time. Director of the Center for Urban Education at the University of Pittsburgh and recipient of the Carl A. Grant and John Dewey awards, Milner is a strong and knowledgeable voice in the area of diversity in education and culturally responsive teaching. His teaching style is focused on educating and being mindful of cultural appropriation, which is a critical component of effective education.

Milner kept students on the edge of their seats with compelling data on disproportionalities in the education system. He kept participants engaged with “are you still with me?” prompts and 10 tips for obtaining and increasing equity in the classroom:
1. Remember WHO You are Teaching!
2. Remember Your Students are Developing Beings!
3. Race Still Matters.
4. When the Music Changes, so should the Dance!
5. Poverty and Merit
6. Curriculum should Connect!
7. Our Talk Matters!
8. Instruction should be Relevant and Responsive
9. Build your Professional Library!
10. Consider Some Radical Practices

The Lycoming education department and student body asserted, “we are still with you.” Milner’s statistics showed that Black students are being pushed out of school by suspension and, more often than others, pushed into in-school suspension. He bolstered this disproportional figure with a current remake of the doll test by Kenneth, Ph.D., and Mamie Clark, Ph.D. This experiment displays that the concept of learned helplessness still exists among cultures in the education system.

“If Lycoming College students and society truly desire to grapple with this problem, we need to be willing to take further action. The next steps for aspiring teachers are to build all students’ skills, increase the number of adults in every classroom (Noguera), incorporate language and literacy development across the curriculum, and address the listed 10 reminders,” said John Peters ’19, a political science major from South Williamsport. “Times have changed and, as a pivotal role in the scaffolding of future societal leaders, teachers need to adapt. It is now a necessity that new teachers change the dance to fit the music. There’s no way to “Lindy Hop” out of this transformation. It’s time to “Wobble” our way into the future of education.”

The event, coordinated by Courtney Dexter, Ph.D., assistant professor of education, was meaningful for all involved, particularly Lycoming students pursuing teaching certification. The education department was thrilled to bring Milner to campus and looks forward to other such events in the future.

Lycoming College presented two faculty members with teaching awards at the College’s Honors Convocation on April 22.

The 2018 Plankenhorn Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence was bestowed upon Darby Lewes, Ph.D., professor of English. Lewes has published five books, as well as multiple journal articles, book chapters, encyclopedia entries and has won several major writing awards. She has served as a featured speaker at several conferences in the United States and Europe.

Michael Kurtz, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics, was awarded the 2018 Junior Faculty Teaching Award. Kurtz’s research focuses on how to measure teaching effectiveness, and how the measurements can be used to their full potential. His research intersects with health economics and understanding how weekend nutrition affects scholastic outcomes.

Lycoming College is proud of its talented and committed professors, who continue to add to the culture of student learning while advancing the College’s goal of offering a 21st-century liberal arts education.

Lycoming College held it’s annual Honors Convocation on April 22, recognizing a number of students with accolades for exceptional academic achievements.

The College’s highest honor, the Chieftan Award, was this year presented to Spanish major Kaitlyn Skye Hipple ’18 (Montgomery, Pa.), for her strong support for school activities, exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities and good moral character, working effectively with others, and for her outstanding academic ranking. She was also awarded the Phil G. Gillette Prize in Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish), and the J Marco Hunsberger Service to Lycoming Award.

Hipple was named to the Dean’s List all four years during her time at Lycoming. She was also inducted into the IRUSKA Honor Society for her contribution to campus life. She received the rose Pfaff Scholarship for outstanding service to the College, as well as the Frank W. and Helen P. Lowry Endowed Scholarship, which helped her take advantage of an opportunity study abroad at the Estudio Sampere in Madrid. Hipple served as a Student Orientation Staff member for three years, assisting incoming first-year students with the transition to college.

With the help of an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Humanities and Social Sciences grant, Hipple worked with Sandra Kingery, Ph.D., professor of Spanish, to translate “Pulsación,” a novel by Xanath Cáraza.

More recently, Hipple received a Haberberger Fellowship to complete an independent study, which earned her departmental honors in modern language studies. She conducted research on motivation of students enrolled in second language classes at Lycoming College. Currently, Hipple has a job with Teach For America to provide secondary level Spanish instruction. She hope to continue to graduate school with the goal of conducting further research in the field of second language acquisition.

A number of other Lycoming College students attained high levels of academic achievement and scholarship, and they also received awards at Honors Convocation, including:

Accounting
Durant L. Furey III Award for auditing – Stephen T. Wolfe ’18 (Nottingham, Md.)
Managerial Accounting Award for managerial accounting – Evelyn A. Torres ’20 (Round Lake, Ill.)
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award – Anna C. Ulrich ’18 (Hamburg, Pa.)
The Charles J. Kocian Award for accounting statistics – Jason Grove ’19 (Williamsport, Pa.)
Wehr Financial Accounting Prize – Nicholas John Ring ’18 (Muncy, Pa.)
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Prize for Tax Accounting – Jessica M. Drachler ’18 (Jersey Shore, Pa.)
The Professor Logan A. Richmond Accounting Prize – Desmond A. Faison ’18 (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Art
Alfred Kohler Studio Artist Award – Victoria M. Grundhoeffer ’20 (San Antonio, Texas)
Hoyer’s Award for Excellence in Photography – Jauzzle Rosan France ’18 (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands)
Roger D. Shipley Award in fine art – Donnell Reid-Ellis ’18 (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Faculty Award for Achievement in Fine Art – Nam T. Do ’18 (Hanoi, Vietnam)
Commercial Design Award – Kaitlin N. Hallabuk ’18 (Towanda, Pa.)

Astronomy/Physics
Fundamentals of Physics Award – Mikayla J. Feldbauer ’20 (St. Marys, Pa.)
Fundamentals of Physics Award – William W. Knauth (Williamsport, Pa.)
Principles of Astronomy Award – Nathaniel O. Wilston ’19 (Mainesburg, Pa.)
Q.E.D. Award for Department Service for astronomy/physics – Brendan Drachler ’18 (Jersey Shore, Pa.)
Фυσίκα Award in Astronomy/Physics – Thomas R. Osborne ’18 (Cogan Station); Luke Quigley ’18 (Rochester, N.Y.); Devon S. Williams ’18 (Waymart, Pa.); Brianna Janel Zawadzki ’18 (Austin, Texas)

Biology
Biology Department Academic Excellence Award – Rachel Olivia Fritz ’18 (Honesdale, Pa.)
Biology Service Award – Samantha Carlene Fischer ’18 (Williamsport, Pa.); Andrew Thomas Shelly ’18 (Cochranville, Pa.)
Williamsport Rotary Club Endowed Prize for health services - Rachel Olivia Fritz ’18 (Honesdale, Pa.)
Freshman Biology Award – Emily N. Konopka ’21 (Wrightstown, N.J.); Marc A. Morales ’21 (Houston, Texas)

Business Administration
The Financial Management Award – Ly H. Le ’18 (Hanoi, Vietnam)
The General Management Award – Amy Elizabeth Plocinik ’18 (Macungie, Pa.)
The Marketing Management Award – Ashley Marie Stover ’18 (Edgewood, Md.)
The Charles J. Kocian Award for business administration – Diana M. Cavaliere ’18 (Flanders, N.J.)

Chemistry
American Chemical Society Outstanding Chemistry Major Award – Elizabeth Ritter ’18 (Bethlehem, Pa.)
The A.I.C. Student Honor Award – Brandon J. Conrad ’18 (Bloomsburg, Pa.)
Trask Chemistry Prize – Charlotte Maria Wentz ’18 (Glen Gardner, N.J.)
Byron C. Brunstetter Science Award – Samuel J. Dressler ’18 (Riverside, Pa.)

Communication
The Gertrude B. Madden Communication Award – Mary Virginia Radel ’18 (Wiconisco, Pa.)
The Department Award in Media Research – Melissa A. Bilza ’19 (Easton, Pa.)

Criminal Justice/Criminology
Criminal Justice Society Prize – Kyle Logan Drick ’18 (Allenwood, Pa.)
Criminal Justice Society Prize – Malik Paul Thomas ’18 (Delran, N.J.)
Hoover Memorial Prize for criminal justice research – Maelle Souchet ’18 (Aubignon, France)

Economics
The 2018 Economics Excellence – Rory J. Mendat ’21 (Grampian, Pa.)
The 2018 Robert W. Rabold Economics Excellence Award – Rebecca A. Forbes ’19 (Lititz, Pa.)
The 2018 Roger W. Opdahl Economics Excellence Award – Stephen T. Wolfe ’18 (Nottingham, Md.)
The Charles J. Kocian Award for economics statistics – Jacqueline Palacio ’18 (Dover, N.J.)
The John A. Streeter Memorial Award in Economics – Nathaniel James Ingerick ’18 (Wellsboro, Pa.)

Education
Leadership Award in Education – Monica Hope Serafini ’18 (Kensington, Md.)

English
Dan Gustafson Award – Megan Victoria McVeety ’18 (Little Silver, N.J.)
The Metzler Prize for analytical writing – Hedy Gerace ’19 (Birdsboro, Pa.)
The Phoebe R. Lyon Prize – Sanna Liisa Fogt ’18 (Williamsport, Pa.)
The President’s Prize in Poetry – Olivia A. Heckroth ’19 (Oakdale, Pa.)
The President’s Prize in Prose – Hayley Anne Pisciotti ’18 (East Stroudsburg, Pa.)

History
Richard L. Mix ’51 and Miriam S. Mix Research and Writing Prize in History – Joanna Lynn Wagner ’18 (Middlebury Center, Pa.)
Robert Ewing Senior Prize in History – Joanna Lynn Wagner ’18 (Middlebury Center, Pa.)
David Library for the American Revolution Research Fellowship – Cali Snyder ’19 (Gilberton, Pa.)

Mathematics
Mathematical Science Award – Carter D. Alexander ’19 (South Williamsport, Pa.)
The Benjamin C. Conner Prize in Mathematics – Matthew C. Reinhart ’18 (Montgomery, Pa.)
The Charles J. Kocian Award for computer science – Diana M. Cavaliere ’18 (Flanders, N.J.); Shawn. E. McCollum ’18 (Muncy, Pa.)
The Charles J. Kocian Award for applied research – Brendan C. Drachler ’18 (Jersey Shore, Pa.)
The Elisha Benson Kline Prize for math – Amanda MacTarnaghan ’18 (Hughesville, Pa.)
The Frances K. Skeath Award in Mathematics – Catherine Eileen Burger ’18 (Royersford, Pa.); Bethany Kay Hipple ’18 (Montgomery, Pa.)
The J.W. Feree Award for math – Bethany Kay Hipple ’18 (Montgomery, Pa.), Amanda MacTarnaghan ’18 (Hughesville, Pa.)
The W.F. Sadler Prize for math – Amanda MacTarnaghan ’18 (Hughesville, Pa.)

Modern Language Studies
Phil G. Gillette Prize in Modern Foreign Languages (French) – Thomas M. Van Patten ’19 (Olney, Md.)
Phil G. Gillette Prize in Modern Foreign Languages (German) – Emily C. Yoder ’18 (Montoursville, Pa.)
The Emilia Pardo Bazán Prize in Critical Writing – Rachel Olivia Fritz ’18 (Honesdale, Pa.); Jessica L. Hoff ’18 (Lambertville, N.J.)
Paul A. MacKenzie Discovery Prize for German – Shelby M. Civils ’20 (Altoona, Pa.)

Music
Dr. Will George Butler Band Award – Dylan M. Becker ’19 (Reading, Pa.)
Michelle Bohlin Award in Theater & Music – Christopher M. Morgan ’18 (Danville, Pa.)
The Walter G. McIver Award – Erik M. Homberger ’19 (Lititz, Pa.)
The William T. and Ruth S. Askey Music Prize – Harry-Claude Baum ’18 (Danville, Pa.)
The Williamsport Civic Chorus Award – Shannon K. Burr ’20 (Harrisburg, Pa.)
Dr. Will George Butler Choir Award – Ryan S. Neidig ’19 (Northumberland, Pa.)
John A. Streeter Memorial Award for band – Harry-Claude Baum ’18 (Danville, Pa.); Christopher M. Morgan ’18 (Danville, Pa.)

Political Science
Richard L. Mix ’51 and Miriam S. Mix Prize in Political Science – Alexandra M. Rozzi ’19 (Shawnee on Delaware, Pa.)
The Charles J. Kocian Award for political science – Benjamin P. Thompson ’18 (Ridgway, Pa.)

Psychology
J. Milton Skeath Award in Psychology – Megan Victoria McVeety ’18 (Little Silver, N.J.)
Psi Chi Service Award for psychology – Maelle Souchet ’18 (Aubignon, France)

Religion/Archaeology/Anthropology
The McDowell Scholarship for ministry – Sean Michael Gray ’18 (Williamsport, Pa.)
Faculty Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Religion – Patrick J. Borland ’18 (Waterloo, N.Y.)
Faculty Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Religion – Joseph W. Ingrum ’18 (Lodi, Calif.)
Eduardo Guerra Prize in Biblical Languages – Patrick J. Borland ’18 (Waterloo, N.Y.)

Sociology/Anthropology
Durkeim Prize in Sociology – Jessica L. Hoff ’18 (Lambertville, N.J.)
Durkeim Prize in Anthropology – Emily C. Yoder ’18 (Montoursville, Pa.)

Theatre
Overall Excellence in Theatre Award – Gabriela L. Burch ’18 (South Williamsport, Pa.)

Women’s and Gender Studies
Holly Elizabeth Hurlbert Prize – Joanna Lynn Wagner ’18 (Middlebury Center, Pa.)

Faculty Commencement Awards
Bishop William Perry Eveland Prize – Courtney Lynn Hannum ’18 (West Grove, Pa.)
Class of 1907 Prize – Brandon J. Conrad ’18 (Bloomsburg, Pa.)
Faculty Prize – Bethany Kay Hipple ’18 (Montgomery, Pa.)

At Lycoming College’s annual Honors Convocation, held in the Williamsport Community Arts Center, a number of students were honored for their commitment to academic excellence with accolades, scholarships and fellowships. Those recognized include:

Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Scholarship Nomination – Alicia Nicole Skeath ’18 (Wapwallopen, Pa.)

Caleb Beard, Cara Zortman, Sheila Whitman, Molly Ball, Provost Philip Sprunger, Ph.D., Gavin Williamson, Rebekah Groff, Brittany Halbleib

M.B. Rich Endowed Prize for freshmen – Molly R. Ball ’21 (Sayre, Pa.); Caleb Beard ’21 (Williamsport, Pa.); Rebekah L. Groff ’21 (Reading, Pa.); Brittany E. Halbleib ’21 (Hummelstown, Pa.); Sheila E. Whitman ’21 (Lake Ariel, Pa.); Gavin J. Williamson ’21 (Altoona, Pa.); Cara S. Zortman ’21 (York, Pa.)

Rose Pfaff Scholarship – Melissa A. Bilza ’19 (Easton, Pa.); Mikayla J. Feldbauer ’20 (St. Marys, Pa.)

Ada Remley Memorial Scholarship Award – Abigail A. Bendick ’19 (Shavertown, Pa.)

The Jack C. and Janet B. Buckle Scholarship – Krishna J. Arnachellum ’19 (Quartre Bornes, Mauritius); Breona S. Buck ’19

Joanne and Arthur Haberberger Fellowship – Gillian A. Barkell ’19 (Westminster, Md.); Benjamin A. Conrad ’19 (Myerstown, Pa.); Rebecca A. Forbes ’19 (Lititz, Pa.); Emilie M. Kramer ’19 (Wellsboro, Pa.); Daniel W. Lundy ’19 (Muncy, Pa.); Sean P. McLaughlin ’19 (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.); Morgan Mello ’19 (North Kingstown, R.I.); Elizabeth A. Nace ’19 (Perkasie, Pa.); Kimberleigh E. Parroccini ’19 (Warren, Pa.)