A Message from the President

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY, August 2014
A Message from the President
Cars laden with suitcases, pillows, posters and other back-to-campus necessities. First-year students
clutching their schedules and campus maps. Stacks of books being purchased at the bookstore or
checked out of the library. It’s the beginning of a new academic year and the excitement in the air is
palpable. I always look forward to this time of year – a time of fresh starts and new beginnings.
There are many new developments here at WCU, including the opening of Commonwealth Hall, a
state-of-the-art residence hall, on Aug. 22. Like Allegheny and Brandywine, which opened in 2009,
Commonwealth offers a fitness center, movie theater and wireless connectivity. While this is certainly
nice for our students, it’s also part of being a good neighbor to the community. We want to make our
on-campus housing options as appealing and amenity-filled as possible so that our students chose not
to leave for off-campus housing after their first year or two at WCU.
In October, we will hold a formal decommissioning ceremony for the University’s 50-year-old coal-fired
plant. This summer, the Facilities Department installed high-efficiency natural gas boilers in buildings
that have not yet been converted to geothermal heating and cooling. These new boilers will be operating by the start of this winter’s heating season, at which point our coal-fired plant can be officially decommissioned. This transition will reduce West Chester University’s annual carbon foot print by 7,500
tons of CO2.
All across campus, we have new reasons to be proud, from a just-signed partnership agreement with
Mary Immaculate College in Ireland to a refurbished tree walk trail in the Gordon Natural Area. Read on
to learn about these and many other new developments.
Greg R. Weisenstein
New Partnership Formed with Irish College
Opens door to student & faculty exchanges, collaborative research
WCU and MIC representatives gathered in June included, from left, Nancy and Ken Witmer; Sandra and Greg Weisenstein; Michael Hayes, president of MIC; Holly Cowman, director of International Office at MIC.
The “luck of the Irish” must have been with West Chester Uni-
University, with many of the initial programs presented by the
versity during the development of its latest international part-
College of Education.
nership, with Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Limerick,
Ireland. The organizers of the partnership say the planning
“We will be sending four WCU students to Limerick this
process went quickly and smoothly.
spring for coursework and, if possible, classroom observation, which will give them an idea of the experience of Irish
On June 23, a formal memorandum of understanding was
students and teachers,” says Witmer.
signed by President Greg Weisenstein and MIC President
Michael Hayes at a ceremony in Limerick.
The application process is competitive; just four students
were selected to study at Mary Immaculate College this aca-
“We went from the conceptual stage to the signing of a formal
demic year. Eventually, the program will grow to cohorts of
memorandum of understanding in just six months. Everyone
12-16 WCU students studying in Ireland annually. The College
at both institutions is committed to taking advantage of this
of Education also plans faculty exchanges and is working to
valuable partnership,” notes College of Education Dean Ken
form research collaborations.
Witmer, who was instrumental in developing the collaboration. Witmer was a visiting professor at MIC for one semester,
Other WCU-MIC programs currently under development in-
earlier in his career, and as a result of his contacts, he was
clude a study abroad program in communication studies.
able to jump-start discussion and help the process move ex-
Professor of communication studies Edward Lordan met with
peditiously.
MIC officials earlier this month to discuss plans for a Media in
Ireland course, which will be offered Summer Session II 2015.
“We will welcome the first Mary Immaculate College student to
WCU in January, at the start of spring semester, and our stu-
“I taught a similar course in 2013 that gave our students a
dents will begin traveling to Mary Immaculate soon after,” says
chance to study Irish media, and it was extremely success-
Witmer. “It’s an amazing opportunity for our students and fac-
ful,” says Lordan. “After I learned of our new Irish partnership,
ulty and we believe our Irish partner will benefit equally.”
I knew I wanted the 2015 Media in Ireland course to include
time at Mary Immaculate College as well as study of the
WCU’s new relationship with Mary Immaculate College will in-
media in and around the town of Limerick.”
volve numerous departments and colleges throughout the
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, August, 2014
West Chester University also is in discussion with two other
people,” she says. “American history is such a small section
Irish institutions about possible partnerships, St. Patrick’s Col-
of our course in M.I.C and was a module I really enjoyed. I’m
lege and Trinity College, both in Dublin. President Weisenstein
extremely eager to learn more about the history of the U.S
met with St. Patrick’s College President Daire Keogh in late
and this is one of the main reasons why I was so drawn to
June. Because St. Patrick’s is currently undergoing a merger
WCU; not only does the college have fantastic history mod-
with Dublin City University, a formal partnership agreement
ules, but also the history within the surrounding area.”
with WCU is temporarily on hold. In the meantime, Dean Witmer and Peter Loedel, director of the Center for International
While at WCU, McDonnell hopes to see Gettysburg National
Programs will work with St. Patrick’s officials to develop in-
Park, the Liberty Bell, and Valley Forge National Historical
terim collaborative projects. President Weisenstein’s visit to
Park. And one locale that is decidedly not historical in nature
Trinity College focused on common research interests be-
– the King of Prussia Mall.
tween the two institutions, as well as study opportunities.
“When I graduated secondary school -- the equivalent of high
Twenty-year-old Hollie McDonnell will be the inaugural MIC stu-
school in the U.S. – my dad took me to New York City on a
dent at West Chester University this spring. A resident of
shopping spree,” recalls McDonnell. “It’s a place we’ve both al-
Dooradoyle, about ten minutes outside of Limerick City, McDon-
ways wanted to go. Those few days were unforgettable and will
nell is studying to be a secondary teacher of English and history.
be an experience I will always hold dear. I am extremely grateful
to be given another opportunity to travel to the U.S and I feel
“Studying abroad will allow me to experience education in a
lucky especially to be studying at West Chester University.”
different culture, as well as the chance to travel and meet new
Friendship Families Needed
Do you enjoy learning about other countries and cultures? Do
of WCU’s INTERLINK Language Center. “We have found that
you have the time to take an international student on an out-
participation in Friendship Families is very valuable for our in-
ing or simply out to dinner once or twice a month? Consider
ternational students and a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
becoming a Friendship Family with WCU’s
Currently, INTERLINK at WCU has seven stu-
INTERLINK Language Center.
dents looking for Friendship Families: four
students from Saudi Arabia, one from China,
INTERLINK has been providing English as
a Second Language (ESL) classes to a
two from South Korea and one from
small but growing group of international
Vietnam. In the fall, additional students will
students at WCU since March 2013. The
arrive from all of these countries. These stu-
Friendship Family program is a way for
dents have been conditionally admitted, and
these international students and the Uni-
will attend WCU upon successful completion
versity community to get to know each
of the INTERLINK program. Areas of study
other better. Any member of the University
they plan to pursue include undergraduate
community is eligible to apply to the pro-
degrees in computer science, finance and
gram, either with their family, a spouse or
marketing, and master’s degrees in public
partner, or on an individual basis.
health and teaching English as a second language (TESL).
“INTERLINK offers English language programs at three other
3
universities in the U.S. and we have a Friendship Family pro-
To apply to be a Friendship Family, or for more information,
gram at each of these sites,” notes Mariana Syrotiak, director
contact Syrotiak at [email protected].
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, August, 2014
Think WCU gets sleepy when the weather warms up?
Think again. From an International Piano Institute to new student orientations,
sports camps for school kids to a research institute for undergraduates, West
Chester University bustles with activity in the summer months. Here’s a look at
some of the many programs that took place this summer:
Painting to Piano, Field Hockey to Football
Summer Camps for Every Interest
From art to athletics, kids were able to improve their skills and knowledge at WCU camps this summer. The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) hosted almost 90 3rd to 8th graders for two different
music camps in late June, followed by 62 teens arriving in mid-July
for the annual WCU High School Summer Music Institute.
“Seven of the 62 students at the institute will be attending WCU this
fall as music majors,” notes Ralph Sorrentino, an assistant professor
in the department of applied music. “We have seen an increase in
the number of students who use the institute as a transition to the
start of their freshman year.”
CVPA also sponsored the Brandywine International Piano Institute,
a workshop of intensive study featuring master classes and private
lessons; a Marching Band Workshop that drew 500 students and
16 directors; and a Band Leadership Training Program, which attracted 230 area high school students and a few from as far away as California and Florida.
Budding visual artists also had their day in the sun. CVPA held a week-long Visual Arts Camp for 7- to 15-year-olds that included studio time in ceramics, painting, drawing, mixed media and digital art.
Athletes could choose from specialty camps for 11 different sports as well as an all-sports camp for girls aged 6 to 12. Swim lessons
and Red Cross lifeguard training also were offered. Level of play ranged from a Rookie Softball Camp for ages 6 to 9 to a Softball Collegiate Exposure Camp for high-school students.
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, April, 2014
Putting Out the Welcome Mat – 2,280 Times
Summer is Busy Season for New Student Programs
In mid- to late
June, you would
be hard-pressed
to find anyone
busier than
WCU’s Director
of New Student
Programs, Jared
Brown, who is
responsible for
new student orientation.
Over an eight-day period, Brown meets more than 2,200 new Golden Rams and ensures that they review their fall schedules, get to
know other new students, and find their way around campus. And then he does it all over again on four days in late August, for transfer students and those first-year students who weren’t able to attend earlier in the summer.
Brown has a lot of assistance, of course, from a team of professionals and student orientation leaders in the Office of New Student
Programs, as well as from the faculty members and deans who manage student scheduling. Even so, he finds himself running nonstop during orientation days.
“We have created an orientation program that’s the first step toward success for new students, whether they are first-year students
transitioning from high school or transfer students transitioning from another school to WCU,” said Brown. “We’re communicating a
lot of important information but we’re also taking the time to help the students form new relationships and feel connected to the rest
of the WCU community.”
Brown makes a special effort to reach out to first-generation college students with programming targeted to their specific concerns. “I
am a first-generation college grad,” says Brown. “I know it can be challenging to make the transition if you’re the first in your family to
attend college.”
Brown is proud of the fact that faculty members work one-on-one with students at orientation to review their schedules as well as
general education requirements. “Many institutions enlist grad students or upperclassmen to do this, but at WCU it’s always a faculty
member who takes on this role,” he notes. “In fact, you will even see department chairs and deans serving in this capacity.”
There is separate orientation program for parents and family members that includes sessions on residence life and commuting, academic affairs and student activities. Family members play an integral role in their student’s success. Brown likens this role to that of a
coach, “I tell parents to be the coach – don’t play the game for their student.”
While summer is busy, the Office of New Student Programs doesn’t kick back and relax when the new semester begins. “During the
academic year, we send monthly newsletters to new students on topics ranging from D2L to the University’s alcohol policies,” says
Brown. “We also offer monthly presentations on time management, writing a term paper, getting along with your roommate and everything else a new Golden Ram needs to know.”
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, April, 2014
It’s All in the Family at Grandparents U
Shortly after arriving at WCU in 2009, President Weisenstein initiated
WCU Ideas Online, an online idea box to engage the University community in resolving challenges and seizing opportunities. One of the
first members of the University community to submit a suggestion
was Mary Braz, an associate professor of communication studies,
who proposed that WCU create a Grandparents University.
The program brings grandparents and their grandkids to campus for
two days and three nights. They stay in Allegheny Hall, eat in the
dining hall, and choose four courses to take, which are taught by
professors from a variety of disciplines. All classes are on main
campus except the ever-popular ropes course, which is offered at
South Campus.
“When I was a PhD student at Michigan State I saw their Grandparents University in action and thought
it was a wonderful idea. It strengthened connections with alumni, recruited future students, and was a way to connect the community
to campus,” says Braz. “I thought it would be a great program for WCU.”
At the time, there were only seven Grandparent Universities in the country. WCU’s program became the first on the Eastern Seaboard,
a designation it still holds today, in its 5th year.
This year’s Grandparents U, offered June 23-25, brought 70 grandparents and grandkids to campus, with grandkids as young as
seven and up to 14. (Grandparents don’t need to disclose their age.) Participants came from Pennsylvania and neighboring states, but
also from as far away as California.
You don’t need to be an actual grandparent to take part in Grandparents University. “We embrace the most broad definition of
family,” notes Braz. “We’ve had a woman who was not biologically related to two girls but knew that no one in their family had
ever attended college. She brought them to Grandparents University so they could think more broadly about the attainable
goals in their futures.”
The program involves lots of community collaboration, including classes taught by engineers from Boeing, astronomers from the University of Pennsylvania and
administrators from Chester County Hospital.
Kids “age out” of the program once they enter high school but
some like WCU so much they return. The first student to age out is now a high school senior who hopes to attend WCU and take classes from the faculty he met at Grandparents University.
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, April, 2014
Budding Authors Flock to WCU
The Pennsylvania Writing & Literature Project’s Young
Writers/Young Readers program celebrated its 30th summer of
connecting kids with the power of the written word through general creative writing courses as well as specialty courses in sci-fi,
fantasy, historical fiction and other genres. More than 600 students participated in programs at 16 different sites, including
270 students who attended two different two-week sessions on
the WCU campus. Other program sites included Longwood
Gardens, Graeme Park, Highlands Historical Mansion, Valley
Forge National Historical Park and area public and private
schools.
“Some students started with us in kindergarten or first grade and have
continued on through high school,” notes Mary Buckalew, director of the
Pennsylvania Writing & Literature Project (PAWLP). “We had two sisters
who attended the program in the 1990s who both have gone on to successful careers in writing.”
The summer also is a busy time for teacher training at PAWLP. Close to
100 educators participated in PAWLP courses and workshops and 18
of these teachers now have the necessary credentials to become Fellows of PAWLP and the National Writing Project.
Research Opportunities for Undergrads
WCU hosted its first ever Summer Undergraduate Research Institute, which was developed by the Council on Undergraduate Research. Held during Summer Session I (May 27-June 23), the Institute funded 28 students who participated in a wide range of research projects, each supported closely by a faculty mentor.
“Conducting research or creating scholarly or creative work should be a part of every undergraduate’s experience,” says Gautam Pillay, WCU’s associate vice president for research. “The Summer Institute is designed to help students doing traditional research in a
lab and also students involved in other creative endeavors.”
Student research projects included a critical analysis of a theatrical work; a look at the impact of nutrition and diabetes education provided by dietitians in supermarket settings; and a project involving metallic nanoparticles.
“Experiential learning opportunities such as those available through the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute give our students
an edge when they apply to graduate school or seek employment,” says Pillay.
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, April, 2014
New Sustainability Coordinator Named
Joy Fritschle has been named West Chester University’s sustainability
coordinator, replacing Paul Morgan, who served in the role for three
years. An associate professor in the geography and planning department, Fritschle’s interests include biogeography, historical ecology,
ecological restoration and environmental conservation. She teaches
courses in environmental geography, mapping and field methods. The
sustainability coordinator position is a 6-credit-hour alternative workload assignment. Fristschle joined WCU in 2007 and quickly became active in the Sustainability Advisory Council. “I have always had an interest in sustainability and it’s something I talk about in every single course I teach,”
says Fritschle. “I want our students to understand the broad definition
of sustainability and sustainable development, which includes not only
ecology but also economics, politics and culture.”
One of Fritschle’s goals as the new sustainability coordinator is to encourage involvement from each unit and department on campus.
“There’s a misconception that sustainability is only of concern to people in the sciences,” she says. “But all disciplines have something to
Joy Fritschle and her daughter, Edyth, show off an American chestnut tree they planted in WCU’s Outdoor Classroom last fall.
contribute – whether it’s music, dance, art, poetry, writing or accounting. From using fair trade wood in our musical instruments to updating our integrated pest management plan, sustainability
should play a part in everything we do as a university as we work to become climate neutral by 2025.”
“There’s a misconception that sustainability is
only of concern to people in the sciences,”
Becoming climate neutral by 2025 is a goal that West Chester University established after becoming a signatory of the American
College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in 2010. When President Weisenstein signed this commitment,
WCU joined almost 700 other institutions that are exercising leadership by integrating sustainable practices on campus, modelling ways to minimize global warming emissions, and providing the knowledge to achieve climate neutrality.
Under Morgan’s leadership, WCU’s Sustainability Advisory Council helped to develop a Climate Action Plan which details the
short- and long-term strategies the University has adopted to reach its carbon neutral goal. The plan focuses on such key areas
as energy and buildings; transportation; purchasing; solid waste and recycling; dining services; and curriculum, research and
public engagement.
Fritschle says her most important responsibility as sustainability coordinator will be to facilitate the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. “The way I see it, Paul Morgan had the hard part in working to produce the plan and now I get to do the ‘fun
stuff’ and make things happen.”
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, August, 2014
WCU — Points of Pride
605,532 Hours of Service
WCU students have big hearts and it shows in their enthusiastic commitment
to volunteerism. Student volunteer hours from service learning and other volunteerism totaled a whopping 605,532 in the 2013-14 academic year – a new
record, according to Jodi Roth-Saks, director of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs.
The vast majority of these hours – 501,056 – were performed by students enrolled in courses with a service-learning component (which includes student
teaching, social work practicums and nursing rotations). An additional
104,476 hours were performed by student clubs, athletic teams and on international and domestic service-learning trips.
Kiera Wooden Named Women’s Basketball Head Coach
Students on an alternative spring break trip assisted
residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy in Staten
Island, N.Y.
Kiera Wooden has been named WCU’s women’s basketball head coach. She replaces Deirdre Kane, who stepped down as head
coach after 27 years. A 2003 graduate of West Chester University, Wooden becomes the 11th women’s basketball head coach in
the 56-year history of the program as a varsity sport.
She was promoted to the head coaching position following a
10-year stint as Kane’s top assistant coach. Wooden has been
instrumental in the success of the Golden Rams’ program over
the past decade, helping West Chester to reach the postseason
nine times, including the NCAA Division II Tournament in 2013.
“Kiera will have some big shoes to fill,” says Edward Matejkovic,
director of athletics. “But I am confident that she will be successful in taking over a very strong and successful program and
continue the success on the court and in the classroom that we
Deidre Kane, right, retired from her position as WCU women’s head
basketball coach and Kiera Wooden, left, is stepping into the role.
have enjoyed during Deirdre Kane’s tenure here.”
Wooden played all four years at WCU under Kane, earning
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division first team honors on three occasions. During her first season, playing
under her maiden name of Manlove, she was named the PSAC East Rookie of the Year.
Wooden holds the school record for field goals made (569), ranks fourth in field goal attempts (1,300), sixth in free throws made
(240) and fourth in free throws attempted (408). Wooden also ranks second all-time in WCU history in rebounds (871) and third in
steals (259) while her 7.7 rebounds per game average stands fifth.
She becomes the first African-American head coach to run the women’s basketball program at West Chester University and the
19th African-American female head coach in Division II.
9
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, April, 2014
WCU — Points of Pride
New “Learn More” Ads to Launch
You may have seen a lot of West Chester University lately – on buses, commuter rail posters and highway billboards. WCU’s “Learn More” marketing
campaign has proven to be a highly effective way to spread the word about
WCU’s quality and value. In addition to outdoor advertising, the campaign
has included TV commercials on WPVI 6ABC and radio ads on KYW, as
well as Facebook ads and GoogleAdWords.
This fall, the Office of Communications will be rolling out new ads that shine
the spotlight on WCU’s sports medicine research, Kiplinger’s “best value” rating, the Poetry Conference and our designation as a
“military friendly” institution.
George Drake Appointed to Professional Commission
George Drake, associate dean of the College of Education (COE), was appointed to the Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Practices Commission by Gov. Tom Corbett. Confirmed by the
Pennsylvania Senate in the spring, Drake will serve on the commission through January 2016.
The commission provides leadership for improving the quality of education in Pennsylvania by
establishing high standards for preparation, certification, practice and ethical conduct in the
teaching profession.
Drake joined the College of Education’s department of special education faculty in 1994 and has
served WCU in a broad array of roles. As COE’s association dean for curriculum and accreditation, Drake led the institution through a successful NCATE accreditation visit in March 2014. In addition to assessment and accreditation, Drake’s responsibilities include curriculum and student issues.
Giving Continues to Grow
During 2013-14, the WCU Foundation raised the largest amount in University history; exceeding $5 million in cash gifts and $2.6
million in planned gifts for a total of $7.6 million. More than 9,000 alumni, corporations, foundations, parents and friends donated
to WCU. Over the past five years, giving to WCU has been growing at twice the rate as for all PASSHE universities.
Poetry Conference Marks 20th Year
The West Chester University Poetry Conference celebrated its 20th anniversary this summer. From June 4 through June 7, poets from across the nation converged on West
Chester’s campus for workshops, panels and readings centered on their craft. Professionals including Marilyn Nelson, Timothy Steele and David Yezzi guided participants in
improving their styles and narrative voices. More than 300 poets and poetry enthusiasts
attended the conference, which is the nation’s largest all-poetry writing conference.
“It was our best conference ever, with U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey as
keynote and jazz vocalist Diane Schuur as concert performer,” says Poetry Center Director Kim Bridgford.
10
West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, April, 2014
WCU — Points of Pride
6,000-plus Downloads on Digital Commons
The dynamics of aerial maneuvers of spinner dolphins. The European Union in the world community. The best microphone to use
for an oral history interview. The tonal and motivic process in Mozart’s expositions.
West Chester University faculty conduct research on myriad subjects in a wide range of disciplines, and during the last year more
of this research has become accessible to more people, thanks to Digital Commons @West Chester University.
Digital Commons @West Chester University serves as an online repository of intellectual and creative work. It bring together all of
the University’s research under one umbrella, with an aim to preserve and provide access to that research, says Dick Swain,
WCU’s director of library services.
As of mid-August, Digital Commons @ WCU contained more than 930 works by WCU faculty authors and several student authors. Representing 89 disciplines, these works include scholarly papers, music and images. There have been more than 6,000
full-text downloads of these works. People from 59 countries, ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe, have been referred to Digital
Commons @ WCU.
WCU Student Organizations Wins Volunteer Award
The Abbe’ and Friars societies recently were presented
with The Arc of Chester County’s Volunteer Award. The
Arc provides a range of services to area individuals who
have disabilities. During the last six years, the Abbe’ and
Friars societies have volunteered about 350 hours at The
Arc annually, for a total of 2,450 hours, according to
Cathy Binz, director of development at The Arc.
“The WCU volunteers team up with our program participants to ensure that they are able to participate in a recreation event,” notes Binz. “The students also get involved
with event planning — setting up and cleaning up, decorating, cooking and serving food.”
Sara Hinkle, assistant vice president for student affairs, far right, with members
of the Abbe’ and Friars societies.
“From the Thanksgiving Dinner where they serve a catered meal to our program participants to volunteering for this year’s Arc
Achievement Walk & 5K Run — even though their summer break had already started — we cannot thank them enough for their
service,” she says. New Home for the Alumni Association & Foundation
The Alumni Association and WCU Foundation have finished the renovation of 202 Carter Drive as a new home for both organizations. The facility features conference and office space, including a 300-seat meeting room. A number of university events already have been held in the building including a new faculty orientation.
Women’s Swim Team Earn Scholar All American Honors
WCU’s women’s swim team achieved Scholar All American status for the spring 2014 semester. The College Swimming Coaches
Association of America presents this award to college and university swimming and diving teams that have achieved a grade
point average of 3.0 or higher.
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, April, 2014
There’s Still Time to Join WCU’s CSA
Nothing can compare to the taste of fresh-picked fruit and
CSA, physics major Jason Zallie and geology major Emily Shaw.
vegetables but most of us don’t have the time to trek to a
farm and space constraints can thwart our desire to have a
Fruit share participants will enjoy such varieties as ‘Encore’
large home garden. But now the farm has come to WCU, in
yellow peaches, ‘Honeycrisp’ apples, ‘Schoolhouse’ plums
the form of a community-supported agriculture (CSA) partner-
and ‘Thunder’ grapes, which are ripening now or in the next
ship with North Star Orchard of Cochranville.
few weeks. Later, in October, weekly shares of fruit will include ‘Magness’ European pears, ‘Sugar Snap’ apples and
WCU faculty, staff and students can sign up for weekly shares
‘Yoinashi’ Asian pears.
of fresh fruit, to be delivered now through the end of October
and/or a vegetable share program, which offers a variety of
A fruit share contains about 8 1/2 pounds of fruit, enough for
veggies through November. The vegetable program began
two fruit-loving adults (who each eat about one or two pieces
the first week of June and the fruit program the first week of
of fruit per day) or for a small family.
August, but latestart memberships
Vegetable share
are available on a
participants will re-
pro-rated basis.
ceive lettuce, sum-
CSA pick up is
mer squash,
every Tuesday from
tomatoes, onions,
noon to 2 p.m. in
pole beans and
fresh herbs now
Sykes lobby.
through early SepLynn Monahan, a
tember. Late Octo-
registered dietitian
ber’s bounty will
and assistant pro-
include such items
fessor in the nutri-
as Chinese cab-
tion department,
bage, potatoes,
was the driving
kale, turnips and
force behind bring-
spinach.
ing the CSA pro-
Lynn Monahan, left, with CSA student volunteers Jason Zallie and Emily Shaw.
According to North
gram to campus.
Monahan chairs the Sustainable Food Service Working Group
Star, one vegetable share will “suit a couple, a small family, or
as part of the Climate Action Plan. The plan was written in re-
a single who really likes his/her veggies.”
sponse to Dr. Weisenstein signing of the American College
and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2010.
North Star Orchard was started in 1992 by Ike and Lisa Kerschner. On their 30-acre farm, the Kerchners strive to grow a
“Offering a CSA on campus is part of the larger objective of
diverse selection of high-quality tree fruits and vegetables, in-
increasing relationships with the community and promoting
cluding unique and heritage varieties. They have offered a
healthy living to the University community," notes Monahan.
fruit CSA since 2003 and a vegetable program since 2008. To
"We are happy to be able to provide seasonal, local, fresh
sign up for a fruit or vegetable share, go to
fruits and vegetables to faculty, staff and students while sup-
http://www.northstarorchard.com/csa.php or call
porting local farmers.”
610-593-0314.
Two students have volunteered to help Monahan with the
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, August, 2014
Music, Movies & Marionettes
2014-15 Cultural Season Offers Something for Everyone
Consider yourself lucky to be near the music, theater, fine arts and other cultural opportunities of New York, Philadelphia and
Washington. Consider yourself even luckier to be at West Chester University and have the best of the “Great White Way” and beyond come to your doorstep each year.
The WCU Live! Series brings top-rated national and international artists to campus. This year’s line-up offers an eclectic mix of
sounds – including classical, hip hop, Celtic and salsa – as well as an eclectic mix of sights – from the acrobatic performances of
a taiko drumming troupe to the antics of rescue animals who star in Popovich Comedy Pet Theater.
Plus, the President’s Speaker Series provides an opportunity to listen to, and learn from, extraordinary public figures. Last year, in
its inaugural season, the series featured Bob Woodward and Cokie Roberts. This year, Olympic athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee and
journalist Jane Pauley are coming to WCU.
And for those with wanderlust, the Travel Adventure Film Series fits the bill, with travel films set as near as the Sonoran Desert
and as far away as India. What makes this series truly special is the fact that the filmmakers introduce and narrate their productions, live from the Sykes Theater stage.
Here’s a selection of what’s happening this semester. For details about the complete WCU Live! season and President’s Speaker
Series, go to the Department of Cultural and Community Affairs home page, http://www.wcupa.edu/oca/. For more info about
the Travel Adventure Film Series, go to www.wcupa.edu/traveladventures.
America’s Hot Spots: Our Volcanic Legacy
Presented by Gray Warriner
Sept. 22 & 23: See how noted photojournalist Warriner interprets the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii, the Aleutian Islands, the Pacific Northwest, Yellowstone and other locales. Location: Sykes Theater. Tickets: $10; WCU students free. 7 p.m.
The Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra
Oct. 10: This 11-piece salsa group plays dynamic arrangements of indie rock tunes, creating an innovative salsa with a new, vibrant aesthetic. Location: Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. Tickets: $13-$20. 7:30 p.m.
Gaelic Storm
Oct. 16: Gaelic Storm blends indie-folk and world grooves with Celtic tradition. The
band was catapulted into the touring scene after appearing in the movie Titanic. Location: Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. Tickets: $13-$20. 8 p.m.
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, August, 2014
The Amazon, a River Expedition Down the Great River Sea of Brazil
Presented by Marlin Darrah
Oct. 27 & 28: The Amazon holds beauty, history, healing powers from its plants, and a
vast river that joins many lives and countries. With exquisite camera work and commentary, Darrah takes us far up the least inhabited river in the Amazon Basin, the Rio Negro,
to explore areas rarely visited. Location: Sykes Theater. Tickets: $10; WCU students free.
7 p.m.
Treasures of Taiwan
Presented by Buddy Hatton
Nov. 15 & 16: A small island of contrasts and mixed cultural influences, Taiwan offers a
hi-tech society, a culture filled with traditions, and an aboriginal soul. Enjoy the fine photography and insightful commentary of one of America’s most beloved film presenters.
Location: Sykes Theater. Tickets $10; WCU students free.7 p.m.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Nov. 21: Joyner-Kersee won three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals spanning four
Olympic Games. A health advocate and humanitarian, she will share her life story during
this inspirational evening. Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. Tickets: $20-$25. 8 p.m.
National Marionette Theatre presents Pinocchio
Dec. 6: Pinocchio goes on a series of adventures and discovers that only by being truthful, selfless, and kind to others will he realize his dream of becoming a real boy. Location:
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre. Tickets: $5-$8. 2 p.m.
Vertical Current
Dec. 12: Vertical Current is not your typical quintet despite its unassuming instrumentation (bass/drums/keys/trumpet/guitar). It delivers the mass appeal of pop music,
charisma of jazz, groove of funk, and soul of gospel. Location: Madeleine Wing Adler
Theatre. Tickets: $15-$20. 7:30 p.m.
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, August, 2014
Tree Trail Re-Opens at Gordon Natural Area
If you can’t tell a tulip poplar tree from a red
maple, now’s the perfect time to learn, thanks
to the newly reestablished tree walk trail in the
Gordon Natural Area. Originally created in
1970 by the late Bill Overlease, a WCU professor of geology and founder of the Gordon
Natural Area, the trail recently underwent a
restoration, thanks to Joey Losito, a first-year
WCU student.
“Joey did a great job on the project,” says
Gerry Hertel, stewardship manager for the
natural area. “Joey created a sign to mark the
start and end of the tree trail, and he marked
trees along the way and identified them with
signs. He also made boxes for the start and
end of the trail to hold the tree walk guides.” Joey Losito, second from left, and fellow Scouts take a break from restoring the tree
walk trail at the Gordon Natural Area.
The laminated guides include information
about the trees along the trail. A 2007 plant
census revealed 506 species of plants in the Gordon Natural Area. Common tree species include tulip poplar, beech, flowering
dogwood and red maple. Beech trees are prevalent now but tulip poplars are estimated to become the predominant tree species
in the coming years. A project is currently underway to restore the upper plain of the Gordon – which has been damaged by deer
– with a wide variety of native trees.
Losito worked on the trail as part of the requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout. He has been active in Scouting since first
grade.
“I chose to do my project at the Gordon Natural Area because I met Dr. Hertel at a Cub Scout summer camp when he came to
talk to us about the local trees and other plants,” says Losito. “I enjoy nature so when it came time for me to do my Eagle Project, I asked Dr. Hertel if he had any projects that needed to be done at the Gordon Natural Area.”
Losito was assisted by fellow Scout members, including at an all-day work session in early July. Losito dedicated about 100
hours to the project, both on and offsite.
The 18-year-old West Chester resident is the son of Joe and Dottie Losito, both WCU employees. Joe Losito works in WCU’s
carpentry shop and Dottie is a purchasing agent.
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West Chester University, President’s Newsletter, August, 2014