http://www.mbc.edu/news/ Mary Baldwin College's Online News Source en-us Copyright 2004 Mary Baldwin College. All Rights Reserved. Fri, 09 May 2008 10:59:56 EST 20 http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2075 Published on 5/6/2008 : Unexpected Connections Show One-of-a-Kind College Community We set out to profile a few members of the Class of 2008 in preparation for Commencement May 18. We intended to show an array of experiences at Mary Baldwin College, the multiple avenues to a degree, diverse interests, and varied cultures present in even a small student body. They did. It also turned out that they formed a web of connections initially unknown to us. Tromila Wheat, Aki Mishima, and Belena Stuart are international relations majors. Mishima transferred to Mary Baldwin after studying at a university in her home country, Japan, a country fellow graduate Belena Stuart visited for a semester while at MBC. Stuart, a cadet in the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership, will commission into the Air Force and head to Maxwell Air Force Base at the same time as Karen Potter, another cadet we profiled. Potter is one of two senior economics majors at the college — the other just happened to be Alexis Young, a senior we interviewed after she received the coveted Student Leadership Award in April. Wheat, Stuart and Program for the Exceptionally Gifted student Emily Hunt are Honors Scholars. And one more connection: there are two Karen Potters in the Commencement line-up this year. It probably wouldn’t be a stretch to find multiple links between these seven women and all of the more than 260 graduates in MBC’s 166th Commencement, and they each have a story to tell. A little more about a few you don’t want to miss: • GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT: Tromila Wheat was in 8th grade when she was invited to enroll in MBC’s unique early-entrance track, the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted. She was intrigued, but decided to finish her high school education, then travel for a year to England with a group from her church for her first international immersion. An international relations major, Wheat relied on that trip when she studied for five months in Oman as an MBC junior. The experience of living with an Omani family transformed her, and she turned her study and interviews with members of that country’s majalis (government officials similar to our congressmen) into her senior thesis that was selected for presentation at the college’s Capstone Festival. This year, Wheat has shared her insights about her trip to Oman on campus and on local radio. She has spent time with MBC’s Omani visiting Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant, Ibtihaj Al-Araimi. Wheat is headed to Georgetown University to study international security, which gives her a connection to our next profile subject. • SECURING AN AMERICAN EDUCATION: Aki Mishima did not begin her college tenure as an international relations and Asian Studies major; in her native Japan, Mishima was a university physics major for three years. After meeting representatives from several U.S. colleges and universities, including MBC Professor of Asian Studies Daniel Metraux, at a session organized by the Sokkai Institute in Japan, Mishima honed in on Mary Baldwin. She transferred here in September 2006, saying “I just felt it fit me. I wanted to concentrate on my studies with few distractions, and I have been able to do that.” Mishima focused her studies on East Asian security, bridging Asian Studies and international relations with heavy courseloads in both subjects. She augmented her MBC studies with a summer course in Japanese security at Johns Hopkins University, and she will present her senior thesis, an original study of the Chinese navy using English and Japanese sources, at MBC’s Capstone Festival. Mishima is planning to bolster her chances for acceptance in an American doctoral program by enrolling in graduate school in Japan and seeking out employment as a civil servant in that country’s defense ministry. • AN ECONOMIST’S TAKE ON POVERTY: Alexis Young was not yet a declared economics major when she found her calling in an MBC economics course about inequality and poverty. “It opened my eyes to the possibilities of analyzing the issue and looking at it from an economics perspective,” said the Martinsburg, West Virginia native. She quickly focused her education and co-curricular activities on human welfare, helping to organize the college’s annual Hunger Banquet, participating in Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, volunteering at the Food Bank, and getting involved with the Sociology Club. Young’s involvement in those events and organizations, in addition to serving as a resident assistant and Assistant Community Coordinator and as a member of Baldwin Program Board and Campus Crusade for Christ — while maintaining a place on the Dean’s List — earned her recognition as the Student Leadership Award winner this year. Her goal is to secure a position at a non-profit agency in the Washington DC area after graduation. • ‘I COUNT, AND I CAN’: As Belena Stuart navigated her freshman year at MBC, she developed a list of goals: earn the President’s Award as a senior; earn recognition in Ajani, which honors students of color who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to multicultural campus life; be an Honors Scholar; and serve as vice president of student Senate. Amazingly, she has accomplished those goals and more, including joining the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) corps of cadets as a junior and spending a semester at Doshisha Women’s College, one of Mary Baldwin’s sister schools in Japan. Interestingly, when Stuart receives her first salute — from her father, an Air Force officer — to commission into the Air Force, she will actually be accepting a demotion in rank. In VWIL, Stuart is a captain, but she will commission as a second lieutenant headed for training at Maxwell Air Force Base and then her first assignment as a public affairs officer at Edwards Air Force Base. Stuart distills her MBC experience into a three-tiered motto: “I count, I can, and I can, but I don’t have to do everything. That last part is important for me, it gives me license not to be superwoman and to know when I just need to step back.” • TWO POTTERS, DIFFERENT MBC ‘WHEELS’: Karen A. Potter, a traditional-age student in the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership, and Karen E. Potter, an Adult Degree Program student in Richmond, have forwarded e-mails intended for the other more than a few times over the past few years. Academic majors, plans to enter the Air Force, and, obviously, names, connect Potter and Potter to each other and the other seniors profiled this year. Their nearly identical names only serve to make their distinct paths at MBC stand in greater contrast, illustrating two of the many avenues available to students at MBC. ▲ Karen A. Potter joined VWIL in her freshman year to build self-confidence, specifically for public speaking. She did not intend to take a military track, but a weeklong program introducing cadets to the Air Force at Columbus Air Force Base (AFB) and subsequent training at Tyndall AFB convinced her of her potential in the armed services. She will commission into the Air Force during Commencement Weekend, joining Belena Stuart at Maxwell AFB for training and taking her first assignment in medical supply acquisitions at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. Potter, a three-sport athlete for most of her years at MBC, demonstrated her newfound comfort with a public presence as the featured subject of the ESPN-U program NCAA On Campus in March 2007. She was nominated to be recognized as one of NCAA’s national scholar-athletes. ▲ Karen E. Potter also shares a connection to Richmond, Virginia with her name-mate: The elder Potter has resided there for several years after living in New York, and the “other” Potter grew up in the state’s capitol city. Karen E. Potter was working as an instructional assistant for special education students at Short Pump Elementary School when she learned about a few people at the school taking classes through Mary Baldwin College. She met with academic advisor Karen Dorgan, assistant professor of education, and decided the Adult Degree Program was for her. An English major, Potter took a mix of online and classroom courses at the MBC regional center in Richmond, peppered with a few classes during Summer Week on the main campus in Staunton. Potter’s 22-year-old son beat her to the graduation mark, but she will get there before her 17-year-old daughter. She has applied for a teaching position at Short Pump Elementary to use her degree to its full potential. • 18-YEAR-OLD DEMONSTRATES LEGAL EASE: It’s true that Emily Hunt will graduate at around the same time as many of her junior high school friends — the difference is that they will be celebrating high school graduation and she will be reveling in her college Commencement day. Hunt entered the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted at MBC after eighth grade and began working toward a calling she felt she had way back as a six-year-old: going to law school. Along the way, Hunt expanded her educational experience by being an officer in Baldwin Christian Ministries, captain of this year’s winning Ethics Bowl team, staff member of the campus’ creative writing publication Miscellany, and Orientation co-chair. One of her most important career-oriented roles was as a student advocate and lead advocate, working as a liaison between a student or students and the student government Judicial Board when issues of conduct arise. Hunt credits the complement of her dual major in political science and philosophy/religion with her success in being accepted to no fewer than six law schools. She just recently narrowed the field to one: Wake Forest University. “Philosophy and religion courses teach you how to think and reason, and studies have shown that students with that background score higher on the LSAT,” Hunt said. Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2074 Published on 4/29/2008 : The beauty of the Capstone Festival is that it will never be the same. Now in its third year, there is no reason to ask “What’s new at the Capstone Festival?” Each project is new and represents students’ original work. On May 8, 30 students will vie for prizes in three categories at the festival: paper, poster presentation, and visual or audio-visual project. As the event becomes more established, more students are beginning to recognize Capstone selection as a coveted status, including political science major Mallory Showalter ’08. “I knew from the moment I started working on this project that I wanted it to be part of the Capstone Festival,” said Showalter, whose paper falls in the category “A Spectrum of Civic Engagement” at the festival. “A friend of mine presented in 2006, and I worked hard to make sure my professor would see my paper as a contender.” Showalter’s timely senior thesis about the how political lobbying affected legislation in Virginia about the Gardasil vaccine sprouted from an assignment in her Women in Politics course a year ago. Laura van Assendelft, associate professor of political science, was the instructor of that class, and she later nominated Showalter for the end-of-the-year festival. “Mallory’s passion and enthusiasm for this project inspired her best work to date. She chose an issue that is relevant to MBC students — Gardasil is a controversial vaccine marketed heavily without a lot of information provided to young women and their families. This project was more than just a senior thesis for Mallory,” van Assendelft said. Senior Aki Mishima’s paper highlights student’s global outlook, encouraged by the creation of the Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement and a redesigned position at the college to coordinate international students and studies. “Aki’s thesis is a brilliantly researched study of China’s navy. She used a broad range of sources in Japanese and English to develop an original study of Chinese naval expansion, a surprising development for a nation that has been primarily a land power through much of its history,” said one of Mishima’s project and academic advisors, Professor of Asian Studies Daniel Métraux. Sheila Fair’s presentation in the upcoming festival will demonstrate that Adult Degree Program students are just as eligible to participate as residential students. Fair, a Mount Sidney resident who completed most of her courses via independent study or online group tutorial, will explain her research into JetBlue Airways. “I was amazed at how narrow the profit margins are for the airline industry, particularly when you consider the price of a ticket. I was also surprised at how much outside forces (weather, government, terrorism, etc.) can debilitate an industry that is so critical and strategic to our business and personal lives,” said Fair, whose presentation will be one of several in the Capstone session titled “Managing the Desires and Demands of a Global Society.” Fair recently won a competitive scholarship from Becker Certified Public Accountants Review, and she was nominated for ADP Business Student of the Year, said Lallon Pond, associate professor of business administration and Fair’s advisor. Showalter, Mishima, and Fair are just a few highlights of Capstone presentations that range from biology to art to philosophy (full schedule on this page). Their projects will not be around for another year or an encore; the time to learn about them is now. See the complete Capstone Festival schedule and bios of the presenters at www.mbc.edu/research/capstonefestival.asp Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2073 Published on 4/28/2008 : Mary Baldwin College Theatre presents Honour, Joanna Murray-Smith’s acclaimed drama, on May 7 – 11 at the Fletcher Collins Theatre in Deming Hall at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA. Performances begin at 7:30 pm on Wednesday through Saturday, with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm. Admission is $5 for children and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Tickets are available at the door and by credit card in advance. MBC Box Office hours are 10 am - 5 pm weekdays at 540-887-7189. The play contains some adult language. Director and MBC theatre professor Terry Southerington describes the work as, “a story of very three-dimensional people who live, love, learn, and grow.” The beauty and realism of the play propelled it into the top ranks of the theatre world with audiences and critics alike. In this strong modern drama, the characters navigate the forces passion and betrayal in an intense war of words. George, a respected journalist, leaves Honor, his wife of thirty-two years. Beguiled by Claudia, a bright yet cynical writer who is only a few years older than his daughter, Sophie, George betrays his family and himself. The talented cast includes MBC Theatre veteran Betsy Shortt appearing in the role of Honor in her final performance at the college. Local actor and director Darren Ralston performs as George alongside students Shae Armstrong, who takes on the role of Claudia, and Elisabeth Rutledge, who portrays Sophie. Honour is the last production of the season for the Mary Baldwin College Theatre. This enjoyable and thought-provoking story, which presents an age old conflict in a distinctly modern light, is not to be missed. Calendar Info Mary Baldwin College Theatre presents Honour by Joanna Murray-Smith May 7 – 10 at 7:30, May 11 at 2:00 Fletcher Collins Theatre, Deming Hall Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, VA $10 Adults, $5 for children and seniors citizens MBC Box Office 540-887-7189 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2072 Published on 4/24/2008 : Commencement 2008: 10 a.m. May 18, Barbara Kares Page Terrace, main campus in Staunton “It is important for us to remember that, in speaking out, it is not enough to criticize. We must act positively for change, not simply denounce the status quo … The oppressed must be empowered. We must be convincing, courageous, and risky. But we must start at home.” Just a few of the powerful words of Kenyan theologian Musimbi Kanyoro, Mary Baldwin College’s 2008 Commencement speaker. At the time of that quote, Kanyoro was speaking as general secretary of the World YWCA, an organization of 125 national YWCAs that supports outreach to 25 million women and girls worldwide. The lines are excerpted from her statement to the Ethical Globalization Initiative, one of several global human rights organizations for which Kanyoro continues to provide volunteer leadership. In September 2007, she joined the David and Lucille Packard Foundation as director of its Population Program. During her childhood in an African village, Kanyoro developed a strong Christian faith that eventually led to her first major leadership position, overseeing programs for the Lutheran World Federation. She later served for nine years as general secretary of the World YWCA, working to empower women worldwide with leaders from other nongovernmental organizations, governments, the World Bank, United Nations, businesses, and faith-based institutions. Kanyoro was the first YWCA leader from the developing world. Kanyoro grew up on the receiving end of the generosity of missionaries and outreach organizations, and her adult years have been devoted to ensuring that those efforts continue — in developing countries and those that are modernized. “I remember with deep appreciation the woman schoolteachers who championed for us . . . I remember those women volunteer leaders from the Kenya Girl Guides and Kenya YWCA who gave up their Saturdays to spend time with us,” Kanyoro said at a March 2007 meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament for a report for the Commission on the Status of Women. As director of the Population Program for the Packard Foundation, Kanyoro continues her advocacy to promote a healthy and sustainable global population. Primary issues on her agenda include the global health crisis of HIV/AIDS, education, micro-credit, and skill-building opportunities for women and girls. Kanyoro’s visit to MBC will highlight the college’s focus on civic engagement in a global context, illustrated by another excerpt from her statement for the Ethical Globalization Initiative, “People who are grounded in their communities and local agendas are much more effective in addressing global issues. We need to learn to lobby and stand up for issues within our own communities.” Kanyoro’s affiliation with that organization builds on a connection made at MBC in 2005; that year’s Smyth Leadership Lecturer was human rights activist and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, founder of the Ethical Globalization Initiative. Musimbi Kanyoro • Undergraduate degree, University of Nairobi, Kenya • Master’s degree and doctorate, University of Texas at Austin • Doctorate of Ministry, San Francisco Theological School • 2006 Kenyan Presidents Award • Visiting Scholar, Harvard University • Author of more than 100 published articles and author or editor of 11 books More about Mary Baldwin Colleges 2008 Commencement: www.mbc.edu/commencement Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2071 Published on 4/16/2008 : Since 1970, April 22 has been designated Earth Day to rally support for environmental issues — and many world leaders and organizations agree that the call to action has never been more urgent than it is now. Maybe you will celebrate Earth Day at a flagship event on the National Mall in Washington DC or another locale around the world, or perhaps you’ll be right here in Staunton. Mary Baldwin College’s Environment-Based Learning (EBL) program — under the umbrella of the college’s Master of Arts in Teaching — will be integrally linked to Staunton’s Earth Day celebration 9 a.m. to noon April 19 on the city’s downtown Wharf. Since 2002, Tamra Willis, MBC associate professor of education, has leveraged the EBL program to help the college secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to support workshops for MBC master’s degree students and area teachers to explore how their surroundings can help them develop lesson plans for all subjects. Willis is poised to pilot a full-scale non-licensure education program in EBL in summer 2008.The program will appeal not only to classroom teachers, but to educators in other fields, such as those working in museums, nature centers, state and national parks, and more, she said. Highlights of MBC’s connections with local Earth Day-related activities: • Sixth-graders at Shelburne Middle School will present testing data from the water at Gum Spring in Gypsy Hill Park that they obtained as part of a grant secured by a partnership between Mary Baldwin College and Staunton City Schools. The project was developed as part of the Department of Education Learn & Serve grant “Staunton’s Lewis Creek: Learning from the Past, Improving the Future” and will be presented at Staunton’s Earth Day celebration. • Environment-Based Learning at MBC will receive one of five awards from the city’s Lewis Creek advisory committee in recognition of contributions to the preservation and protection of the Lewis Creek Watershed. Award presentation is at 10:30 a.m. at the city’s Wharf Earth Day celebration. • Master of Arts in Teaching students Jeanne Webb and Janice Irvine helped organize and plant more than 20 trees with students at Thomas Dixon Elementary School in Staunton earlier in April. The trees will beautify school grounds and reduce erosion into Lewis Creek. • More information about MBC’s continuing green efforts will be included in a special series by Staunton’s The News Leader April 21 and 22. Details about schools’ efforts, including Mary Baldwin, will be published on Monday. www.earthday.net: Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. Its premier event will be in Washington, DC, and seven cities around the globe, and the organization is encouraging 1,000,000 people call Congress on April 22 to urge significant action on climate change. www.earthday.gov: This Web site outlines the Bush administration’s steps toward a greener environment. Offers resources for taking action at home, in the classroom, at work, and in the community. www.epa.gov/earthday: EPA’s Earth Day Web site offers tips and ways to protect the environment and your health every day. The site highlights that through the combined efforts of the U.S. government, grassroots organizations, and citizens, what started as a day of national environmental recognition has evolved into a world-wide campaign to protect the global environment. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2070 Published on 4/9/2008 : Mary Baldwin’s annual Honors Convocation and Student Government Association Installation give the college a chance to recognize the outstanding work by many of its students. Hundreds of students were lauded this year for making the Dean’s and Honors lists for grade point averages (GPAs) of 3.5 to 3.74, and 3.75 and above, respectively. Dozens were congratulated for their appearance in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Nine students received the Adult Degree Program Loyalty Fund Scholarship. Each department at Mary Baldwin also grants awards relating to its subject – many named in honor of influential professors and students in the college’s history. Nearly two dozen individual awards – a surprise for the recipients – were given to students who excel in specific academic areas. These awards are listed below: Student Leadership Awards President’s Award: Belena Stuart Student Leadership Award: Alexis Young Honor and Integrity Award: Tromila Wheat and Sarah Wisecup Unsung Hero: Denise Kinsinger Global Citizenship Award: Robyn Stegman Advisor of the Year: Bruce Dorries, advisor to Campus Comments Organization of the Year: Baldwin Program Board and Latinas Unidas Organization Service Award: Ida B. Wells Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities: Hannah Barrow, Meaghan Brandow, Devon Burke, Bethany Cawthron, Devon Chenette, Tess Cole, Meghan Corrigan-Cummins, Christi Davidson, Laura Dean, Jessica Field, Danielle Gardiner, Charlene Gilliam, Jodi Hale, Jillian Hartley, Aja Harvey, Janell Henderson, Brittany Henry, Sarah Hoskins, Ariel Howard, Bethany Hughes, Azada Hussaini, Janaire Jackson, Jessica Jarrell, Denise Kinsinger, Laura Klentzman, Star Labranche, Katherine Nett, Shaterika Parks, Tabitha Phillips, Rachael Phipps, Monica Roberts, Katelyn Scott, Mallory Showalter, Samantha Sipe, Cytha Stottlemyer, Belena Stuart, Sarah Thomas, Abby Turner, Sarah Tyndall, Jessica Vivier, Tromila Wheat, Alexis Young Phi Beta Kappa: Mary Grace McAlexander, Katie Allen, Katherine Ashe, Alexis Callender, Kylie Chew, Jillian Hartley, Emily Hunt, Laura Klentzman, Nicole Koiner, Cytha Stottlemyer, Sarah Thomas, Abby Turner, Kellie Whitson, Omicron Delta Kappa Elizabeth Dattilio, Jessica Erwin, Aja Harvey, Emily Hunt, Jessica Jarrell, Denise Kinsinger, Kristen Messina, Betsy Shortt, Mallory Showalter, Cytha Stottlemyer, Sarah Tyndall, Tromila Wheat, Alexis Young, and Rev. Andrea Cornett-Scott Adult Degree Program Loyalty Fund Scholarship: Nancy Harvey, Peggy Hobbs, Susan Nicholson, Angela Owens, Colleen Pendry, Paula Sacra, Scarlett Taylor, Sarah Whitley, Mary Zanarini The Ulysse Desportes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Art History: Erika Mikhailova The Ulysse Desportes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Studio Art: Lisa Stockwell and Maya Honeycutt The Eric Matthew Brown Award for Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design: Sarah Tyndall Scholar-Athlete Awards: Basketball, Lindsey Callison and Christie Hamilton Cross Country, Mary Grace McAlexander Soccer, Samantha Adato and Elizabeth Dattilio Softball, Rhonda Collins, Christie Hamilton, and Shana Scucchi Tennis, Nicole Koiner Volleyball, Amanda Chambers, Christie Hamilton, Kirstin Holmberg, Colena Roberts, and Anna Schueren Highest Team GPA for 2007-08: Cross Country Athlete of the Year: Karen Potter Mary Jane Donnalley Award: Mary Grace McAlexander Alice McCaa Class of 1976 Biology Award: Margaret Bivans Biology Outstanding Student: Kylie Chew Business Administration Residential Program Outstanding Senior: Christi Davidson Business Administration Adult Degree Program Outstanding Senior: Jolene Kidd Hammock Award: Ashley Graves Smyth Business Ethics Contest Award: Kathleen Harmon, first place Heidi Cox, second place Charlotte Forten Grimké Award: Barbara Sha Jackson Outstanding Communication Senior Award: Lael Adams Lambda Pi Eta: Leslie Alligood, Elizabeth Dattilio, Jessica Erwin, Jessica Jarrell, Aubrey Wies Ashley DuLac Memorial Award: Mary Grace McAlexander and Tess Cole Freshman Calculus Award: Linde Bischak and Yurie Gunji Chemistry Outstanding Student: Abigail Turner Psychology – Thompson: Jerri Armstrong Sociology Service Award: Rebecca Burke and Jodi Hale Sociology Award for Academic Excellence: Kellie Whitson Dorothy Mulberry Award: Sarah Firaben Melissa Mitchell Award for May Term Study Abroad: Aubrey de Cheubell Melissa S. Mitchell Award for Excellence in Asian Studies: Katie Allen 2007-08 VFIC Ethics Bowl: Emily Hunt (captain), Cori Kasura, Cytha Stottlemyer, Kathleen Todd Student Class Marshals: Sneha Bhat ’08 Tromila Wheat ’08 Jillian Hartley ’08, alternate Deidre Hiner ’09 Cytha Stottlemyer ’09 Rhea Vance-Cheng ’09, alternate Linde Bischak ’10 Kathryn Polak ’10 Teresa M. Adams ’10, alternate Priscilla Lao ’11 Barbara May ’11 Fall 2007 Honors List Lael Adams, Teresa Adams, Kathryn Aldrich, Danielle Allen, Katie Allen, Katherine Ashe, Shakira Ayers, Kristina Banks, Catherine Barton, Sarah Bay, Adrienne Bender, Sneha Bhat, Lucy Billiter, Michelle Binger, Linde Bischak, Margaret Bivans, Deborah Bollinger, Brenda Breighner, Cayce Buchanan, Devon Burke, Alexis Callender, Lindsay Callison, Carrie Camden, Michele Cefola, Carol Chama, Mary Beth Clatterbuck, Tonya Coffey, Amanda Colegrove, Cassie Collins, Aubrey Cooper, Jael Cooper, Lisa Cooper, Sarah Corbett, Meghan Corrigan-Cummins, Mary Kate Cowher, Elizabeth Dattilio, Christi Davidson, Jessica Davis, Leann Davis, Aubrey de Cheubell, Krysta Deluca, Carrie Dill, Teresa Dunn, Eric Dyer, Rachael Evans, Sheila Fair, Sarah Firaben, Mary Flowers, Heather Futten, Danielle Gardiner, Katherine Gregory, Yurie Gunji, Jacqueline Hadley, Ashanti Hall, Wendy Hall, Christie Hamilton, Emily Hamilton, Lauren Harter, Jillian Hartley, Brittany Hendry, Kendall Hendry, Frederick Hensley, Sonia Herrington, Deidre Hiner, Kirstin Holmberg, Maya Honeycutt, Kristine Hubbard, Emily Huffman, Emily Hunt, Ashley Jackson, Curtis Jones, Laura Kinnaman, Denise Kinsinger, Cynthia Kirkland, Laura Klentzman, Melisa Koch, Nicole Koiner, Teresa Koski, Priscilla Lao, Kimberley Laraway, Anna Lauth, Sarah Lawrence, Molly Lepter, Atlanta Lewis, Katrina Litchford, Shannen Luchs, Masayo Maeda, Erin Mahone, Fiona Manzella, Justin Mattos, Barbara May, Mary Grace McAlexander, Sherri McGuire, Kristen Messina, Fairlight Meyer, Tiffany Miller, Aki Mishima, Christina Moore, Allison Moyer, Tara Muller, Chloe Mullins, Lea Murray, Ada Myers, Katherine Nett, Susan Nicholson, Nadine O’Hagan, Lisa Ohta, Erin Paschal, Rachael Phipps, Melanie Pino-Elliott, Kathryn Polak, Kevin Reece, Zorana Richardson, Brittanie Rovira, Vanessa Ruble, Deanna Sada, Hannah Scott, Shana Scucchi, Sterling Shelley, Mechelle Shepherd, Renee Shuey, Jackie Simmons, Deanna Simpson, Samantha Sipe, Erin Smith, Jill Smith, Cara Spray, Elizabeth Stainback, Kathryn Stephens, Lisa Stockwell, Cytha Stottlemyer, Christine Summers, Polly Sutphin, Jessica Tait, Laura Taylor, Laura Teevan, Keshia Anne Tenorio, Sarah Thomas, Emily Tomlin, Areon Trujillo, Abigail Turner, Sarah Tyndall, Tiffany Updike, Rhea Vance-Cheng, Hannah Vargason, Elizabeth Vukelich, Alanna Warnick, Roderick Watson, Frances Webber, Tromila Wheat, Courtney Whittington, Wendi Wilson, Melody Wimer, Lacy Wood, Laura Yaconiello Fall 2007 Dean’s List Camille Acosta, Samantha Adato, Leslie Alligood, Jeffery Baker, Hannah Barrow, Jocelyn Benedetto, Stephanie Bennett, Katrina Beverly, Emily Bond, Caroline Bowles, Ashley Bradley, Meaghan Brandow, Kelly Brose, Karylyn Browne, Olivia Burn, Nicole Burney, Nancy Call, April Campbell, Clara Canon, Martha Carter, Tiffany Chua, Brittany Clark, Tess Cole, Shannon Connelly, Kelly Crews, Jennifer Crostic, Megan Crouch, Quinesha Cruz, Shannon Curtis, Traci Daniel, Elizabeth Dewey, Gretchen Domaleski, Jessica Erwin, Jessica Fields, Sarah Friedman, Daniele Guzman, Lindsey Gwaltney, Megan Hall, Tamara Harbinson, Aja Harvey, Jacqueline Hatton, Jamey Hoover, Holly Horton, Elizabeth Hubbard, Allison Hughes, Miranda Hynes, Barbara Jackson, Anne Jacobsen, Melissa Jacobsen, Jessica Jarrell, Dolores Jenkins, Tamara Jennings, Tangynika Johnson, Tempest Jones, Aubrey Joyner, Corinne Kasura, Sharon Kemmerer, Katie Kim, Saarika Koneru, Taylor Lane, Brooke Leatherbury, Shurtone Lee, Elizabeth Legg, Desaray Lewis, Kathryn Lukhart, Stephanie Makowski, Lindsey Mitchell, Kana Naito, Katharine Newman, Rachel Nieves, Colleen Pendry, Ann Philip, Kimberly Piper, Megan Pitts, Alison Presswood, Adelina Proffitt, Rachel Reich, Vanessa Rudolph, Aimee Sanford, Christina Saunders, Mallory Showalter, Ruth Siboni, Brian Simmons, Rebecca Simpson, Jasmine Simms, Amelia Smith, Janelle Smith, Ruth Sousa, Kelly Spessard, Ashley Squires, Tristan Stoltzfus, Belena Stuart, Jennifer Takaoka, Yuka Takayasu, Larissa Thompson, Renee Vandevander, Angela Vess, Amanda Wedding, Dana White, Kellie Whitson, Amber Wilkins, Michelle Williams, Sarah Wisecup, Alexis Young HONORS SCHOLARS Class of 2008 Lael Adams, Katie Allen, Katherine Ashe, Sneha Bhat, Kylie Chew, Tess Cole, Christi Davidson, Jessica Fields, Marissa Goldbeck, Yurie Gunji, Jillian Hartley, Sarah Hoskins, Emily Hunt, Dolores Jenkins, Laura Klentzman, Melisa Koch, Mary Grace McAlexander, Christina Moore, Katherine Nett, Betsy Shortt, Samantha Sipe, Belena Stuart, Sarah Thomas, Tromila Wheat, Kellie Whitson Class of 2009 Lucy Billiter, Michelle Binger, Devon Burke, Tiffany Chua, Mary Kate Cowher, Deidre Hiner, Catherine Kammer, Denise Kinsinger, Emily Lassiter, Rachael Phipps, Melissa Pino-Elliott, Sterling Shelley, Elizabeth Stainback, Cytha Stottlemyer, Abigail Turner, Rhea Vance-Cheng, Hannah Vargason Class of 2010 Linde Bischak, Margaret Bivans, Theresia Carrigan, Corinne Kasura, Leann Davis, Sarah Firaben, Ashley Graham, Hannah Guarendi, Megan Hall, Anna Lauth, Ada Sue Myers, Katharine Newman, Erin Paschal, Kathryn Polack, Jessica Porter, Ruth Siboni, Rebecca Simpson, Ruth Sousa, Robyn Stegman, Rebecca Thomson, Elizabeth Vukelich Class of 2011 Stephanie Bennett, Laura Berg, Caitlin Combs, Meghan Corrigan-Cummins, Krysta DeLuca, Logan Dill, Gretchen Domaleski, Sarah Friedman, Jasmine Jaffarian, Candace Klementowicz, Barbara May, Fiona McFadden, Katy Paden, Ann Philip, Megan Pitts, Jessica Powell, Alison Presswood, Elisabeth Rutledge, Aimee Sanford, Eve Sapp, Kathryn Stephens, Leah Sydnor Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2067 Published on 4/7/2008 : Mary Baldwin College welcomed nearly 350 alumnae/i to campus - one of the highest numbers in many years - to celebrate Reunion 2008 April 3-6. They pitched in to demonstrate MBCs renewed commitment to community service. They chatted. They elected leaders. They smiled for countless photos. They watched VWIL cadets in parade and softball players in action. And so much more. Watch the slideshow below and read President Pamela Foxs musical remarks from the Reunion gala dinner Saturday night for a feel for the magic that is Reunion. In the words of Dr. Fox: "Reunion 2008: You are, as Ghandi said, the change you want to see in the world. The power of one joins here for the power of collective commitment." (Click on image to see a caption) MBC Women Changing the World: A Tribute to Reunion 2008 A Concerto On A Theme of Rufus Bailey, by MBC President Pamela Fox MBC Women Changing the World, through the words of our founder, Rufus Bailey, In every place she moves in the center and is a radiating point of influence. Reunion 2008: We honor the occasion of your homecoming to these hills where beauty dwells, to these halls where wisdom reckons, where its tumult never quells. From 43 to 2003, from 28, and 48, and 1998—classes of the 3s and 8s, the Grafton Society, and our outstanding award winners—you come together this evening in the power of friendship to emanate the collective energy, imagination, and commitment that is the hallmark of Mary Baldwin women across time and generation. For 166 years this college has demonstrated the courage and the will to innovate as the world changes around it and the wisdom to stay true to its mission of enriching women’s lives through the transforming power of personalized liberal education. One woman at a time, the whole woman in mind, body, and spirit, enabling each woman to become her best self. You embody our enduring strengths. MBC Women Changing the World, through the words of our founder, Rufus Bailey, In every place she moves in the center and is a radiating point of influence. Reunion 2008: Your voices join the symphony of synergy as we compose our future. We are thriving—celebrating our momentum of opportunity and excellence: - marking the highest enrollment in the college’s history this fall and right now exceeding record numbers of applications for the third straight year; - achieving our vision of national distinction as demonstrated in the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement, the gold standard of how students evaluate the quality of their own education, where we exceeded the scores of more than 90% of 610 colleges and universities on the key measure of leaning inside and outside the classroom; - transforming our environment through the restored beauty of our historic campus and our dynamic plans for the renovation of Pearce, a new Village for the Arts, enhanced athletic facilities, and an expanded Hunt Hall opening behind us onto a campus green; - and with your help we are funding our future. Thank you for the amazing success of the third and final year of Mrs. Smith’s challenge to the annual fund—for exceeding the challenge through your generous dedication and commitment. We are so deeply grateful. MBC Women Changing the World, through the words of our founder, Rufus Bailey, In every place she moves in the center and is a radiating point of influence. Reunion 2008: We are united as a learning community of honor, leadership, ethics and integrity, driven by the conviction that every woman can and should make a difference in the world. We have strengthened our historic commitment to civic engagement in a global context this year as we opened the Spencer Center. We have initiated a new cycle of innovation. Innovation and informed creativity have kept this college at the leading edge of educational trends and societal needs throughout our history, from seminary to college, to master’s level programs. Mary Baldwin College continues to define what a liberal education means in the 21st century. Academic excellence is our hallmark, as we transmit the time-honored core of liberal arts studies and forge new programs: - in social work - in five year combined undergraduate/graduate programs for teachers and Shakespearian scholars and actors - in environment-based learning as we green the future of our campus - in international economics and business, - environmental/material/ and biochemistry - peacemaking and conflict studies, - global poverty and terrorism, - digital media, and so much more. The voices of the dedicated faculty who opened your minds to the stores of truth resound in your hearts and minds during this weekend. We honor and thank them. MBC Women Changing the World, through the words of our founder, Rufus Bailey, In every place she moves in the center and is a radiating point of influence. Reunion 2008: You are, as Ghandi said, the change you want to see in the world. The power of one joins here for the power of collective commitment. Our collective energy, imagination, and entrepreneurial spirit will continue to transform this college and the lives it touches across the globe. Thank you for your passionate allegiance, for your experience and success. You give us energy and optimism as we perform our future and drive our momentum of excellence and opportunity. MBC Women Changing the World, through the words of our founder, Rufus Bailey, In every place she moves in the center and is a radiating point of influence. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2066 Published on 4/2/2008 : Dr. Robbins Gates was woven into the tapestry that makes up Mary Baldwin College. Even before he was a professor of political science — having joined the faculty in 1965 — he was active in both Waynesboro Players and Oak Grove Theater, dramatic outlets for many Mary Baldwin faculty, staff, and students. Gates also became an MBC parent when his daughter, Martha, matriculated in 1974. When he retired in 1987, he became professor emeritus of political science, joining the ranks of memorable faculty members such as Fletcher Collins, Patricia Menk, John Mehner, and Ethel Smeak. Gates, 85, died March 30 at Ruxton Healthcare in Staunton. A memorial will be at 11 a.m. April 4 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Staunton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 300 W.Frederick St., Staunton, VA 24401, or Mary Baldwin College, General Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1500, Staunton, VA 24402-1500 Born into a family with a rich tradition in education, his family administered Fairfax Hall, a girls school in Waynesboro, where he was academic dean from 1959–1965. Gates earned his bachelor of arts from Washington & Lee University and his master’s and PhD from Columbia University in New York. Before his stint as dean at Fairfax Hall, Gates was an instructor at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Gates’ daughter Martha tells a story of her father’s devotion to his students: “… [one of his advisees] had had a couple really tough years and there was a point when she didn’t think she would be able to stay at school. Dad was always there, as he was with all his advisees, to encourage and support. By her senior year, things had turned around. Dad told me, his voice quivering and his chin wobbling, that she had been inducted into ODK [Omicron Delta Kappa, a prestigious national leadership honor society]. He was so proud; as proud as if she had been his daughter.” His deep affection for his students and Mary Baldwin continued throughout his tenure and into his retirement. He participated in many events on campus as faculty emeritus, even joining Reunion activities. Gates was a regular donor to MBC both as a faculty member and beyond. Fletcher Collins Theater at MBC was funded with his help, and he was instrumental in establishing an award for psychology students in honor of Professor Donald Thompson. There wasn’t a moment in Gates’ life when he wasn’t learning. In 1977 he was named a Lilly Scholar at Duke University, a grant that supported continuing education for faculty of small liberal arts colleges. In 1980 he was awarded a grant from the Maurice L. Mednick Memorial Fund to devote three months of his sabbatical to travel for political research in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Gates took his learning to a new level when he portrayed George Mason on WVPT’s George Mason at Gunston Hall — a 30-minute show dramatizing George Mason’s fight for a bill of rights at the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention of 1787. Gates wrote the original play. “He used to talk about Madison and Hamilton like he knew them personally. He had a way of making history all gossipy and alive,” remembered Betty Jolley Kobiashvili ’68. She went on to describe the first day of her Constitutional Law class and remarked that it was “life-changing.” On that day, Gates came to class dressed in a black robe and said “Oi ye, Oi ye, this honorable court will be in session. And this class will be upstanding.” “He had to say it twice, so we’d stand up!” said Kobiashvili. “He loved politics and the law as much as any person I have known and understood the human element intertwined with their development and impact on society. He instilled in his students a deep understanding and respect for the Constitution, thanks to his keen appreciation for the evolution of the Supreme Court cases and his ability to make the justices and their decisions come alive in the classroom. One of the ways he would do so in his lectures was with a dry comment and a smile that allowed you to know that his observation was ‘tongue-in-cheek’ but a truth you should not doubt,” said Pamela Shell Baskervill ’75. Gates’ political commitment ran deep. In 1972 he conducted the Sixth District democratic campaign for presidential candidate George McGovern. He was the Waynesboro Democratic Committeeman, and his dissertation, The Making of Massive Resistance: Virginia’s Politics of Public School Desegregation, 1954–1956, was published by University of North Carolina Press and is still widely referenced. “Robbins was a great man. He reminded me a bit of Rompole of ‘Rumpole of the Bailey.’ Wise, witty, and a fundamentally nice guy.” said Lew Askegaard, dean of institutional research, associate dean of the college, and registrar. A love of the arts was also prevalent in the Gates household. Both Gates and his wife, Carol, were active in Waynesboro Players, Oak Grove Theater, Mary Baldwin College theatre, and Theatre Wagon. Pen and ink drawings were another love of Gates. Not only did he draw some of the sought-after invitations to Fletcher and Margaret Collins’ beloved Twelfth Night celebrations, he also designed two covers for The Washington Spectator and had several drawings published in the Saturday Review. In an article in the January 16, 1969 edition of Campus Comments, Gates described that being color blind made him inclined toward black and white pen and ink drawings and also made him suited as an aerial topographer in World War II. “Color blind people are more sensitive to the minute variations of greys,” Gates said. He was assigned to analyze black and white pictures of enemy positions because he was able to identify military establishments through camouflage. “Robbins was more than just president of Waynesboro Players in 1968, he was one of the primary volunteers and supporters of community theater in this area. His presence at Waynesboro, Oak Grove, Mary Baldwin College and beyond will be mourned. His quick wit, vibrant smile, and piercing intelligence will be missed,” said Waynesboro Players Board Member Patrick Smith. We know that members of the Mary Baldwin College community have memories to share about Robbins Gates, and we are glad to receive them at enews@mbc.edu Visit our remembrances site to read more memories about Robbins Gates. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2064 Published on 4/1/2008 : What would it look like if the entire Mary Baldwin College community took one morning to volunteer on a service project together? Classrooms would be quiet and offices empty. Phones would be silent and the tapping of keyboards would cease … for a little while. But meaningful work would not come to a halt; it would continue in a different setting. In a bold new movement this year, faculty, staff, and students are invited to join alumnae/i celebrating Reunion 2008 by working jointly on community service on campus. Although it may take a few years for the event to reach the full vision of Reunion organizers, Mary Baldwin College folks know well that much can be done by a few good hands in a few good hours. Reunion attendees, faculty, staff, and students will transform a 20-x30-foot plot of grass beside the Adult Degree Program (ADP) House on Prospect Street into a vegetable-and-herb-bearing garden for a taste of community service on campus. Carey Usher, assistant professor of sociology, and Julie Shepherd, director of civic engagement, will lead the project that should produce crops of squash, onions, peas, parsley, and more. Usher is a certified master gardener who helped cadets in MBC’s Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership start the project last weekend by digging the area and following up with organic compost material — from Hunt Dining Hall and local businesses — to fertilize the soil. The City of Staunton helped participants break ground by loaning shovels for the weekend. “We hope the garden will be supported primarily by donations,” Usher said. “Contributions of seeds or small veggie transplants, garden tools such as shovels, trowels, and water hoses, or, of course, funding, would be much appreciated.” Usher envisions the garden as a “community” project in a true sense of the word. “Campus and community members who plan, plant, or maintain the garden are welcome to reap its fruits,” she said. “If someone donates tomato plants or stops to pull weeds, they will be able to harvest vegetables and herbs.” Faculty and staff who work in the ADP House have offered to be the garden’s stewards, Usher added. “The garden will be an application for service activities, provide food, tie campus to community, and serve as a learning tool for classes and groups who wish to use it,” Usher said. Other featured Reunion events (for full schedule, visit www.mbc.edu/reunion/schedule.asp): Just Elected: Installation of new executive committee members of the Student Government Association (SGA) has been a meaningful tradition since 1929, when students officially asserted their voice as a governing organization at MBC. This year, Reunion participants are invited to see the “changing of the guard” and hear from special guest speaker Lydia Woods Peale ’58, who served as Student Government Association president 50 years ago. 5 p.m. April 3, Francis Auditorium. Investment Pays Off: MBC President Pamela Fox asked in her opening address at the beginning of the year to “initiate a new cycle of innovation to seize the urgency of opportunities before us.” The Mary Baldwin community responded. Dr. Fox will highlight new programs and projects developed by faculty and staff as part of the 2014 Innovation Fund and beyond, and provide an update on campus master plan projects for the sciences and arts. Much like they did for an inspired Board of Trustees presentation in February, faculty and students will put faces on those proposals and demonstrate their potential in tangible terms. 2–4 p.m. April 4, Francis Auditorium. Back at the PAC: Former MBC kickers, passers, shooters, hitters, runners, swimmers, and all other athletes are invited to the Physical Activities Center (PAC) to hear about the move to the USA South Athletic Conference, recent sports achievements, and plans to revive the Athletic Hall of Fame. 9:30-10:30 a.m. April 4, Physical Activities Center. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2065 Published on 4/1/2008 : A record percentage of student voters “Voiced Their Vote” to elect more than 50 student leaders this spring. New leaders will be installed at 5 p.m. April 3 in Francis Auditorium, a ceremony included for the first time in many years as a part of Reunion activities. The event will feature Lydia Woods Peale ’58, who served as Student Government president 50 years ago and has continued a life of civic and global engagement. President Casby Stainback ’09 Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia Major/Minor: Double major in political science and sociology with a minor in religion Other Activities: College Republicans, Global Honors Scholar, Senate, Sociology Club Why did you run for this position? I wanted to have the opportunity to get the executive committee (EC) more involved with other organizations on campus and to make student government more accessible to all students. What are your goals for next year? My goal is to make everyone on campus feel involved in student government. Vice President Alicia Bortone ’09 Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland Major/Minor: Marketing communication with minors in leadership studies and sociology Other Activities: Big Sista/Lil Sista, Relay for Life, Honor Council, Physical Plant co-chair for Senate Why did you run for this position? To become even more involved in Senate. I want to dedicate my time to help increase student awareness about Physical Plant. I wanted the opportunity to try something new and learn more about the EC and to assist in its purpose. What are your goals for next year? I hope to be able to meet with senators and co-chairs individually next year to reassure them that they can speak freely in Senate and voice their opinions because Senate is for them. I want to also emphasize community service and get senators actively involved in community service opportunities. Secretary Ashley Coleman ’09 Hometown: Culpeper, Virginia Major/Minor: Double major in Health Care Administration and sociology with a minor in United States poverty. Other Activities: Relay for Life co-chair, peer educator, Colleges Against Cancer vice-president, STARS vice-president Why did you run for this position? I wanted to be a part of student government and represent the student body in the best way I could. What are your goals for next year? I want to educate the student body about what happens in Senate by creating easy-to-read weekly flyers that will show the main issues to be addressed. Treasurer and Inter-Club Council Chairwoman Aja Harvey ’09 Hometown: Coatesville, Pennsylvania Major/Minor: Asian Studies with a minor in music Other Activities: Ida B. Wells Society Why did you run for this position? I really liked the experience I had last year on EC and wanted to do it again with more knowledge under my belt. What are your goals for next year? To do the best I can as a senior member of student leadership, and leave MBC with something they can be proud of. Honor Council Chairwoman Sarah Wisecup ’09 Hometown: Navy child, currently based in southern California Major/Minor: Sociology with a minor in leadership studies Other Activities: Army ROTC, peer advisor, Baldwin Charm Why did you run for this position? After two years as a representative, I wanted to take on the challenge of leading the board as its chairwoman. I love being a member of Honor Council and truly believe in upholding the ideals of honor and integrity within the college community. What are your goals for next year? I hope to increase freshmen awareness of the Honor Council and our duties on campus. I also would like to build a stronger relationship between all members of the EC and involve the Honor Council in more campus activities. Another goal of mine is to bring awareness of the council and our year-round duties to members of the campus community. Judicial Board Chairwoman Janell Henderson ’09 Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Major/Minor: Philosophy and religion with a minor in African-American studies Other Activities: Black Student Alliance, Quest, Ida B. Wells Why did you run for this position? Since my first day at MBC, I have held a special interest in the Judicial Board (JB). Over the years my passion for JB has only grown, and I knew that when the opportunity presented itself I would run for chairwoman to be an avenue for change and to maintain the changes that have already been implemented. What are your goals for next year? One of my goals is to make sure JB representatives and the college’s code of conduct are known throughout campus. Encouraging JB representatives to attend all hall meetings will help us accomplish this. Baldwin Program Board (BPB) Chairwoman Alison Oelke McCaul ’09 Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland Major/Minor: Sociology/social work with a minor in studio art Other Activities: PEG Steering Committee, Spencer Society Why did you run for this position? I have devoted myself to BPB for two years and I wanted to continue to improve our standards of excellence, and to serve the students. What are your goals for next year? My goals are to build leadership from the committees up to board members and to listen to the students to continue to improve the quality of events. Residence Hall Association (RHA) Chairwoman Michelle Binger ’09 Hometown: Hampton, Virginia Major/Minor: Double major in political science and international relations and double minors in Asian Studies and peacemaking Other Activities: Secular Student Collective, MBC Earth, fencing Why did you run for this position? I came into this position earlier this year when the former chairwoman had to step down. I had already served as a hall president the year before and loved the experiences and close connections. I ran for reelection because I have enjoyed every minute of working with such a great group of student leaders! What are your goals for next year? The current board is very interested in making changes to the RHA constitution to strengthen the ties between hall presidents, Judicial Board, Honor Council, resident advisors, and residents. I would also like to put more effort into making events such as Roommate Game show and Mardi Gras even more successful. Other Student Leaders Elected BPB Budget Chairwoman: Arielle Acosta ’09 BPB Film and Coffeehouse Chairwoman: Najat Wright ’11 BPB Special Events Chairwoman: Samantha Smith ’09 RHA Vice Chairwoman: Samantha Skiba ’10 RHA Secretary: Samantha Engstler ’11 Lead Advocate: Erin Paschal ’10 Senior Class President: Ariel Howard Senior Class Vice President: Alanna Bragg Senior Class Secretary: Monica Roberts Senior Class Treasurer: Joella Saffore Junior Class President: Anna Grazynska Junior Class Vice President: Sara Norton Junior Class Treasurer: Cayce Buchanan Sophomore Class President: Candace Klementowicz Sophomore Class Vice President: Ann Philip Sophomore Class Secretary: Naianka Rigaud Class of 2009 Honor Council Representatives: Kristina Banks, Elizabeth Dattilio, Kristin Manigault Class of 2010 Honor Council Representatives: Linde Bischak, Alice Dees, Saarika Koneru Class of 2009 Judicial Board Representatives: Aubrey de Cheubell, Angela Vess Class of 2010 Judicial Board Representatives: Yenny Caceres, Devon Chenette, Kristyn Fields, Jimena Hernandez, Ruth Siboni Class of 2011 Judicial Board Representatives: Felicia Byrd, Melissa Elsey, Kasey Lohr Student Advocates: Kimberly Parker ’11, Ann Philip ’11 Student Media Leaders Elected by the Media Advisory Board (membership includes students, faculty, and staff) Bluestocking Editor: Mary Kate Cowher ’09 Campus Comments Co-Editors-in-Chief: Hannah Barrow ’09, Vicki Jenkins ’09 MBC-TV Broadcast Manager: Jessica Erwin ’09 MBC-TV Production Manager: Kristina Banks ’09 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2063 Published on 3/20/2008 : Mary Baldwin College Theatre presents an evening of short plays by the award-winning playwrights from the Actors Theatre of Louisville: David Ives, Jon Jory, and Jane Martin. The performances, directed by Rachael Phipps and Betsy Shortt, run Wednesday through Saturday March 26-29 at 7:30 pm and March 30 at 2 pm in the Fletcher Collins Theatre, Deming Hall. The plays run the gamut from playwrighting monkeys and amorous mayflies to a robbery gone horribly wrong as the victim gets her grisly revenge, and continues with a serious look at the question of forgiveness on a personal and societal level. David Ives, perhaps best known for Sure Thing, is the playwright for Time Flies and Words, Words, Words. Sean Flattery and Ariel Howard on their first (and last) date learn with a little help from David Attenborough, played by Patrick Bednarczyk, that life is what you make it. Sean Flattery, Miranda Hynes and Katelyn Scott, as Swift, Kafka and Milton respectively, are about to rewrite the classics. Jon Jory gives us Heads and Making the Call. In Heads, three college students, played by Rhea Vance-Cheng, Eve Sapp and Emily Schimmel, debate the ethics of marrying for money. In Making the Call Presidential politics takes on a whole new meaning as Patrick Bednarczyk as Parker and Elizabeth Rutledge as Liz discuss the president’s private plans for the evening. Cul de Sac and Mr. Bundy, by Jane Martin question the rights of victims and their attackers. Katelyn Scott as Maggie in Cul de Sac turns the tables on her would be attacker. Gary Flavin portrays Mr. Bundy, with next door neighbors Michael Lafferty as Robert, Faith Masonheimer as Catherine and Miranda Uphoff as their daughter Cassidy. Kylene Henry plays the other neighbor, Mrs. McGuigan, while Aubrey Joyner plays Tianna and David Witt plays Jimmy Ray, the “do-gooders” from out of town. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Credit card reservations may be made during box office hours, 10-5 Monday through Friday by calling 540-887-7189. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2060 Published on 3/14/2008 : May 7 ► Dr. Judith Blau, MBCs 2008 Doenges Scholar, president of Sociologists Without Borders, and professor of sociology at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, will discuss "Holding the United States to International Standards of Human Rights." The event is at 12 p.m. in the Spencer Center. Bring your lunch to the Spencer Center at noon and participate in the conversation. May 7-11 ► Attend the final show in MBC Theatres 2007-08 season, Honour by Joanna Murray-Smith. The show runs Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m., in the Fletcher Collins Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students. For more information an to reserve tickets, 540-887-7189. May 8 ► Capstone Festival: presentations of student capstone projects. For a more detailed list, mbc.edu/research/capstonefestival.asp. Opening Ceremony, 1-1:15 p.m., Hunt West Multi-Media Presentations: Managing the Demands and Desires of a Global Society, 1:30-3 p.m., Nuthouse Delivered Papers: A Spectrum of Civic Engagement, 1:30-3 p.m., Miller Chapel Visual/Audio-Visual Session, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Hunt Gallery Posters: Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Humanities, 1:30-3:15 p.m., Hunt West Multi-Media Presentations: Causes and Effects, 3:15-4:30 p.m., Nuthouse Delivered Papers: Social Forces and Individual Choices, 3:15-4:30, Miller Chapel Celebration Reception and Awards Ceremony, 5-6:16 p.m., Hunt West May 16–19 ► Commencement Weekend: various ceremonies and locations. For the entire schedule, www.mbc.edu/commencement/ VWIL Commissioning Ceremony: speaker Capt. Erinn Singman 02. 11 a.m., Page Terrace Ajani Ceremony: speaker Drisana Garlington 05. 12:30-2 p.m., Rose Terrace Lawn VWIL Change of Command Review: speaker Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Carroll Thackston, former Virginia State Adjutant General. 2:30 p.m., Parade Ground at the Physical Activities Center Phi Beta Kappa Initiation: speaker Trudy Rickman 87, kidney specialist. 5 p.m., Francis Auditorium in the Pearce Science Center For a complete listing of all MBC events, check out the Events Calendar Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2062 Published on 3/14/2008 : “If only everyone knew all the things that are going on here — if they learned what I learned during the past few days — the reaction would be tremendous,” said MBC Trustee Joanne Ingalls, barely containing her enthusiasm after her first Board meeting in early February. The event that prompted Ingalls’ extraordinary response to an ordinary question about her first impression of Mary Baldwin College: two days packed with presentations by faculty, staff, and students who bubbled over with anticipation of new programs and projects in the works. A nationally accredited social work program. The college’s first academic sequence that streamlines study from an undergraduate program to a master’s degree. A new major in international economics and business. Designing a biology emphasis tailored to premedical training. All ideas springing from the collective creativity of the MBC community. All coming to the forefront in response to a call from MBC President Pamela Fox to “initiate a new cycle of innovation to seize the urgency of opportunities before us” in her opening state-of-the-college address mere months ago. “The call for proposals to use the resources of the Innovation Fund did not work as I had planned it,” said President Fox. “It worked better. It amazes me how quickly ideas are coming to fruition.” The tag line attached to the college’s recent momentum is “invest and innovate,” and both pieces of that phrase are being realized in tandem. Former Alumnae/i Association director and Board of Trustees member Sue Whitlock ’67 was thrilled to share with other Board members the creativity and intensity of MBC faculty that she often sees as part of the Board’s academic affairs committee. “The faculty were as eager as they have always been, and with new energy that comes from realizing they are being given a powerful opportunity,” she said. “Our fundraising campaign goals are alive in the work and the words of the people who are making things happen,” Dr. Fox said. “The results have been swift and significant.” Social Work Earns Credit In spring 2007, 148 students signed a petition for an accredited social work program and presented it to college leadership. By fall 2008, their request will be answered with the enrollment of the first students in what will be a nationally accredited bachelor of social work program. As the department’s compelling proposal for the new academic major suggests, “Social work is at the heart of a liberal arts endeavor.” Sociology and social work have long been strong components of the Mary Baldwin curriculum. In fall 2007, 151 current students had declared sociology or social work as a major or minor. A recent gift from a generous alumna and Board of Trustees member who wishes to remain anonymous will help the department begin a bona fide major in social work and to become a nationally accredited program. Social work and sociology faculty members Kathy McCleaf, Gauri Rai, Dan Sthulsatz, Carey Usher, and John Wells drafted the proposal that was approved by faculty February 1. To become accredited, like programs at 11 other institutions in Virginia, the MBC social work program must have at least two full-time faculty and develop a major course of study. The Trustee’s gift will provide next year for a second faculty member to join Associate Professor of Social Work Gauri Rai, who has enhanced the program tremendously in his three and a half years at MBC. Accreditation will allow students to enjoy full membership in the National Association of Social Workers and mean that graduates will need only one year of additional study instead of two to earn a master’s degree in the field, Rai said. MBC will be eligible to apply for accreditation in fall 2009, and Rai and his colleagues designed the program to meet all requirements prior to that so accreditation will cover students who begin in social work in fall 2008. Sophomore Tempest Jones, one of several students who joined faculty in a presentation to the Board of Trustees in February, can already imagine how accreditation will bolster her degree and career. “Being able to earn a master’s faster will allow me to start on a career path sooner. I dream of opening an empowerment center for women that will promote teen programs, offer financial training, and help clients learn job and parenting skills,” she said. Jones is a member of the Sociology/ Social Work Club and chairwoman of Campus Crusade for Christ, and she has worked at Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, served at the college’s Hunger Banquet, and volunteered at Valley Mission homeless shelter and New Directions Center for the abused. The Social Work program complements the civic engagement mission of the college detailed in its strategic plan, and the field exposes students from across the disciplines to increased civic involvement and issues of social justice and human rights. “The world needs people like you — people who care about children, the elderly, the disadvantaged … and want to make a difference in their lives,” reads the opening line of materials attracting prospective students to the new program. Theatre Program Adds Up in Five Years It is an official first for Mary Baldwin College. Integrating the undergraduate theatre major and master’s program in Shakespeare studies into a five-year course of study beginning in fall 2008 represents the college’s initial attempt to synergize undergraduate and graduate degrees. Seizing the opportunity to entice students to the theatre department and lead them to a one-of-a-kind master’s program, the faculty approved the combination at its meeting February 1. Beginning in 2008–09, theatre study at MBC will include the following options: Four-year bachelor of arts3+2 program: Begin advanced theatre study in the Master of Letters in Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature in Performance (MLitt) in senior undergraduate year. Earn bachelor’s degree after four years and continue with master’s studies to earn MLitt at the end of five years. (NEW) MLitt with the option to continue to MBC’s highest theatre degree, Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Students who follow the 3+2 program will also be able to apply to MFA program. The BA/MLitt is designed to boost enrollment in both the Residential College for Women and MLitt/MFA in Shakespeare while supplying the graduate program with strong undergraduates who are familiar with MBC’s curriculum, principles, and facilities, such as its partnership with American Shakespeare Center and its Blackfriars Playhouse. “What makes the MBC program unique is that it is truly interdisciplinary in its shared emphasis on the critical study of literature and a practical program in the performing arts,” said Paul Menzer, MLitt/MFA director and associate professor. “The MLitt/MFA program is like no other. To be encouraged to apply for admission to it and to be able to stay at Mary Baldwin where we are already comfortable with the technical aspects and the faculty will be very helpful,” said Katelyn Scott ’10, who has already worked on several projects with MLitt and MFA students at MBC. The programs’ natural connection was facilitated in large part by the fact that Terry Southerington ’72, chair of undergraduate theatre, has taught in and served on the policy committee of MLitt/MFA since its inception. The graduate program continues to be at the forefront of contemporary Shakespeare studies in the country and the world. The new BA/MLitt promises to “pave the way for future exploration of alliances between undergraduate and graduate education at Mary Baldwin,” Menzer said. Econ Goes Global Another new major aims to “prepare students to participate in the business of the world,” a world that is “connected by flows of people, tradable goods, capital, and information that cross cultures and political boundaries,” according to its catalog description. MBC’s major in international economics and business will provide solid preparation in global business and analysis. “Many of our economics and business majors see themselves working for a multinational corporation after graduation,” said Jane Pietrowski, associate professor of economics. “We hope the combined major will appeal tothat group and to prospective students who want a challenge and a field that has practical application.” A new major in international economics and business responds directly to President Fox’s invitation for investment and innovation specifically toward the goal of increasing undergraduate enrollment through attraction and retention. By combining the strengths of both disciplines, the college hopes the new major will increase the percentage of prospective students with high SAT scores who indicate interest in studying business and follow through to enroll at MBC. The interdisciplinary major will also help prepare students for master’s level work in economics. The major does not require the addition of new courses, but funding may be requested for further development of internships and speakers, which will be planned in connection with the Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement, Pietrowski said. Biology Gets a Boost Assistant Professor of Biology Paul Deeble knew he had a compelling presentation for the Board of Trustees about developing a biomedical science emphasis and a science teaching emphasis within the biology major. He had no idea it would prompt the spontaneous penning of a five-figure check, but it did. “We believe that getting started on biomedical science initiatives will put the college in an even stronger position to take its success stories to potential donors and granting institutions to acquire additional funding,” Deeble said. The department has done its research. Pre-med and biology are consistently in the five highest areas of interest for MBC applicants; in fact more than 17 percent of applicants for 2006–07 indicated biology/pre-med as their projected major, according to research conducted by Registrar Lewis Askegaard and Professor of Economics Judy Klein. An emphasis on biomedical science is one way Deeble and science faculty hope to entice more of those students to follow through to enroll at MBC — only about 25 percent matriculate at present. The department has already started to work on materials that should improve the yield (ratio of prospective students who are accepted to the number who actually enroll) of high-achieving science students. A manual that guides students through premedical science preparation at MBC has been developed and is available on the Web site. A new brochure highlights four distinct areas of premedical study: pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-nursing, and pre-veterinary. The sciences as a whole are working on a long-term goal called the Research Scholars Program. Students will work intensively with faculty on original research, extending the process typically found in the MBC senior project to underclassmen. “If successful, this type of program is so innovative that outside funding agencies would likely support it as a program that trains more women and minorities for graduate study in the biomedical sciences,” Deeble said. MBC’s “inside” funding sources have shown they can be counted on to lead the way. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2061 Published on 3/11/2008 : BAM: Assault/robbery on campus UPDATE 3-12-08: text of e-mail sent to campus community 9:30 a.m. Good morning. First, I want to thank students who were on campus, and particularly in Kable Residence Hall, last night: you stayed calm and showed good judgement. Were proud of you. Thanks also to the MBC Student Life staff, the Staunton Police Department, and MBC Security staff who responded quickly and appropriately. There has not yet been an arrest for the assault, nor have there been further incidents on campus. So, we encourage everyone to be vigilant and exercise caution as we go about our normal activities. Anyone who was in the vicinity of Kable Residence Hall and Deming Hall yesterday evening between 7 and 7:30 OR who saw anyone fitting the descriptions below is asked to contact Investigator Nestor of the Staunton Police Department at 540-332-3851. The assailant was a white male between 40 and 45 years old, between 5’9” and 6’ tall, with a pot belly. He is balding, has a mustache, and has blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, khaki pants, and black shoes. -- Crista Cabe, Associate Vice President for Communication, Marketing, and Public Affairs ------------------------------------------------ Posted March 11, 2008, 10 p.m. This evening (Tuesday, March 11), a student guest was assaulted and robbed while entering Kable Residence Hall. The assailant, a white male accompanied by a white female, has not been apprehended. Additional security officers have been deployed for the safety of students and others on campus. The following descriptions have been given: o The white male is between 40 and 45 years old, between 5’9” and 6’ tall, and has a pot belly. He is balding, has a mustache, and has blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, khaki pants, and black shoes. o The white female is between 25 and 30 years old. She is slender and has blond hair, possibly shoulder-length. We urge you to exercise extra precaution on campus this evening. Keep building doors locked and travel in groups. Be alert to your surroundings and report any suspicious persons to security at 887-7000. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2058 Published on 3/7/2008 : “Still Flight,”an exhibition of recent work by artist Christa Kreeger Bowden will be on view at Mary Baldwin College’s Hunt Gallery from March 10 - 28, 2008. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Bowden resides in Lexington, Virginia. There, as an assistant professor of art at Washington and Lee University, she coordinates the photography program, teaching both traditional and digital photography. She received the B.A. in photography and film communication from Tulane University, and the M.F.A. in photography from the University of Georgia. Since 1996 Bowden has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the country. Her work has been shown at a variety of venues including The Savannah College of Art and Design (Georgia), East Carolina University (Greenville), California State University (Pomona), Long Island University (New York), Bradley University (Illinois), and Seton Hall University (New Jersey), among others. Bowden’s creative work explores the use of the flatbed scanner as a camera, as well as alternative and 19th century photographic processes. Regarding the work in “Still Flight,” where the subjects include dead winged creatures such as moths, hummingbirds, and bats, Bowden says the following: “These creatures are to me, first and foremost, visually interesting. They embody the idea of the still life, the nature morte, in that they are beautiful and worthy of artistic evaluation. It is the gift of photography that their beauty can be immortalized, and essentially transformed by the artist’s gaze. These are not biological studies of specimens, and these photographs are very definitely made, not taken.” A reception for the artist will be held on Monday, March 10, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in Hunt Gallery, which is located in the lower east wing of Hunt Hall on the Mary Baldwin College campus. The public is invited to attend. Hunt Gallery is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary work in all media by regionally and nationally recognized artists. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the College’s academic year. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2059 Published on 3/7/2008 : It isn’t often that one receives an invitation from former President William J. Clinton. Mary Baldwin College did. And we’re not about to pass it up. Students wasted no time responding to MBC President Pamela Fox’s call for participants in the Clinton Global Initiative’s most recent endeavor, CGI University (CGI U). The program’s inaugural conference March 14–16 will encourage college students to tackle global issues in innovative ways that take action and make a difference. CGI is not an organization for talkers. It is an organization designed for doers. To apply for the program, students needed to describe a commitment to action, the steps they would take, and how they will measure progress toward the commitment. Eager MBC students met with Heather Ward, director of international programs, and decided to pool their energy and resources toward a common commitment. Students will support Dhamma Moli girls’ school in Kathmandu, Nepal by raising money for the school, sending winter clothing for students, sending books and school supplies, and raising awareness of human trafficking. In the longer view, the partnership could include MBC students volunteering or teaching at the school and bringing Dhamma Moli students to the Staunton campus, Ward said. Find out more about the school at www.dhammamoli.org. The MBC group’s commitment was generated from the study abroad experience of CGI U participant Robyn Stegman ’10. Stegman, an international relations major, spent the fall 2007 semester in a Burmese monastery as part of a Buddhist studies program through Antioch University in Ohio. Among many amazing experiences there, she became an ordained Buddhist nun for a week, and the nuns who founded Dhamma Moli were her spiritual guides through that intense process. The highly valued Buddhist bond Stegman formed with the women makes giving back to their school even more meaningful. “I can’t express how happy I am that Dhamma Moli is the focus of the project,” said Stegman, who is minoring in peace and conflict resolution at MBC. “It is tangible because it will directly help the small number of girls at the school, but it will also reach beyond that, helping educate people about human trafficking not only in Nepal, but in many other areas.” CGI U participant Yenny Caceres ’11 is thrilled at the prospect of being in the presence of former President Bill Clinton, and she is working on an individual commitment in addition to being passionate about the MBC group pledge. Already, we see connections with other activities at MBC: The September 2006 visit of human rights activist Sanjana Das of India addressed similar issues of the buying and selling of women and children in Asia. Alumna Mary Morrison ’95 introduced many students, faculty, and staff at MBC to the worldwide work of the Clinton Global Initiative when she spoke about her role in that organization for the college’s Founders Day. Now, those two spheres connect in a student-initiated project intended to change the world, or at the very least, a niche of it. Originally published in The Cupola in March 2008. Read students reflections on attending the conference in the April issue of The Cupola at www.mbc.edu/cupola. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2057 Published on 3/6/2008 : If we are true to the Princeton webnet definition of “proactive” (descriptive of any event or stimulus or process that has an effect on events or stimuli or processes that occur subsequently), the good that we do now and going forward to improve on what we already do will make this Women’s History Month memorable. The theme for the month-long celebration, Voices for Mother Earth, ties many of its events to MBC’s renewed focus on becoming a climate neutral campus inhabited by a community fully committed to environmental responsibility. The Status of Women committee has rallied inspiring voices to teach us about environmental reality and show us how to make a positive difference, individually and collectively. Amy Diduch, associate professor of economics, will offer something like a master class for the whole community March 24 at 2 p.m. in Miller Chapel about protecting the environment with a focus on recycling and conservation. On the same day, students of MBC Earth will support Diduch’s teaching with a presentation of information they learned at a Powershift 2007 conference about how to promote recycling and conservation. The next day the campus community is invited to hear from Shay Clanton ’74, assistant professor of art, as she proposes engaging with the environment through art and also connects us with medicinal healing plants and the need for their conservation. Faye Cooper, for many years director of stewardship in Virginia for the Nature Conservancy and now a founding member and executive director of the Valley Conservation Council, will be at Mary Baldwin March 31. She may open our eyes anew to “Ways to Please Mother Earth: Reducing Waste, Saving Resources, and Combating Global Warming.” Our students will take the lead in an important step forward for our campus environmental conscience with the launch of plastic recycling on March 11 during a celebration planned for 4:30 p.m. at the Spencer Center. Sharon Campbell, director of auxiliary services/physical plant, and Marty Weeks, director of building services, have worked hard to ensure the student launch of plastic recycling this month. Student Senate representative for the Status of Women committee Charmice Hardy ’08 announced an art contest at the last Senate meeting in February, a contest that calls for entries made of recyclable plastic materials. Open to everyone on campus, entries must be submitted no later than noon March 17 at Grafton Library. Artwork will be judged and the top three winners will be moved to the Nuthouse the following day. Student Government Association President Ashley Graves ’08 will organize students for two days of community service on March 22 and 29 for litter cleanup. Women’s History Month 2008 is filled with other meaningful voices as well — art events, music, theatrical presentations, lectures, entertainers, panels, and Stop the Violence activities (see calendar below). Status of Women Committee Chair Ivy Arbulú, associate professor of Spanish, and Hardy encouraged the planning and organizing of Women’s History Month theme and events by committee members Robert Grotjohn, professor of English, Martha Walker, associate professor of French, and Carol Larson, director of media relations and publications. MARCH 1-31 Mother Nature in Words & Pictures: Works by Women Grafton Library MARCH 11 Launch Party for Plastic Recycling at MBC Spencer Center, 4:30-6:30pm MARCH 17 Deadline for Entries: Recyclable Plastic Art Contest Grafton Library, 12pm MARCH 18 Winners Announced: Recyclable Plastic Art Contest On display Nuthouse, 1pm MARCH 19 V-Day Event: Talk and screening of Until the Violence Stops Francis Auditorium, 7pm MARCH 20 V-Day Event: Baldwin Charm concert and The Vagina Monologues Francis Auditorium, 7pm MARCH 21 V-Day Event: Talk and screening of Until the Violence Stops Francis Auditorium, 7pm MARCH 22 Student Community Service: Staunton Litter Cleanup Spencer Center V-Day Event: Open mic/poetry slam and The Vagina Monologues Francis Auditorium, 7pm MARCH 24 Professor Amy Diduch:“What Can We Do to Protect the Environment?” Miller Chapel, 2-3:15pm MARCH 24 MBC Earth Powershift 2007: How to Promote Recycling & Conservation Miller Chapel, 7:30pm MARCH 25 Professor Shay Clanton ’74: Engaging with the Environment Through Art and Activism King 107, 6:30pm MARCH 29 Student Community Service: Staunton Litter Cleanup Spencer Center MARCH 31 Conservationists Faye Cooper and Sandy Greene: Reducing Waste, Saving Resources, Combating Global Warming Miller Chapel, 7:30pm Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2046 Published on 3/5/2008 : Update 3/5/08: Close on the heels of MBC’s sixth regional center in Hampton, the college will soon begin to enroll students at a seventh center, at Rappahannock Community College (RCC) in Glenns, Virginia on the state’s Northern Neck. For a few years, RCC — about an hour and a half from the MBC regional center in Richmond — had been home to one of the Adult Degree Program’s “adopted” centers that were created to reach rural areas of the state. Mary Baldwin’s established presence at RCC enabled the college to step in and offer services to students when Old Dominion University recently closed its satellite office there, transitioning MBC from a satellite center to a full regional center for adult and graduate studies. In fall 2006, Anne Vokes was the first Rappahannock-area student to complete a program at the “adopted” center; she earned her prekindergarten and elementary teacher licensure through the Post Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program. Another Rappahannock student, Nancy Jackson, was the first to earn her bachelor’s degree in 2007. Dean of Adult and Graduate Studies Nancy Krippel expects many students who want to finish a four-year degree, particularly those seeking teacher licensure, to enroll at MBC’s Rappahannock Regional Center. A grand opening date and personnel at the site has not yet been determined, but more information about the RCC center will come soon. For now, interested students in the Northern Neck area should contact the main adult and graduate studies office in Staunton at 800-822-2460. * * * * * A Virginia map that plots the locations of Mary Baldwin College’s regional centers, now has a spoke that reaches far to the east, to the city of Hampton and Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC). The college’s sixth center for adult and graduate studies is now enrolling for summer 2008 courses, and it extends MBC’s virtual campus about 180 miles to the Chesapeake Bay and into an area with several metropolitan centers. MBC’s transfer agreement with all 23 community colleges in the state provided a launching point for the new center. Thomas Nelson Community College was looking for more four-year opportunities for its students, and Mary Baldwin was seeking a location in the Tidewater region. A partnership was born. “It is a good location, particularly for teacher education and licensure,” said Nancy Krippel, dean of adult and graduate studies. “We have the opportunity to make a real difference in that community.” Joyce Johnson, dean of student development at TNCC, which enrolls approximately 13,000 students, said one of that college’s goals is to provide students with as many transferable options as possible. A guarantee of transfer of credit to MBC and an on-site academic counselor will be attractive to students, she said. Krippel said the Mary Baldwin program thrives where it can provide learning opportunities for place-bound students. She also believes there are untold benefits in hiring a director from that area who understands the specific needs of students. At TNCC, that director is Hampton resident Jean Fleming. Fleming worked as adjunct assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, George Washington University, and North Carolina State University. Until accepting the position with Mary Baldwin, she led courses in adult learning and development and program planning. She earned her undergraduate degree and master of education at Colorado State University, and her doctorate of education at University of Northern Colorado, and she is a member of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education. Fleming’s professional life spans seven states and includes managing a restaurant and owning a small business in addition to wide-ranging experience in adult education. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2054 Published on 2/26/2008 : In spring 2007, 148 students signed a petition for an accredited Social Work program and many presented it to college leadership. By fall 2008, their request will be answered with the enrollment of the first students in what will be a nationally accredited bachelor of social work (BSW) program. Mary Baldwin College’s initiative to create a Social work major and earn accreditation for the program is one of dozens of creative programs submitted in response to a call from MBC President Pamela Fox to “invest and innovate.” Her opening address mere months ago asked the MBC community to “initiate a new cycle of innovation to seize the urgency of opportunities before us.” Sociology and social work have long been strong components of the Mary Baldwin curriculum — in fall 2007, 151 current students had declared one of the two fields as a major or minor. A recent gift from a generous alumna and Board of Trustees member who wishes to remain anonymous gave the department funding needed to begin a bona fide major in Social Work and to become a nationally accredited program. Social work and sociology faculty members drafted the proposal that was approved by faculty February 1. To become accredited, like programs at 11 other institutions in Virginia, the MBC program must have at least two full-time faculty and develop a major course of study. The Trustee’s gift will help provide for a second faculty member to join Associate Professor of Social Work Gauri Rai. Additional funds will be used for academic development and research. Accreditation will allow students to enjoy full membership in the National Association of Social Workers and mean that graduates will need only one year of additional study instead of two to earn a master’s degree in the field, Rai said. MBC will be eligible to apply for accreditation in fall 2009, and Rai and his colleagues designed the program to meet all requirements prior to that so accreditation will cover students who begin the BSW program in fall 2008. Sophomore Tempest Jones, one of several students who joined faculty in a presentation to the Board of Trustees in February, can already imagine how accreditation will bolster her degree and career. “Being able to earn a master’s faster will allow me to start on a career path sooner. I dream of opening an empowerment center for women that will promote teen programs, offer financial training, and help clients learn job and parenting skills,” she said. The social work program compliments the civic engagement mission of the college and the field exposes students from across the disciplines to increased civic involvement and issues of social justice and human rights. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.mbc.edu/news/r_detail.asp?id=2053 Published on 2/21/2008 : Update 2/26: The Fighting Squirrels successful and noteworthy season ended with a loss yesterday to Methodist University in the USA South Athletic Conference tournament. However, the "scrappy seven" of MBC exceeded many expectations. The team won four of its final five games to best their preseason conference ranking of #8 and finish as the #6 seed. Mary Baldwins first basketball season as a USA South member is one for the record books, including senior Jessica Carters posting of the colleges most career points at 1,943. Congratulations to all! Christopher Newport University’s seven-game winning streak and #1 ranking in the USA South Athletic Conference did not intimidate Mary Baldwin’s fewer, but skilled, players. The small MBC team — with just two substitutes for the season — defeated the CNU Captains 61-60 on their home court February 19. Just a few days before that, the MBC Fighting Squirrels knocked Methodist College from its #1 conference standing with a 65-62 victory. Mary Baldwin won the opening tip-off of the CNU game that led to a quick three-point shot by Christie Hamilton ’09 to open the contest. The Squirrels were ahead 32-26 at the half, but CNU chipped away at their lead. The final minutes were intense, but solid defense led to a shot that gave MBC a one-point lead with 1:27 left in the contest. The team held its lead through three final plays by the Captains. Senior Jessica Carter led MBC scoring with 19 points, and the team shot 42 percent from the field and 54 percent from the three-point arc. Sinking 10 of 11 shots from the free throw line also helped the Squirrels claim victory. The team ends the regular season with two home games against Meredith College and Peace College Friday, February 22 (fan appreciation night) and Saturday, February 23. USA South tournament competition begins February 25, where a conference win equals an automatic bid into the National Collegiate Athletic Association tourney. Check out www.mbc.edu/athletics for the latest scores. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST