ArtsFest

July 26, 2023

For three days in April, The Arts at Wilson hosted the first annual Wilson College ArtsFest.

This dynamic event invited students, faculty, staff, guest artists and the greater Chambersburg community to engage in artistic opportunities that foster relationships, connections, and ideas to help drive positive change in our world. Experiences ranged from choreography demonstrations, to poetry readings, to collaborative visual art pieces. The excitement and creativity on campus was truly palpable, crossing disciplines, subject matter, and boundaries!

The Arts at Wilson has a distinct and collaborative approach to the crafting and exploration of the arts. Coursework and experiential learning are highly interdisciplinary in all the arts programs including Art, Art History, Creative Writing, Dance, Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Web Design.

Graphic design professor Adam DelMarcelle guided participants through a hands-on t-shirt printing process that brings recognition to an arts charity in the Honduras.

Students performed choreographic works-in- progress and then held a post-showing chat with the audience to field questions, take feedback, and share their creative process.

A gallery crawl traveled across campus and visited various Wilson exhibits including “Stations of the Cross: Meditations on Racism and Religion in America” by MFA program director Joshua Legg at the Cooley Gallery.

Charlie DelMarcelle starred in “A Shadow That Broke the Light,” a performance installation co- created with his brother Adam, thatfeatures first person accounts of friends and families of victims of the current overdose crisis.

Participants expressed what art is to them by making their own ArtsFest buttons.

Members of the Wilson community were invited to leave their mark by painting, drawing, and adorning a piano, an exercise in social art collaboration.

The Wilson College Choir opened its rehearsal for all to sit, listen, and enjoy.

ISSUE: Summer 2023 CATEGORY: Around the Green TAGS: art, artsfest

RELATED: Student Research Day The Rhubarb Over Rhubarb Scarlet’s Letter

Student Research Day

July 26, 2023

Wilson hosted the 14th annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day on Friday, April 28. This much anticipated
academic event highlights research and creative projects completed by students with the guidance of their faculty mentors. From ways to block cancers from metastasizing to paternal bonds in Shakespeare’s plays, Wilson students shared their works and contributed to our understanding of science, medicine, art, and civilization.

Research was presented either in person or on display via posters in the library’s Lenfest Learning Commons and the Brooks Science Center. Seventy-five students representing multiple disciplines participated. A full list of the day’s presentations can be found online at www.wilson.edu/srd2023.

At the closing of Student Research Day, students from all disciplines were honored by their professors for exemplary and outstanding academic merit and achievement. A total of 55 awards were presented, including the prestigious Margaret Criswell Disert Honors Scholarship to Lydia Story ’24. Established in 1993 in memory of Margaret Disert, Dean Emerita, of the class of 1920, is annually awarded to a rising senior who has, in the judgement of the Selection Committee, submitted the proposal for Senior Advanced Study and Research considered the most worthy of support. Louise Barsy Colgan ’80 and Sean Colgan have generously endowed student research grants and the underwriting of the “Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day” to honor two Wilson College alumnae—Louise Barsy Colgan and her mother, Helen Yeager “HiY” Barsy ’44. The Colgans hope their
support encourages students to passionately pursue their interests and to follow the patterns of the universe’s minute and immense handiwork.

Many thanks to the Wilson College Parents Council for hosting a networking breakfast to kick-off the day’s activities.

ISSUE: Summer 2023 CATEGORY: Around the Green TAGS: student research day, students

RELATED: ArtsFest The Rhubarb Over Rhubarb Scarlet’s Letter

The Rhubarb Over Rhubarb

July 25, 2023

Flavor your next dessert with rhubarb.
By Jennifer Cisney

People have argued for years over whether rhubarb is a fruit or a vegetable. While it’s considered a vegetable botanically, most cooks consider it a fruit. In 1947 a New York customs judge tried to settle the argument by legally declaring it a fruit. The cooks may have won that round, but the botanists haven’t given up, and the controversy continues. Could this be why Merriam Webster states that the word “rhubarb” can also mean “a heated argument or dispute”?

Rhubarb is most often used in desserts such as crumbles, pies, and tarts, so much so that another name for it is “pie plant.” Aside from stirring up the fruit/veggie controversy, rhubarb has a lot going for it. The rich, tart stalks are low in calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol while high in fiber. Rhubarb is also a source of vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals potassium and calcium.

The rhubarb pictured here was picked from a row of plants at Wilson College’s Fulton Farm. Rhubarb is very easy to grow, taking up little room, and tolerating the cold. It actually does better in cooler climates, making it more common in northern states. The plants don’t require much care and do not have problems with disease or pests. Since rhubarb is a perennial, like asparagus, it will produce stalks for five to 20 years. Rhubarb is one of the first treats in the garden ready to harvest in late spring/early summer. The redder the stalk, the sweeter it will taste. Some folks will eat the stalks fresh, simply dipped in sugar.

Avoid the leaves, however. They are toxic because they contain oxalic acid. Rhubarb first grew in Asia, where it was used as a medicinal plant. It was imported from China to Europe in the 160os and later brought to North America. In the early 1770s, Benjamin Franklin sent seeds to horticulturalist John Bartram in Philadelphia.

The historical record doesn’t say if the men got into a rhubarb about the seeds growing into vegetables or fruits. Perhaps the one thing we can all agree on is that rhubarb is, in fact, delicious.

Rhubarb Syrup

Use this syrup to pour over ice cream, fold into whipped cream, or mix with lemonade or sparkling water.

Ingredients

4 cups of chopped rhubarb 1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Instructions

Bring the rhubarb, vanilla, sugar, and water to a boil while stirring. Simmer for four minutes until the rhubarb is soft. Strain out the solids, let cool, and store in a jar or bottle.

Classic Rhubarb Crumble

This dessert is simple and easy to make. Try adding in other fruits like strawberries or blueberries.

Topping Ingredients

1/3 cup oats
1 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped cold butter 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Pinch of salt

Filling Ingredients

6 cups of chopped rhubarb 1 cup of sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp of flour

Instructions

Mix the topping ingredients in a bowl. Toss the filling ingredients in a baking dish. Sprinkle the topping over the filling and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until topping is browned. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

ISSUE: Summer 2023 CATEGORY: Around the Green TAGS: fulton farm, recipe

RELATED: ArtsFest Student Research Day Scarlet’s Letter

Scarlet’s Letter

July 24, 2023

I pawsitively love these oppurrtunities to curl up with you, share a saucer of tea, and update you on the comings and goings here at wonderful Wilson College.

I raised a paw and bid a fond farewell to some close friends in May, but I anxiously await meeting an entirely new group of students this fall. Still, it should come as no surprise that life continues to be a delight. Why, you may even think that life here at Sharpe House has become somewhat dull, but you would be mistaken. Allow me to share with you a recent adventure that I had, which I have since dubbed “Miss Scarlet’s big night out.”

It began one evening last February. My dads were out of town, and I was home alone in Sharpe House. A visitor briefly stopped in, and when they left, to my surprise, they left the front door ajar! I was taken aback. At first, I did not know what to do. Would you believe, in my many years (a lady never reveals her true age), I had never been allowed outside on my own? But now, here was my chance, and I resolved to take it!

I crept out into the cold Pennsylvania evening. You may recall my dads had previously introduced me to campus
by pushing me around in my chariot (or what you would call a stroller). That fateful evening, I could venture in whichever direction I wished. Would I go towards Philadelphia Avenue? With all of those loud cars, that was simply out of the question. Perhaps I could visit my new horse friends at the equestrian center, or maybe I would go give kisses to some of my favorite students. Why, I was entirely overwhelmed with the pawsibilites that I had to lie down. I determined the best course was to return to the warmth of my bed in Sharpe House.

To my utter horror, the front door had blown shut! I was locked out of my home, in the middle of the night, with no one to help me! Where would I go? Who could I call? Then it struck me. Of course! I could go visit my dear friend Agatha, the groundhog. She would know what to do.

I quietly crept under Sharpe House, where Agatha and her family reside. I meowed out her name once, twice, thrice, but to no avail. Agatha has always been such a heavy sleeper, particularly in the winter. So there I huddled, cold, scared, and alone. What would I do? Was I forever locked out of my home? I slowly drifted off as night turned into morning.

“Miss Scarlet,” I heard someone faintly call out. Was I dreaming? “Miss Scarlet.” There it was again! Why it was Miss Mit, one of my dad’s most trusted friends. She must have noticed I was missing, and she, along with her friend Miss Cassandra, had come to find me. I was saved! I meowed out to them, and they quickly gathered me up and brought me inside.

Truly, what an adventure, can you believe it? This entire experience gave me a new appreciation for my home in Sharpe House. My dad always says to alums, “Come home. Come home often.” Now I get what he means!

Speaking of home sweet home, how wonderful to see so many of you at what I have come to learn is an annual gathering of Wilson alums each June. Some of whom Dad has described as the College’s biggest supporters came by for a reception, but no one seemed inclined to share their food with me. Dad was certainly excited about the weekend. He toiled a great deal over his big speech, preventing me from my coveted lap time, which has been sparse the last few years since he is “on the road,” as he says. When I protested this lack of time to cuddle, he stated he would be home more “when the campaign was done.”

So naturally, I asked, “How do we end this campaign?” He said, “We need to reach our goal,” and then something about $16 million. Dear readers, might you help us reach the goal so I can get more lap time? You sure would make this lady very happy by helping to have her dad home for lap time.

All my best, and until next time.

ISSUE: Summer 2023 CATEGORY: Around the Green TAGS: scarlet

RELATED: ArtsFest Student Research Day The Rhubarb Over Rhubarb

Sports Wrap: Summer 2023

July 24, 2023

The Phoenix make history.
by Logan Smith, Director of Athletic Communications

WOMEN’S LACROSSE had a historic season, setting program records and achieving their first winning season. They won their first four games, a feat never accomplished before. Nine players received All-CSAC honors, with Jill Ahlgren (Junior) leading the nation in caused turnovers and Krystal Kienast (Junior) excelling in goal, ranking third in Division III with a 6.54 goals-against average. The team finished with a 12-5 record and reached the CSAC Championship final for the second time in three seasons.

MEN’S GOLF improved as the season went on and culminated with defeating a CSAC rival in the United East Championships in late April. Robert Kozicki (First-year) turned in the top card for the Phoenix to help them finish in front of Clarks Summit. While the Phoenix competed in the United East for the 2021-22 season, this was the first time playing in the conference championships since the CSAC and United East announced their intention to merge in December.

The MEN’S BASKETBALL team made history by winning back-to-back CSAC championships and securing a second consecutive NCAA Championship tournament berth. They achieved a program-record 12 consecutive wins to claim the league crown. Despite a loss to the defending national champions, they finished the season 19-9, the second-most wins in program history. Four seniors, Darryl Garib, Antonio Bussey, Rick Godwin Jr., and Jordan Miles, received all- conference honors.

SOFTBALL showcased the importance of finishing strong. On the final day of the regular season,
the Phoenix needed to sweep Notre Dame to secure a postseason berth. Miraculously, Wilson achieved, winning a four-way tiebreaker for the final playoff spot. In the tournament, they defeated No. 4 Keystone, pulled off an upset against top-seeded Cedar Crest, and finished in the third position. Alyssa Wenger (Junior) and Haley Privett (Junior) received All- CSAC First Team honors, while Kaesey Greene (Senior) was recognized on the All-Sportsmanship Team.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL had their best season in program history, matching the record of eight wins set by the 2016-17 team but with a higher winning percentage. They made their third consecutive appearance in the CSAC Championship semifinals. Xavier Webber (First-year) had an outstanding performance and received multiple honors, including being selected for the All-CSAC First Team and named Rookie of the Year. Saria Alshaikhali (Junior), Jacob McCoy (First-year), and Demetrious Simmons (First-year) received honorable mentions, while Noah Wickenheiser (Senior) was chosen for the All-Sportsmanship Team.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL also had an outstanding season, their best in over 20 years. With a record of 16-9, they achieved the most wins since the 2018-19 season and their best winning percentage since 2000-01. Samira Murphy (Senior) led the team and received All-CSAC Second Team honors. Adrianna Stricek (First-year) and Madison Ross (Senior) also earned All-CSAC recognition. Stricek was a top contender for Rookie of
the Year and received an honorable mention. Ross was selected for the All-Sportsmanship Team. Noteworthy highlights include matching a win streak from the 1999-2000 season and Murphy’s induction into the 1,000 Point Club.

BASEBALL had a remarkable fifth season, achieving record-breaking results that will be remembered for years. The Phoenix led not only the NCAA but also the NAIA and JUCO with a .390 team batting average. They topped Division III in runs per game and slugging percentage. Wilson’s batting average broke a longstanding CSAC record, and the team set a new league mark with
597 total hits. Ten players received All-CSAC honors, including Player of the Year Michael Marrale (Fifth-Year) and Pitcher of the Year Chris Baumann (Sophomore). Multiple players were named to the all-region teams, with Marrale earning All-American honors. Marrale signed a pro contract with the Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association of Professional Baseball. The team finished with a program-record 34-10 record and were runners-up in the CSAC.

In WESTERN, Julie Warnick (First-year) had an incredible rookie campaign. Under first-year head coach Cathy Woosley Luse, Warnick was able to win a regional championship in open reining. As a team, the Phoenix finished sixth in the region with many goals accomplished despite not having a full team. Warnick went on to compete in the IHSA Semifinals in Florida.

HUNT SEAT also had a successful year under the guidance of head coach McKenna Debus. Judith Wolf (Sophomore) and Julia Johnson (Senior) represented the Phoenix in IHSA Zones hosted by Centenary University. Wolf competed in individual limit over fences and finished fifth, while Johnson was sixth in intermediate equitation on the flat. Both just missed qualifying for nationals, as only the top four moved on to the finals. As a team, the season was highlighted by being named the High Point Team at its home invitational in February.

#RiseUp

…is more than just a social media tag; it’s a rallying cry that resonates deep within our athletic teams. This year, our student- athletes shattered records and achieved feats never witnessed before. Together, we rise, united in pursuit of greatness.

53 Wilson student-athletes

…placed on the CSAC Winter/ Spring All-Academic Team. This is the third consecutive year Wilson posted more than 50 students!

FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR,
Wilson has been awarded the President’s Cup for the overall and women’s athletics programs by the Colonial States Athletic Conference.
Overall

Women

Men

NEW COMPETITION
In June, Wilson’s primary athletic conference, the CSAC, announced a merger with UnitedEast making way for new rivalries.

ISSUE: Summer 2023 CATEGORY: Around the Green TAGS: athletics, news

RELATED: ArtsFest Student Research Day The Rhubarb Over Rhubarb