Spring 2025 / Departments

The Heart of a Wilson Education

MICHAEL CORNELIUS, PH.D., DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

JOSHUA LEGG, M.F.A., DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND GRADUATE STUDIES

For much of the last two decades in the United States, politicians, the media, parents, and students have raised questions about the value of a liberal arts and sciences education. A tremendous amount of those concerns is driven by volatile economics, market trends, and the staggering pace of technological changes and how those things impact the world around us. That sometimes leads to concerns about whether Wilson College might relinquish our historical commitment to this time-tested approach to education. Those questions are occasionally fueled by the further development of Wilson’s professional and graduate studies programs.

We are pleased to share, however, that Wilson College remains true to our historical, fundamental belief in the power and importance of an education rooted in the liberal arts and sciences. That is central to all of our undergraduate programs, and to the greatest existent possible, we design our graduate programs to align with those shared values as well. In fact, many faculty, staff, and administrators often choose to work here because we believe in the liberal arts and sciences individually as much as we do as a community.

The cornerstones of a liberal arts and sciences education—the natural sciences, the social sciences, the arts, and the humanities—have been the cornerstone of Western education for millennia for a reason. Together they are the most effective preparation in our society for a student to best understand, navigate, and succeed in the world around them.

The central tenants or themes of this approach to education help a student develop an expansive lens through which they can better understand the world around them, from both historical and contemporary perspectives, while also being prepared to contemplate and plan for the future.

At Wilson, those considerations are exemplified in our undergraduate Institutional Learning Goals and the liberal arts and sciences curriculum that emerges from those goals (commonly called a general education curriculum). That curriculum provides a broad knowledge base, teaches critical thinking and communication skills, helps students adapt to change, and develops ethical discernment. It also encourages the kind of curiosity that leads to lifelong learning. Those components then help the student become successful in their individual majors, and later in their respective careers.

While Wilson’s liberal arts and science curriculum has changed (and will continue to change) over time in order to better meet student needs in any given era, the curriculum still provides students with an extensive range of courses and topic options that allows them to explore their own interests. That gives them agency in their individual educations, and hopefully in their lives after Wilson as well.

Even as the world and the nation continue to evolve, the liberal arts and sciences remain at the heart of a Wilson education.

Why hello there!

Purr-haps you will forgive me for intruding on your day, but I feel it is my duty to share the latest whisker-twitching updates from our beloved campus here in dear Chambersburg.

I am hopeful that winter is nearly over. My dear friend Agatha the groundhog is still hibernating, bless her sleepy little heart, but I know she’ll emerge soon to join me in welcoming spring. She always says there’s nothing quite like the first blooms on campus, and I must agree. The daffodils and tulips are truly the cat’s meow.

Until then, I enjoy what I must of the lonely winter. Our grounds are simply claw-some this time of year. The snow has transformed the campus into a glittering wonderland. While I prefer to admire the snow from my window perch in Sharpe House (a dignified cat avoids cold paws, after all), I know students enjoy playing in the snow on campus and going downtown to IceFest. Can you believe they still have not made an ice sculpture of yours truly? I guess the festival is not as great as they think it is.

The spring semester is in full swing, and my whiskers are positively tingling with excitement over all the wonderful things happening here at Wilson. The campus is alive with activity, and the students are as industrious as ever. Between classes, club meetings, and events, I’m reminded of just how paws-itively energetic our Phoenix family can be.

One of the highlights this semester is the annual ArtsFest in April. The campus will be transformed into a vibrant showcase of art, music, and performances. I’ve already heard whispers of some truly impressive student creations—though I must say, they could use a touch more red and white to match my own fabulous fur!

As for me, life is simply purr-fect. Between my naps and my ever-important duties of supervising my dad, I’ve been making my royal rounds at events at Sharpe House, offering a regal purr and a flick of my tail to remind everyone who is truly in charge.

To my dear alumnae, alumni, and friends, your support is the cat’s whiskers. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to enhance student programs and maintain our cherished traditions. Your contributions are as treasured as a sunbeam on a winter’s day. I do hope you’ll visit—it would make my whiskers wiggle with joy to see you back on campus.

As we curl up and reflect on the past year, I want to leave you with this: whether you are near or far, you are always part of the Wilson family. May your hearts be as warm as my favorite spot by the radiator, and may your spirits be as light as a feather toy. Here is wishing you a purr-fectly delightful spring season filled with joy and love. Until next time.

P.S. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Reunion in May! I’ll be there, fur-shionably early, to greet you all.

Celebrating Sarah Wilson

Highlights of this year’s Sarah Wilson Week included a trivia night, an Odds vs. Evens capture the flag event, a Halloween Spooktacular costume party, and a trunk-or-treat event for the community hosted by WCGA (see photos on page 20). The weeklong festivities culminated with a special look at the life of Sarah Wilson presented by Maxine Wagenhoffer, director of the Hankey Center for the History of Women’s Education, after which items that belonged to Sarah and her family were on display courtesy of the C. Elizabeth Boyd ’33 Archives.

Creating Belonging on Campus

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Wilson community welcomed Carlos Andrés Gómez to campus in September for a presentation of his engaging program called “Creating and Belonging on Campus.” By sharing his poetry and storytelling, he gave insights into fostering inclusion and belonging.

The event also included a Spanish poem read by Melina Bromsoe, Fulbright Scholar and foreign language teaching assistant, with an English translation by Wendell Smith, associate professor of Spanish.

Gómez is a Colombian American poet, speaker, actor, and inclusion strategist from New York City. He is the author of two poetry books, “Fractures” winner of the Felix Pollak Prize in Poetry and “Hijito” winner of the Broken River Prize, and the memoir “Man Up: Reimagining Modern Manhood.” Gómez is also a star of HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam,” TV One’s “Verses and Flow,” and Spike Lee’s #1 box office movie “Inside Man” with Denzel Washington.

Passing on Some Pawsitive Vibes

Students welcomed the opportunity to pet some pups during a “Pawsitive Vibes” session sponsored by the John Stewart Memorial Library. Therapy dogs from Kindly Canines in Chambersburg spent a few hours in the Lenfest Learning Commons in December to help students take a break from studying and unleash their stress over finals. Goldens, boxers, labs, beagles, spaniels, and other breeds were on hand to meet and greet the students and maybe give a few snuggles. All Kindly Canines therapy dogs have passed therapy dog testing and are registered and insured with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national therapy dog organization.

Honor Society Welcomes Nursing Students

In December 2024, the Omega Eta Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing welcomed 15 Wilson students as new members. The ceremony included remarks by Mindy Guinard, Ed.D., RN, director of nursing and health services, who spoke on “What Sigma did for me, what it can do for you.” The Omega Eta Chapter is dedicated to promoting nursing scholarship, service, and leadership in Franklin County and surrounding communities.

Homegrown Produce Available at Farm Markets

Tim Gacquin, college farmer, welcomed community members to the Fulton Farm Market Stand at the Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies this fall. The cash and carry market offered plenty of seasonal, fresh, naturally grown produce and the popular farm T-shirts which were back in stock!

Sampling International Diversity

Students from 12 different countries shared tasty dishes from around the world during a Muhibbah Sampler Night held on November 14 in the Jensen Dining Hall. The event was a huge success and provided a chance for the community to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.

The international students shared their rich cultures, histories, struggles, and achievements with attendees in different ways. First, they included poster presentations to display cultural items, share facts about their countries, and answer questions. Then, they held a fun trivia night to bring everyone together to learn more about their countries in an interactive way.

And of course, the food was a big highlight! Dining services did an amazing job offering dishes from around the world, inspired by the international students’ home countries. From flavorful Pakistani biryani to delicious Thai desserts, the food truly gave everyone a taste of different cultures.

As we turn the page of the calendar to a new year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary momentum we have had at Wilson College. Together, we have celebrated milestones and overcome challenges.

It is no secret that higher education is navigating uncharted waters. Institutions across the nation face significant hurdles, yet here at Wilson, we are not only weathering the storm, but we are on a path to thriving. Including the online students who began during the second term, the fall 2024 enrollment set a record of 1,903 students, a 40% increase in two years. This is testament to the enduring appeal of the type of education we provide and the dedication of our faculty, staff, alumnae, alumni, and donors who make Wilson a place where students want to learn, grow, and succeed.

Looking ahead, we have more opportunities to rise together. As we approach the conclusion of the We Rise campaign on June 30, 2025, I am inspired by the generosity and commitment of our Wilson community. I am pleased to say that we have not only blown past our initial goal but have recently surpassed our upwardly revised goal of $20 million.

Thanks to your support, we are providing important aid to our students, better supporting our faculty and staff, and helping to grow the College’s enrollment. But we are not done yet. We want to reach even higher, and we need everyone to be part of this moment. Whether it is your first gift or your fiftieth, your contribution makes an impact. Together, we can ensure Wilson continues to thrive for generations to come. Of course, our success in this moment is built upon decades of hard work by so many. In this issue, we pause to celebrate the life and contributions of one of our impactful leaders, Donald F. Bletz H’20, Ph.D. Dr. Bletz served as interim president from 1979 to 1981 and professor emeritus of business and government. He passed away on January 13, 2025, at age 99. We are forever grateful for the guidance and calm, practical leadership he brought to Wilson during one of the most challenging times in our history as an institution. He will be missed.

I hope you will feel a sense of pride and belonging as you read through this Spring issue of Wilson Magazine. Wilson is more than a college; it’s a community that rises together—through challenges, through triumphs, and always toward a brighter future. Enjoy engaging articles written about and by some of our international students and their observations of life at Wilson. Delve into Professor Philip Lindsey’s artistic journey during his recent sabbatical and the exhibition created from his artwork from that time. Learn who is stepping up to help lead the Alumni Association of Wilson College next year. Each piece of this publication reflects the diversity and resilience of our student body and serves as a reminder of the extraordinary community we have built together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let us finish this academic year and the We Rise campaign strong, united by our shared belief in the transformative power of a Wilson education.

With gratitude and optimism,

Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D.

President, Wilson College

Rising Above: We Rise Campaign Soars

Have you heard the amazing news? Thanks to your generosity and support, Wilson’s We Rise campaign has surpassed the initial goal of $16 million AND exceeded the stretch goal of $20 million! However, we are not finished yet. In true Wilson fashion, we plan to finish strong.

President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. is thrilled with progress thus far. “What the Wilson family has already achieved is nothing short of remarkable, but we must not rest on our laurels. We must continue to dream bigger and rise higher.”

At a time when small colleges across the country are threatened, it is important for students and parents to see the successes happening at Wilson. Prospective students need to feel the momentum and long-term viability of the College and embrace the education she offers. Each of the priority focus areas of the We Rise campaign were selected with this in mind – the key areas that can help move Wilson forward. Each priority directly supports providing an outstanding Wilson education, rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, and will help to ensure students today, and for decades to come, are able to benefit from Wilson’s personalized student experience.

Scholarships

At the heart of Wilson is our commitment to providing access to an affordable, quality education for all students. And, while Wilson has taken steps to maintain a competitive tuition rate, the availability of state and federal financial aid has not kept pace with the cost of attaining a college degree.

Growth

Initiatives These dollars will directly support future academic and co-curricular programming. To remain relevant in the competitive world of higher education, we must continue to evolve and refine our offerings to ensure Wilson meets the academic requirements and personal needs of current and future generations of students.

Faculty & Staff Support

Recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff are key to the College’s future success and longevity. We must also ensure they have access to the technology, resources, and facilities required to deliver a quality Wilson education.

Debt Reduction

Fund Over time, Wilson has amassed a significant debt load due to various capital projects, a challenging amount for a college of our size. In addition, the debt requires meeting challenging covenants, further limiting our institution.

Wilson Fund & Unrestricted Giving

Yearly gifts to the College’s annual fund have long been how alumnae, alumni, parents, friends, and students demonstrate their commitment and support of Wilson. This focus area gives Wilson the most operational flexibility, allowing the institution to respond as needed, when needed, to unanticipated needs.

So many of our alumnae, alumni, and friends have stepped forward and made significant gifts to the We Rise campaign, and we thank you. We are especially grateful for those who have chosen to offer inspiration (and motivation) to the Wilson community with financial matches. Thank you all for leading the way.

“As we enter the final stage of the campaign, we must finish strong. While we have achieved our overall campaign goal, I know together we can go further in support of Wilson. You can help us rise above the goal by making a financial gift to our spring Wilson Fund drive,” shared Angela Zimmann, Ph.D., CFRE, vice president for Institutional Advancement.

If you have not joined us in supporting the We Rise campaign, you still have time. The campaign will officially conclude at midnight on June 30, 2025. Aim higher and dream bigger on behalf of and for Wilson. Help us achieve a conclusion to the We Rise campaign that defies expectations. Make a gift today.

Visit www.wilson.edu/ways-give to learn how you can contribute to the We Rise campaign.