Spring/Summer 2024 / Departments

Nearly every day I wear something that says Wilson College: a shirt with our logo, a lapel pin on a suit, or even Wilson socks. Inevitably, someone will stop me and ask, “Do you have a connection to Wilson College?” I beam with pride and exclaim, “Yes, I am her president!”

Recently, as I was boarding a flight, one of these moments occurred. The alumna was a graduate of our Single Parent Scholars Program, and I felt honored to hear about her success. Although our fellow passengers may have been frustrated that we were holding up the boarding process, I just could not help myself. I needed to hear her story. On another trip, I was in a very rural part of Scotland when someone recognized me as I was wearing a Wilson hat. It just goes to show that Wilson is indeed a global place.

These moments remind me of the Wilson connections that are all around us. These connections are student to faculty, alum to alum, or even president to alum, to only name a few. These connections are a critical part of Wilson. Our relationships with one another make a Wilson education unique.

This issue of Wilson Magazine explores connections happening on campus today. As you read, you will learn of the impact that a modern Wilson education has on its students—an education that prepares them to think critically, creatively, and analytically; live and work honorably; and work with groups of people who are different from themselves while still preparing them for that oh so important first career that our students and their parents seek.

While Wilson has evolved greatly over the last 155 years, one thing remains a central focus: the student experience. I am so proud of the work that we do to transform lives day in and day out, year after year, decade after decade.

This year, we are providing that experience to more students than nearly ever before. Our success is a true collective effort. It takes each of us: alumnae and alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, students, families, friends, and Trustees to bring about our many accomplishments this year. I boast loudly about how we are all rowing in the same direction to ensure that Wilson thrives into the future and continues to make a transformative impact on our students and the communities in which they live.

I write this letter to you as our academic year comes to a close and I look back on all we have accomplished together: we dramatically increased the number of new students; we retained more students; we achieved fundraising records; and we balanced our budget multiple years in a row, despite an unbelievably challenging economic climate. And yet, our work is not complete. The Wilson education needs to impact more students and we need to continue providing those students with the experiences that ensure they are successful in their early career and beyond. We need to meet the now bolder goal for the We Rise campaign. And with your help, I know we will achieve these lofty ambitions.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our small, but mighty college. I remain so humbled and honored to lead this wonderful academic community.

Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D.

By Cassandra Latimer

The Wilson College community had a unique opportunity to participate in an interactive public art project during ArtsFest, April 1 – 5, 2024. Known as the UNITY Project (UNITY), the installation examined how labels both help and hinder our ability to build unity in our communities. The goal was to raise consciousness about the labels we give ourselves and others and explore how those labels both support and limit how we connect with each other.

UNITY is a circular arrangement of 32 poles in an outdoor space. Each pole is labeled with an identifier. For example, “I’m a parent,” “I speak English as Making Connections Through Diversity a Second Language,” “I identify as LGBTQIA+.” With raspberry-colored yarn, community members were encouraged to tie to each pole with which they identify. A beautiful canopy of interconnectedness soon formed in front of Warfield Hall – visually demonstrating how we are all connected by something.

Eddie Campbell, a first-year student from Crownsville, Md., volunteered with the project. They were instrumental in painting the identifier poles, staffing the project, and prepping a large chalkboard that stood beside pole number 32 with the words “I am…” This pole encouraged participants to write their own unique identifier. Campbell agrees the project did a nice job of sharing how interconnected we all are. “(Many people) focus on just labels and not what is behind the labels.”

Dillon Beede, director of choral activities and chair of Music, shares Eddie’s thoughts on labels. “I think we often get wrapped up in a singular aspect of our identity or in our perceptual identity of others and this project was a great opportunity for our community to see that we all intersect in a lot of meaningful ways. It speaks to the transformational power of art.”

Too many times in our society, labels frame our beliefs about others. When we take the time to unpack those labels and assumptions, we can start to relate to one another without judgment, without preconceived notions. It is within this judgement-free space that we can learn to listen to and appreciate everyone for who they truly are.

And that’s the space that Wilson tries so hard to create for her family members – a welcoming environment in which each individual or group is respected, supported, and valued. We embrace differences and offer respect in our words and actions. “We all have different experiences and ways of thinking,” shared Campbell. It’s that individuality that makes the Wilson family so successful. Wilson is the place that embraces and encourages her students to find their uniqueness, their passion, to find their bold!

The UNITY Project certainly gives us much to think about … and celebrate. Learn more about the UNITY Project at unityproject.net. #OneWilson

By Wilson’s Favorite Feline

Why hello there!

I do hope all is well with you and yours.

Life has been quite exciting for yours truly. For years, I have heard my dad speak about Wilson students
going out into the world and making it a better place, when it struck me, why shouldn’t I do the same?

Indeed, I have been here in Sharpe House for the past four years, which is not a terrible place to be, but there is so much of the world Miss Scarlet has yet to see. But where would I go, what would I do? Well surely the most cosmopolitan cat deserves the most cosmopolitan city, so I decided that I simply must visit New York City. Come along readers, as Miss Scarlet takes the city!

Upon arriving in the city and departing my train, I was greeted by a whole host of new sights, sounds, and smells. I knew immediately, New York City would be nothing like my dear Chambersburg. Still, all the people I saw were very friendly and welcoming. As my dad pushed me in my stroller along the sidewalk, many strangers would stop us to smile, say hi to me, and welcome me to their city. I pawsitively felt like a celebrity. I should have been signing pawtographs!

After getting settled in the city, one of the first places I chose to visit was Central Park. Dear reader, have you been to this park? Oh my, was it big. It must have been nearly twice as large as the Mistick Quad at Wilson College! And just like at Wilson, I saw horses in this park! You may recall that I have befriended the Wilson horses, and visit them regularly. I attempted to have a conversation with these horses, but they told me they were working, and had no time for idle chit chat. Clearly our Wilson College horses lead much happier lives.

From there, my next destination was a place called Times Square. Dear me, the lights and sounds here were all nearly overwhelming. There were so many people and so many things to see. I noticed a lot of talk about these Broadway shows, which prompted me to do some research of my own. Did you know there was a musical on Broadway called Cats? I can only assume it was a massive success, as we were finally afforded the respect that we deserve. I told my dad all about my research on Broadway, and he agreed with me that more of the Wilson community should be exposed to this. In fact, he is bringing a group of Wilson friends back to New York City this summer to have a Wilson on Broadway experience. I simply cannot wait to see how this turns out.

After my whirlwind visit of New York City, it was time to board my train and return home. In recounting my adventures to my dear friend Agatha the groundhog, she cannot believe a city like this even exists. Indeed, New York seems to be a special place, but between you and me, I much prefer my dear home of Wilson College. I would trade the sights, smells, and excitement of the city for the people, fellow animals, and peacefulness that our lovely community provides. My dad always sings “For there is no place like Wilson,” and now I know, he is right. And you, dear reader, have you visited New York City? What other destinations do you recommend I visit? Please let me know. Until next time.

By Jennifer Cisney

If you are an impatient gardener, you can count on radishes to be the first vegetable to show up to the party. This crispy, slightly spicy root veggie is fast-growing, taking only 25 days to go from seed to harvest. The scientific name for radishes is even Raphanus, a Greek word which means “quickly appearing.” Radishes are also easy to grow, making it a perfect choice for those new to gardening. An added benefit to having radishes in your garden is they protect nearby crops from unwanted pests like beetles and worms. A certain chemical that radishes release into the soil is a natural pest repellant.

Radishes originated from China, and spread to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Ancient Egyptians placed them in tombs as offerings and ancient Greeks made gold radishes as offerings to the Greek god Apollo. By 1629, radishes had made their way to Massachusetts.

There are several varieties of radishes, such as daikon, black radish, and the most popular red globe radish. A radish’s flavor is in the skin so if peeled, it loses that peppery bite. Radish leaves and sprouts are also edible in salads or side dishes.

When it comes to nutrition, these little roots pack a punch. They are a great source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin, folic acid, calcium, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. One cup of sliced radishes is only 19 calories, and they are low in sodium.

Radishes are good for the digestive system because they are high in fiber, and they also contain a special antioxidant compound that detoxifies the body. Eating radishes can reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

In the past, some cultures had superstitions involving rajs. Some people believed you could keep away evil spirits by carrying a radish in your pocket while others looked to it as a symbol of fertility.

Every December 23, the city of Oaxaca, Mexico hosts an annual festival called Noche de Rábanos, or the Night of the Radishes. During the event, participants carve large purple radishes into all kinds of sculptures to compete for prizes.

In the United States, farmers grow radishes across the country, with California and Florida leading in production. The U.S. consumes 400 million pounds of radishes in one year.

You can be sure to find radishes amongst the other vegetables at Fulton Farm on the campus of Wilson College. Radishes have become the farm’s spokes-vegetable. Back in the early days of the farm, artist Anne Finucane, also one of the first members of the farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), volunteered to create an image that Fulton Farm could use in its marketing. Her design features a cluster of nine red radishes. Finucane shared, “I am still always really inspired by the freshness of local produce, and radishes, with their beautiful combination of bright red and green, are a favorite.” Finucane continues to paint, draw, and make block prints of vegetables that are available at the local Chambersburg artist co-op, The Foundry. Today you can still find that design on Fulton Farm t-shirts and the farm’s Facebook profile picture.

Simple Radish Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS
1 small baguette or other bread
8 tablespoons ( 1 stick) of room temperature, unsalted butter
8 radishes, thinly sliced
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon salt

INSTRUCTIONS
Generously spread butter on your sliced baguette or other bread.
Sprinkle on the salt. Layer the radishes slices over the butter.

NOTES
Try experimenting with herbs added to the butter such as
thyme or dill.

In the heart of every thriving institution lies the consistent and passionate efforts of its community. At Wilson College, this spirit of support is embodied by our Giving Every Month Society, affectionately known as GEMS. This program, started in 2021, offers an easy set-it- and-forget-it system that automatically makes a gift in any
amount chosen by the donor to the College on a designated date each month.

WHY MONTHLY GIVING?
Angela Zimmann, vice president for Institutional Advancement, shares “Monthly donations help Wilson College to carefully plan the budget for the year: when we have regular gifts, we can plan to pay our regular bills on a carefully organized schedule, much like a typical family plan for regular expenditures. Your monthly gift provides us with stability! ”

It allows us to plan with confidence, ensuring that the transformative education and individualized attention that define the Wilson experience remain accessible to every student. By spreading your support throughout the year, members of the GEMS society create a foundation of continuous assistance that directly impacts Wilson and her students.

“I began thinking about giving monthly to Wilson after realizing that I was in a good place financially and it was time to start giving back. I increased my gift because the pandemic brought into question the value of higher education. I believe there is a place for Wilson in the landscape of higher education even if it is not the same Wilson that I attended. I want Wilson to continue into the future.”
Marion Kendall ’72, Marietta, GA

BENEFITS TO DONORS
For our donors, joining the GEMS society simplifies the giving process. This system allows for smaller, more manageable contributions that make a significant impact over time. Additionally, monthly giving is an effortless way to remain connected to the College’s ongoing achievements and needs, keeping our alumni involved in our collective journey forward. At the end of the year, we will send you one combined receipt for tax purposes.

“I want to give back to a place that has done so much for me. I was ready to give up and then found Wilson. Wilson saved me and gave me new hope. I am not giving much and hope to increase soon, but I give what I can now”.
Brittany Reaver ’22 BSN, MSN anticipated ’25
Pediatric Surgical Nurse at Duke University Hospital

GEMS EXCLUSIVE
To honor the commitment of our GEMS members, we are delighted to offer an exclusive pair of Wilson College socks. These are not just any socks; they are one-of-a-kind to GEMS members and a fun way to keep Wilson close in everyday moments. Whether you’re lounging at home or out on the town, these socks let you carry a piece of Wilson pride wherever you go.

WEB: www.wilson.edu/phoenix-gems
PHONE: 717-262-2010
EMAIL: advancement@wilson.edu

DID YOU KNOW? JOINING GEMS
Becoming a member of the Giving Every Month Society is straightforward. You decide the amount you
wish to contribute monthly, and we take care of the rest. Your donations are automatically processed,
ensuring a hassle-free experience and continuous support for Wilson College and her students.