NewsNotes Letters to the Editor I enjoyed reading “A Celebration of Heritage” in your most recent magazine. The Roots of VMC Still Alive was interesting. Thank you for your paragraph on the first nursing program offering a BSN at VMC in 1953. I know Gannon is doing a good job in the nursing programs that are being offered. We are fortunate to have these programs in our area. I wish you all continued success. Marilynn Krull ’57 VMC Your fine article about tradition is especially interesting to me. I am an Episcopalian and our religion is based on three elements. We compare these elements to a three-legged stool. The first is Scripture, then tradition, and finally reason. Whereas reason adds new traditions to our systems, those new traditions must become effective by adoption and use. Very likely some very good traditions fall by the wayside through lack of recognition or initial interest. Does Gannon have a course or courses about traditions—what they are, how did they come about, how do new ones come about? I believe traditions are important enough that we devote some energy and resources to defining and nurturing them. Robert E. Alexander ’76M Dear Robert, Yes! We do have courses about tradition as part of our Core of Discovery requirements. Our Theology II Series includes classes such as Catholic Tradition, Protestant Tradition, and Christianity and World Religions (with an emphasis either on Western or Eastern Traditions). We also host events such as International Night, which recognizes and celebrates traditions from around the world. Like you, Gannon very much believes that tradition is worth discovering and nurturing. Thanks for writing!
Faculty and Staff News Six faculty members were approved for tenure during the May Board of Trustees’ Meeting: Gregory Andraso, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology; Rick Diz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering; Kristine Legters, D.Sc., Associate Professor of Physical Therapy; Carolynn Masters, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Nursing; Edward Philips, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology; and Wook-Sung Yoo, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Computer and Information Sciences. In addition, Gong Chen, Ph.D., of Mechanical Engineering received a promotion to full professor, and several faculty members were promoted to the rank of associate professor: Gregory Andraso, Ph.D., of Biology; Linda Fleming, Ph.D., of Counseling Psychology; Michelle Homan, Ph.D., of Environmental Sciences and Engineering; Edward Phillips, Ph.D., of Biology; Monica Pierri-Galvao, Ph.D., of Mathematics; Weslene Tallmadge, Ph.D., of Chemistry; and David Tobin, Ph.D., of Counseling Psychology. Pamela Reynolds, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, recently was named a finalist for Campus Compact’s 2005 Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service-Learning. The Ehrlich Award is a national award given annually to a faculty member in recognition of exemplary leadership in advancing the civic learning of students. Dr. Kristine Legters, Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, recently presented her research findings at the Ninth International Conference on Post-Polio Health and Ventilator-Assisted Living. Legters, a polio survivor herself, has experienced firsthand the importance of improving the quality of life for polio survivors. Kristine Legters, D.Sc., demonstrates an exercise that helps those affected by poor balance.
Grants and Endowments The Charlotte Newcombe Foundation awarded the University $22,000 to continue the Newcombe Scholarships for Mature Women Students in the 2005-06 academic year. The University has received grant funding from the foundation since 1998, and this year’s grant was increased by a $2,000 matching component, which challenges the University to find additional funding specifically for the Newcombe Scholarship. The grant recognizes returning women students of 25 years or older who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, a second bachelor’s degree, or a post-baccalaureate certificate. The Winner Foundation, founded by James Winner, awarded the University $50,000. Winner, best-known as the inventor of the car safety device, The Club, was a guest speaker in the Executive on Campus series in February 1998 and also previously received an honorary degree from the University.
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Brian Fargo ’71 speaks at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner.
The University also received an endowment from an alumnus, Brian Fargo ’71. Fargo donated a $20,000 scholarship to be awarded to students in the Dahlkemper School of Business who are returning to school after serving in the military.