IMPACT
Inspiring Students to Pursue Lives of Purpose
Pre-med student obtains prestigious summer internship at Yale One of Waynesburg University’s academic trailblazers will spend the summer honing his research skills alongside seven other students selected from across the nation.
T
o say that Friday, Feb. 22, was a good day for Waynesburg University sophomore men’s
tennis player Isaiah Cochran may be an understatement. The Akron, Ohio, native opened up the 2013 spring season by going 2-0 in the Yellow Jackets’ 7-2 win at PittGreensburg. However, he had even better news waiting for him in his e-mail inbox. The day after his wins against UPG, Cochran was finally able to make his usual check of his electronic messages, but what he found was far from usual. The standout student-athlete, who is a
mechanics of cellular processes, protein
attend the American Medical Student
from Pennsylvania to Maine, including
pre-med major at Waynesburg, learned
function and misfolding or technology
Association (AMSA) convention, where
approximately 105 universities possessing
that he was offered a place in the Sackler/
and method development for integrated
he had the chance to meet a number of
NSF REU: Integrated Research at the
AMSA chapters in the region.
research.
pre-medical, medical, physical-therapy
Frontiers of the Biological, Physical and Engineering Sciences at Yale University’s Raymond and Beverly Sackler Institute for the summer of 2013. The Waynesburg sophomore will spend 10 weeks in New Haven, Conn., taking part in a program that will help prepare him for his desired career as a neurologist. Cochran’s once-in-a-lifetime experience begins May 26. The Sackler/NSF REU program provides
During the Sackler/NSF REU program, Cochran will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars
As he continues his journey at
and pre-physician assistant students from
Waynesburg, Cochran hopes to see
across the country.
more pre-professional students from the
On the first night of the convention,
University reach their aspirations in the
ranging from laboratory methods to
Cochran gave a speech in front of 1,500
health care field. Starting the AMSA
applying to graduate school. He will also
people for the pre-medical region one
chapter at Waynesburg and participating
present his work at a research symposium,
director position for AMSA, a student-
in the Sackler/NSF REU program are
which will be held in conjunction with
governed, national organization
only the beginning steps towards his
Yale’s SURF program and the CEMRI
committed to representing the concerns
determination to make a difference for
CRISP REU program at Yale.
of physicians-in-training. Cochran spoke
future students.
“Medicine is not about self-glory; it
of his drive for change and the steps he
“I am a trailblazer and don’t care about
is about doctoring, whether you have
would take to help others reach their
my own glory,” said Cochran. “I want to
10 weeks at Yale’s Raymond and Beverly
‘Dr.’ in front of your name or not,” said
goals in the field. Two days later, he was
see students come to Waynesburg because
Sackler Institute. Here, students have the
Cochran. “There is a revolution coming in
informed of his victory in the election.
of what we have to offer in science. I want
opportunity to train under the mentorship
medicine, and it is geared towards patient
He is now one of only five students in
students with drive and a passion for our
of faculty members through research. In
equality.”
the country holding a regional director
mission statement to come here, and I
position.
want them to have the chance to reach
research training for eight students for
accordance with the program leadership
Devoted to making a difference in
team, students selected for the program
the medical world, Cochran traveled
choose a research project from three areas:
to Washington, D.C., this spring to
Now, Cochran has the ability to
their ultimate potential in healthcare.”
assist and inform students in 12 states
University appoints new Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Planning
L
ast month, Waynesburg University
said Dr. Core. “It will be my honor to
was Associate Chief Justice of the
Sandy Watershed Association and
welcomed Dr. Jacquelyn J.
contribute to the ongoing success and
Appellate Moot Court Board.
the P. Pendleton Kennedy Chapter of
Core to the position of Vice
growth of Waynesburg University and
Prior to her time at West Virginia
President for Institutional Effectiveness
to have an opportunity to impact the
University, Core was a partner in the
at the Trinity United Presbyterian
and Planning. In her role, Core will
lives of so many incredible students.”
firm of Steptoe & Johnson, where she
Church in Uniontown, Pa.
facilitate the University’s strategic and
Core comes to Waynesburg University
tried more than 30 cases and gained
Trout Unlimited. Core is also an elder
She is an Executive Board Member
institutional effectiveness and direct
from West Virginia University where
significant regulatory and employment
of the Mountaineer Area Council
grant writing to support instructional
she was the Senior Deputy General
counseling experience as well as
of the Boy Scouts of America. In
objectives. She will serve as the
Counsel for Health Sciences and an
comprehensive risk management
addition, she has received the Celtic
institutional liaison to accrediting
assistant professor in the Medical
and risk reduction experience.
Cross Award, the highest scouting
and regulatory agencies in higher
Education Department. She earned
Exemplifying the mission of
award in the Presbyterian Church.
education and will provide information
a Bachelor of Arts degree in political
Waynesburg University, Core has always
necessary for institutional compliance.
science and her Juris Doctorate from
been active in her community, serving
in higher education coupled with her
West Virginia University. While in law
on the boards of the Greater Uniontown
strong Christian commitment will serve
mission and blessed to be joining the
school, she received the prestigious
Arts and Heritage Consortium, Arts
the University well,” said Executive
team at such a dynamic institution,”
Order of the Barristers Award and
Monongahela, Laurel Run of Big
Vice President Douglas G. Lee.
“I am excited to be a part of the
“Dr. Core’s considerable background
IMPACT NEWS & NOTES • The Glenn A. and Jane L. Crosby Lecture Series hosted Dr. Brenda K. Zierler Thursday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. Zierler presented “Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice” and discussed changing the way health professional students are educated for the 21st century. She is the Co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Brian Ross of a Macy Foundationfunded study and leads a group of interprofessional faculty and students in the development of a simulationbased, team training program to improve collaborative interprofessional communication both within teams and with patients. • Waynesburg University’s third annual Undergraduate Research Symposium was held Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m. in Alumni Hall. The event featured 51 student presenters including eight oral presentations and 20 poster presentations. Dr. Chad Sethman, assistant professor of biology at Waynesburg University, organized the event to emphasize the University’s opportunities for research while also allowing University students to gain experience in a professional environment. • Twenty-one Waynesburg University students were inducted into Sigma Beta Delta, the highest national recognition a business student can receive at a college or university with a Sigma Beta Delta chapter, Tuesday, April 23. Dr. Sut Sakchutchawarn, associate professor of business and Chapter Advisor for Sigma Beta Delta at Waynesburg University, presided over the induction ceremony. To be eligible for membership in Sigma Beta Delta, a business student must rank in the upper 20 percent of the junior, senior or master’s class and be invited to membership by the faculty officers. • Waynesburg University’s DeVito Lecture Series hosted Christine Todd Whitman Wednesday, April 24, in Alumni Hall. The featured lecture was titled “Women in Leadership: Does It Make a Difference?” Whitman is the president of The Whitman Strategy Group (WSG), a consulting firm that specializes in energy and environmental issues.
Alumna and Vice President at L’Oreal USA visits students, advocates for women in science
W
ith an office overlooking the busy streets of Fifth Avenue in New York, N.Y., Rebecca (Lewis) Caruso, a 1979 alumna, has traveled a long way from her days as an English major at Waynesburg University. Her experience at Waynesburg has led to a highly successful public relations career and her position as the Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications at L’Oreal USA. The Waynesburg University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter invited Caruso to speak to students as part of the Chapter’s third annual PR Week. Caruso happily accepted the invitation to speak about her career, her passion and her role as a vice president for a large company. In her current role, Caruso oversees all external communications efforts, including media relations, government relations, sustainable development, philanthropy and crisis communications for L’Oreal USA. She also manages two L’Oreal programs that recognize women researchers in the field of science and advocate career opportunities in science to young women. “Our programs recognize and help advance women and girls in science,” Caruso said. “As the mother of two daughters, I certainly appreciate the importance of the roles that women play in science, but science is also a strong part of L’Oreal’s DNA. We’re all about science and over half of our scientists are women. We really walk the talk.” After graduating from Waynesburg University with a bachelor’s degree
in English, Caruso went on to receive her graduate degree in corporate communications in 1984. Caruso started her first job as the assistant director of public relations for a Pittsburgh college. It was in this position that Caruso discovered her passion for working with the media. This new found passion led Caruso to a variety of positions in the MidWest. She worked for a number of companies in communication roles, including Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate; the world’s largest public relations firm, Edelman; American Motors; Chrysler; and McDonald’s. She moved back to the East Coast after joining Toys“R”Us as Vice President of Corporate Communications for six
Selected from 133 applicants, student will intern with the Pittsburgh Pirates
years where she built the company’s first corporate communications department before ultimately accepting her current position with L’Oreal. “One of the things I have liked best about my career is that I moved around a bit and have had lots of opportunities that were completely out of my comfort zone,” Caruso said. “It’s been a wonderful experience.” Looking back, Caruso acknowledges that her involvement and studies at Waynesburg helped prepare her to take the path to where she is today. “I always think back fondly on my Waynesburg experience,” she said. “The education I received has served me well for as far as I’ve come.”
Waynesburg Athletes Make History at PAC Championships The Waynesburg University men’s and women’s track & field teams put together
Junior public relations major Kyle Oland is taking his Waynesburg University education to the big leagues– literally. This summer, Oland will work with the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park as a media relations intern. Throughout his internship, Oland will compile media and press kits, write for MLB.com and the Pirates website and interview players and coaches. “The opportunities I have been offered in my classes have helped me develop professionally,” Oland said. “My classes at Waynesburg gave me the skills to stand out as a young professional.” As a freshman, Oland took advantage of Waynesburg’s opportunities to grow academically and professionally by writing for The Yellow Jacket, the campus newspaper, where he now serves as Sports Editor. He also joined the campus public relations Chapter. It was this commitment and dedication to professional development that made him stand out from among the 133 other students who applied for the internship with the Pirates. In addition to his active participation within the Department of Communication at the University, Oland also serves as a student assistant within the Waynesburg Sports Information Office– an experience he knows will aid him as he works with MLB this summer. He continues to build his resume through networking– a strategy he calls invaluable. “Networking is so important,” Oland said. “It’s critical to keep in contact with everyone you meet because they may be able help you in your career and offer opportunities for you to grow professionally and build your resume.” During his time with the Pirates, Oland hopes to gain more experience in sports journalism and public relations, while also continuing to network within the field. During his internship, Oland says he will emulate the professionalism he has learned from his professors at Waynesburg. “I feel that through my involvement within the Department of Communication at Waynesburg, and my outside experiences, I am setting myself up to stand out in life,” said Oland.
two historic days at the 2013 Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championships, which were held Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, at Washington & Jefferson’s Cameron Stadium. The Yellow Jacket women won the first PAC team title in program history, while the men posted their highest finish in the team’s existence by claiming second place. The Jacket women featured six individual champions, including senior Carly Schubert, who not only won the shot put, but was also named 2013 PAC Field MVP after adding a silver medal in the discus. Sophomore Amanda Hobe (triple jump), senior Rhea Huwe (100 meters and long jump), senior Megan Fortna (3,000-meter steeplechase) and junior Megan Sowers (javelin) also won individual titles. Veteran head coach Jason Falvo also received individual honors by earning his second career PAC Women’s Coach of the Year award. The Waynesburg men were led by sophomore Byrum Louco, who earned All-PAC laurels in four different events, including victories in the 400-meter hurdles and the 4x400-meter relay. For his efforts, Louco was named PAC Men’s Track MVP and PAC Men’s Track & Field MVP. Senior Tony Lamosek placed Waynesburg in the field events by winning the discus. Both Waynesburg track teams continue their postseason at the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships, which run from May 15-18 at Springfield (Mass.) College.