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Albright College was founded in 1856. Today, we’re a nationally ranked, four-year liberal arts college.

Where we are Albright’s 118-acre campus is tucked into a residential neighborhood of Reading, Pa., a city of 80,000.

One hour to Philadelphia Two hours to Baltimore n Three hours to New York City and Washington, D.C.

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Who we are Albright students come from all over the world to share their stories.

1,625 students 28 states and 24 countries represented n 17% students of color n 8% international students

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Here, you’ll work personally with amazing professors.

Our classes are small and interactive by design.

You see, our professors want to know more than just your name. They will meet with you outside of class to go over assignments or just to be there to talk about your goals and how you’ll reach them.

They care about you. After all, that’s why they chose to teach at Albright. n n

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Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

In this issue of FACES, Albright students reveal (among other stories) how they got through one of the biggest crossroads of their life – choosing the right college and major for their personality, talent and interests.

Sound familiar?

We know that the college search process can be a little daunting, but it’s also one of the most exciting times of your life – and the perfect time to learn from the experiences of those who’ve been through it all before.

“It’s okay to be a little afraid when you get to college, but don’t put up a barrier,” advises biology and pre-med student Larryl Damon.

Good advice. In fact, when he first visited Albright, Larryl not only toured the campus (as a prospective science major, he loved the science building and lab facilities), he also actually met many of going to attend,” recalls Larryl.

(See page 13 & 14 for more information.)

Office of Admission Albright College Thirteenth & Bern Streets PO Box 15234 Reading, PA 19612-5234

C R O S S R O A D S

his future professors. “After that visit, I was 99 percent sure I was

13:1 student/faculty ratio Full-time faculty: 118

[

Tel 800-252-1856 Tel 610-921-7700 Fax 610-921-7729 Email albright@alb.edu Web www.albright.edu

Larryl Damon ’11

For others, coming to a final decision took a little longer. Education major, Taylor Murphy waited until May 1 to make her decision. “My

A little more advice from students at Albright:

visit to Albright blew me away. I loved it. But I had previously thought “Breathe through it, and learn

I wanted to go to a school in the city so it

to wait patiently,”says theatre major

took me a while to listen to my instincts,” says Taylor. “Ultimately, it came down to the

Karina Grossman.

Karina Grossman ’13

strength of the education program. I am so Taylor Murphy ’13

glad I made the decision I did.”

“Cast a wide net and keep an open mind,”

Whether students weigh all of the facts and figures (student to

advises marketing and international

faculty ratio, average class size, financial aid, etc.) or they simply trust their gut (or better yet a combination of both) choosing a

business major, Michael Libor.

Michael Libor ’12

college will, of course, boil down to one intensely personal decision.

“Don’t try to please everyone – and once you

“A pros and cons list really helps, but when you make your final

get to college, pace yourself,” suggests music

decision about college, make it for yourself,” says Taylor.

and digital media major, David Smith.

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David Smith ’12

It’s ok a y to b e a l i t t l e a fr a i d when y ou g et t o c o l l e ge ,

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b ut don ’ t p u t u p a ba r r i e r .

Get to Know the Faces of Albright... www.albright.edu/Faces

– Larryl Damon ’11

See our complete library of FACES as well as access all links referenced in this edition: www.albright.edu/Faces10

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KARINA GROSSMAN

Class: 2013 Major: Theatre/Music Business Hometown: Wilmington, Del. Fun Fact: Eats ice cream with a fork!

When Karina Grossman discovered an issue of Albright’s FACES in her mailbox during her college search, something clicked for the busy high school student. An actress and dancer, (Karina studied Russian classical ballet since the age of eight; don’t ask her how many times she performed in The Nutcracker!), she could relate to the profiles of students who were engaged in a number of (academic and non-academic) activities and loving it.

“I remember one student talked about how he was a swimmer and a singer and I thought, ‘Now, that’s exactly what I want – to go to a place where I can do all the things I love,’” says Karina.

Once at Albright, Karina didn’t hesitate. She not only joined the choir, she fell in love (all over again) with the theatre – and switched her major from education to theatre and music business. She was cast in the first play she auditioned for, Fish Out of Water. Last semester, she performed in The Cherry Orchard by Chekhov. She was also recently signed by Victor’s International, a talent agency out of New Orleans, and is in the Honors Program.

Bravo!

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While I’m on stage, I try not to think. I just do.

Find out more about Karina & the latest Domino Players production: www.albright.edu/Karina

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Class: 2011 Hometown: Bethlehem, Pa. Major: Biology/Pre-med Favorite Class: General Biology

LARRYL DAMON Metaphorically, you could say that the medical profession is in Larryl’s blood. As a high school student, he was already regularly organizing blood drives (even though he himself was under the required weight to donate). “We got as many as 100 people to donate in one drive,” remembers Larryl. Yet, it was well before high school that he knew he wanted to be a doctor.

“I was first inspired to be a doctor by my own pediatrician, an African-American woman,” says Larryl, “who showed me that, with time and effort, you can achieve anything.”

True to form, once at college, Larryl’s favorite course was one of the most notoriously difficult biology classes. “It’s kind of a weed-out class.

I took it as proof that I could do it!” remembers Larryl.

More proof came at the advice of one of his professors when Larryl applied and was accepted into the Primary Care Scholars Program at Hershey Medical School (which included a week-long preceptorship in a nearby pediatric practice). There, he was able to shadow doctors – and watch how they diagnosed illnesses. “The doctors there were really down to earth. I learned so much!”

Larryl also found his top choice for medical school – Hershey Medical School. “It’s got a great family atmosphere, just like Albright,” says Larryl.

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I guess I’m a geek.

I really enjoy the library.

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Learn Larryl’s study secrets: www.albright.edu/Larryl 4

Class: 2013 Major: Elementary Education Hometown: Nantucket, Mass.

Favorite Class: “African Autobiography” with Professor Mary Jane Androne

TAYLOR MURPHY

Taylor Murphy grew up on an island without any malls, neon lights or chain restaurants. “There was only one movie theatre in Nantucket!” she says. Torn between heading for college in the big city or staying close to her family, Taylor ended up doing neither. Instead, she received an e-mail from Albright College that prompted her to apply. Not long thereafter, she arranged for a visit.

“Albright really stood out. I especially loved the one-on-one tour which really gave me a sense of the place,” says Taylor.

It took the education major until the morning of May 1 to make her final decision. “I’ve always been indecisive, but the deciding factor was the strength of the education program – besides the fact that I totally fell in love with the campus.”

The oldest of four, Taylor admits she felt a little worried about living seven hours away from her family. “At first, it was hard but there was a lot of support. I really liked my dorm room and RA. And I stay in touch with everyone back home – through regular Sunday Skype sessions. I even taught my grandmother to Skype!” laughs Taylor.

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I learned about so many cultures at Albright... it just expanded my world.

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Keep up with Taylor and her life on campus: www.albright.edu/Taylor

RACHAEL McCOUN

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Class: 2011 Major: Fashion Merchandising/ Communications: Journalism Favorite Class: “All of my fashion classes.”

I want to have my cake... and eat it too.

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Rachael was 12 when she asked her mom for her very first Abercrombie and Fitch tee shirt. When she outgrew it, she had no intention of letting it go. Instead, she transformed the shirt into a stylish bag. That was around the time she bought her first sewing machine.

“I taught myself to sew,” says Rachael, who started refining her talent in a series of sewing classes and eventually made her own junior prom dress.

When she arrived to Albright as a transfer, it didn’t take long for Rachael to get involved. “The way I see it,” says Rachael, “I’m at Albright to have a great future.” She is a member of Club Vogue, and she writes for Seventh on 13th Street, the Fashion Department Newsletter.

(Download the newsletter: www.albright.edu/Seventhon13thSt ).

During the fall, you are likely to find the stylish Phi Mu sorority sister in the football stadium. “If I were a guy, I would be playing football.

I am a huge fan!” Rachael also spends her time with her sorority sisters, working (constantly) and being with her baby – a red brindle doxie puppy, who, What’s in fashion this season? Rachael’s got the 411: www.albright.edu/Rachael other than football, is the love of her life.

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MIRIAH WILSON

Miriah has always loved animals. But her enthusiasm for all creatures great and small hasn’t always been pain-free. She still has a scar from the cat that scratched her on the cheek when she was just a baby. Years later, when her Doberman set his sights on a squirrel, Miriah (clinging to the leash) was dragged across four front yards in her neighborhood. Ouch!

Nevertheless, by the time she was in high school, Miriah began to focus on science classes so that she could pursue a career in veterinary medicine, the field she considers her calling.

Her interest in the field was reaffirmed when she shadowed a veterinarian for an entire semester. “He taught me so much about the animals. Towards the end, I even gave them shots and prepped them for surgery. I still remember the heart beating out of my chest kind of feeling the first time I gave a shot to an animal.”

A volunteer for the ASPCA and ace softball player, Miriah also sings with the choir. How does she manage her time?

“Actually, I’ve learned to manage my time a lot better because of playing with the softball team. Studying hours are crucial, and getting papers done a few days in advance is the best way to go. You just can’t procrastinate.”

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Class: 2013 Major: Biology/Pre-Vet Favorite Class: Biology 201 High School: South Western High School

Hometown: Hanover, Pa. On Albright: “The people are so fun-loving! Everyone is willing to talk to you if you talk to them.”

“I’ve always known I wanted to be a vet.”

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Everyone is so supportive.

We play as a team.

We win as a team.

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Keep up with goings-on on the softball field (and at the local Humane Society)… www.albright.edu/Miriah

A few of Miriah’s favorite things: Sugar, spice, and all that’s nice... but especially kittens and puppy dog tails.

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Class: 2013 Major: Elementary Education Hometown: Bridgeton, N.J. Advice: “Organize your time.” .

CHELSEA DAVIS

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My dad fell in love with Albright too. If he went back in time, he would probably go to Albright!

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At the age of five, Chelsea would line up her stuffed animals in their “classroom” (aka: her bed). After introducing herself as Miss Chelsea, she would read books to her attentive pupils for hours. Many years later, after considering careers in marine biology, journalism and fashion, Chelsea still feels drawn to education.

That interest probably stems from the aspiring teacher’s talent with (and true enjoyment of) young children. Chelsea remembers how satisfied she felt when she taught a very frustrated five-year-old how to master writing the letter “h” (she had him pretend the letter was a roller coaster and that clinched it for him.) “After that, I thought to myself I am definitely going into the right major,” remembers Chelsea.

The Coleman Scholar and active member of the Albright College Activities Council AC2 (Get the 411: www.albright.edu/AC2) actually had a difficult time adjusting to Albright herself. “College was so much more challenging than high school had been for me and I realized I had to adjust.”

Sitting down with her favorite professor gave Chelsea just the perspective she needed to map out a detailed game plan, and some great tips to follow on time management. “I bought a huge white board and scheduled study sessions for every subject.

It really worked,” says Chelsea.

Check-in with Chelsea for what’s new with AC2: www.albright.edu/ChelseaD

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MICHAEL LIBOR

Class: 2012 Major: Marketing/International Business Activities: Rugby, POP, Alpha Sigma Phi Hometown: Willow Grove, Pa.

The Roman philosopher Seneca once stated that, “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” That was certainly the experience of Albright junior Michael Libor, who spent his junior year of high school living and studying in Brazil.

“Brazil gave me my first taste of international travel, and I came home a changed, more mature person,” says Michael. “I loved the country and its people. They were friendly, helpful and diverse. Come to think of it, they were very similar to the people I’ve met here at Albright.”

Studying abroad influenced Michael to select a major in marketing and international business. “Marketing is integral to society because it helps businesses survive and, in turn, stimulates our world economy,” Michael says. Michael plans on working for an international company in a job that will allow him to see the world.

For now, however, he feels very settled at Albright. In fact, not only is he in the fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, he just became the junior class secretary! “One tour of campus, and I fell in love with it,” he recalls. “There is so much to do here, and the people really care. I found my place.”

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If you want a friendly, close-knit and diverse community, Albright is your place.

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Find out about Greek life on campus from an insider… www.albright.edu/MichaelL

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DAVID SMITH

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Make sure you keep growing. Keep an open mind.

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During his first year at Albright, David Smith recorded a song in his dorm room (it was called “Marathon of Love”). It’s no wonder that the poet and rapper is vice president of the Albright Songwriters

Class: 2012

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.

Major: Music Business

Favorite Class: “Music Business”

and Digital Media

with Professor Robin Zaremski

Advice for Students Entering College: “It’s important to relax and take breaks, but always remember that the work you do here is going to represent you when you graduate.”

Organization! David doesn’t stop writing, whether it’s poetry or songs.

His philosophy on avoiding writer’s block? “It’s all about getting the ideas flowing. It’s better to write something than nothing.”

Last semester alone, on top of classes, SGA Senate meetings, serving as E-board representative for the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association (MEISA), XION Step Team practice and the African-American Society (not to mention other student activities), David recorded four songs in a friend’s room with a mike and a mixer.

“Albright has introduced me to things that I wouldn’t have given a chance in high school, like going to a Broadway show or seeing a Domino Players production. I like to remain open to new things.”

That openness (coupled with hard work and persistence) also landed David an internship at a Philadelphia-based radio station over the summer (WHPI: 100.3, 103.9 and 107.9). David will be helping at various events on weekends, working in the office and in the studio. Lots of inspiration for new songs…

Find out how David avoids writer’s block and gets into the flow: www.albright.edu/DavidS

David brings it as part of Albright’s Xion Step Team.

Get in step with Xion: www.Albright.edu/Xion 12

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As the wisest college students know, finding the ideal college isn’t the same process for everyone. Your personal decision comes down to finding the right fit for you – and should be based on your genuine interests and strengths.

But, personal doesn’t mean you should go at it alone.

In fact, a little bit of guidance travels a long way – and can provide you with clarity, quick access to important information and real support.

Think about the questions that matter most to you (that exercise alone might lead you to some profound answers).

And, don’t forget to ask them all. We’re here and happy to help.

TALK TO A COUNSELOR Check out our web site to find the admission counselor who can help you locate the information you need to select the right college: www.albright.edu/Counselor APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applicants must submit an application, essay or graded paper, academic transcript(s), counselor and teacher recommendations and SAT or ACT test results (or have a test optional interview).

Transfer students can download an application or apply online: www.albright.edu/Transfer

FINANCIAL AID Named to Barron’s Best Buys in College Education, Albright College seeks to make the cost of a private education affordable through generous need-based financial aid awards and numerous merit-based scholarships and awards. For further information, please refer to our web site at www.albright.edu/FinancialAid There, you will also find a link to a handy calculator that you can use now to estimate the cost of an Albright education. A little preplanning always helps! https://albright.studentaidestimator.com

APPLICATION DATES Freshmen Admission: March 1

THE RIGHT PROGRAMS Finally, we’ve included information that might help you with your choice of major(s). We even offer an Alpha Program to help students who are undecided about a major. The way we see it, you don’t need to make all your decisions right away.

Transfer Admission Fall Semester: August 1 Spring Semester: December 15

In terms of majors and programs, you name it and we’ve probably got it.

We also have a January interim for students who are ready for some academic adventure beyond four classroom walls.

OUR P ROGR A MS OF STUD Y We offer more than 60 academic majors and programs.

Accounting Accounting, Economics & Finance Africana Studies 3 American Civilization Art Art History 3 Arts Administration 3 Asian Studies 3 Biochemistry Bio-cultural Anthropology 3 Biology n Biotechnology n General Biology

Business Administration Economics n Finance n International Business n Management n Marketing Chemistry n Environmental Chemistry n General Chemistry Child & Family Studies Communications n General Communications n Public Relations & Advertising Computer Science n General Computer Science n Information Systems n

Combinable major, which must be combined with another major.

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Pre-professional program

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Crime & Justice Digital Media 1 Economics Education 1 n Art n Early Childhood n Elementary n Foreign Languages n Secondary n Special English Environmental Science Environmental Studies European Studies 3

Special program/minor

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Fashion n Merchandising & Design n Fashion Design n Fashion Merchandising n Costume Design Film/Video 3 French History Holocaust Studies 3 International Relations 1 Latin American and Caribbean Studies Legal Studies 3 Marine and Aquatic Science 3 Mathematics

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W h a t I s A P O P anyway ?

No, we aren’t talking about your grandfather or your dad. Actually POP

T A K E A CLOSER LOO K A T A LBRIGHT ONLINE Visit our web site and discover more useful advice about the Albright Experience – and get to know our people.

stands for Peer Orientation Person, the students who run a special Albright orientation program required for all

MEET THE FACES OF ALBRIGHT www.albright.edu/Faces

incoming freshmen and transfer students.

It is four days of good times according to students such as Rachael McCoun (who later became a POP herself). The orientation is “just fun and the POPs really helped me with the adjustment to college process.”

“I just loved orientation,” says Michael Libor. “You wake up early and go to bed late. In between, things get a little loud and you really learn.

Best of all, you’ll meet friends that you will have for the rest of your life.”

POPs help incoming freshmen not only learn about Albright’s campus through orientation, but in the program, new students develop lasting friendships with both their peers and their POPs. “It’s really all about helping people make connections,” Michael adds.

The POPs are a group of highly motivated student leaders selected, interviewed and then trained to create and facilitate activities during orientation and the Sneak Peek summer registration program.

Activities such as the “human knot” and “ride the pony” give new students the opportunity to be themselves and relate to others. Many students leave orientation wanting to be a POP themselves in order to share their enjoyable experience at Albright College with future incoming freshmen.

HOME PAGE www.albright.edu GET THE FACTS www.albright.edu/Facts ALBRIGHT DOMINO PLAYERS www.albright.edu/DominoPlayers AC2 (ALBRIGHT COLLEGE ACTIVITIES COUNCIL) www.albright.edu/AC2 XION STEP TEAM www.albright.edu/Xion POPs www.albright.edu/POPs CONTACT AN ADMISSION COUNSELOR www.albright.edu/Counselor TRANSFER APPLICATIONS www.albright.edu/Transfer FINANCIAL AID www.albright.edu/FinancialAid

Music Business 1 Optics 1 Philosophy Photography 3 Physics Political Science Pre-Dentistry 2 Pre-Law 2 Pre-Medicine 2 Pre-Veterinary Medicine 2 Psychobiology n Applied n Evolution & Animal Behavior Psychology n Child Development Public Administration & Policy Analysis 3

Religious Studies Sociology n Anthropology n Criminology n Family Studies n General Sociology Spanish Theatre Women’s and Gender Studies 1

Cooperative Programs WITH DUKE UNIVERSITY n Forestry n Environmental Science

APPLY ONLINE www.albright.edu/ApplyOnline FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/AlbrightCollege FOLLOW US ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/AlbrightCollege SEE US ON YOU TUBE www.youtube.com/AlbrightCollege1856 VISIT ALL OF THESE LINKS FROM ONE PLACE www.albright.edu/Faces10 14

Office of Admission Thirteenth & Bern Streets PO Box 15234 Reading, PA 19612-5234

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Reading, PA Permit No. 25

Tel 800-252-1856 Tel 610-921-7700 Fax 610-921-7729 Email albright@alb.edu

IN EACH ISSUE OF FACES At Albright, it’s all about our people. We’re on a mission to find students who think for themselves, test the waters, work hard and explore the world around them.

But don’t take our word for it. See what some of our students have to say. In each edition of FACES, you’ll find real stories of real Albright people with some very real dreams.

Go to www.albright.edu/Faces to find out more about the Faces of Albright. You can read personal perspectives of each of the students profiled in FACES – and even join our online social network. sue

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Get to Know the Faces of Albright... www.albright.edu/Faces