PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
A Message from the President The start of a new academic year is always exciting and full of promise. There’s a palpable sense of energy and momentum. I felt it the first time I stepped foot on the Castleton University campus, and I certainly feel it today. We are at the familiar time of the academic year when we are looking forward to the year ahead, but also reflecting on the year that has passed.
Table of Contents Academics
2
Student Life
7
Enrollment, Marketing & Outreach
10
Finance, Development & Alumni Affairs
11
Information & Educational Technology Services
13
Facilities 14 Conferences & Events
16
The Arts
17
Personnel
18
Athletics
19
Organizational Chart
22
You’ll notice this newsletter looks a bit different. I wanted to share our Annual Report, because it provides a 360° view of our year, highlighting our successes and achievements, including many of the ways Castleton has served our students and helped to strengthen our region. It explores not only our impact in academics, but our focus on development and alumni relations, the success of our more than 600 student-athletes, and what our students and faculty are doing to change not only our campus, but to change the world. A major focus of the 2018-19 year at Castleton University was exploring new and innovative ways to expand our academic offerings to meet the needs of the local, regional, and global workforce, while also keeping a Castleton education both affordable and accessible for the students who come to us from all corners of the world. This resulted in the development of 21 new academic programs, including a fully online Master of Business Administration, a threeyear bachelor’s degree in Resort & Hospitality Management delivered under a cooperative education model, and several certificate programs for working professionals. Castleton is such a special place to live, learn, work, and play, and the accomplishments highlighted in this report are a true reflection of the Castleton experience. Indeed, we are looking back at the year with pride - and looking forward to the year ahead with excitement.
Respectfully,
/KARENMSCOLFORO
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Dr. Karen M. Scolforo President, Castleton University
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Academics Castleton University offers more than 75 programs of study through a variety of majors, minors, and concentrations. Castleton also offers an array of graduatelevel, pre-professional, and certificate programs. We pride ourselves on our small class sizes taught by expert faculty, providing unparalleled opportunities for students to engage, grow, and thrive both in and out of the classroom. Castleton launched a number of new programs this fall that will prepare students for our local, regional, and global workforce.
NEW MAJORS Archaeology Early Childhood and Special Education Resort and Hospitality Management Wildlife and Forest Conservation NEW MINORS Dance Nutrition NEW GRADUATE PROGRAMS Master of Business Administration CERTIFICATES American Studies Analytics (Graduate) Applied Anthropology Applied GIS Archaeological Methods Business Analytics Cannabis Studies Cultural Landscape Studies Healthcare Administration Leading Organizational Change Media and Communication Social Justice Speech Language Pathology Essentials Trauma Studies
NEW PROGRAMS Castleton University introduced and was approved for more than 20 exciting new undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. This included the addition of a new campus in Killington, Vermont, to deliver an accelerated, three-year bachelor’s degree program in Resort and Hospitality Management in partnership with Killington Resort. The program features a cooperative education delivery model that incorporates hands-on work experience with traditional classroom learning, and is inspired by the program run by Green Mountain College for the past 18 years. Castleton also received approval to deliver its Bachelor of Science in Nursing at our newest campus in Bennington. Following the closure of Southern Vermont College, Southwestern Vermont Health Care designated Castleton University as its preferred partner for nursing education. SVHC anticipates a shortage of registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree to fill vacant positions in the immediate future and beyond, and has made a commitment to offer employment to Castleton students who satisfactorily complete the program, obtain licensure, and meet pre-employment requirements. SVHC has also committed to student loan reimbursement for employees who graduate from the program.
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
At the graduate level, Castleton began accepting applications for its Master of Business Administration this past year. This fully online program can be completed in just one year and offers concentrations in Analytics, Healthcare Administration, Leading Organizational Change, and Media and Communication. Students can also pursue certificate micro-credentials in these areas.
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS Castleton University introduced a number of new partnerships and agreements in 2018-19.
New Partnerships and Agreements Doshisha University Doshisha Women’s College Greenfield Community College SUNY Adirondack SUNY Schenectady
Teach-out Agreements College of St. Joseph Green Mountain College
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Castleton finalized a 2+2 collaborative agreement with SUNY Adirondack last fall that provides a pathway for SUNY Adirondack students to transfer into Castleton’s Social Work program after earning an associate degree in Humanities and Social Science. Castleton University also formed a collaborative agreement with SUNY Schenectady that will allow students who graduate with an associate degree in Performing Arts: Music at the upstate New York community college to earn their bachelor’s degree in Music Education with licensure at Castleton. Castleton welcomed 26 new music majors this fall. The University signed teach-out agreements with nearby Green Mountain College and College of St. Joseph to ensure that many of the students impacted by the colleges’ closures would be able to complete their degrees at Castleton. As part of the teach-out agreements, Castleton accepted all matriculated students who were in good academic standing and provided a comparable financial aid package.
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
STUDENT RESEARCH Castleton University students Angela Golding and Cassidy Yrsha spent their holiday break in the jungles of Panama, an exciting change of scenery from the research lab they had grown accustomed to. While the rest of the world welcomed the New Year, Angela, Cassidy, and Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Christine Palmer joined a group of researchers from Dartmouth College and Cornell University at Barro Colorado Island, home of a Smithsonian research facility, where they spent 10 days collecting and studying katydids. The goal is to study DNA from the digestive tract and determine where katydids live through what they eat. This was the third year of a research grant funded through the Vermont Genetics Network. Students Ashley Sanders and Kate West spent their February break presenting a poster of their research involving carbon degradation in various landcovers during different hydrological events at the 2019 ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting in Puerto Rico. At the conference, Ashley and Kate, who were junior Environmental Science majors, interacted with professionals and researchers from around the world and participated in a forum addressing the water crisis in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
CONTENT LAB Castleton’s student-led Content Lab completed a video campaign for the American Federation of Teachers’ effort to convince the state legislature to offer free college tuition for all. The campaign featured numerous Castleton students dressed in graduation caps and gowns holding hand-made cardboard signs touting the power of a college education. The American Federation of Teachers was the second client the Content Lab produced work for, having done a pilot project in spring 2018 with The MINT makerspace in Rutland.
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Content Lab students also assisted with a public education initiative in conjunction with Green Mountain Water Environment Association, with the goal of educating residents across Vermont’s 255 municipalities about protecting the state’s water resources. GMWEA provided Content Lab students with text and a general vision for the design for the first of four brochures, which focused on materials that can clog pipes and wastewater systems. In return, Castleton Content Lab students produced a print-ready brochure for GMWEA to distribute.
CENTER FOR SCHOOLS
135
CENTER FOR SCHOOLS SUMMER COURSES
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A long-time leader in Vermont continuing education, the Castleton Center for Schools continued to expand this summer, offering an array of graduate-level courses aimed at meeting the needs of K-12 educators and administrators. The summer course list included a variety of delivery formats to accommodate educators’ schedules, including on-site classes held throughout Vermont, online options, and hybrid models that combined in-person meetings and online work. The Center for Schools served more than 850 people this summer. The Center for Schools also hosted the annual Early Childhood Educator’s Summer Institute, which welcomed over 130 educators to the Castleton campus.
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
VERMONT ACADEMY OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS The Vermont Academy of Fine and Performing Arts is for high school students who demonstrate a passion for studying art, creative writing, music, or theater. Qualified students enroll in the academy their senior year of high school and have the option to live on the university campus. Vermont high school seniors attend tuition-free through the early college program and out-of-state seniors benefit from a reduced tuition rate.
“This generation of Spartans refuses to settle for mediocrity.”
FULL STEAM AHEAD Castleton launched a new program, The Castleton University STEAM Academy, this fall. The STEAM Academy, for high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, provides students with an immersive experience that further develops their critical thinking skills and stimulates their passions while opening their minds to careers in these high-demand areas. Qualified students enroll in the academy during their senior year of high school, and have the option to live on the Castleton University campus. Vermont high school seniors attend tuition-free through the early college program and out-ofstate high school seniors benefit from a reduced tuition rate.
– President Scolforo
Castleton Celebrates 232nd Commencement The fourth graduating class of Castleton University passed across the stage at its 232nd Commencement ceremony on May 18. Former Vermont Governor James Douglas addressed the more than 3,500 guests in attendance and thousands more streaming the ceremony. President Dr. Karen M. Scolforo shared how the ambition demonstrated by this class will undoubtedly serve them well as they set out to make a difference in the world, and reflected on their impressive accomplishments at Castleton. “This generation of Spartans refuses to settle for mediocrity,” she said. “They own the passion and drive to create change in this world, and they will not stop until they see the great things they are capable of come to fruition. I believe in the future
they are so intent to build, and I have great optimism because of what this class has already accomplished.” History Program Coordinator and Professor Patricia van der Spuy was awarded the Alumni Association Outstanding Faculty award, given annually to a faculty member whose excellence in teaching influences students well beyond graduation. Mathematics graduate James Wolfe was honored with the Leonard C. Goldman Distinguished Senior Award. Andrew Wilson was awarded the Endowed Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award, which honors one of the many dedicated part-time faculty. Preston Garcia of the Natural Sciences Department was awarded the Endowed Richardson Faculty Award, given once every three years to an exceptional full-time faculty member.
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
84
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES
28
VARSITY SPORTS
20+ CLUB SPORTS
85
PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
180
SPARTAN HOME GAMES
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Student Life Living on the picturesque Castleton University campus provided students a wide array of activities, events, and entertainment. Students were exposed to a variety of musical offerings, lectures, theater, and other performing arts. In addition, our 28 varsity athletic teams, more than 20 club sports, and intramural options offer many opportunities for students to compete or attend games and root for their peers. Students attended a variety of programming on campus, ranging from wellness events and career workshops to comedians and concerts.
CASTLETON INTERNET RADIO Castleton University officially said goodbye to its student-run radio station WIUV and hello to a new way of broadcast, Castleton Internet Radio. WIUV was a licensed Class A non-commercial FM station that had been broadcasting on campus since 1976. The new Castleton Internet Radio will be streamed 24 hours a day on TuneIn, a free internet radio service. The change to internet streaming means Castleton has greater flexibility with content and how it’s delivered. Media and Communication major Shudder Hurd-Burnell, general manager of Castleton Internet Radio, said he hopes the change makes training easier and participation more appealing to students. The move to internet radio also provides opportunities for the creation of different digital audio files in addition to live streaming, such as podcasts.
ACTIVE MINDS Members of the Student Government Association’s Wellness Committee established an Active Minds chapter in the spring semester. Active Minds is a national organization with more than 450 chapters on college campuses across the country. Its goal is to create a culture at colleges that will encourage students to be as comfortable talking about mental health as they are physical health. Suicide prevention is also a consistent theme. Wellness Center Director Martha Coulter and four students attended the Active Minds National Conference in Washington D.C. to learn what other universities and colleges are doing to support mental health on their campuses.
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Veteran’s National Honor Society
SALUTE VETERANS
SALUTE = Service Academics Leadership Unity Tribute Excellence
Ten students were inducted into the Castleton chapter of the SALUTE Veterans Honor Society. They join the 25 other men and women who have been inducted into Castleton’s SALUTE chapter since its creation in 2015. SALUTE membership recognizes veteran students’ commitment to academic excellence, high principles, and superior achievements throughout their lifetimes, and is dedicated to service, academics, leadership, unity, tribute, and excellence. The 2019 inductees included nine undergraduate and one graduate student who collectively have served more than 75 years in the United States Armed Services.
ESPORTS! Castleton University moved swiftly into the cutting edge of gaming, adding eSports to its growing list of club sports offerings. eSports is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and counts millions of gamers, fans, and some of the world’s largest investors among its supporters. Chief Technology Officer Gayle Malinowski and student Jac Culpo served as the adviser and club president, respectively. They also served as recruiters for what proved to be a popular activity for students. Castleton University was among the first 40 colleges in the country to introduce an organized club team in this rapidly growing campus activity.
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
HOMECOMING 2018 Homecoming 2018 marked President Dr. Karen M. Scolforo’s first Homecoming and Family Weekend at Castleton University. An estimated 3,500 people attended homecoming events to help her celebrate. President Scolforo hosted a meet and greet in the Castleton Pavilion to connect with students, parents, alumni, families, and community members. Other events included the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, therapy dogs in the Campus Center Atrium, the grand opening of the University’s 18-hole disc golf course, and Library Mini Golf. The weekend also featured well-attended athletic events, including homecoming games for football and women’s rugby.
Save the Date Homecoming 2019 October 11-13
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CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
Enrollment, Marketing & Outreach Admissions saw a strong enrollment year with the incoming class for 201819, enjoying a 22.4% increase in new students, a 4.5% increase in full-time undergraduates, and a 3% increase in full-time equivalent total enrollment. The incoming class also saw an increase in out-of-state student enrollment. For the first time, the Admissions Office established a dedicated marketing budget and hired a digital marketing firm to aid their efforts. Most admissions materials and creative assets were created in-house by the Marketing and Communications Office, creating a cost-effective and efficient process to produce high-quality materials.
International Exchange President Scolforo and Associate Director of Admissions Erica Machia met with principals, administrators, and faculty at Kori Nevers High School, Kyoto Seibo Jogakuin High School, Doshisha International School, Doshisha Women’s College, and Doshisha University during a visit to Japan. They gave presentations about the importance of expanding international perspectives, promoting diversity and inclusion, and The Castleton Way for more than 100 students and shared why our campus feels like home to so many people, even if they are thousands of miles away from their true “home.” While there, they met three students who are at Castleton this semester, and five students who have previously attended.
The work of the Admissions Office during the 2018-19 cycle produced a projected 12.3% increase in new students, a 2.5% increase in full-time graduates, and 3% increase in full-time equivalent total enrollment for the incoming 2019-20 class. The Marketing and Communications Office also welcomed three new faces, including two alumni – Thomas Blake ‘17, Director of Athletic Marketing and Communications, James Lambert, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Elicia Mailhiot ‘12, Communications Coordinator.
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY ENROLLMENT FY 18-20 New Students
Undergraduate Full-time Total Enrollment
Full-time Equivalent Total Enrollment
FY 2018
531
1,653
1,845
FY 2019
650
1,727
1,902
FY 2020*
730
1,770
1,960
DIGITAL SIGNAGE
* Projected- Official number will be released on 10/15/19
Five digital signs were placed in high-traffic areas on campus to aid campus-wide messaging, funded by a gift from Jennifer and Fred Bagley. The signs are updated by the Marketing and Communications Office and contain both general and building-specific messaging. The digital signage helped to eliminate cluttered and outdated bulletin boards, created stronger branding across our messaging, and has provided a governance system for event advertising. Additionally, emergency messaging can be displayed on every screen with the push of a button.
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
BY THE NUMBERS Total Giving: $341,981 Number of Donors: 778 Active Endowments: 56 Corporate Sponsors: 60
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Finance, Development & Alumni Affairs Castleton University received $341,981 in philanthropic donations between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. Over 750 alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff donated to help support student scholarships, faculty-student research and programming, athletics, the arts, and campus maintenance and renovations. Thanks to the generous support of our alumni, donors, and corporate sponsors, Castleton University was able to see a record-breaking year for our largest annual fundraising events. The University finished the fiscal year with a surplus of $368,000 (unaudited). The University also welcomed Director of Alumni and University Relations Courtney Widli ’13 into a new role as director of development and alumni affairs.
A NIGHT AMONG THE STARS The Castleton Gala saw its largest event to date, welcoming 150 guests and raising more than $13,000 in revenue for student scholarships in a single night. These critical funds help ensure that our students have the resources they need to become the next generation of leaders. During the Gala, Castleton honored several outstanding alumni who have made a difference in their local communities, respective professions, and to the University. Thomas Harty ’86 was recognized with the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumni Award, which honors alumni who have distinguished themselves through their professional accomplishments and displayed exemplary service to the University and their community. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a Castleton University graduate.
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Jaklyn Van Manen ‘09 was honored with the University’s first-ever Emerging Leader Award. This award is given to alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and are making an impact within their community, demonstrating exceptional success in their chosen field, outstanding character, creative leadership, and a devotion to Castleton. Dan Warnecke ’17 was recognized with the Spartan Service Award of Excellence. Given to individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to the University, Warnecke exemplifies The Castleton Way.
Twiddle Comes Home Twiddle, a jam band with Castleton roots, came home to perform back-toback shows at the Paramount Theater in Rutland. Twiddle lead guitarist and vocalist Mihali Savoulidis and keyboardist Ryan Dempsey first connected at Castleton’s freshman orientation more than a decade ago. In partnership with the White Light Foundation, the band’s partnering nonprofit organization, the sold-out shows raised more than $20,000 to support three separate scholarships. THE SAM FORREST SCHOLARSHIP In memory of former Castleton student and friend of the band, Sam Forrest, who was taken too soon. The White Light Foundation will contribute at least $5,000 to extend its funding and honor Sam’s legacy. THE BRONZE FINGERS SCHOLARSHIP Awarded to music majors who have demonstrated financial need and are in good academic standing. The White Light Foundation will contribute at least $7,500 to establish the scholarship and fund it for the next five years. LUVADUCK SCHOLARSHIP In honor of Twiddle’s original mascot and Ryan’s Castleton pet, awarded to students who have contributed to the Castleton community through volunteerism or social action. The White Light Foundation will contribute at least $7,500 to establish the scholarship and fund it for the next five years.
#GIVINGTUESDAY On #GivingTuesday, the University raised nearly $9,000 for student scholarships while setting a new Castleton record for most donors in a single day with 184 gifts made to the University. Our students also contributed to the giving spirit on campus, hosting food and warm winter clothing drives.
GRANTS SUCCESS Castleton University has been awarded numerous grants to support the development of academic programming since January. This includes a $25,000 grant from the McClure Foundation for the Early Childhood Education Program, $130,000 from the Vermont Community Development Program for the Early Childhood Lab, and $5,000 from the Vermont Community Foundation for the Archaeology program.
CASTLETON CLASSIC Celebrating its 12th year of success, the Castleton Classic Golf Tournament raised nearly $40,000 for Castleton Athletics, ensuring funding for comprehensive and diverse programming that provides opportunities for student-athletes to develop as individuals and leaders, while promoting a tradition of academic and athletic excellence.
VERMONT STATE COLLEGES SYSTEM HALL OF FAME Olivia “Libby” Duane Adams was the fourth Castleton graduate inducted into the Vermont State Colleges System Hall of Fame. Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Castleton in 1984 and became the co-founder of Alteryx, Inc., a global leader in the data analytics industry in 1997. She now serves as chief customer officer.
President Scolforo, Olivia “Libby” Duane, and Former Governor Jim Douglas. | 12
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Information & Educational Technology Servicess PHONE SYSTEM The biggest and most far-reaching project was the implementation of a new phone system, replacing a 20-year-old system that had reached the end of its supportable life. The new system went live during April break. It is integrated with the phone systems used by the other institutions in the VSCS and the Chancellor’s Office. This integration creates potential cost savings in several areas. It features five-digit dialing between all VSCS locations, reducing long distance charges. It uses a shared voicemail system, reducing hardware and maintenance costs. It also allows for redundancy in hardware and software expertise across the VSCS. ZOOM Castleton EdTech and IT members worked with other IT staff across the VSCS to implement the Zoom videoconferencing solution systemwide. It’s more user friendly than our previous videoconferencing product and feedback from users was very positive.
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The Castleton Information and Educational Technology Services team undertook several major projects during 2018-19 academic year.
CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY When Educational Technology (EdTech) came under the umbrella of the chief technology officer, one of the first projects we focused on was taking an inventory of each room and categorizing them based on the state of the current technology, use of the room, and cost to support. From that data, we were able to identify two rooms in Jeffords with the greatest need and do a complete technology uplift. This project allowed us to identify and transition key components of our AV setup to products that are nonproprietary, more cost effective to maintain, and have the ability to be supported remotely. It also gave us a solid plan to proceed with more rooms as funding becomes available.
NETWORKING Network hardware was upgraded in the Campus Center, Library, Academic Support Center, Public Safety, and the Spartan Athletic Complex. Our wireless controller was upgraded to allow implementation of Aruba ClearPass Product, ensuring better security and on-ramping of wireless devices on our network. Spartan Arena was added to the Castleton/VSCS network. This project involved fiber installation and router and switch replacement.
CHANGES TO ALUMNI AND RETIREE EMAIL Changes have been made to better identify alumni and retirees in the Office 365 email system and to differentiate them from current students and employees. Alumni receive the email domain @alumni.castleton.edu upon graduation, and retirees receive @ retiree.castleton.edu upon retirement.
NEW ENCRYPTION PRODUCT Castleton IT staff are working with the IT team in the Chancellor’s Office to roll out a new laptop encryption product. The new product, Sophos, is easier to deploy across more operating systems. This project went live in January 2019 and is expected to be completed by December.
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Facilities Castleton University took ambitious steps to improve its facilities and add new campuses in Killington and Bennington, Vermont.
FINE ARTS CENTER
Thank you Facilities Staff! CONVERSIONS Castleton Hall multi-purpose room to an athletic training room Sculpting room to graphic design lab
Renovations of the Castleton University Fine Arts Center got underway to improve its appearance and functionality. At the Christine Price Gallery, located in the lobby of the Fine Arts Center, crews installed new, modern-looking ceiling tiles in a variety of shades of grey, and new lighting, which will better illuminate artwork hanging on the gallery’s walls. Upgrades to the Gallery were funded by alumni John and Susan Casella, class of 1972 and 1975. Castleton University’s theater is named for the Casellas in recognition of their generosity and support.
Roof, Hope House
On the other side of the Fine Arts Center, Castleton has created a sound studio for students and a performance classroom thanks to the generosity of longtime friend of the University Lionel Kinney. The performance classroom includes two sets of risers, an expansive storage area for musical equipment, new paint, windows, ceiling, and new lights and flooring. The project is slated for completion in October.
New roof and painting, Yellow Cottage
CASTLETON LODGE AT KILLINGTON
REPAIRS Roof and chimney, Granger House
Painting, Wright House (Admissions) Roof, Fine Arts Center Ramp replacement, Old Chapel Window replacement, Jeffords Upgrade lighting to LED, Calvin Coolidge Library
The newly renovated Castleton Lodge at Killington is located just four miles from Killington Resort, giving students the opportunity to immerse themselves in resort and hospitality management. Students who live at the Lodge have access to a state-of-the-art conference space, computer lab, dining room and food service, laundry facilities, recreation areas, and a fireplace lounge. Castleton will also host a number of classrooms and faculty workspaces at Highridge Condos. Students moved into the Castleton Lodge at the start of the fall 2019 semester.
Sidewalk replacement, Woodruff Hall Paving, Stafford Academic Center Automatic door openers, 11 Main entrances
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
CASTLETON IN BENNINGTON The University established a campus in The Vermont Mill in Bennington to fill a gap in nursing education left by the closure of Southern Vermont College. The program occupies a fourth-floor suite at The Vermont Mill and provides a number of classrooms and a simulation center to accommodate student learning through guided practice with faculty and time for individual or group practice of procedures, skills, and nursing activities. Castleton began delivering classes at the campus in the fall of 2019.
JEFFORDS CENTER The Jeffords renovations are a project three years in the making. Castleton secured a $500,000 STEM grant from the state of Vermont and matched an additional $500,000. The renovations concentrated on lab areas, including chemistry, exercise science, and physics. The work includes expanding lab space by knocking down walls, creating storage and preparation areas, and new paint, cabinets, flooring, seating and desks, and electrical work.
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Conferences & Events Summer Concert Series
Music fans from near and far enjoyed live music at the Castleton Pavilion this summer for the 24th annual Castleton Summer Concerts series, presented this year by our friends at Heritage Family Credit Union. This year’s concert series featured weekly live entertainment by eight local musicians and bands.
SPECTATORS
4,000
SUMMER CONCERTS
2,700
Castleton University hosts a variety of events and activities on our scenic campus that families, alumni, current students, and community members look forward to every year. During the academic year, our experienced Conferences and Events staff welcomes groups and organizations who want to hold conferences in a supportive academic environment. During the summer, campus remains vibrant with a variety of workshops, weddings, and various athletic and sporting events.
SHRINE MAPLE SUGAR BOWL Castleton University hosted the 65th annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, welcoming thousands of visitors to Dave Wolk Stadium to watch all-star high school players from across Vermont and New Hampshire face off. The event is a fan-favorite and raises critical funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children.
LIONS TWIN STATE SOCCER CUP Castleton hosted the Lions Twin State Soccer Cup for the sixth time in the past nine years, featuring girls’ and boys’ all-star teams from New Hampshire and Vermont. The 2018 event was the 36th annual for the girls and the 44th annual for the boys.
GIRLS ON THE RUN
2,000
BOSTON CRUSADERS
1,500
NORTH/SOUTH FOOTBALL GAME
4,000
SHRINE MAPLE SUGAR BOWL
1,800
VERMONT STATE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
GIFT OF LIFE MARATHON The Gift of Life Marathon kicked off its annual blood drive at the Spartan Athletic Complex in December, marking the fourth consecutive year that Castleton has hosted the first day of the blood drive. The University became a presenting sponsor of the Gift of Life Marathon in 2013 and began hosting the record-breaking event the following year, when organizers decided to extend it over 12 days.
GIRLS ON THE RUN Girls on the Run 5ks are unlike any other event. This community celebration of girl power marks the successful completion of the organization’s 10-week empowerment program. This is a non-competitive event, with each Girls on the Run participant proudly wearing the number one on her bib. | 16
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Theater Arts The Theater Arts Department enjoyed another strong year, staging two popular major productions that were built, designed, performed, and produced by students. As You Like It, William Shakespeare’s comedy, and Catch Me If You Can, a high-flying comedy based on the hit film and incredible true story.
The Arts The arts continued to thrive at Castleton University in 2018-19. Through film, speakers, plays, concerts and exhibitions, the University consistently engaged the surrounding communities and its students. Castleton also educated and trained artists, arts leaders, and educators, who created meaningful discussion surrounding the arts, and served as a cultural center for the region.
SOUNDINGS The award-winning Soundings program played a big role on campus in 2018-19, with more than 30 events available for students. Soundings events include concerts, dance performances, films, lectures, workshops with performing artists, and more. More than 1,000 students participated in Soundings in the fall 2018 semester and more than 800 participated in the Spring 2019 semester. In collaboration with Soundings, Arts Reach offered six entertaining performances with cultural diversity at no cost to area elementary and middle school students.
ART GALLERIES The Castleton University Bank Gallery in Downtown Rutland and the Christine Price Gallery on main campus provided art opportunities throughout the year. The Bank Gallery hosted exhibits from Reid Brechner, a painter and ceramic artist; painter Matthew J. Peake; stained glass artist Hallie Richards Monroe; and photographers Andrew Frost, Kelly Burgess, and Jonathan Schechner. Highlights at the Christine Price Gallery included the sold out “Cellblock Visions: Prison Art in America” exhibit from Phyllis Kornfeld. The Christine Price Gallery also hosted the High School Art Exhibition and Arts Engagement Day, featuring portfolio critiques, entertainment, and an art workshop for area high school students. | 17
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
Personnel New Full-Time Faculty Harpreet Kaur Assistant Professor, Nursing
New Staff Nicholas Lenhard, Assistant Director of NCAA Compliance
STUDENT SERVICES
Faculty Promotions and Tenure
Matthew Moriarty, Director of Grants and Archaeology Program
Amy McClure, Upward Bound Student Development Coordinator
Andre Fleche, History, Geography, Economics, and Politics
Amaris Lapierre, Custodian/Housekeeper II
PROMOTION TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Thomas Blake ’17, Director of Athletics Marketing and Communications
Retirements Terry Bergen, Psychological Sciences Chair, 42 years of service
Bill Godair, Business Administration
James Lambert, Director of Marketing and Communications
PROMOTION TO PROFESSOR
Emily Gleason, Education
Scott Hanselman, Computer Information Systems
Elicia Mailhiot ’12, Communications Coordinator
Gerry Volpe Coordinator of Disability Services
Glenn Giles, Director of Instrumental Music & Applied Low Brass, 16 years of service Tom Holland, Public Safety Officer, 13 years of service
Marybeth Lennox-Levins, Health, Human Movement & Sport
Greg Sheldon, Public Safety Officer
Ann Honan, AP Lab Instructor, 24 years of service
Monica McEnerny, Education
Rachel Sayward, Residence Hall Area Coordinator
Linda Pepler, Professor, Education, 25 years of service
Our Faculty Fellow
The Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees honored Castleton Director of Choral Activities and Music Department Chair Sherrill Blodget as the VSCS Faculty Fellow for the 2018-19 academic year. The fellowship award recognizes tenured faculty who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in teaching and learning. Blodget joined the Castleton community in 2008. In her role, she directs the University Chorale and Castleton Chamber Singers, teaches voice, conducting and global music, and is vocal director for musical theater productions.
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CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
Athletics The 2018-19 year saw Castleton University Athletics move to the Little East Conference to enhance our students’ athletic experience. Castleton became the first LEC member from Vermont as the ninth public college or university in the conference. The Little East Conference serves as New England’s premier athletic conference for public institutions in NCAA Division III. Castleton Athletics saw strong interest from students and the community alike, with 680 student-athletes competing throughout the year. The total attendance at games was 30,672 for sports in which the NCAA tracks attendance. Football was the top draw with 9,030 attendees (1,806 per game) with Men’s Ice Hockey ranking second at 6,094 attendees (406 per game). Our athletes completed 4,000 hours of community service during the 2018-19 year and had an average GPA of 3.29.
ATHLETICS BY THE NUMBERS
680
STUDENT-ATHLETES
3
FOOTBALL ATTENDEES
30,672
CONFERENCE TITLES
TOTAL ATTENDEES
10
53
ALL-REGION SELECTIONS
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9,030
ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS
6,094
MEN’S HOCKEY ATTENDEES
160
ALL-ACADEMIC HONORS
2
1
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
2
COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-REGION
COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
2018-19 HIGHLIGHTS | The Castleton University Men’s Nordic Skiing team won the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association National Championships at the Trail Creek Nordic Center in Wilson, Wyoming. It is the first championship in program history after winning an impressive 12 races during the regular season | Men’s Cross-Country finished top-five in the field on three occasions, including a team victory at the Castleton Invitational | Women’s Cross-Country recorded a seventh-place finish at the LEC Championships in October, and registered a total of four top-four team finishes | Field Hockey muscled its way to an LEC regular season championship by way of an 11-1 regular-season mark against conference opponents. Head Coach Christine Kemp was named LEC Coach of the Year | Football celebrated the accomplishments of running back Moe Harris, who re-wrote the program’s record books, finishing as the University’s all-time leader in rushes, rushing yards and all-purpose yards | Men’s Golf saw freshman Nicholas Ojala secure NAC Rookie of the Year honors
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY SKIERS LAUDED FOR HEROISM The morning began like many others for the Castleton University Alpine Ski team: a successful first run by the women had the Spartans sitting atop the team leaderboard. It wasn’t until Babson College’s Victor Wiacek took his first run that the day changed dramatically for Wiacek and two Castleton women’s skiers. Racing down the mountain in the giant slalom, Wiacek was nearing the crest of a hill when one of his skis came loose, causing a deep laceration in his left leg and severing an artery. Kylie Mackie and Linn Ljungemo sprang into action immediately upon seeing him crash. Both Spartan skiers are first-aid certified through Castleton’s e-care class. Mackie and Ljungemo, along with Mackie’s father, Kurt, were first on the scene, and Mackie and Ljungemo used a windbreaker and a belt to apply tourniquets and comforted Wiacek until ski patrol could arrive. Associate Dean for Athletics and Recreation Deanna Tyson said Mackie and Ljungemo saved Wiacek’s life. “The young man’s father called me and told me that the doctors in Albany said ‘without the swift response on the mountain, Victor wouldn’t have made it.’ The actions that were taken by Kylie and Linn can be described as nothing but heroic.”
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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019
CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
2018-19 HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED | Women’s Rugby picked up its first win since being established as a varsity program | Men’s Soccer earned an LEC tournament berth | Women’s Soccer qualified for the LEC postseason tournament | Women’s Basketball scored an LEC postseason berth with a 14-12 record | Women’s Ice Hockey closed the season by winning seven of eight games to propel them to the NEHC Championship game | Women’s Alpine Skiing had its best season ever in 2018-19, sweeping the regular season and regional championships by winning its first 10 races of the season | Men’s Alpine Skiing had one of its best seasons in recent history, claiming the ECSC MacConnell Title with five team wins | Women’s Nordic Skiing enjoyed one of its best seasons in program history in 2018-19, registering seven second-place finishes and a best-ever finish of fourth place at the USCSA National Championships | Wrestling had its best season in the program’s young history, qualifying two wrestlers for the NCAA National Championships | Baseball earned the No. 6 seed in the LEC Tournament, and team MVP Davis Mikell became the first player in program history to win All-America accolades | Softball scored three wins against in-state rival Middlebury College | Men’s Track and Field sent two competitors to the NCAA New England Regional Championships | 21
BUS
SCHOOL OF RESORT MANAGEMENT
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
CENTER FOR SCHOOLS
ENG
CASTLETON CHILDCARE CENTER
EDU
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
HGP
MED
SOC
COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES, & SOCIAL SCIENCES
PROVOST
PRESIDENT
the three colleges
ART
MUS
THA
SCHOOL OF FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
NAT
PSY
COLLEGE OF HEALTH & SCIENCES
NUR
SCHOOL OF NURSING
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER AND ANNUAL REPORT • FALL 2019 CASTLETON UNIVERSITY
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