President's Quarterly Newsletter – Spring 2020 by Castleton University

Presidentâ€™s Newsletter SPRING 2020

Introduction 3 A Message from President Scolforo Academics 4 Student Spotlight Improved Learning Pilot Program Agreement with Marlboro College New Honors Society World Soil Day Advancement 10 Alumni Spotlight A Night with the Stars: CU Gala Choose Vermont Student Life Random Acts of Kindness Carly Patch Rotaract Club Leaves Impact Outstanding Future Professionals

Introduction

On March 12, Castleton University suspended in-person classroom learning and began to transition to online delivery of courses in response to the global Coronavirus pandemic. While Castleton had no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, we made the decision to move our coursework online with the safety and wellbeing of our students at the forefront of our minds. When I wander our now-empty campus, I’m reminded of all the things that our students offer us. I already miss their joyful smiles as they walk across campus, cheering them on at Dave Wolk Stadium under a spring sunset, and all of the activity they create on our campus. While this time has been challenging for everyone, it has been especially difficult for our students. It’s hard saying goodbye to friends who feel more like family and a place that feels like home. As we begin online coursework, our students remain our highest priority and we are committed to our students’ success. Last week, our faculty gathered to gain more knowledge and experience with Canvas and other resources for virtually meeting as an entire class and sharing information. We have many faculty members who have never taught courses online, and they have asked for additional training opportunities to ensure that they are providing an equitable education to their students. Throughout this time, our faculty and staff have risen to the challenge of ensuring that our students have the support they need, regardless of where they are learning from. Our team in Educational Technology Services and Information Technology has worked tirelessly to develop necessary trainings, and I want to especially thank them for their dedication to creating a seamless transition. I am grateful to have this opportunity to share this spring quarterly newsletter. While we are in unprecedented times, this has been a year of great activity and accomplishment, and this newsletter gives us a chance to reflect on the past few months and to recognize the accomplishments of our Castleton University family. This past December, biology student Avery Cox testified at the United Nations for World Soil Day. He expressed his concerns about soil erosion’s impact on Vermont agriculture and shared stories of his upbringing on an organic vegetable farm in nearby West Rutland, Vermont. In January, we launched our CU/See Me initiative with an event in Casella Theater. This profound kick-off focused on diversity and identity in all of its forms. I am grateful to everyone in our community who helped with this program and I look forward to future events under the CU/See Me umbrella. In February, Rotaract Club students and staff traveled to central Florida to volunteer at Give Kids The World, a nonprofit resort that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations for children with critical illness and their families. These students spent their break period serving others in need, and their actions offer a vibrant example of what it means to be a Spartan. You will find all of these stories, and much more, in the following pages. I am grateful to call Castleton University my home and to serve our magnetic community.

CONNECT WITH ME

/KARENMSCOLFORO

Respectfully,

Dr. Karen M. Scolforo President, Castleton University

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

Academics

Student Spotlight: Tyler-Joseph Ballard Political Science ’20

Tyler-Joseph Ballard is a guy with a lot on his mind – politics, research, doctoral programs, and civil discourse in our community to name a few. The senior Political Science major from Poultney, Vermont, has lofty goals that his Castleton education is helping him prepare for. With his sights set on a Ph.D. program and eventually law school, the McNair Scholar and vice president of the Pre-Law Club is finding the tools he needs to succeed. Tyler is also gaining practical experience as he nears graduation through both work and internship. He is working in the Castleton Zoning Administrator’s Office, helping to file permits and doing data entry, and also doing an internship with Republican gubernatorial candidate John Klar. He recently worked on arranging for Klar to speak on campus. He said the event served as an excellent opportunity for Klar to talk to students. Politics and civil discourse are topics that excite Tyler’s mind. “Civil and respectful discourse is something that is lacking in our society,” Tyler said. “Whether we blame social media or national politics, I guess the two go hand in hand. There is a plethora of reasons why 4

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we must recognize other ideas and engage in political conversation.” Tyler originally planned to go to law school following his undergraduate work. However, the McNair Scholars Program has opened up some new doors and possibilities. The McNair Scholars Program is a federally-funded TRIO program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The program grants a limited number of colleges and universities around the country the ability to help low-income and first-generation students, as well as students from ethnic groups that are under-represented in doctoral study, to pursue graduate education. Castleton’s McNair Scholars Program was established in 2017. “Over time, I got lost in the research process. I love the research and meeting with students who have the same background and challenges that I have faced. It is inspiring for me to have these opportunities,” Tyler said. Tyler said that the further he got into the program, the more invested in obtaining a doctorate in either political psychology or American politics he became. “Without McNair, I wouldn’t have ended up with the opportunities I have now. I found new enjoyment in doing political research on voting behavior, political psychology, and the political system,” Tyler said. None of this is to say that law school is off the table. He hopes that he might move on to that after he completes a Ph.D. He said the McNair Scholars Program has had one of the most significant impacts on his life. “This has helped me to feel more confident in myself as a student,” Tyler said. “McNair really changed my outlook on my future. I’ve changed my path, and I think I’m going to be happier with this path. It’s a good, small, and creative community. I am truly grateful for the opportunity.” Tyler is finding success at Castleton because he values a close-knit community and the individualized attention he can get from professors. He cited Dr. Rich Clark, professor and Political Science program coordinator, as an example of a professor that gives students the attention they need to thrive.

the same information and resources. We have the only McNair Program in Vermont. We have the means of doing well by our students, faculty, and community,” he said. “I think something you don’t get at a larger school is that feeling of family, community, and cohesiveness.” Tyler said he would like to stay in the Northeast after graduation. He is currently applying to graduate schools for doctoral study and has offers to attend Ohio State, Brown, SUNY Buffalo, Penn State, and University of Georgia. “I ended up at Castleton for a reason, and it was the best set of circumstances that could have happened to me,” Tyler said.

“McNair really changed my outlook on my future. I’ve changed my path, and I think I’m going to be happier with this path. It’s a good, small, and creative community. I am truly grateful for the opportunity.”

“This smaller institution provides opportunities that you would see at a larger university. We have access to

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

A New Way to Improve Learning Outcomes A pilot program at Castleton University aims to expose students to alternative hobbies that could help build community on campus and promote valuable social skills.

Engel will also work in some academic findings of the benefits of playing table-top games. He said students are showing a strong interest in the course.

Dr. Greg Engel, assistant professor in the Psychology Department, said the idea came from his desire to use one-credit courses to benefit students academically and socially.

“There is a lot of evidence that a sense of belonging improves outcomes for students. Students who feel like they have a place on a college campus are more likely to succeed,” Engel said. “One of the things I envision for these courses is to create that sense of belonging. I think that it will help many students to find that place on campus.”

“There is strong evidence of the benefits of having healthy recreation opportunities. It’s something that isn’t built into our society. Making time for hobbies can help reduce stress, improve health, and performance in other areas, such as family, work and, school,” he said. The pilot course focuses on Dungeons and Dragons because it is an interest of Engel’s and because the game is conducive to creating communities of people with a common set of interests. “Dungeons and Dragons, in particular, has shown to be quite good at this, in part, because of the social nature of it. It often creates positive social action with others and benefits along those lines,” Engel said. “It promotes critical thinking and helps people solve challenges they may experience in other aspects of their life. It trains lateral thinking by teaching different ways to approach a problem.” Engel would like to see the program successfully expand to having three to five individual one-credit courses each semester. Each course would train students on how to engage in a hobby on their own as a stress relief technique and building a community around a shared interest. The learning outcome for the pilot Dungeons and Dragons course will center around learning how to play the game. 6

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Engel sees the program progressing into an eclectic mix of courses that expands outside of the Psychology Department. “I’d love for faculty across campus and all disciplines to offer courses like these to bring in the whole community rather than just me and my department,” Engel said. While enrollment and student interest will be key indicators of the success of this pilot, there is also a research component to gauge whether the course helps to improve feelings of belonging. Engel will work with student Gikanh Timberwolf to track feelings of belonging for those who take this course. “Gikanh was doing a project about belonging last semester. This is one of the things that aligned to make this course run the way it is. I looked at the poster she had produced from her research and realized it was exactly what I wanted to know about this course,” Engel said.

A Pathway to Degree Completion for Marlboro College Students Castleton University has formed an agreement with Marlboro College that will streamline the transfer of Marlboro students to Castleton. Under the agreement, Castleton will accept currentlymatriculated students who are in good academic standing at Marlboro. The University will also provide a financial aid package that will allow current Marlboro students to attend Castleton at a tuition price that is equivalent to or less than what they paid at Marlboro in 2019-20. Additionally, Castleton will waive application fees and facilitate a transfer process that will provide Marlboro students with a streamlined transition to Castleton.

“Our heart goes out to everyone at Marlboro. We know it can be difficult for students, faculty, and staff when colleges merge. Our hope is that we can help ease the transition for students,” said Maurice Ouimet, dean of enrollment at Castleton. “We wish to help as many students as possible complete their degrees and achieve their goals here in Vermont.” Castleton successfully executed teach-out agreements with Green Mountain College, College of St. Joseph, and Southern Vermont College last year, with more than 100 students joining the University through these agreements.

Marlboro College announced in November that it will merge with Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, beginning in the 2020-21 academic year. Provided that the merger is finalized, Marlboro will no longer offer courses at its Vermont campus. As part of the merger Emerson would rename its liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies program in Boston as the Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies.

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

A New Honor Society Castleton University is home to the newest chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, the International Honor Society in Social Sciences. Dr. Scott Roper, chair of the Department of History, Geography, Economics, and Politics, and Dr. Paul Derby, chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice, completed the application for the University to charter the new chapter. Pi Gamma Mu’s mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. Pi Gamma Mu serves the various social science disciplines which seek to understand and explain human behavior and social relationships as well as their related problems and issues. Roper said he and Derby have been talking about their departments’ shared interests in the social sciences. Starting this chapter of the honor society seemed like a good step to benefit the community. “I think a group like this can work to do a lot of good in the community. We might host lectures, plan career-related experiences, and hold other events that will be of interest across disciplines in the social sciences - whatever the 8

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students want to do with the organization,” Roper said. “I think it helps to break down barriers between subject areas and emphasizes what our many social science programs have in common.” Castleton’s Pi Gamma Mu Chapter became the 485th chapter of the honor society following an extensive review by its international board of trustees. Pi Gamma Mu is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, the nation’s only certifying body for college and university honor societies. To join Pi Gamma Mu, a student must have completed 45 undergraduate credit hours or more with a “B” average or better, including at least 20 credits in the social sciences with a “B” average or better. At Castleton, the courses that count as social sciences include those in Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Global Studies, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

From Castleton to the United Nations: Student Speaks at World Soil Day By Duncan Campbell ‘20 Biology student Avery Cox addressed his concerns before a United Nations panel for soil erosion’s impact on Vermont agriculture when he spoke at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s World Soil Day in December. Created in 2002, World Soil Day is an annual event that brings attention to the importance of healthy soil and advocates for the sustainable management of soil resources. Having been raised on an organic vegetable farm in West Rutland, Vermont, Avery told the panel the noticeable differences in rainfall intensity over the last decade, making erosion a relatively new issue for his family. “Storms that used to last a day seem to now be over in only an hour or so, dumping the same amount of rain in a much shorter time,” he said. Avery followed with the devastating consequences these torrential downpours have on farming practices. “This makes seeding and transplanting a challenge and a risk,” he added. “One rainstorm could wash away it all.” The Castleton student was invited to speak at the U.N. to share his experiences as a Vermont farmer in order to address the issues of soil erosion on the local level. His

family farm, Boardman Hill Farm, grows organic produce. “Vermont is a rural state, one of the most rural in the U.S.,” Avery said. “This means that it has one of the highest percentages of people earning their livings through farming.” Avery is currently working with Assistant Professor Dr. Christine Palmer and a team from Dartmouth College to identify mycorrhizal fungi. He said it has the potential to create underground hyphal networks that bind soil as well as to aid in reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Avery added that reducing tillage and cover cropping could be another solution to diminishing fertility and nutrients. “This will allow the soil to be kept locked together within the roots as well as reduce the loss of soil organic carbon,” he said. Last summer, Avery worked at the prestigious Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire as a paid researcher with the Dartmouth team. He and Palmer are finalizing a manuscript on this work, and he has pioneered a microscope technique to generate high-resolution stacked images of beneficial fungi growing on roots.

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

Advancement

Coming Full Circle: John Paluzzi ‘93 Lights, cameras, and plenty of live-action are a part of the daily routine for video production professional and Castleton alumnus John Paluzzi ‘93. The Communication graduate has spent the past 27 years in the news and media industry, building his own global high-end live studio and video production company from the ground up. “You have to always be on your game and get the shot,” Paluzzi said. Paluzzi launched Full Circle Productions, based out of Fort Myers, Florida, in 1999 with a dream of making his creative passion for video and film production his professional career. Through the years he and his team have had the opportunity to work with high profile network stations and seasoned industry professionals while documenting historical events around the world. “I love the variety of my work,” Paluzzi explained. “One day I am filming the Super Bowl pre-show and the next I am shooting a live heart surgery, commercial, or corporate video.” Paluzzi’s recent 2020 Super Bowl pre-show assignment involved capturing player interviews and specialty celebrity guest segments with actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and recording artist Pitbull prior to the Sunday

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big game kick-off. Often working alongside a qualified team of professionals, he describes collaborating with clients both large and small to require teamwork, drive, and extreme focus. “Most people get to watch these events happen at home on TV, but I get to be a part of it,” he said. “It’s really cool to document and be a part of history.” Other high-profile projects that Paluzzi has been a part of include traveling to Aruba with Fox News Channel to follow the Natalee Holloway case and spending a week with legendary cinematographer Al Giddings on his Montana ranch for Dreamtime Entertainment. At the end of the day, Paluzzi enjoys the flexibility of this business, allowing him to easily balance work and personal engagements. He credits his Castleton education with giving him the necessary skills and knowledge to break into the film and video production industry, and encourages students to dream big and do what they love. “It’s not all glamour. In my line of work, you are on call 24-hours a day. I never know where I am going to be or when,” Paluzzi said, adding that his job often demands long hours and extended travel. “But when you see your final product for the first time it makes it all worth it.”

A Night Among The Stars: Join Us at the Castleton Gala Tickets are now on sale for the annual Castleton Gala, a night of celebration in support of Castleton University students past, present, and future. This year’s Gala will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2020, from 6-10 p.m. at the Castleton Pavilion. Since its inception in 2017, the Castleton Gala has raised more than $20,000 to support student scholarships and alumni activities. The event also recognizes distinguished members of the Castleton community, honoring several outstanding alumni and business partners who have made a difference in their local communities, respective professions, and at the Unversity. The Castleton Gala includes a cocktail hour, dinner, awards, live music, a silent auction, and more. This year’s theme is “A Night Among the Stars,” and will surely be a night that guests won’t soon forget.

Get your tickets today! visit: CASTLETON.EDU/GALA

Tickets are available to purchase for $75 per person or at a reduced rate of $500 for a table of eight. All proceeds benefit need and merit-based scholarships for Castleton University students. Dress for the evening is celebratory cocktail attire and all Castleton alumni, community members, and friends of the University are welcome to attend.

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

Castleton Encourages Prospective Students to “Choose Vermont” Castleton University is one of 13 Vermont colleges to be partnering with the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development and Vermont Student Assistance Program for the Choose Vermont Scholarship program. The program will award eleven $5,000 scholarships to students who commit to attending Castleton University or another Vermont college by June 1. Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) will also offer an additional $5,000 scholarship. In total, the Choose Vermont Scholarship program will award approximately $60,000 to Vermont and out-of-state students who commit to attending any of the 13 participating colleges and universities. The inaugural Choose Vermont Scholarship was launched in 2019, giving away two $5,000 scholarships. Castleton student Brandon Ryan, who is currently studying Political Science at the University, was one of the recipients. In its first year, more than 1,400 students committed to continuing their education in Vermont.

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“As we work to grow our workforce and help Vermonters in their careers, our higher education system plays a critical role,” said Governor Phil Scott. “These institutions, however, are feeling the effects of Vermont’s demographic crisis and declining enrollment. It’s a testament to Vermonters’ ingenuity and collaboration that public and private partners are willing to work together to pool marketing resources and highlight the state as an ideal location for higher education.” To be eligible to win a $5,000 Choose Vermont Scholarship from Castleton University, prospective students must commit by June 1, 2020, and register online at ThinkVermont.com/scholarship. The Choose Vermont Scholarship Program is made possible by the support of the Vermont Assistance Corporation, the Association of Vermont Independent Colleges, and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

Student Life

Acts of Kindness Are in Our Culture The goal of the Random Acts of Kindness Club is simple. They want to provide little things to make everyone’s day better. Small things can have a profound impact - whether it’s free coffee and doughnuts, inspirational sticky notes left all around campus, or messages of gratitude for the dining staff. If you’ve spent any amount of time on the Castleton University campus, you are probably familiar with their work. The group has put on many initiatives to brighten our days. It is, of course, The Castleton Way. Ryann Rider, a freshman Multidisciplinary Studies major with a concentration in Social Studies from Claremont, New Hampshire, is in her first semester with the club and is serving as president. “Our activities bring kindness and confidence. Even though I wasn’t involved with the little goodie bags on campus last semester, it made me happy when I got one on my car,” Ryann said. “It boosts people’s confidence and makes them want to get involved or join our club and be kind to friends and family.” Alyssa Crean serves as the club’s communications director. She is a sophomore Secondary Education in Mathematics major from Mahwah, New Jersey. She is also a member of the Equestrian Club, Student Education Association, the Student Council for Exceptional Children, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

Alyssa said she wants to see the club further integrate inspirational acts into the campus culture. “It’s important for students to have that little confidence booster or receive a little thank you note,” Alyssa said. “It is good to provide little things to make everyone’s day better. Everyone on campus enjoys the things that we do and the events that we put on or take part in. They appreciate it.” Both Ryann and Alyssa appreciate contributing to Castleton’s supportive and caring campus culture. “I thought it would be more difficult to make friends and get involved on campus because I am a commuter,” Ryann said. “Everyone on campus is so welcoming and friendly. All of my professors are super accommodating and really nice. They are all great.” Alyssa agrees. “I love the small community feeling and small classes because you do have that one-on-one with the teachers because they care a lot,” Alyssa said. “They care about you as a person, which I love because you are going to have those off days. Whether it’s just being there or having someone to talk to, they are supportive in helping you get through class or your day. I love the homey environment, and I love the outdoors, so it’s perfect.”

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

Music to our Ears: Carley Patch Joins Boston Crusaders Castleton University student Carley Patch will join one of the country’s elite drum corps this summer. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the Boston Crusaders is a world-class competitive junior drum and bugle corps. Boston Crusaders is a founding member of Drum Corps International and the third-oldest junior drum and bugle corps in the country. The group includes brass players, percussionists, and color guard members under the age of 22 who travel over 10,000 miles each year to perform for over 300,000 fans. Boston Crusaders have begun their past six seasons at Castleton University, where they spend approximately three weeks preparing for their summer tour. They end their stay with a preview show for the community. “I had the opportunity to watch rehearsals at Castleton during their spring training and their preview show that Boston puts on before departing for tour. The level of athleticism and musicianship that I was able to experience was mind-blowing. I was immediately sold on the activity,” Carley said. A senior Music Education major from Walpole, New Hampshire, Carley is a member of Castleton’s Athletic Bands. A trombone player since the fifth grade, she never planned on continuing to play after high school, but a meeting with Coordinator of Athletic Bands Stephen Klepner during registration weekend changed her perspective. 14

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“Music is something that never leaves your heart. Even though I began at Castleton as a different major, music was always there. I think that my love of music plus the influence of my role models caused me to end up here as a music education major. I am excited to become a teacher so I can hopefully inspire the next generation to work hard and pursue their dreams as well,” she said. After completing her marching season with the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018, she was encouraged to march again and to push herself. That’s when the idea of auditioning for the Boston Crusaders first came up. “I sat on the idea of auditioning for an entire year, where I spent most of my time working to save money so that I could march again. When audition dates were announced this year, I signed up almost immediately,” she said. “I had a lot of important conversations about auditioning with Steve Klepner and my high school band director, Glen D’Eon. The two of them are huge role models in my life as well as alumni of the Boston Crusaders.” Carley’s experience with the Athletic Bands and other opportunities have prepared her to be the first Castleton student to perform with the group.

“We use the same dance techniques, drill writing, and music as DCI groups do. During my time as Drum Major and as a music work-study student, I was also able to learn about the processes of writing shows, the methodology behind it, and how to teach these skills to members of the band,” she said. “I was able to understand the how and why behind DCI-style shows; this helps me to be a better marcher and musician myself.” “Carley has risen to be the best our program can offer at Castleton. It was natural to recommend her to perform with the Crusaders, where she will no doubt continue to grow as a performer and person,” Stephen said. “I am so proud of her accomplishments and achievements.” Carley is looking forward to representing Castleton University and Vermont as a member of Boston Crusaders. “I look forward to making friends who share a common interest in DCI and growing my musicianship,” she said. “As the first Castleton student and one of very few Vermonters to march DCI, I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the University that has helped shape me into the person I am today.”

A Walk Down Memory Lane The hallway outside the Stage/Scene Shop in the Castleton Fine Arts Center has had a makeover. Its once bare, white walls now feature a growing and colorful photo archive display of theater productions from 1997 through 2018, thanks to a generous gift from theater alumnus Richard Frost ‘96. The Castleton School of Fine and Performing Arts produces more than 20 events in the theater each year and have a sound reputation for the quality of their work. Thank you, Richard!

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

Herstory in the Making When Noelle Cave enlisted in the Vermont Army National Guard, she didn’t know she was making history. Cave, a senior Criminal Justice major from Bennington, Vermont, will become the first female 19D Cavalry Scout to enlist in Vermont. The Army views Calvary Scouts as its eyes and ears. They engage with the enemy in the field and track and report their positions, vehicle activity, and weapons. She will serve at A Troop 1-172 Mountain Cavalry in Newport, Vermont. Cave said she was pretty excited when her sergeant told her that her enlistment was a first. She said she wanted an intense job that was combat-related, and they presented this opportunity. “It makes me really proud of myself. I want to be an influential example for other females that they can do this, too,” Cave said. “It wasn’t until recently that females can join a combat MOS (military occupational specialty). One of my many goals is to be an inspiration and role model for others to go out of their comfort zones, especially females.” Cave said several things factored into her decision to enlist. She was looking for a challenge and valuable experience, and the Guard provided an excellent package of benefits. She received a $20,000 sign-on bonus, and the Guard will cover her student loans. She is enlisted as an E3 Private first class and will be promoted to E4 once she completes her bachelor’s degree. 16

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“I wanted to join the Guard because you can’t find those benefits anywhere else,” Cave said. “Since I am a criminal justice major, I want to go into law enforcement, so this was good preparation. I was looking for something physically and mentally challenging, and this will probably be the hardest thing I do in my life.” Cave originally planned to enter law enforcement upon graduation but is now eyeing the military as a career option. Among her goals is to go to Officer Candidate School and obtain her airborne wings. “I’m glad I’m getting the military experience before going to the State Police. Military experience is really huge,” Cave said. “The Army is taking me in a direction that I didn’t expect in a positive and exciting way.” She also has designs on returning to school. She is interested in entering Castleton’s online MBA program, and she could see herself returning to complete a Nursing degree after a career in the military or law enforcement. She has received tremendous support from her family as well as the Castleton community. “I love Castleton. Castleton’s community has been an inspiration because I love making the difference I want to see,” Cave said.

CU Rotaract Club Leaves Impact in Florida By Ryan Boeke, ’22 This story originally appeared in the Castleton Spartan’s March 11, 2020 edition.

When participating in community service, having a grown man break down in tears in your arms is something you can’t prepare for. Having known him only 20 minutes, this man opened up about a personal problem few people on this planet could. He explained that his children keep dying – and there is nothing he can do. We talked for no longer than half an hour, but he told me about how his mental status keeps diminishing due to the past few years. He told how his family used to be six strong, but that the past year and half, he lost three of his children to different types of cancer. None made it over the age of 5. The fourth child has cancer too, but has passed the 5-year barrier. He is 7 now, and is “stronger than I ever imagined,” said the father. During the winter recess, the Rotaract Club from Castleton University traveled to Florida to volunteer for the nonprofit Give Kids The World organization. It partners with MakeA-Wish Foundation and houses and supplies food and theme park visits for families with critical illnesses. The father, his wife, and child were some of the people I met while there. They had been there several times before with their other children and were back. He opened up to me and that was something I never expected, but will continue to cherish.

“I did not know what to expect,” said Shelby Phillips, the group’s advisor. “When the idea was brought to me, I said cool, let’s give it a try. I never expected to hear all the stories and be there for the families.” For most of the volunteers, the driving force was to help out because community service was something that they all liked to do. For some, it was a requirement living in North House. But for others, it was a fun getaway. But for one individual working from out west, it was giving back to something they believed in. Daryl Blackburn, a student at Oakland University, was helping the same week Castleton students were. Blackburn originally came to GKTW in 2003 because he suffered from a brain tumor. He was there with his family staying at the resort and going to all the attractions as part of his Make-A-Wish trip. When he went to college, he noticed an email pop up for an application asking for volunteers to help out over spring break. Blackburn saw this and applied instantly. He loved the experience when he was there in 2003 and wanted to give back the organization that helped him enjoy what was thought to be the last of his life.

this story has been edited for space. to finish reading, visit: WWW.CASTLETONSPARTAN.COM

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

Spartan Sports The Castleton University athletic department recently honored its winter student-athletes, awarding the President’s Cup for Academic Excellence and naming team MVPs. Associate Dean of Athletics and Recreation Deanna Tyson presented the President’s Cup for Academic Excellence to the men’s nordic ski team, dethroning the women’s nordic ski team, who are three-time defending cup winners. The team posted a cumulative team GPA of 3.51 to earn the award. Men’s Alpine Skiing With the USCSA National Championships on the horizon, the men’s alpine ski team looks to keep building on its already-stellar season in which they won the MacConnell Division title and the Regional title. The Spartan skiers are 12-for-12 in winning races this season, sweeping the regular season before claiming the ECSC Regional Championships in both the slalom and the giant slalom. Robby Kelley and Paul Rechberger combined for all 12 wins this season, Kelley winning 10 times and Rechberger winning twice. In addition to Kelley being named MacConnell Division Skier of the Year, Kelley, Rechberger, Logan Mackie, Jan Klindic and Cameron Heald were named to the All-MacConnell Division team. Women’s Alpine Skiing The women’s alpine ski team had a strong regular season performance this season, winning eight races and claiming the MacConnell Division title for the third year in a row. Castleton also won the overall ECSC Regional title following a second-place finish in the GS and a first-place finish in the slalom. Five skiers were named to the All-MacConnell Division Team, headlined by Skier of the Year, Karoline Rettenbacher, and Rookie of the Year, Birgit Kinneberg. Kylie Mackie, Lena Soehnle, and Li Aunes also made the list as Castleton was dominant all season long. Men’s Basketball The men’s basketball team finished 4-21 overall and 3-13 in LEC play, ending the season on a high note with a win over EastConn. Castleton had a season that featured its first win over a Little East Conference opponent — the eventual LEC Champions, Western Connecticut — as well as its first weekly award winner in team MVP Remy Brown.

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Women’s Basketball The women’s basketball team far exceeded its preseason expectations, taking a sixth-place spot in the preseason poll and working its way to the No. 3 seed in the LEC Tournament. Castleton earned a quarterfinal win over Keene State to advance to the semifinals before bowing out to No. 2-seeded Rhode Island College. The Spartans finished the year 16-11 overall and 10-6 in LEC play, marking the 18th consecutive winning season for the program. Brooke Raiche was named team MVP following a year in which she led the team in scoring and ranked third on the team in rebounding. Men’s Ice Hockey The men’s ice hockey team made it to the NEHC Tournament this season, falling to the No. 1 team in the conference and in the country in the quarterfinals at Norwich. The Spartans, who finished the year 6-17-3 overall and 4-12-2 in NEHC play, knocked off the Cadets — then the No. 2 team in the nation — at home in December. Team MVP Glenn Wiswell led the team in total points and goals, racking up 13 scores and 26 points. Women’s Ice Hockey The women’s ice hockey team put together one of its best regular seasons in recent history, posting a 13-10-3 record and going 10-4-2 in NEHC play to earn the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament. The season came to an end with a quarterfinal loss to Plymouth State, but Castleton rattled off five straight wins early in the season to cement itself as one of the top programs in the league. Team MVP Alexis Kalm was a force between the pipes and was a fivetime Goalie of the Week throughout the regular season. She was named to the NEHC All-Conference Second Team following the season and set program records in career wins and shutouts, earning her 27th win over Salem State in February following her 11th career shutout against Becker in January. Men’s Nordic Skiing For the second year in a row, the men’s nordic ski team went unbeaten in the regular season and claimed the Mansfield Division title after racing past the competition. The team was led by veteran skiers Andrew Doherty and John Paluszek, who combined to win five races individually in addition to Castleton’s relay victories on the season. Devin Perry also had a multitude of top-five finishes, and Paluszek was the regional champion in the 1.5k sprint race.

Women’s Nordic Skiing For the first time in program history, the women’s nordic ski team raced its way to a ECSC Regional title after claiming the Mansfield Division title earlier in the year. The Spartans won both the 1.5k sprint and the 7.5 skate at the regional championships, and were headlined by Megan Greene’s undefeated season. Greene won all 12 races she competed in, but the Spartans’ depth proved crucial, as Molly O’Callaghan, Adi Toof and Emily Greene posted impressive performances race in and race out for Castleton. Men’s Track and Field The Spartans had a marked improvement this season, posting numerous program records while posting a program-best finish at the Little East Conference Championships. Five program records fell at the LEC Championships alone, as marks in the shot put, 200-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles, and a pair of relays fell at the meet. Team MVP Trever Rose qualified for the New England Regional Championships after setting a program-record in the shot put with a hurl of 14.76 meter (48’5.25”) at the LEC Championships. Rose finished ninth in the event at regionals following his second-place finish at the conference meet in the shot put. Women’s Track and Field The women’s track and field team, much like the men, shattered program records throughout the year while placing eighth at the LEC Championships. Castleton had a pair of individuals and a relay team qualify for the NCAA Regional Championships, and team MVP Maizy Mooney posted a program-record time of 7.86 in the 55-meter dash at the LEC Championships and was part of the 4x200m relay team that set a school-record with a time of 1:55.72. Wrestling The Castleton wrestling team had its best season in the program’s young history, going 17-8 in dual competition with multiple wins over nationally-ranked programs. The Spartans reached as high as No. 20 in the rankings, and finished the season third in the NEWA standings. Team MVP Mitchell LaFlam went 41-6 on the season and finished fourth overall at the NCAA DIII Northeast Regionals in addition to ending the year ranked as the No. 1 197-pounder in the NEWA. He became the first Spartan to win 100 career matches in December, and graduates as Castleton’s all-time wins leader.

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2020

Mark your calendars! Commencement Saturday, May 16 • 11 a.m. Castleton Pavilion NOTE: AS OF MARCH 24 IT IS TOO EARLY TO MAKE A DECISION REGARDING COMMENCEMENT AT THIS TIME DUE TO COVID-19.

Castleton Gala Saturday, June 20 • 6 p.m. Castleton Pavilion tickets available at: CASTLETON.EDU/GALA

Castleton Classic Friday, August 14 • 12 p.m. Rutland Country Club register today: CASTLETON.EDU/GOLFCLASSIC