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Commencement 35 Why We Give
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With Dr. Mitzel, from left to right: LaMont Wilson, Danielle Brouillette, Devin Smith and Gloria Endicott
Congratulations Class of 2021
President Emeritus Barton D. Darrell '84 addressed the 163-member Class of 2021 at the College's 153rd Annual Commencement at the RiverPark Center.
"This wonderful place is better because of you. You have left your fingerprints on this College in a way no other class could ever have done. You won . . . You and your Wesleyan Way would not be defeated by a global pandemic. Is there any doubt you will accomplish anything you want to do going forward?
"Here is my challenge to you: BE THE NEXT VIRUS . . . BE THE NEXT PANDEMIC . . .
"But be a virus that spreads tolerance, acceptance, love, discipline, and love for knowledge, truth and education. Be the pandemic of love for each other.
President Emeritus Barton D. Darrell '84, J.D.
Barton D. Darrell addresses the Class of 2021
Jennifer Zingg '21 Empowers through Art, Thanks to an Online Degree
by Molly Gross
We often find our alumni doing interesting things, but when we see one on a ladder in front of a colorful public art installation, it is particularly intriguing, especially upon learning about the artist.
"The photo shows a piece created by my students," explained KWC alumna Jennifer Zingg '21, visual arts director and art enrichment coordinator at Stewart Home and School. "It was designed to bring awareness to the capabilities and talents of individuals with disabilities within the Frankfort community." The piece is titled, "See the Able, Not the Label."
It is no wonder Kentucky Wesleyan is extremely proud of helping Jennifer climb toward her goals.
Zingg is originally from Rome, Ind., and first began her KWC journey in 1992 as an on-campus, non-traditional student interested in art therapy. As a double major in psychology and studio arts, she also had a job and a young son, and said, "I found school too difficult to manage, and there was no online option back then, so I decided to leave and pursue my artistic career, hoping to one day come back and finish."
She doesn't regret the pause.
Zingg sold her artwork nationally for 20 years, working with gourds and mixed media, and gravitated toward "community arts outreach, working with youth in the region." The latter made her feel called for something more. Twenty-five years later, Zingg enrolled in KWC's online program, looking for flexibility around her career. In
"See the Able, Not the Label"
spite of initial trepidation, Zingg completed the remaining 30 credit hours of her bachelor of science degree in psychology in one year.
"I was worried at first because of the time lapse, but I found that life experience and the wisdom I have gained gave me an increased depth of understanding regarding the coursework." Zingg added that she "found the coursework challenging and insightful, yet very manageable. The two seven-week tracks per semester worked extremely well for me while working full time."
The ease of enrolling was also a plus. "Because I had started out at KWC, all of my credits transferred, and the process was flawless." Not only that, but Zingg was "surprised at how easy Brightspace was to learn and navigate."
Zingg credits her students for her desire to return. She teaches seven studio art classes per day and an evening program at Stewart Home and School, a private residential institution that sits on 872 acres of Kentucky farmland. "It was founded in 1893 and is one of the oldest schools serving adults with intellectual disabilities in the world. We believe in lifelong learning and that everyone is capable and deserving of living their best life," she said, with admiration.
Her students may have empowered her to complete her
degree, but Zingg clearly empowers them in return. "Artmaking is a very human form of communication, which doesn't require words or sound. For our students, daily artmaking provides a safe outlet for self-expression that is essential to their overall mental health. It builds confidence and gives them a sense of purpose."
In spite of her obvious talent as an individual artist, Zingg's favorite projects "are those that involve groups of people and have a wider community impact, such as the Kentucky River Children's Mural, painted by more than 200 children. "It took three summers to complete," Zingg said. She co-designed the mural with her fiancé, Travis Kelley, also an artist. "It spans 19 flood wall panels along the riverfront of downtown Frankfort, depicting the flora and fauna of the Kentucky River." Her completed degree and experience at Stewart Home and School has equipped Zingg to finally tackle her ultimate goal: graduate school. She hopes to attend Saint Mary of the Woods College to earn her master of arts degree in art therapy. But teaching, learning and artmaking are not Zingg's only talents. She is also a "mycology enthusiast" who loves walking the woods in search of different species of mushrooms to identify and collect. Her personal life, like her artwork, sounds vibrant with two grown sons, Logan
When asked about the advice she might give others considering KWC, she said, "One thing that hasn't changed about KWC that I have always appreciated is the low studentteacher ratio and the personal attention and relationships that form over time. Bill Kolok, Kim Bromley and Dr. Fagan were incredible instructors." Even in the online platform, she said, "I found faculty very approachable and helpful. Josh Baldwin [online enrollment counselor], Dr. Rebecca Francis [associate dean, director of online and adult programs] and Lora Canter "Lifting Her Up" [online instructor of psychology] were very supportive." Zingg also has advice for those considering going back for a degree at all, especially non-traditional students. First, "Think outside the box – how can you combine a degree with your other interests or talents?" But most importantly, "I want to encourage older people, like myself, who are contemplating whether or not to go back to school – just do it! I am so glad I did!" Molly Gross, MFA, is an assistant professor of English at KWC, supervises student staff in the Student Success Center and serves as the current 504 coordinator.
Flexible n Personalized n Affordable
Designed for adult learners on the fast track to success, Kentucky Wesleyan's intensive seven-week course format allows students to graduate quickly and take classes from anywhere at any hour.
A new term begins every two months. All online degrees are 100% online.
l Business Administration l General Studies l Psychology l Criminal Justice and Criminology l Graphic Design l Religion
Josh Baldwin '05
Online Enrollment Counselor
Office: 270-852-3201 Text: 270-200-5997 joshua.baldwin@kwc.edu
Dr. Rebecca Francis
Associate Dean of the College and Director, Adult and Online Programs
Office: 270-852-3222 rfrancis@kwc.edu
