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The WC Experience
washington college admissions newsletter | volume v. number ii, summer 2021 | USPS 667260 washcoll.edu/admissions | 410-778-7700 | @wcadmissions
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COMMITTED TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT “I found WC and saw there were so many opportunities for studying the environment,” she says. “I immediately knew that I would be an environmental science major, and I knew that I wanted to pursue the dual-degree program in environmental management at Duke.” What wasn’t clear to her three years ago was exactly what she wanted to do in the field. Beyond the introductory class in environmental studies, Sammy took classes in quantitative chemical analysis, marine conservation, applied ecology, environmental chemistry, and field methods. She loved every minute spent in the labs and out in the field. When the pandemic derailed her plans to pursue independent research during a summer field course, she devised a research project she could pursue from home—one that taps into her interest in environmental chemistry. “I joined the Cater Society in the spring of 2020 in hopes of applying for a grant to pursue environmental research during the Environmental Studies in Ecuador field course offered by Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Studies Rebecca Fox,” Sammy says. “When that trip didn’t happen because of the pandemic, I was searching for another research topic. One day, while I was doing an at-home lab in my backyard, I noticed a red residue on my shoes. My dad thought it might be iron residue from cars and trucks traveling on the turnpike nearby.” she recalls. “The question became whether vehicle non-exhaust emission causes soil contamination. Professor Fox thought there might be something to it and suggested that I work with Professor Leslie Sherman, who is an expert in soil chemistry.”
Sammy is now back on campus and working in the lab, analyzing the soil samples she collected last fall. “I have really enjoyed working with Sammy on her Cater research,” notes Sherman. “I applaud her organization and her commitment to completing an independent research project. Given the tight schedule with the dual-degree program, students pursuing this option do not do an SCE (Senior Capstone Experience) project. So, it is wonderful that Sammy has had this opportunity to conduct research thanks to the Cater Society.” This fall, Sammy will become the first Washington College student to take advantage of the dual degree program at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, earning her bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a master’s degree in environmental management in five years. At Duke, she’ll be part of a small program in ecotoxicology and environmental health that will allow her to further explore her interest in environmental chemistry. For someone whose favorite childhood pastime was looking for newts after a rainstorm at her family’s mountain house, Washington College was the perfect place for Sammy to study. “I found WC and saw that there were so many opportunities for students interested in the environment. I immediately knew that I would be an environmental science major and knew that I wanted to pursue the Duke program. Not only have I enjoyed the fieldwork in my courses here at WC, but I’ve also had such great experiences in the labs as well.”
IN THIS ISSUE COMMITTED TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT BY MARCIA LANDSKROENER M'02 PAGE 1
FORGING HER OWN LEGACY BY OLIVIA MONTES '22 PAGE 2
MAKING IT HAPPEN BY OLIVIA MONTES '22 PAGE 2
ANALIESE BUSH WINS NCAA ELITE 90 AWARD FOR DIVISION III WOMEN'S ROWING BY DAVID GANSELL PAGE 2
NEW MINOR ANNOUNCED: MUSEUM, FIELD, AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION BY KELLEY WALLACE PAGE 2
LOVE IN THE TIME OF THE NEANDERTHALS BY MARCIA LANDSKROENER M'02 PAGE 3
LIVING THE LIBERAL ARTS BY ABBEY WARK '18 PAGE 3
CAPTURING THE SMALL TOWN LIFE BY ABBEY WARK '18 PAGE 4
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR BY ABBEY WARK '18 PAGE 4
office of admissions
Sammy DiLoreto ’21 was always drawn to science classes but, an AP environmental science course during her senior year of high school inspired her to choose a college with a strong environmental science program.
Sherman says Sammy developed her research question completely on her own and was creative in her approach to experimental design. “Based on several Zoom meeting in which we discussed her initial plans, a thorough literature search on her part, and material she learned in Dr. Fox’s field methods course, Sammy came up with a very good design,” says Sherman.
washington college 300 washington avenue chestertown, maryland 21620
by Marcia Landskroener M'02
FORGING HER OWN LEGACY by Olivia Montes '22 The main reason Shannel Fraser ’24 chose Washington College was her older sister, Shaniece. After seeing the experiences and opportunities available, as well as how her sister was thriving, Shannel immediately knew she wanted to attend WC. Though following in her sister’s footsteps, she has and found herself forging her own unique path. In her short time on campus, Shannel has sharpened a wide range of different skills that spark her interests, which include striving to lead others, making connections, and initiating active change towards achieving a safe space on campus for students of color. Academically, Shannel applies those same skills to each course she takes. She plans to major in business
management and minor in international business, and she finds opportunity at every turn to broaden her knowledge in the field. Shannel has also been encouraged to open up through the communities she has joined, such as Alpha Chi Omega sorority and the Office of Intercultural Affairs. She holds leadership positions in both organizations—vice president of planning and intercultural ambassador, respectively—and has discovered greater confidence in herself to apply her ambitious nature to notable causes. She cites her professors in the Department of Business Management as a significant influence in her college experience, both in and outside of the classroom. “Whenever you need help, they are always there,” she said. “They can be an email away or an office hour away, [and] they will schedule time out of their day to find ways to help you if [and when] you want it.” With the help of other noted WC faculty members, including Dr. Carese Bates in the Office of Intercultural Affairs and Professor Hui-Ju Tsai in the Department of Business Management, Shannel has continued to grow into her own person and make the most out of her college experience. She is determined to make effective, efficient change and to consistently rise to the challenge to make that happen. “Through resilience and patience, WC has taught me that if you don’t push for change, it’s not going to happen,” she said. “If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.”
ANALIESE BUSH WINS NCAA ELITE 90 AWARD FOR DIVISION III WOMEN'S ROWING by David Gansell Washington College rising senior Analiese Bush ’22 has been named the recipient of the prestigious ELITE 90 Award for Division III women's rowing. Founded by the NCAA, the ELITE 90 recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among their peers. This award is presented to the
student-athlete with the highest cumulative gradepoint average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 90 championships. An environmental science major with minors in Chesapeake studies and French, Analiese has maintained a perfect 4.00 grade-point average over her first three years at WC. She was named to the Academic All Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference Team this past season. Madeleine Morrissette was the first Shorewoman to win the award in 2014-2015.
MAKING IT HAPPEN by Olivia Montes '22 In her junior year of high school, Randei Collins '23 revisited a forgotten letter to her future self. In it, she found that her past self had considered attending Washington College. As luck would have it, she received a letter encouraging her to apply from the College in the mail just before her senior year. She considered it a sign and decided to explore the campus. As soon as she saw the tight-knit campus, the closeness of the surrounding Chestertown area, and the experiences and opportunities available to students, all set against a smalltown backdrop, Randei applied—and she has not looked back. “I just loved the atmosphere of the College and the community because it reminded me of my hometown,” Randei said. “I just like that small-town appeal, and everybody was so nice and helpful. From the moment I started my tour to this day, I’ve been doing everything the College has to offer.” While the COVID-19 pandemic shifted her first year on campus primarily online, Randei has not let this prevent her from taking charge and seizing opportunities. She is an active member of student-led clubs and organizations such as Black Student Union and Cleopatra’s Sisters, and she is getting to know more about communication and media studies (CMS) and creative writing to strengthen her own creativity and fields of interest—which include producing original art, singing, writing, and designing. “I found the [CMS] topics interesting because you learn about communication and media in general, but you also learn about different theories, how society works in the sense of media and its effects, and just overall how to apply them to different aspects of life…[and] whatever you’re interested in,” Randei said. “I have loved writing ever since I was a kid, and just continued doing it through high school, and that’s where I got the idea to declare a creative writing minor.” Citing advisor Dr. Meghan Grosse’s patience, her Introduction to Creative Writing class with Dr. Roy Kesey and his “uplifting love of writing,” and the sweetness, reliability, and support of Director of Intercultural Affairs Dr. Carese Bates and Counselor Dr. Randi Altman during an unusual first year at the College, Randei has found herself growing more comfortable and sure of herself and her artistic abilities. While she is not entirely sure where her journey may take her next—though she is interested in exploring a post-graduation experience in art, design, and writing—Randei credits the College for encouraging her to open up, be more selfassured in terms of her craft, and value and make the most of her opportunities. “Considering all the people I’ve met and all the opportunities I’ve had here, if I had to take away one thing, it’s this: if something comes along your path or there’s a certain opportunity, take it,” she said. “Don’t wait around for something to happen. You make it happen.”
NEW MINOR ANNOUNCED: MUSEUM, FIELD, AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION by Kelley Wallace Washington College recently announced the addition of a minor in Museum, Field, and Community Education. This program is designed to prepare students from a range of disciplines to work as effective educators in settings other than schools. The minor will combine courses in learning theory and design, communication, and content area experience with fieldwork and internship opportunities that are designed to apply these principles in live environments.
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"This new minor brings together many of the amazing opportunities that characterize learning at Washington College,” said Sara Clarke-De Reza, Ph.D., assistant professor of education and director of the Museum, Field and Community Education minor. “We think that blending educational theory and deep disciplinary content knowledge with the chance to directly apply that knowledge in the real world is the perfect recipe for a transformative (and fun!) student experience!" While Washington College already has a long-standing program that successfully prepares students to become certified school teachers, many graduate and go on to become educators outside of the school system. This
minor is specifically designed to help those students build a foundation of skills and knowledge in educational theory, instructional design, and communication that will support their success in those settings. The first internships associated with this minor will be held in the fall 2021 semester, and the first group of students to graduate with the completed minor will likely be from the Class of 2022. A handful of students have already declared Museum, Field, and Community Education as a minor, with the first real push for enrollment now underway.
LOVE IN THE TIME OF THE NEANDERTHALS Her essay draws upon lessons learned during an introductory class in environmental anthropology and her own research into medicinal practices of the Neanderthals—the species that first emerged during the Pleistocene Epoch about 2.6 million years ago. Anthropologists are beginning to understand that our early human ancestors were not simple brutes, but had appreciation for art and language, developed new tools and technologies that helped them survive harsh environmental conditions, and offered rudimentary medical care to the sick and injured. “The best evidence of love exists in displays of compassion, the practice of caring for one another out of pure altruism, which shows emotional bonds and an ability to recognize the intrinsic value of another’s life,” Alaina writes. “This can be seen in Neanderthals’ healthcare practices, as they administered care to ill, injured, and elderly members of their groups indiscriminately, regardless of the cost to the greater society.… This emotional motivation drove the species to develop more complex methodologies, and certainly saved the species from early extinction by allowing them to surpass the limitations of their ecosystem.”
by Marcia Landskroener M'02 In the Spring 2021 edition of the Washington College Review, Alaina Perdon ’22 offers a fascinating look at the medicinal practices of Neanderthals, finding evidence suggesting that this early human species possessed the capacity for love and compassion.
LIVING THE LIBERAL ARTS
She recounts evidence of the use of medicinal plants for disinfecting wounds and respiratory illnesses, limb amputation after trauma, assisted childbirth, and accelerated healing patterns that indicate patients were carefully tended.
to hold me accountable whenever I wasn’t reaching my full potential,” he said. “I learned to appreciate the benefits of small class sizes and I knew I wanted more of the same when it came to college.” A life-long soccer player, Skyler also knew he wanted to continue playing at the collegiate level.
During his time at WC, Skyler epitomized a liberal arts student: a two-sport varsity athlete, biology and chemistry double major, theatre minor, member of multiple honor societies, and founder of the Anglerman’s Fishing Club. He also made the most of his semester breaks through internships, traveling abroad, and volunteering as an EMT with the local rescue squad. “Curiosity was always the driving force behind pursuing some sort of career involving the sciences. There is so much about nature—and life in general for that matter— that inspires various why- and how- based questions that I find fascinating. With that being said, I also discovered that being creative and having fun go hand in hand with one another.” “My theatre minor provided me opportunities to ask, ‘why not?’ and to explore my creative potential. Sophomore year, I had Acting 101 with Polly Sommerfeld sandwiched right in between calculus and organic chemistry. That acting class was a necessary form of rejuvenation.”
Growing up on The Frederick Gunn School campus, where his father taught and coached, Skyler Clark ’18 was no stranger to academia. Attending high school at the independent boarding school greatly influenced his perspective on education. “My high school experience consisted of small classes where my teachers really got to know me and were able
Those who couldn’t hunt or forage were provided for. The lesson here, she says, is that taking care of one another allowed the species to advance and to thrive. “Each individual holds some responsibility for upholding the good of the species,” she concludes. “Caring for one another, regardless of how those we care for can return the favor or otherwise benefit our society, ultimately advances humanity. Clearly, Neanderthals loved one another, and we should emulate their compassion to better our own society.” Since that first environmental anthropology class, Alaina has been committed to learning how humans fit into ecosystems. Her work with the Eastern Shore Food Lab has allowed her to expand upon that idea, as she explores the intersections of food and culture and the natural environment. “What you eat can say so much about you, the land, and the human experience,” she notes. “Now I go to a restaurant and think, “What do these spices say about colonization of the West Indies?” Alaina hopes that she can help others learn to love where they live and to appreciate that connection between environment and society. “What I really want to do is inspire people to find their place in the ecosystem. I’m not sure exactly what the future holds for me, but I always want to be teaching.”.
“Continued attempts at healing led Neanderthals to gain an aptitude for medical botany and further capitalize on
“If you search ‘small academically challenging liberal arts college with a strong Division III conference,’ it doesn’t take long to come across Washington College. That’s exactly what happened to me,” he noted. “I knew it was the place I wanted to be. Washington College was the only college I applied to. I sent in my early decision application, was accepted within the next few weeks, and was able to focus on enjoying my last year as a student at a place I’d always called home.”
by Abbey Wark '18
the elements of their landscape,” Alaina writes.
During his junior year, Skyler realized he had taken so many theatre classes for pleasure that it made sense to declare the minor and continue pursuing his creative outlet. He also went on to design for studentdirected shows such as Tennessee Williams’s The Glass Menagerie. For his Senior Capstone Experience (SCE), Skyler chose to review the effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas9 as a means of modeling, screening for, and treating cancer. CRISPRCas9 was a topic in several of his classes at WC. “Although there are all sorts of exciting areas in which [CRISPR-Cas9] can be put to good use, I focused on its
potential in screening for, modeling, and treating cancer because it’s a disease that affects billions of people,” he said. “Even now, often our best option for fighting cancer is to target the effects by purposefully attacking all cells that undergo rapid cellular division—both cancerous and healthy. Although complicated, the root cause of any type of cancer is genetic. In addition to allowing us to learn more about cancer in general, CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to completely change the way we treat it by targeting the cause of cancer as opposed to the effects.” Skyler worked with Associate Professor of Chemistry and Department Co-Chair Dr. James Lipchok and Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Jennifer Wanat on his thesis. He believes their guidance and dedication to his research were pivotal in his SCE qualifying for honors in chemistry. Today, Skyler joins two Washington College alums (Dean of Students Jo Wrzesinsky and Tim Kerr, history faculty and head boys’ lacrosse coach) at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania, where he teaches science, works with declaimers, and is an assistant coach for varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse. Because of his diverse interests and versatile skill set, arriving at a career in teaching wasn’t a clear path. Skyler credits Lipchok’s junior-year chemistry seminar for preparing him for life post-graduation. “Many people describe key moments in their life where they come to a crossroad and must decide between one path or another. Because of the opportunities I was provided at Washington, I felt like nearing the end of college was less like arriving at a simple fork in the road and more like rolling up to a major city roundabout,” he reflected. “Rather than choosing from a single thing I enjoyed doing in the past, I came to recognize how teaching and coaching provide me with the unique opportunity to tether a common and meaningful purpose to so many of my previous experiences,” he explained. “I can teach a variety of different subjects that I find interesting, pass on skills that I developed from playing the sports I love to athletes who are also passionate about the games, implement creativity in subjects that don’t always provide students with a space to be creative, and provide context from my own experience growing up at a boarding school to teenagers who might benefit from being offered a broader perspective.”
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which skills to sharpen, but also how to adapt to unexpected circumstances within his college career. “When we moved online last semester [due to the COVID-19 pandemic], I had a hard time adjusting,” he noted. “My professor reached out to me when I was behind. He also tried really hard to make sure we got the most out of online classes.” Prior to the pandemic, Ben expanded on his greatest passion: photography. He enjoys “capturing moments” at a variety of different angles and had the opportunity to do so in a fivemember group trip to Dry Tortugas Island in Key West. “We rented a school van, drove down to Key West, and took a ferry to Dry Tortugas Island where we spent a few nights,” he explained. “We did architectural photography, astrophotography, and underwater photography. I learned a lot.”
CAPTURING THE SMALL TOWN LIFE by Abbey Wark '18 Benjamin "Ben" Wang ‘22 considers himself to be a proud citizen of Maryland. His experiences within the state—including his high school roots and friends—have allowed him to explore new opportunities at Washington College, including majoring in business management. “While I don't know exactly what I want yet [post-graduation], I like the professors here,” Ben said. “Since we have smaller class sizes, you really get to talk to and know your professors. They really care about you.” Ben found connections with those in his new field of study to be helpful in not only figuring out which directions to take or
During the spring semester, Ben was one of the few students on campus. He kept himself busy outside of virtual classes by working for the Athletics Department as a photographer. “It is a small and beautiful campus,” he said. “It is nice and peaceful. It is good to be back in Maryland.” As a former lacrosse player, his passion for photography began with athletics, after an injury took Ben out of the game. "WC’s varsity games were closed to spectators this year because of COVID, so it was nice to have exclusive access to the sidelines and capture moments to share with the community," Ben shared. "I like to be involved, but I don’t have to be the center of attention. That’s the beauty of photography: you get to observe what is going on and be a part of it." Ben is a Rebecca Corbin Loree intern for Enrollment Management and Marketing this summer, where he is expanding his knowledge of digital and video editing software, as well as learning the ins and outs of marketing. “I get to see the behind the scenes of how marketing runs. People don’t always realize all the thought, time, and people that go into a project to make it look seamless.”
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Reader, May is one of my favorite months at Washington College. Flowers are in full bloom, the Chester River glistens, and everyone is celebrating. Seniors say bittersweet goodbyes to friends and classmates as they head off into life postgraduation, members of our incoming class decked out in their new Goose Nation gear excitedly plan for their first day of college classes, and the entire community is consumed with sharing news of the upcoming adventures their summer holds. What everyone experiences in those soft days of May is a strong sense of community. No matter what your major, club, or sport might be, whether you are a newcomer or a longtime friend, you have found your place.
In a sense, May embodies that quintessential Washington College experience. Here, as a member of Goose Nation, you’ll find a community that supports your individual aspirations, but also a community that works together to put the dreams for a brighter future into action. As Paris Young ’21 noted during her remarks at Commencement: “It is important to have our own individual dreams, but I also believe there is power in dreaming together as a collective. I think of collective dreaming as a process through which a group of people or a community can come together to imagine a society that benefits everyone, regardless of class, race, sexuality, and gender.” This issue of Goose Nation captures the heart of our community with stories of how we continue to grow, the successes we achieve, the connections we make, and the legacies we leave after our time in Chestertown. Sincerely, Abbey Wark '18
CONNECT WITH YOUR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR – We want to get to know the person behind the application — the real you. Send us an email, text, or even DM on instagram, we'd love to hear from you.
Kelsey Miller '10 / Director of Admission (410) 778-7700 • kmiller8@washcoll.edu
Cassandra Hynson / Associate Director for Transfer Admission (410) 421-7405 • chynson2@washcoll.edu Transfer Students @wc_cassandrahynson
Keegan Carrasco / Admissions Counselor
(410) 673-4672 • kcarrasco2@washcoll.edu Maryland (Calvert, Charles, Howard, and St. Mary’s Counties), and West Coast States @wc_keegancarrasco
Katie Claggett / Admissions Counselor (410) 705-2890 • kclagget2@washcoll.edu International Students and Northern Delaware @wc_katieclaggett
Ashley Davis '20 / Admissions Counselor (410) 881-8167 • adavis4@washcoll.edu Maryland (Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties), Southern Delaware, and West Virginia @wc_ashleydavis
Jack Despeaux '18 / Admissions Counselor (410) 390-0757 • jdespeaux2@washcoll.edu Maryland (Baltimore City, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties), Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont @wc_jackdespeaux
Allegra Fass / Admissions Counselor
(410) 778-7700 • afass2@washcoll.edu Maryland (Anne Arundel County) and Virginia @wc_allegrafass
Suzie Friedrich / Admissions Counselor (410) 705-2126 • sfriedrich2@washcoll.edu Northern New Jersey and Maryland (Eastern Shore and Harford County) @wc_suziefriedrich
Skylar Kuhn / Assistant Director of Admissions (410) 390-0305 • skuhn2@washcoll.edu Maryland (Baltimore City Private Schools and Baltimore County), Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico @wc_skylarkuhn
Annmarie Magnus / Assistant Director of Admissions (410) 927-1710 • amagnus2@washcoll.edu Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin @wc_annmariemagnus
Shannon Whitaker / Admissions Counselor
UPCOMING EVENTS
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(410) 449-7177 • swhitaker2@washcoll.edu Southern New Jersey and New York @wc_shannonwhitaker
WASHINGTON COLLEGE ADMISSIONS NEWSLETTER volume v. number ii, summer 2021
2021 OPEN HOUSES SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, September 25 & Saturday, November 13 Way more than a tour – it’s YOUR day! Juniors, seniors, and transfer students are all invited to visit campus and meet with staff, students, and professors for a comprehensive overview of Washington College. Learn more about our upcoming events at washcoll.edu/events
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Want to learn more about our beautiful college along Maryland’s Eastern Shore? Join us in person or virtually! Participate in a student led tour, have all your questions answered during an info session, or sign up for a special topics session with our campus resources or signature centers. We can’t wait to help you do your day, your way. On-campus and virtual visits are offered Monday-Friday.
Sign up at washcoll.edu/visit
USPS 667260 | ISSN 2577-3658 EDITOR Abbey Wark '18 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marcia Landskroener M'02 Olivia Montes '22 David Gansell Kelley Wallace Abbey Wark '18
ART DIRECTOR John Lucas
PRINTING RTC Direct Mailing, Inc.
Goose Nation, Publication No. (USPS 667260) is published quarterly by Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620, in April, July, October, and January. Periodical postage paid at Chestertown, Maryland, and at other offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Goose Nation/Admissions, Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620-1197. Copyright 2021, Washington College.