Nov. 2011 Vol. 6, No. 3
IMPACT Inspiring Students to Pursue Lives of Purpose
Students and alumni speak God’s language of love Whether a current student or a Waynesburg graduate, individuals exposed to Waynesburg University’s mission of faith, learning and service are passionate about making a difference in the world.
C
helsea Ritter, a forensic science major from New Tripoli, Pa., had no experience in teaching or
the Spanish language when she stood in front of approximately 1,000 Panamanian students, ages 4 to 18, on her first day abroad.
“Other than ‘hola’ and ‘gracias,’ I went
in with nothing,” Ritter said. “It was incredible, though, to see how the mind grows in necessity.”
Across the globe, Bethany Danaher,
a 2010 Waynesburg University alumna, faced a similar challenge when she walked into an elementary school in South Korea and hundreds of children called for her attention in a language different than her native tongue.
The young women used their faith as
a means to break down language barriers early on. “Living the gospel” helped them to communicate a passion for serving, teaching and loving others in unfamiliar environments.
Ritter traveled to San Felix, Panama, to
serve at Our Lady of the Way Foundation, a mission aiming to provide resources and jobs to the local community. For a little over a month, Ritter taught approximately 150 students, grades four through six, the English language.
When the English language wasn’t
enough, Ritter stopped talking and began speaking the language of love—God’s love.
“We should all be speaking that 24/7,”
Ritter said. “So, here’s to smiles and
the Korean language, Danaher teaches
their time spent as Bonner Scholars at
happy eyes and jumping jacks and high
20 classes for a total of 500 elementary
Waynesburg University, a scholarship
fives, none of which require a single word
students each week. Her faith has helped
requiring approximately eight to 10
but speak immeasurable volumes of His
her to show love and appreciation for the
unpaid hours of community service per
love and acceptance.”
Korean students and their language.
week and two 280 service-hour summers.
Through the scholarship, the young
South Korea called to Danaher, an
“My students show me each day what
elementary education major, both as a
it means to love and to be loved by God,”
women have met service as a challenge
student and as a recent graduate. The
Danaher said. “I need to be able to look at
and ultimately, a lifestyle.
Steubenville, Ohio, native traveled to
each child, no matter how they speak, as
Ewha Women’s University in South Korea
Christ would look at them.”
to do, no matter what city we’re in,”
as a sophomore college student through a
Danaher said.
partnership with Waynesburg Unviersity.
one year. She plans to return to the United
After falling in love with the people, the
States August 2012 to earn her master’s
even as they teach others and insist that
language and the culture, she decided to
degree in English as a second language.
the greatest education comes from new
teach there upon graduation.
experiences. Their faith encourages them
Since August 2011, Danaher has
Danaher will call South Korea home for
“I did not become interested in
“Service is something we are called
The young women embrace learning
teaching English as a second language
to speak the language of God’s love in
worked as a full-time teacher for the EPIK
until I studied abroad in South Korea,”
countries that need it, including the
Program in Cheongwon, South Korea.
Danaher said. “Since then, I have longed
United States.
EPIK, or English Program in Korea, aims
for the opportunity to teach others my
to place native English speakers with
language and culture.”
use you,” Ritter said. “He’s going to do it
Korean co-teachers in Korean schools.
anyway. Why? Because He’s God; He can
for serving others, as represented in
Though she is not entirely fluent in
Both Ritter and Danaher share a love
“You don’t need to be ready for God to
and He loves you.”
Nursing program achieves fourth consecutive 100% pass rate
T
he Waynesburg Baccalaureate
Dr. Robert Graham. “We are proud
a registered nurse.
behaviors that graduates must possess
Nursing Program was recently
of our nursing faculty and students.
in order to provide safe, high-quality
notified of its 100 percent pass
The accomplishment is a direct
the United States and achieved an average
care,” said Dr. Nancy Mosser, chair of the
rate on the National Council Licensure
result of our commitment to enroll
national pass rate of 87.81 percent.
Department of Nursing and professor of
Examination for Registered Nurses
bright and hardworking students, and
Pennsylvania had the fifth largest number
nursing.
(NCLEX-RN). Waynesburg was one of two
our commitment to provide them
of candidates, with 7,260 testing from
baccalaureate programs in the state of
with dedicated nursing faculty who
83 programs with an average pass rate of
to maintain the high pass rates by
Pennsylvania to achieve the 100 percent
consistently develop a culture of
87.66 percent. Thirty-one Waynesburg
continuing to
pass rate this year. This year’s feat marks
excellence in nursing.”
University students collectively achieved
offer a rigorous
the program’s fourth consecutive year
the pass rate.
curriculum
achieving the accomplishment.
graduates who tested Oct. 1, 2010
“The 100 percent pass rate is an
that challenges
The exam pass rate takes into account
This year, 144,570 candidates tested in
Mosser said the program plans
University administration, faculty,
through Sept. 30, 2011. Students take the
indicator of the quality of both the
students to use
staff and students share a tremendous
NCLEX subsequent to graduation from a
students and the program’s cutting
evidence-based
amount of pride in the accomplishment.
baccalaureate, diploma or associate degree
edge curriculum. Additionally, faculty
knowledge as
program. A student must pass the exam
members are committed to educating
the basis for
in order to become licensed to practice as
students in the professional values and
practice.
“This is a remarkable achievement,”
said Waynesburg University Provost
IMPACT NEWS & NOTES • The Waynesburg University Vocal
Enthusiasm for changing lives solidifies grants’ purpose
W
aynesburg University
“The youth of Greene County need
Zone grant will aid in the inclusion
encourages its students
to be made aware of the effects of drug
of face painting, a sand art session, an
to live out its mission of
use and what to do if people they know
afternoon snack and the chance to win a
faith, service and learning by affording
are using drugs,” Paganelli said. “We
variety of prizes. The Kid’s Zone, free to
will combine to delight listeners with
them with opportunities to apply these
have the opportunity and responsibility
participants, will also include a balloon
smooth jazz and percussion standards
key principles daily. This fall, students
to make a difference in these students’
artist and inflatables.
for their annual fall concert. The groups
were given the chance to touch the
lives.”
“Waynesburg University provides so
will perform festive, spirit-lifting
lives of others through the University’s
Shawn Wharrey, a junior biology major
many great opportunities to not only
traditional and contemporary pieces
Community Impact Grants. The grants,
from Mars, Pa., and Jessica Malingowski,
give back, but to really make a difference
Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the
totaling $2,000, will assist students with
a senior forensic accounting major from
in someone’s life,” Wharrey said. “I
Goodwin Performing Arts Center.
the fervor to make a difference. Since
Finleyville, Pa., were also awarded a
want to be able to give the kids of the
Admission is free and the public is
its first implementation in the fall of
$1,000 Community Impact Grant for
Waynesburg area the opportunity to
cordially invited to attend.
2009, the grant has been awarded every
their planned implementation of the
creatively express themselves in a safe
semester during the University’s Who’s
“Mini-Relay for Life: Kid’s Zone.”
environment.”
• The Student Art Exhibition will
Your Neighbor Week.
As co-chairs for Waynesburg University’s
A selection committee, consisting
showcase the best work of the fall
Julia Paganelli, a sophomore English
Mini-Relay for Life for the second
of university faculty, staff and
semester Monday, Nov. 28 through
secondary education (creative writing)
consecutive year, Wharrey and
administration, chose the recipients
Friday, Dec. 9 in the Benedum Fine
major from Pottstown, Pa., and Chelsea
Malingowski brainstormed ways to
based on the project’s value to the
Arts Gallery. Waynesburg University
Ritter, a forensic science major from
improve past events and better involve
community, the project’s fundamental
students have worked diligently and
Tripoli, Pa., collectively applied for the
the community.
short- and long-term impact and the
creatively this semester to produce
Community Impact Grant.
“After talking to the kid-friendly
project’s planning and implementation
drawings, prints, ceramics, sculpture
The application titled “Drug Awareness:
groups in Waynesburg, we realized that
process.
and multi-dimensional pieces worthy
Greene County” won a $1,000 grant
the children of this area deserve some
Both groups’ long- term goal is to
of the annual exhibit. The gallery is
to cover training and presentation
sort of special treat and that we could
plant the seeds of philanthropy in
open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through
materials for the Sophomore Bonner
make that happen,” Wharrey said. “We
Waynesburg’s youth. From education
Friday or by appointment. For more
Scholars’ mobilized drug awareness
thought of the Community Impact Grant
related to real-world issues to safe, free
information, call 724-852-3274. Gallery
sessions. This fall, the Scholars will
and everything just clicked.”
entertainment for local children and
admission is free and the public is
begin implementation of their project by
The pair will partner with local youth
their families, the grant allows students
invited to attend.
presenting drug awareness assemblies in
programs to increase the community
to apply their passion for service while
local schools.
aspect of this year’s event. The Kid’s
benefitting those around them.
Jazz Ensemble, the Instrumental Jazz Combo and the Percussion Ensemble
• Join the Waynesburg University Music Program as it presents TUBACHRISTMAS, a concert presented across the globe since 1974. Friday, Dec. 2, audience members will experience their favorite holiday tunes as never before through the rich, organlike sound of local tuba, euphonium and baritone players in harmony. The concert will commence at 7:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend. • Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m., two groups of Waynesburg University students will gather to bring the campus and community holiday music. The Lamplighters Concert Choir and the Waynesburg University Symphonic Band will present the music of father and son composers: the Pachelbels, the Bachs and others at their annual Music Program Christmas Concert. Reservations to this concert, free to University members and the public, can be made by calling 724-852-3420. • Travis Barkley, a senior public accounting major, was recently awarded a prestigious Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants scholarship for his adherence to academic excellence at Waynesburg University. This year, PICPA granted scholarships to 51 students in Pennsylvania. Barkley received one of 25 Multi-Year Renewable Scholarships for $3,000. • Steven Terrill, a senior creative writing and psychology major, was recently published in the independent online fiction magazine eFiction. His story, “Kimberly Ann,” was among six selected to appear in the September 2011 issue.
Research opportunity opens significant doors Tiffany Onifer, a sophomore chemistry major, had the opportunity to share her research with Pennsylvania legislature at Undergraduate Research Day last month. Designed to assemble college students, their faculty mentors and Pennsylvania legislators, Undergraduate Research Day allows students to share what they’ve discovered through their research and their experiences. Onifer was selected as one of 34 Pennsylvania students to present at the event. “The privilege of going to Harrisburg and meeting with our various legislators was a blessing,” Onifer said. “The legislators conveyed their excitement to see what this generation has been doing to benefit our community and this nation through learning about the various research topics.” While in Harrisburg, Onifer had the chance to meet with Senator Timothy Solobay and Kat Manucci, the Administrative Specialist for the State Representative William DeWeese. She was able to convey the importance and the impact of her research. In addition to sharing her research, Onifer learned about the day-to-day responsibilities of legislators. Spending the day in Harrisburg allowed her to have a greater understanding of the purpose of legislators, and what they do to help their communities and beyond. For two years, Onifer has conducted research for Dr. Heidi Fletcher, assistant professor of chemistry at Waynesburg University. Her work consists of synthesizing cyclodextrin beads in order to improve microdialysis sampling for collecting small neuropeptides from the brain. Neuropeptides are released in the brain for communication throughout the body. Fletcher’s interests include studying the neuropeptides involved in addiction. Through this research, others may be able to take greater samples of neuropeptides. Microdialysis is currently a practice, but Onifer and Fletcher are working to make it more efficient for future use. According to Fletcher, Onifer’s ability to succeed is directly related to her commitment to understanding how and why things work. The combination, according to Fletcher, contributes to her great work ethic. The numerous legislators, staff members and students learned not only about Tiffany’s research topic but the profound impact that this research has had on her education, career path, intellectual maturity and her desire to pursue knowledge at all costs. “Honestly, I love learning. Having the privilege of working under Dr. Fletcher has been such a blessing. I have learned so much, and this desire that I have to learn has grown even stronger throughout the years,” Onifer said. “Someday I hope to give back to those that have given me so much by contributing to the development of a profound area of study.”
Waynesburg Yellow Jackets celebrate major upsets The first week of November saw two fall Yellow Jacket teams score major upsets against traditional powers in their respective sports. The Waynesburg women’s soccer team, which qualified for the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) tournament for the first time since 2005 when the conference went to its current four-team format, shocked the three-time defending PAC champions from Washington & Jefferson on Nov. 1 with a 1-0 victory in the first round of the postseason. Sophomore Susie Godwin scored the game’s only goal and senior goalkeeper Katrina Kelly posted her PAC-best 10th shutout of the year. Unfortunately, the Yellow Jackets’ run for their first conference crown fell one game short with a loss in the title game against Thomas More. Speaking of Thomas More, the Yellow Jacket football team upset their counterparts from Crestview Hills, Ky., by the final score of 26-23 on Saturday, Nov. 5. The Saints came into the game as the number-six ranked team in the country, but the Jackets didn’t seem intimidated as they never trailed in the win that snapped Thomas More’s 29-game regular season winning streak and 26-game PAC winning streak. The Jackets were led by senior quarterback Josh Graham, who completed 27-of-51 pass attempts for 250 yards and touchdown passes to junior Adam Moses and sophomore Mike Ferraro. Junior safety Bryan Gary clinched the victory when he sacked Thomas More quarterback Robert Kuess, forced a fumble and recovered the ball with five seconds left to play.