FIRSTS
Shenandoah Part of Solar Market Pathway Initiative
Shenandoah University is one of 15 Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) member schools participating in the Solar Market Pathway for Independent Colleges of Virginia (SMP-ICV) program through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative.
CICV has been awarded more than $807,000 in federal funding from the SunShot Initiative to help 15 member schools, all private nonprofit colleges in Virginia, develop comprehensive plans for implementing solar power on their campuses.
The three-year program will help the colleges navigate the complex legal, regulatory, and technical challenges associated with installing solar systems, leverage group purchasing power to achieve price reductions for hardware and installation services, and create a learning network accessible by other organizations considering solar power. Consulting services will be provided to CICV by Optony, Inc. (www.optony.com), a global consulting firm focused on solar energy. Find out more.
University Honored in New Category on Presidential Honor Roll
Shenandoah University has been named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which honors the nation’s leading higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff for their commitment to bettering their communities through service.
This year, the university was honored in the Interfaith Community Service category. It is the first time this category has been part of the Honor Roll distinctions.
According to the Honor Roll’s fact sheet, Interfaith Community Service recognizes institutions that are addressing community issues (such as education or health) with a focus on interfaith cooperation. Effective interfaith programs facilitate positive meaningful relationships between people from different religious and non-religious backgrounds and increase appreciative knowledge of other traditions. Read more here.
NEWS
United Methodist Church Publication Spotlights Student’s Comments
The Virginia United Methodist Advocate magazine, published by the Virginia United Methodist Conference, led its coverage of November’s Day of Holy Conversation with comments by Virginia Greer ’15, a music production & recording technology major who was the youngest panelist for the day’s discussions at Woodlake UMC in Richmond.
Greer, who is also set to graduate from Shenandoah’s Faith Seeking Justice Christian Leadership Program, addressed the more than 40 years of argument within the church about human sexuality. “There are many moments at church events where people are arguing, people talking over each other and people in the back who just want to get out,” said Greer, as quoted in the magazine. “When we ought to be thinking of how we can show love when it is most needed. . . we’re Christians; we’re used to loving someone we can’t understand. But we can do so much better.”
Dean of Spiritual Life and Director of the Institute for Church Professions the Rev. Dr. Justin Allen said the Virginia Conference Young Adult Council chose Greer to participate in the panel discussion, at which she exhorted church members to love one another. “If we want to get anywhere together we need to agree that loving one another is more important than being right,” Greer is quoted by the magazine. In doing so, “We’re going to lose the easy answers, the feeling of safety and of being right. But we gain the spirit.”
The magazine isn’t alone in seeing Greer’s talents. “Virginia is one of the best writers I know. She writes our liturgy for University Chapel at Noon and it is always theologically sound and contextually appropriate,” said Allen, who also noted that Greer hopes to study theology in a graduate program. (Photo by NEILL CALDWELL/ Virginia United Methodist Advocate)
Civil Rights Movement Veteran and Friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Participates in University’s King Day Observance
The Rev. Gil Caldwell, an African-American clergyman who is a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, and who was a friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., addressed the university community at several Jan. 19 events during Shenandoah’s observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. Caldwell, a retired United Methodist Church minister, shared a short documentary, spoke with students over lunch and dinner (including a lunchtime Q&A session), and was the guest speaker at a worship service in honor of Dr. King held in Armstrong Concert Hall. Caldwell participated in the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom in 1957, the March on Washington in 1963, the Mississippi Freedom Summer in 1964, the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, and the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968.
Stickley Elected President of Mid-Atlantic College Health Association (MACHA)
Director of Health Services, Ron Stickley, M.S., was elected president of the Mid-Atlantic College Health Association (MACHA) at its annual meeting in October 2014. MACHA is one of the affiliates of the American College Health, which serves as the principal leadership organization for advancing the health of college students and campus communities through advocacy, education and research.
ARTS & SCIENCES
Marshall Wins VACTE Scholarship
Senior university studies (elementary education) major Stephanie Marshall is one of three winners from across the state of Virginia to be awarded a scholarship from the Virginia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (VACTE). She will be recognized for this honor at the VACTE Conference in April 2015.
The VACTE is comprised of 39 institutions of higher education in Virginia that prepare teachers and other school professionals for work in P-12 classrooms in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. In order to be considered for this award, nominees had to be fully admitted to a teacher education program; demonstrate a balanced program in liberal arts and professional education; have prior or current experience in working with children or young people; demonstrate a high level of scholarship in previous studies (a 3.2 GPA or higher); and come from an institution that is a member in good standing of VACTE.
Shenandoah Students Participate in Ethics Bowl
Shenandoah students participated in the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges’ (VFIC) 16th annual statewide collegiate Wells Fargo Ethics Bowl on February 8-9 on the campus of Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. Shenandoah’s team competed head-to-head against student teams from Virginia’s 14 leading independent colleges and universities, debating a variety of case studies highlighting ethical dilemmas. Participating students were: senior William Arens, senior Genevieve Arens, junior Nader Hussein, senior Mary Miller, freshman Jo Ann Batteiger, sophomore Alex Carney, and junior Renee Sogueco. Professor of Philosophy and Religion Barry Penn-Hollar, Ph.D., who serves as faculty coordinator, noted that each of Shenandoah’s two teams won two rounds and lost two rounds. “The first team beat the University of Richmond and Marymount University, but lost to Randolph-Macon and Roanoke colleges,” he said. “The second team (made up entirely of first-time ethics bowl competitors), beat Virginia Wesleyan and Emory and Henry colleges, while losing to Washington and Lee University and Mary Baldwin College. Their performance was particularly impressive given they held their own quite well against the team from Washington and Lee, which was very strong and, indeed, won the competition.”
EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
University Granted $50,000 to Continue Professional Development Outreach for Local Teachers
Creating a literate citizenry through excellent education for current and future teachers, as well as through direct community outreach to children and families, is the goal at the heart of a $50,000 grant awarded to Shenandoah University by the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation (CMCF). With this grant, Shenandoah University has received more than $300,000 in funding from CMCF since 2008.
The newly awarded grant will allow Shenandoah’s Claude Moore Center for Literacy (CMCL) to continue providing reading clinics, mentoring projects, expanded writing programs for disadvantaged students, and evidence-based professional development for local teachers at the pre-K through 12th grade levels. Read more here.
BUSINESS
MBA Classes Offered in Pilot Program at the Northern Virginia Campus
Shenandoah University’s Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business began delivering Master of Business Administration classes via the Northern Virginia Technology Council (VTC) to MBA and Pharm.D. students at the Northern Virginia Campus — Scholar Plaza in Loudoun County in January as part of a spring semester pilot program. Reaction to the program has been positive, and the business school has started scheduling summer VTC classes.
Dean’s List Students Celebrated
Fall 2014 Dean’s List business students joined Dean Miles Davis, Ph.D., and Associate Dean R.T. Good, Ph.D., while proud family and friends snapped quick pics at the annual Dean’s List celebratory event in Halpin-Harrison Hall on Monday, January 19. The event included a pre-event reception and certificate presentation ceremony. “We feel it’s very important to recognize the achievements of our students,” said Dr. Davis. “Their accomplishments show their determination, hard work and perseverance,” he said. “We’re so proud of their academic performance.” Dean’s List students must receive a 3.25 GPA with no grade lower than a C-minus.
Winchester Parks and Recreation Touts MBA Students’ McCormac Amphitheater Feasibility Study
A recent Winchester Parks & Recreation Department newsletter publicized a feasibility study completed last semester by MBA students participating in a capstone project assigned by Associate Professor of Finance Bruce Gouldey, Ph.D., for the Management 611 class. Student participants included Mean Alkhanaizan ’13, ’14; Khaled Alomary, ’14; Rachel Breslin, ’14; Carol Goolsby, ’14; Tim Hatcher, ’14; Sherrie Humbertson, ’14; Juan Perez, ’14; and Abdulaziz Shalhoob, ’14; all of whom graduated with their MBAs in December 2014. The study confirmed that a 2,000- to 3,000-seat amphitheater is needed in the City of Winchester, and the revitalization of the current Winchester McCormac Amphitheater in Jim Barnett Park could suit that need.
A total of $2,065,000 was set aside as a budget for the project (which would include a $400,000 commitment from the university). However, after completing the research, the MBA students concluded that with a $5 million price tag, they could not recommend building the facility, as it would not be financially sustainable.
CONSERVATORY
Students Place First in MTNA Competition and Advance to National Finals
Senior piano performance major Min Ji Lee and freshman music education major Drake Stoughton received top prizes at January’s Music Teachers National Association Southern Division Competition in Knoxville, Tennessee. Lee placed first in the young artists division and Stoughton placed first in the senior performance division. Lee performed a recital featuring works by Haydn, Liszt and Scriabin. She is a student of Distinguished Artist-in-Residence, Chair of Keyboard Division and Professor of Piano John O’Conor, B.M., L.R.A.M., L.R.S.M., A.R.C.M. Stoughton performed works by Demersseman and Tomasi for the competition. He studies saxophone with Professor of Saxophone Tim Roberts, D.M.A. Both students advance to national finals at the 2015 MTNA National Conference beginning March 21 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jacob Moyer, a clarinet student of Garrick Zoeter, M.M., and the Atlas Quartet (comprised of Jacob Moyer, Breanna Gromicko, Kyla Rose Wilcox, Paul Wissman) were also invited to compete at the regional competition. Moyer received an Honorable Mention at the competition.
Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre Announces 32nd Season Productions
Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre will present three musicals new to the SSMT stage — “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” (June 11-21); “The Addams Family” (June 25-July 5); “The Wiz” (July 9-19) — and conclude with a perennial family favorite, “The Music Man,” (July 23- Aug. 2).
Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and matinee performances are at 2:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, as well as every second Wednesday. “The Addams Family” will not be performed on July 4. However, for the convenience of Saturday matinee subscribers, a 2:30 p.m. performance has been added on Thursday, July 2.
The 2015 season features a revised performance schedule and a streamlined pricing structure. Single tickets and new subscriptions are now on sale. To purchase tickets, click here (there is a $2 per ticket charge for online purchases); you may also call the box office at (540) 665-4569 or (877) 580-8025 (toll free). The box office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as two hours prior to performances.
Individual rates for all performances are as follows: adult, $30; senior (62 and over), $25; child (13 and under), $15. Subscription rates are as follows: adult, $100; senior (62 and over), $85; child (13 and under), $50. For special rates/group sales, please call (540) 665-4545.
Shenandoah Co-Hosts Williamsburg-Based Music Education Conference
Music education professionals from across the country and around the world gathered in Williamsburg, Virginia, Feb. 18-21, to share the latest in research, thought and practice in music education assessment. Shenandoah University co-hosted the Fifth International Symposium on Assessment in Music Education, also known as ISAME5, with the University of Florida and James Madison University. Key questions at the symposium focused on connecting the areas of practice, measurement and evaluation.
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Music Education Jeffrey Marlatt, Ph.D., served as academic co-chair of the event and eight undergraduate music education majors attended the event and served as room presiders and chairs.
More than 200 music educators from 13 different countries attended this bi-annual event, including primary and secondary school music educators; higher education professionals and music education researchers; and national, state and local education officials from around the world. The symposium also featured performances by the Shenandoah Conservatory Jazz Ensemble and the Galestro-Smith Duo, comprised of flutist Angela Galestro and guitarist Jonathan Smith, both of whom are pursuing doctoral studies at Shenandoah Conservatory. Shenandoah faculty members and alumni who served as presenters during the conference, included Chair of Conservatory Academics Division and Professor of Music Education David Zerull, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Music Education Stephanie Standerfer, Ph.D.; Alice M. Hammel ’87, ’99; Patricia Riley ’01; and Jeffrey Ward ’06.
NURSING
Shenandoah Launches Website for Interprofessional Education
Shenandoah University announced the official launch of the Virtual Interprofessional Education (VIPE) Learning Center. VIPE is a one-stop resource for flexible, centralized and completely online interprofessional education. VIPE allows health professionals to receive continuing education units for licensure through VIPE’s library of videos, lectures and resources; use VIPE learning activities for class credit (depending on instructor or course); engage in real-time or asynchronous interaction with other health professionals; build an e-portfolio that automatically contains VIPE activity completion certificates, and more.
Roles of Nurse-Midwives Topic of Documentary and Discussion
A panel of childbirth professionals discussed issues ranging from caring to education and the role of nurse-midwives in women’s health after a Jan. 27 showing of “Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin & The Farm Midwives,” in Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Auditorium. The documentary film highlights the work of Founder and Director of the Farm Midwifery Center (Summertown, Tenn) Ina May Gaskin, M.A., C.P.M. The panelists included (left to right) Professor of Nursing Ginger Breedlove, Ph.D., president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM); Associate Professor Juliana Van Olpen Fehr, Ph.D., director of Shenandoah University’s nurse-midwifery program; Virginia Department of Health Nurse-Midwife Zan Ruby, CNM; and Director of JustBirth Winchester Julie Pettler. “Since 1997, we’ve been bringing students to The Farm, where they experience the midwives’ passion and courage to step out there and affect change,” said Dr. Fehr. “We all have the ability to change the world.”
HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Physician Assistant Studies Program Graduates Largest-Ever Class
Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Class of 2014, graduated its largest class in December. The 40-student Class of 2014, received a strong message from Bob McNellis, MPH, PA, senior advisor for Primary Care at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). McNellis emphasized the need for more outcomes data on the care provided in the United States. “PAs are at the forefront of quality improvement initiatives in the U.S., and you all are prepared to step right in and be change agents for your patients,” said McNellis. To date, the Class of 2014 has earned a 100 percent pass rate on board exams.
Relocated Programs Housed in Health Professions Building
President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., (top photo, left) greeted students with coffee, hot chocolate, fruit and donuts July 13 in the Health Professions Building (HPB) on the campus of Valley Health in Winchester. A portion of the building was revamped and renovated to house the physician assistant, occupational therapy and physical therapy programs that recently moved into the space from their previous locations at 333 Cork Street in Winchester and Medical Office Building II (also on the campus of Valley Health). HPB is also home to the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy. (Photos: Lee Graff)
Students Listen to Music and Build Intergenerational Relationships
Second-year occupational therapy (OT) students Jennifer Simpson and Shannon Mays listened to music last semester as part of a fieldwork experience to build intergenerational relationships with individuals in the memory care community at The Village of Orchard Ridge in Winchester. The OT students interviewed residents and then created individualized playlists based on the musical genres the community members enjoyed. Both the students and their preceptors found that community members clearly enjoyed the therapy. The OT division will continue to use similar innovative approaches to engage and stimulate participants at Orchard Ridge.
ATHLETICS
Burris Named All-State
Junior Danielle Burris was named second team All-State in selections announced in December by the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association. Burris was previously named third team All-ODAC and third team Capital One Academic All-America. She is also a past ODAC Player of the Week and was ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for women’s soccer.
Sabol Hired as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Shenandoah University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug Zipp announced on Jan. 6 that Brett Sabol had joined the department as head strength and conditioning coach. Sabol, who is the third head strength and conditioning coach in school history, came to Shenandoah after serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at a private facility in North Carolina. Prior to that experience, the 2011 Towson University graduate served in the strength and conditioning departments at both Gardner-Webb and Loyola (Maryland) universities; the former as a graduate assistant and the latter as an assistant coach.
Five Earn VASID Honors
Shenandoah University had five football players earn VaSID All-State honors in selections announced in January. Sophomore Cedrick Delaney was named first team at running back while four players: Dustin Edwards ’16, Jacob Newton ’18, Jake Payne ’16 and Ian Griffin ’15, were named to the second team.
Edwards and Newton were named to the second team offense, at offensive line and placekicker, respectively, with Payne and Griffin both picked as defensive linemen. All five were previously named All-ODAC with Delaney and Payne earning first team accolades. Newton, a freshman, was a second team All-ODAC honoree, as were Edwards and Griffin. Including the five picks, the Hornets have had 38 all-state honorees since starting the football program in 2000. Read more here.
Rampale Leads VaSID Picks
Freshman Jenna Rampale leads the Shenandoah University selections to the VaSID College Division All-State field hockey team in selections announced in December by the organization. Rampale, the Hornets’ starting goalkeeper, earned VaSID Rookie of the Year honors in addition to being named second team All-State. She is one of three Shenandoah University players on the second team. Senior Ashley Cross and junior Presha Merritt were named as a forward and a midfielder, respectively.
Seven Named to Sportsmanship Teams
Shenandoah University had seven student-athletes honored by the ODAC for their sportsmanship in All-league accolades announced on Jan. 8, by the league office. The seven were among 75 student-athletes from league member schools recognized for their commitment to fair play on the fields of competition. David Bell ’15, Winston Davis ’18, Nicole Legare ’16, Nate Long ’16, Kati Richardson ’16, Rachel Roberts ’17 and Sarah Wohld ’15, represented Shenandoah on their respective fall All-Sportsmanship teams with Bell’s selection to the football team, marking the second straight year he has earned the honor. Four of the seven earned Dean’s List honors this past semester with Long’s 3.92 GPA leading the way. The group has an average GPA of 3.31.
Student-athletes are selected by their head coaches for inclusion to the annual All-Sportsmanship teams. The ODAC selects three All-Sportsmanship teams during the year: fall, winter and spring, with each of its championship sports represented. Legare, Long and Wohld served as co-captains this season for women’s cross country, men’s soccer and field hockey, respectively, while Bell was a football co-captain in the fall of 2013.
Paul Named Preseason All-America
Senior Michael Paul has been named to the D3baseball.com preseason All-America team in selections announced on Jan. 13, by the website. Paul, who was named All-America last season by both D3baseball.com and the ABCA, as well as a first team Capital One Academic All-America, is a second team pick on the 2015 preseason All-America team. Paul led Shenandoah University to a 33-11 mark last season with a .444 batting average and 62 RBI in 178 at-bats. In addition to earning All-America honors, he was named as the Player of the Year in the ODAC and the South Region by both the ABCA and D3baseball.com. Photo of Rampale on OMC Server
Baseball Leads ODAC Poll
The No. 17/20 Shenandoah University baseball team is the preseason selection to win it all in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in poll results released on Jan. 29, by the conference office. The Hornets, coming off of a 33-11 season that saw the squad earn the No. 1 seed at both the ODAC Tournament and the Demorest Regional, received nine first place votes and 98 points to earn the No. 1 spot in the preseason poll. The 98 points is 13 clear of No. 2 Randolph-Macon and 16 better than 2014 champion Bridgewater. Shenandoah finished atop the 2014 ODAC regular season standings with a 17-3 league mark before falling to the Eagles in the ODAC Tournament championship.
Academic Honor for Women’s Cross Country
The Shenandoah University women’s cross country team has been honored for its academic performance in selections announced on Feb. 11 by the US Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association. The squad was one of 211 Division III women’s teams to be honored by the USTFCCCA for having at least a 3.10 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. The Hornets had a 3.31 team GPA with six of the 10 women on the squad earning Dean’s List accolades with at least a 3.25 GPA. Seven of the 10 women were at 3.0 or better and all 10 had at least a 2.6.