UARTERLY Q WHEATONSUMMER 2015

The business of science Course explores balance between “greater good,” profit

Page 18 Inside

The business of science, the science of business 18 Course explores balance between “greater good,” profit By Lauren Cox

Working through winter break 24 Interns explore careers, expand knowledge By Mary Howard ’85

Love of labor 28 Three alums begin careers as OB-GYNs together at hospital By Elizabeth Meyer ’14

Down-to-earth leadership 32 Nancy Pearlstine Conger ’67 takes reins as trustees board chair By Andrew Faught

DEPARTMENTS

BETWEEN THE LINES SNAP SHOTS 16 Wheaton seen 2 ALUMNAE/I Letter 2 ASSOCIATION NEWS @PRESIDENTHANNO Nick Fradiani ’08 wins “American Idol” 34 The Wheaton Edge 3 Events help establish AROUND THE student-alum DIMPLE 4 relationships 36 Great outcomes for Keeping the network Wheaton graduates 4 strong across the Wheaton in top 10 for miles 37 Fulbrights 5 CLASS NOTES AROUND THE DIMPLE Working for gender A minute with … equity in science, Joshua Gomez 6 technology 51 Watson wins 7 A positive spin 53 AROUND THE DIMPLE Vanessa Finnerty ’06, Semester in Budapest 8 from advertising to Roosevelt Institute wins supporting hospitalized awards 9 children 54 Alumnae/i Relations Office AROUND THE DIMPLE and Alumnae/i Association Extraterrestrial faults 10 host networking Honoring creativity 11 event 56 PANORAMA Alum delivers Uncovering the truth about education, fun at postal bullsh*@ 12 museum 59 Publications, honors and IN MEMORIAM creative works 13 END PAGE FIELD REPORT 50 things to do before you Hall of Fame selects graduate 64 Amber James ’04 14 Team leaders 15

On the cover Photo illustration by Keith Nordstrom Photo by Keith Nordstrom WHEATON QUARTERLY Vol. CIII, No. 3

Editor Sandy Coleman Staff Writer Becca Manning Art Director Robert Owens Staff Writer Laura Pedulli Designer David Laferriere Administrative Assistant Ellen Cataloni Multimedia Producer Keith Nordstrom Assistant Vice President for Communications Michael Graca

The Quarterly (ISSN 1068-1558) is published four times a year (summer, fall, winter and spring) by Wheaton College and printed by Lane Press of Burlington, Vt. Periodicals postage paid at Norton, Mass., and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766. Wheaton College © 2015

SUMMER 2015 1 BETWEEN THE LINES BY SANDY COLEMAN, EDITOR Wheaton seen

They say that a picture is worth a thousand in ‘Sculpture II’ created words. Nowhere is that more true than at immersive installations Wheaton as you walk the campus on any for their final project,” given day. Before the end of the spring Professor Kelly Goff semester, as I strolled along, the point was explained. “Some were repeatedly proven in random visual narra- site-specific (around tives about how creativity is fostered and en- campus) and others were couraged here; about how highly regarded contained within these our alums, parents and friends are; and temporary booths we about how well-rounded our students are made from theater flats. because of their interdisciplinary liberal arts Charlotte Hall created education at Wheaton. a sort of version of her dorm room, clad inside Just a few examples: and out with refuse that One day an intriguing giant box appeared she personally accumu- outside of the Mars arts building. “What is lated over the last few it?” I asked. It turned out to be an art in- weeks. Passers-by are in-

stallation by Charlotte Hall ’17. “Students vited to enter the booth.” KEITH NORDSTROM PHOTOS Another day, I saw a member of the col- visual narratives that help tell the story of lege’s grounds crew on his knees at the base Wheaton: Nick Fradiani ’08 on page 34 with of a tree, a big bucket beside him. What was his hand triumphantly raised in the air as he doing? Painstakingly picking the teeny he wins “American Idol,” proving that you tiny weeds from the mulch around a tree so can major in history and pursue your love that the campus could look perfect for the of music; students, on pages 25 through 27, alums, parents and friends who would be taking advantage of internship opportunities arriving on campus for Commencement. provided through the Filene Center; profes- And, finally, one of the most beautiful sors working together to create and teach random sights this spring: two violinists— an interdisciplinary business and science Kristina Danga ’17 and Ashley Wang ’16— course, which we write about in our cover on the green in front of the library perform- story on page 18; and the highly regarded ing an impromptu concert. Not only are alumna Nancy Conger ’67, giving back to they talented musicians, but they also are her alma mater by helping to successfully neuroscience majors. Well-rounded, indeed. lead it into the future as the new chair of the Like the campus, this issue of the Wheaton Board of Trustees, page 32. Quarterly brings you lots of beautiful Great images. Great stories. Enjoy. Q

The Quarterly LETTER welcomes letters to the editor on The spring Quarterly featured an image of Wheaton and for her receiving a scholarship. Giovinella Gonthier ’72 (1949–2012) on the Giovinella never forgot. topics you’ve inside back cover in the gift planning promo, And I will never forget her. In her magazine read in these with a quote from her husband, Roger Wilson. photo, she is gorgeous in her yellow dress—my pages or on other Giovinella was a former ambassador of the favorite color. I am naming the yellow flowers in topics concerning Republic of the Seychelles to the United Nations my garden after her. the Wheaton and to the U.S. —Margaret “Peggy” McCarthy ’64, P’00 I knew her only from a distance and returned community. each time to Wheaton when she was scheduled Email us: to speak. I remember her at the Kollet Center [email protected] interacting with the students. At one of these Correction events, she spoke extensively about her journey We got our royalty mixed up. In the spring issue of Or send letters to: to Wheaton from Africa. (She was from Tanzania.) the Quarterly Martha Knight Koehler ’59 was identi- Sandy Coleman, editor, Wheaton Quarterly At the conclusion of her talk, Giovinella intro- fied as the May Queen in a 1957 May Day photo. Wheaton College, 26 E. Main St., Norton, MA 02766 duced the woman from the admission office who However, the queen that year in the photo was her had been instrumental in her acceptance into classmate—and cousin—Betsy Atwood Nelson ’59.

2 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton @PRESIDENTHANNO BY DENNIS HANNO, PRESIDENT The Wheaton Edge

Wheaton students do college offers an amazing array of options. amazing things. Consider Really, our programs provide the breadth and depth of opportunities of a university, just a few examples: within the setting of a small liberal arts Alyssa Reed ’16, a sociology major and college. And because of our size, the col- community health minor from Montpelier, lege offers personalized support for each Vt., is interning with the Vermont Refugee student from faculty and staff. In addi- Resettlement Program, providing administra- tion, the Wheaton community encourages tive support, producing their newsletter and experimentation. We encourage students to working directly with clients. She is a recipi- push the boundaries, to be entrepreneurial ent of the Weil Fellowship, a stipend within leaders—to explore, launch independent the Wheaton Fellowship program. projects and businesses and shape their Karl Rivera ’16, a visual sociology major education to satisfy their interests and plans. from New York, N.Y., is building on research When you put it all together, you get an that he conducted last summer on a Mellon extremely powerful educational experience. Research Grant by returning to Ahmedabad, I call it the Wheaton Edge. India, to conduct a visual ethnographic The academic rigor, the breadth of study of a textile mill “slum.” He is traveling programs, the personal support from The challenge is to ensure that every with support as a Davis International Fellow. faculty and staff and the entrepreneurial student has the opportunity. Throughout Isabel Gorham ’16, a mathematics major environment are here for the benefit of the past year, the idea of guaranteeing the and physics minor from Durham, N.H., is every student. The final ingredient—the chance for that experience came up repeat- gathering data on climate change and analyz- opportunity for experiential learning—is edly during conversations with alumnae ing its impact on farmers, ranchers and forest harder to guarantee. Wheaton does a great and alumni, faculty and staff, students and landowners in the northeast with the U.S. job in making it possible for the majority of parents. That’s why we decided to act im- Department of Agriculture. She is a recipi- students to learn from real-world experi- mediately for the benefit of our students and ent of the K.C. Whalen Fellowship, a stipend ence. The college invests nearly $1 million for the strength of the college. within the Wheaton Fellowship program. in funding each year to support internships, Starting with this year’s incoming stu- There are so many more examples of stu- thanks to the generosity of alumnae/i, par- dents, the Class of 2019, the college will dents engaged in exciting learning opportu- ents and friends. guarantee that every student has the op- nities that make the world portunity to participate in a better place. Experiential an internship, research or learning is central to a other experiential learn- Wheaton education, and ing project. To ensure it has been that way for that this is sustainable will many years. The Filene require a broad commit- Center was founded in ment from the college 1986 to promote experi- community. The college ential learning as part of will look to raise $10 mil- a liberal arts education, lion in endowed funds to and faculty see it as an supplement the resources important part of students’ already contributed to this learning experience. purpose. Internships alone, how- In the competitive and ever, are no panacea. What complex world in which our makes Wheaton’s emphasis students will seek to build on experiential learning meaningful lives, the college so powerful is that these can provide them with the experiences take place tools to make a difference as part of an exceptional Here are some of the places where students are pursuing experiential and be successful. That is liberal arts education. The learning opportunities this summer. the Wheaton Edge. Q

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 3 AROUND THE DIMPLE

Great outcomes for Wheaton graduates Each May at Commencement, Wheaton sends fellowships,” said Paul Prewitt-Freilino, director of institutional research at graduates off into the world to pursue their hopes, Wheaton. “The NACE standard is to un- dreams and careers. Judging by a survey of the cover information on 65 percent of alum- ni. Wheaton hit a 70 percent knowledge most recent graduates, the members of the Class of rate in this first comprehensive effort that gathered data from many sources.” 2014 are doing well. Ninety-eight percent of those Starting in fall 2014, the Office of who responded have been successful in achieving Institutional Research, the Office of the Registrar, the Filene Center for their professional aspirations within six months of Academic Advising and Career Services, graduating from Wheaton. the Advancement Division, and faculty members collaborated to collect and Overall, the Class of 2014 had 376 examine data from senior exit surveys. graduating seniors. According to a survey Social media resources, including conducted by Wheaton in which LinkedIn and Facebook, and follow- 255 members of the Class of 2014 up print mailings and emails also responded, 63 percent were em- were used to gather informa- ployed, 22 percent were in gradu- tion. And the National Student ate school, and 13 percent were Clearinghouse of registrar involved in competitive fellow- data was used to check for ships, internships or national graduate school enrollment. service as their primary activity “There is a great deal of within six months of graduation. discussion and pressure on “Results like this compare colleges to demonstrate em- favorably to any institution in 98% ployment or graduate school the country. Wheaton con- outcomes. This pressure is from tinues to attract great students Success rate the media, the general public, who do amazing things while and state and federal government they are here and after they gradu- officials,” said Prewitt-Freilino. ate,” said Wheaton College President “President Obama’s efforts to design Dennis M. Hanno. “What’s impressive a college ranking system to assess the is the variety of ways that our newest value of various colleges and even tie graduates find success. That speaks to federal student aid to performance is Employed both the quality and flexibility of our 63% an ongoing effort. And accreditation programs, and most importantly, it affirms organizations like the New England the value of a Wheaton education.” 22% Graduate or professional school Association of Schools and Colleges The National Association of Colleges ask colleges to address these outcomes and Employers (NACE) is collecting data Volunteer and national service in their self-studies for continued ac- from institutions of higher education 6% (including AmeriCorps, City Year) creditation. It is important for the col- that volunteer the information. NACE Fellowships—Fulbright (9), lege to ensure that graduates have the is the leading source of information 4% Watson (2), other (2) preparation to achieve their professional on the employment of college gradu- goals. Wheaton also wants to docu- ates. It also forecasts trends in the job 3% Internships ment the college’s success in prepar- market, and tracks starting salaries, ing students for life after college.” Q and recruiting and hiring practices. Data based on a knowledge rate of 70 percent —Sandy Coleman for the Class of 2014 Wheaton’s survey results will be- come a part of the national picture on “In looking at a few studies like this Look, there’s more: outcomes in higher education, and the from other colleges, we are above aver- Additional details on what the members of the Class college will be able to benchmark its age on full-time employment, graduate of 2014 are doing now can be found at own results against similar colleges. school participation, and service and outcomes.wheatoncollege.edu.

4 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Wheaton in top 10 for Fulbrights For the 10th consecutive year, Wheaton College has earned a top ranking among the nation’s liberal arts colleges for its success in preparing students to win U.S. Fulbright awards for advanced study and work abroad. The U.S. Department of State in February announced the complete list of colleges and universities that produced the most 2014–2015 U.S. Fulbright students. The Fulbright program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. The success of the top-producing institutions is highlighted in a February 12 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Wheaton’s nine 2014–2015 Fulbright ’14 (Moldova), Jennifer Irving ’14 Scholars placed it in a tie with four (Malaysia), Bailey McWilliams ’14 other institutions (Hamilton, Lewis (Panama), Alexis Nieves ’14 (Brazil), 81 Fulbright awards from 2000 & Clark, Grinnell and College of the Montana Rogers ’14 (Bulgaria), Matthew through 2014, and their success re- Holy Cross), producing the seventh- Sexton ’14 (Poland), Savannah Tenney ’14 flects the college’s broader achieve- most number of scholars among liberal (Taiwan) and Ashley Wich ’14 (Greece). ments in preparing young women arts schools. The college ranked sixth Overall, Wheaton students won 14 na- and men to excel in earning a wide overall in the percentage of Fulbright tional scholarships, including two Thomas variety of international scholarships. nominees who win the award, with A. Watson Fellowships (Tianna Since 2000, 184 Wheaton graduates a 35 percent success rate. The aver- Lall ’14 and Carrie Decker ’14), have won awards such as the Rhodes, age success rate among top Fulbright- a Beinecke Scholarship (Sarah Estrela Marshall and Truman scholarships. producing colleges is 25 percent. ’15), a Resolution Fellowship (Jenish —Michael Graca “Wheaton’s success in prepar- Amatya ’17), and a 100 Projects ing students for study and teaching as for Peace Award (Jorge Clemente This spring, 11 new Fulbright winners were Fulbright Scholars is great news for our de Leon Miranda ’14). announced. Read more about them in the fall issue of the Quarterly: students who win the award, but it also Wheaton’s students have won reflects the quality of the educational • Emily Chick ’14, Uruguay opportunities we provide to all students,” • Clancy Connolly ’15, Macau Wheaton’s 2014–2015 Fulbright President Dennis M. Hanno said. Scholars include: • Jonathan Gerkin ’15, Slovak Republic “Six months after graduation, ninety- Nicholas Cicchinelli ’14 (Moldova) • Courtney Gilman ’15, Germany eight percent of the Class of 2014 have • Leslie Gould ’15, Mexico found jobs, begun graduate school, or are Jennifer Irving ’14 (Malaysia) involved in volunteer work and fellow- Bailey McWilliams ’14 (Panama) • Delanie Honda ’14, Malaysia ships such as the Fulbright,” Hanno said. Alexis Nieves ’14 (Brazil) • Lindsay Koso ’15, Bulgaria Wheaton’s 2014–2015 Fulbright Montana Rogers ’14 (Bulgaria) • McKenzie Kuhn ’15, Sweden Scholars are conducting research, study- Matthew Sexton ’14 (Poland) • Erika Prince ’15, Turkey ing, and teaching English in locations Savannah Tenney ’14 (Taiwan) • Susan Skaza ’14, South Korea from Europe to Southeast Asia. The Ashley Wich ’14 (Greece) scholars include Nicholas Cicchinelli • Elaine Yuan ’15, Taiwan

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 5 AROUND THE DIMPLE

A minute with … Joshua Gomez

Joshua Gomez ’15, who is majoring in psychology with a minor in chemistry, spent his winter break interning at the Santa Barbara County Clinic in California. He gained experience that will be helpful in the career he has planned in medicine. Examining procedures: “Working in the public health lab, I assisted biologists in processing numerous types of specimens. The most interesting aspect of the work was tracking patients from disease concep- tion to post-treatment. I had primary exposure to the biological and psychological journeys that patients underwent as they were treated for their illnesses. These interactions strengthened my interest in epidemiology and public health.” Handling challenges: “A sudden outbreak of influenza during my time there required mul- titasking, which was somewhat challenging. The toughest part was prioritizing each specimen, especially when higher priority patient samples would arrive later in the day. I frequently found myself juggling a lot of high priority cases at once.” Gaining insight: “Working in the lab has fortified my understanding of independence. Many of the protocols I used had either been ex- plicitly taught or prefaced in my Wheaton curriculum. It was satisfying to be able to enter a professional setting with both confi- dence and curiosity. Ultimately, I discovered I could place trust in myself and my previous knowledge, working both independently and with lab staff. I cannot thank my professors enough for the degree of preparation they have instilled in me. My lab work at Wheaton, mainly through Professor Jennifer Lanni’s ‘Microbiology’ course, was invaluable.” Planning ahead: “Ultimately, I would like to become a doctor, and this experience exposed me to novel aspects of medicine such as serology. Since the procedures that occur in the lab are often ‘invisible’ to doctors and patients, this internship gave me a greater under- standing of the steps involved in treating the ill.” Q —Sandy Coleman

6 WHEATON QUARTERLY KEITH NORDSTROM KEITH Watson wins Asare wrote in his Watson application. Two graduates will spend their first year after “My journey will be more than connecting with individuals who are making a differ- Wheaton traveling around the world studying ence. I will learn the values, strategies and the preservation of sacred objects and how intuitions that inspire people to help those facing precarious health conditions. As grassroots efforts are improving public health in an individual interested in social justice, underdeveloped countries. this experience is vital to my life objective of giving back to my own community.” Lindsay Koso ’15 and Nana Asare ’15 In Spain, she will investigate legendary In Peru, Asare will work with groups each won a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, a sacred objects such as the Holy Grail; in supporting indigenous communities in the $28,000 award that enables graduating col- Japan, she will meet with conservators at Andes mountains, an area with the highest lege seniors to pursue a self-designed global the Kyoto National Museum and attend an rate of waterborne diseases and maternal research project. They join more than a annual festival featuring enormous shrine- deaths in Latin America. In Rwanda, he dozen Wheaton students who have received shaped floats. She will make several stops will meet with intermediaries for health the prestigious award in the past 30 years. in Istanbul, Turkey, including a return to the care-deprived communities to find out what Hagia Sophia, a building that first captured motivates these people to put themselves Seeking out the sacred her interest on a family trip in 2007. In India, and their families at risk of political reper- she will visit the National Museum in New cussions in order to help others. In northern Koso, of Lexington, Mass., a double Delhi and the Global Vipassana Pagoda, Thailand, where the doctor-to-patient ratio major in art history and Latin, will which houses the Buddha’s bone relics. is about one to 13,500, Asare will volunteer be traveling to Spain, Japan, Turkey Since 2012, Koso has worked with with health and development workers in and India during her Watson year. the Wheaton College Permanent Collection, the Warm Heart Worldwide foundation. “My expedition will be full of conver- cleaning and repairing objects. She is Gavigan wrote in her nomination: sations with worshippers, conservators interested in a career in art conservation. “Nana Asare longs to be in the company and lay people alike. With their help, I A Watson recipient herself, Lisa of those who help others. The Watson will better understand how sacred ob- Gavigan ’83 helps Wheaton students is the perfect vehicle for him to con- jects influence the way people worship. prepare their Watson applications in her nect with like-minded people while I will discover how sacred objects are role as director of career services in the discovering what he has to offer.” Q accessible to everyday people and how college’s Filene Center. In her nomina- —Becca Manning objects affect people’s spiritual journey,” tion of Koso, Gavigan wrote that the Koso wrote in her Watson proposal. senior embodies many of the Watson criteria, especially in her ability to take initiative and to be self-directed.

The needs of the many

An American raised in the village of Obomeng in Ghana, Asare is interested in exploring how communities around the world exhibit the Ubuntu philosophy of “I am, because we are,” addressing the public health needs of people as a whole instead of as individuals. A Brooklyn resi- dent, the senior anthropology major will travel to Peru, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nepal and Thailand during his Watson year. “A year abroad as a Watson Fellow will al- low me to understand different iterations of ole the interconnectedness between the Ubuntu C ossa

KEITH NORDSTROM KEITH philosophy and grassroots health initiatives,” R Lindsay Koso ’15 Nana Asare ’15

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 7 AROUND THE DIMPLE Semester in Budapest Juniors accepted to prestigious math, computer science programs

Wheaton juniors Lithia Helmreich ’16 and sites. Last summer, she worked with After completing the BSM program in Jacob “Jake” Horowitz ’16 spent their spring LeBlanc on Lexomics, a research position 2013, Hartman was able to choose from semester in Budapest, Hungary, enrolled funded through her Balfour Scholarship. several National Science Foundation-funded in two highly competitive programs in Horowitz, a double major in mathemat- research experiences, working the follow- computer science and mathematics. ics and economics, is Wheaton’s second ing summer at Mount Holyoke College. Helmreich, a computer science major, student to participate in the Budapest Like Helmreich, Horowitz began is the first Wheaton student accepted to Semester in Mathematics (BSM) program. with an intensive introductory class in the Aquincum Institute of Technology “I applied to BSM because I wanted a new Hungarian and took four advanced math- (AIT), which only enrolls up to 50 students per term. Her acceptance is a huge win for Wheaton, ac- cording to Professor of Computer Science Mark LeBlanc. AIT rep- resentatives made Wheaton one of their recruiting stops last fall. “AIT gets it. They have small classes, good faculty, and a very applied view of entrepre- neurship, research and careers for the liberal arts student,” LeBlanc said. “Lithia’s accep- tance has put us on their radar.” Helmreich, who arrived in Budapest on January 12, started her studies with a Hungarian language course, and took courses in basic and advanced computer science, and arts and humanities. She also participated in extracurricular opportunities, including visits to KEITH NORDSTROM PHOTOS NORDSTROM KEITH the city’s famous thermal baths, Jacob “Jake” Horowitz ’16 Lithia Helmreich ’16 guided tours and hiking trips. “I applied to AIT because I really wanted challenge, and a new adventure,” he said. ematics courses during the semester. a study abroad program that would al- According to Professor of Mathematics Assistant Professor of Mathematics low me to take computer science courses Tommy Ratliff, the program is “the gold stan- Janice Sklensky is Horowitz’s advisor as well as experience a culture entirely dard for U.S. undergraduates studying math- and hired him as a first-year student to different from what I’m used to here ematics abroad.” It accepts only about 40 be a “Quantitative Analysis” tutor start- at Wheaton,” Helmreich said. “AIT al- students each semester. Last year, mathemat- ing his sophomore year. He also stood lowed me to take courses in English ics major Emma Hartman ’14 was the first out in the “Multivariable Calculus” course and still benefit from living in a country Wheaton student accepted to the program. he took with Sklensky his first year. where English isn’t the first language.” “This is a fantastic opportunity for “In that class, both his grasp of and In fall 2014, Helmreich and fellow our students to be exposed to the larger interest in the material were strong. He computer science major Julia Morneau ’16 mathematical community and to have an earned the highest score on the final, for attended the Grace Hopper Celebration of immersive mathematical experience in a instance, but more importantly, he asked Women in Computing, the world’s larg- country with a very strong mathematical the sort of questions that showed he was est gathering of women technologists. tradition,” Ratliff said. “Jake’s and Emma genuinely enjoying the material: looking And Helmreich has an internship this Hartman’s participation shows our stu- for connections with past material we’d summer working for a startup company dents that they are capable of working covered, and trying to anticipate where the based in Ann Arbor, Mich., that creates with other students from some of the concepts would lead,” Sklensky said. Q customer service tools for e-commerce strongest math programs in the country.” —Michael Graca

8 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Roosevelt Institute wins awards It’s almost as if the Wheaton College chapter of the Roosevelt Institute won two grants. The chapter’s national organization, the Roosevelt Institute Campus Network, awarded the Wheaton group a Community Building Grant to fund activities that connect the campus and promote its visibility.

The Wheaton group’s award was followed KEITH NORDSTROM almost immediately by news that the na- organization, founded in 2004, that now WheaTalks, pictured above, is an annual event put on tional organization is one of nine nonprofit boasts more than 120 chapters spread across by the Wheaton chapter of the Roosevelt Institute. organizations worldwide to receive the 2015 38 states, and describes itself as the first MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective and largest student-run policy organization campus network’s annual 10 Ideas policy Institutions. The $750,000 award provides in the United States. Through curriculum, journals, tackling issues ranging from funding to invest in the network’s long- trainings and leadership development sex trafficking to defense contracting. term sustainability. programs, it mobilizes college students The group’s annual event, WheaTalks— “Our chapter is to develop policy solutions to issues at now in its fourth consecutive year and proud to share in this the local, state and national level and to modeled after TED Talks—has grown honor for the campus engage with community leaders and elected into one of the most anticipated events network and grate- officials to turn their ideas into action. of the school year, where students, fac- ful to the MacArthur “The MacArthur Award guarantees ulty and staff band together to celebrate Foundation for its sustainability for our entire network,” said each other’s passions and ideas. During support. We have Joelle Gamble, national director of the the 2014 fall semester, the chapter fo- carved out a space for campus network. “It’s an investment in cused heavily on crafting policy solutions ourselves at Wheaton the future [of members of the Roosevelt to issues of police brutality and racism. as implementers Sarah Estrela ’15 Institute] at Wheaton and across the nation.” The community building grant that of change, and we Wheaton’s chapter of the Roosevelt Wheaton’s chapter received from the hope to carry that with us for the rest of Institute was founded in 2009 with the national organization will enable the our lives,” said Sarah Estrela ’15, president aim of creating a forum for the college’s chapter to launch an on-campus policy of the Wheaton chapter. “Some of our students to dig deep into the nation’s journal that can serve as a forum for stu- alumni have gone on to become Marshall key domestic and global political is- dents to express their ideas, Estrela said. Scholars; others have moved on to work sues and develop ideas for change. The “That’s the exciting part about the in the White House and local nonprof- group has had much success in rais- award,” she added. “We have some its. We firmly believe that young people ing awareness of public policy issues guaranteed funding to experiment and can be the change they want to see in the and solutions, on campus and off. take our ideas to the next level.” Q world when they have the opportunity.” Wheaton students have consistently —Michael Graca The Wheaton group is part of a national had their policy ideas published in the Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 9 AROUND THE DIMPLE Extraterrestrial faults Analyzing plate tectonics on Jupiter’s moon Europa A team composed of Wheaton students and a professor has received funding to continue the investigation into whether the surface of one of Jupiter’s moons is being shaped by plate tectonic activity, like Earth.

Physics professor Geoffrey Collins is Earth’s outer layer is made up of plates or part of a team that recently won a grant blocks that move, geological activity that from NASA to revisit old data in light of leads to the formation of mountains and the new theory. The award provides more volcanoes and sets off earthquakes. The than $132,000 to Wheaton for Professor new observations on Europa provide Collins and students to look more closely the first solid evidence that this geologic at the evidence of possible plate tectonic process may also occur beyond Earth. activity on Europa. The grant funding al- The NASA-funded research group, lows Collins to devote more time to the of which Collins is a member, is led research project and hire student research by Prockter, and includes Kattenhorn KEITH NORDSTROM KEITH assistants, and for the Wheaton research and other experts on Europa tectonics Professor Geoffrey Collins team to present their work at conferences. and terrestrial plate tectonics. Professor Planetary geologists Simon Kattenhorn, Collins and his students will primar- tion technique was originally pioneered of the University of Idaho, Moscow, and ily work on applying some new research by a couple of my research students Louise Prockter, of the Johns Hopkins tools to examine the icy moon. over a decade ago, Jonathan McBee ’04 University Applied Physics Laboratory in “Basically, we’re taking some standard and Daniel Hartmann ’04, and was later Laurel, Md., pointed out evidence for plate techniques for looking at plate motions on perfected by Simon Kattenhorn and one tectonics on Europa last fall in an article the earth and then mixing it with a tech- of his graduate students. We’re working published in the journal Nature Geoscience. nique for determining relative motion on on streamlining this into a tool within our Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that Europa,” Collins said. “The relative mo- GIS system that we can use on Europa data from the Galileo spacecraft.” The project represents just the latest research award that Collins has brought to the college. He and colleague Jason Goodman, also a professor of physics at Wheaton, won a $280,000 grant to study icy worlds such as Europa for insights into the origins, evolu- tion, distribution and future of life in the universe. Q —Michael Graca

Scientists have found evidence of plate tectonics on Jupiter’s moon Europa. This conceptual illustration of the subduction process (where one plate is forced under another) shows how a cold, brittle outer portion of Europa’s 20–30 kilometer (roughly 10–20 mile) thick ice shell moved into the warmer shell interior and was ultimately subsumed. A low-relief subsumption band was created at the surface in the overriding plate, alongside which cryolavas may have erupted. (Image credit: Noah Kroese, I.NK)

10 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Honoring creativity Professor wins Massachusetts Cultural Council fellowship Assistant Professor of Art and Art History Kelly Goff has been awarded a 2015 Massachusetts Cultural Council fellowship. He is one of 15 artists who will receive a fellowship of $10,000. The Massachusetts Cultural Council provides unrestricted grants for artists to promote the further development of their talents. The highly competitive fellowships, which are based on artistic quality and creativity of the work submitted, recognize exceptional work by Massachusetts artists across a range of disciplines. A total of 549 applications were received, including 294 in the category in which Goff’s fellowship was awarded: sculpture/installation/new genres. “I’m truly honored and proud to re- ceive the award,” said Goff. “My prac- tice is becoming increasingly location- driven and so the funds will likely cover travel and research expenses.” Goff, who earned his master of fine arts in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a faculty member at Wheaton College since fall 2013. His work has been widely exhibited, including at KEITH NORDSTROM In the classroom, he is always the Beard and Weil Galleries at Wheaton; Goff invited the artist Nestor Gil to ac- RISD Museum and Woods-Gerry Gallery in up to something quirky and cool company the group to critique the work. Providence, R.I.; Maxon Mills in Wassaic, with his students. (Gil’s visit was sponsored by the Celeste N.Y.; and Davidson Contemporary and Gottesman Bartos ’35 Fund for the Visual Allegra LaViola Gallery in New York City. “Sculpture II” students tromped around Arts within the Evelyn Danzig Haas ’39 The professor’s sculptural practice campus staring into snowbanks and other Visiting Artists Program.) Gil recently curat- is diverse in media and process, in- places looking for hidden sculptures created ed an exhibition at Lafayette College, where cluding the use of wood and metal, by the students as part of an assignment. he is an assistant professor of art, called structural papier-mâché, hydrographic The assignment, “Strategies of “We Place Our Ideas/Our Ideas Place Us.” printing, and 3D rapid prototyping. Camouflage,” asked students to think of Goff’s project, “Crates” (2014), was Conceptually, his sculptures grapple with their sculptures as organisms in search of in that exhibition, which opened on notions of repair and disrepair as stand- homes. “How will your chosen ‘habitat’ March 10. It was one of three pieces he ins for class and economic disparity. influence the evolution of this organism? submitted to the Massachusetts Cultural In the classroom, he is always up to Will your work attempt to go unnoticed or Council for the artist fellowship. Q something quirky and cool with his stu- will it dazzle its predators (or viewers) in —Sandy Coleman dents. For example, this winter he and his an attempt to confuse?” he asked them.

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Uncovering the truth about bullsh*@ Assistant Professor of Psychology Matthew Gingo says he has always enjoyed “people watching” and trying to make sense of what they do. He’s particularly interested in understanding the ways in which people lie and deceive each other. The First-Year Seminar (FYS) he offered last fall for aspiring leaders—from potential senators to football coaches— gave him and his students the perfect opportunity to explore the use of deceptive tactics and to determine how to see through to the truth of what matters. The title in and of itself was enough to intrigue the Quarterly to want to know more—“Cognition in the Wild: The Psychology of Bullsh*t, and Other Deceptive Tactics for Future Senators and CEOs.” KEITH NORDSTROM Tell us about what you explored in your FYS. tions from a number of perspectives—from it seemed like every time I turned on NPR The course was designed around the idea Kant and Bok, to the most current em- there was a story related to deception. that with all the information and misinfor- pirical articles on micro-expressions and Monica Lewinsky was back, Chris Christie mation that we are inundated with on a cultural subversion. It was pretty cool. was under investigation, Fox was report- daily basis, we need to become discerning ing that vaccinations caused autism, Jamie What led you to develop the idea for this FYS? consumers of information. And that with the Dimon was paying a $10 billion fraud settle- right approach, we could see through the It was really a convergence of my research ment, and Anthony Weiner was running for cloud of B.S. that seems to hover over some and what I was hearing and reading in the office again. Stories about lies and liars were of our most important issues. We focused news at the time. I study the development stealing the headlines, and I thought, “This on examining deception in a systematic of moral resistance and social subversion in is pretty fertile ground for a psych class.” and psychological way. Who lies to whom children. For the most part, this means that How does this FYS relate to your coursework? about what? Why do we lie? What are the I study children’s judgments about when telltale signs? When do we think decep- it’s all right to lie, disobey authority figures, I teach a 300-level seminar called “Moral tion is warranted, and why? The students and break the rules. I knew that I wanted Development”; half of that course is spent in the class were really motivated, which the class to touch on those ideas, and while looking at resistance and subversion as meant that we got to consider those ques- I was thinking about how that might work, ways of redressing imbalances in power in

12 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton PUBLICATIONS, HONORS AND CREATIVE WORKS

Faculty Controls with the Old English interview with Senegalese author Penitential and the Old English Aminata Sow Fall in Women in Jonathan Brumberg-Kraus, Translation of Orosius,” with Phoebe French Studies (December 2014). professor of religion, acted in and Boyd ’12, Namiko Hitotsubashi helped compose lyrics for the annual ’13 and Leah Smith ’14, in SELIM: Alumnae/i performance of Temple Emanu El’s Revista de la Sociedad Española de various types of asymmetric relationships— Kenneth Babby ’02 now owns the Purim shpiel in Providence, R.I., in Lengua y Literatura Inglesa Medieval between parents and children, husbands Jacksonville Suns baseball team, in his 18th appearance. (December 2014). and wives, doctors and patients—so I have addition to owning the Akron Rubber Geoffrey Collins, professor of Ducks, the Double-A franchise of the some opportunity to look at deception in Nancy Kendrick, professor of phi- geology, co-wrote the chapter losophy, was awarded the Colin and Cleveland Indians. that class. Otherwise, I’ve never had the “Ganymede and Callisto” in the Ailsa Turbayne International Berkeley Deborah Figart ’81 co-au- Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Essay Prize ($2,000) for her essay chance to focus specifically on decep- thored Just One More Hand: Life which recently won a PROSE Award “The ‘Empty Amusement’ of Willing: tion in any of my classes. That was one of in the Casino Economy (Rowman for the 2015 best book in the cos- Berkeley on Agent Causation.” the bonuses of teaching an FYS. As far as mology and astronomy category. & Littlefield Publishers, February research goes, the course followed some Kim Miller, associate professor 2015). Mark LeBlanc, professor of of women’s and gender studies, Shelley Borror Jackson ’77 was lines of my current work pretty closely. computer science, was presented presented “Apartheid and After: appointed the founding head of a $5,000 Google CS Engagement Gendered Images of South Africa’s Tell us about the very provocative name, which school at the New York International Award, which supports continued Struggle” at the University of St. School in December. we love. course development and integra- Thomas, Minnesota, on April 10. She tion of instructional materials for also presented “The Stories We See: Peter Kunhardt Jr. ’05 was I’m glad to hear that you love it. I’ve gotten increasing student engagement and Depictions of Female Authority in featured in the April New York Times really positive feedback on it, but there were retention in introductory computer South Africa’s Public Sphere” at the story “All in the family with Lincoln,” science classes. a few folks who thought it was a little too university. and in other media focusing on the generations of Kunhardt’s family Shawn Christian, associate profes- , assistant provocative at first. The title, as well as the Leah Niederstadt who have collected and treasured sor of English, presented “Langston professor of museum studies, was content of the course, is definitely meant to images of Abraham Lincoln. Hughes: The People’s Poet and Poet awarded a $1,300 scholarship and get your attention, but it’s also supposed to of His People,” a guest lecture, as a $600 travel grant to attend the Adara Meyers ’08 had her play be tongue-in-cheek. I have no doubt that part of the 20th Annual Langston American Law Institute Continuing Tryouts selected to be part of Hughes Community Poetry Reading some of my students will become world Legal Education’s Legal Issues in the highly competitive PlayLab at the RISD Museum in Providence, Museum Administration program series at the Great Plains Theatre leaders, but I’m not trying to teach them that R.I., in February. held in Washington, D.C., in March. Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. you have to lie to get to the top. The class is Samuel Coale, professor of English, A. Javier Trevino, professor of soci- Betty Reardon ’51 co-published about understanding deception in context wrote 30 book reviews for the ology, published the article “William Betty A. Reardon: A Pioneer in and using that knowledge to read between Providence Journal. He also was the Graham Sumner’s Proto-Sociology Education for Peace and Human the lines and get inside the mind of the moderator of a “Great Writers” panel of Law” in On Folkways and Mores: Rights (Springer, August 2014) discussion about Tennessee Williams and Betty A. Reardon: Key Texts liar. That’s why it’s called “Cognition in the William Graham Sumner Then at the Trinity Repertory Company in and Now (Transaction Publishers, in Gender and Peace (Springer, Wild”—the idea is that none of this happens Providence, R.I., on March 2. December 2014). He also wrote the November 2014). in the laboratory, not for senators, not for Michael Drout, professor of English, article “C. Wright Mills as Designer: Jo Ann Simons ’75, president/ CEOs, and certainly not for us. Lies are be- Michael Kahn, professor of math, Personal Practice and Two Public CEO of Cardinal Cushing Centers, Talks” in the American Sociologist ing told on the fly, oftentimes without a great and Mark LeBlanc, professor of was featured in the Boston Business computer science, co-authored (December 2014). deal of tactical forethought, and as a good Journal and in the Boston Globe’s the article “Lexomic Analysis of Jonathan Walsh, professor of June 2 article about how she is consumer of information you need to be Anglo-Saxon Prose: Establishing French studies, published an making a difference in the world. Q able to read through the B.S. on the fly, too.

What do you categorize as “B.S.”? And how do You put all leaders in the same category— My main goal was to get students think- we recognize it? senators to football coaches. Why? ing critically and deeply about deception I actually posed this question to my The point of lumping them together was from a number of competing perspectives. students on the first day of class and on simply to point out the similarities in social It’s easy to say that you know B.S. when the last day of class. At first, I think we stature despite the apparent dissimilarities you see it, but I wanted them to dig into all just considered B.S. another name for in their work. The course was for aspiring that idea and really explain it. It’s also easy lying, but as we took a much closer look world leaders, people whose influence is to accept that lying is bad and honesty is at it throughout the semester, I think the undeniable and whose statements are con- good without much consideration, and consensus was that bullsh*tting, or shooting tinuously scrutinized, and football coaches I wanted my students to really pull that the bull, is basically consensual decep- happen to clear that bar. Look at how apart and take a closer look at that idea. tion. Rather than lying with the specific people all over the country were obsess- The goal was to have students connect the goal of misleading someone about the ing about the air pressure in Bill Belichick’s dots between what we’ve learned about truth value of a given fact, B.S. appears footballs. Deflategate was bigger news than deception from 50 years in the lab to their to be much more about appearing to anything coming out of Washington, D.C. experiences tangling with honesty and know something that you don’t without deception in the wilds of everyday life. Q What lessons did you want students to learn much consideration of shaping some- from your FYS? one’s knowledge or misinforming them. Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 13 FIELD REPORT Hall of Fame selects Amber James ’04

Amber James ’04, former women’s track and field team member and the most decorated student-athlete in the history of any Wheaton athletics program, has been selected to the Eastern College NORDSTROM KEITH Athletic Conference (ECAC) Amber James ’04 achievements as a Hall of Fame. The inaugural Wheaton student-athlete class of the ECAC Hall of • 17-time NCAA national champion Fame, presented by Webster • 24-time All-American Bank, was honored on April • Only NCAA Division III, male or female, student- 17 at the Matrix Conference athlete to sweep an NCAA event national title and Banquet Center in in all four years in both the indoor and outdoor Danbury, Conn. track and field championships (400m) The 25-person class, which • Voted the Greatest Female Athlete in the 25- spans the entire 75-year history year history of the NCAA Division III indoor track of the ECAC, recognizes a and field championship diverse representation of for- • Named to the United States Track & Field and mer student-athletes, coaches, Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) administrators, teams, officials, Division III Silver Anniversary Team staff and supporters from • Selected as the United States Track Coaches across the decades. Honorees Association (USTCA) National Track Athlete of for the class were selected for the Year (Outdoors) in 2002 outstanding achievements, ser- • Won the Honda Award for Track and Field vice, dedication, commitment, (Outdoors) in 2002 and contributions to the ECAC, • Named a Honda Award Finalist for the championships, sponsored Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year (Outdoors) in 2002 sports, programs and events. Along with James, other high-profile members of the Hall of Fame Amber James ’04, pictured here in the 2004 NCAA accolades, James won the Honda Award inaugural class include former National Division III track and field championships and, above for Track and Field (Outdoors) in 2002, right, at the 2013 induction into the Wheaton College Football League quarterback and Boston and was named a Honda Award Finalist for Athletics Yowell Hall of Fame. College Heisman Trophy winner Doug the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year Flutie; University of Connecticut women’s track and field team. She is the only NCAA (Outdoors) in the same year. basketball national champion and Women’s Division III student-athlete, male or female, In 2013, she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame member Rebecca to sweep an NCAA event national title in all Wheaton College Athletics Yowell Hall of Lobo; Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of four years of competition in both the indoor Fame. The inaugural class featured eight Fame member Lou Carnesecca; and former and outdoor track and field championships. members—in addition to James—and the ECAC commissioner Asa Bushnell. She was also voted the Greatest Female 1983 field hockey team. The Yowell Hall “It’s such an honor,” said James. “I loved Athlete in the 25-year history of the NCAA of Fame honors individuals who, either my time competing in the conference and Division III indoor track and field cham- through participation, support or interest, representing my team, so this award means pionship; named to the United States have made outstanding contributions in a lot to me. I’m grateful to the selection Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches the athletics arena, and specifically to the committee for this honor.” Association (USTFCCCA) Division III Silver college’s athletics program. Inductees are James, who currently is a freelance copy- Anniversary Team; and selected as the also recognized because they have contin- writer and content strategist, was a 17-time United States Track Coaches Association ued to demonstrate in their lives the values NCAA national champion and 24-time (USTCA) National Track Athlete of the Year imparted by intercollegiate athletics. Q All-American as a member of the women’s (Outdoors) in 2002. In addition to those —Shawn Medeiros

14 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Team leaders James Greenslit ’06 named head coach at Roger Williams University

Former Wheaton men’s soccer assistant (NEWMAC) regular sea- cer program history, as the coach and three-time All-American James son championship, one standout who landed a spot Greenslit ’06 has been hired as the head conference tournament on three consecutive All- coach of the men’s soccer program at Roger championship, made two America teams from 2003– Williams University in Bristol, R.I. appearances in the NCAA 05. During that stretch, “We are excited for James as he takes tournament, and qualified for Greenslit also claimed over the program at Roger Williams,” said the NEWMAC playoffs in all NEWMAC All-Conference Wheaton men’s soccer head coach Matt five years. first-team accolades and All- Cushing. “James is one of the great young Greenslit also served Region recognition as well. coaches in our profession who is prepared as an assistant coach at As a junior and senior, to sit in the head coaching chair. I can’t wait the College of the Holy Greenslit was named to see his teams in action.” Cross and Northeastern NORDSTROM KEITH NEWMAC Player of the James Greenslit ’06 Greenslit takes over the Roger Williams University. During his Year and served as a cap- men’s soccer program after spending the tenure at Northeastern, the Huskies posted tain during his senior season. past three seasons, and five seasons total, 16 shutouts while advancing to the 2008 After graduating from Wheaton, Greenslit at Wheaton. In 2014, Greenslit helped the Colonial Athletic Association tournament played for the New England Revolution’s Lyons to a 17–4–2 overall record and the championship game. In addition to his col- reserve squad in 2006 before suiting up team’s second straight appearance in the legiate coaching experience, Greenslit has for the New Hampshire Phantoms and NCAA tournament. coached the F.C. Greater Boston Bolts U17 the Western Mass. Pioneers of the United In Greenslit’s five seasons as an assistant team, and worked as the director of coach- Soccer League’s Second Division in 2007 coach with Wheaton, the Lyons compiled a ing and facilities director of the organization. and 2008, respectively. 72–27–10 record for a .706 winning percent- Greenslit graduated from Wheaton in Greenslit is scheduled to begin his post at age. The Lyons captured one New England 2006 with a degree in economics. He is the Roger Williams on August 1. Q Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference only three-time All-American in men’s soc- —Shawn Medeiros

Jenna Rocha ’14 finishes first year coaching field hockey, softball at Regis

Jenna Rocha ’14 is wrap- In 71 career games on tier as a shortstop in New England,” said ping up her first year as the field hockey team, Wheaton softball head coach Rachael assistant coach for the field Rocha scored 31 goals Powers ’03. “She has great game aware- hockey and softball pro- (fourth all-time) and tallied ness on the field and at the plate, and has a grams at Regis College. 13 assists (ninth all-time), great passion to win.” As a member of for a total of 75 points, Rocha is working under former Wheaton Wheaton’s softball team, which ranks fifth overall in field hockey interim head coach/assistant Rocha is ranked first all- the program record books. coach Nicole Panciocco, while simultane- time in program history She was also named to ously pursuing her master’s degree in health with 101 walks and 10th the National Field Hockey care administration. all-time in runs scored Coaches Association’s So far, Rocha said she loves serving as a (125), RBI (94) and on-base academic team in three role model to student-athletes. “I like passing percentage (.468). She consecutive seasons (2011– along what I’ve learned at Wheaton from also stands in fifth place NORDSTROM KEITH 13). As a team, the Lyons my coaches. And I love working with the Jenna Rocha ’14 all-time with 20 home runs also made appearances in students.” Q and 43 doubles. the NEWMAC tournament and the ECAC —Shawn Medeiros The Lyons appeared in the NEWMAC tournament during her playing career. tournament all four years during Rocha’s “Jenna was a consistent threat at the For the latest career, and last season earned their first bid plate, hitting in any count. She had smooth, Follow Wheaton College athletics via social media into the NCAA tournament since 2004. quick glove skills that put her in a top on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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On the menu Renovations to Chase Dining Hall continued this spring, providing the Wheaton community with the opportunity to temporarily try something new from the fast-food truck parked each day on campus. Students also got a chance to sign ceiling beams that will go up in the renovated space. KEITH NORDSTROM PHOTOS NORDSTROM KEITH

Staying tuned via webcast All year, President Dennis M. Hanno has been hosting webcasts titled “Lyons Lunch and Learn,” in which he shares the latest happenings at Wheaton. Topics have included an overview of the strategic planning process with professor and Strategic L Y O N S Planning Task Force co-chair Tommy Ratliff; a discussion LUNCH AND LEARN about creative innovations on campus with professors Kelly Goff and Patrick Johnson;

and, most recently, a look at the exciting opportunitiesNORTON, MASSACHUSETTS awaiting members of the Class of 2015 after graduation. Stay tuned for new webcasts in the upcoming academic year. Watch previous ones at wheatoncollege.edu.

16 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Trash to treasures When is a milk carton not a milk carton? When it’s in the hands of creative Wheaton students, who this spring had fun turning one into a wallet. Students were invited to transform rubbish into something new and take it to the Diana Davis Spencer ’60 Cafe for judging by a faculty panel. Cool green prizes were at stake. KEITH NORDSTROM PHOTOS NORDSTROM KEITH KEITH NORDSTROM PHOTOS NORDSTROM KEITH Good lesson Studying invertebrate anatomy is always a delicious undertaking in Professor of Biology Betsey Dyer’s course “Evolution of the Invertebrates.” In this case, the Diana Davis Spencer ’60 Cafe served as the lab for students, who dissected lobsters to learn and then had a lobster snack, made with the perfect pairing of mayo and minced celery. Um, is it too late to major in biology?

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 17 18 WHEATON QUARTERLY PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KEITH NORDSTROM The business of science, the science of business Course explores balance between “greater good,” profit

By Lauren Cox Every pill has a story. Before it got to a medicine cabinet, that pill had to pass the scrutiny of scientists toiling in labs. It had to win confidence in business meetings and prove itself safe to government regulators. Along the way, that pill could cost $1 billion or more in investment, and go on to generate billions in profit. That path, in more technical terms, is called life science commercialization, and it drives major sectors of the U.S. economy. It affects taxpayers, doctors, politicians, patients and anyone buying or selling a product that was once developed in a bio lab. Yet few undergraduates in the United States actually learn about that process. Last fall, Professor of Biology Robert Morris and Visiting Assistant Professor of Business and Management David Huizenga combined their experience and wisdom to form “Applied Health Science” (MGMT 298).

SUMMER 2015 19 The course examined life science commercialization, and the tension between the good and greed that drives it. Students first mastered the fundamental ways that science and business meet—from funding and patents, to government regulations and profits. In turn, they got a glimpse of their different chosen concentrations functioning in a real-world context, whether they were majoring in the humanities, sciences or social sciences. Ultimately, the professors advocated embracing this tension, and applying it to the competing interests, ethical ideals and practical constraints in contemporary problems. A healthy tension

Class met once a week in the evenings in the Mars Center for Science and Technology. It was dark outside by the time class started, and one fall night a student rushed to finish his noodle dinner on a paper plate before things began. Morris jotted notes at the white board, while the students sat in a large diamond, laptops open and eyes on the professors. Huizenga came up with a game. He moved to the center of the room and looked quickly from student to student. The first person to blink had to think of a plausible upside to the surge in prescription painkiller use, he told the group, and immediately focused on one particular student. “I’m just getting my blinks out!” she protested as her classmates laughed. sending someone home with too few pain from the fees drug companies pay to have The topic this night was “cappers,” slang pills, just to have another office visit to their potential drugs approved rather for patients who commit Medicaid and address the pain again. In this case, the than from the taxpayers. Pharmaceutical Medicare fraud to supply illegal opiate doctor was motivated by both “good” in companies may pay $10 million or more, prescriptions to the streets. Cappers often giving the patient enough medicine to feel Huizenga pointed out, to have the FDA have legitimate prescriptions for pain pills, comfortable and “greed” in saving their own review a new drug. but will go from pharmacy to pharmacy to time and expense. Huizenga asked the students to take a step stockpile pills so they can resell them. However, individual doctors aren’t the back. “How do you think you would feel— Morris and Huizenga asked the students major focus of the “good” and “greed” even if you haven’t had one yet—about to change their perspectives and come up tension in life science commercialization. talking to your boss?” he asked. “You would with several reasons why the motivations Later in the class, Morris reminded the feel a duty to do what the person paying you of doctors, politicians and drug companies students of how important the U.S. Food wants you to do. You feel a pressure.” can converge to lead to prescription drug and Drug Administration is to the process. The students got it, immediately. It’s a addictions. “The FDA is responsible for everything conflict of interest—money could influence One student offered an example. Pain that goes into your body except for tobacco the FDA to go easier on drug companies. tolerances can differ from person to person, and alcohol,” Morris said. But the professors weren’t done yet. They so doctors may err on the side of over- The FDA is a government agency, but a also asked why society might put up with prescribing pain medicine rather than risk significant amount of FDA funding comes such a conflict of interest. If drug companies

20 WHEATON QUARTERLY planning to become a physician’s assistant, said she didn’t realize before taking the course how much legal rights influenced financial opportunities in medicine. “Without patents, companies would be less likely to continue their research, be less incentivized to continue research and provide drugs,” said Ngai. “That was just surprising.” Huizenga has worked in the life sciences industry for decades, as a scientist, a patent attorney, and an entrepreneur. In a typical business setting, he might start explaining life science commercialization in terms of money and finance. But at Wheaton, Huizenga and Morris thought explaining the process in terms of tension would work better. The course began with an introduction to the tension, the process of life science commercialization, and lectures on intellectual property, followed by four weeks of case studies and role-playing. “The tension exists between the high price for drugs and the high price for innovation— which necessarily means that not everybody gets access to [treatment]—versus the desire to help people for free,” said Huizenga. And patents are at the root of that tension, Huizenga and Morris argue. “Patents give you a limited monopoly on the innovation that you do,” said Huizenga, “which allows you to exclude others from selling a product PHOTOS BY KEITH NORDSTROM that uses your innovation to compete with Wheaton professor Robert Morris, right, and visiting pharmaceutical companies with the needs you. Which means you can charge a higher professor David Huizenga lead an “Applied Health of the FDA, and with the interest of citizens’ price for it.” Science” class on patent litigation. well-being and limited resources. However, there can be considerable “When you balance all of that conflict tension between the company’s pursuit of don’t pay for safety testing and a thorough out we as a society say, ‘This is OK,’” said patents, and the professional pursuits of review, who will? Huizenga. the scientists they employ. To an extent, “We’ll pay for it!” a student shouted, entrepreneurs require secrecy, and want to Patents and people referring to taxes. Another student pointed control knowledge of their ongoing progress out that well-funded, fast-paced testing gets Although there is no mention of business so that they can secure patents. drugs to people who need them faster—the in its name, “Applied Health Science” Morris, however, gave the view from utilitarian ethics principle (also taught in the was actually a business course. Of the 20 academia: “In academia, it often behooves class) of the greatest good for the greatest students in the class, Morris said two-thirds people to talk freely so you can protect number. were science majors while the remaining yourself.” Learning about other researchers’ “The FDA has a conflict of interest students majored in business or the successes and failures can help a scientist built into its backbone,” said Morris. He humanities. Many students were surprised to find problems to study that are unique, and beamed with the students’ responses. The learn what the business side of life science find approaches that are most likely to work, professors wanted the students to see how commercialization entails. he pointed out. the system balances the interest in profits by Shirley Ngai ’15, an anthropology major Ryan Barrette ’15, a chemistry major

SUMMER 2015 21 with a pre-med Morris and Huizenga focus, said he valued confirmed that the exploring multiple United States has been perspectives. “The known to stockpile class has given me a treatments for contagious glimpse of down the diseases out of concern road who I might be for national security. working with and what The professors kind of challenges and had interdisciplinary experiences I may be arguments like these— expecting.” arguments that combine He also noted that science, business and the course pushed him ethics—in mind when and his classmates to they started the “Applied think deeply about these Health Science” course issues. as an expansion of the “In assignments, you’re writing not so Visiting professor David Huizenga “Biopharma” Connection courses. much to prove that you know the material, “This course is—at its core—an but you’re gathering your resources to embodiment of Connections,” said Morris. present your opinion,” said Barrette. the Berman Institute thought it was best to Tradition of perspective “We have debates in class where you’re treat doctors first because they are such discussing what the best course of action is.” a rare resource. There are roughly 150 Morris has been at Wheaton from the doctors out of a population of 6 million beginning of the Connections endeavor. Practice acting, not reacting people in Sierra Leone—the ratio of Thirteen years ago he was chatting with In one class, in light of the Ebola crisis doctors to patients is one hundred times James Freeman, associate professor of in West Africa, the professors convened a greater in the United States. economics, when the two discovered they United Nations-style exercise exploring the A student representing the ministry of both taught the same topics from two tensions in responding to and eventually health in Guinea argued that since there different disciplinary perspectives. Morris treating Ebola infections. Each student had weren’t enough funds to distribute medica- was presenting drug development and to prepare data and arguments to speak on tion to most Ebola survivors, the available vaccines from a biology perspective in behalf of a number of organizations that money could be better used for education. “Cells and Genes” (Bio 112). Freeman was grappled with the Ebola outbreak. She pointed out that while the World Health covering vaccines and drug development As class began, the students picked their Organization donated motorcycles to help from an economic perspective in representative assignments from a red transport people from remote areas to hos- “Microeconomics” (Econ 112). bowl. They could draw a fictional advocacy pitals, people using the motorcycles weren’t They thought, “Why not make that natural group of Ebola survivors or a team from trained to sterilize them properly. connection explicit and deliberate, to give the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of “They were actually helping to transmit the students a more comprehensive view?” Bioethics. Others would represent health this disease,” she said. So Morris and Freeman developed the ministries from Sierra Leone or Guinea; Later in the debate, one student “Biopharma” Connection linking Bio 112 still others picked GlaxoSmithKline or representing Ebola survivors made the case and Econ 112. Tekmira—both drug companies working that charity could be a path to profit. Morris invited Huizenga to be a guest on Ebola therapeutics. The U.S. Centers for “The charity organization WellPoint is speaker in the “Biopharma” Connection Disease Control and Prevention and Doctors covering the cost of manufacturing the from the beginning of the Connections Without Borders got places at the table too. first ten thousand doses of the vaccine. program, which provides students with If one of the developing Ebola treatments So if you’re selling them for a penny, you the opportunity to explore different areas proved safe enough to use, asked Morris, are already making some revenue,” a of academic knowledge and multiple “Do you have ideas on how that medicine student told the pharma representatives. approaches to problems. might be distributed first?” “Whether or not that is a profit is Huizenga has known Morris since The students representing Ebola irrelevant, considering the fact that you graduate school, before they parted ways survivors said their communities should are going to have rich Western countries professionally. get the drugs first, because their need is buying hundreds of thousands of doses in Both men noticed a lot of interest from the greatest. Yet the students representing a couple months.” students during Huizenga’s guest lectures.

22 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Some students would Barrette worked on show up for lectures even an honors thesis with if they weren’t earning Associate Professor of credit. Since there was Chemistry Laura Muller, more material in the life investigating the process science commercialization of preparing lead oil process than Huizenga used in lead paints for art and Morris could restoration. cover through guest Some of the molecules lectures, they decided discussed in the business to write a book, From management class were Good to Greed: The actually similar to ones Tension in Life Science he studied in an organic Commercialization. chemistry class. Nicole Jenkins “We know all this ’15 decided to audit theoretical background, “Applied Health Science” after taking the Wheaton professor Robert Morris how we work with them in the lab, but “Biopharma” Connection. “I’m mainly here it’s good to know what’s going on in the out of the joy of learning,” said Jenkins, a real world,” said Barrette. “It was really biochemistry major who hopes to become her other science courses. interesting to see that same science here— a pediatrician. “I did research for a different chemistry what this molecule really does, how it was “I’m now aware of a lot of the things that course, and in the research it talked found, and how they [the entrepreneurs] go on behind the scenes, and a lot of things about HeLa cells,” said Solano, who is want to use it in the real world and go that would affect me as a physician,” said a biochemistry and Latin double major. apply it.” Jenkins. “Yes, I would hopefully be treating “That’s something you just glance over Barrette’s mother is a Wheaton alum people and making them feel better—but and think, ‘Oh whatever. It’s just another who works in the regulatory side of the there is also a business aspect of the job that tool we can use.’ But by taking this class, pharmaceutical industry. Even with this I wouldn’t necessarily have gotten if I hadn’t I learned a different history behind HeLa background, he realized there were aspects taken this class. cells and the controversy.” to life science commercialization he hadn’t “It really is a bridge between HeLa cells are named for Henrietta Lacks, even encountered. management, businesses and biology,” she a woman who died of cervical cancer in “It was interesting to hear about the said. “And now I can talk about a patent or 1951. Doctors took her cells for research investing process and the start-ups, and copyright, which I wouldn’t have known without permission, and without notifying where they get those funds initially,” he anything about.” her family. Her cell line lived on and is used said. “I knew that there was a lot of money Morris also thought the concept for by researchers worldwide today. Students involved in the industry, but where the initial “Applied Health Science” would fit nicely in “Applied Health Science” read about her funding came from was more surprising.” in Wheaton’s relatively new business and story in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Morris and Huizenga hope the students management major. “Wheaton does it really by Rebecca Skloot (February 2010, Crown will take the interdisciplinary exposure well. It’s an unusual, applied and socially Publishers) as an assignment. of “Applied Health Science” into their conscious business program,” he said. Solano, who wants to be a pediatrician careers, as well as the understanding Just as the Wheaton business one day, says “Applied Health Science” gave that the fruitful tension between working program asks students to learn business her a new view of her future career. for the good of society and working for in the context of social, health and In other courses, “You learn about the profit is mutually reinforcing and is what humanitarian issues, the professors skills of being a doctor, and the passion incentivizes innovation. knew the life science commercialization behind being a doctor, but you don’t re- “Ambiguity is discomforting, but it’s process faced inherent social, health and ally learn about what it really means once necessary,” said Morris. “And grappling humanitarian dilemmas. you get in there—to be in the business,” with that uncertainty is a valuable expe- said Solano. rience as an undergraduate. We try to Lessons to take out into the world Morris and Huizenga designed the class to create that opportunity in our classroom Kaitlyn Solano ’16 realized some of be a deliberately interdisciplinary exploration. for students to confront those issues and the ethical dilemmas covered in “Applied But other students found serendipitous consider the idea that good and greed are Health Science” were already appearing in connections to their other courses. both necessary.” Q

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 23 Interns Working explore through careers, winter expand break knowledge 24 WHEATON QUARTERLY By Mary Howard ’85 Here are seven of the winter interns: Winter break is traditionally Zhaoyi “Lily” Lu ’16, business and manage- a time for students to go ment major, philosophy and math minor home and visit family Winternship: My Boston Condo, Boston and friends or pick up a part-time job to cover As a high school student in her native China, Lily Lu heard that it is almost impossible for Chinese college expenses. But last students to find internships through American December and January, 26 colleges and universities because of language and Wheaton students spent cultural barriers. their breaks learning new “My experience at Wheaton showed me that this is absolutely not true,” says Lu, who hopes for skills, engaging in creative a career facilitating Chinese-American business endeavors, and exploring relationships. postgraduate opportunities. In fact, Lu’s fluency in Chinese and knowledge of Chinese culture helped her land two internships In its second year, the that gave her hands-on experience in the business Winternship initiative at world. Last summer, she interned at TripAdvisor’s Wheaton provides $500 headquarters in Newton, Mass. Collaborating with the travel planning website’s product team in Zhaoyi “Lily” Lu ’16 stipends for students who Beijing, she conducted research to develop web want opportunities to be content geared toward Chinese users. She also real estate business that specializes in renting productive during winter used data analysis to help the company better and selling condos. She helped the company break, says Lisa Gavigan, understand the Chinese market. target Chinese audiences, particularly through “It was a great opportunity for me to practice social media. She also served as a translator director of career services being a business mediator,” she says. for prospective Chinese buyers (no one else at at the Filene Center for During her winter break, Lu was looking the company spoke Chinese), and even staged Academic Advising and for a change of pace. “I didn’t want to limit my apartments for showing. experience to just large companies, and I wanted “I now have a better understanding of the Career Services. to explore other industries,” she says. American housing market,” says Lu, the founding Funding for the initiative She spent a month at My Boston Condo, a small president of both the Student Business Association comes from several and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association different sources, including at Wheaton. The experience also helped improve her time- the Nancy Lyon Porter management skills. “It is inspiring how hard my ’43 Community Service co-workers at the company worked.” Fellowship program, the Liam Grace-Flood ’17, mathematics and studio Blakely Fetridge Bundy art double major ’66 Work and Learning Winternship: Luckey Climbers, New Haven, Conn. Fellowship, and the Talanian A creative thinker, problem solver and “pretty Family Work & Learning good carpenter,” Liam Grace-Flood found the Fellowship. perfect match for his talents and interests with his “With the stipends, students winter internship at Luckey Climbers. The company can have an enriching designs and builds climbing structures for children- oriented institutions, but these aren’t the kind of experience that connects to jungle gyms found on a typical playground. their academics and earn “They’re soaring and artful but also very money,” says Ben Chalot, technically impressive,” says Grace-Flood. “It’s impossible to decide whether they’re feats of associate director of career engineering or sculpture.”

services at the Filene Center. NORDSTROM KEITH During his three-week internship, he designed Liam Grace-Flood ’17 SUMMER 2015 25 experiences to prepare her for that challenge. In the classroom, she studied Islam, Middle Eastern politics and Arabic language. In her extracurricular life, she helped reinstate the college’s first Middle East Club, dedicated to the celebration and study of the region. Maaiki’s interest in the Middle East runs deep. Born to Lebanese and American parents, she is fluent in English and Arabic, holds dual citizenship in Lebanon and the United States, and considers both Tripoli and Long Island her hometowns. Last spring, she spent a semester in Israel at the University of Haifa, taking honors level courses in peace and conflict studies and learning Hebrew. Her winter internship with Congressman Nicolas Sterner ’16 Joe Kennedy, who sits on the Middle East immediately said yes. subcommittee of the House Committee on “It was clear from the beginning that Nick has Sara Maaiki ’15 working with Lisa Carlson Nelson ’76 Foreign Affairs, was a natural fit. For three weeks strong leadership qualities,” says Whiddon. in Congressman Joe Kennedy’s office in January, she assisted his Attleboro office Sterner spent his winter break learning the inner hardware for the climbers using Rhinoceros with constituent casework, focusing on issues workings of the orchestra. He also cataloged music (Rhino), a 3D computer-modeling program for of immigration. Maaiki met constituents who in the Me2 library and even arranged to give a free designers and architects. immigrated from all over the world, including a solo concert at the Wellness Co-op in Burlington, Back on campus, he’s using these skills to man who lived near her family in Lebanon. a peer-run community center for people living with design new structures for the renovation of “Sara has excellent Arabic language skills, mental illnesses. Wheaton’s recording studio and radio booth. “It’s which were put to great use with some of When Braunstein and Whiddon traveled for the my personal project, an exercise in continuing to our constituents,” says Lisa Carlson Nelson holidays, Sterner made mail runs and deposited learn Rhino,” says Grace-Flood, who is general ’76, Congressman Kennedy’s senior district donations. “This was a hugely important task, as manager of the college’s radio station. representative, who handles his immigration the end of the year is when nonprofits like Me2 A self-described untraditional learner, he casework. receive an influx of donations,” says Whiddon. struggled in public school. “I didn’t get why it was Maaiki enjoyed the work so much that she Sterner hopes to work in a field that allows him so segmented, why there were separate times for continued in the office on Mondays through May. to advocate for the idea that “music offers much math or reading. It seemed unnatural.” more than just entertainment.” High school, he says, “almost undid me.” He’s Nicolas Sterner ’16, music major grateful that Wheaton saw his potential, and he Winternship: Me2/Orchestra, Burlington, Vt. Nana Asare ’15, anthropology major, public appreciates the opportunities for creative problem health minor solving and hands-on learning made possible by Nicolas Sterner’s first rehearsal with Me2/ Winternship: Office of Emergency the newly established, grant-funded InterMedia Orchestra was transformative. “This group of Preparedness and Response (OEPR), New York Arts Group Innovation Network (IMAGINE), which musicians came together to play with music, not City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene supports the integration of arts and technology. to make music,” he says. New equipment funded by the grant made Me2 is a classical ensemble for people with Imagine starting an internship with four days possible Grace-Flood’s independent study, “CAD mental illness and those who support them. of intense training, the same training given to new and Creation.” “The goal is to use CAD [computer- The organization has two orchestras, one at its hires, or being asked to research and create the aided design] software and the laser cutter to headquarters in Burlington, Vt., and another in the first draft of an office mentorship program. These design, rapidly prototype and create a piece of Boston area. were situations Nana Asare encountered during public sculpture for the campus.” Sterner found a home with Me2. Once the his winter internship at the Office of Emergency music starts, the members forget their personal Preparedness and Response (OEPR), part of New Sara Maaiki ’15, political science and Asian difficulties, he says. “I have never played in a York City’s Department of Health and Mental studies double major musical environment that is so liberating and free.” Hygiene. Winternship: District Office of Congressman He also found a mentor in Me2’s director, Asare is pursuing a career in public health. Joe Kennedy, Attleboro, Mass. Ronald Braunstein, who studied under Herbert von “My passion is mitigating the difference between ole

Karajan, Seiji Ozawa and Leonard Bernstein, and formulating health care policies and implementing C

Sara Maaiki has a passion for conflict resolution has his own challenges with bipolar disorder. them,” he says. ossa R and an ambitious life goal: “Someday, I’d like to With winter break looming, Sterner approached Growing up in Ghana, he says he saw firsthand help improve American policy in the Middle East.” Braunstein and his wife, Caroline Whiddon, Me2’s the human toll of inadequate health care. “This At Wheaton, she carefully selected courses and executive director, about an internship. The couple internship was a chance to learn about an aspect

26 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton experiences to prepare her for that challenge. In self-initiative into assimilating myself, and [the the classroom, she studied Islam, Middle Eastern experience] will help me adapt quicker to new politics and Arabic language. In her extracurricular workplaces,” he says. life, she helped reinstate the college’s first Middle This summer, Asare will complete his internship, East Club, dedicated to the celebration and study delving deeper into emergency management and of the region. drafting a paper on how services provided by the Maaiki’s interest in the Middle East runs deep. OEPR impact individual New Yorkers. Born to Lebanese and American parents, she is fluent in English and Arabic, holds dual citizenship Nuoya Pang ’15, mathematics and economics in Lebanon and the United States, and considers double major both Tripoli and Long Island her hometowns. Winternship: MaxMara, San Francisco Last spring, she spent a semester in Israel at the University of Haifa, taking honors level courses in After her internship with MaxMara in San peace and conflict studies and learning Hebrew. Francisco, Nuoya Pang looks at colors differently. Her winter internship with Congressman That’s because she spent her winter break Joe Kennedy, who sits on the Middle East dressing windows and mannequins, taking subcommittee of the House Committee on inventory, and assisting clients at designer clothing Foreign Affairs, was a natural fit. For three weeks store MaxMara. Nuoya Pang ’15 in January, she assisted his Attleboro office “I realize I have a talent for putting together with constituent casework, focusing on issues of public health I’ve never considered.” outfits, for knowing what’s in trend,” she says. of immigration. Maaiki met constituents who It also provided a mentor in Christopher Paquet Her supervisor, store assistant manager Priti immigrated from all over the world, including a ’03, who is deputy director of the OEPR and a Patel, agrees: “Nuoya was intuitive and creative.” man who lived near her family in Lebanon. member of the Wheaton Board of Trustees. The experience gave Pang clarity on her career “Sara has excellent Arabic language skills, The OEPR coordinates responses to all goals. “I now know what I want,” she says, “a which were put to great use with some of biological, natural and man-made disasters in the career in fashion.” A mathematics and economics Joshua LeBlanc ’18 our constituents,” says Lisa Carlson Nelson city. “When Nana first walked into my office, the major, Pang had found it challenging to combine ’76, Congressman Kennedy’s senior district Ebola incident was in full swing,” notes Paquet. all of her interests. When she approached John an incredibly energetic, funny and sweet group of representative, who handles his immigration It is important to Paquet that interns come away Gildea, professor of economics, for guidance, he people,” says LeBlanc about the senior center’s casework. from their experience at the OEPR with a thorough suggested an internship as a place to start. guests. He spent five weeks organizing activities, Maaiki enjoyed the work so much that she understanding of emergency management, While previously interning at HolyCraft Brewery, such as chair volleyball, bingo and a beanbag toss. continued in the office on Mondays through May. “how all the pieces—lab work, epidemiology, a startup brewery in San Francisco created by He sat in on a ladies’ crocheting circle —“One of surveillance—fit together.” And that’s why he Steve Seto ’08, she connected with a friend who the ladies made me a hat!”— and played games of Nicolas Sterner ’16, music major throws a lot at them. told her about a fashion internship at MaxMara. cribbage with elderly gentlemen. Winternship: Me2/Orchestra, Burlington, Vt. Asare didn’t mind. “It made me put in a lot of Although a career in fashion may seem like Service is an important part of the LeBlanc a departure from a math and economics double family ethic. (His father is Professor of Computer Nicolas Sterner’s first rehearsal with Me2/ major, it is not, Pang points out. “My studies at Science Mark LeBlanc.) When Joshua LeBlanc and Orchestra was transformative. “This group of Wheaton have prepared me to communicate and his mother stopped in at the senior center to pick musicians came together to play with music, not solve problems. Those skills are important in any up a wheelchair for a homeless shelter last fall, to make music,” he says. industry.” he asked whether the center might need an intern Me2 is a classical ensemble for people with After graduation, she hopes to work in the fashion over winter break. mental illness and those who support them. industry in New York City as an assistant buyer, “I thought it would be convenient, because the The organization has two orchestras, one at its “where my strong math skills will be an asset.” center is right down the street from my house,” he headquarters in Burlington, Vt., and another in the admits. Boston area. Joshua LeBlanc ’18, undeclared major It turns out that LeBlanc has a gift with the Sterner found a home with Me2. Once the Winternship: Norton Senior Center, Norton, Mass. elderly, says Beth Rossi, the center’s director and music starts, the members forget their personal his supervisor. “His kind and outgoing demeanor difficulties, he says. “I have never played in a Joshua LeBlanc’s winter internship at the endeared him to everyone he met.” musical environment that is so liberating and free.” Norton Senior Center forever changed his notion One of the more challenging tasks he undertook He also found a mentor in Me2’s director, about the elderly and planted a seed for a was to plan and teach a class on computer and Ronald Braunstein, who studied under Herbert von possible career. Before the internship, he had little technology basics to the center’s guests. He ole

Karajan, Seiji Ozawa and Leonard Bernstein, and C experience with older people. He also had some covered everything from how to turn on a computer

has his own challenges with bipolar disorder. ossa preconceived notions about senior citizens. to the fundamentals of Facebook. “Josh was very R With winter break looming, Sterner approached “You hear the stereotypes that they are grumpy professional and patient, giving personal attention Braunstein and his wife, Caroline Whiddon, Me2’s and frail,” he says. to all in attendance,” says Rossi. Q executive director, about an internship. The couple Nana Asare ’15 His experience proved the opposite. “They were Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 27 Love of labor Three alums begin careers as OB-GYNs together at hospital

By Elizabeth Meyer ’14 It’s six o’clock on a winter night at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Elizabeth McKay Drumm ’08, dressed in a white lab coat with a stethoscope slung around her neck, steps into the main lobby. The first-year OB-GYN resident, who will be at the teaching hospital until about 7 a.m. the next day, has no idea whether her overnight shift will be quiet or full of electronic pages from the emergency room. Around the same time, the daytime shift is ending for Tara Slivinski Chute ’06 and Briana Jackson Huguenel ’08. The two senior OB-GYN residents both have had long but very differently colored days. Chute, in her fourth year as a resident, has had a tough one; she had to diagnose a miscarriage that morning. Huguenel, in her third year, has had one of the best; she delivered a pair of twins that afternoon. The babies were born early, and the second arrived feet first, but Huguenel delivered them safely despite the unexpected challenge.

28 WHEATON QUARTERLY KEITH NORDSTROM PHOTOS Briana Jackson Huguenel ’08, Tara Slivinski Chute ’06 and Elizabeth McKay Drumm ’08, working together at UMass Memorial in Worcester, Mass.

At Wheaton, the three shared a few classes Making connections faculty, she chose to complete her residency together and had some mutual friends. Now, at UMass Memorial. their busy schedules leave little time for tra- Chute had determined by her freshman She didn’t realize that her decision would ditional friendships outside of work, but the year of high school that she wanted to be pave the road for two former Wheaton three have developed a special bond—work- a physician. Volunteering and shadowing classmates who would soon be considering ing together to deliver babies and perform doctors in several hospitals as she moved the program. surgeries as they begin their professional to different Massachusetts towns, she knew “A few months after I started my residen- medical careers at the same place. On this that she wanted to work with patients and cy, when Briana applied, I was working on particular night, for a little while anyway, use her talent in science and math. the night shift but made time to meet with all three have made the time to sit down As a first-generation college student, her before heading into work that evening,” together at a cafe table in the hospital’s main she chose to attend Wheaton because she Chute says. “I had known her in college and lobby to talk about how they all ended up wanted one-on-one support as she aimed knew she was a hardworking person with a training together in the same program, and for medical school. She attended medical great attitude and personality.” the role Wheaton has played in leading them school at the University of Massachusetts in Huguenel was coming to Worcester to their love of labor and women’s health. Worcester, and, impressed by the excellent from medical school at the University of

SUMMER 2015 29 patients, assess their overnight events and current physical exam, and write a note— and then you either spend the day in the clinic, operating room or on the labor and delivery floor,” Chute explains. And the residents don’t count on any regular breaks—they’re often interrupted by a page from the emergency room or a baby who wants to be born now. Their busy schedules don’t always over- lap, and between the long shifts and family time—all three are married, and Chute has a baby daughter—there is little room for socializing outside of work. But sometimes “A few months after I started my “I think a lot of us in this field they’re lucky enough to be on the same residency, when Briana applied, I team for a five-week period, or end up on run on adrenaline, we try was working on the night shift but call together during the weekends. (They’ve to follow this advice: When made time to meet with her before even ended up sleeping at the hospital dur- something bad happens, check ing snowstorms.) heading into work that evening.” Huguenel says, “As you’re working with your own pulse first.” Tara Slivinski Chute ’06 people, especially in situations with high Elizabeth McKay Drumm ’08 stress, you learn to trust people over time. But I think having known each other from Connecticut: “I had to tear myself away from before, we had a level of trust already, so we emergencies. the conversation to let her get to work but were pretty quickly able to build on that.” “I think a lot of us in this field run on left my interview the next day with a huge “I think we have similar temperaments adrenaline,” Drumm says. “We try to follow smile on my face.” too, and we communicate well and work this advice: When something bad happens, Soon after, Drumm came to UMass really well together, all three of us,” adds check your own pulse first.” Memorial during her last year of medical Chute. As a chief resident, Chute oversees Performing music in college helped school at Rocky Vista University College of her teams and helps them develop their Drumm learn how to perform under pres- Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado for an plans to care for patients. sure. She has a background in opera sing- audition rotation—an experience allowing “When you’re on a 24-hour call and it’s ing, and performed onstage regularly while medical students to try working at different the middle of the night and you have some at Wheaton. “When you stand up there on training hospitals. She liked the match. down time, it’s fun to reminisce about stage and look out over a sea of faces, you Wheaton stuff, too,” Huguenel adds. have to have a certain demeanor and pres- Life as a resident ence that says, ‘OK, I can do this.’ I think Take a deep breath A typical workweek clocks in at 60 to 70 that helped me to learn how to deal with hours, with residents covering 13-hour shifts A resident OB-GYN juggles a variety of this environment.” during the week and, most weekends, a 24- roles, from seeing patients at a clinic to mak- As well as being a discipline, performing hour shift when “on-call.” ing quick decisions in an operating room. helped Drumm learn how to live a bal- Teams, mixing residents of different Some tasks are extremely difficult emotion- anced lifestyle. “With such a focus on being years and medical students, spend five- ally: delivering bad news about the health pre-med, it was hard for me to take time week rotations covering the many different of a fetus, or diagnosing cancer. Others are to develop other areas in my life. I loved areas in obstetrics and gynecology, ranging exciting: delivering babies, or performing putting the time and energy into a piece of from prenatal care, labor and delivery, to a challenging operation that takes quick, music, sharing something beautiful and re- gynecological exams, surgeries and cancer creative thinking. ally special to me with others.” treatments. With medical students on their It takes a certain kind of person to thrive Drumm’s love of music brought her to teams, residents are often teaching while in such a fast-paced, high-stress environ- Ethiopia between her junior and senior years, providing care. ment. In her first months of residency, where she taught music and English to chil- “Typically you come in and ‘round’—see Drumm has learned a lot about handling dren as a Davis International Fellow. While

30 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton enriching her musical background, the experi- finishing his final year of residency in emer- ence also strengthened her desire to advocate gency medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess for women while pursuing her medical career. Medical Center in Boston. “I remember the shock I felt when I Next steps learned that I couldn’t leave my host family’s house at night without a male,” she says. “I The residents share an easy familiarity as felt very dependent and tied to the men in they sit around the table, laughing together my home. Women always walked together while talking about the trials they’ve shared, in pairs or groups, even during the day. I from late nights with patients in labor to had, until that point, not even remotely con- challenging surgeries. templated my independence growing up in Looking back on her four years at UMass the U.S. I learned that gender inequality was Memorial, Chute sees another challenge to a real and very tangible issue.” working as a medical resident. After attending medical school on the “It’s one of the few jobs where you’re able “As you’re working with people, West Coast, Drumm is happy to be closer to to do the job, but you’re not fully ready. My home—the Cape Cod town of Brewster— especially in situations with high husband, Adam, is a mechanic, and when and lives with her husband, Brandon stress, you learn to trust people he applies for a job, he has the skill set he Drumm ’07, a physics major at Wheaton over time. But I think having known needs already. Obviously, you learn a bit who now works as a mechanical engineer. more here and there, but he is fully capable each other from before, we had a of doing his job. When you start residency, Working with women level of trust already, so we were you really have to rely on other people and All three alums chose obstetrics and pretty quickly able to build on that.” work as a team. You’re qualified because of gynecology because they love working with your education, but you certainly don’t have women. They’re inspired by the diverse Briana Jackson Huguenel ’08 the experience you need. It’s an entire learn- stories they hear every day, and love being ing process.” a part of women’s life-changing moments, who have been incredible role models my With just 14 weeks left of her residency especially childbirth. whole life. Having the opportunity to see (at the time of the interview), Chute has ac- Huguenel has been fascinated by wom- women through difficult times in their lives, cepted a position as a general OB-GYN at en’s health ever since elementary school. whether they are exciting, terrifying, or both, Cape Cod Hospital. She feels well prepared Growing up in Redding, Conn., she loved has been a natural progression for me,” for her new job but still expects a similar riding her family’s horses and thought about Huguenel says. “I have learned so much challenge. becoming a large-animal veterinarian, but from my patients and love being part of “They say that during your first year of learning about the reproductive system in their story. Even though not every outcome attending, you still learn so much. There are school set her in a new direction. is good, building relationships with patients some medical conditions you’ll just not have “The first experience I had relating to makes me feel privileged to help them get seen within four years of residency. Here, women’s health was in fifth grade, when through that critical time.” I’m surrounded by so much support, but I a snarky classmate made fun of me for not One of those strong women was won’t be surrounded by sub-specialists in knowing what a period was,” she remem- Huguenel’s grandmother, Mary Rhodes the field there. So you have to call to consult bers. “It made me curious to learn as much Glendinning ’42. others and do the right thing, but you also as I could, from puberty to childbirth.” “She is definitely a hero of mine. She have to have confidence in your own knowl- Seeing how difficult it was for her class- played a major role in encouraging me to go edge and skill set.” mates to ask questions in sexual education to Wheaton, and always told me what a cher- Though excited to be moving on, Chute and biology classes, she decided to encour- ished time of her life that experience was.” will miss her Wheaton friends. age a “safe space” for talking about sexual Glendinning, who passed away while “I’m trying to get Briana to come to the health—a goal that drove her through col- Huguenel was in medical school, estab- Cape,” she says, and the others burst out lege and beyond. She trained as an emer- lished the Rhodes Endowed Scholarship and laughing. “It hasn’t worked yet, but I’m try- gency medical technician in high school and donated the Rhodes commuter lounge in the ing! Liz, too. Her family’s on the Cape. I’m entered college knowing that she wanted to Balfour-Hood Center. trying to pull them with me.” go to medical school. Huguenel is married to a classmate from They’re still laughing as they pile into the “I’ve grown up around strong women medical school, Colin Huguenel, who is elevator together. Q

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 31 Down-to-earth leadership Nancy Pearlstine Conger ’67 takes reins as trustees board chair

By Andrew Faught continue that tradition while always looking fact, a Bio 101 course helped conquer her Nancy Pearlstine Conger ’67, who majored in forward. Wheaton College exists for the fears and set her on a journey to preserve history at Wheaton, never needs to look too students, and we want their involvement to open spaces for future generations. far to be inspired by what is near and dear to be as fulfilling as possible. It’s about students Students in Bio 101 were assigned a plot in her heart. having stimulating experiences in their cur- the Wheaton Woods to observe natural pro- Her Rockaway Township, N.J., home rests ricular and co-curricular life.” cesses at work. “It was nice to lie down and on the crystalline shores of Green Pond, During her own student days, Conger ini- look at the flowers or the weeds or whatever dug out by glacial activity more than 11,000 tially wasn’t sure what she wanted to major was growing, and see the impact of rain wa- years ago. Nearby, legally protected wetlands in, but decided on history partly because ter,” recalls Conger, who has been involved lay in the shadow of Copperas Mountain, it answered two of life’s biggest questions: with environmental causes for two decades. which on a clear day affords hikers views of “I was trying to understand who I was and “I cannot say that I was quite so aware of the Manhattan skyline some 35 miles away. where I fit in on the continuum, and history pollution, especially in the Wheaton Woods, And within her home are plenty of reminders pretty pragmatically answers that.” but it gave me an appreciation of untouched of her alma mater. The answers she found at Wheaton would land that must be preserved.” It is the perfect setting for the longtime shape a career in finance and a stewardship Conger now serves on the board of the conservationist and Wheaton loyalist, espe- of the planet, and bring her back full circle to Land Conservancy of New Jersey, a role that cially now as she steps into her new position the place where it all started. was influenced by those days in Norton. She leading the college into its next chapter as the also has served as a board member of the newly elected chair of the Board of Trustees. “I didn’t have many classes Great Swamp Watershed Association and the The role underscores her desire to protect in finance, but what matters Green Pond Environmental Foundation. the past, improve the present and plan for is that the skills that I “Living in the most densely populated state the future—a common thread that unites all in the nation, we need to preserve the air learned at Wheaton gave me the varied aspects of her life. that we breathe and the water that we drink,” Those who know Conger say she’s a the confidence to express says Conger, who routinely hikes and boats perfect choice to chair Wheaton’s board. myself well and become a in the area with her husband, Bill. She was unanimously elected to the post in stockbroker at 21.” In addition to inspiring an appreciation for February (and officially began July 1), after nature, Conger’s experiences at Wheaton having served as vice chair alongside chair Nancy Pearlstine Conger ’67 also led to what at first seemed like an Tom Hollister for the past five years. unlikely career choice for a history major: “Nancy is personable, down-to-earth, ap- As the daughter of an attorney father finance. It has become her life’s work, proachable and easy to connect with,” says and a mother who was a founding mem- informed by family conversations around the Hollister, chief financial officer and vice presi- ber of Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County dinner table when she was young, and by dent for finance at Harvard. “They’re great Community College, Conger envisioned her liberal arts experience. strengths, but are among many wonderful higher education as a certainty. “I didn’t have many classes in finance, but qualities, including her sense of humor, moral “The real question was, where did I want to what matters is that the skills that I learned at compass and decisiveness as a leader.” pursue it?” she says. “In the end, it was between Wheaton gave me the confidence to express The Wheaton Board of Trustees supports the University of Pennsylvania and Wheaton myself well and become a stockbroker at 21,” the president and the administration while College. I wanted a residential college and, in Conger says. “I had the skill set to succeed.” engaging in meaningful discussions about all honesty, I wanted to get out of town. In those Immediately after graduation, she was a the strategic issues facing the college. As the days, the best schools were in New England. It securities salesperson for the L.F. Rothschild new chair, Conger brings an abiding desire was the best decision I ever made.” investment banking firm on Wall Street. to preserve the college’s commitment to Wheaton’s small classes allowed her to Conger went on to work for two years as academic excellence. forge close relationships with professors, espe- a reporter/researcher for Forbes magazine. “I want to preserve the tradition of cially with Paul Helmreich, professor of history Afterward, while raising three children, she timely innovation and timeless values,” emeritus, whose senior seminar on totalitarian- was president of Ezray Investment Advisors says Conger, reflecting on the institution’s ism “brought history to the present day.” and became a certified financial planner, residential ethos and commitment to close Conger still nurtured an interest in biology, before she and Bill in 2008 founded Red student-professor relationships. “I hope to despite being intimidated by the sciences. In Hook Management in Morristown, N.J. The

32 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton PETE BYRON firm provides investment advice to individu- $90 million campaign that created 70 new ’79, the committee’s vice chair, a trustee, and als, trusts and foundations. scholarship funds and 12 endowed faculty a partner at a commercial real estate firm in Conger has always credited Wheaton with chairs, and launched several campus con- Cambridge, says Conger “thrives on mak- being a critical influence on her career progres- struction projects. ing meaningful connections throughout the sion. But it wasn’t until her 25th class Reunion “I was so thrilled and excited,” says Wheaton community.” that she more fully realized the college’s im- Conger. “I was a Dale groupie. I credit her “She really seeks different perspectives to pact, not only on her own generation but also with lighting the fire.” come to the best solution,” Bryson adds. “She on succeeding generations of Wheaties. It was just the start of Conger’s leadership is so easy to connect with, and she spends The 1992 Reunion came four years after roles at Wheaton. She joined the 30-member the time to really get to know Wheaton’s Wheaton became a coeducational college. Board of Trustees in 2002, serving on the students, parents, faculty, staff and alums.” Despite the change, all of the same hallmarks governance committee and the investment For Conger, it comes naturally. “My in- were evident, Conger recalls. committee before chairing the 15-mem- volvement with the college is because I think “It still had the same culture, the same ber presidential search committee—made it’s such a spectacular institution,” she says. quality students, and there was camaraderie up of faculty, administrators, staff, trustees “The only way to ensure that future and cur- among the students,” she says. “Wheaton and students. In February 2014, the board rent students have the experience that I and hadn’t changed, and I wanted to be involved.” selected Dennis M. Hanno as Wheaton’s thousands of men and women have had is From 1997 until 2002, she served on the eighth president. to be involved and support it in every way. I president’s commission under then president Heading the search committee was a job want them to look back and say, ‘Wow, I can’t Dale Marshall, who had just shepherded a that suited Conger well. Polly Bartlett Bryson believe what a great place Wheaton was.’” Q Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 33 ALUMNAE/I ASSOCIATION NEWS Nick Fradiani ’08 wins

FOX BROADCASTING PHOTOS Ryan Seacrest raises Nick Fradiani’s arm, proclaiming him the winner of “American Idol” during the season 14 finale of the Fox TV show.

34 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton “American Idol”

Nick Fradiani ’08 is the new American Idol. ing every show with bated breath. “We were honored to have him sing at After facing off against fellow finalist Clark Beckham our wedding in July, and it was incredible on Tuesday, May 12, Fradiani was declared the to see more than 25 Wheaties on the dance floor,” Brown said. victor during the Fox TV show’s season 14 finale on The finale featured performances from Wednesday, May 13. Echosmith, Fall Out Boy, Jamie Foxx, Pitbull and others. The announcement came at the end Congrats to @wheaton’s idol On Tuesday, Fradiani sang Matchbox of a two-hour show, with both Fradiani @nickfradiani who is now our Twenty’s “Bright Lights,” Jason Mraz’s “I and Beckham standing at the center of Won’t Give Up,” and an original song, #AmericanIdol! Your room in Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre stage. “Beautiful Life,” the “coronation” song he “Thank you so much. Today has been the Prez House is reserved when you also performed in the finale in celebration best day of my life,” said Fradiani, shak- return to campus! of his win. ing his head at the surprise of his win and Fradiani, a Guilford, Conn., native, —Dennis Hanno (@dhanno) May 14, 2015 mouthing the word “wow.” earned a degree in U.S. history from The Wheaton community cheered him Wheaton, and we’ve remained good friends Wheaton in 2008. As an undergraduate, on every step of the way, including on for over a decade now,” said Justin Brown he was a regular at The Loft and The Lyons social media. ’08. “It has been amazing to watch his career Den, performing solo and with various stu- “Nick was one of my closest friends at steadily blossom and see his hard work pay dent-led bands. Pictured below, Nick Fradiani ’08 visits his hometown, off. Following his ‘American Idol’ journey Now he is performing across the country Guilford, Conn., as fans cheer him on; and he sings has been so exciting, and my wife [Melanie with the rest of season 14’s top five contes- and plays guitar on “American Idol.” Sosinski Brown ’10] and I have been watch- tants in the American Idol Live! tour. Q

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 35 ALUMNAE/I ASSOCIATION NEWS Events help establish student-alum relationships

This May, several hundred students walked across the stage at Commencement and headed out into the world. But if Hillary Shusterman ’14, coordinator of alumnae/i relations, has her way, the new alums won’t

go too far away from Wheaton—at least NORDSTROM KEITH not mentally. Above, Hillary Shusterman ’14 participates with That’s because Shusterman, working with students and alums in a yoga session on Chapel Field during the new SWEATworking event. Becky Ebeling, senior associate director of alumnae/i relations, has spent months build- Shusterman’s energy and creativity. ing relationships with graduating seniors to Less than a year ago, Shusterman was an bring them into the strong alum network. art history major and business management “We have 17,000 alums in our network minor trying to figure out her own next step, who can help students with internships, jobs and here she is helping others gain their and networking opportunities,” Shusterman footing before they leave Wheaton. says. “We want to reach students early Shusterman says she understands that enough, so they know we are a resource.” students can be intimidated by the idea of And, adds Ebeling, “The student-alum meeting alums, especially at formal events. connection is an important part of what “That’s why I want to create opportunities builds our community.” where alums are approachable,” she says.

To raise the visibility of the Alumnae/i NORDSTROM KEITH One of these events is Dinner With 12 Relations Office and connect students Above, Molly Galler ’06 at Happening Hour in The Strangers, in which alums, faculty and with alums, Shusterman created a series Loft; below, students, alums and President Dennis M. students come together for good food and Hanno talking at Dinner With 12 Strangers event of casual, fun and informative events that conversation. The first dinner took place began this winter and will continue in the on March 31 at the Presidents’ House with fall—Happening Hour, Dinner With 12 President Dennis M. Hanno, eight students Strangers and SWEATworking, a fitness- and three alumnae/i talking about Wheaton inspired networking opportunity. as a catalyst for global change. At Happening Hour, alums and students Emily Firment ’11, who attended the din- engage in discussions about current events or ner, notes one of the most important aspects emerging trends. The first one was held on of the evening was that “the atmosphere felt March 4 in The Loft and featured a presenta- special but not stuffy, allowing us to talk and tion by Molly Galler ’06, communications HILLARY SHUSTERMAN ’14 share ideas very casually.” director for the Alumnae/i Board of Directors. panicked?’” says Galler. Courtney Gilman ’15, a women’s and Galler, an account manager for a Boston Sarah Hilton ’16, student government gender studies, international relations and social media agency, shared her thoughts president-elect, says it was great to hear from German studies triple major, attended the on how technology and social media have a young alum who is working in a career area dinner because she was intrigued by the changed the way recent graduates apply for in which she is interested. “Molly was inspira- idea; it seemed mysterious. jobs and experience their first years after col- tional, while being so relatable and funny.” “The rich conversations and an opportu- lege. About 40 students filled The Loft. After Shusterman hopes to make Happening nity to meet alumnae/i and students I had her talk, she opened the floor to questions. Hour a regular occurrence and has reached never met made it memorable,” Gilman “Students asked me everything—from out to students for ideas on future topics. says. “It was great to have such a range of how to stand out with their résumés and Part of her success in planning programs individuals there with many different back- how to decide what to pursue postgradu- for students comes from her perspective, grounds and perspectives.” Q ation, to things like, ‘Will I ever feel less points out Ebeling, who says she appreciates —Mary Howard ’85

36 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Keeping the network strong across the miles

Walking the Wheaton campus during Homecoming or Reunion weekend, it’s easy to share memories and connect with friends and former classmates. But what about all the time between the special events and all the miles separating you from campus? How do you keep that shared Wheaton spirit alive? Two words: regional chairs. They are the behind-the-scenes volunteers spread out all over the country who lead regional groups that bring Wheaton into the communities where they live. Through social, networking and educational events (including lectures by Wheaton professors), and local volunteer opportuni- ties, regional chairs engage alumnae/i across the span of class years, and help keep them connected to Last year, each other and the college. “We always say that when you can’t regional chairs come to Wheaton, we’ll bring Wheaton hosted dozens to you,” says Becky Ebeling, senior as- of events sociate director of alumnae/i relations and the campus point person for re- nationwide. gional chairs. “The relationship between alumnae/i and Wheaton is a lifelong Above, alumnae/i and friends enjoy a Phillies one. Regional activities help maintain game in June 2014. Back row: Jeannine and strengthen that connection by being Suwalski, Arthur “Ace” Brinkmann ’05, Kate Wheaton in an alum’s ‘backyard.’” Miller Brown ’95, Andrew Brown ’95; front row: Marjorie Gelb Jones ’62, guest, Michael “And who doesn’t love reminiscing about Oppenheim ’09 and Laura Naden ’04 hanging out in the Dimple or taking that dip in Peacock Pond?” says Sarah Lenes ’05, the Left, friends at happy hour in Philadelphia outgoing regional director for the Alumnae/i in April. From left to right: Jerah Smith ’10, Association Board of Directors and associ- Whitney Alves ’10, Laura Naden ’04 and Lisa Miccolis ’06 ate director of the UVM Alumni Association at the University of Vermont Foundation. a walking tour of Philadelphia—they have Gelb Jones ’62, who moved to Philadelphia “Plus you stay young when you relive your grown a core group of enthusiastic alums of several years ago, regularly hosts events Wheaton experience.” all ages who regularly attend events. with her husband, Jonathan, and both share Last year, regional chairs took the lead Holly Mitchell Burleson ’85, regional chair their enthusiasm for Wheaton with the local in hosting dozens of events nationwide, of the Cape Cod group for the past eight alums, especially young alums. drawing several hundred Wheaton alums, years, enjoys the surprise meetings most. Closer to campus, the Greater Boston parents and friends in cities like Boston, “It’s like going to Reunion; you might Wheaton Club’s Boston Young Alumni Philadelphia, Rochester (N.Y.), Portland make friends with people you never knew Committee works to engage the many recent (Maine) and even London. Ebeling and her in college,” she says. “You never know who graduates living in the area through volun- office provide support for regional volun- you’ll run into at events.” teering and social events. Regional clubs in teers, helping them organize events and For example, one spring Burleson Washington, D.C., and New York also do brainstorm programming ideas. reconnected with her former dorm mate, similar outreach. The Cape Cod alumnae/i group, which has Debra “Debbie” Leonard Barrette ’86, “A strong, young alumnae/i network is not been around for 60 years, supports the local at a Cape Cod regional event. Now their just about keeping in touch but about provid- community by encouraging Wheaton alums children—Ryan Barrette ’15 and Katie ing meaningful connections that help young in the area to gather for volunteer work. Burleson ’15—are close friends who alums along their journey,” says Amy Dumont In Philadelphia for the past two years, graduated from Wheaton together this May. ’09, a committee co-chair along with Emily regional chairs Laura Naden ’04, an ad- Naden says she most appreciates the Firment ’11 and Zach Agush ’12. Q ministrative coordinator at the University of opportunities for inter-generational con- —Mary Howard ’85 Pennsylvania, and Arthur “Ace” Brinkmann nections that regional events provide. ’05, a recruiting specialist for Subaru, have “Our older alums are vivacious, strong and Start your own group been working to reignite regional activity. intelligent, and young alums benefit so For more information on Wheaton’s regional groups, Through networking and outings—like at- much from talking with them,” she says. or to start a group in your area, contact Alumnae/i tending a Phillies game as a group or taking For example, author and historian Marjorie Relations at [email protected]. Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 37 CLASS NOTES Working for gender equity in Guidelines science, technology Upcoming Deadlines Fall 2015: June 24, 2015 The global economy increas- was a lot of excitement and op- NAPE in 2009 when Ohio Winter 2016: Sept. 22, 2015 ingly is opening opportuni- timism. There were also some began to participate in NAPE’s Spring 2016: Jan. 7, 2016 ties for careers in the fields people who were not thrilled National Science Foundation- Summer 2016: March 10, 2016 of science, technology, to have men on campus, and I funded STEM Equity Pipeline These deadlines apply to class engineering and math (STEM). think that was really good for Project, aiming to include secretaries and their columns. However, women continue more women in college Submissions from classmates should to be underrepresented in career and technical training be made directly to class secretaries before these deadlines. those occupations, ac- (previously called “voca- cording to reports over the tional “) programs in STEM. We cannot guarantee the publication of class notes received years by various agencies Working as project after the deadline as production and organizations, includ- director at Columbus State schedules and resources require ing the U.S. Department Community College, in strict deadline compliance. of Commerce and the partnership with NAPE and Photo Guidelines National Science Board. the Ohio Department of Traditional photographic prints Ben Williams ’93 is work- Education, Williams helped (made from a negative) or digital ing to change that as direc- expand the project further photos can be submitted to the tor of special projects for in Ohio over the follow- Quarterly for publication. the National Alliance for ing four years. In 2011, he Tips for Digital Photos Partnerships in Equity (NAPE), started working for NAPE • In general, digital photos should be a role he took on in February. as a consultant and lead taken on the highest-quality setting. NAPE is a nonprofit consor- trainer for their curricula. • Digital photos should be 4 x 6 inches or larger and 300 dpi. tium of state and local agen- us to experience. We all felt Now he oversees the second • Save the photo as a TIFF or JPEG cies, educational institutions a real responsibility to honor iteration of this project in 10 and email it as an attachment to and industry partners working the tradition of an all-women’s states across the country. [email protected]. to increase student access, education. To think of ourselves Williams and other advocates How to Submit Class Notes educational equity and work- as differently coeducational.” for gender equity stress that Email: Email your notes to force diversity in STEM fields. He chose to major in psy- trying to close the gap in the [email protected]. “Our primary focus is chology after taking an intro- STEM field requires capturing (Subject line: Class Notes “year”) professional development for ductory course with Professor the attention of female students By fax: (508) 286-8228 secondary institutions and Derek Price, in which students as early as elementary school By post: Yes, the postperson is still community colleges,” Williams discussed different perceptions so that they will be engaged welcome at our door. You may mail says. “We provide training, of gender in psychology and in STEM subjects through columns or your news to: technical assistance and re- used a gender-neutral textbook. college, and interested and Class Notes search tools to help instructors, His second major is in philoso- prepared to pursue careers in Wheaton Quarterly administrators and counselors phy. Drawing from both ma- the field—creating a “pipeline.” Wheaton College Norton, MA 02766 to increase access and suc- jors, Williams wrote an honors Also, addressing ineq- cess for underrepresented thesis examining the moral de- uity extends beyond gender, Questions? students in their programs.” velopment of college students. Williams notes. “While we We are here to help tackle any questions, concerns or problems He also helps to develop “That’s what eventually drove look at this starting through that come up as you work on your the curricula and travels to me to pursue graduate work the lens of gender, it’s also re- class notes. schools around the coun- in student affairs administra- ally important to be mindful of News about members of classes try to provide training, and tion, and working with college race and ethnicity, and special that are not listed or do not have a oversees research looking at students,” Williams says. After populations, including students class secretary may be submitted to the impact of the programs. graduating from Wheaton, he with disabilities and those who the Wheaton Quarterly, preferably by email. Williams says he has taught English in Japan for three are considered economically Wheaton to thank for his career years, where he met his wife, disadvantaged,” he says. “If a Stay connected to the latest in gender equity. His inter- Marla, and then attended The teacher is intentional about be- Wheaton news est is rooted in the experi- Ohio State University, earning ing inclusive in the classroom, Join us on ence of joining the college’s a master’s degree in student then it can really help every Facebook.com/WheatonCollege second coed class in 1989. affairs and higher education ad- student feel that they belong.” and follow us on Twitter “At Wheaton, I was mentored ministration and a Ph.D. in edu- —Elizabeth Meyer ’14 and brought into the communi- cational policy and leadership. @wheaton ty by women,” he says. “There He started working with

38 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton A positive spin

In an Op-Ed piece published in January by the Boston Herald and Providence Journal, Beth Ann Caspersen ’96 wrote about un- sung heroes and the good work being done in Africa. Having returned from her second trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Caspersen said that positive stories need to be shared and that “the constant drumbeat of only bad news actually badly misinforms us about a vital and vibrant part of the world.” “Africa is huge and diverse, and its people are so much more than what the headlines imply,” Caspersen wrote in the editorial. She highlighted the work being done by the Panzi Hospital, which provides obstetrical and gynecological care to women in the DRC, and its founder, Dr. Denis Mukwege, as well as the efforts of Congolese coffee farmer Joachim Munganga, who founded a farmers cooperative in the same region. The Tiverton, R.I., native is a coffee expert for Equal Exchange, working with farmer organizations throughout the world, including in the DRC, Ethiopia and Uganda. She first traveled to Africa while majoring in anthropology at Wheaton, living and studying in a village in rural Kenya. She has since returned to the continent a dozen times through her work with Equal Exchange. Read her editorial on the Providence Journal site or at BostonHerald.com.

Submitting digital images Tips and guidelines Although many photos you take with your digital camera will look great on your computer screen, the transition to print publication isn’t always possible, because the printing process demands photos with far more information encoded in them; these photos are called high-resolution images. If you have questions about submitting digital images to the Wheaton Quarterly, call the Office of Communications at (508) 286-8235 or send email to [email protected]. Tip #1: Use a higher-resolution setting on your digital camera. When taking photos for the Quarterly, please set your camera’s image size to at least 1280 x 960 (or set your digital camera to high, “super- Every life has stages. fine” or whatever term is used on your camera for the high-resolution Wheaton has a gift plan for every one. option). This will ensure that your photo meets the minimum technical Planning for and protecting your future qualifications for inclusion in the magazine. includes thoughtful gift planning throughout Tip #2: Send your photos as attachments or on a CD. your life. During your later years, for We prefer images as JPEG (.jpg) or TIFF (.tif) files. Please do not em- example, you might consider establishing a bed images in email messages or word processing documents. Always charitable gift annuity that will benefit you send the original file or the highest-resolution image. When sending multiple images, you might find it easier to mail us a CD or email im- or your loved ones in your lifetime, and then ages one at a time.(Please do not downsize images when emailing.) future generations of Wheaton students. Tip #3: Turn off your camera’s date stamp feature. Find out more about how you can give for the future right now. Call the Office of Gift Planning at 508-286-3459 or online at wheatoncollege.edu/gift-planning. Your gif t. Your way. SUMMER 2015 39 Vanessa Finnerty ’06, from advertising to supporting hospitalized children

My first job after graduating from Wheaton in 2006 was working in the advertising and marketing field, thanks to a connection I made at a Wheaton- hosted event in New York City. However, I had majored in psychology and always had a place in my heart for working with children, most often in medical settings. So, I began to volunteer in a local hospital once a week in New York City. After a navigate health care experiences from a My time at Wheaton contributed to my Life is a work in progress. couple years of psycho/social/emotional perspective. The interest in the areas of health care and Sometimes the career path is a this, I realized goal is to decrease anxiety and reduce fears psychology. I was able to study the effect of meandering adventure. This story is part of our occasional that instead of and misconceptions commonly found in trauma on kids in my First-Year Seminar with ongoing series featuring alums who doing the work hospital settings. We do this by preparing Professor Derek Price, as well as a variety have rethought their ways forward. as a volun- patients for procedures, educating them of other facets of psychology, from child teer, I wanted to make my passion my on diagnoses, offering coping techniques development to perception to behaviors career. While still working at the advertis- and being present during procedures. and more. I was also able to hone my skills ing agency during the day, I went to grad The most rewarding part of my job is in class practicum internships at Hasbro school at night to get a master’s degree at hearing a parent say that because of child life Children’s Hospital in Providence, R.I. and Bank Street College of Education in New services, their child has come to the hos- Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Mass. York City. Now I’m a child life special- pital and finally not been scared or tearful. —Vanessa Finnerty ’06 ist at a hospital—my second act. Children are resilient, but when everything I began working part time at New gets a little too overwhelming, I love that our We want to know about you. Email us and York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical role can help them find their strength again. tell us about your second act at quarterly@ wheatoncollege.edu. Center in a pilot position to integrate child life services into an outpatient Vanessa’s tips for those considering a second act: burn center. Shortly after the burn center pilot concluded, a full-time job opened Be true to your heart. It can be scary to change Take care of yourself. It is important to make careers, but if you know in your heart that you time for yourself. When you straddle two worlds, in the department, which I accepted. would be happier doing something else, you need or make a clean break, there can be a lot of Because of previous hospital experiences, to do what’s right for you. overwhelming emotions that come with it. Be sure some chronically ill children have difficult Speak up. The more you open yourself up to the to enjoy your hobbies and engage in something not times returning to the hospital, even if it world, the more you take in. I was amazed in related to the change at all. Decompress. is just for a checkup or something non- speaking about my transition to people how many Write down your goals and what will be rewarding invasive. Child life specialists work with other career changers I met both in my graduate about your change. There will be long days and pediatric patients and their families to help program and in my job. Knowing others are going challenging transitions, but you can always look through an exciting and challenging career change back at your list when you need a reminder in the 40 WHEATON QUARTERLY alongside of you offers you strength and support. midst of it all. WheatonCollege @wheaton Alum delivers education, fun at postal museum

When Emily Murgia ’08, who is an edu- cation specialist at the National Postal Museum, took her first art history course during her sophomore year at Wheaton, she jumped at the chance to take a field trip to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, where she had never been before. Before the trip, she’d thought of becoming a history teacher. While there, she observed a mu- seum guide lead a group of young children up to Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, a Picasso painting that portrays five naked women. “I awkwardly hovered nearby to hear how the museum guide could possibly make this piece not just age appropriate but inter- esting for the kids,” Murgia said. “Then I watched, amazed, as the guide transformed the piece of art with a simple question.” Emily Murgia ’08 at the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. Instead of focusing on the women in the painting, the guide broke Museum, and is currently She credits her college experience with it down by focusing on an education specialist. helping her to be open-minded enough something simpler: shapes. At the postal museum, to hold the variety of different jobs that To Murgia’s surprise, the she manages programs for she has. An art history major, Murgia was students began to raise their school groups, including a preceptor, resident advisor and class hands and call out shapes. online activities, workshops council officer, and she also worked for Through that, he trans- for teachers and field trips. Assistant Professor of Museum Studies formed the painting into This winter, she was even and Art History Leah Niederstadt. an opportunity to explore interviewed on Fox News Niederstadt, curator of Wheaton’s shapes, an important skill in Washington, D.C., about Permanent Collection, taught Murgia for children of that age. the postal museum, which about exhibition design, label writ- “And so I saw the one of the show’s hosts ing and object handling. opportunity to become a different kind described as a fun, interactive hidden gem. “Emily is an amazing person who has of history teacher,” she said. “I was go- “These days, with Common Core and achieved her dream,” said Niederstadt, ing to be a museum educator.” national standards dictating curriculum, it’s dif- who last October invited Murgia to That realization led Murgia to get a ficult for a teacher to schedule a field trip that campus to meet with “Exhibition master’s degree in museum education at isn’t specifically geared to improve test scores,” Design” students for a workshop and The George Washington University, where Murgia said. “At the museum, we realize that lecture on museum education she started studying just two weeks after questions about postal history aren’t often on Murgia noted that her Connections course graduating from Wheaton. While attend- the exam, so it’s my job to identify and create “The Math in Art and the Art of Math” has ing graduate school, she worked in a the opportunities for connections between been vital to her career pursuit. “It forced variety of educational positions, from zoos classroom goals and museum content.” me to reach out of my comfort zone and to art museums to history museums. At Wheaton, the common thread inspired me to see historical and iconic After graduation, she was hired as running throughout Murgia’s education objects/artifacts in a new way,” she said. an education programs specialist at the was exactly what she ended up doing —Adam Kilduff ’16 Smithsonian’s National Zoo. In May 2013, for a living: taking objects and plac- she began working at the National Postal ing them in new or different contexts.

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 41 IN MEMORIAM

1935 1948 Julia Bach Schwarz died on March Althea “Teddy” Krause Leyon ’57 Jane Ann Drury, 88, of Sarasota, 11 in Gaithersburg, Md. She loved Fla., died on Feb. 28. reading and crossword puzzles and Althea “Teddy” Krause Leyon ‘57, the President’s Commission for 10 served as an English language tutor. former Alumnae/i Trustee and years; a class vice president for 1950 recipient of the 1996 Alumnae/i six years; and on the Alumnae/i June Marion Huddleston, 86, died 1944 Achievement Award, died on Association nominating commit- on March 22. Her greatest joys in Linda Willard Burdett, 93, of life were her 50-year marriage to February 17 in St. Petersburg, Fla. tee for 18 years. She also served Middlebury, Vt., died on March 13. her husband, Creed, her family, She was born in Minneapolis. Linda She was married to John Leyon as program chair for the Class of church and her many friends. June received her bachelor’s degree from for 55 years and 1957 50th Reunion in served as senior class president Wheaton and her master’s degree the mother of two 2007, among many at Wheaton and graduated with a from the Yale School of Nursing. She girls, Anne and other roles. degree in psychology. Following was a nurse at Huggins Hospital in Katherine. Part of Althea’s legacy college, she worked in New York Wolfeboro, N.H.; Yale New Haven Althea enrolled is the establishment City before moving to Denver, Colo. Hospital; Central Vermont Hospital She enjoyed creating a warm home in Wheaton as a of a fund to assist in Berlin, Vt; and Porter Hospital for their three children, Creed, in Middlebury, Vt. Linda married transfer student Wheaton students Susan and Sarah, in a number of Robert Burdett in Swampscott, from another with the costs of cities. Active in the community, Mass., and together they raised four institution. At the their music lessons. June served as president of the D.D. children. Linda was an avid sports time, transferring She also regularly Kirkland PTA and of the Oklahoma enthusiast, especially for skiing, schools was rare, supported scholar- City Landmen’s Wives Association tennis and golf. She directed many but she had fallen ships, and established in addition to being a Cub Scout den church plays, and volunteered as in love with the college. the Leyon Family Annual Fund mother. She served as a member a guardian ad litem as well as at Scholarship. of the Priscilla Circle and deacon Round Robin and the Ilsley Public What struck Althea about of the First Presbyterian Church of Library. Wheaton “was the feeling of being Anne, her daughter, followed in Oklahoma City. She later served on accepted for who and what I was, her footsteps and graduated from the Worship Committee and loved Jean Collins Smock, 91, died on rather than wanting to make me Wheaton in 1984. playing in the chime choir at the Dec. 30, 2014, after a long battle into something else,” she said in Touchmark at Coffee Creek retire- with Alzheimer’s. She was married In her professional life, Althea ment community in Edmond. for 70 years to Stan Smock. Jean was a Quarterly article. She gradu- served as both an elementary raised in the small Quaker com- ated with degrees in religion and school teacher and real estate munity of Moorestown, N.J., and philosophy. 1957 professional, and worked as a Katharine “Sainty” Kerry Crossley moved to Dallas in 1948. She earned Her involvement with Wheaton consultant with her own firm and died on April 18 from lung disease. her master’s degree in counseling spanned six decades. In addi- for a family firm. She raised her family in Binghamton, from Western State College. Jean tion to serving as an Alumnae/i N.Y., with first husband Edgar entered an assisted living facility Althea is remembered for her will- Trustee and on the alumnae/i McKallor Jr. She remarried in 1978 in Gunnison, Colo., and then the ingness to help and her unfailing and moved to Seattle in 1993. A Gunnison nursing home as her board, she also was a member of graciousness and good humor. lover of music, art, nature, history, disease progressed. Even at the gardens, books and antiques, Sainty nursing home, she mingled with and most of all adored her family and comforted other patients. She had a philanthropic, educational and was born in Charleston, W.Va. She friends. Her generous, forgiving and rich spiritual life. charitable causes. She loved to travel married Richard Horton in 1950 and loving nature will be greatly missed. 1945 internationally and continued to do they raised their family in Rhode Vivienne Branau Reid passed away Jean Snook Diepenbrock died so well into her eighties. Island and Westchester County, N.Y. on May 1 after an extended illness. Florence graduated from Wheaton on March 10. She was born in Trientje Hood Reed died on She was born in London in 1936. with a degree in English. She at- Montclair, N.J. She graduated February 9 after a long battle with Vivienne enjoyed painting, floral tended many college Reunions, and from Wheaton and worked at IBM Alzheimer’s. Trientje was born in arrangements, music and gardening. always stayed in touch with her Corporation as one of its first female New York City. After college, Trientje She will be truly missed by all who classmates. She and her husband system service representatives. She worked at Sabena Airlines in New knew her. married Joseph Diepenbrock in originally retired to Arizona, but after York City. She then moved to Stowe, Judith Beckanstin Toland of Vero 1947, and together they raised three his death she moved to the Vineyard Vt., permanently in the early 1950s Beach, Fla., and Middletown, R.I., children. In 1972, Jean earned her year-round in 2003. She was an to work at Top Notch. Trientje mar- died on May 22. Born on May 4, master’s degree in library science active member and volunteer at ried and devoted many years to her 1935, in Richmond, Va, she gradu- from the University of Maryland’s the Tisbury Senior Center, Vineyard daughter, Firkins. She loved playing ated from Wheaton with a degree School of Library and Information Haven Library, Windemere and scrabble and golf, and was a fixture in classics. In 1957, she met her Services. She then worked at the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Club. at the Copley Golf Course and future husband of 57 years, Asheton university, and eventually served She was an avid reader and tennis tournaments with the Vermont State Toland, on a student trip to Europe. as dean of admissions of what was player, enjoyed bridge and traveled Women’s Golf Association. Trientje Judith was loyal to her family and then called the College of Library all over the globe. was a passionate supporter of Native friends, and gave generously of her and Information Services. After her American rights, a woman’s right to Bernice Mittlacher Rosenberger, 89, time and resources to liberal causes retirement, she and her husband choose, and death with dignity. passed away March 30 at Phoebe dear to her heart. moved to the Springmoor Lifecare Berks Village in Wernersville, Pa. Retirement Community in Raleigh, 1947 Bernice was born in New York N.C. She was an active member of 1959 Florence “Flip” Curme Horton, 89, City. After attending Wheaton, she Betty Weed Foulk, 77, of Chapter BK of the PEO Sisterhood of Vineyard Haven, Mass., died on earned her bachelor of science from Greenwich, Ct., died at home on and of White Memorial Presbyterian February 9 at Windemere Nursing Columbia University-Presbyterian February 11 after a long illness. In Church. Jean supported many and Rehabilitation Center. Florence Hospital School of Nursing. 2012, Betty was inducted into the

62 WHEATON QUARTERLY WheatonCollege @wheaton Professor Jay Goodman Jay Goodman, beloved professor of political Brown University. In 1978, in 1968; was on the staff of Edmund science and a respected political advisor who while teaching at Wheaton, he Muskie’s 1972 presidential campaign; taught politics at Wheaton for half a century, died received a law degree from and advised several state leaders, on May 2, at the age of 75. Suffolk University Law School, including Governor Joseph Garrahy, Goodman started and ended his teaching career where he also served on the Lieutenant Governor Richard Licht and at Wheaton, joining the government department Law Review. Providence Mayor Joe Paolino. in 1965. Within a year, he became head of the Goodman was the author Under Gov. Garrahy, Goodman served department, and over the years he held various of nine monographs and as the volunteer head of the Rhode leadership positions on campus, most recently books on politics, includ- Island Emergency Management as program coordinator of Legal Studies. ing the textbooks The Agency, which led state operations A two-time winner of the Faculty Appreciation American Democracy and in dealing with the Blizzard of 1978. Award, Goodman had a lasting impact on stu- The Dynamics of Urban He was later appointed by then-Prov- dents both in and outside of the classroom. He Government and Politics. He also wrote dozens idence Mayor Paolino to serve as chairman of was a regular in the dining halls, and students of book reviews for the Rhode Island Bar the Providence Civic Center Authority, a post he prized an invitation to join his table. He was a Journal and many articles about legal issues held from 1984 to 1992. familiar figure in every corner of the campus, for other publications, including the Suffolk Goodman also served as a member of the Capital walking one of his faithful canine companions Law Review. Since 2007, he had been a guest Center Commission, 1992–2005, appointed and attending lectures, arts events and athletic lecturer on international issues at several leading by then Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci. The contests with his wife, Gail Berson, dean of universities in Turkey. commission helped oversee key parts of the admission emerita. A longtime resident of Providence, Goodman “Providence Renaissance” in urban planning, in- Goodman earned a bachelor’s degree from Beloit played an active role in state politics since his cluding the construction of the Providence Place College in 1961. After graduation, he won a early days with the Young Democrats at Brown Mall, Waterplace Park and the Riverwalk. Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and earned a master’s University. He served as Rhode Island chairman Read more and see video presentation online. degree from Stanford University and a Ph.D. from of Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign

Choate Rosemary Athletics Hall of studio at her home. Elizabeth was 1976 John Amaral Jr., former carpenter, in Fame for her horseback riding, sail- a longtime member of the Central Allison Bailey MacEachron, 61, March ing and field hockey achievements. Congregational Church in Attleboro died on March 8 at home in New Florence Amaral, 79, former house- Betty was a competitive horseback Falls, where she was a member of York City. She was the beloved keeper, in March rider and sailor from an early age. the choir. wife of Frederick MacEachron. Representing Indian Harbor Yacht Carolyn Larcom Farnam, 70, of She graduated from Wheaton Club, she won four Western Long Relatives Newtown Square, Pa., died on July with honors in government. She 1949 Arthur Hartman, husband of Island Sound and three regional 27, 2014. She was the beloved wife moved to Manhattan in 1979, Donna Ford Hartman, in March women’s championships. In 1967, of Walter Farnam. where she worked in advertising Betty won the Mrs. Charles Francis for 26 years, including as senior 1957 Peter Bruell, husband of Emilie Adams Cup and the North American vice president of the Grey Group. Bruell, in January 2014 women’s sailing championship, and 1975 Suzanne Lindberg Flynn, a resident In 2009, she transitioned to the 1957 William Muir, husband of was named the Rolex Yachtswoman of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., passed away nonprofit sector, where she was Paulette Muir, in February of the Year. She also was a long- at home on April 7 after a long director of the Business Council of time volunteer and chairperson of 1962 William Ware, husband of battle with cancer. She was born the United Nations, a unit of the the Greenwich chapter of Pegasus Susan Fullerton Ware, in March in New York City. She attended the United Nations Foundation. Allison Therapeutic Riding, a horseback Marymount School of New York, was a member of the Society of 1966 Hugo Vigoroso, husband of riding program for special needs and in 1996 received her master’s Mayflower Descendants in the State Renee Vigoroso, in May 2014 individuals, with chapters in Fairfield degree in social work from Columbia of New York, having traced her and Westchester counties. 1968 William Baird, Jr., husband of University. Suzanne married George roots back to four of the Pilgrims. Joy Brown Baird, in May Flynn in 1975 and had two sons. She was a former treasurer of the 1966 Suzanne worked for Reader’s Digest New England Society in the City 1970 Mary Johnson, mother of Molly Elizabeth Angell Blackburn died on in New York and then left to raise of New York, and she was director Johnson Barbee, in March March 22 at Massachusetts General her family, actively volunteering at of the Off-the-Record organiza- Hospital in Boston. She was the 1981 Mary Leonardi, mother of her sons’ schools. Suzanne loved art, tion. Allison was an active elder wife of the late John Blackburn for Elizabeth Leonardi Wiseman, in fashion, design, the beach, flowers at Madison Avenue Presbyterian 45 years. Elizabeth was a lifelong November 2014 and gardening, and was always a Church. A world traveler, she loved resident of North Attleborough. gracious hostess. In recent years she skiing in the Alps and the Rockies 1988 Suzanne Maddison, mother of After graduating from Wheaton, designed jewelry for her com- with her husband and enjoyed Paloma “Dawn” Capanna, in April she worked as a teacher in North pany, Divine Brilliants. She was a European trips with her sisters. 2014 Attleborough schools teaching fourth member of First (Scots) Presbyterian grade at the Fall School for many 1991 Margaret Evans, mother of Toni Church, as well as the Dragon Boats Friends years and also teaching at North Barra, in May of Charleston, the Hat Ladies of Marilyn Martin, former secretary in Attleborough Middle School. She Charleston, P.E.O., the Garden Club the Office of the Registrar, in March 2009 Stuart Pennels, father of Taylor was a member of the Order of the of Charleston, the Daniel Island Club Pennels, in September 2014 Eastern Star and also was a talented Arthur Hartman, former trustee and and the Edgartown Yacht Club. artist, teaching painting from a honorary degree recipient, in March

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50 things to do before you graduate Here’s the ultimate bucket list of what to do before graduating from Wheaton, comprising ideas offered by students, staff, faculty members and alumnae/i. The list was presented to incoming students at summer orientation as a gift and a challenge. How many can you check off? o Jump in Peacock Pond. o Do an internship. o Save your candle from the candlelighting ceremony and float it in Peacock Pond the night before Commencement. o Attend an a cappella jam. o Get on a first-name basis with your favorite professor. o Visit the Gebbie Archives. o Go to a performance by one of the dance groups on campus. o Take your professor for coffee. o Go sledding in the Dimple (trays available from dining services). o Have wings at Wendell’s. o Seniors, go to the bar on a Thursday night. o Race in the Head of the Peacock Regatta. o Take the train to Boston or Providence. o Have lunch in the Dimple. o Attend your class dinner. o Decorate a bag for the annual luminaria display. o Attend Rosecliff. o Participate in Holi. o Say “hello” to a new face on campus. o Cheer on one of Wheaton’s athletic o Stargaze on the Spirituality and Social o Find your way from o Roll across the hallways teams at a home event. soccer field. Responsibility. the library to the of the Mars Center for o Snap a selfie with o Attend Sophomore new science center Science and Technology o Send a letter home to underground. in swivel chairs someone you care about. Cowduck. Symposium. o Do homework in the (preferably at night). o Attend Live @ the Loft. o Introduce yourself o Walk through the to the president (or activities fair. “Harry Potter Room.” o Watch a theater o Dress up the have dinner at the o Eat Wheaton M&Ms. production. statue of Hebe. o Attend the Holiday Presidents’ House). Vespers concert (a o Take a picture with o Have fun at The o Visit the Beard and o Have a coffee and/ Wheaton tradition for the Wheaton Lyon. BIG Event. Weil Galleries in or super-cookie at more than 80 years). o Sit on the library steps Watson Fine Arts. o Go to the farmers The Lyons Den. o Give back to the market. as a senior (and tell o Attend a campus dance. o Pull an all-nighter Wheaton community. underclassmen they o Win some Wheaton can’t sit there). o Race in the Hoop Roll in the library during o Listen to WCCS, swag. during Senior Week. Night Owl Hours. Wheaton’s radio station. o Participate in the chapel o Walk through the o Volunteer through a o Have a conversation ghost-telling ceremony. Wheaton woods. program offered by with a member of the the Office of Service, dining hall staff.

Comment on a story? [email protected] (Subject line: Feedback) SUMMER 2015 64 My gift. My way. RICHARD HOWARD RICHARD Alison Grant Small ’66

Retired

Class agent for 15 years, Wheaton Board of Trustees member since 2006

Married to Peter Small for 45 years; mother of two, grandmother of four

“Peter and I are great proponents of a liberal arts education and have been fortunate to be able to donate funds to the college to support scholarships and capital improvements. It has been fun to meet and follow our scholarship students as well as see the changes on campus. We want to continue to contribute to Wheaton even after we are no longer here to see the results. We have made arrangements in our estate plans for that. I want our alma mater to be the very best that it can be. In order for Wheaton to be its very best, we all need to contribute in whatever way we can to make it happen—whether it be time or money or both. Peter and I feel so lucky to be able to do this now and in the future.”

Your gif t. Your way. Learn how you can give for the future right now. Call the Office of Gift Planning at 508-286-3459 or visit online at wheatoncollege.edu/gift-planning Wheaton College, 26 E. Main Street, Norton, MA 02766 wheatoncollege.edu

Help improve the future. Aria Grillo ’05 Associate director of development, Muscular Dystrophy Association Junior board member and mentor, Tuesday’s Children Wheaton Fund supporter

Makes a difference: “Through our work we raise more than $3 million annually to fund research toward finding a cure for muscle disease and ALS. I also lead MDA’s nationwide disability awareness program, in which I educate students about assistance and acceptance, and treating everyone as equals, regardless of physical differences.”

Values the source of success: “I have always been passionate about health-related causes from my time at Wheaton doing my practicum under Professor Grace Baron. Wheaton helped me understand who I am. The college has been an incredible pillar of support in my life—far beyond the four years I spent there—and is one of the main sources of my current success.”

Contributes to longevity: “Wheaton is an incredibly special place; it is our legacy. We need to support Wheaton just as it supported us. Big or small, every donation makes a difference by enhancing the educational experience of current students and helping to ensure the longevity of the college for generations to come.”

Support Wheaton Call 800-896-3145 (option 2) or visit wheatoncollege.edu/giving ROSSA COLE ROSSA