College of Arts and Sciences College of Arts and Sciences N e w s l e t t e r A New Year: A New Decade

“The College is constantly changing and evolving to reflect the interests and needs of our students.”

In this Issue: Dean Johanna Adams, Ed.D. Message from the Dean President’s Award It’s a new decade as well as a new year. It has been a year since the first newsletter was written by the General Studies Division faculty. I am sure much has changed The Green Revolution in your life since last year just as it has in ours! I would like to tell you some things that are new since our last newsletter. Civic Service League Firstly, the General Studies Division is now the College of Arts and Sciences. In Rehoboth Beach Site addition to a name change that more closely reflects our goals and offerings, we Our New Coordinators have had a number of personnel changes. We have two new faculty members in the College: Katherine Cottle, Assistant Professor and English/Literature Coordinator and Matthew Wilson, Assistant Professor and Humanities Coordinator. Professor John Szczechowski, EdD retired last year after more than 20 years of teaching at . Dr. Szczechowski is continuing to teach for the College of Arts and Sciences as an Adjunct Instructor. Nicole Karam is our new Administrative Assistant who started working for the College last March. Darrin Raetsch is now working for Intuitional Research as a Data Specialist.

Secondly, we have had some changes in curriculum and course offerings. The Government and Public Policy program is now being offered in the hybrid format here in New Castle. A new humanities elective, HUM 302: Introduction to the World of Wines, is being offered as an experimental course this spring semester. It has been tremendously successful. Another new humanities elective, HUM 315: The Green Revolution: History of the Environmental Movement in America, will be offered this summer. This course will delve into the people and events that have shaped America’s view of the environment.

The College is constantly changing and evolving to reflect the interests and needs of our students. I hope this newsletter will give you valuable information that you can use and share with other students. We look forward to seeing you in your Arts and Sciences classes!

w i lm u . e d u / artsandsc i e nc e s College of Arts and Sciences Volume 2 | April 2010

Hats Off to You, Jim!

Commendation Medal with four bronze classmates, Jim has truly put more into oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement the college experience than most, and, as Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, a result, he feels he has received much National Defense Service Medal with more out of this Bachelor’s degree in General Studies than anticipated. Jim “Jim has truly put more into the has earned the respect of the faculty, staff, college experience than most” and students at the Dover and DAFB sites by simply being true to himself— humble, modest, and reflecting the type a bronze star, and the Global War on of character that we would all hope to Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. He have, but often fall short of having. currently is employed at Dover Air Force Base as a civil servant in charge of It is my hope that we take a moment the base water utility operations. to congratulate Jim, but also pause to consider ourselves. When others look at Jim has been active in his community us, do they see such virtues displayed in When Dr. Betty Caffo announced his as a coach and mentor. As an election our lives? I don’t know about you, but name at this January’s commencement committee member, he contributed this student’s life example taught me a ceremony as the recipient of the to the successful election of a local great lesson in humility - the student President’s Award, Jim Cregan couldn’t state representative. He is also a has become the teacher. Students like believe his ears. It is that humble board member of his neighborhood Jim provide great motivation for our spirit, along with his great character homeowner’s association, and he faculty to keep doing what we do. Hats and personal integrity, that made Jim a participates in organizing neighborhood off to you, Jim! wonderful choice for this honor. The social activities such as 4th of July parades President’s Award for Leadership is and family picnics. He especially enjoys awarded to a graduating senior for spending time with his family. Jim and —Niecy LeBright outstanding leadership and dedication his wife Margaret have two children: Assistant Professor and General Studies to the philosophy and mission of Jessica and Colin. Program Coordinator, Dover site Wilmington University. When faculty members consider students for this Jim had a wealth of experience that he award, they look for students who brought to the classroom from 20 years demonstrate leadership in the classroom of exemplary military service, along with and/or community, along with a being a loyal husband, devoted father, willingness to promote the mission of community volunteer, and a civil service Wilmington University. We certainly employee. Jim’s story perfectly illustrates did not have to look long to find these the purpose of Wilmington University: qualities in Jim Cregan. he is a consummate professional who seeks lifelong learning and maintains a Jim enlisted in the Air Force in 1985 and humble spirit throughout. served for 20 years as a utilities systems specialist in the field of civil engineering. While Jim came to the college level In this capacity, he was stationed with many years of valuable experience, in Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, he approached each and every class with Bahrain, Japan, California, Maryland, great humility and an eagerness to learn. and . He retired in 2005, and Always gracious, always willing to listen his military decorations include the and further his level of understanding, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force and always willing to help fellow

w i lm u . e d u / artsandsc i e nc e s College of Arts and Sciences Volume 2 | April 2010

The Green Revolution - History of the Environmental Movement in America Do you have any free time this • Identify and date key milestones in the American environmental summer? Are you interested in movement. environmental issues? Would you like • Understand the impact of the environmental movement on to know more? If so, make sure to sign individuals, business, society, and the environment. up for a new course being offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, HIS • Describe and appreciate the leading activists and organizations 315: “The Green Revolution – History important to the development of the environmental movement. of the Environmental Movement in America.” • Gain perspective on past environmental issues and their relationship to environmental legislation. From the early preservation efforts of naturalist and Sierra Club Founder John Muir, whose work lead to the creation of • Understand and characterize the backlash to the environmental many of our most beloved national parks, to Vice President and movement. environmentalist Al Gore, whose film “An Inconvenient Truth” • Debate the moral, ethical and political challenges that face the brought the issue of global climate change to the forefront of our environmental movement at present. national consciousness, this course will examine the history of the environmental movement, with emphasis on key individuals This course will be offered in Block II of Summer 2010 on and their contributions, major events, and legislation enacted to Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. protect the environment.

Utilizing Benjamin Kline‘s First Along the River: A Brief History of — John Burbage the U.S. Environmental Movement as a text, students will: Associate Professor and Science Program Coordinator

Wilmington University’s Newest Club: the Civic Service League Michael Holley is a senior Legal Studies involvement in the community. Unlike many other organizations, major within the College of Arts & WUCSL sets no restrictions based upon major, GPA, or year of Sciences. Michael is founder and current study, and WUCSL is open to all interested students and faculty. president of Wilmington University’s Civic The only requirement for membership is participation in two Service League (WUCSL). He is a member events. Opportunities for participation in spring 2010 include of Delta Epsilon Rho and Lambda Epsilon volunteering at the Sunday Breakfast Mission and participating in Chi, the WU and Legal Studies honor a fund raiser for Haitian relief. societies, and he is also employed part-time In addition to its volunteer efforts, the organization encourages as a workstudy for the College of Arts & students to increase their knowledge of governmental structures Sciences. by visiting key civic locations. The group has planned its first Wilmington University’s newest student organization, the trip in conjunction with the Student Government bus trip to Wilmington University Civic Service League (WUCSL), was Washington, D.C. In addition to taking in the local attractions, launched in fall 2009 to serve as an outlet for WU students, WUCSL has arranged for its members to take a guided tour of the alumni, and faculty to give back to the communities in which White House. they live. The focus and mission of the group is to encourage civic So if you are interested in forming stronger ties to your classmates engagement through participation in activities which promote an and community in a fun and friendly environment, perhaps it’s understanding of and active involvement in the judicial, legislative, time you joined the Wilmington University Civic Service League! and executive process of government. WUCSL members organize For more information and to be added to our distribution list, and coordinate members’ volunteer efforts in community and email [email protected] today! advocacy initiatives.

The club takes a strictly non-partisan stance and is open to any civically minded individual looking to increase his or her —Michael Holley

w i lm u . e d u / artsandsc i e nc e s College of Arts and Sciences Volume 2 | April 2010

Wilmington University’s Rehoboth Beach Site

Wilmington University’s Rehoboth with the local YMCA in offering computer assortment of credited classes to assist Beach site opened its doors in June of classes for kids enrolled in summer camp. degree seeking students, like English, 1999 at 41 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth In 2008 and 2009, Wilmington University Math, Technology, and Business. To Beach, Delaware. Originally named tied for first place in the annual Sea-Witch accommodate student schedules and needs, “The Wilmington College Family Decorating contest and took home first classes are offered in varied formats. Learning Center,” it focused on educating place in the Sea-Witch pet parade. Rehoboth has a current student art show children and adults in a fun and friendly The Rehoboth site is very proud of its that will continue until June. The new environment. By the fall of 1999, the site non-credit students. Our art classes have Rehoboth Art Show will open on June 5th offered computer, language, business and attracted several award winning artists like at the Lavender Farm in Milton, DE. We art classes, and the Rehoboth campus had Ken Catterton and Ron Tate. Our writing hope you see you! 137 students taking non-credit classes. classes have inspired published writers Since then, the Rehoboth site has increased like Cecelia Ludwig. Our students are the scope of its community involvement constantly amazing us with their volunteer and offerings. —Dianna Hiott work in the community, including Habitat Over the years, the Rehoboth site has and the Cape Henlopen, and we are Assistant Site Director, Rehoboth played an active role in the community. happy to be here to help support them in In November of 2008, the site received their endeavors. Today, there are over five the Service to Youth Award at the Sussex hundred students taking classes. To learn more about Family YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign Wilmington University In addition to non-credit offerings Thank You dinner. This award was given and community outreach, Wilmington in Rehoboth, please call for Wilmington University’s collaboration University in Rehoboth offers a diverse 302-227-6295.

w i lm u . e d u / artsandsc i e nc e s College of Arts and Sciences Volume 2 | April 2010

Welcoming Our New Coordinators

Matthew Wilson - Humanities We welcome Matt Wilson to the College of Arts and Sciences as the new Humanities Coordinator and Associate Professor. Matt is no stranger to the state of Delaware, having graduated from Newark High School. After completing his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Valley University, Matt returned to Delaware to work with the Newark Church of Christ and with the Blue Hens for Christ campus ministry, a registered student organization at the . After finishing his Master’s degree at Lubbock Christian University, Matt began to teach as an adjunct with Wilmington University, teaching both Humanities and Psychology. In June, he will begin his pursuit of a Doctoral degree. Outside of WU, Matt is involved in several community organizations and efforts, including leading and organizing 18 trips to the Gulf Coast area since Hurricane Katrina and 10 trips to Mexico to help with several construction projects. Matt also serves as Vice President on the board of Youth Advance, a group dedicated to developing leadership in the next generation of young people. He is also on the advisory board for Camp Hope, an organization that houses and provides jobs, supplies, and resources for volunteers who come to help rebuild the New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish area. Matt enjoys sports and is a diehard sports fan, through the good and the bad. He enjoys traveling (especially to warm, sandy places), movies, music, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Katherine Cottle - English and Literature Katherine Cottle, the new Coordinator of English and Literature Programs, is thrilled to be a part of Wilmington University and its focus on student success. Kate has a BA from the University of Delaware in English Education and an MA from Howard University in American Literature. Kate has worked in various academic and corporate settings, includ- ing being an adjunct at Wilmington University for six years before joining the faculty full time. Areas that she has concentrated on include teaching writing and research, hybrid and online course design, and poetry. Kate’s future educational plans include pursuit of a - torate that melds the teaching of writing with technology. Kate lives in Newark, Delaware with her two children and is looking forward to being a part of a faculty that is dynamic and responsive to student needs.

w i lm u . e d u / artsandsc i e nc e s College of Arts and Sciences Volume 2 | April 2010

D e a n Ad ministrative

Johanna Adams, Ed.D. Irene Lawhorn Associate Professor & Dean Administrative Assistant College of Arts and Sciences (302) 356-6839 (302) 295-1192 [email protected] [email protected] Nicole Karam Administrative Assistant (302) 356-6984 [email protected]

Faculty

Amy O’Dell, Esq. Niecy LeBright, M.S. Assistant Professor & Coordinator Assistant Professor & Coordinator Legal Studies, Music, Art, Spanish & General Studies Program – ROTC Programs Dover & DAFB (302) 356-6836 (302) 342-8632 [email protected] [email protected]

Troy Grandel, J.D. Lynn Moore, M.A. Assistant Professor & Coordinator Assistant Professor & Coordinator Government and Public Policy, General Studies Program – History and Philosophy Georgetown & Rehoboth (302) 356-6837 (302) 856-5780 [email protected] [email protected]

John Burbage, Ph.D. Nora Hufe, M.S. Associate Professor & Coordinator Science Laboratory Supervisor Science Program Science Program (302) 356-6835 (302) 356-6838 [email protected] [email protected]

Katherine Cottle, M.A. Barry Renner, M.A. Assistant Professor & Coordinator Assistant Professor & Coordinator English & Literature Programs Mathematics Program (302) 356-6841 (302) 356-6840 [email protected] [email protected]

Marcie Willson, M.A. Matthew Wilson, M.S. Associate Professor Assistant Professor & Humanities (302) 356-6842 Coordinator [email protected] (302) 356-6970 [email protected]

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