CEDAR CREST COLLEGE ALUMNAE NEWSLETTER

Faces of Cedar Crest

College

Snapshots of Falcons who make a difference

cedarcrest.edu/alumnae Thank you!

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to social media as a way to stay connected to their friends, family and colleagues. At Cedar Crest, Roxanne Amico, MFA, professor and chair of the perform- ing arts department worked hard to make Facebook scrolling an exceptionally enjoyable activity for alumnae.

Nearly every day, beginning in March and continuing through the start of the academic year, Roxanne posted a historical photo or article about Cedar Crest College from the Morning Call archives, the Amico Studio archives, the College history book, yearbooks and various other sources. These posts each generated hundreds of reactions and comments from alumnae across the decades. Roxanne creatively timed photos with current events and kept alumnae well connected through months of social distancing.

The Alumnae Office sincerely thanks Roxanne for her hard work and her continued dedication to Cedar Crest College, its current students and its alumnae. Roxanne has continued to post throwback photos every Friday in the Alumnae Facebook group. Join the group to see these old photos and be sure to follow the new Cedar Crest College Alumnae Facebook page for even more alumnae news.

Some of the most popular posts included photos from Dorney Park Days, Parents Weekend and Song Contest, the Wishing Steps, the home economics “practice baby”, the Fairy Circle and so many others.

Cedar Crest students and alumnae will be coming together on Saturday, April 24, 2021 for the production of FACTOR, an original publicly streamed event inspired by the work of “The Forgotten” and curated in conjunction with the performing arts department. FACTOR will examine the historical arc of race, inclusion and equity at Cedar Crest College.

In collaboration with this event, the alumnae and student stories, historical documents and local and national news clips used in the performance will be on display in the Marcia Lynn Walsh Alumnae Museum in Curtis Hall.

For more information about the live stream, auditions and the exhibit, please follow our Facebook pages or contact Roxanne Amico at [email protected], Liz Ortiz at [email protected], or AnToinette Byers-Paredes at [email protected]. Dear fellow In This Issue alumnae,

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that in the midst of social distancing and working through your new normal, you still found time to enjoy the holidays. At Cedar Crest, we successfully completed the fall semester with students staying on campus through Thanksgiving. Although the campus looked a little different this year, with fewer students in the classrooms and more virtual events, the Cedar Crest community still came together to ensure that our students had an exceptional 6 experience. That included the continued operation of student clubs and organizations, on-campus dining options and even in-person 2 10 training for our athletes. Navigating Our Office Hours As always, it is the people who make the New Normal Cedar Crest experience special, no matter what is happening in the world. In this issue of 11 Touchpoints, we have highlighted some of the 4 Featured Faculty work of our faculty, staff, students and alumnae The Cedar Crest Fund: who have stepped up to make a difference this year. Enjoy and stay safe! Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever 12 Alums in Action All the best, 5 Thank You 13 Standout Scholars Lori A. Gallagher Director of Alumnae Affairs 6 P.S. For the next issue of Touchpoints, we will Diversity, Equity and also offer a virtual delivery option. Be sure we Inclusion at Cedar Crest: have your preferred email address by updating Listening, Learning your information at www.cedarcrest.edu/update. and Leading

FOLLOW US! cedarcrest.edu/alumnae @cedarcrestalumnae @cedarcrestcolle @cedarcrestcollege WINTER 2021 TOUCHPOINTS 1 Navigating Our New Normal In times of change, our community has remained characterized by our resilience, culture of care and innovative spirit. Cedar Crest worked hard to welcome students, faculty and staff back to campus and to maintain a sense of normalcy, while keeping our community safe and healthy. The students and alumnae featured here have adapted to a “new normal” and risen to unprecedented challenges. Read their stories below.

is an admissions ambassador been put in place in residence halls— and is involved in activities and limiting the number of students in organizations across campus. The common spaces and requiring students pandemic has changed what students to wear masks outside of their rooms. can do, when and with how many “All of this is to protect the students,” other people, but, Lockhart adds, explains Lockhart. the College is also working hard to To Lockhart, Cedar Crest’s culture maintain a sense of normalcy during of care is apparent. “Our community unusual times. cares for each other and wants to keep Lockhart, a member of the Student each other safe,” she says. This is why Activities Board and the school’s students, faculty and staff have all step team, Triple C Step, notes that been diligently following the College’s COVID-19 restrictions have affected health and safety guidelines. her extracurricular activities. The Having the option to come back to Student Activities Board, which campus to learn and work in person Sierra Lockhart ‘22 brings social, cultural and educational has been incredibly important to programs to the college community, Lockhart. “Learning through a screen “I AM SO LUCKY to be at a school has moved most of its events online. is a lot harder for me, so having the where the proper precautions The Step Team is too large to hold opportunity to safely come back are taken so that we can still practice in its normal space. to campus and learn in person is have some sort of a traditional In the dining hall, meals are something that I value,” she says. “I’m college experience,” says business prepackaged, and Parkhurst staff serve also grateful that I’ve been able to administration and communications students food, replacing self-serve return to work while feeling safe and student Sierra Lockhart ’22. Lockhart stations. Safety restrictions have also having flexible hours.”

2 TOUCHPOINTS WINTER 2021 21

are surrounded by people who are high school social studies teacher and working hard, and that makes you department chair in Newville, PA, to work harder,” Rahatt explains. numerous changes and challenges in To keep Cedar Crest safe and educating students. healthy, our community has had to Hetrick has been a public-school be creative and adjust the ways in teacher for 13 years but was faced which we engage with each other. The with a “new normal” when her school performing arts department, for exam- district transitioned to distance ple, was able to adapt to COVID-19 learning in the spring of 2020 and restrictions. Students performed this then transitioned to a hybrid model fall with smaller casts, socially distanced in the fall. Hetrick had to change blocking and face shields. her curriculum, teaching practice and According to Rahatt, the Cedar room organization all with a continued Crest community’s flexibility and focus on meeting her learning targets accommodation of students has and preserving the content most Sieanna Rahatt ’21 enabled them to persist through this essential to students’ success. time of adversity. “We’ve made the “Every day is different, and I am SIEANNA RAHATT ’21, a psychology necessary adaptations to keep our thankful that I have the opportunity major, performing arts student and community safe, while still making to support students in building commuter, is grateful that she was this feel like a college environment,” the skills of critical thinking, clear able to return to campus in the she adds. “I’m so grateful for the communication, empathy for others fall to learn, work and participate opportunity to even have just a mild and a desire to learn,” Hetrick says. in her favorite activities, including sense of normalcy!” During the last year, history and theatre. This past semester, Rahatt social studies have been especially rel- was featured in Cedar Crest’s evant fields of study for high school- Agatha Christie Murder Mystery ers. Hetrick often has the opportunity Radio Plays and starred as Nora to encourage dialogue among her stu- Helmer in the school’s production dents on important, relevant and, at of “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” and in times, controversial topics, including February, she will be playing Ms. racial justice, mask restrictions and Bell in “Fame.” the United States election. The on-campus experience is “Cedar Crest prepared me an integral part of a Cedar Crest in countless ways for teaching education for Rahatt and many and learning under these new students like her. “There’s a different circumstances,” Hetrick says. At energy when you’re on campus than Cedar Crest she majored in history when you’re at home. Being on and secondary education and minored campus allows us to have more access in art history and psychology. to resources and feel that sense of During her time at the College, she community. When you’re at home, Lauren Hetrick ‘08 gained essential skills like creative you’re closer to all the things that thinking, problem-solving, research, make you comfortable and that can THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC introduced communication, flexibility and being make you relax. On campus, you educators like Lauren Hetrick ’08, a comfortable asking for help.

WINTER 2021 TOUCHPOINTS 3 The Cedar Crest Fund: Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever

CEDAR CREST COLLEGE ALUMNAE Alumnae Participation at Women’s Colleges FY2020 are proud and passionate. You Period ending June 30, 2020. Includes both current and historical women’s colleges. enjoy sharing your love for your alma mater, from posting points of college pride on your social media accounts, to keeping your college friendships strong between reunion years, to wearing your CCC gear to the grocery store ready to strike up a conversation about all that Cedar Crest did to shape who you are today. In addition to sharing that pride comes a responsibility to help future generations of Cedar Crest alumnae reach their goals by making an annual gift to the Cedar Crest Fund. This is especially true this year, as budget shortfalls from the pandemic have presented a challenge to the College and our students. The ability to adapt and respond to change is essential When compared to other current and historical women’s colleges, Cedar Crest falls to keeping Cedar Crest strong. short in alumnae participation. In fund year 2020, only 8.4% of alumnae made a gift to Unrestricted gifts to the Cedar Crest the College. With every new donor to the Cedar Crest Fund, we strengthen alumnae Fund provide much-needed flexibility participation, and consequently, our national rankings and case for support from to enable the College to seize funders and corporate partners. Source: Council For Advancement and Support of Education opportunities and meet the demands and challenges of today’s rapidly changing educational environment. support, etc.) which encourages foundations and These dollars are spent in the year they • Campus safety (cleaning supplies, corporations to also invest in Cedar are received and make an immediate signage and other safety-related Crest. So, your gift each year – of any impact when it is needed most. needs) amount – will help make a difference Gifts to the Cedar Crest Fund in • Emergency support for students today and can also inspire other fall 2020 provided valuable resources (meal assistance, the purchase of organizations to make a gift down for the following: books and supplies, etc.) the road. • General scholarship support for Your gift to the Cedar Crest Fund As you can see, each and every students also helps to increase the College’s gift truly does make a difference this • Extraordinary needs due to alumnae participation rate. A high year – and every year. To make your COVID-19 (technology and percentage of giving is a vote of annual gift to the Cedar Crest Fund, academic dual-delivery confidence in your alma mater, visit www.cedarcrest.edu/give.

4 TOUCHPOINTS WINTER 2021 CELEBRATED EACH YEAR on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement dedicated to boosting charitable efforts in the worldwide community. Now in its eighth year, Giving Tuesday celebrates the spirit of philanthropy in all of us. It is an opportunity for our community to come together to provide needed resources for our students through support of the Cedar Crest Fund.

Cedar Crest College proudly participated in Giving Tuesday 2020, raising much- needed dollars in support of the Cedar Crest Fund. These funds are more valuable than ever as they provide the College with flexible resources that can immediately impact our students and the campus community during this challenging time.

Thanks to our loyal alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends, we exceeded our $100,000 goal raising $136,442.62 from 177 donors. Thank you to all the donors who chose to support the College this Giving Tuesday!

The Picture of hope While things have been a little uncertain lately, there are steps we can take to bring certainty to With a gift annuity, you receive payments back at a fixed rate for our lives. Together, we can create a beautiful picture as long as you live. You also receive: for the future. • Possible income tax benefits. A charitable gift annuity with us is an outstanding way • Possible capital gains tax benefits. to bring some predictable, confident good • Steady, dependable payments in the same amount, news for you today and tomorrow. no matter what the economy does.

If the image of a lifetime of predictable, steady payments combined with tax benefits looks good to you, please call or email us. We can tell you your rate and all your benefits. Unlike a portrait that captures only one moment in time, a gift annuity gives you many moments of hope and joy Office of Institutional Advancement Michele Moyer, Director of Individual and Planned Giving as payments arrive. Any remaining funds support our mission, giving you a 610-606-4609 | [email protected] lifetime of happy memories, and many more for our mission in your name. cedarcrestlegacy.org

Copyright © 2020 Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Used by permission. 20AB58 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Cedar Crest: Listening, Learning and Leading

INSPIRED BY the heightened and taking steps to dismantle the we can do better… Cedar Crest, you momentum of the movement for ways in which the institution upholds taught us that change is growth, and racial justice and concerns from systemic racism. that change is uncomfortable. Right alumnae about the College’s climate This summer, “The Forgotten,” now, we have to be uncomfortable. of equity and inclusion and anti- a group of Cedar Crest College Talking about race and identity racism efforts, Cedar Crest College alumnae shared a message on the is uncomfortable and requires affirms its commitment to fostering Cedar Crest Alumnae Facebook vulnerability,” says AnToinette Byers- a community that recognizes and group voicing concerns about issues Paredes ’12, a special education celebrates diversity and inclusion. We of racial equity within the Cedar teacher, who was involved in student have been evaluating and increasing Crest community, sharing their government, the speech and debate efforts to create a more inclusive, stories and calling for action. team, theatre and worked as a diverse and equitable environment “I love Cedar Crest, and I know resident advisor while at Cedar Crest.

6 TOUCHPOINTS WINTER 2021 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Cedar Crest

A member of “The Forgotten,” equitable student experience on The Cedar Crest College Board Byers-Paredes is also working with the campus, in housing and through of Trustees Committee for Racial performing arts department to organize student activities. Equity has been broadly charged the spring performance of FACTOR In addition to the College’s with assessing areas of opportunity (see inside cover for more details). Anti-Racist Action Plan, several to deepen and expand initiatives to On June 10, 2020, “The committees are working to further address racism and create a culture Forgotten” held a virtual discussion the institution’s diversity, equity of inclusion from an institutional titled Institutional Racism in and inclusion goals. For example, perspective. The Committee includes Higher Education. Hosted by the Diversity and Inclusion Council representatives of the College’s Shamara Rhodes ’13, Jade Abston advocates for a living, learning and stakeholders—faculty, staff, trustees, ’12, Rena Pacheo ‘12, Dr. Atiya current students, alumnae, the Martin and President Meade, the President and the Chair of the open discussion included impact “No matter Board—to ensure that the action statements from alumnae, current plan reaches across all aspects of the students and former and current how hard or college community. The committee is members of staff and faculty; an organized into the following working opportunity for President Meade to uncomfortable, groups: Student Academic Experience, address questions and concerns; and the mission and Student Social Experience, Faculty/ comments from Martin. Staff Experience and Alumnae/ With alumnae concerns in mind, vision of Cedar Trustee/Community Experience. Cedar Crest created an Anti-Racist “No matter how hard or Action Plan. Published in August, the Crest College uncomfortable, the mission and plan for the academic year 2020- vision of Cedar Crest College 2021 centers around eight broad demand that we, demand that we, as stewards of that goals, each encompassing further as stewards of that mission, commit to doing this work work being done across campus. and sustaining it,” says President The goals also support and include mission, commit Elizabeth M. Meade. We no longer the efforts of the Faculty Council want to fall short of our ideals. In and Department of Athletics action to doing this work October, Cedar Crest created and plans. The Anti-Racist Action Plan’s and sustaining it.” shared an Anti-Racism Action Plan goals include increasing the diversity Mapping document to monitor our of faculty and staff; supporting the — Dr. Elizabeth M. Meade, President performance and hold ourselves faculty in their commitment to accountable to our anti-racism action achieve a more racially and ethnically items. This document will be updated diverse curriculum; and celebrating, working campus environment that regularly throughout the year. supporting and recognizing anti-racist values diversity, inclusive excellence Cedar Crest will continue to work by faculty and staff. The plan and equity-mindedness to better provide updates on plans and also commits the College to reviewing enable the College to educate the next progress regarding diversity, equity our data collection processes and generation of leaders. Additionally, and inclusion efforts. The College is capacities to support the work of the Faculty and Staff of Color committed to a better future for our ensuring equity; making sure that the Colleague Resource Group was diverse and vibrant community. Alumnae Affairs Office is equitable launched in June 2020 and aims in its programming and outreach; to foster connections and develop reviewing campus police disaggregate community for faculty and staff of To learn more and stay up to date on data; and, finally, ensuring an color at Cedar Crest. ongoing efforts visit cedarcrest.edu/cdi.

WINTER 2021 TOUCHPOINTS 7 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Cedar Crest

Staff Profile: In October, athletics participated stemmed from being comfortable with in the annual NCAA Diversity and where I was and knowing that I was Coach Alec Duncan Inclusion Social Media Campaign. The supported,” concludes Duncan. “I want three-day campaign centered around to make sure these positive experiences ALEC DUNCAN, the themes “My Story Matters,” “I’ve happen for all our students.” M.Ed., has been the Got Your Back” and “Together We Rise.” Falcons’ head cross- Throughout the week, athletics created country coach and shared social media posts that Student Profile: since 2016 and the captured the importance of diversity head outdoor track Gabryel Porter ‘21 and inclusion to our student-athletes coach since 2018. and highlighted why centering GABRYEL PORTER ’21, a social work A recent recipient diversity and inclusion in the fabric of student, member of the school’s Racial of a Master of Equity Committee and president of the Education from the department is crucial for driving Black Student Union (BSU), believes in Cedar Crest inclusive excellence. the power of community and activism College, Duncan In addition to helping organize Cedar on campus. is chair of the team responsible Crest’s Black Lives Matter Week, the A BSU member since her freshman for implementing the athletics Department of Athletics hosted small year and president since her junior year, department’s Anti-Racism and Inclusion diversity, equity and inclusion support- Porter is an expert on the club’s mission Action Plan. Published in August, focused events for students and aims and operations. “I’ve been in BSU every the plan includes a commitment to for such events to become a routine year I’ve been at Cedar Crest and I feel like condemn racism and support Black, part of the department’s schedule. I know a little bit about everything that Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) Inspired by Cedar Crest’s Center for goes on with it,” Porter says. “I’m happy to student-athletes, coaches, students, Diversity and Inclusion programming, be president, to be here for my peers and staff, faculty, alumnae, fans and athletics began holding talking circles to secure this safe space for them.” community members. The department for student-athletes where participants This fall, BSU, along with the Center will promote safe spaces for hard could discuss the intersection of race for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), conversations and encourage the and athletics. The department also held athletics and the Student Activities community to talk and actively listen, a post-election Coffee with Coaches Board, helped plan the College’s learn and take action. event to ease election-related stress for Black Lives Matter Week. Held from Duncan views diversity, equity and community members. October 12-17, 2020, the week featured inclusion efforts within athletics and Athletics focused initial diversity, different programs and events to show the larger Cedar Crest community as equity and inclusion efforts on student- support for the Black community on essential to ensuring every student facing events but moving forward, feels not only supported but a sense Duncan explains, the focus will grow campus and in the area. of belonging on campus. “At their core, to include further staff development diversity and inclusion efforts are meant and policy review, including evaluating to make sure that everyone at the the recruiting process to ensure it is as College is comfortable where they are inclusive as possible. and that they get the most out of their “Personally, college was some of the time here,” he adds. best years of my life and a lot of that

8 TOUCHPOINTS WINTER 2021 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Cedar Crest

A stand-out event for Porter was of Connecticut and pursue a career in The Committee, the Black Lives Matter demonstration, social work. consisting of which included a march and speeches faculty, staff, by students, alumnae and local activists. trustees, current “There was so much support. There Student Profile: students and were so many allies there with us,” she Daria Warner ’21 alumnae along says. While the event was small, Porter with the President believes its impact will be far-reaching. DARIA WARNER ’21 is making her mark and the Chair “This is going to be great for Cedar at Cedar Crest College. She is majoring in of the Board, is Crest history, and it’s going to be great business administration with certificates charged with for the BSU after me. I feel like this is just in health care management and human assessing areas the start,” says Porter. resources. Outside of class, Warner is a of opportunity For Porter, the week was an import- member of the Student Activities Execu- to deepen and expand initiatives to ant way to bring awareness of social jus- tive Board, the Student Advisory Council, address racism and to create a culture tice issues and the spirit of activism to the school’s Racial Equity Committee, is of inclusion. Warner is a member of our campus. “As a school, it sometimes head Resident Advisor of Butz and Curtis the Student Social Experience working feels like we’re in our own little world,” Halls, works in the athletics department group. “The student committee she says. “Out in the world, you see ally- and the Finance Office and is on the members all come from different ship, you see support, you see marches. soccer and track teams. backgrounds and ethnicities. It’s a So I feel like that should be reflected on Through her Student Activities Board diverse group of people,” she says. our campus to start showing support, (SAB) role and involvement with athlet- Warner hopes to bring her values and to say to people of color and our ics, she helped plan Black Lives Matter of inclusivity, diversity and open- Black students that we are here.” Week, which took place October 12-17, mindedness wherever she goes. “At Porter sees strong connections be- 2020. A collaborative effort between the Cedar Crest, I hope to be somebody tween her extracurricular involvement, Black Student Union (BSU), the Center that anyone can talk to, whether about her academic studies, her values and for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), athletics something random, or about race or her professional goals. “My values as a and SAB, the week featured a variety of an injustice that you or somebody else woman of color really align with social programs and events, including a movie experienced,” Warner says. Promoting work and definitely align with being showcase, a spoken word poetry night, an inclusive and open mindset, Warner BSU president. In social work, there is a demonstration and a self-care event. hopes more students at Cedar Crest always a need for ethics and advocacy. “I think that the importance of having will try to connect with individuals of Minorities are, of course, a vulnerable the week at Cedar Crest was to show sol- different identities and backgrounds. community, and there is always a need idarity,” Warner says. “We needed to give After graduation, Warner will to advocate for them. My experience on people opportunities to have conversa- continue her education at Cedar Crest campus reflects some of what I hope to tions, or just to sit back and listen.” in the MBA program. She is considering be doing as a social worker,” she says. As a member of the Racial Equity entering the health care administration She thanks CDI staff and social work Committee, she has seen how the field where she can combine her faculty for their support throughout her Committee has been able to reveal interests in finance and health care. Cedar Crest journey. After graduation, and work to solve different issues of Warner will also continue to play soccer Porter plans to return to her home state bias and racism in our community. and run track as a graduate student.

WINTER 2021 TOUCHPOINTS 9 Office Hours

K. Joy Karnas relevant to current events, encourage program are expected to begin in students to make connections between fall 2021. Professor of Biology and disciplines and promote real-world The addition of the OTD program Director of the Honors applications of concepts. The program to Cedar Crest’s portfolio of health culminates with an Honors Project, a science programs supports a growing Program cross-disciplinary thesis based on a need, both locally and nationally, for topic of interest chosen by the student. professionals in the field. In fact, The PROFESSOR OF The highlight of her career, Karnas Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that BIOLOGY and says, has always been teaching. Karnas employment in occupational therapy director of the primarily teaches molecular genetics will increase by 24 percent by 2026. Honors Program, K. and honors courses and likes to break Currently, the Lehigh Valley is the Joy Karnas, Ph.D., complex concepts down into bite-sized third-largest employer of occupational has been part of bits that students can comprehend. “If therapists in Pennsylvania. the Cedar Crest College community for I didn’t have such incredible students “[The program] provides students almost 20 years. Karnas has previously who truly appreciate the effort that I put with an expanded lens to view served as director of the genetic into my teaching, I don’t think I would and understand concepts such as engineering program, as well as chair feel as passionate about my teaching occupational justice, healthcare of the biological sciences department. and scholarship,” she concludes. management, advocacy, leadership and About ten years ago, she joined the preventative health,” says Wrightsman. committee to help revise and invigorate “Graduates of the Cedar Crest program the College’s Honors Program. She William Wrightsman will be equipped to work in traditional became the program director a year Assistant Professor of healthcare settings and emerging areas later. “The honors directorship has been of practice such as health promotion, a wonderful addition to my career,” Occupational Therapy chronic disease management and she says. “My main journey at Cedar and Director of the aging in place.” Crest has been very science-focused, Occupational Therapy Previously, Wrightsman had been so my involvement with honors has the founding doctoral capstone really broadened my perspective. I Doctorate Program coordinator for Touro University love to interact with students across Nevada, where he taught for 10 years. disciplines.” WILLIAM His previous experiences include The Honors Program at Cedar WRIGHTSMAN, ScD, extensive management and leadership Crest College seeks to help students MSOT, OTR/L, joined positions in the corporate world maximize their intellectual potential. Cedar Crest College and academia. Wrightsman’s clinical Program faculty represent a variety in 2019 as the background is in physical dysfunction of areas of study and expertise, and founding director and rehabilitation, working with participating students interact with for the Lehigh Valley’s first entry-level adults and older adult populations. His peers outside their majors. Honors occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) teaching responsibilities focus on adult students have access to unique, program. Through a combination of and older adult populations, qualitative interdisciplinary classes including classroom work, research and fieldwork research and social justice courses. special First-Year Seminar and experiences, the OTD program aims to Learn more about the Sophomore Expedition sections. develop ethical leaders in the field. The occupational therapy doctorate at Honors courses are discussion-based, first classes of this full-time, 33-month www.cedarcrest.edu/otd.

10 TOUCHPOINTS WINTER 2021 Featured Faculty

Lindsey A. Welch, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences, was elected to serve as a divisional representative on the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Science (ACS ComSci) for the 2021-2023 term. This will be Welch’s first service on a national committee for ACS after being nominated by the Catalysis Science & Technology Technical Division chair and gaining the most votes of the seven nominees.

Sarah Carlson, assistant professor of dance, had her dance work “The Cloud of Unknowing” selected for inclusion in the fall 2020 Dance EXposure virtual showcase presented by ArtsQuest and the Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange. “The Cloud of Unknowing” is a 12-minute sextet set to selections from Robert Kyr’s score of the same name. The full showcase can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=GoCbUWPUtSs. In addition, Carlson and her company DanceLink premiered “Moving Spirit,” a dance video community collaboration with Moravian Seminary.

Scott Hoke, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice and director of the Master in Crime Science program, and Kerrie Baker, Ph.D., professor of psychology were recently awarded a second grant by the Lehigh County government to continue the assessment of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training for local police officers. They are working with the Director of the S.P.O.R.E. unit (Special Program for Offenders in Rehabilitation and Education) in Lehigh County to develop a number of assessment tools (knowledge tests, situational judgment inventories, and role-play scenarios) to measure officer learning and behavior.

Bernard J. Gilligan III, DNP, CRNA, CHSE, assistant professor of nursing anesthesia and assistant director of the nurse anesthesia program, recently recorded a podcast related to his lecture for the 2020 American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Annual Congress (Online). The topic is E-Cigarette Use and the Implications for Patients Undergoing Anesthesia. The podcast was recorded in conjunction with TopMedTalks. The podcast can be accessed here: https://www.topmedtalk.com/aana-e-cigarettes- and-their-impact-on-patients-undergoing-anesthesia/.

WINTER 2021 TOUCHPOINTS 11 Alums in Action

JOANN WILCHECK BASIST ’77, Cedar Crest graduate and M.Ed., was named board president former lacrosse player, DANIELLE for the Civic Theater of Allentown. SKINNER ’08, Ph.D., has shifted Basist has been an arts educator from her work as a neglected for 43 years and is currently an tropical disease scientist for the adjunct theatre instructor. A 1973 University of California, San Diego graduate of the Civic Theatre School, she started her Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical tenure as a drama teacher at The Civic Theatre School Sciences and the Center for Discovery and of Allentown in 1981 and has been the administrator Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, to studying of the School for 27 years. She has created numerous COVID-19 and screening inhibitors/compounds showcase extravaganzas for the Summer Theatre against SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins in search of School program and has had the honor of mentoring antiviral treatments. Though she humbly explains some of the valley’s finest young actors. Basist has “I’m not a frontline worker like the MDs, nurses, etc., developed a Cat in the Hat Literacy Program, who have a high risk of exposure to the virus which frequently appearing as the Cat in the Hat, and has deserve all the praise in the world, but I’m doing my developed other special events and programming for part from my lab bench.” Mayfair and Cops ‘n’ Kids Reading Experience.

Congratulations to ALLEN ZELNO CHLOE ROBINSON ’07, MPA, ’20, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, the School MSW, recently finished 7th in of Nursing’s first official fully the semi-finals of the Ms. Health credentialed nurse practitioner! and Fitness competition, rising Zelno graduated in May with above thousands of other the inaugural cohort of nurse participants from around the practitioners and successfully passed the Family globe. Ms. Health and Fitness is an online, fan Nurse Practitioner (FNP) national certification exam. voting competition. This competition also features a Nominated by the Catholic Medical Association, fundraising component for Wounded Warriors. This Zelno was also chosen to witness a proclamation was Robinson’s first national competition and she being signed from the Oval Office in honor of worked hard to raise awareness of mental heath and National Nurses Day. fitness through the voting process, along with raising money for the featured charity. Throughout the competition, which Robinson participated in April to October, she raised a total of $15,000.

12 TOUCHPOINTS WINTER 2021 Standout Scholars

Senior biology major Leslie Abreu ’21 and recent graduate Miranda Fetchen ’20 co-authored a research article published in the October 31, 2020 issue of Environmental Entomology. The article, “Distribution, Survival, and Development of Spotted Lanternfly on Host Plants Found in North America” features a series of experiments that test the preference and suitability of potential host plants for the invasive spotted lanternfly. Fetchen conducted one of these experiments in greenhouses on the Cedar Crest campus during the summer of 2018. Abreu worked for the US Department of Agriculture in the same year to conduct several experiments in the field. The findings will be used to make more informed pest management decisions for the spotted lanternfly.

Sherlee Velazquez ’20, educational studies graduate, has been accepted to the Teach for America program. She will begin teaching in Texas as a secondary English language arts teacher and work toward her teaching certification. Teach for America is an extremely competitive program and Velazquez’s acceptance speaks to her commitment to education and her ability to work with diverse populations.

Kayla Bills ‘22 has been selected to participate in the 2021 NEW Leadership Pennsylvania Summer Institute at Chatham University. NEW Leadership Pennsylvania is a residential program that provides college women with the knowledge and skills to become effective leaders in politics, public policy and public service. This six-day program will introduce college students to women leaders who will Sherlee Velazquez ‘20 share their insights on developing their leadership potential.

THE CEDAR CREST COLLEGE ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC was held at Lehigh Country Club on Monday, October 12, 2020. It was so nice to bring folks together for an outdoor event at a time when very few gatherings were possible. Our dedicated guests braved chilly temperatures and varied rain throughout the day to support our students. Despite the weather, our spirits were uplifted as we enjoyed a round of golf, good food and camaraderie, all in support of Cedar Crest. Special thanks to Michael Stoudt, Cedar Crest Trustee, and Stoudt Associates LLC (foursome pictured left) for their commitment as the Tournament Sponsor for this year’s event. Additional thanks go out to everyone who sponsored the event, played a round of golf, donated prizes or volunteered to make the day a great success. The event generated net revenue of $42,119 for the College. Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Institutional Advancement Permit No. 574 100 College Drive Allentown, PA 18104

Join Cedar Crest College for the following upcoming spring events!

Decade Challenge: May 18 – 20, 2021 Mayfair: May 28 – 30, 2021 Scholarship Dinner with Associates Awards: Thursday, June 10, 2021 Casino Night: Friday, July 16, 2021

Follow the Cedar Crest College Alumnae Facebook page for more information about upcoming events.

Save the date for Reunion 2021! Join us for a combination of virtual and in-person events, as circumstances allow.

Friday, May 21, 2021 – Sunday, May 23, 2021 Events will include class gatherings, college updates, games, awards and so much more. Watch for the 2021 registration packet in the upcoming issue of Class Notes.

Please visit www.cedarcrest.edu/reunion for updates.