2004 -2005 Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS . PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE . 1 STUDENT LIFE . 4 LEARNING . 6 RELIGIOUS LIFE . 9 ARTS REVIEW. 10 ATHLETICS REVIEW. 12 DEVELOPMENT . 14 EXPANSION PROJECTS . 16 ALUMNI RELATIONS . 18 COMMUNITY RELATIONS . 20 PUBLIC RELATIONS . 22 FACULTY REPORT . 24 ADMISSIONS REPORT. 26 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS . 28 WESCOE SCHOOL . 30 PASSAGES. 31 LEADING THE WAY . 32 Painting: H.M.S. Rose, aka H.M.S. Surprise, by Scott Kennedy E G A S S E M S ’ The Wind T N IN OUR S AILS E D I S E R P 1 In recent months I have become enthralled by cians, information technologists, scientists, Patrick O’Brian’s tales of British naval captain artists, philosophers and many other kinds of Jack Aubrey and his adventures during the teachers and scholars, groundskeepers and Napoleonic wars. They are a welcome dis- custodians, chaplains, coaches, and coun- covery after years of reading and re-reading selors, registrars and controllers, deans and C.S. Forrestor’s Hornblower novels, but they development officers. Having worked with also provide a tempting metaphor for the Muhlenberg’s faculty and staff for two years good ship Muhlenberg and its voyage into the now, I can report that there is no more 21st century. talented, skilled, or dedicated crew in any O’Brian revels in the infinite complexity of college or university I have ever known, and lines, sails, spars, and masts, the endless that they share my commitment to making mutability of their interaction with winds, Muhlenberg even better in future years. We waves, and weather, the remarkable variety must remain nimble, of course, and respon- of the crew members’ skills and personalities, sive to shifting economic winds and demo- the crucial importance of training and graphic tides; our strategic plan is flexible in preparation, and the vagaries of fortune— this regard—it must always remain so, even all essential to a ship’s survival and success as it guides our journey. What role do alumni, in “The Age of Fighting Sail.” parents, and other friends and supporters I envy Aubrey’s mastery of the detailed workings play in this nautical metaphor? They are the of each vessel he commands, and though I wind that fills our sails. Without them, can not claim equal knowledge of every especially their financial support, volunteer Muhlenberg brick and timber, I do know that efforts, and advocacy, the College would it is even more complex than any sloop or make little headway. frigate, and equally dependent on the dedi- Any metaphor can be stretched too far, so let cation, commitment, and skill of its crew. Like me describe in more literal terms the course the H.M.S. Surprise, we have carpenters and Muhlenberg has charted in its new strategic cooks and medical folk; of course, we also plan and the progress we have made in this have many more specialists aboard: electri- initial year of our voyage. As this year’s Reunion Weekend attendance doubles over recent years. Life Sports Center construction completed; staff JULY 2004 AUGUST 2004 E G A S S E annual report will document, Muhlenberg’s Muhlenberg alumni and friends. M achievements have been dramatic and ∑ • We have balanced our budget for the 50th S substantial. consecutive year, and intend continually ’ T ∑ • Facilities are the most visible evidence to strengthen the College’s financial N of institutional vitality, and this year’s position, through prudent management, E dedication of the new Life Sports Center, wise investment, and successful fund D I combined with an ambitious expansion raising efforts. The endowment reached S and renovation of Seegers Union, its all-time high early in 2005, and after E R Shankweiler science facilities, and a slight correction, is headed back to P Parents Plaza represent a dramatic invest- record territory. More than 65% of cur- ment in the campus infrastructure enrich- rent parents make charitable donations ing both curricular and co-curricular to the College. The percentage of alumni life. At the same time, we continue to donors—and donations—has also invest substantial capital in maintenance increased substantially (though there is of the campus’s precious architectural still ample room for progress). We con- heritage. tinue to demonstrate concern for the ∑ • Less visible, but equally important, have families of current students by remaining been curricular innovations: a new part- a “value leader” among our peer institu- nership with Thomas Jefferson University tions: Muhlenberg’s student charges of Health Sciences providing our students remain approximately 10% to 15% with access to accelerated degree pro- lower than those of our competition. grams in occupational and physical Admissions set an all-time record for applica- therapy; a substantial increase in service- tions this year; early decision applications (a 2 learning courses that encourage our key indicator of the College’s popularity with students to link theoretical classroom prospective students) increased a remarkable work with fieldwork opportunities bene- 21%. The academic quality of the class of fiting our neighbors in countless ways; 2009 also set new records. expanded opportunities for study abroad; Muhlenberg received an unprecedented and new programs in public health and amount of positive national media coverage film studies that will be presented to the —virtually all of it focusing on the important faculty for discussion in the fall semester. work of our faculty and students—in press ∑ • A renewed commitment to Greek Life as outlets ranging from the New York Times to an option for interested students is also the CBS Evening News, and from the Boston well underway, thanks to the thoughtful Globe to the Christian Science Monitor, PBS, work of students, faculty, staff, and and Time magazine, spotlighting everything alumni on a Presidential Task Force and from the Muhlenberg Polling Institute to the three follow-up work groups. Muhlenberg Magic Program. Muhlenberg’s goal is to have the finest There is more, of course. Much more. The Greek system anywhere, and we are off following pages paint a more vivid picture of to a strong start. the year we recently completed. I hope you ∑ • We are committed to building a campus will read and enjoy this record of 12 months culture of planning, assessment, and in the life of a vital, happy, and mission- accountability. This year saw the creation focused institution that is preparing the rising of the College’s new Board of Observers, generation for lives of leadership and service. and the first four visiting committees to My own love affair with this remarkable review academic and administrative place continues to intensify. It is a privilege departments, including sociology/ to serve Muhlenberg and to serve with anthropology, music, mathematical Muhlenberg people. sciences, and the office of career devel- opment and placement. Over the next six years, every academic and administrative department will prepare a self-study and participate in an external review including both “outside experts” and distinguished Peyton R. Helm President moves into new quarters; new aerobics area, weight room and Powerhouse Café open. Newman Center doub les in size. Hillel staff increases, and Hillel advances to Foundation status. Hillcrest House Living- AUGUST 2004 President’s Staff (l to r): Marjorie Hass, Ph.D., provost; Rev. Peter Bredlau, College chaplain; Michael Bruckner, vice president, public relations; Peyton Randolph Helm, Ph.D., president; Tilghman Moyer, vice president, development and alumni relations; Ken Butler, executive assistant to the president; Chris Hooker-Haring ’72, dean, admission and financial aid; Kent Dyer, chief business officer; and Rudy Ehrenberg, Ph.D., dean of students. ub les in size. Hillel staff increases, and Hillel advances to Foundation status. Hillcrest House Living- . 4 S TUDENT L IFE L earning C A be remarkable. other collegescontinuesto rate withinfouryearsthan achieving ahighergraduation traditionfor Muhlenberg’s Rate Graduation UGUST 2004 ommunity launched. 37 % All U.S. 4-year Colleges 52 % Private 4-year Colleges 77.5 Muhlenberg College G % reen T eam strengthens campus recy Living In & Around MC Around Living In& Residence Halls Students in Properties &MILE Houses Students inCollege-Owned 71 14 % % cling efforts. 9 % 5 1 % Off-Campus Students % & Sororities Fraternities Commuters Architect (B Shaping allinger) selected for Science andS eegers additions. eegers Implementation Committee Prevention Assault Sexual Shaping L IVES “I like to think that Muhlenberg’s major contribution to its students is the shaping of their lives for leadership and service. Our College community offers the right kind of opportunities to accomplish this noble goal. The outcomes are truly impressive.” Rudy Ehrenberg, Ph.D. Dean of Students College is a place where individuals learn to while others stumble across it randomly. This live independently, make decisions and commitment is not a casual outcome, for the explore and experiment in new and different College’s mission challenges us to equip our settings. They learn about their responsibilities graduates with values that prepare them for to the community and how to get involved. lives embraced with energy and enthusiasm. They learn that leadership starts with follow- Many of our graduates have made leadership 5 ership and though contributions they make and service the focal point for their lives and may initially appear small, they do have real their careers. For example: impact on others. Over time students begin to ∑• Jake MacNamara ’05 became president find fulfillment in helping others and in living of Best Buddies. He still returns often to in a community that shares common values. Allentown to visit his two “buddies.” Muhlenberg students learn they are not just ∑• Sarah Kersh ’03 joined the Sexual providing a service, they are shaping the lives Assault Student Support group here, of others. In doing so, they are shaping their became a woman’s rights activist, and own lives in a very profound way through an then worked for the Allentown Crime ethos of service and leadership.