Noteworthy

Widener University Athletics received an honorable mention for the 2024 NCAA Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Widener was chosen as a top performer out of eighty submissions spanning all three NCAA divisions.

“It is humbling to be recognized for the work being done for our student athletes and staff, not only within athletics, but the entire Widener campus,” said Jack Schafer, director of athletics. “To be represented among the top institutions that are taking initiative in this work for their student athletes is something to be proud of.”

The award recognizes schools who demonstrate excellence in initiatives, policies, and practices that embrace diversity and inclusion across the athletic community. The selection committee commended Widener for the university’s “intentional efforts to foster inclusive environments for student athletes, coaches, and administrators,” as well as Widener’s commitment to student athlete mental health and wellbeing demonstrated through efforts such as the H.U.B. and Check Up from the Neck Up.

Associate Director of Athletics Larissa Gillespie said collaborating with campus partners has been rewarding.

“We have been able to advocate for mental health awareness, provide resources and educational opportunities for our student-athletes and staff,” she said.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-athletics-recognized-ncaa-diversity-and-inclusion
 

Nancy Laplante, professor of nursing, co-authored a new textbook geared toward preparing nursing students for the Next-Generation NCLEX exam. The textbook, "Clinical Nursing Skills & Techniques, 11th Edition," provides clear, step-by-step guidelines to more than 200 basic, intermediate, and advanced skills. With more than 1,200 full-color illustrations, a nursing process framework, and a focus on evidence-based practice, this manual helps students learn to think critically, ask the right questions at the right time, and make timely decisions. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-professor-co-authors-textbook

Lauren McCarthy '25 has been elected president of the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP), a non-profit organization and constituent of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), representing nursing students throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. McCarthy was elected during the 2023 SNAP Convention after previously serving as the organization's secretary/treasurer. As president, McCarthy oversees a number of executive-level responsibilities including representing SNAP at at the annual NSNA convention and other professional organizations and supporting local chapter affiliates. McCarthy will serve as president for one term.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-student-elected-president-state-nursing-student-organization

Dear Widener Community,

Over the past few months, we have been making changes to the tree population on our Chester campus. These changes are part of a strategic effort to assess the existing landscaping and develop a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the health of our existing trees while increasing diversity in tree species with new plantings across our beautiful campus. I am writing to share updates on this ongoing process so that you may feel more connected to the work that is occurring within the greater campus community.

The tree and landscaping work are the result of a multiyear consultation with arborists and landscape architects to develop a holistic plan for a cohesive appearance across campus. These experts consider many factors when making tree planting and removal decisions such as safety hazards, tree species and origins, impact on existing facilities, campus beautification, and more. Their evaluation identified a number of trees for removal due to the hazards they pose to individuals and facilities, but we are committed to replacing each tree lost with two new trees. To that end, we installed more than 100 trees in the fall semester and we look forward to adding additional trees each spring and fall planting season. Our designers and contractors have been directed to beautify the campus with a preference for native trees to provide biodiversity, sustainability, and beauty while also maintaining open recreational spaces.

Trees play a critical role in urban environments from mitigating air pollution and providing shade to improving mood and mental health. As you return to campus, we invite you to look around and enjoy the natural beauty on campus with pride. 

For more information on the Chester campus’ tree inventory, click here. 

Learn more about the trees chosen to be planted:
Tree Replacement Master Plan
Tree Factsheet
Tree Species Overview

Sincerely,

Kevin Kane

Executive Director, Facilities Management and Real Estate

Professor of Chemical Engineering Sachin Patil, together with a team of international collaborators from Imperial College London in the United Kingdom and the Cancer Research Center in Marseille, France, published a paper in the Journal of Advanced Research titled, “Inactive-enriched machine-learning models exploiting patent data improve structure-based virtual screening for PDL1 dimerizers.” The paper presented novel PDL1-specific machine-learning scoring functions as a powerful drug design tool for detecting small-molecule PD1/PDL1 inhibitors, forming the basis for developing novel cancer immunotherapies with better patient outcomes and milder side effects.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/engineering-professor-and-international-collaborators-publish-artificial-intelligence-enabled-cancer 

Widener University is pleased to share outstanding news about the accomplishments of our May 2023 graduates in the six months since they earned their undergraduate degrees. Each year, the university surveys the most recent graduates and reports the data to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Highlights include:

•    Graduates who achieved a positive career outcome, which includes direct employment, graduate education or military service, was 96 percent, holding steady with the accomplishments of our 2022 graduates despite a softening in the overall labor market.
•    Their mean starting salary was $72,912, up from $70,987 with May 2022 graduates.
•    Their median starting salary was $78,000, up from $72,800 with May 2022 graduates.

Widener graduates have begun rewarding careers at a wide variety of workplaces, big and small. Some of the most recognizable employer names included Deloitte, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Army, Oracle, the Peace Corps, Independence Blue Cross, Siemens, Vanguard, KPMG, and the Philadelphia Union.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/31233/

Welcome to the spring semester!

January is an invigorating time of year, when we arrive refreshed after what I hope was a restorative winter break. We are ready to seize the endless possibilities of a new year and new semester. While many of you are returning to classes at Widener today, there are also new, incoming students who will experience their first semester with us. I extend my personal welcome to all of you!

While the semester begins with cold temperatures, there are so many opportunities for us to come together and share the warmth of this welcoming community. Next month in Harrisburg, we’ll kick off the 25th anniversary of Commonwealth Law School’s renowned Law and Government Institute, and in Delaware, students will watch attorneys argue in front of the Delaware Supreme Court when the justices hold court on campus. In Chester, we started this week hosting the opening ceremony of the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, and taking part in the peace march from Lathem Hall to Chester city hall. We’re looking forward to welcoming alumni to campus for lectures and special events – including a talk from the leader of the construction firm central to the heroic 12-day rebuild of the collapsed I-95 bridge, who happens to be an alum!

Even as we challenge ourselves with new growth opportunities, it is important that our community prioritize well-being. We must practice self-care, make time to get outdoors, put down our devices and decompress with exercise, a good book, or both, and make sleep a priority! As always, our student support services are ready with help for those who need an extra hand. I hope you’ll open your hearts to new people and experiences, and grow from all that Widener offers.

With Warmth and Widener Pride,

Stacey

Katelyn Sheesley '21 donned the cover of Inside Pennsylvania Magazine as one of the young residents named to publication's "30 Under 30" list. A graduate of Widener's accelerated bachelor of nursing (ABSN) program on the Harrisburg campus, Sheesley's work as a critical care nurse and nurse educator at Evangelical Community Hospital earned her recognition in the Susquehanna Valley-based publication. 

Read the full feature on Katelyn Sheesley (page 24).

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-alumna-named-30-under-30-list-inside-pa

The School of Business Administration (SBA) hosted over 225 area high school students on Widener’s Chester campus for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Delaware County Leadership Conference.

Students from eight high schools across Delaware County gathered for a day of Widener faculty-led workshops covering topics such as the basics of banking, sales and marketing, artificial intelligence, leadership and communication, and more.

In addition, students competed for prized in events judged by Widener students, alumni, staff, and industry partners. Overall, students earned awards in 55 categories, and the top students will move on to compete at the state level. This was the first time the competitions were held in person since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was everything we say the SBA is – hands-on, engaged, real world, future looking, and industry aligned,” said Donna McCloskey, associate dean for undergraduate programs in SBA. “It was a great day to be a part of the pride!”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-hosts-high-schoolers-future-business-leaders-america-conference

Widener President Stacey Robertson was recently a panelist at the “Breakfast with Brian” event, “Leading Through Change: Insights and Perspectives from Dynamic Leaders” in center city Philadelphia. She was one of four remarkable leaders invited to the conversation. Others included Lisa Hughes, publisher and CEO of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Angela Val, president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA, and P. Sue Perotty, president and CEO of Tower Health. 

The conversation examined the difficulties of taking over a leadership role in the midst of a global pandemic, and lessons learned. Leaders shared their perspectives on how to lead through change, with a focus on successful strategies in their industries.

Robertson highlighted Widener’s culture of belonging, and how it supports student well-being. “Sometimes it's just a matter of one person, one connection, one place where you feel safe,” she said.
 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/31232

Lauren Shermer, professor of criminal justice, has been named the new Widener University Program Director for Project Pericles effective January 2024. Project Pericles is a national consortium of 29 member colleges and universities that promotes civic engagement in higher education of which Widener has been a member for nearly two decades.

Shermer looks forward to growing Project Pericles engagement with faculty, staff, students, and community partners. She was named a Periclean Faculty Leader in 2021 and has presented at two Project Pericles conferences held in the last year. Shermer brings a deep commitment to civic engagement to this role.

This role was formerly held by Associate Dean of Social Sciences James Vike, who has been a leading member of Project Pericles at Widener since 2005. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/lauren-shermer-named-new-widener-university-program-director-project-pericles
 

Mark Nicosia, vice provost for Academic Affairs and Strategy and professor of engineering, was a featured speaker during a panel discussion at the 2023 World Dysphagia Summit. The summit was hosted by the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) in affiliation with the European Society for Swallowing Disorders, the Japanese Society for Dysphagia Rehabilitation, and the Latin America Society for Dysphagia. 

Nicosia, who also serves as president of the DRS, is an expert in dysphagia which is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. The summit was held on World Swallowing Day to increase worldwide awareness among health care professionals as well as the public to increase knowledge about normal swallowing and swallowing disorders, their causes, early detection, complications and management.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/engineering-faculty-presents-2023-world-dysphagia-summit

Jeremy Hancher, adjunct professor in the School of Business Administration and EMAP Program Manager for the Widener Small Business Development Center, has been invited to serve as a member on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act Advisory Committee for a two-year term.

The committee consists of government figures, industry professionals, and academics who are experts in the environmental and sustainability fields and can advise the EPA on issues related to implementing the Clean Air Act Amendments. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/business-faculty-named-epas-clean-air-act-advisory-committee

Members of the Widener community gathered recently on the university’s Chester campus to celebrate the dedication of Julie E. Wollman Hall. Named in honor of Widener’s 10th president, Wollman Hall solidifies the president emerita’s legacy and celebrates her commitment to bolstering the university’s health science programs. 

“Widener is an institution that I love and I am deeply honored to be recognized with my name on a building on this campus,” said Wollman. “I am honored that the building is one that highlights one of my areas of focus while I was here at the university. This structure represents years of campus-wide commitment and collaboration to develop graduate programs in the health sciences, meet the needs of the local community through interprofessional experiential learning for students, and prepare those students to serve a diverse range of clients.”

Wollman’s six-and-a-half-year tenure was marked by a commitment to expanding the university’s health science footprint. Her strategic leadship positioned the university to build upon its existing roster of top-ranked health and human service programs and expanded its mission of providing community-focused, holistic, and culturally inclusive care. Under Wollman’s leadership, the School of Health and Human Service Professions transitioned into the College of Health and Human Services and the university launched its occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and nutrition science graduate programs. These efforts led to an increase in graduate enrollment, diversified the interprofessional learning environment for students, and strengthened the pipeline of health care professionals in the region.  

The dedication event welcomed Widener students, faculty, staff, and alumni and featured remarks by Paul Beideman ’79, chair of the Board of Trustees, and President Stacey Robertson. Beideman, who became board chair during Wollman’s administration, reflected on Wollman’s innovative leadership and her tremendous impact on the university.

“Among the many successes of Julie’s presidency was her recognition of the need and demand for health science programs and her focus on growing the number of health science programs offered at Widener,” said Beideman. “Julie did so much for Widener.  She led a bold and innovative planning process that resulted in our dynamic strategy of Agility Experienced which is incredibly flexible and responsive to the shifting higher education landscape.”

Robertson celebrated Wollman’s work to position Widener and its students for success, particularly in the ever-evolving healthcare field.

“This is the place on our campus that exemplifies what it means to be part of the Pride,” said Robertson. “It is where theory meets practice, where the academy meets our community, where – in this fully student-run space, leaders are grown and nurtured, where the walls between disciplines are broken down, and where patients are the center of everything. It is very fitting that this excellent work takes place in Wollman Hall.”

Formally known as Melrose Hall, Wollman Hall is located on Melrose Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets. In 2019, the building underwent a complete renovation to revamp the entire interior to feature interactive patient rooms, flexible classroom space, and interdisciplinary workspaces designed to facilitate collaboration across disciplines. The state-of-the-art facility is also home to the university’s Chester Community Clinic and the Speech-Language Pathology Clinic which provide cost-effective health and wellness services to residents. The student-led clinics work in tandem to deliver holistic treatment plans to clients while simultaneously preparing students to work interprofessionally in a clinical setting. 
 
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-community-honors-former-president-building-dedication-ceremony

Vicki L. Brown, distinguished university professor, was honored by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for her scholarly contributions to the organization and the overall civil engineering community. Brown, who has served on School of Engineering's faculty for more than four decades, received the 2023 Delmar L. Bloem Distinguished Service Award which celebrates noteworthy work on ACI technical committees. The award was given at the 2023 ACI Concrete Convention in California and recognized Brown “for outstanding leadership of ACI Subcommittee 440-H, FRP-Reinforced Concrete.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/engineering-professor-honored-distinguished-service-and-leadership

Widener University, in partnership with America 250 PA Delco and Delaware County Libraries, hosted Patrick Spero, author and director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, on campus as part of the ongoing Revolutionary Reads initiative. 

Spero poke about his book, “Frontier Rebels: The Fight for Independence in the American West,1765-1776,” which shares the untold story of rebellion on the American frontier which helped to spark the American Revolution. Provost Andrew Workman facilitated the discussion.

Happening through 2026, Revolutionary Reads is a multi-year initiative leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Assistant Professor of History Jordan Smith represents Widener in this initiative and helps to bring these author events to campus.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-hosts-author-patrick-spero-second-annual-revolutionary-reads-event

Widener honored faculty members for their high distinction in areas of civic engagement, institutional leadership, research, as well as innovative and distinguished teaching. Various faculty were awarded at the ceremony, held Thursday, October 19 in Lathem Hall.

“The professors who were honored at our annual awards ceremony continuously display commitment to teaching, civic engagement, meaningful research, remarkable leadership, and cutting-edge innovation. They are highly valued colleagues and represent core values for which Widener stands," said Provost Andrew Workman. 

The awards included:

• The Distinguished University Professor Award honors faculty members of high distinction at the University who also demonstrate the institution is committed to recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service throughout faculty members’ careers. This year's recipients were College of Health and Human Services Professor, Stephen E. Kauffman as well as College of Arts and Sciences Professor, Alexis A. Nagengast.
• College of Arts and Sciences Professor Dana Olanoff was awarded with the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award. This award is given to a faculty member who has exemplified a history of teaching at the highest level of distinction. It is endowed by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, a Philadelphia-based foundation that provides grants to institutions of higher education for the promotion of excellence in teaching.
• The Faculty Award for Civic Engagement serves to recognize the outstanding contributions that faculty members have made in accordance with Widener’s civic engagement mission, as well as solidifying Widener students’ understanding of their social responsibilities, and the impact of their disciplinary learning. This year's recipients included faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences: Associate Professor Angela M. Corbo, Professor J. Wesley Leckrone, and Associate Dean of Social Science and Professor James E. Vike.
• College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor Michael Toneff was awarded the Outstanding Researcher Award. This award gives recognition to a faculty member who has participated in research and scholarship nationally or internationally, and made a significant contribution through their research, while advancing their profession or discipline as well as the university’s mission and vision.
• The Fitz Dixon Innovation in Teaching Award highlights an individual who has designed, implemented, and assessed an innovative or experimental teaching and learning project. This award was presented to College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor Janice Krumm.
• The Faculty Institutional Leadership Award recognizes a record of leading initiatives that further the university’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives. This year’s award recipients were College of Health and Human Services Associate Professor Marina Barnett, who is also interim assistant provost for civic engagement, and College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor Bretton Alvare.
  
  Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-commends-faculty-2023-awards-event

Widener faculty recently took 20 students to New York City as part of the urban excursions grant program, which allows faculty to take students on daylong trips to a metropolitan area to allow for deeper engagement and hands-on experiences as they relate to course material. 

Led by YuFeng Mao, associate professor of history, Beatriz Urraca, chair of modern languages, and Stephen Madigosky, chair of environmental science and sustainability, students visited popular New York City stops such as the Natural History Museum, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, and Koreatown. The trip also coincided with the date of the 2023 New York City Marathon, where students were able to watch and cheer on runners. 

In addition to experiencing the iconic New York sites, students were also exposed to the diverse culinary culture of the city by trying Latin American food, Dim Sum, and Korean shaved ice and coffee. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-students-visit-new-york-city-urban-excursions-trip

Widener University’s Physics Department hosted members the Southeast Pennsylvania Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) on campus for their fall 2023 meeting. 

Organized by Assistant Professor of Physics Alice Du, the event was full of guest speakers and presentations covering topics such as student engagement, professional development for teachers, and hot topics in the physics industry. Martin Melhus, assistant professor of physics, presented “Numerical Integration of Trajectories at a Student Level.”

The AAPT hosted an additional event in collaboration with the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers in which Paul Baker, assistant professor of physics, shared work he completed as a member of the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) and the International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA). 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-hosts-aapt-members-fall-meeting-physics-faculty-share-research

Biomedical engineering students Marina Walsh, Benjamin Aon, Hatice Emanet, Cheyenne Miller and Chiamaka Oduah attended the SB3C 2023 Summer Bioengineering, Biomechanics and Biotransport Conference in Vail, Colorado to showcase their research focused on developing a pulse oximeter for nursing simulation mannequins to be used by Widener nursing students. The team, along with faculty advisor Ria Mazumder, interim chair of biomedical engineering and associate teaching professor, were one of six teams chosen to present their research at the conference's Undergraduate Design Project Competition in Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices. Their work earned third place in the national competition. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/biomedical-engineering-students-ranked-nationally-undergraduate-research-competition