Noteworthy

Karol M. Wasylyshyn, former vice chair of the board of trustees who served as an adjunct faculty member in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, was named the winner of the 2022 Elliott Jaques Memorial Publication Award presented by the Consulting Psychology Journal editorial review board. The award recognizes published articles that put an emphasis on applying the discipline of psychology to solve significant issues faced by contemporary organizations. Wasylyshyn was recognized for her publication "The "Art" of Executive Coaching at the Top: Using Clients' Self-Imagery as a Tool for High Impact."

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/clinical-psychology-adjunct-honored-consulting-psychology-journal-editorial-review-board

A collaborative paper featuring Professor of Biology David Coughlin and student Emma Wilcock has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The paper features authors from across the globe, including Coughlin and Wilcock. 

The paper, “Metabolic reprogramming underlies cavefish muscular endurance despite loss of muscle mass and contractility,” discusses research done to analyze the skeletal muscle physiology of the Mexican cavefish. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/biology-faculty-and-student-featured-authors-published-paper

Affiliate librarian and assistant archivist Kayla Van Osten has published an article with the Pennsylvania Library Association’s College & Research Division. The article, “Librarian-Student Connections,” discusses student interactions in the library setting. Particularly, interactions between students and librarians during information literacy sessions and other library-hosted classes. She shares how reframing her thinking around a particular interaction with a student can improve the quality of future interactions for both students and library staff. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/library-faculty-writes-about-librarian-student-interactions-pa-library-association

Robin Dole, dean of the College of Health & Human Services and professor of physical therapy, was presented with the 2022 Stanford Award by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Academy of Education. The award was created by Katherine Shepard, PT, PhD, FAPTA, in honor of her former faculty colleagues at Stanford University, to recognize the author(s) of a manuscript containing the most influential educational ideas published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education for the calendar year. Dean Dole, who also serves as the chief delegate for APTA PA, is recognized for her contributions as an author on the paper "Competency-Based Education in Physical Therapy: Developing a Framework for Education." 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/robin-dole-wins-stanford-award-apta-academy-education

Widener University has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction, a resource widely used by students and families when making their college decisions. Widener has been recognized nationally as a 2022-2023 College of Distinction, as well as at the state level as a Pennsylvania College of Distinction. 

In addition, Widener has also received specialized endorsements and recognition in the following areas:
•    Undergraduate business programs
•    Undergraduate engineering programs
•    Undergraduate education programs
•    Undergraduate nursing programs
•    Exceptional student support initiatives in career development
•    Institutional commitment to equity and inclusion
•    Exceptional initiatives directed toward active-duty and veteran students

The Colleges of Distinction selection process is comprised of in-depth research and detailed interviews. Schools that demonstrate excellence in the areas of student engagement, teaching, proving successful outcomes, and having a vibrant community are given the title of College of Distinction.

“We are proud to have received this honor and the accolades that accompany it,” said Andy Workman, provost of Widener University. “We are committed to giving our students the best experience possible to prepare them for the future. Having achieved this recognition is further proof of our commitment to past, present, and future generations of Widener students.”

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Professor Yvonne Antonucci recently attended the Hawai’i International Conference on System Sciences to present research that she has conducted in collaboration with Salisbury University. 

Antonucci represented her collaborators at the conference, presenting their work entitled “Engaging Business Students with ‘Low-Code’ Model Driven Development: Self-Efficacy Beliefs in an Introductory MID Course.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/business-faculty-presents-collaborative-research-international-conference

By: Riya Sembhi '25 secondary education, English

Chemical engineering student Brian Hoffman ‘23 recently presented his research at the Middle States Commission on Higher Education 2022 Annual Conference in Philadelphia where higher education faculty, administrators, and educators observed a wide array of student research projects.

Conducting this research as part of Widener’s Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program, his work entitled, “Porous Carbon from Non-Recyclable Plastic Wastes,” aims to reduce Styrofoam waste through burning and converting Styrofoam into carbon-based materials that can then be repurposed for water and air filters, catalysts, and more. Brian appreciated the chance to share his research with a receptive audience that had a diverse range of occupational backgrounds. 

Having been engaged in this research since Junior year, Brian aims to continue this work as his Senior project. Now in the 4+1 Program at Widener, he hopes to maintain the research with similar projects. He thanks Dr. Dipendu Saha for his guidance and mentorship, for the opportunity to be involved with the research, and his continuous support today. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chemical-engineering-student-presents-his-research-middle-states-annual-conference

The Chester Community Clinic received $115,000 in congressionally directed federal funds to support its delivery of pro bono services for uninsured and underinsured residents. The student-run clinic is a critical community resource and a unique place for our graduate health science students in the College of Health & Human Services to lead, learn, collaborate, and grow through hands-on service experiences. Secured by U.S. Senator Bob Casey as part of the FY23 federal spending bill, the funding will support upgrades for equipment to advance the clinic, which has provided more than 14,000 client visits since 2009 and has saved community members more than $1 million in healthcare costs. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chester-community-clinic-receives-115000-support-pro-bono-services

Dear Pride Community,
 
Understanding our history is critical for understanding ourselves. In coming together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we remind ourselves of the sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for our own opportunities. We also recognize the work yet to be done.
 
Dr. King was an exceptional leader whose faith in nonviolence and love guided his work as a civil rights activist. He modeled this philosophy through his own willingness to risk assault, arrest, abuse, humiliation, and even death.
 
Though Dr. King’s leadership in the 1950s and 1960s was a highwater mark for racial justice, it is important for us to understand that he followed a long history of civil rights activism in the United States. Thousands of men and women, mostly Black, challenged the pervasive racism that ensured their second-class citizenship.
 
During his lifetime of activism, Dr. King spoke about the Beloved Community as a space in which everyone is cared for; a community of inclusion and affirmation where its members could come together to learn from each other, address concerns, and solve problems. The Beloved Community reflects personal authenticity, true respect, appreciation, and validation of others. The spirit of the Beloved Community can be found in Belonging.  We continue to enhance our community by advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). 
 
On this day of remembrance, we encourage our entire community to come together in a spirit of belonging, hope, love, and justice for all. Let us reflect upon the footpath of Dr. King as we take our next steps to a better Widener and a better world – because we are in it!
 
Small actions can have tremendous impact. There are so many options for becoming a change agent! Reach out to a fellow member of the Pride and offer support. Lean into your commitment to belonging by becoming an ally to others. Speak up with courage and compassion when you witness injustice. Offer your time or resources to causes that speak to your heart. Vote! Become involved in Chester through volunteerism. Educate yourself on the history of racism and civil rights. We recommend Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson. Walk in a march for social justice and become a visible part of the civil rights movement. Help us work for an equitable, safe, and loving society for all, in the spirit of Dr. King. 
 
If you are in need of support, reach out to a member of our community. You are not alone.
 
With warmth and Widener Pride, 
 
Dr. Stacey Robertson, President
Ms. Micki Davis, Chief Diversity Officer
 

A collaborative research project between associate professor Babatunde Odusami and Omokolade Akinsomi from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa has been chosen to receive funding from The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program. This grant funds partnership projects between African-born scholars and higher education institutions in Africa. 

Odusami and Akinsomi’s project, entitled “Development of Pan African Real Estate Database and Co-Curriculum Development and Mentorship in Machine Learning Competencies for Real Estate Research,” will work to develop real estate knowledge and research capacities in Africa. 

Odusami will spend a month during the summer of 2023 in Africa working with Akinsomi and graduate students at the University of Witwatersrand. The two researchers will also be presenting another joint project at the American Real Estate Society Conference in March 2023. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/business-professor-receives-funding-collaboration-south-african-university

Widener University is proud to share outstanding news about the accomplishments of our May 2022 graduates in the six months since they earned their undergraduate degrees. Each year, the university surveys our graduates and reports the data to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The 2022 highlights include:

•    Graduates who achieved a positive career outcome, which includes direct employment, graduate education or military service, was 96 percent, up from 95 percent with May 2021 graduates.
•    Their mean starting salary was $70,987, up from $59,285 with May 2021 graduates.
•    Their median starting salary was $72,800, up from $60,320 with May 2021 graduates.

Widener students have moved on to exciting careers at a wide variety of workplaces, big and small. Some of the most recognizable employer names included Bristol Myers Squibb, the Department of Defense, Duke University Health System, Lockheed Martin, Merck, Mitsubishi, Vanguard and W.L. Gore & Associates.

Seventy graduates chose to stay with Widener and pursue a graduate degree from the university, while two dozen others have ventured to other institutions, including Boston College, George Washington University, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, and more.
 

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Dear Widener Community,

Welcome back for the start of the spring semester!

January is a time of fresh starts, new hope, and endless possibilities. There is a singular energy that comes with new beginnings. My hope for this semester is that we all boldly pursue opportunities for academic and personal growth while further connecting with one another.

Being a member of the Widener community is such a privilege. There are countless opportunities for us to come together as we learn and grow. This week in Harrisburg, a three-part symposium examining veterans courts from a statewide and national perspective kicks off. Students will be welcome to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with practicing attorneys who visit the campus to attend this special event. In Delaware, students with the Widener Law Review will sponsor a symposium in March that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. And in Chester, the President’s Lecture Series begins this month, offering conversations on a myriad of topics. 

Even as we take advantage of the opportunities around us, it is important that we also remember to practice self-care. Prioritizing your well-being is essential to a successful and fulfilling Widener experience, and belonging to this community means help is available should you need it. Take time to enjoy the outdoors, as even a five-minute walk can lift our spirits and reenergize us. And let’s remember to offer steadfast support with open hearts to one another.

I hope to see you soon!

With Warmth and Widener Pride,

Stacey

By: Zora DeSeignora '23 Spanish and communications

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge has named Widener to its 2022 list of Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting. The list recognizes colleges and universities that are making intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and college student voting. Universities must meet a set criterion such as submitting democratic action engagement plans. Widener was among 394 institutions nationally to achieve this recognition, and one of just 37 in Pennsylvania. 

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The first Humanities mini-camp was held by the Humanities Division of the College of Arts and Sciences. The camp was led by Widener English and History students and explored the intellectual and artistic history of the Harlem Renaissance.

The event was the culmination of work by faculty and students, both past and present, to bring prospective students and members of the community to campus to learn about topics in the humanities. Attendees at the event included area high schoolers and community members.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/humanities-hosts-mini-camp-examining-harlem-renaissance

By Matthew Sullivan '22 communications studies

Widener University’s FreshBaked Theatre Company performed their first show since 2019, a fresh adaptation of Little Mermaid that places the act of storytelling on center stage, written by award winning playwright Mike Kenny. Audiences gained admission to the hour-long show and post-show discussion by freewill donations, with all proceeds benefitting Chester community programs. 

FreshBaked Theatre Company is part of the university’s community service mission. They present inventive drama for schools and families in the greater Chester community. Little Mermaid is produced by arrangement with New Plays for Young Audiences. 

Featured student cast members Anna Greydanus, Maura O’Brien, McKenna Stine, and Leo-Paul Wahl were led by director of FreshBaked Theatre Company Lisa Cocchiarale. Performances of the show occurred on November 5th, 9th, 11th, and 12th.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/students-wideners-freshbaked-theatre-company-perform-little-mermaid

By Matthew Sullivan '22 communications studies

Members of Widener and the surrounding communities attended America 250 PA Delco’s Revolutionary Reads event, hosted by Widener University at the Kapelski Learning Center on November 6th, where visiting author Serena Zabin discussed her book The Boston Massacre: A Family History. The event consisted of a discussion of the book between Serena Zabin and Widener President Stacey Robertson, a question-and-answer session with the audience, and concluded with a reception and book signing. 

Revolutionary Reads is an annual, year-long reading event happening through 2026, where the America 250 PA Delco committee selects a book about the history of the United States of America for the Delaware County community to read. Each book that is chosen by the committee commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with the mission to “ignite imaginations, elevate diverse stories, inspire service, and highlight the American founding and 250 years of American history through Delco’s unique lens.” 

Serena Zabin is a professor of history and director of the American studies program at Carleton College. Her book, The Boston Massacre: A Family History, explores the Boston Massacre through stories of political and personal conflicts between the soldiers, colonists, and their families during the revolutionary war.

America 250 PA Delco partnered with Widener University led by Dr. Jordan B. Smith, assistant professor of history, and the Delaware County Library System to present the Revolutionary Reads Community Read visiting author at Widener University. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-university-hosts-author-serena-zabin-revolutionary-reads-event

Cathleen Evans, associate professor of nursing, has been awarded the COVID-19 Pandemic Civilian Service Medal for exemplary service to the nation as part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) during the federal medical response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Evans, an expert in emergency and disaster care and education, serves as a member of an NDMS Disaster Medical Assistance Team which deploys emergency medical, logistical, and command and control personnel in response to public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, and natural disasters, such as a hurricanes, tornados, or wildfires. Evans and her NDMS colleagues served as a lifeline to hospitals and long-term care facilities across the country by providing temporary relief to staff, adding bed capacity, and improving outcomes for COVID-19 patients.
 
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-professor-awarded-service-medal-covid-19-response

Students and faculty from the Center for Social Work Education participated in the 2022 Walk Against Hate on October 23, 2022 hosted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as the WU Widener Team. In addition to the walk, students also engaged in advocacy, educational, and fundraising activities including staffing a table which provided bracelet making, coloring pages, positive affirmation activities, and more for community attendees. 

The Walk Against Hate is an annual event to bring communities together in solidarity against antisemitism, bigotry, and all forms of hate. 

Student participants Oli Zimmerman '26, Abigail Bustraan '26, Shaneka Atkins '24, Sarah Coupland '24, Madison McElwee '24, Jessica Mereshensky '24, Mykirah Russel- Hopson '24, Nicole Scharfetter '24, and Younger Zinnah '24 were led by Director for the Center of Social Work Jennifer Cullen associate professor Robin Goldberg-Glenn. 

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By Matthew Sullivan '22 communication studies

Widener University is pleased to announce that new Board of Trustees member Tim Speiss, a past president of Widener’s Alumni Association, attended his first board meeting Oct. 20. 

Speiss is a prominent New York-based personal wealth advisor and tax partner with extensive experience in providing services to senior executives and other distinguished clients. He has been an active alumnus who has devoted significant time and resources to the university.

“I am excited to welcome Tim Speiss to the Widener University Board of Trustees,” Widener President Stacey Robertson said. “Tim brings immense talent and valuable business experience along with a relentless commitment to Widener’s success. All of this will help make our board more effective. Tim’s enthusiasm for the university is inspiring and contagious. I can’t wait to begin working with him as a trustee.”

Speiss earned a bachelor of business accounting degree from Widener in 1983 and a master's degree in taxation in 1989. He is a tax partner for EisnerAmper LLP, where he works in the Private Clients Services Group and chairs the firm’s Asia Practice. His work is concentrated in tax planning, investment, compensation, and financial planning services. Speiss also earned a certificate in financial management from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and is a certified public accountant in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Houzhou, China.

Speiss has extensive board experience supporting nonprofit business, education and arts organizations. In addition, he serves on the university’s School of Business Administration Dean’s Advisory Council, which he helped establish and has chaired, and the Accounting and Information Management Advisory Board. He is a decorated alumnus having been honored with the 2009 John C. Sevier Award, the 2003 Distinguished Performance in Management Award and the 2001 Outstanding Alumnus Award. He has given generously to the university for three decades, including by establishing the Timothy Speiss Endowed Fund for the Promotion of Global Business. 

The Board of Trustees appointment is a three-year term that took effect in May. 

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Associate Professor of Chemistry Andrea Martin has been recognized with the Fitz Dixon Innovation in Teaching Award, announced at the 2022 faculty awards program. 

The award recognizes faculty members, either individually or in teams, who have designed, implemented, and assessed an innovative or experimental teaching and learning project. 

Martin has a deep commitment to innovative, inclusive, and continuously renewed teaching of undergraduate chemistry.  This includes in-class structured group activities and frequent low-stakes assignments that are designed to build content knowledge and process skills simultaneously. She uses “Math Minute” videos to address deficiencies in the algebra needed for success in chemistry, and a flipped classroom model that involves making lecture material online and using the class period for problem solving. Martin uses applied process-oriented guided inquiry learning to include all students in active-learning group problem-solving, where students take turns with different roles of manager, recorder, reporter, and reflector – to explore chemistry problems as a team. 

Martin helped create Widener’s Peer Learning Assistant Program to support class goals and offer feedback on class activities. These exemplary, innovative, and impactful multi-faceted teaching projects advance the Widener mission to provide active and inclusive learning experiences for all students.

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