Faculty, Staff & Student Accomplishments
Jimmy Wynes was named the Delaware Valley College Hockey Conference (DVCHC) American Division Offensive Player of the Year. The men’s DVCHC consists of twenty-four teams split into three divisions. Wynes, a junior finance major and economics minor, is a forward and has played on the Widener men’s ice hockey club team for the past three years.
Loyd Bastin, associate dean of science and professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been chosen as the first-ever recipient of the Teaching Green Fellowship by the Green Chemistry Institute at the American Chemical Society. Bastin will be honored at the upcoming 28th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering (GC&E) Conference.
This award recognizes innovation and creativity in the development of curriculum materials with green chemistry and sustainability topics as a focus, and that prepares students for future careers where they can address global challenges.
Throughout his time at Widener, Bastin strives to incorporate political advocacy and activism into his courses, specifically as it pertains to environmental topics. This award will help provide funding for Bastin and students working with him to assist in their work, as well as travel expenses to attend GC&E Conferences.
Nursing Associate Professor Banibrata Roy authored a research article in the journal Pharmacy Education to determine the leadership skills needed amongst pharmacists in different work settings and in different parts of the world. The article titled, "Results from a global pharmacy leadership needs assessment: Opportunities to advance pharmacy leadership," finds that skills should be carefully considered for career development and advancement while providing leadership training in pharmacy education.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/nursing-professor-publishes-research-article-pharmacy-leadership
Professor and Chair of Chemistry Shirley Fischer-Drowos has been elected to the executive board for the Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS), the second largest international conference of analytical chemists. With over 1000 attendees annually, the symposium features vendor exhibits and poster presentations covering the latest in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, forensics, and more.
Fischer-Drowos has served on the symposium board for a number of years in various roles. In her new executive board role as Secretary, she can continue to help organize and execute the symposium annually along with other board members and sponsoring organizations.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chemistry-faculty-named-executive-board-eastern-analytical-symposium
Zora Wolfe, associate dean of the College of Health & Human Services and interim director for the Center for Education, has published a chapter in "First-Gen Docs: Personal, Political, and Intellectual Perspectives from the First-Generation Doctoral Experience.” This newly release is the third volume in The Doctoral Journey in Education series of books.
Wolfe’s chapter, titled “Program Supports for First-Generation Education Doctoral Students: A Faculty Perspective,” gives her personal insight into working with first-generation doctoral students pursuing a degree in the field of education.
This book serves to highlight the determination and resilience of the first-generation doctoral student population.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-publishes-book-chapter-first-generation-doctoral-students
In a recent symposium held in Philadelphia, four law professors and a law alumna explored the right to a clean environment through the lenses of state and federal courts. The event, presented by the Journal of Constitutional Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, featured the following participants:
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/31334
Robert Buckley Jr. ’81, a School of Business Administration graduate, returned to the Chester campus to give a presentation on his role leading the I-95 rebuild. Buckley is president of Buckley & Company, Inc., the primary company that oversaw the record-setting rebuild of the collapsed interstate highway in the summer of 2023. Moderated by Engineering Dean Pamela McCauley, Buckley presented alongside Archie Filshill, CEO at Aero Aggregates of North America, whose company produced the ultra-lightweight aggregates that was used to fill the rebuild. The conversation recounted the hands-on contributions of Buckley & Company and the transformative power of collaboration between local industries and city, state, and federal government partners.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/robert-buckley-jr-81-presents-rebuilding-i-95-twelve-days-june
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.
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.
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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!”
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.
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