Pace University (NY) has become the new home for Inside the Actors Studio hosted by James Lipton, the Emmy-nominated, longest-running original series on Bravo. The program is seen in 79 million American homes and in 125 countries around the world.

Rediscovered Masterpiece

Eastern University (PA) has rediscovered a lost masterpiece—
an original music manuscript by one of the world’s greatest composers, Ludwig van Beethoven. The 80-page manuscript, known as the Great Fugue in B flat major, was discovered in the library of the university’s Palmer Theological Seminary and had never been seen by Beethoven scholars. The university was the site of another extraordinary musical discovery in 1990—the discovery of lost manuscripts by Mozart, Haydn, Strauss, Meyerbeer, and Spohr. The Beethoven manuscript and the other discovered manuscripts are all part of a collection presented to the Seminary in 1950 by Margaret Doane, daughter of industrialist and hymn-writer William Howard Doane.

Celebrating Achievements

Congratulations are due to students from seven CIC institutions who have been selected as Rhodes Scholars—Alexander Dewar of Wheaton College (MA), Scott Erwin of University of Richmond (VA), Xuan Trang Thi Ho of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Luke Norris of Gettysburg College (PA), Jeremy Robinson of Wabash College (IN) and Dominican University (IL), and Katharine Wilkinson of Sewanee: The University of the South (TN). The Rhodes scholarship allows for two to three years of study at the University of Oxford, England, and is the oldest international fellowship in the world. Scholars are selected based on excellent academic and personal qualities promising long-term service and success, and are among a group of 85 Scholars selected worldwide.

In another notable international fellowship award, Juniata College (PA) senior Steven Knepper has been selected to receive the 11th annual Davies-Jackson Scholarship, administered by CIC. The scholarship—awarded to first-generation college graduates—provides tuition and expenses for two years of study at St. John’s College of Cambridge University in England.

Congratulations also to CIC faculty member W. A. Hayden Schilling, the Robert Critchfield Professor of English History at The College of Wooster (OH), who was selected as the 2005 Outstanding Baccalaureate College Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. CIC supports the U.S. Professors of the Year program.

Graduates of eight CIC institutions have been selected as Jack Kent Cooke Scholars in the Graduate Scholarship program by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. They are Alissa Jones Nelson of Azusa Pacific University (CA), Rocky Chavez of Dominican University of California, Sarah Joy Jordahl of Marymount University (VA), Jasmina Tumbas of Maryville College (TN), Glenn Lacki of Oberlin College (OH), Lars Jan of Swarthmore College (PA), Lillian Azevedo-Grout of Sewanee: The University of the South (TN), and Suzanne Martin of Warren Wilson College (NC). Each Scholar receives up to $50,000 per year to attend graduate or professional programs.

St. John’s College (MD) tutor Eva Brann is one of 12 recipients of the 2005 National Humanities Medal. The medal, which honors outstanding work in the humanities, was awarded during a White House ceremony in 2005.

Pitzer College (CA) President Laura Skandera Trombley was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times for her ongoing research on Mark Twain. President Trombley, who has nearly 20 years of scholarly experience on Twain, is nearing completion of her third book on the author, Mark Twain’s Other Woman.

Drury University’s (MO) Students in Free Enterprise team won the University’s third U.S. national championship SIFE title. The nine students were featured on more than 250,000 Kellogg’s cereal boxes.

In other award news, two CIC institutions—Hamilton College (NY) and Mercyhurst College (PA)—were named 2005 Campus Technology Innovators by Campus Technology magazine. Hamilton College was chosen for its Multimedia Presentation Center, a state-of-the-art multimedia facility that gives students cutting-edge access to multimedia resources in coursework. Mercyhurst College was chosen for implementing new software to improve research collaboration and information sharing methods, which may have value for terrorism and homeland security initiatives.

Electronic Campus Getaways

A number of CIC institutions have launched innovative new online resources. Ashland University (OH) has created Ashland Universe (www.ashlanduniverse.com), a virtual campus experience accessible online by prospective students. The virtual campus experience features the actual campus as a three-dimensional, online model that allows individuals to explore the campus while interacting with each other, as well as with AU students and faculty. “Prospective students can enter the virtual campus much like they would a video game, and move around while communicating through online chat,” said the University’s vice president for enrollment management. AU aims for the virtual campus to give it a competitive edge in recruiting students—with particular usefulness in recruiting students from a distance.

Aquinas College (MI) has created “Heritage and Traditions” (www.aquinas.edu/heritage), a new web page on the Aquinas College website that makes the College’s history accessible to Aquinas alumni, incoming students, and the general public. The website features photos, audio clips, and a timeline of major events in the College’s history; and alumni can access links on the site to share their college memories with the college archivist. The site is organized decade by decade and includes not only major events but also interesting historical nuances and sidelights.

Additionally, several CIC institutions—Transylvania University (KY), Salem College (NC), Capital University (OH), Lewis University (IL), and Trinity Christian College (IL)—have been recognized by the National Research Center for College and University Admissions for having exceptional admissions websites. Measured according to an Enrollment Power Index—a study of more than 3,000 institutions’ websites based on criteria such as navigation, functionality, information quality, and design—these institutions’ websites were rated among the top ten and include such features as online visit-planning sheets, student blogs, majors A-Z, and a virtual campus tour.

Southwestern University (TX) President Jake Schrum (right) and students launched the Pirate Bike Program, a new transportation service that provides free bikes for the entire campus. Southwestern students, faculty, and staff can ride anytime, day or night, and leave the bikes outside their destination, unlocked and awaiting the next rider.

Creating Partnerships

Several CIC institutions have enhanced their academic effectiveness by collaborating with other colleges or organizations. Shenandoah University (VA) and Bethel University (MN) have created partnerships to enhance their science offerings. Shenandoah University is collaborating with George Washington University (DC) to teach the emerging field of pharmacogenomics—the study of how a person’s genetic makeup affects the body’s response to drugs. It is believed to be the first undergraduate program of its kind in the nation. Bethel University is working with the University of Minnesota to advance research in two emerging fields—the effect of laser pulses on bonded molecules and the study of polyoxometalates and nanotechnology—which together may provide Bethel with a leading role in understanding DNA, fighting viruses, and disarming chemical warfare agents.

Regis University (CO) is spearheading the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities, a new distance-learning consortium for small to mid-sized private institutions. The consortium aims to develop distance-learning education for its colleges and universities by allowing them to trade courses online. Students at any consortium institution may enroll in any online class offered by another consortium institution, but the institution where the student is formally enrolled collects the tuition and awards the credit. The consortium already has 39 members.

Saint Leo University (FL) has partnered with the local sheriff’s office to allow criminal justice majors the chance to solve cold murder cases. A class of 20 criminal justice majors will be examining three unsolved murder cases that occurred in rural Pasco County during the 1970s. Students will be given unprecedented access to the cases, including the complete case files and a chance to view physical evidence. The goal is to develop new investigative leads for the cases and to provide students with real-life case-cracking experience to complement their criminal justice studies at Saint Leo.

International Activities

Pacific Lutheran University (WA) has reached an international education milestone. The University has been cited as the first institution to offer study abroad simultaneously on seven continents, including an Antarctic literature and nature adventure titled, “Journey to the End of the Earth.” More than 370 PLU students participated in 25 study-abroad programs around the world during January 2006, coordinated by PLU’s Wang Center for International Programs. A real-time online journal chronicled the academic and cultural experiences of each group on each continent. It is available at http://studyaway.plu.edu.

Swarthmore College (PA) is approaching its first-year anniversary of producing a student-run news radio program on the Iraq war. Known as War News Radio, the show features a variety of topics ranging from human-centered stories on Iraqi filmmakers and Iraqi artists to factual examinations of Iraqi history, Iraqi elections, and Iraqi reconstruction efforts. The program aims to “fill the gaps in the media’s coverage” by airing new perspectives, both personal and historical, in a balanced and in-depth manner. It is broadcast weekly in streaming audio via Internet from www.warnewsradio.org.

Voorhees College (SC) has launched its first international student exchange program by sending six students to CEFET University in Brazil. Made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and the Ministry of Education in Brazil, Voorhees students will study at CEFET University each semester until 2008. This program is intended to be the first of many international programs at Voorhees. Saint Martin’s University (WA) has formed a new division of international education. The division—a consolidation of the university’s cultural and international exchange programs—will build stronger ties with foreign universities and lead to new opportunities for international student exchange at Saint Martin’s.

Earlham College (IN) is hosting an Israeli professor and a Palestinian professor at the same time on its campus, as part of an innovative “contested areas” pairing arranged through the Fulbright Scholar program. Earlham intends the arrangement to enrich the learning atmosphere on its campus, and Fulbright program administrators hope it will serve as a model for further “contested areas” pairings at other campuses.

Announcing New Programs

Numerous CIC institutions have expanded their academic offerings with new degree programs. Ohio Northern University has added a bachelor’s degree in nursing; Illinois Wesleyan University has added a Greek and Roman studies major; Benedictine University (IL) now offers a certificate in disaster management; Lenoir-Rhyne College (NC) has announced a conservation of natural resources major; College Misericordia (PA) has announced its first doctoral program in physical therapy; Mary Baldwin College (VA) has established a new undergraduate program in public history in collaboration with the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library; and Lewis University (IL) has announced two new aviation programs—a master’s degree in aviation and transportation and a new bachelor’s degree in aviation security.

Elmhurst College’s (IL) School for Advanced Learning has created the Elmhurst Life Skills Academy (ELSA), a four-year program that offers college-like educational experiences for high school graduates with significant learning, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. The ELSA program provides its students with opportunities to enhance skills, explore job possibilities, participate in campus activities, and enjoy their young-adult years, with a long-term goal of providing a pathway to independence and productive living.

Two CIC institutions have launched innovative business development programs. University of Evansville (IN) has announced a new business ventures competition for its students. The competition—which provides start-up funding and business connections, as well as incentives for locating the winning business in the Evansville area—is expected to generate local economic growth by recruiting new business talent and encouraging businesses to operate near the University. Cedarville University (OH) launched the Business Incubator, a program that helps Cedarville undergraduates start their own business while enrolled at the university. The Business Incubator will locate start-up businesses on Cedarville’s campus in their initial years and provides operational and faculty resources, in hopes that the students will continue to run those businesses after graduation.

Lesley University (MA) President Margaret McKenna, along with two Lesley students, threw out the first pitch for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park last September. McKenna celebrates her 20th year as president of Lesley University.

Campaign Success

Several CIC institutions successfully reached the financial goals of their current campaigns. Allegheny College (PA) completed its $100 million capital campaign, Tradition & Transformation: Making a Difference, the largest fundraising effort in the College’s history. The campaign resulted in extensive campus renovations and financial support for students, programs, and research. McKendree College (IL) completed its five-year capital campaign, Heritage, Heart, and Hope: The Campaign for McKendree College, by raising more than $27 million for expanded facilities, increased endowment, additional scholarships, technology upgrades, and other institutional improvements. And Davis & Elkins College (WV) completed its five-year Centennial Campaign during which it raised more than $25 million—the largest and most successful fundraising effort in the College’s 100-year history. Campaign funds have been used for endowment, scholarships, faculty enrichment, and facility improvements.

Announcing Gifts and Grants

Three CIC institutions have announced record-breaking gifts—the largest in their respective histories. Albright College (PA) received a $4.75 million gift from Margaret Schumo. It will be used to create the Schumo Center for Fitness and Well-Being, a 22,000-square-foot facility complete with weight/cardiovascular rooms, nutrition classrooms, and other fitness-oriented spaces. Tri-State University (IN) received a $3 million gift from former Tri-State first lady Maxine Bateman Kolb that will be invested in the campus and student programs and services. And Brenau University (GA) received a $2 million gift from an anonymous donor, which will be used to support the construction of a new School of Health and Science building.

Other CIC institutions have received impressive grants and gifts. Westminster College (UT) received a $10 million gift from John and Ginger Giovale to help build a 60,000-square-foot science center and endow a professorship in science. Marietta College (OH) received a $10 million combined gift from alumni Laura Baudo Sillerman and Robert Dyson to fund a new Learning and Library Resource Center. The Center—to be completed by fall 2008—will be a three-story, 62,000-square-foot facility with a teaching center, reference and library collections, student study and performance spaces, classrooms, and a café. Greensboro College (NC) received a $4 million challenge grant from an anonymous donor, which will support the theater program with enhanced performance opportunities, technical and classroom space, better costuming, and guest artists and faculty. And Hendrix College (AR) received a $1.25 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The funds will be used over the next five years to continue biomedical research that could improve treatment of cancer and chronic pain.

Building New Facilities

University of Indianapolis (IN) completed a $12 million expansion and renovation of Esch Hall, the university’s main academic and administrative building. The facility now includes an additional 50,000 square feet, a two-story atrium entrance, an impressive glass sculpture of the University seal, and new state-of-the-art studios for the campus radio station. Lakeland College (WI) opened the Moose and Dona Woltzen Gymnasium, honoring Duane “Moose” Woltzen, one of Wisconsin’s most successful college basketball coaches. The gym is part of the $6.4 million expansion of the College’s athletic center, which includes a 4,400-square-foot fitness center, several new locker rooms, a classroom, and a multi-purpose room. Wesley College (DE) has built a new luxury “wellness” residence hall on its campus. The building includes spacious apartment-style rooms with plush carpeting, private bathrooms, kitchens, refrigerators, and air conditioning. In order to live there, student residents must sign a contract agreeing not to smoke or drink, or engage in behaviors that detract from the “wellness” atmosphere. And Rhodes College (TN) unveiled the $42 million Paul Barret, Jr. Library, the College’s new hub for learning. At the heart of the Rhodes campus, the library features collegiate gothic architecture, wireless Internet, a teaching and learning center, a theater, a media center, a cyber café, and modern collaborative study spaces.

Charleston Southern University (SC) has a newly opened science building. The $13 million facility, built in the center of campus alongside a reflecting pond, features 54,000 square feet of research and teaching laboratories, classrooms, faculty offices, and current technology.

Changes in Status

Georgetown College (KY) announced a revised relationship with the Kentucky Baptist Convention (KBC), one of the College’s historic partners. Formerly, the Baptist Convention held control over trustee appointments in return for providing financial support to the College. Under the new plan, the College will have independent control over the appointment of its trustees and KBC’s approximately $1.3 million annual funding will be phased out over a four-year period. KBC and Georgetown both view the new relationship as an enhancement that will better serve Georgetown. This arrangement, the first of its kind, may lead to others like it, and could prevent abrupt college-church rifts.

Anderson University (SC) and Ohio Valley University recently changed their status from college to university.

Project Pericles Progress

Widener University (PA) hosted the first meeting for program directors of Project Pericles in October. Participants explored ways to reinforce and honor the mission of Project Pericles, shared descriptions of innovative program ideas, and discussed ideas for evaluating the impact and effectiveness of Periclean programs.