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Ancilla College News - Current Events Dr. Ken Crane, Associate Professor of Sociology and Division of History, Behavioral Science, and History Chair, served as the keynote speaker for the event. Ninety of the 119 applicants for graduation attended the ceremony, including mother and daughter Debbie and Amber Fletcher of Knox, who were announced together as they received their degrees. A reception organized by the Ancilla Alumni Association followed, as Ancilla faculty, staff, students, and their families gathered in Cana Hall for fellowship and refreshments. “Commencement is an annual event that we as academics look forward to,” said Dr. Ron May, Ancilla College President. “It is an affirmation of what we work towards in our careers in helping students grow and develop. For our graduates, it’s a time in which they are either prepared to go into the world of work or on to their further degree work. We congratulate our graduates and wish them well.”Ancilla Student Honored by Phi Theta Kappa The ceremony, held on April 23 in Indianapolis, honored 28 students representing five different institutions that offer two-year degrees. “I think it’s a great honor, the fact that there’s only 28 chosen,” said Kristin Korcha, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor at Ancilla College. “It’s a testimonial to Krista’s academic and personal achievements at Ancilla College.” Contestants are scored in three categories: academic recognition, honors and awards; activities and leadership, community service and work experience; and a student essay. Everdon’s credentials include serving as President of the Ancilla College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, serving as a writing and humanities tutor, and earning Dean’s List honors. By virtue of her selection, the honor also places her in the running for the All-USA Academic Team. “Krista was one of the few traditional students who took the award,” said Dr. Joanna Blount, Dean of Academic and Student Services. “I was really surprised by how many non-traditional students – often times older adults – were honored. Krista not only maintained a high GPA, but she completed several service learning projects during that time.” Finalists are selected from a list of nominated students. Though the event is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, it is not required for a student to belong to Phi Theta Kappa to earn a nomination. “I was Krista’s advisor, so I knew very well what potential she had,” said Korcha. “She’s come a long way in developing her leadership abilities. It shows how committed she’s been to the College. Not only did she step in when the presidency became available in the fall semester, she’s worked to include more service opportunities for all students at Ancilla.” Everdon was accompanied to the ceremony by Korcha, Blount, and her mother, Linda Everdon. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territories, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. To be eligible for membership a student must complete a minimum of twelve hours of associate degree course work and generally earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Students must maintain a high academic standing throughout their enrollment in the two-year college, generally a 3.25 GPA.Ancilla College Holds Counselor Appreciation Luncheon Sponsored by the Ancilla College Admissions Department, the luncheon brought together over 20 local counselors to the Donaldson-based campus. Those in attendance were greeted by guest speaker Patty Shutt, Director of the Office of Career and Technical Education at the Indiana Department of Education. The luncheon focused a great deal on the changes being made by the state in regards to the Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma, and also featured a question-and-answer session after the presentation. Other guest speakers included Dr. Ron May, President of Ancilla College, and Erin Alonzo, Director of Admissions. “We want to do something for the counselors because of all they do for the students,” said Sarah Lawrence, Assistant Director of Admissions. “I think it’s also a good way to bring the counselors here so they can get a better idea of what Ancilla College has to offer and get a better feel for our campus.” Ancilla College Celebrates Earth Day The celebration, which was organized in great part by Rev. Dr. Sam Boys, Director of Campus Ministry at Ancilla College, helped mark the 38th anniversary of the original Earth Day, held in 1970. Those in attendance were treated to a portion of the National Geographic film “How Six Degrees Can Change the World” and were also able to listen to a panel discuss the importance of Earth Day and the impact individuals can have on the environment. The panel was comprised of a mix of employees from the College, Ministry Center, and Catherine Kasper Home, as well as Ancilla College students. Those present were also able to sign the Sky Petitiion, a petition aimed at U.S. Congress demanding they cap greenhouse gas emissions and stop global warming by implementing a number of protective measures. “Earth Day has been celebrated across the world for 30 years,” said Dr. Joanna Blount, Dean of Academic and Student Services. “The earth is finite and cannot continue to support our current lifestyles. It was gratifying to see such participation at the Earth Day celebration. This indicates to me that a number of people are interested and concerned about the fate of Earth, this planet we call home. “I was pleased to see the panel of students, staff and faculty address the interconnectedness of the earth and ourselves. Too often, we forget that what we do has far-reaching implications of others, including the planet. This is such a critical issue for our students and all future and current generations who will inherit the earth and all the issues that come with such stewardship.” Boys wholeheartedly agreed with her sentiments. “To me, it’s important to realize the sacredness of all life and interconnectivity of all life,” said Boys. “We are all one; we all share the same breath. That’s the deepest form of spirituality I know.” Ancilla College President to Attend Papal Visit “For me, it is a tremendous honor to participate in such an event,” said Dr. May. “I am excited about the opportunity to be in His presence and receiving His guidance.” The Pope’s planned visit has been well-publicized, and there has been a great deal of speculation as to what matters He plans to address during the visit. Though some have suggested that the Pope is coming to deliver a “stern” message to the leadership of Catholic higher education in America, Dr. May stated that he, along with many of his colleagues, believe “the Pope will acknowledge the contributions that Catholic education on all levels has made to the vigor of the Catholic Church in the United States.” “Ancilla College, since 1937, has been a Catholic college passionate about its outreach and accessibility,” said Dr. May. “As we state in our mission statement, ‘The College’s religious tradition is Roman Catholic; its climate ecumenical. In a caring environment, Ancilla serves a diverse population, as we transform and empower students to achieve high academic goals, lifelong learning, successful careers and values-centered lives.’ That mission is compatible with the message I believe Pope Benedict XVI will share with the leadership of Catholic education on April 16.” Dr. May also anticipates that the Pope will call on Catholic colleges to promote the compatibility of faith and reason and strengthen their Catholic identity and mission. He will share more about the event when he returns. South Bend Symphony Woodwind Quartet Will Perform Live The performance, which was coordinated by Ancilla College music instructor Clara Woolley, will be held in the Gerald J. Ball Library at 1 p.m. “Every year the South Bend Symphony Woodwind Quintet share their music with captivated audiences in schools, libraries, civic organizations and other venues across Michiana,” said Jason Gresl of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. “Formed by the top professionals in the orchestra, the Quintet blends interesting music with entertaining conversation about the pieces, composers, and other musical topics. The program will appeal to the classical music novice as well as the seasoned listener. This concert provides a unique opportunity to experience high quality chamber music up close and ‘in your own backyard!’” Ancilla College Partners with ‘Read to Me’ Program From now until May 3rd, the College will be collecting new or “gently used” books to be donated to incarcerated parents. “Read to Me” is spearheaded by 1983 Ancilla grad Marie Albertson. It was designed for offenders who have been separated from their children through imprisonment. The parent is videotaped reading the book, and then the book and video are sent to the child, helping parent and child maintain essential contact and bonding during the separation. “The program I designed was for the offenders, both men and women, in the prisons around the state,” said Albertson. “At the Indiana Women’s Prison, we video taped the mother reading and then sent the video to the child. This was very successful. On one of the survey sheets an incarcerated mother wrote that when the grandmother played the video, the child would hug the TV.” Albertson has been employed in the Library Development office of the Indiana State Library. The idea to start up “Read to Me” was brought to her by a supervisor, who had heard of a similar program in another state. “It did not take much encouragement for me to initiate the program to the libraries I was working with in the prison system,” said Albertson. “I was familiar with the librarians in the institutions, so I encouraged them to work with me to get the program off the ground.” Those seeking more information on the collection can contact Sr. Carleen Wrasman, Coordinator of Mission Integration, at (574) 936-8898 Ext. 361.George Schricker Will Perform Live at Ancilla College Schricker’s performance, “Capturing the Air”, will be held in the Gerald J. Ball Library at 1 p.m. The performance, which focuses on instructing early childhood students, will include original songs, poems, and stories by Schricker himself. Admission is free. Schricker has been performing since 1982 and is cofounder of Heart/Mind Productions, along with his wife, Michelle. He is a native of Plymouth and has made hundreds of appearances, including those at the Lilly Theatre at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the Juan De Fuca Festival For the Arts in Port Angeles, WA, and the Meramac Writing Festival in St. Louis, MO. Ancilla College Holds Class Olympics Some of the activities available included an inflatable obstacle course, sumo wrestling, and jousting. In the photo, Dr. Ron May, President of Ancilla College, is shown competing against Whitney Ottow, Vice President of the Student Government Association and a resident of Plymouth.Phi Theta Kappa Inducts 21 Ancilla Students April 1, 2008 Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges, has inducted 21 new members from Ancilla College for the spring semester. Those who were inducted on March 2 include: Jenessa Anderson; Cheryl Barney; Jamie Benedict; Sandra Benesh; Mishelle Bergeron; Rebecca Blystone; Jennifer Brittin; Tanner Brooks; Lisa Brzozowski; Debra Friar; Lea Jernstrom; Trisha Kimmey; Alicia Long; Shelly Longson; Susan McCarty; Alyssa Milo; Ashley Newman; Erin O’Reilly; Jennifer Stearns; Ryan Stotler; and Andrew Warnke. “The induction of so many new members into the Beta Beta Beta chapter during the 2007-2008 academic year attests to the campus spirit of community, fellowship, leadership, and service that supports the mission and vision of Ancilla College as well as supports the international Phi Theta Kappa honors organization hallmarks,” said Kristin Korcha, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor. “I have been so honored and excited to work as advisor with so many talented students.” Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territories, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. To be eligible for membership a student must complete a minimum of twelve hours of associate degree course work and generally earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Students must maintain a high academic standing throughout their enrollment in the two-year college, generally a 3.25 GPA.Ancilla’s Reese, Liverance Honored by Peers April 1, 2008 CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI – Gene Reese, Athletic Director at Ancilla College, and Dave Liverance, Assistant Athletic Director and Women’s Basketball Coach, were presented with the National Junior College Real Sport Award during the NJCAA Region 12 athletic director’s meeting. Described as a “special, rarely-given award”, the Real Sport Award honors those who go beyond competition to give back to the game or the student-athletes participating. The duo was nominated by representatives of Lake Michigan College. On January 12, Lake Michigan’s women’s basketball team traveled to Plymouth to play Ancilla, but had forgotten to bring their away uniforms. Instead of accepting a victory by forfeit, Liverance offered the Lake Michigan players Ancilla’s away uniforms, and the game went on as scheduled. Lake Michigan ended up winning the contest 66-56. “I’m very humbled by the fact we were nominated for this,” said Liverance. “Where I come from, you don’t do good to get attention. You do good because it’s the right thing to do.” Reese was also very honored by the nomination. “This was an unexpected honor,” said Reese. “In the course of our normal jobs, we helped one of our fellow conference schools when they were in need. Dave and I believe in the mission of Ancilla College and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ to help others in need.”
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Sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
The Ancilla College Student Government Association hosted “Class Olympics” on Thursday at the LifePlex in Plymouth, IN.