Family Weekend 2018 is set for October 5-7. A great time for the whole family, Family Weekend includes the Bette A. Mammone ’78 Memorial Academy, lawn games, music, Octagon Fair, athletics events, and more! The schedule for the weekend is available online.
First Bette A. Mammone ’78 Memorial Academy on Oct. 5
First Bette A. Mammone ’78 Memorial Academy on Oct. 5
Join us October 5, at 4:00 p.m. in Peterson Chapel, for the inaugural Bette A. Mammone ’78 Memorial Academy. This year’s honoree and speaker is Steve Glick ’78, chairman of Gipper Media, Inc., and the former senior vice president, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary of Public Storage, an S&P 500 company and the second largest real estate company in the United States.
Dr. Locke Memorial Service August 23
Dr. Locke Memorial Service August 23
The memorial service for Dr. Margaret Locke is Thursday, August 23, at 1:00 p.m. in Peterson Chapel. Alumni, friends, and the campus community are invited to attend and are asked to RSVP to Mary Barrett at mbarrett@elmira.edu. A reception will follow the memorial service. [Read More]
Dr. Locke began her tenure at Elmira College in 1959 and retired as the Director of Elmira College’s Physical Education Department after 30 years and teaching more than fifty courses during her tenure. The campus swimming pool in Emerson Hall was named in her honor, as was the Locke Office in Meier Hall.
Today, Dr. Locke’s legacy continues with two awards in her name: the Margaret Locke Community Service Prize and the Margaret Locke Citizenship Award. Barbara Linenthal ’75 and other friends established the community service award, an endowed prize, which is presented during the annual Academic Honors and Student Recognition Ceremony. The second award, focused on citizenship, is presented during the annual Athletics awards ceremony.
Those planning to attend the August 23 service and reception are asked to RSVP to Mary Barrett at mbarrett@elmira.edu.
Two Elmira College art alums teamed up to win 3rd Place at the 11th Annual Elmira Street Painting Festival the weekend of July 7. Angela Niforatos '10 and Amanda Baroody '02 endured a very warm three days of drawing on their knees to create the colorful chalk drawing titled "Shiny Bug."
They collaborated on choosing the subject matter and eye-catching bright colors as well as completing the drawing on the pavement. Both women have established careers as art educators in Elmira. Amanda inspires art students at Holy Family Catholic Schools and Angela shares her love of art with her students at the Thomas K. Beecher Elementary School.
For more information on the Elmira Street Painting Festival, please visit http://elmirastreetpaintingfestival.org/.
Dr. Brad Hover ’07 describes himself as curious, inquisitive, and ambitious, which he feels has always compelled him to “understand the unknowns and mysteries of the world around us.” Brad’s fascination with biology and chemistry started in middle school during a research project about local groundwater contamination and the effect on freshwater fauna. His curiosity continued through high school with a job with IBM developing electroless plating methods. His passion for learning, combined with small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios, led Brad to eventually study biochemistry at Elmira College.
While at Elmira College, Brad worked closely with his advisor, Dr. Pierre-Yves Bouthyette, on projects designed to engineer crops with increased yields, even in nutrient-deficient environments. Brad’s research at Elmira helped develop his analytical skills which he now relies on to rationalize and solve even the most difficult problems. He also cites fond memories with the faculty at EC including Drs. Christine Bezotte, Lynn Gillie, Larry Stephens, and Dale Powers. Brad would go on to graduate summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
Outside of his academic research, Brad was involved with many on-campus clubs and organizations. Brad led the Pre-Health club, Tri-Beta, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. He was also a member of Circle K, the Environmental Club, and was a tutor at the library. Brad also served as a resident assistant for three years, as well as an orientation leader.
After graduating from Elmira College, Brad began his graduate work at Duke University where he earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry with certificates in structural biology and biophysics in 2014 and was also named a Scholar in Molecular Medicine. While at Duke he served as the biochemistry department representative to the Graduate Student and Professional Council, along with several other boards and committees.
After completing his Ph.D., Brad was awarded the National Institute of Health Kirschstein-NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship Award that allowed him to conduct individual research in the laboratory of Dr. Sean Brady at the Rockefeller University in New York City. While at Rockefeller Brad helped develop a metagenomics-based drug discovery platform to help find new therapeutic compounds. This work led Brad to become one of the founding scientific team members of Lodo Therapeutics Corporation, a drug discovery company. While here, Brad and his team discovered a new class of antibiotics, the malacidins. His research has been highlighted on more than 50 news outlets including the BBC, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and the Chicago Tribune. His work is also featured in an article published in Nature magazine.
Brad leaves students with this advice. “I would say that no matter what field or profession you want to pursue, you have to actively pursue it. Success will not find you, you need to find it. In my experience, success has been a product of several multiplicative factors – hard work, creativity, focus, and a bit of luck. If you’re missing even a single one of these, like multiplying by zero, you cannot be successful. While we, unfortunately, cannot do much about luck, but we readily work on the first three.”
Michael first served on the Alumni Board in the 1980s. He rejoined the Board in 2014 and in June 2017, he began the second term of his current membership. Michael graduated from EC with a major in theatre and a minor in art. As for additional education, he lists 38 years of work experience and life. He is currently the higher education practice senior principal and leader for Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners in Chicago. He works from his home in Statesboro, Georgia.
What have been the highlights and milestones of your life’s career?
I served as the first non-family salesman for Honorcraft Incorporated, rose to VP of sales, and more than tripled sales volume over a seven-year period. I expanded the client base to include all of North America and four of the five service academies. I have served as a major gifts officer and/or team leader for five comprehensive fundraising campaigns (Rutgers University $100M, JDRF $100M, University at Buffalo $250M, University of Rochester $1.2B, Georgia Southern University, $100M). Major highlights include personally closing several seven- and eight-figure gifts from individual donors; developing new benchmarking standards and analytics for major gifts officers and campaigns; and making educational presentations at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Association of Healthcare Professionals regional and national conferences.
How did your experience at Elmira College prepare you for your career? Any specific experiences, courses, faculty that made a significant influence on your career?
I always said that my time at Honorcraft was the one real opportunity I had to use both my art minor and theatre major skills (knowledge of metals, designs, lighting, and fabrication for clients). I was able to incorporate most of my liberal arts education into my career. Being a student leader (Student Activity Board) gave me the confidence to work with a wide assortment of volunteers and donors throughout my fundraising career. Experience on the stage gave me the confidence to make presentations in front of large audiences. I used my art history knowledge (thank you Dr. Lee) to close my first $1M+ gift. A lot of English literature classes helped me to hone what later would become critical writing and speaking skills.
Alumni Board members lead the way as ambassadors of the college. What motivated you to serve EC on the Board?
I have served twice on the Alumni Board; my first time was in the mid-80’s. Now in my second tour, I was re-appointed in June of 2017 for a second three-year term and also chair the Alumni Board Engagement Committee. I serve because I was asked to and because I care deeply about the College and want to ensure its long-term success and stability.
I am also a firm believer in the mission of the College: a sound liberal arts education in a small setting. During my fundraising career, I have had the opportunity to work for some truly excellent Tier 1 research universities, both public and private and all very large. While these large institutions may have all the supposed bells and whistles for facilities, I know that I would have been lost if I had attended one of those as an undergraduate. I would never have had the excellent experience of a small student-to-faculty ratio, and I would never have been able to achieve at a large university what I was able to accomplish at Elmira.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
College is a great time to academically experiment and take chances. I would never have discovered a love for sculpture and casting metals if I had not been talked into taking an initial art course by my advisor.
One gets out of college what one puts into to it. Throw yourself into it and take advantage of every opportunity academically, workwise (I was a work-study student), activities and socially.
Make friends and hold onto them. In a small environment like Elmira, the close friends you graduate with will become the ones you go through life with.
Get to know people in the community; Elmira has some wonderful folks and the area has some excellent hidden gems.
Your relationship with the College does not have to end once you graduate. There are many ways to serve the greater good of the College community as others did for you when you once were an undergraduate.
Memorial Service for Dr. Margaret Locke
Category: Campus Life
Thursday, August 23 - 1 p.m.
Peterson Chapel - Cowles Hall
Professor emerita and benefactor, Dr. Locke dedicated her life to helping others further their education and fulfilling their dreams. In honor of this dedication, a memorial service for Dr. Locke will be held on campus at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 23, 2018, in Peterson Chapel, Cowles Hall with a reception to follow. Alumni, friends, and the entire campus community are invited to attend.Dr. Locke began her tenure at Elmira College in 1959 and retired as the Director of Elmira College’s Physical Education Department after 30 years and teaching more than fifty courses during her tenure. The campus swimming pool in Emerson Hall was named in her honor, as was the Locke Office in Meier Hall.
Today, Dr. Locke’s legacy continues with two awards in her name: the Margaret Locke Community Service Prize and the Margaret Locke Citizenship Award. Barbara Linenthal ’75 and other friends established the community service award, an endowed prize, which is presented during the annual Academic Honors and Student Recognition Ceremony. The second award, focused on citizenship, is presented during the annual Athletics awards ceremony.
Those planning to attend the August 23 service and reception are asked to RSVP to Mary Barrett at mbarrett@elmira.edu.
Alumni Winners at Street Painting Festival
Two Elmira College art alums teamed up to win 3rd Place at the 11th Annual Elmira Street Painting Festival the weekend of July 7. Angela Niforatos ’10 and Amanda Baroody ’02 endured a very warm three days of drawing on their knees to create the colorful chalk drawing titled “Shiny Bug.” [Read More]
Elmira College Alumni Place Third in Street Painting Festival
Category: Alumni
For more information on the Elmira Street Painting Festival, please visit http://elmirastreetpaintingfestival.org/.
Alumni Spotlight: Brad Hover ’07
After Elmira College, Brad went on to earn his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Duke University. Brad is currently the associate director of Lodo Therapeutics in New York City. In this spotlight, Brad reflects on his collegiate and professional career and research. [Read More]
Brad Hover ’07
Associate Director of Lodo Therapeutics in New York City
"I would say that no matter what field or profession you want to pursue, you have to actively pursue it. Success will not find you, you need to find it."Dr. Brad Hover ’07 describes himself as curious, inquisitive, and ambitious, which he feels has always compelled him to “understand the unknowns and mysteries of the world around us.” Brad’s fascination with biology and chemistry started in middle school during a research project about local groundwater contamination and the effect on freshwater fauna. His curiosity continued through high school with a job with IBM developing electroless plating methods. His passion for learning, combined with small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios, led Brad to eventually study biochemistry at Elmira College.
While at Elmira College, Brad worked closely with his advisor, Dr. Pierre-Yves Bouthyette, on projects designed to engineer crops with increased yields, even in nutrient-deficient environments. Brad’s research at Elmira helped develop his analytical skills which he now relies on to rationalize and solve even the most difficult problems. He also cites fond memories with the faculty at EC including Drs. Christine Bezotte, Lynn Gillie, Larry Stephens, and Dale Powers. Brad would go on to graduate summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
Outside of his academic research, Brad was involved with many on-campus clubs and organizations. Brad led the Pre-Health club, Tri-Beta, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. He was also a member of Circle K, the Environmental Club, and was a tutor at the library. Brad also served as a resident assistant for three years, as well as an orientation leader.
After graduating from Elmira College, Brad began his graduate work at Duke University where he earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry with certificates in structural biology and biophysics in 2014 and was also named a Scholar in Molecular Medicine. While at Duke he served as the biochemistry department representative to the Graduate Student and Professional Council, along with several other boards and committees.
After completing his Ph.D., Brad was awarded the National Institute of Health Kirschstein-NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship Award that allowed him to conduct individual research in the laboratory of Dr. Sean Brady at the Rockefeller University in New York City. While at Rockefeller Brad helped develop a metagenomics-based drug discovery platform to help find new therapeutic compounds. This work led Brad to become one of the founding scientific team members of Lodo Therapeutics Corporation, a drug discovery company. While here, Brad and his team discovered a new class of antibiotics, the malacidins. His research has been highlighted on more than 50 news outlets including the BBC, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and the Chicago Tribune. His work is also featured in an article published in Nature magazine.
Brad leaves students with this advice. “I would say that no matter what field or profession you want to pursue, you have to actively pursue it. Success will not find you, you need to find it. In my experience, success has been a product of several multiplicative factors – hard work, creativity, focus, and a bit of luck. If you’re missing even a single one of these, like multiplying by zero, you cannot be successful. While we, unfortunately, cannot do much about luck, but we readily work on the first three.”
Alumni Board Spotlight: Michael J. Shippam ’78
We continue our Alumni Board Spotlights this month with Michael J. Shippam ’78. In June 2017, Michael began his second term as an Alumni Board Member. Michael serves as the higher education practice senior principal and leader for Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners in Chicago. [Read More]
Michael J. Shippam ’78
Alumni Board Member
Michael first served on the Alumni Board in the 1980s. He rejoined the Board in 2014 and in June 2017, he began the second term of his current membership. Michael graduated from EC with a major in theatre and a minor in art. As for additional education, he lists 38 years of work experience and life. He is currently the higher education practice senior principal and leader for Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners in Chicago. He works from his home in Statesboro, Georgia.
What have been the highlights and milestones of your life’s career?
I served as the first non-family salesman for Honorcraft Incorporated, rose to VP of sales, and more than tripled sales volume over a seven-year period. I expanded the client base to include all of North America and four of the five service academies. I have served as a major gifts officer and/or team leader for five comprehensive fundraising campaigns (Rutgers University $100M, JDRF $100M, University at Buffalo $250M, University of Rochester $1.2B, Georgia Southern University, $100M). Major highlights include personally closing several seven- and eight-figure gifts from individual donors; developing new benchmarking standards and analytics for major gifts officers and campaigns; and making educational presentations at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Association of Healthcare Professionals regional and national conferences.
How did your experience at Elmira College prepare you for your career? Any specific experiences, courses, faculty that made a significant influence on your career?
I always said that my time at Honorcraft was the one real opportunity I had to use both my art minor and theatre major skills (knowledge of metals, designs, lighting, and fabrication for clients). I was able to incorporate most of my liberal arts education into my career. Being a student leader (Student Activity Board) gave me the confidence to work with a wide assortment of volunteers and donors throughout my fundraising career. Experience on the stage gave me the confidence to make presentations in front of large audiences. I used my art history knowledge (thank you Dr. Lee) to close my first $1M+ gift. A lot of English literature classes helped me to hone what later would become critical writing and speaking skills.
Alumni Board members lead the way as ambassadors of the college. What motivated you to serve EC on the Board?
I have served twice on the Alumni Board; my first time was in the mid-80’s. Now in my second tour, I was re-appointed in June of 2017 for a second three-year term and also chair the Alumni Board Engagement Committee. I serve because I was asked to and because I care deeply about the College and want to ensure its long-term success and stability.
I am also a firm believer in the mission of the College: a sound liberal arts education in a small setting. During my fundraising career, I have had the opportunity to work for some truly excellent Tier 1 research universities, both public and private and all very large. While these large institutions may have all the supposed bells and whistles for facilities, I know that I would have been lost if I had attended one of those as an undergraduate. I would never have had the excellent experience of a small student-to-faculty ratio, and I would never have been able to achieve at a large university what I was able to accomplish at Elmira.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
College is a great time to academically experiment and take chances. I would never have discovered a love for sculpture and casting metals if I had not been talked into taking an initial art course by my advisor.
One gets out of college what one puts into to it. Throw yourself into it and take advantage of every opportunity academically, workwise (I was a work-study student), activities and socially.
Make friends and hold onto them. In a small environment like Elmira, the close friends you graduate with will become the ones you go through life with.
Get to know people in the community; Elmira has some wonderful folks and the area has some excellent hidden gems.
Your relationship with the College does not have to end once you graduate. There are many ways to serve the greater good of the College community as others did for you when you once were an undergraduate.
Student Spotlight: Caroline Connolly ’19
Caroline is a biochemistry major with a concentration in pre-health. Caroline recently had the opportunity to enroll as an Atlantis Fellow as a part of the Atlantis Project in Italy. This #SoaringToSuccess spotlight takes a deeper look at her experience.
Leaving a Legacy: Mary “Cookie” Soldo Schultz ’65
A summer studying in France and Italy made a lasting impact on Mary Louise "Cookie" Soldo Schultz ’65. So much so that Cookie and her husband Bernie have established a planned gift through a bequest to support Elmira College’s Study Abroad program. [Read More]
Mary Louise (Cookie) Soldo Schultz and her husband Bernie have established a Planned Gift through a bequest to support Elmira College’s Study Abroad program. Cookie was able to study in Avignon, France and Florence, Italy during the summer following her junior year and is pleased to provide study abroad opportunities for future students at Elmira College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French language and literature from Elmira College and a master of arts degree in art history from West Virginia University. She taught French language classes for thirty years, was the director of Morgantown Day School for seven years, and was a professor in the Honors College at West Virginia University from 1988 until 2018. Bernie is dean and professor emeritus in the College of Creative Arts at West Virginia University and is currently the co-interim director of the Art Museum of West Virginia University.
Cookie is the recipient of a number of teaching awards and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the West Virginia Humanities Council. She recently received a Quarry Farm Fellowship in order to conduct research for a future children’s book on Mark Twain’s years in Elmira. As an extension of a class that she taught during the Spring of 2018 on Mark Twain, Cookie and her husband, along with the dean of the WVU Honors College and 14 students, traveled to Elmira and were hosted by Dr. Joseph Lemak, director of the Center for Mark Twain Studies, who provided a unique opportunity to experience the various sites centered around Mark Twain’s legacy in Elmira.
Cookie and Bernie have authored several joint publications, including chapters in Blanche Lazzell: TheLife and Work of an American Modernist (2004), anInstructor’s Manual for the sixth edition of H.W. Janson’sHistory of Art (2001) and a chapter entitled “Cass Gilbert and the Classical Tradition” in Cass Gilbert's West Virginia State Capitol (2014). Cookie's most recent publication is an essay in Central to Their Lives: Southern Women Artists in the Johnson Collection (2018). Regionally, she is known as the author of a children's book, Tobias: The Mouse in the Old Stone House (2016), which is the first in a series of books to engage young people in the history of early 19th century Morgantown, West Virginia.
When asked why they decided to provide this estate gift, Bernie stated: “I am so very proud of Cookie's professional accomplishments as a teacher, author, and scholar and I know that her capacity to achieve these goals was nurtured by Elmira College. My vision of this estate gift is to both assist in the education of future Elmira College students and to thank the College for the wonderful education that Cookie received.”
Cookie noted that the opportunity to study in Provence and Tuscany transformed her life. Immersion as a young student into the language and literature of France as well as her first introduction to the Florentine Renaissance provided her with a life-long passion for the study of these two cultures.
To find out how you can support the future of Elmira College, please contact Director of Planned and Major Gifts Peggy Harris Arnesen ’63 at 607-735-1770 or e-mail: parnesen@elmira.edu.
Mary (Cookie) Soldo Schultz ’65
Alumna, Husband Provide Estate Gift for Study AbroadMary Louise (Cookie) Soldo Schultz and her husband Bernie have established a Planned Gift through a bequest to support Elmira College’s Study Abroad program. Cookie was able to study in Avignon, France and Florence, Italy during the summer following her junior year and is pleased to provide study abroad opportunities for future students at Elmira College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French language and literature from Elmira College and a master of arts degree in art history from West Virginia University. She taught French language classes for thirty years, was the director of Morgantown Day School for seven years, and was a professor in the Honors College at West Virginia University from 1988 until 2018. Bernie is dean and professor emeritus in the College of Creative Arts at West Virginia University and is currently the co-interim director of the Art Museum of West Virginia University.
Cookie is the recipient of a number of teaching awards and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the West Virginia Humanities Council. She recently received a Quarry Farm Fellowship in order to conduct research for a future children’s book on Mark Twain’s years in Elmira. As an extension of a class that she taught during the Spring of 2018 on Mark Twain, Cookie and her husband, along with the dean of the WVU Honors College and 14 students, traveled to Elmira and were hosted by Dr. Joseph Lemak, director of the Center for Mark Twain Studies, who provided a unique opportunity to experience the various sites centered around Mark Twain’s legacy in Elmira.
Cookie and Bernie have authored several joint publications, including chapters in Blanche Lazzell: TheLife and Work of an American Modernist (2004), anInstructor’s Manual for the sixth edition of H.W. Janson’sHistory of Art (2001) and a chapter entitled “Cass Gilbert and the Classical Tradition” in Cass Gilbert's West Virginia State Capitol (2014). Cookie's most recent publication is an essay in Central to Their Lives: Southern Women Artists in the Johnson Collection (2018). Regionally, she is known as the author of a children's book, Tobias: The Mouse in the Old Stone House (2016), which is the first in a series of books to engage young people in the history of early 19th century Morgantown, West Virginia.
When asked why they decided to provide this estate gift, Bernie stated: “I am so very proud of Cookie's professional accomplishments as a teacher, author, and scholar and I know that her capacity to achieve these goals was nurtured by Elmira College. My vision of this estate gift is to both assist in the education of future Elmira College students and to thank the College for the wonderful education that Cookie received.”
Cookie noted that the opportunity to study in Provence and Tuscany transformed her life. Immersion as a young student into the language and literature of France as well as her first introduction to the Florentine Renaissance provided her with a life-long passion for the study of these two cultures.
To find out how you can support the future of Elmira College, please contact Director of Planned and Major Gifts Peggy Harris Arnesen ’63 at 607-735-1770 or e-mail: parnesen@elmira.edu.
Welcome Dallas Winchell ’18
Dallas Winchell ’18 joined the Alumni Relations team in July as Alumni Relations Graduate Assistant. Dallas has a dual bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in management and music with a specialization in theory and history. Dallas is continuing his education at Elmira College to earn his master’s degree in general management. “As a member of the Student Alumni Council as an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to work with students and alumni. I am thrilled to join the Alumni Relations team and continue that work while building relationships with current students and alumni alike.”
Summer Literacy Events Keep Alumnus Connected
Despite graduating in June 2018, Zach Hamilton M.S. ’18, music teacher with Horseheads Central School District, stayed connected with EC graduate students through the Third Annual Literacy SLAM Showcase. [Read More]
SLAM is an acronym for Synthesis of Art, Literacy, and Music, all areas that students were involved in. During their time on campus, the group worked with current and former EC graduate students to explore art, music, and the ideas of self-expression. The Showcase then gave each student a chance to share their creations with family, friends, and the campus community. Zach Hamilton M.S. '18, music teacher with Horseheads Central School District, worked with the students to create their pieces and provided piano accompaniment during the event.
“The participants get immersed in reading, writing, art, and music activities for up to four hours a day which culminates in a public display of literacy that includes original work in the form of conventional and digital collages, spoken narratives, and student-generated poetry, often read unconventionally. The intent is to invite students to engage in the many ways literacy is expressed in contemporary society,” said Dr. James Nageldinger, assistant professor of literacy education.
Nageldinger also noted “We have found that exposure to new forms of expression often leads to fresher and less alienating perspectives of reading and writing in their lives.” Nageldinger recently presented on a similar concept of utilizing theatre scripts in improving reading comprehension, content learning, and critical thinking skills at the 20th European Conference on Literacy.
The Showcase began with a display of student artwork with their explanatory narrative in the foyer. Upon entering Peterson Chapel, the audience was met with a display of the students’ digital collages with musical accompaniment. Next the students introduced themselves and briefly explained two additional pieces of art that were projected on screen.
The second portion of the Showcase highlighted student poetry through a “Poetry SLAM” featuring both secondary and graduate students performing pieces written by the secondary students. Although not a competition, the spoken-word portion gave students an opportunity to infuse emotions with their words and “perform” with the graduate students.
Students SLAM the Summer With Literacy Event and First-Ever Reading Clinic
Category: Academics
Reading, writing, art, and music fused together last week during the Third Annual Literacy SLAM Showcase, and first-ever Elmira College Summer Reading Clinic Showcase for area middle and high school students. The events were hosted by students in the Elmira College Master of Science in Education: Literacy: Birth to 12 program.SLAM is an acronym for Synthesis of Art, Literacy, and Music, all areas that students were involved in. During their time on campus, the group worked with current and former EC graduate students to explore art, music, and the ideas of self-expression. The Showcase then gave each student a chance to share their creations with family, friends, and the campus community. Zach Hamilton M.S. '18, music teacher with Horseheads Central School District, worked with the students to create their pieces and provided piano accompaniment during the event.
“The participants get immersed in reading, writing, art, and music activities for up to four hours a day which culminates in a public display of literacy that includes original work in the form of conventional and digital collages, spoken narratives, and student-generated poetry, often read unconventionally. The intent is to invite students to engage in the many ways literacy is expressed in contemporary society,” said Dr. James Nageldinger, assistant professor of literacy education.
Nageldinger also noted “We have found that exposure to new forms of expression often leads to fresher and less alienating perspectives of reading and writing in their lives.” Nageldinger recently presented on a similar concept of utilizing theatre scripts in improving reading comprehension, content learning, and critical thinking skills at the 20th European Conference on Literacy.
The Showcase began with a display of student artwork with their explanatory narrative in the foyer. Upon entering Peterson Chapel, the audience was met with a display of the students’ digital collages with musical accompaniment. Next the students introduced themselves and briefly explained two additional pieces of art that were projected on screen.
The second portion of the Showcase highlighted student poetry through a “Poetry SLAM” featuring both secondary and graduate students performing pieces written by the secondary students. Although not a competition, the spoken-word portion gave students an opportunity to infuse emotions with their words and “perform” with the graduate students.
During this phase, students individually and in groups presented various forms of performance literacy which included original songs, found poetry, and student video productions. The performance culminated with an ensemble piece that expressed their collective beliefs.
According to Hamilton, an unintended consequence is the tight bond that develops among students who, prior to their involvement, were strangers to one another. He said: “For my part, being able to facilitate putting our extremely talented graduate students together with middle and high school students and seeing the magic that results is immensely satisfying.”
Summer Reading Clinic
Friday, July 27 marked the first Elmira College Summer Reading Clinic Showcase at Parley Coburn School. The Showcase was the culminating event of three weeks of focused literacy instruction for children ages 6-12 that was based on motivation, engagement, and entertainment.
“Our intent is to give the students something different than what they get during the regular school year,” said Dr. Deb Owens, department chair of the teacher education program at Elmira College. “We find that students are more willing to engage in activities in which they perceive as “non-school.”
Small tents and artificial campfires in the rooms provide a more relaxed environment for individualized literacy instruction with unconventional literacy activities each student receives.
On the last day, the students performed poetry and readers theater that they had rehearsed as part of their literacy building activities. The Summer Reading Clinic was hosted by Elmira College graduate students in the Master of Science in Education: Literacy: Birth to 12 program, and attracted over 30 participants from ages 6-12.
After the showcase, parents were invited back to their students room for refreshments and to help their children pick out a free award-winning children’s book to take home.
Congratulations to all Literacy SLAM participants:
Congratulations to this year’s Summer Reading Clinic students:
According to Hamilton, an unintended consequence is the tight bond that develops among students who, prior to their involvement, were strangers to one another. He said: “For my part, being able to facilitate putting our extremely talented graduate students together with middle and high school students and seeing the magic that results is immensely satisfying.”
Summer Reading Clinic
Friday, July 27 marked the first Elmira College Summer Reading Clinic Showcase at Parley Coburn School. The Showcase was the culminating event of three weeks of focused literacy instruction for children ages 6-12 that was based on motivation, engagement, and entertainment.
“Our intent is to give the students something different than what they get during the regular school year,” said Dr. Deb Owens, department chair of the teacher education program at Elmira College. “We find that students are more willing to engage in activities in which they perceive as “non-school.”
Small tents and artificial campfires in the rooms provide a more relaxed environment for individualized literacy instruction with unconventional literacy activities each student receives.
On the last day, the students performed poetry and readers theater that they had rehearsed as part of their literacy building activities. The Summer Reading Clinic was hosted by Elmira College graduate students in the Master of Science in Education: Literacy: Birth to 12 program, and attracted over 30 participants from ages 6-12.
After the showcase, parents were invited back to their students room for refreshments and to help their children pick out a free award-winning children’s book to take home.
Congratulations to all Literacy SLAM participants:
- Taymya Wilson
- Sarita Lovell
- Akia Lovell
- Alizee Parker
- Deshan Poole
- Wally Longwell
- Mercedes Mahoney
- Waldo Longwell
- Dylan Crawford
- Marissa Early
- Jodi Lupino
- Laura Wales
- Abby Cordier
- Staci Johnson
Congratulations to this year’s Summer Reading Clinic students:
- Javan Seals Barnes (2nd)
- Kamron Davenport (2nd)
- Dominic DeRico (2nd)
- AnnaBella Mullin (2nd)
- Tadhgan Sanphy (2nd)
- Jyona Walker (2nd)
- Tyler Ziegler (2nd)
- Morgan L. Finch (3rd)
- Emmalee Heater (3rd)
- Arrianna Jones (3rd)
- Marcel Noyes (3rd)
- Jax Velia (3rd)
- Brodi Carling (4th)
- Jocelyn Chase (4th)
- Marcia Jones (4th)
- Kay-lei Lewis-Magee (4th)
- Michael Ziegler (4th)
- Ari Green (5th)
- Mark Jones III (5th)
- Draven Chase (6th)
- Adah K.O. Copp (6th)
- Trenton Edwards (6th)
- Monica Kerr (6th)
- Zakaia Rowe (6th)
- Darian Kettell (7th)
- Adam Dunbar-Lahnum (7th)
- Charlie Havens
- Dylan Crawford
- Erica Stickler
- Nicole Webster
- Marissa Early
- Jodi Lupino
- Laura Wales
Elmira College’s SHRM Certification Exam Prep Course is truly a virtual classroom with synchronous (real-time) lectures and interactions for all participants in the course. You will work together with your instructor and classmates through a live Canvas Conference while you are at home, the office, a coffee shop…anywhere but a classroom! [Learn More]
Alumni in the NewsMary E. Scheib ’86
Promoted to President/COO of Cornerstone CFCU
Alumni in the NewsMary E. Scheib ’86
Promoted to President/COO of Cornerstone CFCU
- Katrina Morse M.S. ’01 Produces whimsical books for children
- Elmira City School District Teachers Gather to Learn New Skills
- College Students Participate in Hope Disaster Response Exercise
- Elmira City Council Passes Measure to Allow LECOM Building Project
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Elmira College
One Park Place
Elmira, New York 14901, United States
(607) 735-1855
Elmira College
Office of Alumni Relations
One Park Place
Elmira, New York 14901, United States
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