Lauren RubensteinAdriane Tharp, who will be coming to Wesleyan in the fall as part of the Class of 2019, set her admission essay in the Forestdale, Ala. Domino's Pizza where she worked, writing about the "lineup of fellow misfits who were her colleagues." The New York Times featured Tharp's essay in its annual story on admission essays about working and money. The story quotes Wesleyan Associate Dean of Admission Chris Lanser, who was the first reader of Tharp's essay. He tells the Times how rare it is for applicants to write about money and work, and explains what stood out to him about Tharp's…
Olivia DrakeOn May 12, the Office of Human Resources and the Wesleyan University Wellness Program hosted a luncheon and awards ceremony for winners of the Cardinal Fit Challenge. The challenge took place Feb. 2 through May 1. The goal of the Wesleyan University Wellness Program is to establish a work environment that encourages faculty, staff and their families to take responsibility for their physical and mental well-being through health awareness and healthy lifestyles. This program supports a comprehensive approach to decreasing the incidence, duration and severity of preventable illnesses and disease by promoting educational opportunities, wellness activities and self-improvement. Winners of the…
More than 325 staff and faculty members turned out for the fourth annual Taste of Middletown, presented by the Campus Activities Committee on April 29 in Beckham Hall. Attendees enjoyed sampling food, drinks and desserts from more than a dozen local restaurants, hotels, and bakeries, as well as Bon Appetit and WB Mason. Together, the attendees donated $145 and 285 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry, a program of St. Vincent de Paul in Middletown. More than a dozen people won raffle prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants, overnight stays at local hotels, a round of golf, and…
Bryan Stascavage '18#THISISWHY In this Q&A we sit down with David McClure Csere, chef for Bon Appétit, recipient of the 2015 Morgenstern-Clarren Social Justice Employee Prize. The award was created in 2009 in memory of Peter Morgenstern-Clarren ‘03 who pursued social justice while a student at Wesleyan. Morgenstern-Clarren’s activism included securing benefits for Wesleyan custodial staff, participating in the United Student and Labor Action Committee, and contributing his leadership to the campus chapter of Amnesty International. Peter’s parents, Dr. Hadley Morgenstern-Clarren and the honorable Pat Morgenstern-Clarren of Shaker Heights, Ohio, are sponsoring this award that honors their son’s activism for the public good. Q: When…
The Office of Human Resources reported the following new hires and departures for March 2015. Newly hired Zachariah Pfeifer was hired as coordinator of Greek life on March 2. Julian Goldfield was hired as desktop support specialist and art workshops technology administrator on March 2. Pierina Cheung was hired as a research associate on March 6. Francesca Livermore was hired as digital projects librarian on March 16. Alexander Vazquez was hired as the instructional media specialist on March 23. Kera Jewett was hired as a development officer on March 30. (more…)
#THISISWHY Lisa Pinette, library assistant V, was recently presented with a Cardinal Achievement Award for her work on the Signage Task Force, creating more than 200 new and color-coded signs installed in Olin Memorial Library and the Science Library. Pinette coordinated a group effort to select sign styles that would allow for future changes as needed, solicited input from library staff, worked with University Communications on the design, and ensured that all signs were ADA compliant. Finally, she hired a company to manufacture and install the signs. “The signs look great and provide wonderful consistency and clarity from floor to floor…
#THISISWHY Cathy Lechowicz, director of the Center for Community Partnerships, was one of six people honored with a 2015 Community Service Award by the Connecticut Commission on Community Service and the Office of Higher Education. The winners--drawn from college students, campus programs and faculty and staff--were recognized at a ceremony April 14 at the Connecticut State Capitol. This was the 23rd annual awards ceremony conducted by the Connecticut Commission on Community Service. More than 50 students, faculty and staff attended the ceremony. "I am humbled by the recognition and grateful to work with an incredible team of people at Allbritton,…
#THISISWHY Wesleyan President Michael Roth hosted a reception for Cardinal Achievement Award recipients March 31 in Zelnick Pavilion. Since the program began in 2012, more than 78 employees have received an award. “I’m so glad I had the opportunity to thank our staff members for their exemplary achievements," Roth said. "Their dedication to Wesleyan and their willingness to go well beyond what is expected of them make Wesleyan an extraordinary institution. They are why!” (more…)
Graduate Liberal Studies will host an information session for prospective students at 7 p.m. April 29 in the Office of Continuing Studies, 74 Wyllys Ave. Attendees will meet with Office of Admissions staff, hear a full overview of the program — including curriculum and requirements — and receive materials (more…)
The Office of Human Resources reported the following new hires and departure for February 2015. Newly hired Michele Matera was hired as office assistant in the President’s Office on Feb. 16. Joseph Buchino was hired as an athletic facility maintenance person on Feb. 23. Departure Dashaun Outlaw, public safety officer
#THISISWHY Jennifer Opalacz, assistant director of alumni and parent relations, was recently presented with a Cardinal Achievement Award for her efforts in taking on greater responsibility for several high-profile, time sensitive projects that were critical to the success of the University Relations team. Opalacz also stepped up to take on additional project ownership for a team member who was out on leave. “Jen is among the most conscientious, organized, and upbeat individuals with whom I’ve worked. She is well deserving of a Cardinal Achievement Award,” said Thomas Diascro, director of alumni and parent relations. Lisa LaPlant, assistant to the president, was recently presented with a…
The Board of Trustees and volunteer leaders attended a reception Feb. 27 in the Career Center. About 100 alumni, students, faculty, staff and other guests participated in the event. (Photos by John Van Vlack) (more…)