Professor of History Linda McMillin has been named provost and dean of the faculty at Susquehanna, filling the post of former Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Philosophy Warren Funk who is currently on sabbatical leave and plans to return to teaching duties in the fall of 2004.
The title of the chief academic officer's position has been changed to provost to be more in keeping with trends in the higher education community and particularly among peer schools, said University President L. Jay Lemons.
McMillin had served as interim vice president for academic affairs since July 1, 2003. The appointment follows a national search, which brought four individuals to campus for interviews in December. The board approved McMillin's appointment at its winter meeting in February upon the recommendation of Lemons.
McMillin emerged from the search with strong support from the search committee and the campus community. "We had an excellent pool of candidates for the provost position," Lemons said.
"Linda McMillin is an outstanding person. She has made numerous contributions to Susquehanna, and her voice and influence in American higher education are highly respected. We are delighted that she is taking on these new duties and that she will continue to be part of the Susquehanna family," he added.
Her appointment follows a national search by a seven-member search committee which reviewed candidates for several months before inviting four finalists to on-campus interviews in December.
"While the search committee was pleased with the visits from each of the candidates, their recommendation came in the form of a unanimous determination that Linda was the best candidate," said Lemons in announcing the appointment in late December. The committee's decision was based on "the strength of Linda's candidacy and the considerable support expressed by the SU community following her interview," Lemons said.
Lemons concurred with the search committee's recommendation and formally recommended McMillin to Susquehanna's board of directors, which finalized the appointment in February.
McMillin, who holds the B.A. from Loyola Marymount University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from The University of California, Los Angeles, joined the Susquehanna faculty in 1989 and was promoted to professor in 2002. She specializes in medieval history with focused research on religious women in the 12th and 13th centuries.
She has twice held the position of history department head and has been active in the campus community and beyond. She recently served as a member of the advisory group responsible for the university's newly adopted strategic plan and as chair of the self-study team for the university's 2004 ten-year accreditation review by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. She also is a former director of the university's Honors Program.
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| Student Government Association President Malcolm Derk '05, middle, and Erin Goedegebuure '06, right, work with the son of a Nicaraguan pastor to repair a home during the fifth annual Susquehanna University Central America Service Adventure (SU CASA). Twenty -six students, faculty, and staff spent part of their winter break on the service learning trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
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Prior to joining the Susquehanna faculty, McMillin served as a teaching associate at the University of California at Los Angeles, the same institution for which she was an editor within the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. She has also taught at the high school level in California and ESL (English as a Second Language) to adults in Barcelona, Spain. In addition, She has acted as a consultant to other American institutions such as the University of Dayton, Wheeling Jesuit University and Elizabethtown College. She has been honored with numerous awards and fellowships, including an American Council on Education Fellowship, National Endowment for the Humanities grants, and a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship/Spanish Government Grant.
Adams Lecture to Address Conflicts Between Liberty and Security
Pulitzer Prize-winner and New York Times columnist Anthony Lewis and former U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Michael J. Nardotti Jr. will present a dialogue on “Liberty and Security?: Challenges in a New World Situation” at the third annual Arlin Adams Lecture set for Tuesday, March 16 at 8 p.m. in the Degenstein Center Theater.
Sponsored by The Arlin M. Adams Center for Law and Society at Susquehanna University, the dialogue will explore the conflict between protecting individual liberties and ensuring the nation's security, particularly during times of international tension. The focus will include issues involving the detention of American and foreign citizens suspected of terrorist acts and the extent of government powers needed to avoid further acts of terrorism.
The Center chose this topic for two reasons, explains Center Director and Assistant Professor of Political Science Michele DeMary. "First, it is timely. This is a chance to focus on issues which are making their way to the United States Supreme Court including the cases of U.S. government detainees Jose Padilla and Yaser Hamdi and the detention of non-Americans at Guantanamo Bay," she says. "Our second reason for choosing this topic is that it is consistent with our broader goal of encouraging a reasoned discussion on complex and multifaceted issues."
Gary S. Gildin, professor of law and director of the Miller Center for Public Interest Advocacy at Penn State Dickinson School of Law, will serve as returning moderator of the discussion.
Anthony Lewis
New York Times columnist Anthony Lewis has twice won the Pulitzer Prize for reporting. He is also the author of Gideon's Trumpet, based on a landmark Supreme Court case that secured the right of legal counsel for indigent defendants.
A former London bureau chief for the Times, Lewis currently writes an Abroad At Home column for the Op-Ed page. He joined the Times in 1948 and won his first Pulitzer in 1955 for coverage of the case of a Naval employee dismissed as a security risk. Following the series, the Navy reinstated the employee.
Lewis won his second Pulitzer in 1963 for coverage of the Supreme Court during the leadership of Chief Justice Earl Warren. He also covered the responses of the Federal Government to the civil rights movement.
In addition to Gideon's Trumpet, Lewis is also the author of Portrait of a Decade, addressing race relations in America; and Make No Law, detailing the landmark Supreme Court First Amendment case New York Times v. Sullivan establishing that public figures must prove actual malice for success in libel suits.
A graduate of Harvard College and later a 1956-57 Nieman Fellow studying law at Harvard, Lewis was a lecturer on law at the Harvard Law School for 15 years. He currently holds the James Madison Visiting Professorship at Columbia University and has been a visiting professor at the Universities of California, Oregon, Arizona, and Illinois.
Michael J. Nardotti Jr.
A decorated combat veteran, retired Maj. Gen. Michael J. Nardotti Jr. is currently a partner specializing in government contracts for the law firm Patton Boggs LLP.
Nardotti served more than 28 years on active duty, most recently as the judge advocate general from 1993 to 1997. He has counseled, negotiated, and advocated at all levels within the Army, the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and with members of Congress. He has advised senior officials on sensitive, complex, and highly visible legal and policy issues, including criminal and civil litigation, the investigative and senior official misconduct areas, and matters of high interest to Congress and the media.
He was the senior military lawyer on a team of more than 4,000 attorneys responsible for providing legal services to more than one million active, guard, and reserve personnel stationed worldwide, plus their families.
A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Nardotti earned the J.D. from Fordham University. He joined Patton Boggs in 1997.
Adams Center Reaches Third Year
Established in 2001 by the family of Sigfried and Janet Weis and the Degenstein Foundation of Sunbury with support by The Annenberg Foundation, the Center for Law and Society honors Arlin Adams, Philadelphia jurist and 17-year judge on the U.S. 3rd Circuit of Appeals.
The Center explores the significant place law occupies in the ever-changing social, political, economic and cultural life. It provides a forum for thought-provoking examination of contemporary issues in areas such as human freedoms and civil rights, social responsibility, technology and privacy, and constitutional interpretation.
Serving as both a community and university resource, the Center supplements Susquehanna's existing programs in pre-law and related studies through internships and field experiences, networking, professional seminars, independent study, research projects, and enhanced library resources. In addition to DeMary, Center leadership includes associate directors Richard Davis, associate professor of accounting, and Jeffrey Whitman, associate professor of philosophy.
Nuts About Squirrels
Susquehanna University may not be as big, and it may not be as well-known, but it’s a squirrel’s head above such prestigious schools as Notre Dame, John Hopkins, Yale and Temple, according to a Web site that ranks universities by their squirrel population.
Based on field reports from students and alumni, Susquehanna University rates at the top of the one-to-five squirrel system, created in 1995 by California resident Jonathan Gottshall, a long-time enthusiast of the bushy-tailed rodents. The more squirrel icons, the better the campus, according to Gottshall.
According to his Web site www.gottshall.com/squirrels/campsq.htm, “The quality of an institution of higher learning can often be determined by the size, health and behavior of the squirrel population on campus.”
In 2001, Gottshall told Penn State’s student publication, The Collegian, “I think squirrels tend to be more friendly at schools that are more interesting and have students hanging around campus more.” Gottshall began ranking squirrel-friendly campuses while doing research at different colleges for his master’s thesis in history.
Susquehanna originally garnered a three-squirrel rating on the Web site, but an outpouring of support from students managed to change that.
Senior marketing major Michael Binger ’04, of Montoursville, Pa., posted a message on Gottshall’s Web site saying, “Our tiny university is overrun with the little gray fluffs of heaven. In fact, on a popular SU T-shirt listing the top 10 reasons to attend Susquehanna, one of the listings is ‘Where the squirrels outnumber the students.’”
Junior international studies major Charlotte Hughes ’05, of Medford, N.J., wrote: “After visiting your Web site, I feel that we were cheated and you should raise our rating. Not only are we in the middle of nowhere with more squirrels than students, they have taken a liking to us and we cohabitate wonderfully.”
Binger agreed, telling Gottshall in jest, “I am continuously trying to start a study group with the squirrels outside of my window. Alas, I cannot get them to speak.”
After receiving numerous other requests to change Susquehanna’s rating, Gottshall posted this message on his Web site: “No institution has ever supplied this many campus squirrel reports. Therefore, in recognition of the profound squirrelly awareness demonstrated by the students here, the rating is hereby increased to five squirrels, a rating reserved only for campuses where the squirrel gods play. Congratulations to Susquehanna University!”
-- Victoria Kidd, News Services Manager
Board of Directors Taps New Members
Several seats on the Susquehanna University board of directors have been filled with new members following action taken by the board in November and February.
The board also acted in November to confer emeritus status on longtime members Ray Lauver ’50 and Samuel D. Ross Jr. ’54.
Mildred John of Winfield, Pa., is well-known for her commitment to the young people of Central Pennsylvania. She was a partner with her husband, Paul, in the early development of the Ritz-Craft Corporation’s successful modular home manufacturing business based in Mifflinburg. As strong supporters of higher education opportunities for area youth, they established the Paul and Mildred John Scholarship Program at Susquehanna University in 1991 to provide financial aid for students who show academic promise and performance, as well as financial need. Since 1994, she has managed the John Family Foundation and its efforts to improve the quality of life in Central Pennsylvania.
The Alumni Association nominated both Carol Scherb ’70 Ray of Parsippany, N.J., and Dennis Willman ’65 of York, Pa. Ray holds a master of arts degree from William Paterson College. She is an eighth grade English teacher at the Parsippany Middle School and is active in the university’s Alumni Career Team and the Alumni Parents Admission Network. In July 2000, she was elected to the Alumni Association board. She and her husband, Bob ’69, were co-chairs of the North New Jersey Regional Campaign Committee during Susquehanna’s most recent capital campaign.
Willman earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing. He is the chairman of York Container Company and vice president of Mac Jones Ford, Inc. He has served on the university’s Sigmund Weis School of Business Advisory Council since 1997 and has been a Weis Partner since 1993. He played significant leadership roles during Susquehanna’s last capital campaign as co-chair of the Harrisburg Leadership Development Committee and Harrisburg Regional Campaign Committee.
The Rev. Robert L. Driesen of Williamport, Pa., and The Rev. Earl L. Janssen Jr. of Johnstown, Pa., were nominated to the board by their respective synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Driesen holds the bachelor of science and master of education degrees from Towson University and graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Prior to entering the seminary, he was a social studies department chairman in the Baltimore County Schools. In 1987, he was called as a senior pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in South Williamsport, where he continues to serve. He is a member of the board of the Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition and chair of the Upper Susquehanna Synod’s Ecumenical Relations Committee.
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| Incoming first-year students assisted SU staff including President L. Jay Lemons during orientation in planting a new tree to replace the giant red oak which stood in front of Seibert Hall for many years. Disease had forced the removal of the old tree earlier that summer. New students also received acorns from the tree following convocation, when President Lemons emphasized the themes of renewal and rebirth in his welcoming speech.
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Janssen is a graduate of Wartburg College and the Wartburg Theological Seminary. He worked as a substance abuse therapist for nine years before entering the seminary. His academic interests include building community within congregational settings. The senior pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Johnstown.when appointed, Jannsen is also the father of Megan Jannsen ’06.
Since his November appointment, Janssen has accepted to a new post with the Delaware-Maryland Synod and resigned his board position.
At it’s February meeting, the board appointed Robert L. Gronlund, the chief executive office of Wood-Mode Inc., a nationally known manufacturer of custom cabinets located in Kreamer, Pa. He is a 1963 graduate of Ohio Northern University with a B.A. in economics. Since 1994, Wood-Mode has supported scholarships at Susquehanna and has made a variety of internship experiences available for students. The company also provided support for the renovation of Fisher Science Hall and the Garrett Sports Complex. Gronlund is a Weis Partner and is a member of the Evangelical Community Hospital Board of Directors and the Blue Shield of Pennsylvania and Capital Blue Cross Board of Directors.
Corrections
Lost in Cyberspace
This issue contains several class notes and a letter that have been delayed in publication due to an e-mail routing issue affecting mail sent to the sutoday@susqu.edu e-mail account. The problem has been corrected and we look forward to receiving more notes and letters electronically.
2003 Annual/ Donor Report
Shari Jacobson is an assistant professor of anthropology in the university’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Her specialty was misidentified in the faculty highlights section.
Charles '50 and Lois Seybrecht '51 Grund were inadvertently omitted from the Honor Roll of Donors. They should have been listed with a designation of 10 or more years of giving.
Harold Greenly '50 is a member of the Benjamin Kurtz Society. He was incorrectly listed as a member of the Maroon Club.
Linda Nansteel '71 Lovell was incorrectly listed as a Maroon Club member from the Class of 1970. She is a Maroon Club member for the Class of 1971.
Jeffrey Elwell '90 has given to Susquehanna each year since graduation and should have had a bold designation to indicate this distinction.
Susquehanna Today regrets these errors and wishes to thank donor and friends for ongoing contributions to the university.
Choir Tour 2004 to Serenade East Coast
Susquehanna University Choir members will be sharing their music with alumni and friends at 15 locations in Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania in March as part of their 2004 spring break choir tour. The singers will appear under Music Director and Conductor Cyril Stretansky, Distinguished Professor of Choral Activities at Susquehanna.
The 50-member group released “Amazing Day,” the 16th volume in its recording series, in 2003. For more information on the choir’s tour schedule or recordings, contact Student Choir Manager Jason Steigerwalt ’05 at 570-372-4295 or log on to www.susqu.edu/choir/.
Concerts on the tour are scheduled for
Friday, March 5, 7 p.m., in Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, Harrisonburg, Va.; Saturday, March 6, 8 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Sunday, March 7, 3:00 p.m., Epiphany Cathedral, Venice, Fla.;
Sunday, March 7, 7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Cape Coral, Fla.;
Monday, March 8, 7:30 p.m., Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, Naples, Fla.;
Tuesday, March 9, 7:30 p.m., Ascension Lutheran Church, Boynton Beach, Fla.; Wednesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hollywood, Fla.; Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m., All Saints Lutheran Church, Port Orange, Fla. (Dayton Beach area);
Friday, March 12, 8 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Asheville, N.C.;
Saturday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Blacksburg, Va.; Sunday, March 14, 3:00 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Carlisle, Pa.;
and Sunday, March 14, 8 p.m., Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey, Pa.
Susquehanna in the News
Susquehanna faculty and staff have helped gain greater visibility for the university beyond the region by giving interviews to news media or providing commentary in their areas of expertise. Here is a sampling of some of the recent items.
• An Associated Press (AP) feature story on the discovery of a rare fish fossil by Assistant Professor of Geological and Environmental Science Jennifer Elick ran in 47 newspapers in 14 states including the Washington Post.
• An Allentown Morning Call story on the fishing spider featured extensive commentary by Assistant Professor of Biology Matt Persons.
• Associate Professor of Accounting Rick Davis was quoted in a Baltimore Sun article about proper disclosure to the IRS, and in the Hartford Courant and Chicago Tribune on making your money grow.
• Assistant Professor of Education Berneice Brownell was quoted in three Pittsburgh Post-Gazette articles in a series titled “The Disappearing School Board.” The AP quoted her in a related story which appeared in 24 Pa. papers including the Allentown Morning Call.
• “The Best of Our Knowledge” syndicated radio show featured commentary by Professor of English and Creative Writing Gary Fincke on why computers can’t write. He had an article titled “The Real Name” published in the October issue of Central PA magazine. News of his winning the Flannery O’Connor Prize for fiction writing appeared in several regional papers including the Boston Globe and Dallas Morning News.
• The Washington Times’ Sunday magazine, Insight, quoted Assistant Professor of Religion Jeff Mann in an article about cultural battles in mainline Protestant churches. He was also quoted about U.S.-Arab ties in an AP story about the separation of conjoined Egyptian twins.
• Associate Professor of Philosophy Jeff Whitman was quoted in Long Island’s Newsday about the military’s use of a video game in recruiting.
• Assistant Professor of Communications Patrick McGrail was quoted in an AP story on the impact of Wesley Clark’s announcement of his Jewish heritage. McGrail also did several radio interviews about the Democratic primaries and upcoming presidential elections.
• The NCAA News featured a story and photograph of President L. Jay Lemons having his beard shaved as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. A story also appeared in the Harrisburg Sunday Patriot-News. He was quoted in a Coalfield Progress (Va.) article on the occasion of UVA-Wise’s opening of a new student center.
• College Bound Teen magazine featured advice on the college search by SU senior public relations major Melanie Martell. Recruitment & Retention in Higher Education national newsletter featured Degenstein Professor of Communications Jim Sodt and his after-hours work with students in the Scholars’ House.
• Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education noted the Department of Modern Languages’ award for civic engagement by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, with a photograph of Associate Professors Leona Martin and Wanda Cordero-Ponce. The Chronicle of Higher Education noted Assistant Professor of English and Jewish Studies Laurence Roth’s new book on Jewish detective stories. The Chronicle of Philanthropy quoted Vice President for University Relations Ron Cohen in an online advice column about creating a new development position.
• Director for Career Services Michael Rheiner was quoted in a Pa. Business Central article on the new InternsPlus Web site.
• Former Gov. Bruce Babbitt’s then-upcoming lecture at SU was featured in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. The Patriot and a few local papers carried feature stories on SU’s ranking as a squirrel-friendly campus quoting Admissions Director Chris Markle and Director of Facilities Management Dave Henry.
