Provost's Post

Wells School of Music Piano Student Competed at Prestigious Chopin Competition

WCU’s Wells School of Music student Alyssa Gabrilovich ‘28 - a first-year student studying Piano Performance - was one of only 23 students invited to recently compete in the prestigious 11th National Chopin Piano Competition from January 4 – 12, 2025, in Miami, Florida. The professional competition occurs every five years and is directly connected to one of the biggest international piano competitions – the Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland. With first-prize earnings of $100,000, participants are carefully selected through a competitive video audition process.

Assistant Professor of Piano Dr. Igor Resnianski is Gabrilovich’s longtime teacher. Resnianski says, “The Wells School of Music is excited to congratulate Alyssa for her participation in this highly selective competition, which in and of itself is an achievement. Alyssa is the first student at West Chester University to participate in the Chopin competition, and we are very proud of her hard work and commitment to her craft. We know she has a bright future ahead of her.” Gabrilovich, who is 19 years old, has studied with Resnianski since she was 7 years old. She says, “I did not expect to be accepted into this competition. I was so surprised and so happy to be invited. Being amongst so many other gifted pianists is very motivating.”

Gabrilovich made her stage debut at the age of 9 as a soloist with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra. She has performed with orchestras in the Philadelphia area, the New Orleans Civic Symphony, and has received awards in over 40 youth competitions including the Chicago International Music Competition, Kaufman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition, New Orleans Piano Institute Competitions, and the WCUPA National Piano Competition. Gabrilovich also won the Pennsylvania State MTNA Competitions for many years and the Eastern Division MTNA in 2020. She was a finalist in the Philadelphia Orchestra Greenfield Competition (2020), Yamaha USASU Young Artists International Senior Piano Competition (2023), and a quarter-finalist in the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition (2023). Gabrilovich was a recipient of the Chopin Foundation of the US scholarship in 2020-2022 and YoungArts winner in 2023. She performed live at the WRTI-FM studios in Philadelphia and was featured in NPR’s From the Top program in 2020 and 2023.

Renowned as one of the premiere piano competitions in the world, the National Chopin Piano Competition of the United States is widely recognized as a pivotal stepping stone towards a thriving career in piano performance. It is designed to offer performance opportunities and financial support to young American pianists and to enable the Prize Winners to take part in the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Through competition prizes, scholarships, and performance opportunities, the organization has touched the lives of thousands of young artists. Across five decades, over 500 young pianists have applied and more than 200 of America’s best pianists from 30 states were selected to compete in Miami during the first ten editions of the National Chopin Piano Competition. Since the first Competition in 1975, held in collaboration with the University of Miami, five American pianists have won top prizes in Warsaw.

WCU CARES Offers Suicide Prevention Training

WCU CARES is offering a series of trainings open to all faculty and staff about suicide prevention on our campus (formally known as Campus Connect). They continue to offer Part 1 and Part 2 for this training; completion of Part 1 is required for registration into Part 2. See descriptions of each part and links to register in RamConnect below. If you have any difficulty signing up, please email event coordinator, Michele Cooper at mcooper@wcupa.edu. If you would like to have your entire department or division trained, please contact Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Michele Cooper, at mcooper@wcupa.edu to discuss further.

WCU CARES PART ONE

WCU Cares Part 1 is a discussion-based program that encourages participants to gain insight and understanding for helping someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Goals for the program include:

• Learn about and become comfortable using inclusive terminology around suicide.
• Review relevant statistics and trends related to suicide, highlighting vulnerable populations.
• Introduce Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide to provide context to the suicidal experience.
• Discuss signs of distress.
• Explore ways to approach someone you are concerned about.
• Discuss resources that are available to those in distress or crisis; understand the advantages and limitations to identified resources.

This program is suitable for anyone that interacts with others. It does contain content that can be difficult to discuss, please feel free to reach out to the trainers prior to training if you have any concerns around the subject matter but want to participate.

Click a link below to register on Ram Connect:

• Monday January 27th 11:00-12:30PM Sykes 10B
• Tuesday February 4th 2:00-3:30PM Sykes 10B
• Wednesday February 12th 9:00 to 10:30AM Sykes 10B

WCU CARES PART TWO (Only open to folks who attended WCU Cares Part One)

WCU Cares Part 2 is an interactive, small group experience that delves into case scenarios pertaining to situations that involve individuals struggling with suicidality. This program does not include role playing, but rather meaningful discussions around:

• Ways to approach individuals of concern.
• Questions to ask individuals of concern.
• How to utilize resources available to best help individual of concern.
• How to care for yourself in these high stress situations.

This training is intended for anyone who has completed WCU Cares Part 1 and is interested in deeper exploration and application of materials presented. Exceptions can be made if someone has had personal or professional experiences that have enriched their understanding of assisting someone experiencing suicidality.

Click a link to register on Ram Connect:

• Monday February 24th 11:00-12:30PM Sykes 10B
• Tuesday March 3rd 2:00-3:30PM Sykes 10B
• Wednesday March 26th 9:00-10:30AM Sykes 10B

Comedian/Entertainer Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra Returns to West Chester University

(Courtesy of WCU's Communications & Marketing Department)

Comedian/Entertainer Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra make a triumphant return to West Chester University (WCU) for one performance only on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 8 p.m., in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester. Tickets range from $70-$110, and can be purchased at http://wcupatix.com/organization-events. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Conklin’s performance is a partnership with WCU’s Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA) and proceeds from the event will support its student activities. This is the third straight year the department will host Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra. Raffle baskets that include Philadelphia sports memorabilia will be available prior to the show and during intermission, with winners announced at the conclusion of the show.

Associate Professor and Faculty Advisor in the Dept. of Criminal Justice Christopher Przemieniecki says, “We are thrilled to bring Joe Conklin back for a night of fun and laughter. These shows are a terrific success and often sell out so buy your tickets early. We are very grateful to Joe and the City Rhythm Orchestra and invite students, parents, alumni, and members of the community to join us for what we know will be a fantastic night that also supports a good cause.”

Joe Conklin has been a constant in Philadelphia radio for more than 30 years. Conklin is also one of the most sought-after comedians/entertainers in the area for his fearless, uncanny, and hilariously spot-on impressions of Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, Barack Obama, Elizabeth Warren, Allen Iverson, and Charles Barkley, among others. A twelve-time AIR Award winner for Excellence in Broadcasting, his work has also been recognized by the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards. Conklin has worked with some of the nation’s most recognized performers including Kevin Hart, Tim Allen, and Ray Romano.

The Criminal Justice Student Association is one of West Chester University’s largest student organizations. Each year, the membership raises money to fund travel expenses for students to attend the American Criminal Justice Association National Conference, the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington DC, and the Daytona 500 Motor Speedway Security team.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

WCU’s Art & Design Department to Exhibit "Passages: An Installation in Progress" January 21 – March 30

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

From January 21 – March 30, 2025, West Chester University will exhibit Cheryl Harper’s Passages: An Installation in Progress (Passages) in the John H. Baker Gallery, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, 2 E. Rosewood Ave., West Chester. The exhibit is FREE and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment only. Information at artinfo@wcupa.edu or call WCU’s Dept. of Art + Design at 610.436.2872.

Harper is a critically acclaimed Philadelphia-based artist and historian. Ms. Harper will give a lecture in the Baker Gallery on Thursday, January 30th, at 1:00 pm, followed by a question and answer session and an artist reception. Passages explores the intersectionality of Harper’s family’s history of Holocaust loss and her husband’s family history of enslaving in the American South. The site-specific installation debuted at the Maier Museum of Art in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 2020, and explores themes of heritage, identity, persecution, and privilege.

Harper says, “Anti-Semitism and bigotry are on the rise around the world, and I feel it is urgent that we communicate and consider the histories of the oppressed and oppressors from multiple points of view. I am a Jewish woman who lost extended family in the Holocaust and who married a direct descendant of a Southern plantation family that owned other people. Passages is an evolving project that explores the dual nature of my family history. I contrast the material legacy left by my husband’s family, who as slave owners were oppressors, with the items passed down by my family, who as Jews living in Eastern Europe in the twentieth century were among the oppressed. The purpose of my project is to bring attention to the feelings of loss that are still pervasive among Jews and African Americans as a result of their persecution and to foster discussion and understanding.”

Harper’s installation incorporates 10-foot-high hand-printed wallpaper, embellished wedding dresses, family heirlooms, and found artifacts. The exhibit continues to evolve and grow as Harper finds more to include through her research on her family. This particular iteration of the project is the result of a collaboration between Harper and West Chester professors David Jones and Catharine Wallace.

Chair of WCU’s Dept. of Art & Design David Jones says, “WCU’s Dept of Art + Design is increasingly committed to utilizing our exhibition spaces to provoke thoughtfulness and foster conversation among our students, faculty, and the public. Accordingly, we are privileged to host Ms. Harper’s installation. The intersectionality of themes unique to this project will enable critical discussions about legacy, identity, and equity. Furthermore, Ms. Harper’s work is uniquely positioned to acquire evolving connotations with respect to contemporary geopolitical and social challenges, eliciting a series of ongoing, dynamic conversations.”

Wells School of Music Announces Spring Semester Faculty Recitals

(Story courtesy of Communications & Marketing)

The Wells School of Music at West Chester University opens the spring semester with an esteemed faculty recital lineup to educate and entertain students and members of the surrounding community alike. All listed performances are FREE and open to the public or can be live-streamed. For more information and a full schedule of spring semester arts events at the Wells School of Music is available. Dean Christopher Hanning of the Wells School of Music says, “Members of our surrounding community may not know that our faculty performances are open to the public. Our expert faculty perform nationally and internationally, and local audiences can hear them for FREE and in an up-close setting in one of our state-of-the-art concert halls.”

The Spring 2025 faculty recital lineup includes:

• Tuesday, January 28 at 7:30 p.m., In Young Lee, soprano & In Joon Yang, tenor. Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Sunday, February 2 at 3 p.m., Stephen Ng, tenor. Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Monday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m., Kimberly Reighly, flute. Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Tuesday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m., Elizabeth Pfaffle, horn & Jonathan Fowler, tuba. Philips Autograph Library, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Sunday, February 9 at 3 p.m., Emily Bullock, mezzo-soprano. Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Monday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m., Quintsylvania Winds. Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Tuesday, February 11 at 7:30 p., Daniel Cherry, trombone. Ware Recital Hall, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Monday, February 24 at 7:30 p., Henry Grabb, oboe & Jonathan Gaarder, bassoon. Philips Autograph Library, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Sunday, March 30 at 3 p., Karen Dannessa, clarinet. Philips Autograph Library, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester.
• Sunday, May 4 at 7 p., Dalí Quartet. Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester.

FULL LIST OF WSOM SPRING SEMESTER EVENTS

WCU Celebrates MLK Campus CommemorationWeek

On Wednesday, January 29, Dr. Shaun Harper, a nationally recognized expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, closed a week of MLK commemorative events with a keynote speach in Asplundh Concert Hall. This commemoration week has been organized and hosted for more than 30 years by the Society of WCU, formerly WCU’s Frederick Douglass Society.

Harper is a provost professor of education, business, and public policy at the University of Southern California (USC), where he founded the USC Race and Equity Center. Author of 12 books and more than 100 papers, his groundbreaking work in education and social justice has been featured in such media as The Washington Post, Forbes, Rolling Stone, NPR, CNN, and MSNBC. Harper has repeatedly been recognized by Education Week as one of the 10 most influential scholars in the field of education.

The Society of WCU is an organization of University faculty, staff, and administrators who embrace the spirit of Frederick Douglass’ commitment to social consciousness and inclusiveness. Their programs aim to stimulate other groups on campus to enrich our multicultural climate. The MLK Brunch is one way the Society raises money for scholarship funds.

WCU'S IS&T DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS TECHNOLOGY ACCESS

Laptop Loaner Program: As part of its commitment to the Moonshot for Equity initiative, IS&T offers a variety of lending options for students with the goal of providing equitable access to technology resources for students demonstrating need for the equipment. Students can explore available programs, computer labs, and retail equipment educational discounts on the Student Computing Resources website. Additionally, the Provost’s Office, Deans and IS&T have allocated resources to maintain a supply of Windows and MacOS laptops that will now be available for adjunct faculty. Adjunct Faculty can submit a request using the Adjunct Faculty Loaner Laptop Form.

Software Access Via RamCloud: RamCloud enables seamless streaming of applications directly to a student's web browser on any device. It tightly integrates with the university Learning Management System D2L, and university storage services like OneDrive and Google Drive. Watch the RamCloud NextGen Promotional Video or login at https://ramcloud.wcupa.edu.

Access to Adobe for Students: All WCU students have access to Adobe’s web-based creative platform Adobe Express. Additionally, students enrolled in academic programs requiring Adobe products to complete coursework will have no-cost access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud Pro suite.

WCU CELEBRATES DIVERSITY FOR ALL CALENDAR OF EVENTS - Spring 2025

The newly named Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance is excited to share the WCU Celebrates Diversity calendar for the Spring 2025 semester! This carefully curated calendar features a meaningful lineup of events designed to honor, explore, and engage with the diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives that shape our campus community. These events are opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. From thought-provoking discussions and cultural celebrations to workshops and keynote speakers, each event contributes to our collective efforts to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment at West Chester University. We encourage everyone to save the dates and add these events to your personal calendar. To stay informed about upcoming events and access the full calendar, visit the online diversity events calendar.

Your participation matters, and we look forward to seeing you at these events throughout the semester! For questions and/or to have future programs included in this publication, please contact Porsche Murray at pmurray@wcupa.edu .

Academic Recognition Committee Nominations Due February 14

The Academic Recognition Committee is accepting nominations for the following faculty awards and honors:

• Trustees ’ Achievement Award
• Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award
• Emeritus/ Emerita Designation Award
• Distinguished Research Award
• E. Riley Holman Memorial Faculty Award
• Deans ’ Award for Teaching Excellence
• Campus Diversity Award

Candidates may be nominated for only one award each academic year. Previous nominees are eligible for renomination for the Distinguished Sponsored Research Award (at least three years after receiving one), Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award and Campus Diversity Award. Nominators should describe their relationship to the applicant and the evaluative criteria of the letter writer.

Application forms and guidelines for each award are available on the provost’s website at Faculty Awards for Academic Affairs - WCU of PA. Please submit all applications with checklist as a pdf to Ms. Megan Fahey mfahey@wcupa.edu. Nominations are due February 14, 2025.

CELT Professional Development Award Nominations Due March 1, 2025

The Committee for Excellence in Learning and Teaching offers an annual professional development award for up to $2,000 for pedagogical and curricular innovations leading to student success. These funds are to encourage the implementation of new and innovative projects that would not be possible without this financial support. Up to four projects will be selected for funds up to $2,000 per project.

Proposals are due March 1, 2025. For more information, visit our blog or review the full guidelines; if you have any questions, please reach out to CELT Faculty Associate Janneken Smucker at jsmucker@wcupa.edu.

Faculty Mentoring Committee Announce Spring 2025 Programs

MOTIVATING ASSIGNMENTS: BALANCING RIGOR, COMPASSION, AND ENGAGEMENT | Virtual: February 13
When educators discuss assignments, the conversation often centers on their effectiveness in assessing student learning. In the age of generative AI, the focus has shifted toward creating 'AI-proof' assignments to minimize cheating. What if we reimagined assignments as a strategy for enhancing student engagement? What would that look like?

Join us on Thursday, February 13 for a virtual interactive workshop led by CESW's Drs. Hodes and Mohajeri, who will share their approaches to creating assignments designed to increase student engagement and motivation. Moving beyond traditional assessment frameworks, this session will explore how assignments can serve as catalysts for enhancing student motivation, creativity, and authentic learning. Register now to reserve your spot!

PROMOTION PANEL | Thursday, February 20 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm

Come talk with a panel of professors who have recently been through the promotion process. All levels of promotion will be addressed. RSVP and submit questions for the promotion panelists today! If you have any questions, please contact Ralph Sorrentino at rsorrentino@wcupa.edu or Michelle Blake at mblake@wcupa.edu, Co-Chairs of the Faculty Mentoring Committee.

AI in Action @ WCU | Virtual
Join our 30-minute interactive webinars to inspire and motivate you to consider new ways to engage with AI in your teaching, scholarship, and service. Each session will feature a different WCU presenter. All sessions start with a 5 minute introduction, followed by a 15 minute presentation, and end with 10 minutes of questions and discussion. Each webinar will be recorded for later viewing. Visit the AI in Action blog post to register to attend an upcoming virtual session or view previous session recordings. If you're willing to share your own experiences working with generative AI, complete our interest form or reach out to us at tlc@wcupa.edu!

30th Annual RECAP Conference Calls for Proposals Open

The Call for Proposals is now open for the 30th Annual RECAP Conference being held in the Science and Engineering Center Commons (SECC) on Thursday, May 15, 2025! The RECAP 2025 Conference marks a significant milestone—30 years of advancing education through technology. This year’s theme, Innovation in Action: Facing the Future – Together invites educators, technologists, and support teams to collaborate in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Join us in our mission to foster exploration, spark dialogue, and shape the future of higher education – together. For more information or to submit a proposal, visit https://wcupa.edu/RECAP

JARIHE 2025 Call for Manuscripts

The Journal of Access, Retention and Inclusion in Higher Education (JARIHE) is welcoming manuscripts through April 15, 2025. A response from the editor regarding a decision will be prior to June 30, 2025. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025. Submissions will accepted at jarihe@wcupa.edu. Please direct all questions to John B. Craig, Ed.D., Editor at jcraig@wcupa.edu.

FACULTY HONORED AT DECEMBER COMMENCEMENT

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

During December’s commencement ceremonies, five faculty members were recognized for their excellence in the classroom and beyond.

Dr. Jessica Sowa, assistant professor of biology in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, was recognized with the Campus Diversity Award for her outstanding contributions to the spirit of diversity on the University campus. In her lab, she and students research host-virus interactions using the model nematode C. elegans. She has been conducting research with nematodes for more than 10 years. She also directs and is primary investigator for the Nematode Hunters outreach program. Dr. Sowa joined the University faculty in 2019.

Dr. Jelena Colovic-Markovic, associate professor of languages and cultures, was awarded the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching in recognition of her outstanding service in stimulating and guiding the intellectual development of WCU students. Since 1961, the Lindback Foundation has made grants in support of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award to colleges and universities primarily in the Greater Delaware Valley area.

Dr. Jea Sophia Oh, professor of philosophy, was presented with the Distinguished Research Award for her outstanding achievements in scholarly work over multiple years in religious studies, Asian philosophy, and ecofeminism, including public lectures, peer-reviewed articles, and books.

Dr. Gloria Maité Hernández, associate professor of languages and cultures, was presented with the University’s Council of Trustees Achievement Award. Dr. Hernández’s research focuses on literature and religion. In the last 10 years, she has presented her work at major international conferences in Spain, India, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and at different venues in the United States. She was invited to be a visiting scholar at the Center for the Study of World Religions in Harvard University for one year.

Composer-arranger-saxophonist Jonathan Ragonese, professor and director of jazz studies in the University’s Wells School of Music, was honored with the E. Riley Holman Memorial Faculty Award at December’s commencement ceremonies. The award recognizes his expertise in demonstrating innovative teaching techniques that foster student creativity. He has taught at the University since 2020.

Congratulations to all our awardees!

LEARN MORE ABOUT FACULTY AWARDEES

Advance Reservation is the process that Sykes Union and Student Activities implemented in 2022 to assist student organizations and university departments with reserving space within Sykes Student Union for future events. Sykes Student Union is pleased to begin the 2025-2026 Advance Reservation process. Please review some of the FAQs in the link below and note the tentative timeline.

New for this year, Sykes Student Union staff, is hosting an open house Reservations Showcase and will be available for consultations on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 to walk through the Advance Reservation form and answer questions and/or support departments and student organizations in preparing their requests. Mark your calendars today!

Advance Registration

How to Submit Your Event to Online Campus Calendar

The WCU Calendar is populated by events submitted in 25Live, WCU's room reservation and calendaring program. Faculty/Staff may submit events to the calendar by selecting "WCU Featured Events Calendar" in the "Resources" section of the 25Live Event Form.

WCU Event Calendar How to Submit your event to wcu calendar

Professional Headshots Available via Iris Photo Booth at Twardowski Career Development Center

Students, Faculty, and Staff now have access to the Iris Booth, a free professional photo booth located in the

Career Development Center (Lawrence 225).

Students, Faculty, and Staff can stop by anytime Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4pm to get a photo taken, no appointment needed.

FAST Schedule & Offerings

Check out what IS&T has on tap for the semester! The Faculty and Staff Training (FAST) unit supports WCU faculty and staff in becoming proficient in various applications, in addition to providing best practices in trending platforms (e.g., OneDrive, D2L, RamCloud). Courses are designed to accommodate all levels of learning and allow users to build on acquired skills. Click below for the full schedule or take self-paced options.

FAST Schedule

Want to learn more about Navigate?

Visit our webpage. You’ll find an overview, information about Progress Reports, and our training site.

You can also check out the FAST training site and search “navigate” to final all of the Navigate-specific offerings. Here's a quick guide to the offerings.

Navigate Home page

FREE LinkedIn Learning Content Available to WCU Faculty, Staff and Students

LinkedIn Learning with Lynda.com content is an industry leader in online training, with a digital library of over 180,000 videos, covering a wide range of technical, business, software, and creative topics. West Chester University faculty, staff and currently enrolled students have unlimited access.

Access LinkedIn Learning