Honors College

Courtney Parker is a junior Secondary Education: English Honors student with a minor in Theatre. The performing arts are her passion, as evident with her strong involvement in multiple Department of Theatre and Dance Main Stage Productions, University Dance Company concerts, and more! Her capstone project reflects her passions as she envisioned, implemented, and produced The VariDance Concert. This production highlighted the diverse dance organizations on campus. Nine university dance groups performed on April 29 in the JP Adler Studio Theatre, raising money for the College of Arts and Humanities. Courtney plans to make VariDance an annual event planned by a fellowship consisting of representatives from each group, enabling the concert to continue after she graduates. Courtney is beyond grateful for the West Chester University Honors College and the endless opportunities it presented to learn and grow her passions!

More than 80 percent of our population is affected by light pollution. Although many do not recognize light pollution as an issue, copious amounts of research have only reinforced the severe negative effects on us, and wildlife caused by excessive lighting. Utilizing their time, Finn was able to create a lasting impact through multiple faculty members on campus. One such faculty member, Dr. Marc Gagne, an Astronomy professor and Dark Sky member, was able to help me secure funding for reigniting the West Chester Dark Skies initiative, which aims for reducing light pollution at West Chester, over the summer of 2024. Over the summer, they assisted in public outreach, performed quantitative research (measuring light pollution in West Chester), and pushed for institutional and government advocacy to encourage the passage of HB 1803. Finn also presented our 2 research papers and presented at the American Astronomical Society Meeting to discuss our efforts in West Chester to further my impact on the community. These efforts have led to a decrease in light pollution and therefore have led to a decrease of negative effects on the West Chester community and its wildlife.

In Spring 2023, Cecilia Tabor, a junior Early Grades Preparation major, worked to improve the outreach of Relay for Life on West Chester University’s Campus. Cecilia became president of Colleges Against Cancer at WCU in the Fall of 2022. From the start of her term until the end of her presidency Cecilia helped facilitate doubling WCU’s fundraising total and raising a whopping $40,000+. Cecilia and CAC’s efforts received national recognition from the American Cancer Society as Cecilia and one other member of the club were flown to Texas and honored as one of the Top 20 university Relay for Life programs in 2023. CAC also received WCU’s Matthew J. Bricketto Organization of the Year Award during the 2022-2023 for the club’s impact on campus and beyond.

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Gittleson, a junior majoring in Microbiology with minors in Psychology and Civic and Professional Leadership, presented with Honors Faculty member, Professor Zach Wooten, at the International Leadership Association's 23rd Global Conference in October 2021. Lizzie and Professor Wooten presented a poster entitled, "Rabbi Regina Jonas: A Life of Inspiration and Aspiration," discussing their research on the leadership of the first woman ordained as a Rabbi. As the past-president of West Chester University's Hillel Jewish Student Union, Lizzie combined her interest in Jewish history and culture with her passion for leadership studies.

In Spring 2022, Emma Dunham, a senior Nursing major worked closely with Dr. Zachary C. Wooten and the Leadership and The Good Life Honors Seminar as a Community Engagement Scholar, sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact. In her role, Emma coordinated meetings with residents at The Hickman Friends Senior Center and students in the class to engage in intergenerational dialogue around meaning-making and visions of "the good life." Emma and Dr. Wooten shared more about the experience and its benefits for community members and students alike at the 2022 Association of Leadership Educators' Annual Conference, where their work was celebrated through an "Outstanding Practice Proposal" award.

Jake Henry, a sophomore Pharmaceutical Product Development major, was recently selected as the Overall Grand Prize Winner of the 2021 WCU-BIZ Ideas Competition sponsored by the Dr. Edwin Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center at WCU. His idea, LECTRA, is a wireless and portable electric muscle stimulator to help with muscle growth, fighting arthritis, increasing a mind-to-muscle connection for athletes, and repairing tendons and muscles. Jake's idea was the top pick among 233 submissions and was also selected for the 1st place prize in the competition's undergraduate track. Way to go Jake!