Alumni Insider | June 18, 2010
Reunion/Homecoming 2010
Reunion/Homecoming 2010 is only 3 months away: September 24-26, 2010. Get ready for the biggest, boldest Reunion/Homecoming bash ever! From panel discussions to football to dancing... you'll find plenty of fun things to do! Mark your calendars so that you can join your classmates and fellow Mules for the celebration of the year!
Visit http://www.muhlenberg.edu/alumni/reunion/ for more information, or contact us at bergalum@muhlenberg.edu with any questions, or to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Brain Camp, Student Research
Can summer make you smarter? At Muhlenberg it can! Many high school students spend their summers working at the local ice cream shop, mowing lawns or lifeguarding; students attending one Muhlenberg summer camp are not only going to use their brains-they're going to study them!
Brain Camp is a week-long residential experience for high school students that will be held at 'Berg from July 18-23. Upon their selection through an application process, all of the participating students' costs, including housing, meals, courses and social activities are provided for by a generous gift from The Sentience Foundation. The students stay on campus and attend hands-on workshops to explore brain anatomy, physiology and development, studying things like the influence of toxins on the development of a salamander's nervous system, or the effect of music on the human brain.
Camps like this only make up a small portion of the research conducted on the campus throughout the summer months. Many current Muhlenberg students undertake independent research and collaborative research positions with faculty in fields like biology, psychology and neuroscience. These collaborations are often arranged months in advance and have resulted in the publication of co-authored articles in peer-reviewed journals and the presentation of results at professional meetings. Funding for these specialized opportunities is provided by research organizations, corporate grants and gifts from alumni, parents and friends of the College.
Did you work with faculty on research during your summers at 'Berg? We'd love to hear about your experience! Email us at bergalum@muhlenberg.edu.
Campus Construction
School's out for summer? Yes, but... This summer is shaping up to be a busy one at Muhlenberg, with construction projects adding to the usual buzz of sports camps, summer research and arts programs. Between expansion/renovation projects at Hillel and Seegers Union and the creation of a rehearsal house, the campus is filled with activity and excitement over the new and remodeled facilities under construction.
The rehearsal house is nearly complete, with some final changes being made for necessary inspections. The new space is as innovative and creative as the students who will be utilizing it. The incredible attention to detail in various aspects of the building is apparent, including rooms that have adjustable acoustics, are soundproof and are equipped with the discipline-appropriate lighting and flooring. The theater program is hoping to utilize the new acting and directing studio in the rehearsal house this summer, with the building officially opening in fall 2010.
Further down Chew St, the Hillel expansion has begun, with the final architectural drawings complete and initial inspections underway. The College will soon begin selecteive demolition on the old M.I.L.E. house, which is adjacent to Hillel. With a third-party review complete, the College is now applying for a building permit. The expanded space, which will house Hillel, leadership offices, and the Sociology and Anthropology departments, should be completed by the start of the second semester of the 2010/2011 academic year.
Currently, the most talked about renovations are underway at Seegers Union. Work is progressing quickly, and the new dining room is almost complete. In what was formerly the Garden Room, along with the former kitchen and servery, the demolition is nearly finished, with the walls, ceilings and floor materials having already been removed. Soon, the new floor will be installed, allowing for the final renovations to proceed.
With all of the construction being done on Seegers Union, some temporary changes have been made. The bookstore has been moved to the Red Door, allowing for incoming freshman to pick up some 'Berg gear during their June advising sessions. The food options have also changed, with the café in the Life Sports Center expanding its menu to offer additional culinary options. There is also a hot dog cart outside of Ettinger, open Monday through Thursday, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. (Remember "the Hot Dog Man"? This is not him...)
Do you have a memory about construction at 'Berg when you were here? Were you a witness to the bold new Center for the Arts, Moyer Hall or any of the other buildings that are now landmarks on our campus? Let us know at bergalum@muhlenberg.edu.
Something for Everyone
We put the "camp" in "campus"...! Most of Muhlenberg College students may be at home, but a multitude of elementary, middle school and high school students take over our campus during the summer as they attend a variety of camps. Did you ever work at a 'Berg camp or participate in a summer workshop?
In the upcoming months, Muhlenberg will host 14 different sports camps: from basketball to football, from lacrosse to softball, and everything in between. Accommodating athletes ages five and up, the sports camps offered at Muhlenberg provide exceptional instruction in a beautiful setting. Skills and Thrills Youth Football Camp will feature Mike Donnelly, Muhlenberg head football coach and 2007 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and D3.com "Coach of the Year" award recipient, while Leslie Benintend, the winningest coach in Muhlenberg Women's Soccer history, will direct the All-American Soccer Camp. For a complete list of available camps, please visit http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/athletics/summercamps.html.
Students from 6th-8th grades can also enjoy a special camp experience at Muhlenberg. Camp administrator Heather Fox '08 says that Camp Imagine, now in its 11th year, "aims to create a unique experience for students with an interest in the performing arts." The camp, which will take place from July 6-30, has a maximum enrollment of 51, and focuses on team building and collaboration as opposed to solo performing. A final showcase, featuring an original production created by the students with the aid of Camp Imagine instructors, will be performed on July 31 at 10:00 a.m. in Empie Theater. It's sure to be a fantastic show!
Additionally, Muhlenberg offers a very unique opportunity to children of alumni called the CARE (College Admissions Resource Experience) program. This three-day workshop, full of individualized contact with college counselors, is limited to an enrollment of no more than 40 students on a first come, first served basis. This ensures a more intimate experience is had by all participants, and allows for maximum one-on-one interaction with staff. The workshop is designed to help guide students through the exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, college search process, while simultaneously allowing them to experience what life is like on a college campus. Topics ranging from campus visit etiquette to interview preparation are covered with Muhlenberg College Admissions staff members individually. Chris Hooker-Haring '72, P '08, P '10, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, explains that, "The Mission of CARE is to assist each student in finding the best college/university match and to have a better understanding of the college admissions process." If you are interested in the CARE workshop, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@muhlenberg.edu.
Make Your Gift
Summertime and the GIVING IS EASY! Did you know June 30 marks the end of Muhlenberg's fund year? We need all of our alumni to give back to our alma mater: that means you! Please make a gift today. Thanks for your support of The Talents Entrusted to Our Care Campaign!
Point of Pride
Alumni Relations' former Presidential Assistant, Lauren Conicella '10, has a job! In fact, Lauren had secured a position with Dun & Bradstreet before graduating on May 23. We're very proud of Lauren, and we'd like to hear from others in the Class of 2010. Where are you working/going to school?
P.S. Meet our new PA, Christine Beck '11.
