Juniata Magazine Spring 2005

2005·4.9 MB·English

by  Juniata College

JUNIATA
N<
COLLEGE@
Office of College Advancement
1700 Moore Street
Huntingdon, PA 16652-2196
www.juniata.edu
Change Service Requested
magazi• ne
Spring 2005
IRESIDENT'S MESSAGE NTENTS
features
f
Dear Friends, Love of Language: Reaching Beyond Our Own Experience
JUNIATA magazine
As many of you know, plans are underway to celebrate the end of the College's Juniata's World Languages and Cultures department translates inspiration
Michelle Corby '95
Uncommon Outcomes Campaign on Oct. 14 and 15. As I look back at all Juniata has [email protected] and enthusiasm into an academic program that effortlessly incorporates study
accomplished since the beginning of the campaign in 1998, I am overwhelmed at the Assistant Vice President ofMarheting abroad experiences with intensive cultural and intellectual learning.
John Wall
dedication our enthusiastic family of students, faculty, family, and friends has shown [email protected]
in ensuring our continued presence among the nations best colleges and universities. Edito1; Director of Media Relations 6
Joel Cookson Good Man on Campus: Jim Lakso's Legacy to Juniata
That commitment to excellence does not occur in a vacuum. Juniata's success [email protected]
Sports Infon11atio11 Director He accepted a one-year job offer and three decades later he's still here,
depends on individuals and groups working in tandem and incorporating individual
Rosann Brown
overseeing an educational program that just keeps getting better under
strengths into a seamless and selfless team. Publications Coordinator/Graphic Designer
Candice D. Hersh his watchful eye. Ever the economist, he takes a "macro" approach to
Several of our magazine stories illustrate this principle with almost uncanny accuracy Mariteting Assistanl
President Kepple, with Jim Tuten Geft), John Hille managing faculty, student life and the Juniata experience.
In "Provost lessons" (page 6), read how my colleague and friend Jim Lakso is
assistant provost, and Georgia Rep. Vice Prcsidenl for College Advancement
John Lewis (center), a civil rights pioneer. mcuarkriicnugl uanm i,n hdireilnibgl eth me abreks to tne atchhei Cngo lflaecguel tbyy i onv tehres eneaitnigo ng raonudn ndebvreear kloinsign cgh sainghget so if n DChiraecdt oHr eorfz Aolgu m'9n9i Relations and l O Are You Cut Out for the Board? Choosing Trustees to
Volunteer Development Guide the College
our student-centered mission. Jim excels at his job because he empowers others to Bub Parker '91
Juniata's success depends on excel. Such faith is mirrored in another story, "Above Board" (page 10) as Trustee Assisrant Director ofA lumni Relarions Selecting for the College's Board of Trustees goes beyond looking through
Evelyn L. Pembrooke
individuals and groups working Dave Andrews shows how Juniatas Board of Trustees look for dedicated team players Alwm1i Office Specialist. alumni lists. Juniata seeks Trustees who are dedicated to Juniata and who
who work tirelessly to provide the resources and positive reinforcement to succeed. J.D. Cavrich bring a diverse set of skills to the group.
in tandem and incorporating Pdncipal Photography
The cooperative concept of success also applies to our academic departments. As Snavely Associates, Ltd.
individual strengths into a Design
you'll read in 'Translation Success" (page 2), the World Languages faculty interweave Reunited: Juniatians Who Worked for Civil Rights Return
14
Juniata College Magazine is published
seamless and selfless team. first-rate teaching techniques with innovative courses while presenting study abroad three times a year by Juniata Colle_ge, to Educate Campus
Deparlment of Advancement and
and cultural experiences that open up other worlds to Juniata's students. In 1965,
Marketing and is distributed free of Former students and former faculty returned to help the College celebrate
a group of our students traveled to what seemed to be another world-Selma and charge lo alumni and friends of Juniat.a
College. Posurtastcr and others, please its role in working for voter registration and civil rights in March 1965. These
Montgomery, Ala. They fought and suffered for civil rights and they returned to teach send change•of•address correspondence
history-making activists returned from every corner of the nation to help
to: Alumni Relations, 1700 Moore St..
our current students and faculty how those events shaped their lives. Thanks to these Huntingdon, PA 16652-2196.Juniata Juniatians remember.
College Magazine can accept no
returning alumni and a team of faculty and administrators, we were able to honor our
responsibility for unsolicited contributions
past while providing an experience out students can take with them. of artwork, photography, or anic!es.
Juniata College, as an educational d artments
institution and employer, values equality
Please accept my invitation to see these same principles at work on a campus visit or
of opponuniry and diversity. The College ep
at our end-of-campaign celebration. I hope to see you here! is an independent, privately supponed
co-educational institution commiued to
providing a liberal arts education to Campus News Sports
Warm regards, qualified students regardless of sex, race, 18 44
color, religion, national origin, ancesuy,
marital starus, sexual orientation, or Class Notes Gifts®Work
disability. Its policies comp½' with 22 46
requirements of Title VIII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964. Title IV of the Faculty Feature In Production
Thomas R. Kepple Jr. Education Amendments of 1972, and all 39 48
other applicable federal, state, and local
President starutes, regulations and guidelines Faculty/Staff Briefs /BC Deja View
40
[email protected]
Cover photos by J.D. Cav,ich 43 Campus Events
lnsel B&\V CO\'er plwto by Cliarles Moore/
Blac/uwr Pliows

Spring 2005 I 1
l
magazi• ne
Spring 2005
IRESIDENT'S MESSAGE :I· 0 NTENTS
J Table of
features
f
Dear Friends, Love of Language: Reaching Beyond Our Own Experience
JUNIATA magazine
As many of you know, plans are underway to celebrate the end of the College's Juniata's World Languages and Cultures department translates inspiration
Michelle Corby '95
Uncommon Outcomes Campaign on Oct. 14 and 15. As I look back at all Juniata has [email protected] and enthusiasm into an academic program that effortlessly incorporates study
accomplished since the beginning of the campaign in 1998, I am overwhelmed at the Assistant Vice President ofMarheting abroad experiences with intensive cultural and intellectual learning.
John Wall
dedication our enthusiastic family of students, faculty, family, and friends has shown [email protected]
in ensuring our continued presence among the nations best colleges and universities. Edito1; Director of Media Relations 6
Joel Cookson Good Man on Campus: Jim Lakso's Legacy to Juniata
That commitment to excellence does not occur in a vacuum. Juniata's success [email protected]
Sports Infon11atio11 Director He accepted a one-year job offer and three decades later he's still here,
depends on individuals and groups working in tandem and incorporating individual
Rosann Brown
overseeing an educational program that just keeps getting better under
strengths into a seamless and selfless team. Publications Coordinator/Graphic Designer
Candice D. Hersh his watchful eye. Ever the economist, he takes a "macro" approach to
Several of our magazine stories illustrate this principle with almost uncanny accuracy Mariteting Assistanl
President Kepple, with Jim Tuten Geft), John Hille managing faculty, student life and the Juniata experience.
In "Provost lessons" (page 6), read how my colleague and friend Jim Lakso is
assistant provost, and Georgia Rep. Vice Prcsidenl for College Advancement
John Lewis (center), a civil rights pioneer. mcuarkriicnugl uanm i,n hdireilnibgl eth me abreks to tne atchhei Cngo lflaecguel tbyy i onv tehres eneaitnigo ng raonudn ndebvreear kloinsign cgh sainghget so if n DChiraecdt oHr eorfz Aolgu m'9n9i Relations and l O Are You Cut Out for the Board? Choosing Trustees to
Volunteer Development Guide the College
our student-centered mission. Jim excels at his job because he empowers others to Bub Parker '91
Juniata's success depends on excel. Such faith is mirrored in another story, "Above Board" (page 10) as Trustee Assisrant Director ofA lumni Relarions Selecting for the College's Board of Trustees goes beyond looking through
Evelyn L. Pembrooke
individuals and groups working Dave Andrews shows how Juniatas Board of Trustees look for dedicated team players Alwm1i Office Specialist. alumni lists. Juniata seeks Trustees who are dedicated to Juniata and who
who work tirelessly to provide the resources and positive reinforcement to succeed. J.D. Cavrich bring a diverse set of skills to the group.
in tandem and incorporating Pdncipal Photography
The cooperative concept of success also applies to our academic departments. As Snavely Associates, Ltd.
individual strengths into a Design
you'll read in 'Translation Success" (page 2), the World Languages faculty interweave Reunited: Juniatians Who Worked for Civil Rights Return
14
Juniata College Magazine is published
seamless and selfless team. first-rate teaching techniques with innovative courses while presenting study abroad three times a year by Juniata Colle_ge, to Educate Campus
Deparlment of Advancement and
and cultural experiences that open up other worlds to Juniata's students. In 1965,
Marketing and is distributed free of Former students and former faculty returned to help the College celebrate
a group of our students traveled to what seemed to be another world-Selma and charge lo alumni and friends of Juniat.a
College. Posurtastcr and others, please its role in working for voter registration and civil rights in March 1965. These
Montgomery, Ala. They fought and suffered for civil rights and they returned to teach send change•of•address correspondence
history-making activists returned from every corner of the nation to help
to: Alumni Relations, 1700 Moore St..
our current students and faculty how those events shaped their lives. Thanks to these Huntingdon, PA 16652-2196.Juniata Juniatians remember.
College Magazine can accept no
returning alumni and a team of faculty and administrators, we were able to honor our
responsibility for unsolicited contributions
past while providing an experience out students can take with them. of artwork, photography, or anic!es.
Juniata College, as an educational d artments
institution and employer, values equality
Please accept my invitation to see these same principles at work on a campus visit or
of opponuniry and diversity. The College ep
at our end-of-campaign celebration. I hope to see you here! is an independent, privately supponed
co-educational institution commiued to
providing a liberal arts education to Campus News Sports
Warm regards, qualified students regardless of sex, race, 18 44
color, religion, national origin, ancesuy,
marital starus, sexual orientation, or Class Notes Gifts®Work
disability. Its policies comp½' with 22 46
requirements of Title VIII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964. Title IV of the Faculty Feature In Production
Thomas R. Kepple Jr. Education Amendments of 1972, and all 39 48
other applicable federal, state, and local
President starutes, regulations and guidelines Faculty/Staff Briefs /BC Deja View
40
[email protected]
Cover photos by J.D. Cav,ich 43 Campus Events
lnsel B&\V CO\'er plwto by Cliarles Moore/
Blac/uwr Pliows
Spring 2005 I 1

Language study is intricately tied to Juniata's robust study abroad Many of the upper-level
Found in Translation: Two Careers
program. "If you have incorporated language as a minor or cultural courses reflect both
majored in it, you must study abroad for at least a semester, and the interests of the faculty
Jennifer Jones '94 grew up in Huntingdon,
if you are seeking an education degree you must study abroad as well as the contemporary
Po. and knew from the moment she come to
for a year," Thurston-Griswold explains. political and cultural
Juniata that she wanted to study abroad. She
environment. Thurston­
studied German with Klaus Jaeger and spent
Two yearlong study abroad opportunities at Fachhochschule
Griswold created "Art and her junior year abroad (in Leeds, England­
Gelsenkirchen-Bocholt and the University of Lille allow Juniata
Activism in Latin America" it's a long story). After Juniata she earned a
students to earn dual degrees. Lauren Peppers '05 of Lancaster,
in cooperation with the master's degree at the University of Leeds
Michael Henderson, associate
Pa., is the first Juniata student to
peace and conflict studies and earned a degree in classical singing at the Cologne Music
professor of French
complete the program. Amanda Krebs Students from the Spanish Club show off a col01ju.l costume at the program, guiding students Conservatory. She has lived in Germany since 1996.
'07, from Boyertown, Pa., will travel to Coll e's Fiesta Latina dinne1'.
eg through the political implications of the muralist artists of
Lille next year to complete her course How did language study convince for on hour and then finally being able
Mexico, Mexican conidas (story songs), the salsa songs of
you to make a career in Europe? to manipulate the language yourself.
:r work for the degree. ')uniata's study ton University's molecular cell biology program. Haeusser
§g_ abroad programs helped me make the studied abroad in Lille and was an intern at the Pasteur Institute Panamanian singer Ruben Blades, and activist literature. At Juniata it wasn't clear for me that I would Speaking another language communicates
respect to the people of that culture.
pursue a career abroad. Once I did go abroad
( decision to come here," Krebs says. in Lille. "I am able to collaborate with French scientists in my One of the courses in the French curriculum that inspires the
it was contagious. I sort of boarded a train
field, making connections and getting to know their research. I most debate is "French Images of America." Henderson looks How did language study change
and didn't really get off.
-..---.;.._.. & Most Juniata professors advise that a your outlook on the world?
see science as a tool to understand the world and humanities at contemporary movies, literature, music, and even the comic
Klaus Jaeger, professor study abroad experience will give is a way to relate to the world. I couldn't function without one book "Lucky Luc" to show how French authors view America, Was the extra work involved in When you first learn, speak, and write in
of Gennan students the confidence, maturity, and language study worth the effort? another language that is not your native
or the other." and then examines 18th century French authors who viewed
global outlook to succeed in any marketplace. 'To learn a Absolutely! Language enables you to tongue, only then con you truly appreciate
the New World as a utopian paradise-a land of opportunity
language you have to develop a set of skills that can be applied Over time, the College has created a approach people, get in touch, make contact. and know your own language. I think I
understood more about being American,
to other areas," Henderson says. "It'.s such a great experience that curriculum that emphasizes conver­ One ofJaeger'.s most popular courses is "Postwar German It starts by asking where the restrooms ore
a Pennsylvanian, a Huntingdanian and a
and progresses to having a conversation
I just butt into other peoples conversations to tell them to study sational proficiency over fluency Novels," in which he analyzes novels by three German Nobel
Juniatian after living abroad.
abroad when I overhear kids talking about it," laughs Rebecca After a three-semester introductory Laureates: Heinrich Boll, Gunther Grass, and Siegfried Lenz.
Shoaf'05, a senior from Madison, NJ studying youth studies sequence (which students can test "Students are fascinated with each author's view on how the
and Spanish. Shoaf studied abroad at Universidad de las out oD, students take courses on art, common man lived through the war years and the Nazi the International Film Series, and special
Americas in Puebla, Mexico. literature, film, politics, and reli­ regime," Jaeger says. movie showings such as Russia's The
gion-taught almost exclusively in Czarist Officer or France's Eight Women
Many students major or minor in languages to complement a Jim Roney, professor of Russian, teaches several of his courses
the target language. "From our first that attract students from all disciplines.
career path in science, business, communications, or education. with sections in English, mainly because the courses on Tolstoy
day in the class (on Dostoevsky) we Language faculty also teach a variety of
Although many Juniata students continue to earn teaching and Dostoevsky remain popular as literature courses for all
did not speak English," says Todd Cultural Analysis courses, such as
certifications, the language faculty have seen in recent years a students. The Russian program at Juniata, the legacy of
Elli.ck '05, a senior from Altoona, Pa. Thurston-Griswold'.s "Myth and Magic
tum toward careers in service or nonprofit organizations. =-- former professor George
studying German and Russian (Todd Realism" or Roney's "Dostoevsky," that
Dolnikowski, remains a
"Being proficient in various languages encourages communica­ recently won a Fulbright scholar­ Jim Roney, professor can inspire students to incorporate
tion and makes significant steps toward cultural understanding," Herny Thurston-G1iswold, ship). "I think it puts everyone on an unique program at a liberal of Russian language study into a POE.
professor of Spanish arts undergraduate college.
says Daniel Haeusser '01, now a doctoral candidate in Washing- even playing field."
Indeed, Roney's program Field trips and service learning trips also remain integral to the
I f sends students for an entire World Languages curriculum. Henderson organizes a spring
A Different World
J year abroad at the University break trip to Quebec each year and Thurston Griswold has
of Volgograd and then focuses organized three service trips to Guatemala since 2003.
In 1992, William P. Nyce '48 and Frances Clemens Nyce '46 the history of such a unique area. "It is very gratifying to hear from i
endowed the William P. & Frances Clemens Nyce Scholarship students that they ore doing well and learning a lot during their Lauren Peppers,Juniata's on a yearlong senior project. In the end, according to Roney, the addition of language study
for Study in Latin America. This scholarship supports any fullt-ime times abroad." first double degree recipient "Students have tackled some to any POE makes students more marketable, both abroad and
Juniata student who chooses to study in Latin America, including William P. Nyce passed away in 1996. Fran tokes comfort from the University of Lille, amazing projects, such as at home. "There is so much access to learning beyond the
study during a semester or full academic year, a study tour during in having his memory live on at Juniata and with each student student teaches at Altoona comparing Russian and classroom, and the classes are so interesting, studying language
on academic year, or a study tour during the summer. who experiences education beyond our borders. The continuous Area High School. Amish farmers," he says. pushes students to be the best," says Shoaf.
During the 1980s, the Church of the Brethren sponsored Fron support of alumni such as Fron Nyce is essential to Juni ota's "I don't think it's possible at
to visit Latin America. The opportunity opened a new horizon of mission to give students every opportunity to explore new worlds. another college for a student to work directly with a faculty
learning and living for Fron. "I was so ignorant about countries in Fran's own experience was the motivation to send students into member on a project of such scope." Web Links
Latin America. It is a different world there." cultures that they will never forget, a generous gesture that others
con shore with worthy students. Juniata'.s language faculty do not stop teaching when class has http:// departments.jun iota. edu/ languages/
When Fron returned from her travels she and her husband were ended. World Languages markets itself through student clubs,
strongly motivated to offer students the opportunity to learn about -Loni Fultz '03, director of annual giving
4 I Ju11iata Magazine Spring 2005 I 5
Language study is intricately tied to Juniata's robust study abroad Many of the upper-level
-l Found in Translation: Two Careers
program. "If you have incorporated language as a minor or & ,"' 1, cultural courses reflect both
majored in it, you must study abroad for at least a semester, and . the interests of the faculty
Jennifer Jones '94 grew up in Huntingdon,
if you are seeking an education degree you must study abroad , .~ as well as the contemporary
TsGfotwuerl odsa ee yynneekitaasrr rlt,oco" hn Teeghan rnsu-tBru soddtcouyhna aol-b Gldtr eroaigansrwdde e ootshlp.d epL eoUaxrunptruilevanniein rtPsiseei.t spy ap ote fFr sLa ic'0lhl5eh aoolcfl ohLwsacn Jhcuuansleitae tra, Hannah Rou1e11us 06 > ·--___j I Mic\~'-/-~ hae\'~ ,'. \~•l \\ . \ Henderso,,,.---. n, associa~ te GAeipnnocr victlsiiiotviwrioocsopnamllemd ra i anecntnrd ieoLat a.cn tuTt eiwlhndtuui tA"rhrAasm rtlt ohte nraein ­cda" JimhsPtut'eosuan rd.ia s aijta ueetlannodr'd isn ot hG gdrka neeyst egretosmwarhreyaer e fn) ar. wo abAwmatr ftoitn thehtatheer d eKJd U u l (maintnonuioi a vsLms eteJtauarees desndityhgtys e,s ea oh rEbe fe naar Logcenrnaoldeaedmd nds.sdep Sa ­etho net
Pa., is the first Juniata student to
peace and conflict studies and earned a degree in classical singing at the Cologne Music
professor of French
complete the program. Amanda Krebs Students from the Spanish Club show off a col01ju.l costume at the program, guiding students Conservatory. She has lived in Germany since 1996.
'07, from Boyertown, Pa., will travel to Coll e's Fiesta Latina dinne1'.
eg through the political implications of the muralist artists of
Lille next year to complete her course How did language study convince for on hour and then finally being able
Mexico, Mexican conidas (story songs), the salsa songs of
you to make a career in Europe? to manipulate the language yourself.
:r work for the degree. ')uniata's study ton University's molecular cell biology program. Haeusser
§g_ abroad programs helped me make the studied abroad in Lille and was an intern at the Pasteur Institute Panamanian singer Ruben Blades, and activist literature. At Juniata it wasn't clear for me that I would Speaking another language communicates
respect to the people of that culture.
pursue a career abroad. Once I did go abroad
( decision to come here," Krebs says. in Lille. "I am able to collaborate with French scientists in my One of the courses in the French curriculum that inspires the
it was contagious. I sort of boarded a train
field, making connections and getting to know their research. I most debate is "French Images of America." Henderson looks How did language study change
and didn't really get off.
-..---.;.._.. & Most Juniata professors advise that a your outlook on the world?
see science as a tool to understand the world and humanities at contemporary movies, literature, music, and even the comic
Klaus Jaeger, professor study abroad experience will give is a way to relate to the world. I couldn't function without one book "Lucky Luc" to show how French authors view America, Was the extra work involved in When you first learn, speak, and write in
of Gennan students the confidence, maturity, and language study worth the effort? another language that is not your native
or the other." and then examines 18th century French authors who viewed
global outlook to succeed in any marketplace. 'To learn a Absolutely! Language enables you to tongue, only then con you truly appreciate
the New World as a utopian paradise-a land of opportunity
language you have to develop a set of skills that can be applied Over time, the College has created a approach people, get in touch, make contact. and know your own language. I think I
understood more about being American,
to other areas," Henderson says. "It'.s such a great experience that curriculum that emphasizes conver­ One ofJaeger'.s most popular courses is "Postwar German It starts by asking where the restrooms ore
a Pennsylvanian, a Huntingdanian and a
and progresses to having a conversation
I just butt into other peoples conversations to tell them to study sational proficiency over fluency Novels," in which he analyzes novels by three German Nobel
Juniatian after living abroad.
abroad when I overhear kids talking about it," laughs Rebecca After a three-semester introductory Laureates: Heinrich Boll, Gunther Grass, and Siegfried Lenz.
Shoaf'05, a senior from Madison, NJ studying youth studies sequence (which students can test "Students are fascinated with each author's view on how the
and Spanish. Shoaf studied abroad at Universidad de las out oD, students take courses on art, common man lived through the war years and the Nazi the International Film Series, and special
Americas in Puebla, Mexico. literature, film, politics, and reli­ regime," Jaeger says. movie showings such as Russia's The
gion-taught almost exclusively in Czarist Officer or France's Eight Women
Many students major or minor in languages to complement a Jim Roney, professor of Russian, teaches several of his courses
the target language. "From our first that attract students from all disciplines.
career path in science, business, communications, or education. with sections in English, mainly because the courses on Tolstoy
day in the class (on Dostoevsky) we H Language faculty also teach a variety of
Atcuelmrthtio fituocagwthiao rmnds ac,n atyhre Jeeu rlansn iiangtu as aesgrtuev idfcaeecn uotsrlt ycno ohnnatpvinero usfiee tet noo r iegnaa rnnrei zctaeetnaicot hnyisen.a grs a dsEtiludli.dc nkyoi n'0t g5s pG, eaea rskme Enaninog ral ifnsrhdom, "R s uAasylstisoa Tonon (daT,do P dad. satnudd eDnotsst. oTehvesk Ryu rsesmianai np rpo=-ogpr-aumla ra atf oJs rulminteiearrat aptu,r trohef eecs olseuogrras Gceyse ooforf rg ea ll annah Rou/en;u.s ·~ TRCehuaulltriussrmtaol"n A-oGnr raRilsyowsnioes ylcd'so'.s "u D"rMsoesystt,oh se uvacnshkd y a,M"s tahgaict
"Being proficient in various languages encourages communica­ recently won a Fulbright scholar­ Dolnikowski, remains a Jim Roney, professor can inspire students to incorporate
tion and makes significant steps toward cultural understanding," Herny Thurston-G1iswold, ship). "I think it puts everyone on an unique program at a liberal of Russian language study into a POE.
professor of Spanish arts undergraduate college.
says Daniel Haeusser '01, now a doctoral candidate in Washing- even playing field."
Indeed, Roney's program Field trips and service learning trips also remain integral to the
f sends students for an entire World Languages curriculum. Henderson organizes a spring
A Different World
J year abroad at the University break trip to Quebec each year and Thurston Griswold has
of Volgograd and then focuses organized three service trips to Guatemala since 2003.
In 1992, William P. Nyce '48 and Frances Clemens Nyce '46 the history of such a unique area. "It is very gratifying to hear from i
endowed the William P. & Frances Clemens Nyce Scholarship students that they ore doing well and learning a lot during their Lauren Peppers,Juniata's on a yearlong senior project. In the end, according to Roney, the addition of language study
for Study in Latin America. This scholarship supports any fullt-ime times abroad." first double degree recipient "Students have tackled some to any POE makes students more marketable, both abroad and
Juniata student who chooses to study in Latin America, including William P. Nyce passed away in 1996. Fran tokes comfort from the University of Lille, amazing projects, such as at home. "There is so much access to learning beyond the
study during a semester or full academic year, a study tour during in having his memory live on at Juniata and with each student student teaches at Altoona comparing Russian and classroom, and the classes are so interesting, studying language
on academic year, or a study tour during the summer. who experiences education beyond our borders. The continuous Area High School. Amish farmers," he says. pushes students to be the best," says Shoaf.
During the 1980s, the Church of the Brethren sponsored Fron support of alumni such as Fron Nyce is essential to Juni ota's "I don't think it's possible at
to visit Latin America. The opportunity opened a new horizon of mission to give students every opportunity to explore new worlds. another college for a student to work directly with a faculty
learning and living for Fron. "I was so ignorant about countries in Fran's own experience was the motivation to send students into member on a project of such scope." Web Links
Latin America. It is a different world there." cultures that they will never forget, a generous gesture that others
con shore with worthy students. Juniata'.s language faculty do not stop teaching when class has http:// departments.jun iota. edu/ languages/
When Fron returned from her travels she and her husband were ended. World Languages markets itself through student clubs,
strongly motivated to offer students the opportunity to learn about -Loni Fultz '03, director of annual giving
4 I Ju11iata Magazine Spring 2005 I 5
Provost Lessons
Jim Lakso, Juniata's Man for All Seasons
If, as the saying goes, 90 percent of success in life is showing up, then Jim Lakso, Juniatas provost of many Juniatians, because he
since 1998 and faculty member for over 30 years, is a very successful man. If there is a speaker was inspired by a great teacher,
on campus, student recital, concert, talk, play, athletic contest, or faculty and student gathe1ing, Bob Schultz, a Wittenberg
he'll be there. And thats on top of the meetings, mentoring, advising, and keeping tabs on faculty, economist. He decided to
student and athletic issues. continue his studies at the
University of Maryland where
"My team knows when Jim is in the stands and its a big deal to them; they raise the bar a little
he earned a doctorate in 1970.
higher," says Larry Bock, athletic director. 'Jim always gives me good advice, and l sleep better at
He found he had a talent for
night knowing hes at Juniata."
teaching during his time at
'Tm very good at multitasking," Lakso says with smiling understatement. "l think it'.s important Maryland. "Three weeks after
for people who work at Juniata to go to events, but l also go to these events because l find them getting my diploma at Wittenberg
really interesting." lwas standing in front of 40
undergraduates teaching the
'Jim has a lot of empathy in that he can put himself into a student's place
principles of economics," Lakso
11Because of Jim's efforts in faculty very well," says Melanie Hanning '05, an international student from
says, with a smile.
selection, the faculty as a whole Germany "His office door is always open to students and there is a really
has never been better at Juniata." nice, friendly atmosphere in Jim's office." Lakso was finishing his doctoral
work when he heard of a teaching
- "ln the past, students often only saw the provost when they were in
Tom Kepple, president position opening at Juniata. The
trouble," explains Joanne Krugh, administrative manager in
student protests on college
the provosts office. ('Joanne really runs this
campuses in the early '70s were a
place," jokes Lakso.) 'Jim still teaches every
regular occurrence at Maryland­
year, he advises, and a student is never turned
"Tear gas fumes would float into
away lf Jim is busy in a meeting, the student
our apartment," Lakso recalls­
comes first."
and the couple thought it would
be great to be away from the
A student-first credo is an indelible part of
Laksos persona, an attitude burnished by 30 Harbor, a small town on the outskirts of Cleveland, Ohio, tumult. "I signed for one year, thinking I would be able to move
years of asking for excellence from Juniata where he excelled at sports, particularly football. His football on in a year or so," he says.
students. Lakso, who came to Juniata in 1970 talents (he also received an academic scholarship) caught the
'Jim is very down to earth, very fair," says Tony Kamnikar '76,
with his wife, Bonnie, would never have eye of coaches at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio
vice president of the Gleason Agency, a regional insurance broker
predicted he would spend his entire career at and he found he liked the idea of learning at a small, liberal
in Johnstown, Pa. "It was like taking lessons from an older
one institution. Uke many of Juniatas alumni Lakso reacts to a funny anecdote, as historian Dave arts university brother. He knew when to be firm and when to be a regular guy
and students, he was the first member of his Hsiung loohs on, at a presentation during the recent
Lakso decided to study economics not out of a great love for It doesn't surp1ise me that hes been able to do that as provost."
family to attend college. He grew up in Fairport Civil Rights Reunion.
numbers or statistics, but, once again mirroring the experience
6 I Juniata Magazine Spring 2005 I 7
Provost Lessons
Jim Lakso, Juniata's Man for All Seasons
If, as the saying goes, 90 percent of success in life is showing up, then Jim Lakso, Juniatas provost of many Juniatians, because he
since 1998 and faculty member for over 30 years, is a very successful man. If there is a speaker was inspired by a great teacher,
on campus, student recital, concert, talk, play, athletic contest, or faculty and student gathe1ing, Bob Schultz, a Wittenberg
he'll be there. And thats on top of the meetings, mentoring, advising, and keeping tabs on faculty, economist. He decided to
student and athletic issues. continue his studies at the
University of Maryland where
"My team knows when Jim is in the stands and its a big deal to them; they raise the bar a little
he earned a doctorate in 1970.
higher," says Larry Bock, athletic director. 'Jim always gives me good advice, and l sleep better at
He found he had a talent for
night knowing hes at Juniata."
teaching during his time at
'Tm very good at multitasking," Lakso says with smiling understatement. "l think it'.s important Maryland. "Three weeks after
for people who work at Juniata to go to events, but l also go to these events because l find them getting my diploma at Wittenberg
really interesting." lwas standing in front of 40
undergraduates teaching the
'Jim has a lot of empathy in that he can put himself into a student's place
principles of economics," Lakso
11Because of Jim's efforts in faculty very well," says Melanie Hanning '05, an international student from
says, with a smile.
selection, the faculty as a whole Germany "His office door is always open to students and there is a really
has never been better at Juniata." nice, friendly atmosphere in Jim's office." Lakso was finishing his doctoral
work when he heard of a teaching
- "ln the past, students often only saw the provost when they were in
Tom Kepple, president position opening at Juniata. The
trouble," explains Joanne Krugh, administrative manager in
student protests on college
the provosts office. ('Joanne really runs this
campuses in the early '70s were a
place," jokes Lakso.) 'Jim still teaches every
regular occurrence at Maryland­
year, he advises, and a student is never turned
"Tear gas fumes would float into
away lf Jim is busy in a meeting, the student
our apartment," Lakso recalls­
comes first."
and the couple thought it would
be great to be away from the
A student-first credo is an indelible part of
Laksos persona, an attitude burnished by 30 Harbor, a small town on the outskirts of Cleveland, Ohio, tumult. "I signed for one year, thinking I would be able to move
years of asking for excellence from Juniata where he excelled at sports, particularly football. His football on in a year or so," he says.
students. Lakso, who came to Juniata in 1970 talents (he also received an academic scholarship) caught the
'Jim is very down to earth, very fair," says Tony Kamnikar '76,
with his wife, Bonnie, would never have eye of coaches at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio
vice president of the Gleason Agency, a regional insurance broker
predicted he would spend his entire career at and he found he liked the idea of learning at a small, liberal
in Johnstown, Pa. "It was like taking lessons from an older
one institution. Uke many of Juniatas alumni Lakso reacts to a funny anecdote, as historian Dave arts university brother. He knew when to be firm and when to be a regular guy
and students, he was the first member of his Hsiung loohs on, at a presentation during the recent
Lakso decided to study economics not out of a great love for It doesn't surp1ise me that hes been able to do that as provost."
family to attend college. He grew up in Fairport Civil Rights Reunion.
numbers or statistics, but, once again mirroring the experience
6 I Juniata Magazine Spring 2005 I 7
That year grew into three and those years
grew into decades of teaching, sending
generations of business graduates out to seek
success and helping to create a competitive
but collegial department with colleagues Pat
Weaver, Jim Donaldson, and his best friend,
the late Ron Cherry "Hes smart without
being elitist or stuffy, funny without using
other peoples mistakes or weaknesses as the Jim I..akso makes time to attend many of the events Lakso talks with sociologist Cynthia Me1iwether-DeVries at an
brunt of his humor," says Janet Lewis, on campus. Here he chats with Don Ardolino '67 event in Beeghly Library.
associate professor of philosophy, who came at a reception.
I..ahso's commitment to student activities is evident
to campus in 1970, the same year as the
by his enthusiasm for infonnal get-togethers.
provost. "He is committed to the institution willingness and courage to move important Honoring a friend
without being a fanatic and concerned about decisions along that might otherwise get stuck
the well-being of the Juniata family without in the faculty committee process." well. Since becoming
Fundraising is not what academics usually do, but Jim Lakso
being invasive. Jim has gained the facultys provost, Lakso has
Lakso says the experience that most prepared "He does not suffer fools was determined to give it a try. His colleague, mentor, and
respect and trust." shaped Juniata by
him for provost life was his work as a business gladly, but he does most friend, Ron Cherry, passed away in 2000 and Jim wanted
overseeing more than 50
In 1980 and 81, Lakso served as an assistant consultant, commitments he says also made him everything else gladly." help raise funds to start the Ron Cherry Endowed Scholarship.
faculty hires. "My The original energy for the project come from a group of
dean, but the experience was not a positive a better teacher. That capacity for lifelong
-Andy Murray, professor of principal role is to strike college friends, Steve Gillingham '66, Jack Warfield '66, and
one and he returned to the business learning has served him well in hiring faculty as
peace and conflict studies a balance between Bill Alexander '66. Their enthusiasm inspired Lakso and Bud
department until a day in 1997 when he
getting people who will Wise, who taught business with Ron and Jim in the '70s and is
walked through Founders Hall. "[Former
We Need Your Help! fit into the Juniata now an executive at PPG Inc., to join in.
president] Bob Neff
culture and hiring people who can shake
From a list of hundreds of business and economics students,
literally grabbed me
and asked if I'd like to The Brumbaugh Academic Center is a large part things up a bit and show us a better way," Gillingham, Alexander, Warfield, Lakso, and Wise chose
"He is a person of relentless
of the Uncommon Outcomes Campaign. The Lakso says. people to coll asking them to make a gift and, in turn, for them
be interim provost,"
integrity and he bears up under South Wing, formerly known as the Chemistry to make additional calls to their college friends. Not only did
Lakso laughs. "I didn't If he is presented with an idea or a new policy,
a lot of strain at times and Wing, needs $800,000 for renovations the committee receive enthusiastic support for the memorial
campaign for or apply Lakso prefers to err on the side of change. "I
manages to convince most and construction purposes. The College is project, they rekindled relationships with alumni and friends
for the job." have to find more ways to say yes," he says.
looking to alumni, organizations, and friends from years ago. "When you teach, there is little immediate
people that it's all rather easy." 'Jim has a healthy of the accounting, business, and economics "Figuring out how to say yes to ideas is an feedback, you can't tell whether you hove made a difference"
-Jim Tuten, assistant provost respect for the Colleges department, informational technology, and important job." Lakso says. "The real proof is what these people are doing
communications department as the agents for l0, 15 years after graduation-what do they think now? If
history and traditions What Lakso has said yes to, including new
making this important renovation a reality. you would like to make a teacher's day, let them know how
and has a very direct, buildings, residence improvements, athletic
something you got from them made a difference for you."
genuine approach to people," says Kris The South Wing will be the first section coaching additions, improved student
Clarkson, dean of students. "He has an completely renovated in the Brumbaugh programs, expansion of several departments The fundraising campaign substantially exceeded the goal,
incredible memory He is in meeting after Academic Center. There are many gift and the formation of a revamped religion and providing enough funds to name a full-tuition Leadership Merit
opportunities ranging from naming of the Scholarship. Ron insisted that students stretch to be better than
meeting, not taking notes, yet he's not information technology department, has
South Wing Complex to offices, classrooms, they ever thought they could be. Lakso says: "The validation of
missing anything." changed how Juniata educates its students.
and seminar rooms. If you have an interest in a teacher's job is how your students do after they graduate."
But Lakso prefers to keep things in perspec­
The interim title was removed in 1998 when contributing or would like more information, The first Ron Cherry Scholarship was awarded to Jessie R.
President Tom Kepple arrived. The two top contact Loui Fultz, director of annual giving, at tive: "It still comes down to a faculty member Masquelier '06, of Port Matilda, Pa.
in a room with students who are ready to
administrators have worked together ever [phone] or [email protected]. '70,
learn and that will remain the same if the class -Marsha Hortman director of development
since. 'Jim is respected by all who interact
is in a brand-new building or a dump."
with him," Kepple says. "He has the
8 I Juniata Magazine Spring 2005 I 9
...,