July News

 

GCU Faculty Member Goes Global with Expertise on Wordless Books

Kathleen Froriep, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the GCU School of Education, has a passion for books---even those without words. The former elementary school teacher turned co-director of the GCU Reading Center will discuss the power of stories without words during the 23rd World Congress on Reading, July 12-15, in Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Froriep, whose research dates back to the 1990s, received a Lucile Cornetet Individual Award for Professional Development. The honor, which carries a $1,800 travel grant, is awarded by the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation. Read more about the award and Dr. Froriep's work.

GCU Alumna Paints 'Abstract Realms'

Well-known local artist Pat Shepherd, a GCU alumna who studied art and computer graphics in college, is taking a detour from her usual brand of breathtaking watercolors. “My usual seascapes, lonely beaches, wildlife, boats and area landmarks have been replaced by abstract art painted in a variety of mixed media," Ms. Shepherd says of "Abstract Realms," her new exhibit that was recently featured in Georgian Court University's M. Christina Geis Gallery. "This exhibit is the culmination of several years of experimentation in which I have enjoyed the challenge of painting randomly and creating a design from the results.”

From Service Learning to Soaring Dancers, GCU Magazine Covers It All

Take time to read about GCU's dance students who now enrolled in one of the newest majors on campus. Or see how our students are learning the value of service and the importance of giving their time to others. In the latest edition of GCU Magazine, you'll see our new multimedia features (all of which can be shared on Facebook and other social media), including our interview with intriguing 92-year-old alumna, Agnes Moore Higgins '39. The latest edition is packed with examples of the many ways GCU faculty, students, staff and alumni are making a difference. 

Georgian Court University Grads Explore Power, Possibility, and Promise

 Despite the troubling national economy, problems on the warfront, and unsettling finances in New Jersey, it’s important to think positive and “keep moving forward,” Judge Honora O’Brien Kilgallen told some 370 Georgian Court University graduates as she spoke during the university’s 99^th Undergraduate Commencement Exercises at the school’s national historical landmark campus in Lakewood.

“Many of you may have difficulty finding employment. You may have to take a different path than the one you planned,” said the 1982 alumna who is now presiding judge of the Chancery Division, Family Part, of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Monmouth County.

“That unplanned path may, however, lead you to your highest good…to your dream job, or who knows, to the person who may become the love of your life,” she said. “Just know that on balance, the world is a wonderful place. Believe in yourself, and you will make your mark.” Read more 

 

GCU Biology Graduates Join Forces in Gulf Cleanup

GCU alum, Jim Burkitt works on a coast guard ship that's headed down to the gulf to do water quality testing and other environmental monitoring.  He will be joined for 3 weeks by a current GCU biology grad student, Liza Baskin. Liza has volunteered to help with the monitoring for 3 weeks over her summer vacation. 

Jim is a survey Technician on the NOAA ship Henry Bigelow. As Jim explains, ”Basically I'm responsible for running the ships scientific computer systems and sonar, maintaining scientific spaces, computer labs, chemistry lab, wet lab and fish processing systems. I work as the first point of contact between the scientists coming on board and the ship. So for example, when someone comes on and says they want to map a part of the ocean bottom and take water samples I tell what equipment the ship has, and work with them to get them all set up. I also am responsible for running the NOAA Ship tracker that updates our position every hour:”

To learn more about the NOAA Shiptracker go to: http://shiptracker.noaa.gov/ship.aspx?ship_code=HBSCSACQ&timeframe=cc&mapservice=st_nmao

In the next few weeks Jim and Liza will be in the vicinity of the collapsed oil rig as part of the sub-surface monitoring team. They ‘re mission will be to track the oil underwater using sonar and other scientific equipment.
Internship Could Be Step to First Job

Trying to convince underclassmen that an internship is worth the time and effort? Consider how many new college hires come from employer internship programs:
Employers taking part in NACE’s 2010 Internship & Co-op Survey reported that 44.6 percent of their Class of 2009 hires came from their own internship programs.

STUDENT LIFE/WILD

There’s so much happening on the GCU campus. Visit us often for highlights of Student Life programs, campus activities and events, and news from GCU's Women in Leadership Development (WILD), our renowned women’s leadership program.

Commencement Slideshows

 

And They're Off...to Work

The Class of 2010 marched right into one of the most difficult job markets ever. Still, they are reporting success in their search for work, and are beginning jobs at places like JCP&L, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, and in local school districts across New Jersey.

“Students are opening their horizons a little more, and we’re not just talking geographically, but in their fields of expertise, too,” says Catherine Moore of GCU’s Office of Career Development.  “In the last year we’ve seen a big change. For example, a student who earned a psychology degree may not be able to find an entry-level job in counseling, but they can find work in a human resources office.”

“Our graduates see what the economy is doing, and they’re saying to themselves, ‘What else is out there?’” says Ms. Moore, adding that several are headed to graduate school at places like Fordham University, Pace Law School, and even Scotland’s Stirling University where one alumna plans to study international conflict and cooperation.

Leading by Example

Ashley Hobbs ’08 joins GCU this fall as the new graduate assistant for leadership programs in the Office of Student Development. Ashley, who earned her bachelor’s degree in communications, is now working toward an M.B.A. Although her latest title is new, she’s a veteran student employee, having served as graduate assistant for the GCU’s Gateway to the Arts Living Learning Community from the fall of 2008 through this spring.

New Student Orientation

Georgian Court this month welcomes its newest members during “Explore the Possibilities,” GCU’s New Student Orientation program planned for August 23-24. The two-day event is where newcomers will begin to establish friendships, explore GCU’s beautiful buildings and grounds, and prepare for the excitement of the 2010-2011 academic year.

Sarah Kelly, GCU’s coordinator of student activities, is working with more than 25 current students who are serving as orientation leaders. Together, they and will work with newcomers to help them understand what it means to be a college student. They’ll also team with members of the incoming class (first-time freshmen are officially dubbed the Class of 2014!) to talk about their past successes and outline new goals while learning about everything from academics to residence hall fun.

 

 

Georgian Court University Presents

Interested in Georgian Court University Events?  Learn More

Check out our Spring 2010 Programs
The Spring 2010 Mosaic is here! Learn More 

The McAuley Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL) is a new institute tailored for audiences aged 50 or older who want to take advantage of college-level courses without tests, grades, or credits. Courses for this fall include, E-Commerce: How Business is Conducted Online, Praise Her Works: The Proverbs 31 Women, Listening to Music of the Twentieth Century, Twentieth Century American Authors: "A Sense of Place", Watercolor Whirl, Health and Wellness: Health, Humor, and Healing, Zumba Fitness, American First Ladies: Not Elected but Not Without Influence, Part 2, Active Aging, and Fundamentals of Music.   Learn More 

The Georgian Court Bridge Club

Relieve stress the old-fashioned way by playing cards with friends. Bridge is a trick-taking card game of skill and chance. Form a partnership in the Mansion like the Goulds did. This free event, sponsored by the Lofty Pines Society, includes six sessions and hours of fun. GCU is a member of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Join us July 26; August 2, 9 (Mondays); 1:00-3:00 PM. Contact the office of Conferences and Special Events at 732-987-2263 or specialevents@georgian.edu for additional information.