Honors

Newsletter of the Thomas E. Bellavance Honors Program

Salisbury University

Vol. 4 No. 1

Editor: Dr. Tony Whall; Writers: Melyssa Malinowski, Timothy Reese, Suzanne Sharff, Elizabeth Wood

December 12, 1999

Articles

• The Honors Program Committee: Shapping the Future of Honors
• What Makes Liz Run?
• Good For You
• This Year's Honors Course Offerings
• Volunteers Make Monkey-Shines
• Honors Faculty Profile: Dr. Joan Maloof
• Dr. Whall's Corner
• Honors Students Present at National Conference
• Semester Fun
• Thesis! Thesis! Thesis!
• NCHC Northeast Regional Conference 2000: Puerto Rico
• NCHC National Honors Semester 2000: Spain 'Conquistador': Cultures That Clash and Cleave
• Funnies
• A Honors Semester in the Grand Canyon
• Alumni News

This year especially the committee has been meeting to improve the program in ways that will influence the future of the program for years to come. Three substantial chores undertaken by these dedicated faculty and staff will greatly affect program leadership, curriculum and requirements.

Who are these people? How did they come to serve the program as they've done?

Four of the committee's members are chosen by members of the faculty through elections held by the Faculty Senate. This year's elected members are Dr. James Hatley, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Amy Meekins, Associate Professor of Education, Dr. Michael Scott, Assistant Professor of Geography, and Dr. Brian Steigler, Assistant Professor of Modern Languages. A fifth faculty member, Dr. Kathleen Shannon, Professor and Chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, was appointed by the Faculty Senate as Senate Liaison to the committee, and Ms. Sandra Cohea-Weible, Assistant Vice-President for Academic Affairs, represents the Provost's office.

Their first major task this year was to change the requirements for graduating with Bellavance Honors, and this they accomplished by the end of October (see Dr. Whall's column, page 6). Presently they are performing what has become the most time-consuming of their laborsÐthe selection of a new Assistant Director for the program. They have received over 150 applications for the position and must select from that large number 15 candidates. They will then hold telephone interviews with these fortunate 15, and from that number choose the three or four finalists. Each of these finalists will come to campus for individual day-long interviews with faculty, students and administrators, and of course the committee members will be involved in all facets of those proceedings. In this selection process they are assisted by two students appointed by Dr. WhallÐMegan Combs and Katie ProfiliÐfor whose contributions the committee members are most grateful.

Finally, the committee has begun the task of revising the Honors Core Curriculum. As many of you know, the Core has been comprised, since 1987, of four coursesÐ"Critical Thinking and Writing," "Western Intellectual Tradition" parts I and II, and "Scientific Knowledge." The new Core envisioned by the committee will also consist of four courses, the first of which would still be "Critical Thinking and Writing." This would be followed by courses yet to be named, but called something such as "Issues in the Social Sciences," "Issues in Science," and "Issues in Humanities." These three courses would have subtitles, depending on the course's focus, such as, for example, "Ethics and Science," "Civilization and Its Discontents," "Postmodernism and Tradition," "The Individual and the Community," "Economics and Environment," "Scientific Truth," and other such courses dealing with issues of gender, race, and contemporary and traditional ideas of heroism, virtue, liberty, and responsibility. The committee is hopeful that large numbers of faculty will be eager to offer courses in this new core.

Each of these new courses would introduce students to enduring and pertinent issues and would teach

them ways of reflecting upon and inquiring into and challenging those issues. Students would be invited to become practitioners of the disciplines in which they're studying, to learn not only what thinkers in a particular discipline think and argue and write about, but how they do these things (i.e., what are their methods? What are their underlying assumptions?). All of the courses would emphasize critical thinking and writing, would use primary texts instead of textbooks, would be discussion classes, encouraging questions, argumentation, and debate, would include, where feasible, research into different aspects of the issues, and would include an historical and multicultural range of texts (e.g., a science course that examined a topic from ancient, classical and contemporary perspectives).

The committee is still discussing and refining these criteria, and there's still a great deal of work to be done. But, in addition to their teaching and advising and research and writing and their other committee responsibilities, these dedicated professionals carry on in the interests of the Honors Program, working to make it better. We should all be grateful for their great contributions.

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What Makes Liz Run?

by Elizabeth Wood

A synthetic buzz penetrates my body, breaking in upon a much-needed slumber. Springing out of bed, I rush to the kitchen and fuel up with a foaming mug of hot cocoa. My father's old radio crackles: "Zzvvz...temperatures in the low thirties...vzzvvv...winds reaching 20 miles per hour." Heeding the words of the forecaster, I gear up with the proper attireÐlayers of shirts, fuzzy socks, gloves and racing shoes. I pull my laces tight, grab a steaming muffin from the toaster, and depart into the dark morning.

Lining up at the start, I blend in with a multifaceted group of over 700 runners. If I am to break the record for females under age 19 category in the JFK 50 mile Footrace, I calculate that I must average eleven minutes for each mile. The runners, emitting puffs of steam, exchange words of encouragement. Goose bumps tickle me as the official lifts his gun and fires into the cold morning air. My feet accelerate to a steady pace, knowing that if they go too fast, they will not last through 50 miles of rugged terrain.

Supporters, resembling spectators at a parade, line the streets and cheer. This energizes me and I pace too quicklyÐeight minutes for the first mile. Consciously monitoring my steps, I am able to stabilize my pace. Soon the smooth paved road joins a bumpy mountain trail. Now traveling in single file, the runners find it both difficult and dangerous to pass other competitors. Rocks, stumps and ruts are a constant threat to careless feet. The steadily inclining path forces me to exert more and more effort. Although greatly tempted, I discipline myself to take no more than a few walking steps up the steepest sections. After peaking, the Appalachian trail plunges downward through a series of switchbacks. This steep section is the most hazardous on the course; however, it is also my favorite because of its exquisite scenery. The zigzagging path, overlooking a green valley, leads through tunnels of tall oak, maple and cherry trees.

The foliage ends abruptly as the course emerges into a clearing. Here an aid station loaded with Gatorade and snacks lifts my body and spirit. The volunteers at the stop appear comfortable in their insulated coats and lawn chairs. I crave to kick off my shoes and join them; however, I quickly erase these thoughts when I am informed that only 16 miles have been put behind me. After downing a final ounce of liquid nourishment, I push on to a new terrain Ð the C & O canal towpath.

Although my abused feet rejoice at the switch to a kinder, gentler surface, my mind complains. The tedium of the towpath lasts for 26.2 miles. Twenty-six miles of the same trees, the same mile markers, the same canal. No up-hills, no down-hills to break the monotony. Rain from the previous week has produced miniature quagmires on several sections of the path; it is important to avoid them as cold, soggy socks are not pleasant. Concentrating on positive mantras keeps me from faltering as I tackle the marathon-length stretch. Eventually I leave the towpath and head onto the final part of the course. Glancing at my watch I am astoundedÐI am almost and hour ahead of time. If I could average 10 minute miles on the road, I would not only break the record, but also finish in under nine hours! The winding road, buzzing with traffic, pounds on my blood-purple toenails. My nose runs and my legs ache but burning determination goads me to run faster. I remind myself that the pain I am suffering is short-term, while the glory obtained from a spectacular finish will last a lifetime. Concentrations of what it will be like to cross the finish line blend into reality as the red ribbon and cheering spectators come into view. My heart races as I glide through the tape with a final burst of energy, breaking both the 23 year-old JFK 50 record and my personal goal of finishing fifty miles in under nine hours.

My performance in this race is analogous to my philosophy of life. Whether I set out to clean the bathroom, tackle Spanish vocabulary, or please a child, my strategy remains the same; I first analyze the conditions and then calculate how to best use these conditions to reach my goals. Although rocks and stumps will cause occasional stumbles and bloody blisters will bring wincing tears, I strive in whatever I do to retain the spirit of my inner core so that I do not fall.

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Tim Reese is spending the Fall 1999 semester in the Grand Canyon, one of 35 Honors students from programs nationwide participating in this year's Honors Semester (see article on page 13).

Amanda Elzey recently returned from her Honors Semester abroad in Greece.

Congratulations to sophomore Liz Wood for setting a new record in the JFK 50-mile super marathon held in Washington, D.C. in November (See article on page 2).

Bon Voyage to Jamie Ward, a sophomore honors student who will be spending her semester abroad in Fall 2000. She will be studying marine biology on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Dr. Whall will present a paper, "The Great War Against Women," at the Northeast Modern Language Association meeting in Buffalo in April. The study grew out of an Honors course, "The Culture of the Great War" that Dr. Whall taught with Dr. Stephen Gehnrich in the Fall 1999 semester.

Jillian Weis, a senior philosophy major, will be studying abroad in Ireland next semester. Good luck Jillian.

Josh Gotwalt, a junior philosophy major, has just returned from a semester-long study abroad in Germany. Welcome home, Josh.

Nicholas Tsourounis competed in the International Powerlifting Association's Senior National Championships in York, PA. He place first in the 18-19 year old/275 lb. weight class. Nick, who is the president of SU's powerlifting club, attended the competition with Spencer Delisle, fellow Honors student and vice-president of the club.

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FALL 1999

IDIS 111, "Critical Thinking and Writing" (3 sections) - Scott Jensen

IDIS 211, "Western Intellectual Tradition II" (3 sections) - Tony Whall

IDIS 311, "Russian Politics Through Literature" - Greg Cashman

IDIS 311, "African-American Philosophy" - Jerome Miller

PHIL 318, "Environmental Responsibility" - James Hatley, Jill Caviglia, Richard Hunter

IDIS 490, "Honors Thesis Preparation" - Tony Whall

IDIS 495, "Honors Thesis" - Tony Whall

SPRING 2000

IDIS 112, "Western Intellectual Tradition I" (1 section) - William Zak

IDIS 112, Western Intellectual Tradition I" (2 sections) - Scott Jensen

IDIS 212, "Scientific Knowledge" (1 section) - Richard Bowler

IDIS 212, "Scientific Knowledge" (2 sections) - Joan Maloof

MATH 200, "Mathematics and Culture" - E. Lee May

IDIS 280, "Service Learning and Higher Education" - Barry King and George Whitehead

IDIS 311, "Latin American 'Boom' Fiction" - Keith Brower

IDIS 311, "The Life and Times of Henry David Thoreau" - Jennie Wollenweber

IDIS 490, "Honors Thesis Preparation" - Tony Whall

IDIS 495, "Honors Thesis" - Tony Whall

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by Melyssa Malinowski

On October 22 and 23, 1999, members of the Salisbury University Honors Program had the privilege of volunteering at the Salisbury Zoological Park's Halloween Program called "Night of the Living Zoo."

The program is designed to provide a safe and fun environment for people of all ages to trick-or-treat and discover things about the zoo. Children dressed up in their costumes and so did the volunteers. Some were mice, others were cats and there was even one with blue war paint all over her face.

This year the event featured candy stations, discovery carts, and a loop of terror for the older people. Melyssa Malinowski of the Honors Student Association contacted Jim Rapp, the zoo director and a 1991 graduate of the Honors Program, to learn how SU students could help. The students were assigned as gatekeepers in charge of regulating traffic through the zoo and keeping it going one way, hosting candy stations, giving the children (and adults) their treats, and acting as observers at several of the exhibits.

Ms. Malinowski said that she had an excellent time and that the whole event was improved upon from last year. Everyone who was asked, like sophomore Beth Borello, agreed that the volunteers had a fulfilling and enjoyable time.

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by Melyssa Malinowski

Dr. Joan Maloof went to college locally. She received her bachelors in plant science from the University of Delaware. From there, she attended University of Maryland Eastern Shore, earning her masters in environmental science. She then obtained her doctorate in environmental science from the University of Maryland, College Park.

As in her professional pursuits, so in her personal life Dr. Maloof likes to spend her spare time out of doors. As hobbies, she like to garden, hike, kayak, snorkel and lots of other outdoorsy kind of things.

Dr. Maloof has a deep love of learning and enjoys teaching. Now you may think that this is commonplace for a teacher, but this is not always so, as some of us have discovered. Dr. Maloof has been teaching all of her life. She has instructed everyone from her siblings to literally hundreds of college students.

Dr. Maloof said she had some very stressful times in her schooling, many during her undergraduate years when she was not sure what she wanted to do with her life. And though she claims she still doesn't "have a clear vision" of what the future holds for her, that does not bother her anymore. This may be true, but it certainly appears that she is doing very well for someone who is unsure of what she wants to do when she grows up!

Dr. Maloof has taught the Honors Core course, "Scientific Knowledge," in previous years and will teach it again in the Spring 2000 semester. Her view is that the course is indeed a science class, but one that reveals links between the sciences and our lives, that shows how science influences who we are and how we've become who we are. Her Honors classes also help students learn to think the "scientific way" through discussions, library research, quizzes, papers and a final exam. She said that she has enjoyed the Honors courses she has taught, but, like a true teacher, she said that "more importantly, the students seemed to get a good deal out of them."

Dr. Maloof expects her students to trust that their learning is her highest concern. She expects that when students do not understand a concept they will seek her assistance. Her hope is that students come to her classes not just to meet a requirement or receive a grade, but because they have a real desire to learn. She likened herself to a tour guide. As tourists in a strange and wonderful land, students can put their trust in their guide, believing that the guide knows the most rewarding things to see and do, and that the experience will be worthwhile. What a wonderful way to view learning and teaching!

My advice to you: take the time to meet Dr. Maloof before you take her class, or, if you will not have the privilege of having her as a teacher, stop in and see her in the Devilbiss Annex. She'll make you wish you could join her on her next journey.

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"Plus ‚a Change..."

The French have an expression which asserts that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Well, the French have never been accused of idealism or optimism! Their expression may be true about many things Gallic, but I think you'll agree, after reading what's written below, that new changes in Honors are changes indeed, and that they will have a significant and positive impact on students in the program for years to come.

This year the Honors Program Committee has been meeting to accomplish three major tasks: first, to hire a new Assistant Director for the program after the departure of Dr. Anna Marie Roos who left to take a position in the History Department at the University of Minnesota; second, to change the requirements for graduating from the university with Bellavance Honors; and third, to revise the Honors Core Curriculum which has been the curricular foundation of the program since 1987.

The search for the new assistant director is well underway, and we hope to sign the new person to a contract by early February (see the article on page 1). Discussion of the new curriculum is proceeding currently, and we hope to have it approved by the University Curriculum Committee in the Spring 2000 semester.

But the third of these ambitious projects has been accomplished, and I want to take this opportunity to acquaint you all with the new requirements for graduation. Heretofore students graduating with Bellavance Honors completed the Core Curriculum, took two additional Honors courses, and completed an Honors thesis in their major field of study. Because of the rigor of these requirements, especially the thesis requirement, few students in the program graduated with Bellavance Honors, which meant that they weren't recognized for any of their Honors work even though they had successfully completed the course requirements for graduation.

To rectify this situationÐand, in the process to encourage more students to engage in serious scholarly researchÐthe Honors Program approved the following changes:

To graduate "Bellavance Honors - With Distinction," students will Ð

- complete the four courses in the Honors
Core Curriculum;

- take two additional "departmental" or non-core Honors courses;

- complete a research or creative project in any 300-400 level course of the students' choosing in their junior year and present their research or creative project at a local, regional or national symposium available for such presentations;

- complete requirements for an Honors thesis and present the thesis at the annual Honors Thesis Symposium;

- have a 3.3 GPA in course work overall at graduation.

To graduate "Bellavance Honors," students will - -

- complete the four courses in the Honors Core Curriculum;

- take three additional "departmental" or non-core Honors courses;

- complete a research or creative project in any 300-400 level course of the students' choosing in their junior year and present their research or creative project at a local, regional or national symposium available for such presentations;

- have a 3.3 GPA in course work overall at graduation.

The committee's intention was, as you can see, to encourage more students to undertake and present substantial research projects (a valuable experience for all students preparing for graduate or professional school or for any career) with the hope that many more students would be motivated by the research experience to do the thesis (in many cases the thesis may be a development or elaboration of the research project).

These changes were approved by the Faculty Senate in October and have already prompted more students to think more positively about graduating from the university with Bellavance Honors.

Do you think I should send a copy of this to the French Embassy?

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by Suzanne Sharff

SU student Amanda Elzey participated with four students from other Honors programs in a presentation on the Honors semester they spent in Greece last year. The multi-media presentation, "Crossroads of Culture and Civilization," detailed the academic, cultural and personal growth they experienced in this study-abroad program.

The four students also attended workshops on peer counseling, freshman mentoring programs and workshops on other Honors counseling issues, as well as a keynote address entitled "A Song for the Blue Ocean" given by Dr. Carl Safina, a renowned aquatic environmentalist on the over-fishing of our oceans. Dr Safina is the director of the National Audubon Society's Living Oceans Project.

Dr. Tony Whall, director of the Bellavance Honors Program, and a program consultant for NCHC, presented results of a national survey he completed this past summer on Honors student retention and attrition, and, with colleague Dr. Paul Strong, Director of Honors at Alfred University, presented a symposium on the poetry of Richard Wilbur.

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An International Feast Ð Traditions die hard, we're told, but sometimes it seems they're equally hard to be born. But several students, eagerly seconding a proposal offered by freshman Honors student Annie de Treville, started something that those who were fortunate enough to attend have hopes of becoming a regular feature of Honors socializing. Annie suggested that students who enjoy experimenting with cuisineÐand who enjoy consuming it (and, hey, who doesn't?!) join forces and talents for an international dinner at the Honors Center. So it was that on November 11^th several neophyte chefs and their faithful staffs created the first Honors International Dinner, this inaugural banquet featuring the foods of Spain. It was, to borrow a phrase from Virginia Woolf, "a triumph," (see To The Lighthouse) featuring, among many other delicacies, an exquisite seafood paella crowded with shrimp, clams, scallops, calamari and tinged with saffron, a mouth-watering gazpacho, an exotic peasant stew, and a flan to die for. The students created this feastÐmost of it from recipes found on the internet!

Needless to say, all who enjoyed this grand repast began immediately to plan the next event. There were pleas for a Victorian Christmas dinner with fattened goose and plum pudding, but saner heads reminded us that exams were more important at this time of year than doing the Scrooge Redeemed thing. So we'll have to wait for next semester. It won't be easy.

Open Mike (or is that "Mic"?) Night -- On three Thursday evenings this semester the Honors Center has rocked to the sounds of original music and poetry as several of our university's creative students performed for their friends and others who appreciate listening to new music and literary compositions. Honors junior Jim ("Smokey") Frazier conceived of and hosted these events which invited all members of the campus community to perform and/or attend. Much in the style of the "Beat" cafes of the 50sÐand let the record show that Jim's Honors thesis is a study of the Beat Generation--several gifted students read their own poems and fiction while others accompanied themselves and others on renditions of original songs.

Jim plans to make this a bi-monthly event next semester. He says there's so much good creative work being done on this campus that deserves to be heard. We're looking forward to these cool, crazy, hip events.

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BRENT BOZMAN, "Federal Communications Commission Policies During the 1980s and Their Effect on Current Media Regulation"

Dr. Donald Singleton, Mentor

Dr. Haven Simmons, Reader

Dr. Michael O'Loughlin, Reader

LINDSEY CLIME, "Societal Influences on the Rise of Depression Among Adolescents"

Ms. Marta Losonczy, Mentor

Dr. Ronald Ulm, Reader

Ms. Jennifer Guyette, Reader

REBECCA DAVIS, "Helping Students Investigate Polyploidy in Plants"

Dr. Kimberly Hunter, Mentor

Dr. Starlin Weaver, Reader

Dr. Anna Marie Roos, Reader

TERESA PIEKARSKI, "Ernest Hemingway's Portrayal of Women"

Dr. Gary Harrington, Mentor

Mr. Donlad Whaley, Reader

Dr. R. A. Whall Jr., Reader

NICOLE PIKE, "Tennis and Climate: Are Major Tournaments Held at the Optimum Times of Year?"

Dr. Mara Chen, Mentor

Mr. Daniel Harris, Reader

Dr. Brent Skeeter, Reader

KATRINE PRITCHARD, "The 1996 Summer Olympic Games as a Catalyst for Change in Women's Team Sports"

Dr. Nan Hayes, Mentor

Dr. Paul Scovell, Reader

Dr. Haven Simmons, Reader

Dr. George Whitehead, Reader

Congratulations also to the following students who have completed their thesis prospectuses and will be completing their theses in the Spring:

MUSSABER AHMAD, "Oyster Mantle Carbonic Anhydrase and its Role in Shell Growth"

Dr. Stephen Genhnrich Mentor

Dr. Edward Crane, Reader

Dr. Mard Holland, Reader

Dr. Edwin Wong, Reader

MELISSA DAVIS, "The Risk and Return Characteristics of Junk Bonds"

Dr. Danny Ervin, Mentor

Dr. Herman Manakyan, Reader

Ms. Sumanthy Chandrashekar, Reader

HEATHER DICKSON "An Analysis of the Conservation Techniques Implemented to Save Tigers"

Dr. Bud Chew, Mentor

Dr. Ellen Lawler, Reader

Dr. Ronald Ulm, Reader

AMANDA ELZEY, "How the Increase of Globalization Has Affected Small Businesses"

Dr. Richard Hoffman, Mentor

Dr. Memo Diriker, Reader

Dr. Maarten Pereboom, Reader

CHRISTINA GARGAN, "Development of M13 Bacteriophage Particles as an Antigen Presentation for Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B"

Dr. Steven Fong, Mentor

Ms. Cynthia Cowall, Reader

Dr. Mark Frana, Reader

BRANDI GRIFFIN, "The Effects of Teacher Training Workshops on Teacher Attitudes Towards Service Learning in Wicomico County Public Schools"

Dr. George Whitehead, Mentor

Mr. Barry King, Reader

Mr. John Shortt, Reader

JOSEPH HUTCHINSON, "The Ordained Mission: Missionaries and the Perception of Imperialism"

Dr. Wayne Ackerson, Mentor

Mr. Dean Fafoutis, Reader

Dr. George Rubenson, Reader

JULIA KNUDSON, "The Shaping of Public Image: The Relationship Between Salisbury University and The Daily Times"

Dr. Haven Simmons, Mentor

Dr. Bryan Horikami, Reader

Dr. Robert Graff, Reader

DARLENE MCCANN, "Nature and Man's Meaning in Accord With It"

Dr. Walter Yurek, Mentor

Dr. Francis Kane, Reader

Dr. E. Lee May, Reader

JOSHUA MITCHELL, "A Proposed Landscape for the Henson School of Science Building"

Mr. Les Lutz, Mentor

Dr. Christopher Briand, Reader

Dr. Mark Holland, Reader

MICHAEL NUSBAUM, "Is There a Future For Sea Bright, New Jersey?"

Dr. Jill Caviglia, Mentor

Dr. Erin Fitzsimmons, Reader

Dr. J. Chapman McGrew, Reader

KATIE PROFILI, "Inclusion: Friend or Foe to Wicomico County Schools?"

Dr. Nancy Michaelson, Mentor

Mr. Robert Smith, Reader

Dr. Kathy Fox, Reader

CATHERINE SHEEHY, "Spanish and Latin American Culture as Seen Through Dramatic Literature: Female Resistance to Political Opression"

Dr. Brian Steigler, Mentor

Dr. Keith Brower, Reader

Dr. Robert Smith, Reader

COURTNEY SMITH, "Ecological Recommendations for Wicomico County Greenways"

Dr. Joan Maloof, Mentor

Dr. Judith Stribling, Reader

Dr. Charles Cipolla, Reader

NICOLE VINCENT, "Family Matters; a novella"

Dr. John Wenke, Mentor

Dr. Gary Harrington, Reader

Dr. James Hatley, Reader

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This year's regional meeting is being held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 13-16, 2000. Attendees will spend their time studying such topics as tropical ecology, the political status of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican literature and national identity, the pre-Columbian past, and Puerto Rico's popular music, dancing, and visual arts These symposia and workshops will be directed by Puerto Rican artists, writers and musicians as well as political, cultural and intellectual leaders.

Salisbury University will be well-represented at the meeting. Four students who will study various aspects of Puerto Rican politics and culture in preparation for the conference sessions will accompany Dr. Whall.

NE-NCHC conferences are designed as seminars at which all attendees are expected to be active participants who have done extensive preparation for the sessions they choose to attend.

Last year's conference at SU focused on the year 2061 - - the next year Halley's Comet will be seen in our solar system. The task for the attendees was to use available data and analysis to predict the future of the economy, education, race relations, the environment and the arts in that not-so far-off year.

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Last year Amanda Elzey studied in the Honors Semester in Greece. This year Tim Reese is a student in the Grand Canyon Honors Semester (see his report, page 13).

The Year 2000 semester will be hosted by the Universidad de Alcala in Alcala de Henares, 13 miles from Madrid, from September 6 - December 17.

Students will receive up to 15 hours of university credit for courses studying Spanish language, politics, identity and people, Spanish art and architecture, Spanish economy, and European integration and identity. Students will live and study at the university and in Madrid, and a good deal of time will be devoted to excursions to Toledo, Avila, Salamanca, Segovia, Granada, Seville, and Cordoba, among other cities .

Interested students should contact Dr. Whall for further information and assistance with the application for scholarships and admission. Early admission applications are due January 31, 2000, regular admissions by March 1st.

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1. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the East River.
2. The door had been forced, as forced as the dialogue during the interview portion of "Jeopardy!"
3. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.
4. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil, but unlike Phil, this plan just might work.
5. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
6. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real lame duck that was actually lame. Maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
7. Her artistic sense was exquisitely refined, like someone who can tell butter from I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.
8. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.
9. It came down the stairs looking very much like something no one had ever seen before.
10. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM.
11. The dandelion swayed in the gentle breeze like an oscillating fan set on medium.
12. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.
13. Her lips were red and full, like tubes of blood drawn by an inattentive phlebotomist.
14. He felt like he was being hunted down like a dog, in a place that hunts dogs, I suppose.
15. The lamp just sat there, like an inanimate object.
16. You know how in "Rocky" he prepares for the fight by punching sides of raw beef? Well, yesterday it was as cold as that meat locker he was in.
17. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.
18. She was as easy as the TV Guide crossword.
19. Her eyes were like limpid pools, only they had forgotten to put in any pH cleanser.
20. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli and he was room-temperature Canadian beef.
21. Her pants fit her like a glove; well, maybe more like a mitten, actually.
22. She walked into my office like a centipede with 98 legs missing.
23. It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple it to the wall.
24. A branch fell from the tree like a trunk falling off an elephant.
25. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had two of its sides gently compressed by a ThighMaster.
26. The painting was very Escher-like, as if Escher had painted an exact copy of an Escher painting.

27. Fishing is like waiting for something that does not happen very often.
28. He was as bald as one of the Three Stooges, either Curly or Larry, you know, the one who goes woo woo.
29. The sardines were packed as tight as the coach section of a 747.

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by Timothy Reese

Here's a report from Tim Ð

Doc Whall asked me to write a little bit about my semester for the Saunterer. These Honors Semesters are pretty packed. I think I can count on one hand the number of "free" days we've had. The first weekend we were here we went to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. That was the first time I'd seen the Grand Canyon from a distance of less than 35,000 feet. It's pretty big (that's an understatement)! I took the wilderness class and the first week was like kindergarten all over again. We got to sit in a circle and talk and draw pictures on paper with markers. It was a lot of fun. But then we left the comfort of the classroom and from October 20-25 we hiked in the Kanab Creek wilderness. It is so much more interesting actually being in the area that you are learning about. It was very different hiking here because we moved according to where the water was and sometimes we had dry camps where the only water we had was in our bottles. It really helped put things in perspective for me because out there I didn't worry about my bank account or what grades I was getting or what I was going to do with the rest of my life. The only thing I was really concerned with was surviving on the water we had. I came to this realization at one of our water sources where I was helping gather water. It was a spring coming out of the rocks, slow drop by slow drop. It took us about two hours to get about 47 quarts of water.

The first week of October was spent rafting on the Colorado River. Each semester participant got to be on the river for one week. The last two groups got the bigger rapids (darn it!) But it was still a lot of fun. There was one day where we did a side hike that involved some semi-technical rock climbing. The river ranger who took us on the hike told us to put our boots on and he did the thing in his sandals! The entire hike was about 850 vertical feet. A small slip and they would have been hauling you out of the canyon by helicopter. The views of the canyon from the river are insane. There really isn't a way to capture its immensity on film or in words.

It's so strange how, in the wilderness, the time that controls our lives in the city doesn't mean a thing. When its light you move; when it gets dark you stop. My bedtimes were determined by the sun. I was usually in bed by 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. at the latest and up at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. I would love to spend more than a week in the wilderness because it seemed that every time I got adjusted to living outside and sleeping on the ground, carrying everything I would need on my back, it was time to leave and go back to civilization.

To be honest, even though I actually got a bit homesick for the first time in my college career, I am glad I did this. I have had the chance to see some things which I may never see again and that most people who come to the Grand Canyon never see. If anyone is thinking about doing an Honors Semester, I say go for it. Some of the administrative details like financial aid can be a pain, but it is well worth it to see parts of the world that few people get to see, let alone experience.

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GREG MARTEL (1991) completed his Master's and his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology at the University of Maryland College Park and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at UMES.

ELIZABETH MILLER (1992) "Since Fall 1997, I've been working towards an M.S. in technical communications at the University of Colorado at Denver. It will probably take until 2002, because I've been taking classes one at a time and only during the fall and spring. At least every class has been very worthwhile and immediately applicable to my job.

"I started working in downtown Denver as a Technical Writer for Logica Carnegie Group last June. I love the work! Since I was hired, I've been contracted to U.S. West, the phone company for everyone that's not on the

East Coast. Unfortunately, USW is a big company like every other, and my project recently lost its funding. I'll be returning to my home offices to sit on the bench until they can get more work lined up for me.

"Bill (my longtime friend, boyfriend and now my fiancŽ) and I had a house built last year and moved into it in September. It's gorgeous and right up against the foothills, and it's ours. Now I can turn up the stereo as loud as I like. We're planning a wedding out here for May 20, 2000. For now, I'm just enjoying the ring!

"What with work and school, I've taken a temporary break from my volunteer work at the Denver Dumb Friends League where I was a Kennel Technician. Don't laugh! It's more than just walking dogs and cleaning kennels! I got to do grooming and poop scooping, too!

"What do I do for fun these days? Snowshoeing, hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, some road riding...I think that's it. But I don't ski and never will! With so many activities, I've managed to get mediocre at all of them! Really, living out here drives you to try all this stuff. There's nothing like getting into the back country or taking on a fourteener to clear your head. And your sinuses."

MICHELLE BULGER (1995) wrote in October, "I started working at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire at the end of August. I'm the Assistant Director of Student & Cultural Activities here, working as the advisor to the Campus Activities Board (our version of SOAP) and Crimson & Grey (the student-chaired cultural events programming body) among other things. By pure coincidence, my position includes working with the student Adventure Course Facilitators for New Student Orientation (kind of fitting, though, after all of those years of Algonquin with [Dave] Ganoe!). The college is small, about 1500 students, but they are wonderful and have really welcomed me into this community.

"I haven't really had much time to explore quite yet, but shouldn't Ganoe and [Joe] Gilbert be proud that I find myself deep in Thoreau territory?

"I hope that things are going well with the Honors Program, and that the students are bringing inquisitive minds and fresh perspectives! If there is anything that I can do as an Honors Program alum, let me know!"

LEA JAY (1995) thinks we all have advanced degrees in Science! Here's her update: " I finally got a research related job. I'll be working at the Washington Hospital Center (in the Molecular Biology Lab) for the Medlantic Research Institute. My official job title is Research Technologist. As for my work: the hospital wants to develop two new diagnosis systems. That's where I come in ....I get to build them from bits and pieces of other protocols. Ideally I will use polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to detect B and T cell lymphomas. PCR is essentially a chemical photocopier. B and T cell lymphomas have a well defined and characteristic genetic switch or alteration.

"Currently a biopsy is evaluated visually. Depending on the site biopsied the tissue sample may be very small; this is troublesome when there is a questionable cell (or two) present. Another biopsy isn't the answer as you'll still only be viewing a very small area. Instead, if it were possible to take that suspect cell and replicate a targeted portion of its DNA then one would be able to determine if the known genetic switch has occurred. The second protocol is related in technique to the first but instead I'll be dealing with bone marrow transplant patients. Traditionally before a transplant the patient undergoes treatment to eliminate their immune system. This minimizes the chance of rejection (host vs. graft disease).

"Now doctors are taking advantage of host vs graft disease when cancer is involved. If the patient's immune system is not impaired prior to the transplant a small amount of host vs graft disease can be established and in this way we can trick the body into attacking the tumor as well. The PCR then comes into play as a way to monitor the transplant status. If the transplanted cells remain viable in the patient there will be a mixed population of cells: a chimera of host and graft cells. The PCR should be able to detect even the smallest amount of graft cells in the patient. This endeavor sounds great in print. We shall see how it works out in reality. The lab it is only a year old and was designed with this grant in mind. It'll just be me and one other lady, a Medical Technologist. She has some experience with PCR but no official educational background on the theory whereas I'm in just the opposite position. To start off she's going to get me up to speed with some workshops that she's been to at NIH. Then we go off to NIH to observe our collaborators in action. Once all of that is over we should be ready to get our hands wet."

Did you all get that?? Lea wrote later that it now seems that it will be possible to pull together a working protocol. The trick is to streamline the protocol so that is works reliably and easily in one's own lab setting.

"I did indeed go off to NIH for two weeks of training for the second project (the one on bone marrow transplant monitoring). I apparently made a very good impression with everyone I worked with in the Bone Marrow transplant lab. Proof of that being a call I got about three weeks after my training. The lady that trained me needed some emergency surgery and there was no one else in their lab that could do the testing. So they called my boss and asked if he could spare me for a few days. I was rather apprehensive to go as I had not yet had a chance to follow the protocol alone. Well, I went and everything I did worked! In fact NIH would like to give my hospital a contract to do their testing so that their people are free to work on new projects! One of the managers at the hospital said he can't think of any other project where they were offered a contract BEFORE the clinical work was finished on a grant like mine!

"I also have some other news. I'm getting married in April. Don and I got engaged on a mini-vacation to Chincoteague, VA (back in Sept. when I saw you)."

Congratulations, Lea! We took a poll here at Honors Central and we all agree that Don's a lucky man.

MIKE LONG (1995) writes from his trail. . .er, his "office" in West Virginia that, by way of introduction, he was "always a dancing fool." We don't exactly remember the "dancing" part, but we give him credit for getting it half right. After graduation Mike studied for his M.S. degree in mathematics at the University of Wyoming and worked there as a teaching assistant. "This experience was very difficult for me. Many times it was faculty at SU - - Dr. May, Dr. Schultes, Dr. Austin, Dr. Whall, Joe Gilbert - - who kept me going. I learned that SU was a very special school where the profs really care about you and continue to care even after you've stopped paying tuition."

Mike loved teaching but never learned to love Laramie or the university. He left Wyoming and took a job with the Thoreau Society at Walden Pond, then with a radio station near his home in Maryland as a DJ, before being accepted in the graduate program in mathematics at West Virginia University where he was awarded a full assistantship. He reports that the courses are difficult "which should dispel any rumors about the mental abilities of the residents of this state. And let me dispel a few other rumors: I live in an apartment, not a trailer; my car is green, not primer grey; I have cable TV, not a satellite dish." Mike also reports that "I'm teaching college algebra and I am having a blast. I should receive my Ph.D. in about four years."

Mike says now that he's closer to SU he'll try to get back more often to visit (or is that "harass"?) his favorite professors, and he has hopes, after receiving his doctorate, of maybe coming back in another, more permanent, capacity (Math department: take note!).

JEANNINE ROOD (1995) writes from her new location near San Francisco: "Just wanted to drop you a line to say hello and see how things are going at SU. Hopefully everything is going well. I am doing well, and have managed to survive my recent move. About 4 weeks ago, I moved to Walnut Creek as a result of a promotion

[Jeannine's an accountant with A T&T]. It is about 45 minutes east of San Francisco and it is a really pretty place to live. It reminds me of the East coast in some respects. Mostly because of the trees, and the building structures. However, I am not thrilled about the idea of earthquakes. Hopefully, I will be lucky and miss out on that particular pleasure. I miss San Diego, but will get to visit frequently while traveling with work. My sister and her husband live there, so I will always have a place to stay."

CAROLYN BLEAU (1997) who is studying for her medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, wrote in June: " Well, I must say that life is sweet at the present time. I finished my first year of medical school about a week and a half ago, and I am truly enjoying my time off. When I think back, the year went so quickly even though there were times that I thought it would never end. Medical school definitely lives up to its challenging reputation, but I must say that it's a fascinating ride. Now the truly scary part is remembering everything (or at least some) of what I learned. My short term memory served me well this year, but my long term memory has quite a job ahead of itself!!! We ended the year with Microbiology, and needless to say I wash my hands about 30 times a day now! Sometimes knowledge isn't such a good thing. For any of your current Honors students who are interested in medical school or osteopathic medicine in particular, please tell them to feel free to contact me via e-mail or phone and I'll be glad to give them the inside scoop. (CarolynB@pcom.edu // 215-877-9953).

"So now I get several weeks of R&R before I start an internship on June 17th. It's a program called Bridging the Gaps which involves medical students from all the medical schools in Philadelphia. We get assigned to different social service organizations in inner city Philly and work mainly as health educators. I will be working with young girls at a daycamp. I'm really looking forward to it."

KATIE GEORGE (1997) who got her M.A. in puppetry (yes, that's right - - puppetry!) At the University of Connecticut, writes, "So you want an update on my oh so exciting life? Well, regardless, you're getting one. As I have already mentioned, I'm in Atlanta. And yes, I see Sean (MAHONEY) all the time. Actually, I slept on the couch in his den for the first month I was here. We were going to call you late one night just like old times. . .but never seemed to get around to it. "Job? I'm the head puppet builder for the Center for Puppetry Arts. The Center is a nationally recognized educational facility, museum, and theatre. I build and refurbish all of the puppets for their regular theatrical season. Right now, Peter Pan is in performance and I am building 33 puppets of varying sizes (including a 20 foot tree) for a new show called The Plant Doctors. All of the characters are different plants, it takes place in a hospital, and it will (hopefully) teach kids about things like photosynthesis and chlorophyl. It's kind of like E.R. with foliage. They're spoiling me rotten. I have business cards, health insurance, a company credit card, and an assistant. And beyond that, I LOVE THE WORK! I can't believe they pay me for this!"

ELIZABETH PAGEL ( 1997) is studying for her M.A. in history at College Park and is getting ready to launch her thesis on the history of eugenics in America. She has also just recently been accepted into the Women Studies Certificate Program which she will complete concurrently with her history M.A.. Elizabeth has been working as a Teaching Assistant in History for 2½ years while working on her degree, and was just recognized as a "Distinguished Teaching Assistant for 1998-1999." She wrote that her experience as a TA has convinced her that she loves teaching so much more than solitary research. "When all goes well, teaching allows for discovery and insight, and a dynamic exchange of ideas. When class is slow, I am forced to dig deep and challenge myself in order to challenge my students. It is very fulfilling and never dull."

When not studying or teaching, Elizabeth, who ran cross country for SU, runs road races and triathalons - - she ran in the Salisbury triathalon this past May.

She also wrote a note about her experience in an internship at the Smithsonian Institution (SI): "I wanted to let Honors Students know that I was an SI intern for the summer of 1997, in the National Museum of American History. It was a fun and exciting experience. I did research for a fellow and got access to a lot of the back rooms! I also took a class called "Museum Studies" that was held at NMAH, in a lovely conference room overlooking the Washington Monument. (Not a very "feng shui" set-up, but still majestic.) I wanted to let you know that I'd be happy to chat with any students who wanted more info on SI.

In her e-mail message she concluded with this note about another alum: "One last thing and then I PROMISE I will end the email. CAROLINE ROLKER recently won the 1500m in the Mason Dixon Conference Championship meet. She has some other conference victories under her belt, and got into some great graduate schools. (If she is too shy to tell you and the Honors Program, I think she needs someone to brag a teeny tiny bit for her. She is a dear friend of mine!)

Caroline! What are you waiting for? Send a note letting us know where and how you are and what you've been doing.

AGNES PATKOWSKI (1997) who is studying for her Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh wrote that last semester she took one class at Pitt, " Institutions of Literature," a class in Moral Philosophy at Duquesne, and another philosophy class on Kant, Hegel and Marx. According to Agnes, "none of my classes are that bad because I am busy preparing for teaching my class in the Spring. I think I'm going to teach Antigone, "The Trial and Death of Socrates," Mill's On Liberty, Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience," Ibsen's A Doll's House, "The Yellow Wallpaper," some Descartes, a feminist essay, and Peter Singer's Animal Liberation. Don't laugh at the last one. Hopefully it will go okay. I taught Mandeville's "Fable of the Bees" the other day for the class I'm assisting for and the professor said I was a natural teacher. Nice huh? But probably he was exaggerating at least a bit." Those of us who know Agnes don't think her professor was exaggerating at all.

KAREN BROWN (SCHECK) (1998) sends an update from Wichita, Kansas: "Hey, how's it going out there in Honorsland???? I just wanted to tell you about my new job. I finally got my social work licence after braving layer upon layer of bureaucracy! I am now working as a full time social worker for Lutheran Social Service, in their Special Needs Adoption program. I work with kids who are in state custody and who have been released from their parents for adoption. Most of them are older (over 8 yrs.) but I do have some 2 and 3 yrs old kids too. I'm really enjoying it so far. It is both challenging and rewarding!

"Kansas is starting to feel like home. Jason [Karen's husband] and I are getting ready to put in a garden in our yard and we're remodeling our bathroom. The joy of home-ownership!!!

"Well, I just wanted to say hello. I hope everyone there is well."

GRETCHEN FRY (1998) wrote in July: "Hello Dr. Whall! How are you? I don't know how often you check your e-mail in the summer but I just wanted to drop you an e-mail and see how things are going.

"I am finally done with my graduate school search and I think it ended well. I decided that Ohio University will be my choice for graduate school. I will be starting a 5 year combined masters/Ph.D. program in the fall. I plan to do research in the areas of neuropsychology and behavioral medicine. I am also receiving a 5 year teaching/research assistantship which includes an $8,000 stipend per school year and a tuition waver.

"On top of the excitement of getting into a clinical psychology program I have managed to land a summer fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health. I am doing some fascinating work in the areas of cognitive neuropsychology and MRI brain imageing. I am going to be presenting my work in a poster next month. It's a good thing I've had some practice presenting my honors thesis!

"I've seen I lot of my SU friends this summer. I went to DOUG ZWIEZELBERGER's (1998) house for a Fourth of July party last weekend. LORI FREI (1998) has a job in Bethesda right near my work and I'm planning to meet with her next week."

JENNIFER VON PARIS (1998) recently wrote: "I'm living in Baltimore right now - well, technically a small town in northeastern Baltimore county. Academically, I'm working on my M.A. in counseling psychology at Loyola. If all goes according to plan, I will be done in May. After this semester, I only have 2 electives left to take and, of course, finish that thesis! I've been working as a research assistant here since about a month or so after graduation. Although it's not exactly a life-affirming, thrilling, make you want to jump right out of bed in the morning kind of job, I feel like I'm learning a lot. Most of my work involves writing data analysis programs - which is as uninteresting as it sounds - but, I've also been working on program evaluations for several non-profit groups and government agencies. I've gotten to meet some really interesting people that way! Overall, I have to say it's been a good experience.

"This job has been good in other, non-research oriented ways. I've started getting into web page design, etc. I've even made web pages for the research center and sociology dept. at Loyola . . .those opportunities gave me enough experience to branch out and get a few business clients on the side. Which, in turn, led me down yet another academic path. You'll probably laugh, but I just started the M.S. program in computer science at Towson. People think I'm crazy, but hey, what else is new. Computer science is definitely different from psychology, but interesting. I'm thinking of carving out my own little niche - there has to be some way to effectively combine the two disciplines."

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Bellavance Honors Center

1101 Camden Avenue

Salisbury, MD 21801