Tag Archive : Fall 2010

/ Fall 2010

16 Academy Students to Participate in Sustainability Leadership Retreat

November 3, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky has teamed up with WKU’s Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability(CEES) to bring Academy students a progressive retreat opportunity focused on sustainability leadership.

Sixteen Gatton Academy students have been selected to participate in the inaugural Sustainable Leadership Retreat, which is slated for Thursday-Saturday (Nov. 4-6) at Loucon Training and Retreat Center in Leitchfield.

The mission of the retreat is to foster the development of students’ ability to be sustainability leaders who choose to engage in the process of creating transformational change with others and aimed toward building a sustainable future. Students will also enjoy outdoor activities like zip lining, hiking, canoeing, and other activities that promote teamwork and leadership.

“We’re ‘taking it up a notch’ and getting the brightest minds engage with the global urgency and opportunity for sustainable development,” said Nancy Givens, Sustainability Programs Development Coordinator with the CEES.

As co-chair of the WKU Education for Sustainability Steering Committee, Givens worked with Tim Gott, director of the Academy and a member of the committee, to begin the process to make this first sustainability leadership retreat happen for the Academy.

Also, on board from the Gatton Academy is Assistant Residential Life Coordinator Melissa Schultz. Schultz served as a graduate intern for the CEES this past summer and helped to bring the idea of a sustainability leadership retreat to life.

“Through various seminars, activities, clubs and programs, we have worked closely with academy students on developing leadership skills and making decisions with both the environment and people in mind,” Schultz said. “The retreat is an outstanding way to seamlessly connect these messages. I think the retreat will be a memorable and educational experience for everyone.”

This retreat is truly a collaborative effort as WKU staff and faculty have donated their time to share a message of leadership and sustainability.

“We hope this retreat will serve not only our students but also inspire more education across campus, state, and nation around the topic of sustainable leadership,” Schultz said.

Throughout the retreat, students will engage in various interactive discussions and activities on topics like environmental law, leadership theory in practice, building a sustainable community, and defining the meaning and practice of sustainability.

Sydney Combs, a Gatton Academy senior from London and Green Club co-president, described sustainable practices as “taking responsibility for our actions and everyday habits with the future in mind.”

Students will work to make that potential future a reality through a variety of featured workshop sessions with experts in leadership and sustainability at WKU:  John Baker, Education Coordinator from the Office of Leadership Excellence; Dr. John All, Department of Geography and Geology; Christian Ryan-Downing, Sustainability Coordinator from the Office of Sustainability; Cristin Lanham, WKU Recycling Coordinator; Terry Shoemaker, Program Coordinator for the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility; andNadia Denov De Leon, Community Engagement Coordinator of the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships.

Also joining the roster of session leaders are members of CDP Engineering, a Kentucky enterprise committed to sustainable practices in business and industry. Lewis Newton, chief executive officer, and Scott Southall, Vice President of Landscape Architecture and Planning Group Manager, will discuss the physical manifestation of green design and explore holistic approaches to community design and redevelopment.

The Gatton Academy has sought to cultivate students’ interests in sustainability across the program’s living and learning environments. A variety of programmatic opportunities have assisted students in learning more about green initiatives while also putting those ideas into practice. The Gatton Academy Green Club has participated in a local sinkhole clean-up, reduced their waste through a “Bring Your Own Cup” program during academy social events, and piloted building-wide recycling initiatives in Schneider Hall.

Tejas Sangoi, a Gatton Academy senior from Owensboro and Green Club co-president, views the decision to adopt sustainability practices as a choice that affects not only the individual but others as well.  “To me, sustainability is living a balanced life in which you only use the resources that you need so that they will be conserved for future generations,” Sangoi said. “Being a sustainable leader is important because by demonstrating and leading a sustainable lifestyle, you are inspiring others in the community to do the same.”

Contact: Melissa Schultz, (270) 745-4755.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy to Host Information Sessions across Kentucky

September 28, 2010 | Admissions, News, WKU | No Comments

Schneider Hall
Schneider Hall

Representatives of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU will conduct a series informational meetings for high school students and their parents as well as interested community members across the state this fall.

Students may RSVP to attend the sessions online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com.

The Gatton Academy is a residential program for 120 high school juniors and seniors from Kentucky who have demonstrated talent and interest in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. To date, the Gatton Academy has admitted students from 95 counties across the Commonwealth.

Students apply during their sophomore year through a competitive admissions process.

Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, students graduate high school in addition to having earned at least 60 college credit hours. Housing, tuition, and meals are provided at no cost to ensure this opportunity is available to all qualifying students.

The goal of the Gatton Academy is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky.

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-6565.

Highland Heights/Northern Kentucky (RSVP Online to Attend)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Student Union, Room 104
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Campus Map and Driving Directions (external link)

Hopkinsville  (RSVP Online to Attend)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Community Room
2000 Harrison St.
Hopkinsville, KY 42241

London  (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
6:00 p.m. (EST)
South Laurel High School Library
201 South Laurel Road
London, KY 40744

Paducah (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
McCracken County Board of Education
Building 7 Training Room
435 Berger Road
Paducah, KY 42003

Morehead (RSVP Online to Attend)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
6:00 p.m. (EST)
Doran University Center, Room 301
Morehead State University
150 University Blvd.
Morehead, KY 40351
Link to Campus Map (external link)

Ashland (RSVP Online to Attend)
Monday, October 25, 2010
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Teleconference Room, Ashland Community and Technical College
1400 College Dr.
Ashland, KY 41101

Mount Washington/Bullitt County (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Bullitt East High School Library
11450 Highway 44 East
Mt. Washington, KY 40047

Somerset (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Pulaski County High School Auditorium
511 University Dr.
Somerset, KY 42503

Mayfield (RSVP Online to Attend)
Thursday, October 28, 2010
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
Graves County High School Library
1107 Housman St.
Mayfield, KY 42066

Prestonsburg (RSVP Online to Attend)
Monday, November 1, 2010
6:00 p.m. (EST)
East Kentucky Science Center
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
7 Bert Combs Dr.
Prestonsburg, KY 41653

Hazard (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
6:00 p.m. (EST)
Meeting Room, Guest House Inn
192 Corporate Drive
Hazard, KY 41701

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By Corey Alderdice

Schneider Hall Fills with New Students, New “Stuff” as a New Year Begins

August 26, 2010 | News, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

Community Leaders assisted students in moving their possessions into Schneider Hall.

by Brandon Kerr, Academy Avatar

What am I forgetting?

The majority of students coming to the Academy for the first time frantically asks this question countless times before move-in. They check and recheck their boxes and bags, ensuring they do overlook something of importance. Each student tries to bring items to the Academy that will help them to feel comfortable, prepared for classes, and more at home during their stay.

On Sunday, the unpacking process began. The student Community Leaders (CLs) helped incoming student transport their belongings from vehicles behind Schneider Hall to place where they would call home for the next many months. While helping unload, several of the students look over their peer’s possessions.

“Oh my gosh! That’s so cool! He has a pirate chest!” shouted Sydney Combs (Laurel, ’11) elated at the site of another student’s wooden trunk. Several times a unique piece of furniture turned out to prove as an effective ice breaker, sparking conversation between the CLs and the arriving students, with parents often being involved as well.

As students settled in and boxes emptied on Sunday, several of the new juniors could be seen sporting their personal treasures. “Dude, how awesome is this?”, asked Austin Taing (Warren, ’12) showing off his Pokémon towel to his suitemates.

Rebecca Brown (Nelson, ’12) proudly sported a silver necklace. Upon further inspection, it became apparent that it was more than just a fashionable piece of jewelry. One of her favorite possessions, the necklace consists of a D20 (a twenty sided die) wrapped in a spiral of silver, functioning as a pendant. “I feel like it just screams geek, but I still think it’s pretty cool.”

As a school that is often considered—if jokingly–to house only geeks, it’s strange to find that some of the most striking items are completely unrelated to academia. Rose Nash, residential counselor, commented on how she thinks the most unique items are often those with a “strong, and personal background.” Students often bring baby blankets, woven baskets, stuffed animals, or other items worthless in all regards but sentimental. Many feel that they help relieve homesickness, and help to make their room feel more comfortable.

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By Corey Alderdice

[Video Blog] Gatton Academy First-Years Discover Research Opportunities During Fair

August 24, 2010 | Academics, News, People, Research, Staff, Students, WKU | No Comments

[Video Blog] Gatton Academy First-Years Discover Research Opportunities During Fair from Gatton Academy on Vimeo.

Faculty from Ogden College of Science and Engineering and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at WKU met with Class of 2012 students to discuss opportunities to engage in research.

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By Corey Alderdice

Parents Experience Mixed Emotions as Students Begin Their Academy Experience

August 23, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

A family unpacks as part of move in for the Class of 2012.
A family unpacks as part of move in for the Class of 2012.

by Krysta Waldrop, Academy Avatar

Emotions ran high on Sunday as parents helped their children move into Schneider Hall.  For many families this was the first time they unloaded a car on a university campus–two years earlier than when the average student would leave for college.

Every parent handled the situation differently: some families encouraged their teens to socialize with other students in the common areas while others chose to spend most of their time together before departing.

Throughout the various meetings which took place during the day, parents asked a variety of questions, ranging from living arrangements to major traveling opportunities offered by the Gatton Academy.

Many parents were anxious about permitting their child to go into the care of strangers at such a young age and sad to see their teens leave.  One parent stated, “I’m excited for my son, but it’s sad.  I’ve been crying all week.”

Other parents, instead, had a lighthearted approach. “Well, I’m okay, and he’s certainly happy that I’m leaving now,” laughed a parent as she toted empty boxes back to her vehicle.   Overall, they appeared to be reluctant to depart, but it was also apparent they were aware of, and passionate about, the countless opportunities that were now available to the new Academy juniors.

For some families, this wasn’t their first experience with the Gatton Academy; the Class of 2012 contains several students who are the siblings of former and current Gatton Academy students.

The Missik family, parents of Justine Missik (Boyle, ’11) and Lucas Missik (Boyle, ’12) were asked to compare their two experiences with letting their children attend the Academy.  “It’s certainly easier this time; we aren’t as anxious,” noted their mother, Christine. “We know the people who work here and we know more about the program, so there’s less to worry about.”

The Class of 2012 has another student whose parents are familiar with the Gatton Academy, but not in the same fashion as the Missiks.

Dr. Claus Ernst and Dr. Uta Ziegler, two professors at Western Kentucky University, moved their son, Markus Ernst (Warren, ’12) into Florence Schneider Hall this year.  The two WKU professors currently teach Computational Problem Solving and helped to originate the course during the program’s first year.

Ernst and Ziegler are very involved with the Gatton Academy and are often in contact with the Academy Director Tim Gott as well as other staff members.  “This will be much less difficult for us than it will be for other parents who are here today,” said Dr. Ziegler. “We know a lot about the Academy, and we’ve worked closely with them for a long time.”

As the day came to a close, the remaining parents were required to leave.  Despite their anxiety and reluctance to see their children living similarly to traditional college undergrad, they left feeling optimistic.  Several parents noted that while it is hard to have a child leave the house, the Gatton Academy provides each student with an incredible experience filled with so many opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

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By Corey Alderdice

Class of 2012 Arrives to Smiling Faces, Big Adventure

August 23, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

Incoming student Gabby Canant is greeted by Community Developer Tina Stottman upon arrivial for Adventure Week. (photo by Suzanne Van Arsdall)
Incoming student Gabby Canant is greeted by Community Developer Tina Stottman upon arrivial for Adventure Week. (photo by Suzanne Van Arsdall)

by Sydney Combs, Academy Avatar

Early Sunday morning, a small army of Community Leaders stood–clad in bright green Gatton Academy attire–ready to swarm the first Class of 2012 student to arrive.  When that lucky junior pulled into the parking lot at 8:15 in the morning, swarm the upperclassmen did.

Like kids to free candy, the Community Leaders flocked to each incoming junior and their family, transporting their belongings from the car to their room before they could even turn around.  After a day of trucks and trunks filled with bins and duffel bags, all first-year students were moved in around two o’clock, ready to begin Adventure Week.

This first step into real life evoked mixed emotions from the students, parents, siblings, and staff members alike.

While Tucker Joyce (Mercer, ’12) moved into his room on the second floor, his grandfather and siblings sat patiently, confident in Tucker’s abilities to succeed at the Academy.  Bryan Joyce, Tucker’s grandfather, seemed at ease, commenting on how his only concern was for his grandchildren and how they would fair missing their brother.  “It’ll be tough,” he stated, “They are all three very close.”

Tucker’s brother Bailey, on the other hand, was more optimistic, focusing instead on how often Tucker will get to come home throughout the year.  When asked how his parents felt about Tucker leaving, Bailey answered, “Well, right now they are pretty protective but I think that will change.  It’s like they are sad to leave, but happy to let him go.”

It seemed like these conflicting feelings ran rampant throughout the parental community, striking victims such as Jay Porter, father of Jaymi Porter (Carter, ’12), “My feelings about Jaymi moving in are mixed; I’m a little sad but mostly excited.  I know Jaymi can handle it.”  However, when asked about moving in, Jaymi stated that she was only a little nervous, but mostly ready to start classes.  She said, “I have been waiting all summer for this and now that I’m here, I’m just ready to jump right in and get started.”

Courageous and anxious for work, Jaymi’s confidence in herself was parallel to that of her parents.  This also appeared to be the case for others such as Nikolaus Dilger, father of Daniel Dilger (Boone, ’12), who exhibited little worry for his son, “No, nope.  Daniel has lived on campus twice and already has friends coming into the program.  The atmosphere here is comfortable and with such unique people, he will undoubtedly feel at home.”  For such a monumental step in the students’ and parents’ lives, the grace of the transition by all members was admirable.

As Academy Director Tim Gott mentioned early Sunday morning, “I am more excited about this year’s move-in than in years past.  The program is getting better every year, and it started out pretty well to begin with.  With the collective wisdom of our Residential Counselors and staff downstairs, I believe our years of experience will come together in a powerful way.”

With the apparent poise of the Junior class, supportive shoes provided by families, guidance from the Academy staff, and a cheering crowd of Seniors, there is no doubt that the recent additions to the Academy will provide a stunning performance.

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By Corey Alderdice