First-Year Advocates
2007 | 2006 | 2005| 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997
Staff: Cecily Crow Cecily Crow does so much for all Berry students that it’s easy to overlook the many things she does on behalf of first-year students. She is a creative and engaging first-year seminar instructor and a caring and attentive advisor who makes sure that her advisees have the skills and information they need to make good academic and personal choices. As one of the strongest and wisest voices on the orientation advisory committee she makes sure that SOAR and Viking Venture address the concerns of new students and their families and that both events run smoothly from start to finish. Throughout SOAR, Viking Venture and freshman seminar, she encourages new students to become involved on campus and works with KCAB to host the Student Involvement Fair to introduce them to Berry’s student organizations and has created a first-year seminar assignment to go along with the Fair. Through the Emerging Leaders program, she provides an opportunity for first-year students to discover their strengths and develop leadership skills. The fact that participation in the program has grown each year she has run it is testament to her talent in reaching out to new students and helping them grow and succeed at Berry.
Student: Victoria Aiello As a freshman RA and first-year mentor, Victoria worked hard to help new students adjust to Berry and bond with one another. She organized several social opportunities for her students to get together, including a spaghetti dinner at her home. Victoria was integral to each class meeting as she shared her personal experiences with the class. Victoria’s involvement and presence across campus made her an ideal resource for new students. She is a leader among her peers and many first-year students sought her for advice and guidance.
Faculty: Victor Bissonnette Dr. Bissonnette is respected and loved by his first-year advisees and students. His background in social psychology makes him uniquely suited to help new students understand and master their new role as self-reliant young adults in the Berry College community. As a teacher, Dr. Bissonnette challenges his students to merely master concepts but to be able to apply their learning in their own daily lives. A generous but demanding mentor, Dr. Bissonnette remains involved with his students long after they leave his class, and they frequently call upon him for guidance in their academic work and personal decisions.
Faculty: Janna Johnson As Associate Athletic Director and Lecturer in Mathematics and computer science, and a BCC 100 instructor and freshman advisor, Dr. Janna Johnson helps numerous new students to make a successful transition to Berry. But her bond with students last well beyond first-year seminar. Upper classmen as well as graduates continue to call on Dr. Johnson as an advisor and friend. Indeed, they often recommend her to incoming freshmen, so her classes are frequently overloaded and her advisees number 40 or more. Dr. Johnson also serves the college and first-year students behind the scene by serving on the first-year advisory committee, the sophomore experience committee and in many other areas of the campus.
Staff: Clarice Ford Dr. Clarice Ford, Associate Dean of Students, demonstrates a commitment to helping new students in her work as a first-year seminar instructor and advisor and director of multicultural affairs. Not only is her office always open to students who needing help, or wanting to talk, but her commitment to students frequently extends beyond her office and office hours. On Christmas Day, for example, Dr. Ford cooked dinner in her home for three international students who could not go home for the holiday. New students quickly come to see her as a trustworthy advocate and remain close to her long after they are established at Berry. As one of her nominators wrote: “She is the rock that Berry needs, and she motivates everyone. She is not just a mentor, but a friend.”
Student: Bob McGregor As a first-year mentor, Bob made himself available to his students whenever they needed him. He encouraged them to get involved on campus, answered their questions about academic and student life and hung out with them outside of class. As president of Campus Outreach, Bob organized a freshman bible study. Within a couple of weeks, his outgoing personality had won over the freshmen and they became Bob’s gang. He goes out to eat with them, plays on an intramural soccer team with them, and invites them to his house. Bob has been a positive influence on many new students and an outstanding example of the Heart of Berry College.
2005
Dr. George Gallagher, professor of Animal Science and First-Year Seminar instructor consistently goes out of his way to support his students and advisees. He strives to make his BCC 100 class relevant and helpful, and plans lectures and activities to meet the needs of science majors. He works hard in his animal science classes to make sure that students understand the materials, and is knowledgeable about out-of-the classroom matters. Dr. Gallagher’s students and advisees trust him as someone to talk to about classes, professors, extracurricular involvement, and personal issues. They recognize him as someone who is able to listen and advise, and who can point students in the right direction.
Alison Lounsbury is an exemplary BCC 100 instructor, working creatively to assist her students as they make a successful transition to Berry. She spends countless hours matching incoming students with appropriate roommates, helping to select and train excellent RAs, and then counseling residents as they adjust to life in the residence halls. Her work as a member of the FY Experience Advisory Committee has been strong. She is unfailingly cheerful, creative and caring -- and is definitely an advocate for new students and a splendid example to them of the mission of this institution as exemplified by outstanding alum.
Courtney Bennett, SGA Vice President for Student Services, has been a first-year mentor for two years. Courtney opens her heart and her home to her first-year students, encourages new students to get involved in campus activities, and generally works to help make the college adjustment easier.
2004
Megan Lagis, a first-year mentor, R.A. and student government leader, both taught and modeled the skills of communication, organization and time-management that new students need to be successful at Berry. She was available for her students outside of class too, inviting them to her home, attending activities with them, and offering a listening ear to anyone having a hard time adjusting to college life. Additionally, Megan is a strong team player who has proven to be a leader among the seniors at Berry College and, in particular, at the Campbell School of Business.
Julie Bumpus has been a Freshman Advisor since 2000. The amount of time and caring, not to mention cooking, that Julie devotes to her freshmen is nothing short of remarkable. She meets with them endlessly, accompanies them to appointments if necessary, talks often with their nervous parents, and stays in touch with them long after Freshman Seminar is over. It is no surprise that her students cite Julie as their inspiration and motivation.
Dr. Christopher Babb has served as a diligent and conscientious advisor to freshmen and taught a BCC 100 seminar. He enjoys working with freshmen and takes seriously his role as a mentor to new science students. Students also speak of the enthusiasm with which Dr. Babb approaches the general-education chemistry course; he tells them he really enjoys teaching first-year students and then demonstrates it throughout the term. He has been an active member of the First-Year Advisory Committee, offering insight and attention to the important task of improving the first year of college.
2003
Tim Goodwin, a freshman mentor at Berry, has encouraged freshmen to do their best in every aspect of college life and he has been their friend, mentor, and confidant as they make the transition into college. He is very much loved and respected by the freshmen that he has worked with. Tim works with the freshmen in many other areas of campus - he helps lead the BITS training for freshmen, he does computer training for the freshmen on campus, is the leader of MORE Ministries and president of the Berry Investment Group. Tim exemplifies the three-fold mission of Berry. He not only demonstrates the head, heart, and hands components in his daily life, but he also encourages and leads others in this mission.
John Parton, director of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Business, advises and supports numerous business majors, but his commitment to students extends well beyond the Campbell School. Mr. Parton has done an outstanding job of teaching Freshman Seminar and of mentoring his freshman advisees. Mr. Parton takes a particular interest in undeclared students and has geared his freshman seminar course and its activities toward helping these students make good, informed academic choices. He also piloted a portfolio project for the course, which required extra effort on his part. He is an excellent advisor to all students, but particularly deserves acclaim for his work with freshmen.
Martha Van Cise, director of the Academic Support Center, has been a safe haven for struggling freshmen. She has been a strong advocate for those freshmen who have needed extra help negotiating the college process and acts on the behalf of all students who ask for help, providing them with the tools and navigational equipment to stay the course and graduate. Specifically, she spoke to my freshman seminar class about surviving Rhetoric and Writing. I know a number of my students sought her advice on papers and were able to relax and do well in their Rhetoric and Writing classes because of her encouragement and advise. Additionally, she has offered helpful seminars providing advise and techniques for surviving college life—academic and otherwise.
2002
Dr. Gary Robson reaches out to new students as a freshman seminar instructor, advisor, and professor of accounting. He goes out of his way to make his students feel welcome and comfortable turning to him for assistance. He is always available to his students, and goes the extra mile to help them when they need it. When a student in his Freshman Seminar complained of back problems, Dr. Robson came to class with a piece of wood he had cut for her to place under her uncomfortable mattress. This is just one example of Dr. Robson’s genuine concern for his first year students.
Lisa Taschenberger, Biology Department’s Technician, supervises several student workers who assist her in preparing numerous lab classes during the week. Several of these student workers are freshman, and Lisa has done a wonderful job of making their first student work experience meaningful. Lisa makes this demanding job a pleasure for her student workers, rather than another source of stress. As a Berry graduate herself, Lisa understands the concept of worthwhile work well done, and through her mentoring passes on that value to another generation of Berry students.
2001
Cindy Barber: Cindy has served as a freshman mentor for three years, working with Dr. Steven Bell. Dr. Bell and Cindy were a perfect match from the start. Dr. Bell tends toward the spontaneous and creative, while Cindy is methodical and organized. Dr. Bell is a talker and tends to interrupt, while Cindy is a thoughtful listener. Over the years of working together, Cindy helped Dr. Bell to stay organized and on track, while picking up some of his spontaneity and emerging as an independent leader in and out of the classroom. Among the activities she planned for her class were a yearly soccer game and an annual spaghetti and study skills dinner at her home. Her students listen to her, trust her, and show her deep affection. She is the quintessential mentor.
Donald Bettler: Don Bettler has represented the school of Math and Natural Science in the Freshman Seminar Program for the past four years with great enthusiasm, inviting students to his home, cooking for them, and initiating other activities that go above and beyond the call of duty. Don has made great efforts to help his students succeed in the sciences, traditionally one of the most difficult majors for freshmen. Last year, with a freshman seminar section of all science majors, Don completely revamped his approach and curriculum, incorporating real student work from science classes into the study skills section and tailoring his lectures to address the specific concerns for science majors. Next year he will serve as a faculty mentor to freshmen in Dorothy Cottage, which has been designated as theme housing for first-year science majors. Finally, Don makes vital contributions to the improvement and evolution of Freshman Seminar. Whenever instructors are gathered to discuss such matters, Don can be counted on to provide insightful comments couched in his wry humor.
Cathy Simpson: Although less visible than the other Freshman Advocate winners, Assistant registrar Cathy Simpson’s work behind the scenes contributed to a seamless registration process through this summer’s SOAR sessions. With the departure of the registrar in April, Cathy was thrust into the position of acting registrar at the busiest time of the year. In addition to the regular challenge of leading over 500 first-time students through the registration process, Cathy was faced with overseeing the transition to new registration software that was often less than cooperative. Working with the Dean of Academic Services and the Freshman Center Director, she put in extra hours to implement the new freshman advising model in freshman seminar sections. Through it all, Cathy exhibited grace and good humor, the same qualities she brought to the presentations she gave at each SOAR session, each one engaging, informative, and fresh.
2000
Student: Mark Henderson
As an RA on third Pilgrim, Mark Henderson makes Berry freshmen feel welcome and at home. Mark makes a point of spending time with new students and getting to know them as soon as they arrive, and continues to check in with them on a regular basis. From answering simple questions to helping students solve the first serious problems of living on their own, Mark Henderson helps numerous freshmen make the transition from high school to college.
Staff: Gretchen Faulkner
Health and Wellness Center Director Gretchen Faulkner is a true advocate for all students and was especially helpful to many freshmen this year during the difficult time surrounding Michael Degner’s death. Gretchen stayed at the hospital all night helping to comfort and support the students gathered there. Her upbeat personality, common sense, and accommodating spirit also helped the many individuals who had to relocate to the Ladd Center when their offices in Krannert closed this fall. As supervisor of the Ladd Center, Gretchen helped them feel at home and has been welcoming to the large number of students who have entered the Ladd Center this year.
Faculty: Janna Johnson
In her roles as a Freshman Seminar Instructor, Associate Director of Athletics, and Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Janna Johnson goes out of her way to be sure that new students are happy and successful at Berry. In addition to monitoring the academic progress of student athletes, Dr. Johnson stays in regular contact with them, and is especially attentive to those who are far from home. Dr. Johnson meets her Freshman Seminar class at a different Berry location every day to help them get to know and appreciate the campus. She also participates in a number of out-of-class activities with them, including gatherings at her home, to help build a spirit of closeness and community that continues well beyond the first semester.
1999
Student: Courtney Rogers
As a resident assistant on 2nd East Mary, Courtney went beyond her required duties to make sure the girls on her hall had a smooth transition to college life. Since the first day students arrived on campus, she has invested a great deal of time getting to know the girls on her hall and sharing in their lives. It is for this reason, many of the girls on her hall consider her a friend as well as an R.A.
Staff: Laurie Hattaway
Laurie Hattaway currently serves as the Bonner Scholars Coordinator. As coordinator, she oversees 80 students, 20 of whom are freshmen. Not only does she go to great lengths to orient new Bonners into the program, she also devotes herself to ensuring an easier transition to college as a whole. Laurie makes herself available to assist freshmen in all areas of student life and is always willing to give advice or go the distance in making sure students receive whatever help they may need in their first semester.
Faculty: Susan Greener
As a Freshman Seminar Instructor, Susan Greener went out of her way to help her students adjust to college life. She made each freshman feel like an individual, meeting with students personally and doing everything she could to make sure that they knew she was available for them. Her warm personality and generosity helped many students make a successful transition to Berry.
1998
Faculty: Martha Van Cise
Ms. Van Cise has assisted countless freshmen with English composition, and often forms bonds with them that last long after the course is over. She created and maintains the Berry OWL -- On-line Writing Laboratory -- for freshman composition courses; and Ms. Van Cise has voluntarily edited The Freshman Forum for the past three years.
Staff: Mandy Zimmerman
Miss Zimmerman, Assistant Women's Basketball coach, has reached out to freshmen as a "big sister" in many ways: visiting students in their dorms, setting up study halls, reassuring freshman parents, and making herself available at all times of the year.
Student: Amy-Ellen Dudugjian
Miss Dudugjian frequently takes freshmen "under her wings" when she has no official reason to do so. Her service to new students has included cooking meals, leading Bible studies, counseling informally, and tutoring mathematics.
1997
Faculty: David Pollock
David Pollock served freshmen from the time of his arrival at Berry College. He taught Freshman Seminar (BCC 100) for four years and served as coordinator of the Freshman Seminar program for two years. As BCC 100 coordinator, Dr. Pollock was a helpful assistant in the production of The Red Book, the collection of essays used in Freshman Seminar. Perhaps most significantly, he went "above and beyond the call of duty" when he created a 100-page instructor's manual for BCC 100. Dr. Pollock's dedication to freshmen and their successful transition to college life will have a lasting impact on many Berry freshmen.
Student: Joe Hammonds
In 1996-97, Joe Hammands, a junior theatre major, served as a student assistant in Mr. Potts' Freshman Seminar class. Joe not only provided helpful information regarding college adjustment while in the classroom but also went out of his way to greet students outside of class. He gave all the students in the class his phone number and encouraged them to call any time they wanted to talk. Joe also served freshmen while working as a student assistant at the theater, making all the new students feel comfortable with their responsibilities. These are reasons many freshmen consider him a dear friend.