Cedar Crest College

The Cedar Crest College women's basketball team honored its two seniors, Meghan Gregory and Shemeca Thompson, in the season finale versus Marywood Saturday, February 17. Senior center Gregory earned a double-double to end the 2017-18 campaign with 16 points and 14 rebounds while adding four blocked shots in her senior game. Also competing in her final game as a Falcon was senior forward Thompson, who grabbed eight boards, four points, three steals, and an assist.

Cedar Crest's sophomore forward Venus Cabrera was chosen to the Colonial States Athletic Conference 2018 Sportsmanship Team of the Year late Monday morning. "No one deserves this more than Venus, commented Head Coach Kristin Karat. "I can count on her to get things done both on and off the court. She's just absolutely instrumental to our program." V. Cabrera, who was also named to the Lehigh Valley Small College Basketball Organization's Scholar-Athlete Team in January, finished her sophomore season with the Falcons. She started in 23 out of the 24 games she played in, brought down 116 rebounds and scored 77 points this season.

The Cedar Crest College swim team finished in 2nd place in the 2018 NEAC Swimming and Diving Championships, with six student-athletes earning All-Conference team awards and Head Coach Charlie MacDonald named as Co-Coach of the Year.

The Cedar Crest College swim team competed in Day 1 of the NEAC Swimming and Diving Championships, with Autumn Kidulic winning the 200 IM and breaking the school record.

Cedar Crest College sophomore guard, Sylera Weller (Lancaster, Pa./J.P . McCaskey), was named to the 2018 Lehigh Valley Small College Basketball Most Valuable Player Team at the organization's final luncheon of the 2017-18 season Tuesday afternoon at DeSales University.

Noalani Hendricks presented a workshop entitled "Muslim and Gay" at the 2018 LAVIC LGBTQ+ Student Leadersip Conference on February 10, 2018 at Moravian College. The workshop gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about gay muslims in America, and the intersection between religion and queerness. The information was shared with the hope that people would become better equipped to support students that are both gay and muslim.

The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) has named 29 Cedar Crest College student-athletes out of a total of 576 student-athletes to the Fall 2017 CSAC All-Academic Team. The CSAC All-Academic Team recognizes student-athletes who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.20 or better during their semester of competition, while using a full season of eligibility as determined by the NCAA.

Welcome to Cedar Crest College!

The North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) has announced Cedar Crest's Emily Klenk (Denver, CO/Monarch) as its Student-Athlete of the Week selection in women's swimming and diving for the week ending Feb. 4.

Amy Evans, Emily Parchuke, Allison Osborne, Zachary Lutz, and Charles Kim will be representing Cedar Crest College at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in Seattle, Washington, February 19-24, 2018. These students will also be presenting their research on campus on Thursday, February 1, 2018.

Cedar Crest College believes that being civically engaged in one's community is a critical step in one's life journey. Each year during New Student Orientation, students are provided an opportunity to begin their civic journey by volunteering during our annual Day of Service. This opportunity allows students to serve others while demonstrating learning, connection, and caring involvement in the surrounding community. The Class of 2021 teamed up with faculty and staff members, Interim President Elizabeth Meade, and the Friends of the Allentown Parks for the college's Day of Service on Saturday, August 26, 2017. The group cleaned up the grounds between Fountain Park and Valania Park in Allentown. Later in the day the group walked to Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ at 620 Hamilton Street, where Cedar Crest College held its first classes on September 5, 1867, for a photo.

Sophomore Forward Venus Cabrera was Cedar Crest's representative on the Lehigh Valley Small College Basketball Scholar-Athlete Team at the organization's second luncheon of the 2017-18 season, hosted by DeSales University. "Venus is exactly what you think of when you think Student-Athlete," commented Head Coach Kristen Karat. "She is the Valedictorian of her class and a captain on our basketball team. She is a great role model, not only for her teammates, but for the entire student-athlete population at Cedar Crest." The Lehigh Valley Small College Basketball Organization is made up of the six small college schools in the Lehigh Valley including NCAA Division II schools East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and NCAA Division III schools Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Moravian College and Muhlenberg College Cabrera was selected by having the having the highest Grade Point Average on women's basketball squad. During the luncheon, each school's representative answered questions regarding off-the-court activities, favorite memories, and their future after college. "It was an honor to be recognized today as a scholar athlete alongside Coach Karat," reflected Cabrera. "It meant a lot to me to be able to represent a program that is dedicated to both my athletic and academic growth." Joining Cabrera on the Scholar-Athlete Team were Trista Cunningham of Moravian, Rachel Plotke of Muhlenberg, Angelica Bertola of DeSales, Tiffany Lapotsky of East Stroudsburg, and Taylor Thames of Kutztown.

America Reads and America Counts is a tutoring opportunity that works with local children in before school, during school and after school programs to help children develop and improve their reading and math skills. Cedar Crest College students work with community children from kindergarten to 12th grade. America Reads and America Counts student staff members are: Pascaline Agboka, Samantha Anderson, Alexandra Arabio, Alexis Baxter, Nathalie Castano, Hope Harrison, Jihnai Johnson, Alyssa Knittel, Madeline Kohutka, Claire Little, Justina Lopez, Skylar Miller, Katelyn Moeser, Brenda Moreno, Alexandra Morgan, Katie Nemeth, Amy Nguyen, Elyse Podgurski, Emily Roberto, Khnaue Robinson, Dayanese Rodriguez, Alexis Schaner, Haley Smith, Kayla Smith, Tahirrah Steele, Luisanny Suarez, Shemeca Thompson, Kelsey Ward, Rachel Wielgopolski, Sarafina Woolridge-Burns.

The Cedar Crest College Lutz Center for Community Service is a student run office providing individuals and campus groups with opportunities to participate in on-going service projects such as after school tutoring programs and nursing home visits. In addition, campus members can participate in a variety of one-time events such as blood drtives, helping at an animal shelter, and restocking at the local food bank. The Lutz Center for Community Service staff work to recruit, orient, reflect with and recognize volunteers through the development, facilitation and assessment of one-time and weekly programs with local community agencies and organizations. 2017-18 Lutz Center for Community Service student staff members are: Leslie Cano, Haley Smith, Adaliz Gonzalez, Lea Feldman, Grace Dougherty, Jamillexe Soto, Corina Peguero, Martha Arredondo, Michelle Reyes, Abagail Billig, Elizabeth Thompson, Kelsey Kehm, Sherlee Velazquez, Madeline Kortze.

Students who achieved Dean's List have earned a GPA of 3.65 or higher in the academic semester.

DanceWorks harnesses the dynamic expression of the human body. The poetry of movement replaces words in an evolving landscape of imagery and emotion. This year's program features dances by eight talented students and two alumni choreographers. As movement enthusaists, they have chosen to investigate their creative visions kentically. They are learning to become adept at communicating ideas via the infinitely malleable elements of space, time and energy. To up the ante, this year the choreographers have been challenged to create their dances on an 8x8 foot stage. This constraint breeds a wealth of creative possibilities as it encourages the artists to truly focus their vision.

Runaways is a musical which was written, composed and directed by Elizabeth Swados, about the lives of children who run away from home and live on the city streets. The characters were taken from workshops conducted by Swados with real-life runaways in the late 1970s.

Dr. Megan E. Diskin Monahan, Assistant Professor of History, and senior Noalani Hendricks, each presented a conference paper at the Phi Alpha Theta Biennial Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in New Orleans, LA on January 6, 2018. Dr. Monahan shared a chapter from her upcoming book on postwar female labor activists in Hawaii: "Union-Proud Women: From Picking Pineapples to Forging a New Service Solidarity in Hawaii's Hotels." Meanwhile, Ms. Hendricks, who was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta last fall, debuted her first conference paper, entitled, "Richard Nixon: Villainy & Grace," as she plans to begin her doctoral studies in American history this fall. Phi Alpha Theta is the American honor society for undergraduate, graduate students and professors of history, which celebrated the 70th anniversary of its charter here at Cedar Crest College last year.

2017-18 Cedar Crest College Terpsichore Dance Society Officers are: President - Ellen Sherman; Vice President - Mallorie McIlwain; Secretary - Victoria Levan; Treasurer - Taryn Thomason; Advisor - Kevin Gallagher.

The Cedar Crest College Student Nursing Association (SNA) is open to all students majoring in nursing. The SNA is a very important part of the nursing program bykeeping students aware of changing trends in nursing and by increasing student awareness of the various aspects of nursing. Students are considered an active member of SNA as long as they attend half of all the meetings and half of all events. Students may participate in any of the three major committees within the SNA: fund-raising, community and social. In the past, members of SNA have organized clothing drives, held Easter egg hunts, participated in blood drives, sponsored guest speakers and assumed Board positions in the Student Nurses Association of PA. General business meetings are held monthly. Fund-raisers, community activities and social events are held throughout the semester. 2017-18 Cedar Crest College Student Nursing Association officers are: President - Fritzie Manrique; Vice President - Tanisha Farber; Secretary - Emily Robbins; Treasurer - Megan Finlayson; Advisors - Christine Embon and Elba Kerkusz.

The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the entire student body and all student activities through student body meetings, special committee meetings, Student Government meetings, and conferences with the President and the Deans of the College. There are seven executive positions and five resident and two commuter senators for each class, which are elected by the student body. The 35 positions have voting privileges in the Student Government Association. SGA meets regularly to discuss student activities and college policies, to initiate legislation, and to make and amend rules as applicable. The Association welcomes all suggestions related to campus life, and all interested students are encouraged to attend SGA meetings. Support for the student body enables SGA to secure the goals students wish to achieve. Through the Student Government Executive Board, SGA maintains close contact with the College administration and faculty. The SGA president regularly discusses plans and issues with administrators. Any questions or concerns about College rules and/or regulations can be addressed at SGA meetings or by contacting a member of the Executive Board. From new students through seniors, SGA asks students to get involved with activities of their interest. With support from the entire student population (including Lifelong Learning students, residents and commuters), SGA is the backbone of student endeavors at Cedar Crest College. 2017-18 Cedar Crest College Student Government Association Executive Officers are: President - Tomeycia Diamond Scott; Vice President - Morgan Maddock; Secretary - Aginetta Mulima; Treasurer - Kayla Smith; Public Relations Manager - Shannon Wolak; Chief of Staff - Jenny Garcia; Advisor - Candice Sierzega.

The Cedar Crest College Student Dietetic Association (SDA) is a club that is open to anyone that is interested in nutrition, healthy eating, exercising and well-being. The purpose of the SDA is to educate the Cedar Crest College community on nutrition. 2017-18 Student Dietetic Association officers are: President - Angela Becker; Vice President - Rachel Frey; Secretary - Miranda George; Treasurer - Rachel McCluskey; Advisors - Tara Miltenberger and Patricia LaSalle.

Any student is welcome to join the Cedar Crest College Student Athlete Advisory Committee, which exists to promote further development and support of the Athletic Department and all athletic programs at the College. 2017-18 Student Athlete Advisory Committee officers are: President - Brittney Bonser; Vice President - Makenzie Kistler; Secretary - Kimberly Rosano; Treasurer - Tiffany Cuth; Advisor - Sam Donlon.

The Cedar Crest College Student Activities Board provides social, cultural and educational programs to the College community. Some recent programs include karaoke nights, musical entertainment, game show nights and comedy nights. The main goal of the Board is to provide entertaining and enriching experiences for the entire Cedar Crest College community. Students involved with the Board are provided many opportunities to develop leadership skills while initiating and programming events. All students and members of the College community are encouraged to meet and share talents, interests and ideas to assist the Student Activities Board in its endeavors. 2017-18 Student Activities Board officers are: President - Jackalyn Beckett; Vice President - Kari Vanderslice; Secretary - Shelby Szoke; Treasurer - Catlyn Mann; On-Campus Events Chair - Nyla Boulware; Life Performance Chair - Abagail Billig; Road Trip Chair - Kassandra Miller; Advisors - Lauren Condon and Fae Dietz.

The Cedar Crest College Step Team (Triple C Stepperz) centers on the African-American art of "step". This is a student-led team that focuses on dancing, choreographing and performances for the campus and surrounding community. The group enters competitions and organizes outings to visit and view other teams perform for the purpose of enriching their knowledge and creativity needed to choreograph their own shows. 2017-18 Step Team officers are: President - Kayla Smith; Vice President - Jihnai Johnson; Secretary - Ti'asha Johnson; Treasurer - Tiahirrah Steele; Advisor - Lauren Condon.

2017-18 Cedar Crest College Society for Human Resource Management officers are: President - Meredith Weaver; Vice President - Natalie Capone; Secretary - Meredith Vandegrift; Treasurer - Kelly Fenstermaker; Historian - Megan Morrison; Director of Social Media - Brianna Hill; Advisor - Christine Lombardo-Zaun.

The Cedar Crest College Sociology/Social Work Club is open to any student who is interested in current social issues and policies. The Club aims to meet the needs of the growing number of students entering the many areas related to sociology and to promote the social sciences. Club members present outstanding speakers and programs in these areas. 2017-18 Sociology/Social Work Club officers are: President - Sarah Frantz; Vice President - Mandy Hessler; Secretary - Heidi Kortright; Treasurer - Sarafina Woolridge-Burns; Advisor - Kathleen Boland.

Cedar Crest College's Saudi Students Association 2017-18 officers are: President - Tariq Alabsi; Vice President - Faisal Almarzouq; Secretary - Raed Alzunaydi; Treasurer - Abdulelah Bagais; Advisor - Rosanna Cabatic.

The Cedar Crest College Psychology Club is open to all students who share an interest in the field of Psychology. The organization meets on a regular basis, plans educational programs, sponsors speakers and produces a newsletter titled, "Stream of Consciousness." 2017-18 Cedar Crest College Psychology Club officers are: President - Amanda Mann; Vice President - Kaelee Venditti; Secretary - Claire Little; Treasurer - Danielle Robinson; Advisor - Micah Sadigh.

Psi Chi, an affiliate of the American Psychological Association and American Psychological Society, is the national honor society in psychology. It is open to students with either a major or minor in psychology who have completed at least three courses in the department, have a "B" average, and a cumulative average placing them in the upper third of their class. Lifetime membership is achieved through a formal installation by invitation and is held usually in the spring and fall. 2017-18 Cedar Crest College Psi Chi officers are: President - Kirin Uzar; Vice President - Keana Makari; Secretary - Jaclyn Haiem; Historian - Amy Webster; Advisor - Micah Sadigh.