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Westminster College Ranked Third in Graduation Rate Performance by U.S. News

Westminster College is among the nation's best in enhancing the educational achievement of its students, according to a national study released today.

U.S. News & World Report's 2005 Guide to America's Best Colleges cited Westminster as one of the nation's best in enhancing the educational achievement of its students. Westminster ranked third among Liberal Arts Colleges, and sixth in the country in graduation rate performance. Westminster College's 77% graduation rate was 17% higher than predicted.

Lane College, Tennessee (+38%) and Fisk University, Tennessee (+28%) were the only Liberal Arts Colleges with higher graduation rate performances. Widener College, Pennsylvania (+27%), Alabama A&M University (+22%), and St. John's University, New York (+21%) were the only National Universities with higher graduation rate performances.

The indicator, developed by U.S. News and previously called "value added," is designed to capture the effect of the college's programs and policies on the graduation rate of its students after controlling for spending and student aptitude. U.S. News arrives at the score by measuring the difference between a school's six-year graduation rate for the class that entered in 1997, and the predicted graduation rate for the class. The predicted graduation rate is calculated using a formula that accounts for the standardized test scores of these students and the school's expenditures on them over the years. If the actual graduation rate is higher than the predicted rate, the college is enhancing the students' achievement.

"We are pleased to be recognized by the national media for serving our students -- Westminster's number one objective. Westminster is a student-centered college, and this ranking reflects that commitment," said Westminster College President R. Thomas Williamson.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching reclassified higher education institutions late in 2000 resulting in a new classification system for U.S. News & World Report. This year 217 colleges were included in the category, and these institutions must award at least 50 percent of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines and emphasize undergraduate education.

Green Party Hosting Second Annual Progressive Conference

The Green Party, a Westminster student organization, will host the second annual progressive conference on democracy, peace, and the environment Sunday, April 10, beginning with registration at 11 a.m. in Beeghly Theater, Beeghly lobby and Patterson Hall rooms 112-114.

The events begin at 12:30 p.m. with Sandy Kelson, lawyer and Vietnam veteran, reflecting on his first-hand experience and comparing it to the current conflict in Iraq. At 1:30 p.m., Ray Nakley, spokesman for the Arab-American Community Center in Youngstown, Ohio, and chair for the Coalition 4 Peace in the Middle East, will discuss the current events and new situations in Lebanon.

At 2:30 p.m. Steve Porter, recent opponent of United States Congressman Phil English, will reflect on the successes and failures of his campaign, as well as the current state of the Democratic party. Dan Kuzma, president and co-founder of the Youngstown State Environmental and Animal Rights Coalition, who support and work with Vegan Outreach, will speak about his work at 3:30 p.m.

After an hour of networking, Joe Jenkins, entrepreneur, founder of Joseph Jenkins, Inc. and author of the "Humanure Handbook" and "Slate Roof Bible," will speak on the economic and environmental benefits of composting toilets and slate roofing from the perspective of a small business owner. The final speakers, Jennaro Pullano and Dave Baker, Pennsylvania Green Party officers, will talk about the state of their party, including their work with the local and county level Green Party organizers.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Andrea Grove, assistant professor of political science and advisor to the group, at (724) 946-7254 or e-mail groveak@westminster.edu.

Senior to Give Oboe Recital

Shelley E. Culver, a senior sacred music and music education major at Westminster College, will give an oboe recital Sunday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. in Wallace Memorial Chapel.

The program includes Saint-Saens' "Sonata for Oboe and Piano;" Barnes' "Autumn Soliloquy;" Bach's "Gavotte I & II;" Still's "Bayou Home;" and Barlow's "The Winter's Passed." Culver will be accompanied by Dr. Nancy DeSalvo, assistant professor and chair of music at Westminster College.

Culver is a daughter of Rickey and Susan Culver, Frewsburg, N.Y., and a graduate of Frewsburg Central School. While at Westminster, she has studied oboe with Loyal Mould and Shawn Reynolds, Westminster music faculty. In addition to the oboe, Culver also studies the organ and piano. She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Intern Teaching Program, and the Westminster Women's Chorus. Culver is the principal oboist of the Westminster College Wind Ensemble and the Westminster College Orchestra. She has appeared on the Dean's List for seven consecutive semesters and is a member of the academic honorary Pi Sigma Pi. Culver also tutors underclass theory students and organizes publicity for the Westminster College "Capelle Meisters" organ concert series. Off campus, she is the director of the children's choir and often serves as a substitute organist and choir director for the First United Methodist Church in Sharon.

The event is free and open to the public. Contact the Westminster College Department of Music at (724) 946-7270 for more information.

Diversity Symposium Continues at Westminster College

Bob Roche and Lawrence Sampson of the Cleveland American Indian Movement will speak at a Diversity Symposium Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in Phillips Lecture Hall in Westminster College's Hoyt Science Resources Center.

When the Glenn Miller Orchestra returns to Westminster College for an April 24 scholarship benefit concert, the conductor will see an old friend in the audience.

The Westminster College Celebrity Series welcomes the Georgian State Dance Company, Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.

J.G. "Gib" McGill will be at the 150th Westminster College Birthday Bash celebration to sign his print, Glorious, Grand & True, 150 years, Monday, Jan. 21, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.

The print, a stunning winter scene of Westminster's landmark Old Main, is for sale at the Westminster College Book Store.

Over 100 Door Prizes Available at New Wilmington Business Expo

Over 100 door prizes will be given away during the fifth annual New Wilmington Area Business Expo on Saturday, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westminster College Memorial Field House. The event is free to the public.