About

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Eight first-year Westminster College students from a variety of majors traveled to Cook Forest State Park in September as part of a Westminster Away course, spending a weekend immersed in nature and reflective learning.

The interdisciplinary domestic travel course, WST 520: Nature and Identity, was developed by Dr. Deanne Buffalari, associate professor of neuroscience, and Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of environmental science. Throughout the course, students explored how time spent in nature influences personal identity and shapes relationships with the world and with others.

The weekend included opportunities for students to learn directly from the forest as well as from people deeply connected to Cook Forest, including educational experts, volunteers and local business owners.

A highlight of the trip was the opportunity to give back to Cook Forest through a trail-cleanup collaboration with Friends of Cook Forest. Students collected litter and cleared natural debris from footbridges along the Cathedral Forest trails, helping to keep pathways clean and safe for hikers.

Students also visited one of the forest’s oldest trees—an eastern hemlock estimated to be 350 years old—an experience left a strong impression.

“I’m grateful to know of such a beautiful secret that is hidden deep in the forest,” said Valen Henry, a first-year environmental science major from Harrisburg, Pa. “I am one small part of its life span, but I feel connected to it. The old-growth forest was majestic and I think everyone should see it.”

First-year music education major Charlotte Grubbs of Enon, Ohio, said the weekend “really showed me how quickly connections can deepen when distractions are removed and how interesting and rich the world around us becomes when you really look at it. I now remember to slow down and stay curious about the people and places around me.”

Westminster Away is a domestic travel course initiative designed to enhance academic learning through immersive travel experiences. Questions about this course can be directed to Buffalari at buffald@westminster.edu or Boylan at boylanhm@westminster.edu.

Monday, November 17, 2025

Students from Westminster College and the Wilmington Area School District (WASD) are once again showcasing their artistic talents in the annual exhibition Environmental Art in the Community, now on display throughout New Wilmington and on Westminster College’s campus.

Monday, November 17, 2025

Westminster College invites students, families, alumni and members of the surrounding community to gather for its annual Christmas Worship Service at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Orr Auditorium. This cherished campus tradition celebrates the Advent season through scripture, music, prayer and reflection.

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Winners of Westminster College’s Creative Writing Contest for high school students shared their works during the Bleasby Colloquium held Oct. 23 in Mueller Theater in the McKelvey Campus Center on the College’s campus. 

Saturday, November 15, 2025

The Westminster College Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, will present its fall concert, “Across the Eras,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in Will W. Orr Auditorium on the Westminster College campus. 

Friday, November 14, 2025

Westminster College senior Madyson Treharne, a creative media production and English double major, is earning international attention for her original comedy series pilot “Bad Habits,” which has been named a top finalist in the Student Screenplay category at the International Indie Film and Screenplay Festival (IIFSF).

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

The Foster Art Gallery of Westminster College welcomes artist Morgan Bukovec and her exhibit, “are you on the menu,” now through Friday, Dec. 5, in the Foster Art Gallery in Patterson Hall. A gallery reception will be held at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. 

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

The Westminster College Wind Ensemble will present its first concert of the season, “With my Head in the Clouds,” at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, in the Will W. Orr Auditorium on the College’s campus. 

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Dr. Carl Salter, professor of chemistry at Moravian University, will discuss “Isaac Asimov: The Relativity of Scientific Models” at a public lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Dietz Sullivan Lecture Hall at the College’s Hoyt Science Center. 

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

From the classrooms and airwaves at Westminster College to leading an organization advocating for children AND making history in international cycling, Noreen Landis-Tyson ’75 has always followed her passions. After earning her political science degree, she built a long career in nonprofit work in Colorado, including more than two decades as CEO of the Community Partnership for Child Development. And when she’s not serving her community, she’s breaking barriers on the track—becoming the first woman to lead the commissaires panel at the Olympic Games.