Wilkes University
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Wilkes University |
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| Motto | "Unity Amidst Diversity" |
| Established | 1933 |
| Type | Private, Independent-related |
| Endowment | $35.8 million as of 2005[1] |
| President | Joseph E. (Tim) Gilmour, Ph.D |
| Provost | Bernard W. Graham (interim provost) |
| Faculty | 134 Full Time[2] |
| Undergraduates | 2,245 |
| Postgraduates | 2254 |
| Location | Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA () |
| Address | 84 West South Street |
| Telephone | 1-800-WILKES-U |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colors | Blue and Gold |
| Mascot | Colonels |
| Website | http://www.wilkes.edu/ |
Wilkes University is a private, non-denominational American university located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It has over 2,200 undergraduates and over 2,200 graduate students (both full and part-time).[2] Wilkes was founded in 1933 as a satellite campus of Bucknell University, and became an independent institution in 1940, naming itself Wilkes College, after English colonial politician John Wilkes. The school was granted university status in 1990.
The school's Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing is one of seven pharmacy schools in Pennsylvania,[3] and the only Doctor of Pharmacy program in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Wilkes has an active student media, including a television station within the Shelburne Telecommunication Center, FM radio station WCLH, weekly newspaper The Beacon, and yearbook Amnicola.
The Wilkes Graduate Teacher Education Program hosts classes online and at more than thirty sites in Pennsylvania.[4]
The school mascot, which was suggested by former Dean of Student Affairs Emeritus George F. Ralston, is a Colonel and the official colors are blue and yellow. The campus symbol is a letter "W" known affectionately as the "flying W" by students and alumni.
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[edit] History
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This section is a stub. You can help by expanding it. |
In 1933, Bucknell University opened "Bucknell Junior College" (BUJC) in Wilkes-Barre. In 1947, BUJC separated from Bucknell, and was renamed "Wilkes College". In 1990, the institution was designated as a university and renamed Wilkes University.[5]
[edit] Academics
The university offers many majors in science, education, engineering, business, and liberal arts for undergraduate and graduate students.[6] These academic programs are divided among four colleges.[7]
- College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- College of Science and Engineering
- Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing
- Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership
The university sponsors many academically focused lectures each year. The Max Rosenn Lecture Series in Law and Humanities was established in the 1980s, and brought many notable speakers to the university including author Norman Mailer, Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, and journalist Bob Woodward.[8]. The Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship has also brought notable speakers including journalist and television host John Stossel, and former New York Governor George Pataki.[9]
Recently, Wilkes University has announced a switch to an all Macintosh computing environment, replacing all 1700 of the Universities computers with products from Apple. [10]
[edit] Proposed Law School
As part of the Wilkes Vision 2010 master plan, the university plans to study the feasibility of a Law School to "add to Wilkes prestige and develop an alumni base over time".[11]
[edit] Athletics
The Wilkes University Colonels compete in NCAA Division III athletics, and is a member of the Middle Atlantic Corporation in all sports except wrestling, which is a member of the Metropolitan Wrestling Conference. Wilkes' teams compete in 14 intercollegiate sports: baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, field hockey, football, golf, lacrosse, men's soccer, women's soccer, softball, women's tennis, men's tennis, volleyball and wrestling.[12]
The softball team won the Middle Atlantic Corporation region in 2006.[citation needed] The football team were Middle Atlantic Conference Champions for the 2006 season. The men's tennis team won 3 individual MAC Championship titles as well as 1 Doubles title on top of making a consistent appearance in the MAC Team Tournament which will be a record other teams will try to accomplis as well.
From the 1975 to 2000, the Wilkes' wrestling team was a Division I squad, wrestling in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association.[13]
[edit] Wilkes Women Tennis
Wilkes began playing women’s tennis at the varsity level in 1973. During the 1976, 1977, and 1978 seasons the Lady Colonels captured the NPWIAA team championships. The 2006 season saw the squad establish a new school record for wins in a season when they compiled an overall record of 12-4. The Lady Colonels also garnered a berth in the Freedom Conference playoffs for the first time.
Lady Colonels have had their share of individual honors. Twenty-one players have been named to the Middle Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll during the past nine seasons. The Lady Colonels have also had six players earn All-Middle Atlantic Conference honors and one conference Rookie of the Year in the past five seasons.
However one thing the Women's Tennis Team has never been able to do is win the individual or doubles MAC Championship Title like the Men's Tennis Team has on a few occasions over the past few years.
[edit] Events
[edit] Annual High School Mathematics Contest
For over 50 years Wilkes University has been the host of the Annual High School Mathematics Contest as sponsored by the Luzerne County Council of Teachers of Mathematics (LCCTM). Every year juniors and seniors from Luzerne County high schools come to Wilkes University to participate in the competition. The first place winner in both the junior and senior divisions are awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Wilkes University. The 57th Annual High School Mathematics Contest was held Saturday, April 9, 2005.
[edit] ACM Intercollegiate Programming Contest
The Wilkes University Math and Computer Science Department hosts the Eastern Pennsylvania division of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the annual ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest. Wilkes University has been host to the event for the last 5 years. A total of 9 host schools host teams in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
[edit] Annual Tom Bigler High School Journalism Conference
Each year, hundreds of Pennsylvania high school students attend this annual media oriented event. Each year features a notable keynote speaker, hands-on workshops in the areas of telecommunications, journalism and public relations and panel discussions and presentation from media professionals and personalities. A high school journalism contest and awards ceremony is also a main event.
[edit] Plays
The Visual and Performing Arts Department presents four shows annually at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts. The 2006-2007 lineup includes "The Laramie Project", "Cinderella", "Bat Boy: The Musical." The department will also present "The Pied Piper," an original production written by theater director Theresa Fallon and students.
[edit] Student Life
[edit] Commuter Students
The student population includes a significant number of students who commute from the surrounding region. Commuting students may opt to purchase access to one of two parking options controlled by the university. On-campus parking is available at a multi-level parking garage on South Main Street, and several surface parking lots around campus. Since space in on-campus lots is limited, the commuter council organization evaluates applications for parking using a point system,[14] awarding passes based on a priority system. Alternatively, students may purchase access to a parking lot at Ralston Field, located across the Susquehanna River in Kingston, PA, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Periodic shuttle service is provided to and from this lot.[15] Under the standard on-campus and Ralston Field parking programs, students are not guaranteed availability of a parking space, but merely access to available parking spaces. A limited number of guaranteed parking spaces are available for a higher fee.[16]
The Commuter Council organization provides a lounge including kitchen, television room, and computer room to commuters for use between classes.[17]
[edit] Residential Halls
Many dormitories are located in 19th century mansions that were gifted to the university, or other houses purchased by the university. These buildings were typically renovated to confirm to university standards.[citation needed] Over 20 mansion and house style dormitories are currently in use.[18]
Several apartment-style residences are maintained by the university including University Commons at the corner of West River and Ross Streets, and the University Towers high rise located at 10 East South Street.
Traditional dormitory housing is provided at Evans Hall. With four floors and about 200 students, Evans is often seen by freshman as an ideal place to make many friends. This building is unique among the campus residences in that it provides air conditioning and bathrooms which are shared with exactly one other room.
Students living on campus are currently given free access to laundry equipment, or a credit to their accounts when only coin operated machines are available.[18]University administration is considering coin-operated machines for the 2007-2008 academic year.[19]
[edit] Clubs and Organizations
Numerous student run clubs are recognized and funded by the student government. Many of the clubs are athletically focused, representing sports including Crew, Lacrosse, Running, Skiing, Volleyball, and Ultimate Frisbee. Clubs associated with academics and majors represent Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, and Pre-Pharmacy. Other clubs are formed around common interests such as Animal Advocacy, Vegitarianism, Anime, and Robotics.
The University also hosts Detachment 752 of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. After completing the program, cadets enter the Air Force as 2nd. Lieutenants. [20]
[edit] University Towers
The university purchased the University Towers apartment complex located at 10 East South Street from a private real estate company for $8.1 million. Approximately 400 students will be housed in this building's 130 units.[21]
[edit] Bookstore
The university partnered with neighboring King's College, Pennsylvania to operate a joint bookstore in downtown Wilkes-Barre. The new bookstore opened October 17 consolidating two independent bookstores previously run by Follett Higher Education Group, on behalf of the respective schools. The new bookstore run by Barnes & Noble College Bookstores is located in the basement and first floor of the Innovation Center @ Wilkes-Barre.[22] The first floor includes a Starbucks cafe. The store is also accessible via the web [1].
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Institutions By Total Assets (PDF). FY05 NACUBO Endowment Study. National Association of College and University Business Officers (2006). Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ a b (November, 2006) 2006-2007 Fact Book. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Links to Pennsylvania pharmacy schools and pharmacy universities. Pharmacy Choice. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Graduate Teacher Education Schedule of Courses Spring 2007. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Wilkes History. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-14.
- ^ Undergraduate Majors and Minors at Wilkes University. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-12.
- ^ Wilkes Colleges. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Wilkes University (4/07/2006). Bob Woodward to Deliver Rosenn Lecture. Press release. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Allan P. Kirby Lecture Series. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-.
- ^ Wilkes Going All-Mac Across Campus. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-.
- ^ Wilkes Vision 2010 Summary. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Wilkes Athletics. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Wilkes Wrestling History. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Commuter Council: Applications. Wilkes University (2006-06-08). Retrieved on 2007-01-17.
- ^ Commuter Council: Parking. Wilkes University (2006-08-09). Retrieved on 2007-01-17.
- ^ [Curran]. "Parking situation on campus needs a serious overhaul", The Beacon, Wilkes University, 2006-10-02. Retrieved on 2007-01-17.
- ^ "Commuter Council: The Commuter Lounge", Wilkes University, 2006-06-09. Retrieved on 2007-01-17.
- ^ a b Wilkes Residence Halls. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ "University officials confirm increase in parking fees, tuition; Laundry issue tabled until next year", The Beacon, Wilkes University, 4/24/2006. Retrieved on 2007-01-04.
- ^ Wilkes Clubs & Organizations. Wilkes University. Retrieved on 2007-01-17.</ref
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[edit] Recreation
Students may use university owned athletic facilities, and are also given a free membership to the Wilkes-Barre YMCA which provides a pool, gym, racquetball courts, basketball courts and other athletic facilities.[citation needed]
[edit] Traditions
[edit] Alma Mater
Wilkes, our Alma Mater, we pledge our hearts to thee. Honor, faith, and courage, Truth and loyalty. In our work as in our pleasure, Guide us as a friend; We shall always love thee, Loyal to the end.
Thou shalt lead us onward In search of finer things. May we find the wisdom That thy spirit brings. May our deeds of love and service Ever swell thy fame -- Wilkes, we stand to greet thee! Glory to thy name!
[edit] Fight Song
Wilkes is in town again to "fight, team, fight!" Echo the glad refrain and "fight, team, fight!" Wilkes, it's for you we sing, For Wilkes, the echoes ring. Colonels will win today! Hey!
Down on the field they're playing man-for-man (woman-for-woman) To open another lane. Down on the field and o'er the goal, Wilkes is in town again!
[edit] Wilkes Vernacular
- HSC - Henry Student Center
- Stark or SLC - The Stark Learning Center
- COB - Original name for Breiseth Hall in the 1990s which stood for Classroom/Office Building
[edit] Campus
[edit] Academic Buildings
Most of the academic buildings are located within the same city block, between South River Street, South Franklin Street, South Street, and Northhampton Street. The Stark Learning Center (SLC), located on South River Street, is the largest building on campus. It houses offices and classrooms for the university's science, math, engineering programs, and some art classes. The first floor contains the Sordoni Art Gallery, which hosts four exhibitions each year, and maintains a permanent collection with several hundred pieces. Classrooms and offices for humanities and social sciences are located in Breiseth Hall, a a three story building located on South Franklin Street, in the same block as SLC. Kirby Hall, a mansion formerly home to Fred Morgan Kirby, was renovated to house offices and classrooms for English and communications programs.
UCOM - University Center on Main - in the location of the former Wilkes-Barre Call Center
Innovation Center @ Wilkes-Barre - location of the joint bookstore[edit] University Center on Main
In 2005 the university acquired the former Wilkes-Barre Call Center building and parking garage on South Main Street. The parking garage is currently being used for student and faculty parking. The Public Safety department has remodeled and relocated to the basement of the garage. The "Call Center" building was renovated and renamed "University Center on Main". The building now houses recreation facilities including tennis and basketball courts, and a rock climbing wall. Many student services offices have been reorganized and relocated to this building in a move to cut costs and provide students with more knowledgeable support staff. This move resulted in a net reduction of 7 full-time positions.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Woody | first = Alison | coauthors = | title = One Stop Shop plan leads to support staff position losses | work = The Beacon | pages = 1-2 | language = [[English language|English]] | publisher = Wilkes University | date = 10/30/2006 | url = http://www.wilkesbeacon.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&ustory_id=aa7f5feb-ab66-4649-9017-8f4c742a01c2&page=1 | accessdate = 2007-01-12 }}</li>
<li id="_note-18">'''[[#_ref-18|^]]''' {{cite news
| last = | first = | coauthors = | title = Wilkes closes deal on apartment high-rise | work = The Times Leader | pages = | language = | publisher = McClatchy Company | date = 12/07/2006 | url = http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/16186932.htm | accessdate = 2007-01-04 }}</li>
<li id="_note-19">'''[[#_ref-19|^]]''' {{cite press release
| title = Wilkes University and King's College Partner with Barnes & Noble in Joint Bookstore Deal | publisher = Wilkes University | date = 9/01/2006 | url = http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/194.asp?item=10866 | accessdate = 2007-01-12 }}</li></ol></ref>
Categories: Articles with unsourced statements since February 2007 | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with sections needing expansion | Middle Atlantic Corporation | Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools | Universities and colleges in Pennsylvania | Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania | Educational institutions established in 1933
