Cultivating Leaders in Action
The Marshall Center is committed to student's growth and development. We encourage students to seek out opportunities outside the classroom that will enhance their academic experience. The Center provides financial support for students to attend off-campus conferences. Below is a sample of great connections (learning opportunities) students participated in:
6th Annual New England Latino Student Leadership Conference
In Spring 2008, students from Wheaton's Latino Student Association attended this conference hosted by Northeastern University. The purpose of the New England Latino Student Leadership Conference is to initiate and encourage connections between Latino student college leaders within the New England region.
International Kathak Festival and Symposium Conference
by Shanita Gopie, '07
I was absolutely blown away by the discussions and talent that I witnessed at the first annual Kathak Conference. Gurus and masters of this classical narrative dance performed and held panel discussions with Q & A dialogue regarding a variety of issues, one of which includes the controversy of Traditional Kathak vs. Contemporary Kathak. As a result of this conference, I feel a lot more knowledgeable about performing, passing down, and educating others about Kathak dance. Now that I have learned more about the evolution of this art form in its artistic, cultural, local, and transnational contexts, I hope to broaden the Wheaton Community≠s knowledge of Indian performing arts; Wheaton can ultimately gain and sustain interest in Kathak as a distinct dance form among Indians and non-Indians throughout the world. I aim to incorporate this unique art from into potential campus programs for this semester, two of which include an Indian Dance Extravaganza showcasing Indian classical artists in Balfour-Hood and a Kathak performance during TRYBE≠s first performance. Hopefully, I will be able to show people that Kathak is not just entertainment, but a meaningful performing art as well.
Boston Asian Students Intercollegiate Conference (BASIC)
In October 2006, students from Wheaton's Asian American Coalition attended the BASIC conference at Wellesley College. The theme was: Caution! APA Empowerment in Progress. BASIC strives to be an experience that will prepare students for the task of recognizing unique individualities but also of learning about or sharing certain common experiences. Ultimately, this conference changes the way students view themselves in anticipation of their inheritance of a fragmented world. Through discussion and growth, together participants will evolve the answer to the most fundamental of questions: What does it mean to be Asian-American? By seeking to determine who they are as Asian-Americans, they lay the framework for a stronger, more united, and more equal tomorrow.
PLEN Women & Science/Technology Policy Seminar
This program provided a wonderful opportunity for women studying science and technology to learn about the policy dimensions of their work from women leaders in the field while also preparing them for active participation as citizens and leaders. The students who participated in the seminar had the opportunity to meet and learn from women leaders in the field of science/technology policy, discuss public policy issues relating to science and technology and learn how public policies effecting science and technology are shaped.
Enriching the Academic Experience of College Science Students
by Hui Gen Chen, '08
On May 22, 2007, Raquel Ramos [Assistant Dean for Advising] and I attended a three-day conference at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor entitled Enriching the Academic Experience of College Science Students. The goal of the conference was to bring many professionals from many learning centers and science departments around the country to share the success of their programs. This conference provided me an opportunity to represent Wheaton College and share some of the experiences I have as science student. I learned a successful program must be tailored to the needs of each student. Maintaining consistent support ensures student success. Networking with different faulty and staff allowed me to see how other schools are trying help students in the sciences and working closely with them can reach a common goal. Success is not mutually exclusive; it requires the collaborations of students, the program staff and faculty. The conference was a worthwhile learning experience.