President's Newsletter
April 2023
Dear Juniata Community,
April is filled with moments that make me proud to be a Juniatian. From visiting with prospective students experiencing our campus for the first time to celebrating awards and accomplishments with soon-to-be Juniata graduates, this month is busy in all the best possible ways.
Our Mock Trial Team wrapped up their fifth season with a successful showing at the American Mock Trial Association’s National Championship Tournament in Memphis, Tenn. Every year, these “Legal Eagles,” led by their coach, Attorney David Andrews ’74, compete against nationally-ranked powerhouses.
We have a lot to celebrate in terms of student success! In the past few weeks, Taylor Metz ’23 was selected for the Fulbright to Spain as an English Teaching Assistant, Jacob Wallman ’24 was awarded the Andrew Mutch Scholarship from the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia, Brian Standfest ’23 was recognized as the 2022 JoAnne Day Student of the Year in the Liberal Arts category by PennACE (the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Employers), and Yoselin Kearney ’24 was honored as a Newman Civic Fellow.
Juniata’s academic excellence and commitment to student experience resulted in the receipt of a $1,199,981 grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and a $149,989 grant from the National Endowment of Humanities (NEH). These grants would not have been possible without the outstanding work of Kathy Jones, Jamie White, and Leslie Leckvarcik, who lead the NSF grant; Amanda Page and Territa Poole, who lead the NEH grant; and Katie Dickey for her facilitation of both applications.
This weekend, our #3 Juniata men's volleyball team wrapped up a fantastic season in the NCAA Quarterfinals hosted at Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center.
In one week, we will gather again to share a cherished academic tradition on campus, Liberal Arts Symposium. This Mountain Day of the Mind allows our community to see first-hand our students’ fantastic work.
It’s hard to believe, but commencement is just weeks away! We will be welcoming Andrew “Andy” Murray, Elizabeth Evans Baker Professor of Peace Studies, Emeritus, and Anne C. Baker, Trustee Emerita, back to campus as our commencement speakers and to receive honorary degrees alongside Charles W. “Bud” Wise III, trustee and former professor of accounting, and Larry Bock, women’s and men’s volleyball coach from 1977 to 2011 and Athletic Director from 1995-2011.
None of these moments would happen without your support! Thank you for all you do to make Juniata all it is today.
Warm regards,
President James A. Troha
This Month at Juniata
Two to Deliver Address
Two distinguished members of the Juniata College community, Andrew “Andy” Murray, Elizabeth Evans Baker Professor of Peace Studies, Emeritus, and Anne C. Baker, Trustee Emerita, will deliver the commencement address at the 145th Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 13, 2023. Both speakers, along with Charles W. “Bud” Wise III and Larry Bock will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.
An Award-Winning Intern
Accepting an internship at a National Historic Landmark, Brian Standfest ’23 gained hands-on experience preserving artifacts and was recognized as the 2022 JoAnne Day Student of the Year in the Liberal Arts category by PennACE (the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Employers). The award recognizes the achievements and contributions made by undergraduate students who have completed internships.
Preparing STEM Teachers
Juniata has been awarded $1,199,981 from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund a project, “Energizing STEM Teaching Across Rural Schools II” (E-STARS II). This project, led by Kathy Jones, and co-leads Jamie White and Leslie Leckvarcik, is designed to address the national need for preparing highly-trained STEM teachers in rural schools.
Mountain Day of the Mind
Liberal Arts Symposium (LAS) will be held Thursday, April 27, at locations throughout campus. Established in 2006, LAS provides a forum for students from all areas of study to present the work conducted throughout the year.
Physics Phun Night
Aspiring scientists of all ages gathered in Alumni Hall earlier this month to take part in Physics Phun Night. This annual event is sponsored and presented by Juniata College’s Chapter of the Society of Physics Students.
Honoring Legacy of Learning
The Professor Patricia C. Weaver Endowed Scholarship, created by her children, Amy Mills and Adam Weaver, will benefit students planning to study within Juniata’s accounting, business, and economics department.
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