F&M in the News 2013
‘No Excuses’ Kids Go to College
Education Next
Jan. 31
Low-income black and Hispanic students are by far the least likely U.S. students to graduate from high school and attend a four-year college. But the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) and other organizations are teaching their students the "habits of mind" and steering them to colleges that are the right match to help them succeed. Franklin & Marshall was the first college to enter into a formal partnership with KIPP aimed at improving college persistence and graduation rates of KIPP alumni. Shawn Jenkins '10, special assistant to the dean of the college for strategic projects, explains "F&M College Prep," a precollege summer-immersion program. F&M President Daniel R. Porterfield is mentioned.
Pressure builds for schools to help grads get jobs
USA Today/Hechinger Report
Jan. 29
F&M is among a small group of colleges that have changed the focus of their career services offices to helping graduates find jobs, amid intensifying pressure that universities do more for students with debt after graduation. Beth Throne, associate vice president of student and postgraduate development at F&M, says t students and their parents expect "a return on their investment." F&M offers non-credit workshops to provide job-searching tips and drop-in hours for students to meet with career counselors. It has recruited 690 mentors from among parents and alumni, reinforcing the traditional networking process.
‘The Book of Why,’ by Nicholas Montemarano
The Washington Post
Jan. 28
In this review, F&M Associate Professor of English Nicholas Montemarano's latest book, "The Book of Why," is called "extraordinarily interesting." Montemaro, the reviewer says, "allows himself flights of fancy with words, and goes beyond the typical in exploring New Age themes.
Muslim comedian hopes to change world with laughs
Lancaster Newspapers
Jan. 27
Negin Farsad writes about the stuff of life — as she sees it. It's not her intent to be political; it's just kind of her lot in life. The New York City-based comedian, the daughter of Iranian immigrant parents, will perform Friday, Feb. 8, to conclude Franklin & Marshall College's Multi-Faith Week programming.
Moment of crossed paths is one for the history books
Lancaster Newspapers
Jan. 20
During the second inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday, Obama will use a Bible that belonged to King, along with another that belonged to President Abraham Lincoln. The Bibles will be held by Michelle Obama, a descendant of a slave and now the first lady of a nation marking the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. F&M students Darrius Moore and Isaiah Cromwell, both officers in the College's Black Student Union discuss the historical significance of the nations' first black president being sworn into office for a second time.
The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King
Huffington Post
Jan. 18
F&M President Daniel R. Porterfield reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on the day the nation celebrates King's birthday. Growing up in Baltimore, Porterfield said, black and white children considered King a hero before and after his assassination in 1968, and King's influence continues today. "As an educator, I share Dr. King's belief that providing all with equal access to an empowering education is the essential investment a democracy makes in its people and its future," Porterfield says.
Dillerville rail yard to be split into 9 lots
Lancaster Newspapers
Jan. 16
The Lancaster city planning commission on Wednesday approved the subdivision of 28 acres of the Dillerville rail yard. The long, narrow tract has been used to park trains and switch rail cars for more than a century. The land and an adjoining tract are now slated for the $46 million future development of athletic fields for Franklin & Marshall College and educational facilities for Lancaster General Health, although formal plans have not been developed.
A helping hand from the East
The Balstrop Advertiser
Jan. 15
A group of student volunteers from Franklin & Marshall College were helping out last week in the continuing recovery in Balstrop, Texas, where a fire that began on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 4, 2011 destroyed more than 1,700 homes. F&M librarian Andy Gulati, the adult supervisor of the group, said students during an upcoming spring break will travel to the New Jersey shore to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Local leaders set goals for 2013
Lancaster Newspapers
Jan. 14
A three-person reporting team interviewed more than 30 Lancaster County leaders about their goals for the year, including F&M President Daniel R. Porterfield, who says 2013 "will be a year for celebrating citizenship and community as F&M strengthens our service to Lancaster."
Whistle-blowing tour stopping at F&M
Lancaster Newspapers
Jan. 13
The Government Accountability Project's American Whistleblower Tour will stop at Franklin & Marshall at 11:30 a.m. Thursday as part of the college's Common Hour series held in Mayser Gymnasium.
Nicholas Montemarano: Wishful Thinking
The Huffington Post
Jan. 10
F&M Associate Professor of English Nicholas Montemarano discusses his writing process and the inspiration behind his latest book, "The Book of Why," which is told from the perspective of a self-help author and inspirational speaker. Montemarano concedes his interest in self-help books and his complicated relationship with them, predates the idea for his novel.
Project at Lancaster's Central Market wins national honor
Lancaster Newspapers
Jan. 10
A comprehensive study that informed a $7 million renovation of Lancaster's Central Market has won the American Planning Association's 2013 National Planning Excellence Award for Urban Design. The plan's lead consultants are Linda Aleci, associate professor of art history at F&M, and her architect husband, Eugene.
