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Student Success Stories - 2006

Tyler Bradway

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: Literature and Women's Studies  
Hometown:  Glenmoore, PA

Mr. Bradway on his leadership experience at WCU:
“From co-coordinating the Teach-In on the war in Iraq to presenting cultural studies research at academic conference, I have encountered a community at West Chester University that has fostered in me the abilities to become an ethically and intellectually engaged citizen.  The sheer diversity of this community alone—comprised of fellow students, mentoring professors, and dedicated administrators—has taught me the necessity of honest dialogue in reciprocal learning.  It has prepared me for the future by modeling the foundational tenet that I must meet institutions with critical engagement and the desire to give back; my own service to this community, whether in the Writing Center or at Sykes, has taught me that change is possible only through involvement.  Soon I will be attending graduate school to study for a PhD in literature at Rutgers University, and, in that limited realm of my future, I am assured that WCU’s high standards of scholarship, communication, and research will help me succeed in my career as a professor.  I am more than ready to dedicate myself to studying texts and their power to construct our world.  But WCU has prepared me for the future in a broader way by demonstrating that the academic and the everyday are not separate, unconnected entities; they comprise a vibrant whole, where theory inspires action in responding to the challenges of our communities."

Awards

• College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Student Award, 2006

• Outstanding English Major (English Assoc. of Pennsylvania State Universities), 2005

• Student Leader of the Year (Student Affairs), 2005

• Mary Anderson Media Advisory Board Award, 2003

• Who's Who Among American College Students, 2005

• Associate College Unions International (ACUI) I Lead Scholarship, 2004

• Swope Foundation Scholarship, 2005

• Schock Foundation Scholarship, 2002-2006

• Friar's Scholarship, 2005

• WCU Research Consortium Award for Student Research and Creative Activities, 2005

• Scholarly Research in English presented at PCEA (Pennsylvania Colleges English Assoc.), PCA/ACA (Pop Culture/American Culture Associations) national conference, WCU Research Day, Penn State Delaware County Undergraduate English Conference, WCU Civility Day, 2005-2006

 

Tiffany Bidwell

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: Elementary Education and Special Education 
Hometown: Landenberg, PA

Ms. Bidwell on her leadership experience at WCU:
“As a student at West Chester University, I feel I have been strongly prepared for a future position as an educator.  The high quality of education, small class sizes, and strong faculty-student relationships have strengthened my knowledge of educational pedagogy and my confidence as a teacher.   As a student leader, I have learned critical leadership skills such as time management, delegation, and collaboration.  These experiences will not only help me in the workplace, but also in the community in whatever capacity I serve.”

Awards

• Board of Governor’s Scholarship, 2002 - 2006

• Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship, 2002 - 2004

• Dean’s List, 2002 - 2006

• Outstanding Honors Freshman, 2003

• Outstanding Honors Sophomore, 2004

• Mynn D. White Scholarship, 2004

• Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, 2004

• Cherry Memorial Merit Scholarship, 2004

• College Buddy Director of the Year, 2004

• Outstanding Student Volunteer, October 2004

• International Study Scholarship for South Africa, 2004

• Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, 2005

• Charlotte King Memorial Merit Scholarship, 2005

• West Chester University Outstanding Senior Teacher Candidate, 2006

Ayana Tyler

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: Communication Studies
Minor:  Journalism 
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Ms. Tyler on her leadership experience at WCU:
“I can honestly say that I have truly grown as a person during my undergraduate experience here at WCU. Being a student leader has not only allowed me to establish lasting friendships with other fellow student leaders but I have also acquired relationships with fascinating members of the administration. Once our recognized by members of the administration, you are quick to learn many things and are given ample opportunities to enhance your development as a leader. For example, I have traveled all over with the various organizations that I am involved with. These performances/conferences have allowed me to network with students from different universities, and even distinguished people who are well off into their careers. Networking opportunities present themselves often as well. I have learned many qualities while being involved in these organizations such as time management, working in groups, and planning programs. These are qualities that will benefit me not only here at WCU but throughout my daily life. In addition, while playing as a liaison between the student body and the administration, I have learned to foster diversity, involvement, civility and education. Being a student leader is a humbling experience and it has taught me to truly appreciate any opportunity that I may have to serve the student body and the community."

Awards

• Who's Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges, 2006

 

Sally Cramer

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: Fine Arts
Minor: Communication Studies, Women's Studies
Hometown:  Stroudsburg, PA

Ms. Cramer on her leadership experience at WCU:
“In the activities in which I participated, I learned and improved on a myriad of abilities, including and not limited to: verbal and written communication skills, conflict management, problem solving, goal setting, time management, stress management, confrontation skills, and many more. All skills acquired are combined with those I already possess, and have come together to improve my overall professional character and capabilities."

Awards

• Dean's List, Fall 2002, Spring '03, Fall '03, Spring '04, Spring '05

Expected Graduation Date:  May 2006
Major: Management 

Mr. Beresk on his leadership experience at WCU:
“Being a "leader" on West Chester's campus has greatly benefited me and my experience here.  I have developed great communication and inter-personal skills that I otherwise would not have if I was not involved.  I have developed excellent time management skills through the my involvement in student organizations coupled with the responsibilities of my education and also my job.”

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: BSED Spanish
Minor: Linguistics
Hometown:  Levittown, PA

Mr. Salas on his leadership experience at WCU:
“Coming to West Chester University has allowed me to further explore myself in ways that would not have been possible without these experiences. It has benefited me in so many ways that I don't know if I will have this same experience ever in my life again."

Awards

• Who's Who Among College Students, 2006

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: Sociology
Minor: Women's Studies
Hometown:  Media, PA

Ms. Rightmer on her leadership experience at WCU:
“Being a student leader on campus has completely changed my life. From the countless meetings and hours spent in Sykes, growing as an individual and as a team player, the many laughs among both the professional and paraprofessionals in Student Affairs, and learning many life skills, I feel as though I have created a home within the Student Affairs family."

Awards

• Who's Who Among College Students, 2006

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: Sports Medicine
Hometown: West Chester, PA

Mr. Baker on his leadership experience at WCU:
“I would not be the individual I am today if it wasn't for the experiences I had at West Chester University.  Each and every organization and service project has developed me into a successful leader as well as a good scholar.  Some organizations have also prepared me for the real world that I will be facing in the next couple of months.  I don't think that I could have been ready for the next step if it wasn't for the opportunities that WCU has provided for me in the past four years. I hope to be able to show West Chester University how grateful I am through my future endeavors as a graduate."

Awards

• WCU Emerging Leader Award, 2003-2004

• Jesse Wesse Academic Award, 2002-2003

• Order of Omega Inductee, Fall 2004

• OCCA Scholarship, 2003-2004

• Who's Who Among College Students, Spring 2006

• Dean's List, Fall 2002, Fall 2005

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: Psychology
Minor:  German

Mr. Holmes on his leadership experience at WCU:
“West Chester University allowed me the opportunity to pursue a broad a diverse set of interests that allowed me to develop both as a person and a leader.  Having so many opportunities, I started as a normal first year student, but developed into the leader I am today.  Having so many different organizations allows the students here to find something that they are passionate about.  That is one thing that I have found.  In order to be successful in an area, you really have to have passion.  Without passion, you just go through the motions and you really don't make a change.  West Chester is small enough that all the top administrators know you by name, yet big enough to offer you all these opportunities.  Not many university can offer that."

Awards

• Board of Governor's Scholar, Fall 2002

• Dean's List, Spring 2003, Fall 2003, Spring 2004, Fall 2004, Fall 2005

• Omicron Delta Kappa, Inducted Fall 2004

• Upcoming Male Leader Award, Spring 2004

• Male Leader Award, Spring 2005

• Who's Who Among College Students, 2005 -2006 edition

• PASSHE Summer Honors Abroad to Paris, France, Summer 2005

• Cultural Ambassador Scholarship to Dresden, Germany, 2006-2007

• NACURH 3 Year Service Pin, Spring 2005

• West Chester University Nominee for PASSHE Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence, nominated Fall 2005

May 2006 graduate of WCU
Major: Professional Studies
Minor:  Spanish and Professional and Secondary Education
Hometown:  North Philadelphia

Ms. Aguilera-Lugo on her leadership experience at WCU:
“