Cougar Vue

1st Annual Spring Slumber Party!

2008-05-21T11:44:00-04:00

On Thursday, May 8th 2008, five students traveled from all over Pennsylvinia and even Ohio to visit Chatham University for our first ever, Ambassador created, Spring Slumber Party!

We spent the first night in Berry Hall enjoying a Sundae bar, watching a movie, and taking some time to get to know each other. Then the students and I went to Fickes Hall to spend the night - just like a real student would in the residence halls!

Friday morning we woke up early and went to breakfast in the Anderson Dining Hall. Although we had some trouble with the waffle maker in the beginning, breakfast was the perfect start for the day!

Next, we had the students team up with the Ambassadors and go on a scavenger hunt around campus. Liz and Emily moderated the clues left in different buildings, and whichever team made it around campus first with all the clues won! Both teams had a lot of fun exploring campus, although I think our Ambassadors enjoyed it just as much as the students did.

After the scavenger hunt, it was time for an official tour of campus. By this time, the students were already kind of familiar with campus, but the tour allowed them to get a more in-depth look at each building.

Then Tara Viti, one of our admissions counselors, led the students in an information session that gave them a general overview of the admissions application and interview process, as well as covering financial aid and allowing the students to have any questions answered. The session was very general, which prepared the students to use the information at a variety of colleges.

We went back to the Anderson Dining Hall for a relaxing lunch, and then the students had some time to explore the bookstore and pick out some Chatham University gear! Each student bought something to wear, and planning on taking group pictures to remember the event together.

Finally, we headed back to the Office of Admissions so the students could meet some more Ambassadors before their parents came to pick them up. We all just talked for a little bit, some of us even took a cat nap, and watched a little tv. We also got the Chatham U photo shoot out of the way too!

The Ambassadors had an awesome time with the students, and we hope that they did too! If you are interested in coming to visit campus sometime, please contact us at chathamambassador@chatham.edu or 412-365-2736 to arrange a visit!

Congratulations... Class of 2008!

2008-05-02T13:19:07-04:00

On behalf of my fellow Senior Ambassadors, I would like to say congratulations to my sisters in the class of 2008 in anticipation of our commencement ceremony tomorrow!

I love you all more than I could ever hope to express, and I want to wish you all the best of luck in whatever you choose.

I will miss you all so much!

Sarah Stulga (STOOOOOLGA)

(If you haven't looked at it already, check out the photo tribute from Dr. B) http://www.chatham.edu/2008ecard/

Graduation

2008-04-21T14:57:00-04:00

For four years I have yearned for my college degree and now I have finally earned it. Looking back, I wonder why I wished my life away. The years I spent at Chatham were amazing. I met new people who gave me different perspectives on life and I made long lasting friendships. Chatham gave me the opportunity to travel the world and gave me hands-on experience in and out of the classroom. The life of only worrying about making it to class, studying for exams, and writing papers are quickly coming to an end. Late nights hanging out with friends at the Woodland Coffee Bar will soon become a part of my past. The real world will soon be a reality.

At the beginning of the academic year I couldn’t wait for graduation day and now that it is almost here I just pray that the days go slowly so I can savor my last moments of college. I am going to miss all the people that I became close with as they branch off into new opportunities or stay here at Chatham. I never understood why seniors were sad when they left school because when I graduated from high school the only emotion I felt was pure joy to finally move one with my life!

When I look back at my years at Chatham all I can think of is how I will miss this place, the people, the buildings, and the community. I might even shed a tear at graduation! When I entered college I was only 18 and I will graduate at the age of 22. A lot has happened in those years from becoming a girl who was not fully formed in any thoughts, ideas or goals to a world ready woman.

As much as I would like to stay an undergraduate forever I realize I need to make room for the class of 2012 so they can make memories that will last a lifetime. Incoming students please enjoy your time and savor every moment you have at Chatham because before you know it you will be wearing the cap and gown. To the class of 2012, good luck, enjoy, goodbye!

Buckets & Blossoms Day

2008-04-16T12:52:00-04:00

Happy Spring Everyone!!!

I would like to tell you a little bit about my favorite annual Chatham event, Bucket and Blossom Day! This is a day in April when classes are canceled so that administrative staff (including our college President, Esther Barazzone), faculty, and students come together to beautify the entire campus. We plant flowers, mulch, and pick up litter, which truly leaves the campus shining for the rest of the spring semester. Usually, there are 1-2 professors or administrative staff on each team and teams include about 10-15 people as well as a facilities management staff to instruct us on what work there is to be done. Not only does this day give us, as students, an excuse to plant pretty purple and white petunias, but it also allows us students to chat with friends about the upcoming finals week or to catch up with a professor.

A couple days before Bucket and Blossom day, participants that registered early for the event can go pick up a t-shirt designed by a Chatham student. Then, the day before the event, gigantic piles of mulch begin to show up on the sidewalks near garden areas on campus, signaling that the event is soon to come. This just builds up the excitement! This year, Bucket and Blossom began on Friday April 11, at 10 A.M. Everyone met on the campus near the library where we picked up our free pair of gardening gloves and a raffle ticket for prizes that were to be given away during lunch. The morning moved quickly and at 10:30 A.M. each team began working at different sites around campus. This year, my team and I worked behind the chapel area, picking up litter. Then, after we finished this, we moved near Coolidge, a building in which I have had several of my undergraduate English courses. Here, we found a huge pile of unclaimed mulch. We used rakes and shovels provided to make the soil that had been claimed by winter’s cold weather into a beautiful garden. While we worked, a couple of generous staff that were in a car stopped and offered us bottled waters to quench our thirst. After the mulch pile had been completely depleted, it was nearly noon and time to head off to Anderson dining hall for a delicious picnic-style lunch, consisting of fried chicken, baked beans, and sugar cookies, to name a few items on the menu. After the lunch, the raffle winners were announced. This year there were gift certificates to stores and restaurants like Target, Eat N’ Park, Max and Erma’s, as well as parking permits for campus (these are always a big hit)

After lunch is over, most of the crowd headed over to Spring Fling, and annual event held in the Athletic and Fitness Center. Here, there were plenty of inflatables for jumping around on just for some good ol’ fun. I love having the day off to relieve some of the stress from exams and papers, but even more so, I love spending quality time with friends and faculty, actually doing something I love to do – gardening. Before Bucket and Blossom Day existed, this event was known as Toe Dabbling Day, a day during which it was tradition for the President of the college to be thrown into the pond by the student body. Thus, I am sure that Dr. Barazzone appreciates the present version of this annual event as much as I do too!

If you would like to know more about Bucket and Blossom Day or about events on campus in general, feel free to e-mail me at

chathamambassador@chatham.edu!

Introducing...

2008-04-16T12:48:05-04:00

My name is Miranda Gray and I am a native of the Pittsburgh area. I grew up in New Kensington, PA and graduated in 2005 from Valley High School. I am currently working on a B.S. in Biology, a B.A. in English, as well as a minor in botany. I enjoy reading, writing, and working in the greenhouse in my spare time. My favorite part of Chatham is that our professors are so eager to help and always available if we need them. I look forward to meeting you as a prospective student of Chatham University!

If you have any questions or just want to chat, leave me a message at chathamambassador@chatham.edu!

Flag Football

2008-04-10T15:25:00-04:00

Hey everyone!

In the Chatham bookstore, there are t-shirts that say "Chatham Football - Still Undefeated!" This weekend though, we'll find out who can really play! The Student Athletic Advisory Committee, along with the Class of 2009 is hosting a Charity Flag Football Tournament to benefit the Girls and Women in Sports Foundation, and we're getting pretty excited about it.

We have nine teams from every part of campus. There is a team of Hockey players, a team representing Laughlin Intercultural House, and a First Year team, and a cheering section, to name a few. Each team is encouraged to raise as much money as possible toward the charity, and the team that raises the most money gets a "bye" out of the first round. The staff from the Athletic and Fitness Center will be helping us out as referees, and all of the teams are invited to a barbeque afterward.

This is the second annual tournament, and it should be a great time and a good way to work out some aggression right before finals! If you're in the area and would like to come cheer us on, we'd love to have you. The tournament is this Sunday from 12 pm until 4 pm on the athletic fields, behind the Art and Design Center. You can call (412) 365-1616, or email chathamambassador@chatham.edu if you'd like details, or just check up and see who won!

See you there!

Go team!

Living in the Chatham Apartments

2008-04-10T15:21:00-04:00

I must say...as a senior, living in the Chatham Apartments has been terrific! I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. The apartments are a good fit for two residents. They are located right on one of the main streets in Pittsburgh, Fifth Avenue, which grants access to local neighborhoods like Shadyside and Oakland. Moreover, if you're looking for that daily workout, there are steps behind the building that lead you right up to campus! Don't be alarmed, the steps are not that bad once you get used to them, just make sure that you bring all your things with you, so you don't have to run up and down them so often throughout the day.

I chose to stay in the apartments, because, I needed a change of scenery. I lived in Fickes for three years, and the dorm life was very rewarding, but I knew that I wanted to settle in somewhere that would be realistic to where I would be after graduation. Thus, as a senior, living int he apartments has been a great teacher, in preparation for what I will expect once I get my own place off campus.

I would recommend living in the apartments starting your junior year (although you can move in as a sophomore if you'd like). Living in the dorms for about two years will enhance your skills socially, in that you'll be able to to make connections and meet new people. Whereas, in the apartments you are in a more independant environment, where you do not have the social haven like the "Woodland Sunporch" to catch up with friends about what happened on America's Next Top Model.

So, if you're looking for a more independent environment, yet want to feel connected to the campus, the Chatham Apartments are the perfect choice! Check out some pictures of my apartment, and feel free to call (412-365-1616) or email (chathamambassador@chatham.edu) me if you have any questions about living anywhere on campus!

Living in the Residence Halls

2008-03-26T11:29:00-04:00

As most college students would claim, living in a residence hall is a huge transition from living at home. When first coming to college, I was excited to leave home and become independent, but since I have been at college, I have found that living on campus is so much more. As a child, I was used to having a room of my own. Although my living space has decreased significantly, I have learned a considerable amount about myself. Learning to adjust to living with other people was a challenge at first. It was important that I recognized my personal boundaries while still respecting the requests of my roommate. After a while, it seemed easy for me adapt to this new environment of the residence halls and I began to really enjoy it. I learned how to understand differences and learn from others to better myself.

Today, my roommate is one of my closest friends on campus. Our differences have come to complement each other in a perfect way. We are there for each other just as we were from the start of the year. I have also made some other amazing friends by living in the residence halls at Chatham. The memories that I have made with the people I have met at Chatham will stay with me forever.

If you have any questions about living in the residence halls, feel free to email me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu.

End of Sophomore Year...

2008-03-24T13:43:00-04:00

Hello Everyone! Bianca reporting in. I am starting to get really excited for the end of the year. I'm a Resident Advisor, and in my Residence Hall we have a bulletin board where we are keeping track of the amount of school days left in the semester and there are at less than 40! Woo!

After the Spring semester is over Maymester will start and I will be going to Germany with Chatham’s study abroad program. There are about 20 of us students going and we will be accompanied by two Chatham staff members. We will be traveling first to Brussels in Belgium for a few days and then we will go on to Berlin in Germany. The whole trip will be 2 weeks long. I can't wait!
I hope to be able to go to a lot of museums during my free time in Germany. I am an Arts Management major and have had a few internships/volunteer positions and jobs working in museums in Washington D.C. so I like to compare them with each other. It will be really interesting to be able to compare museums from different countries. My only concern is that I don’t speak any German. If you have any tips, let me know! Send me an email at chathamambassador@chatham.edu to wish me luck on my trip!

Introducing....

2008-03-24T13:39:00-04:00

Hi, I am Bianca! I graduated in 2006 from Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia. I am a sophomore student this year at Chatham University majoring in Arts Management. I enjoy arts and crafts and listening to music.

If you would like to chat, feel free to send me an email at chathamambassador@chatham.edu!

Elementary Education Major as a First Year

2008-03-24T11:56:00-04:00

Being a first year, I am so happy with how many experiences I've been offered already here at Chatham. I am an elementary education major, and in this field the more experience you have with kids the better. During my first semester, a requirement for an education course I took was Field Placement. I got the chance to go to an elementary school (for a total of 15 hours throughout the semester) and observe the set up of the classroom and the effectiveness of the classroom’s environment. This semester, I am in a different school and a different grade, observing the teacher and the effectiveness of her discipline and management skills. I feel like I am off to a great start at becoming a teacher already and it is only my first year!

If you have any questions please e-mail us at chathamambassador@chatham.edu

So What's the Big Fuss.... Life After College!

2008-03-17T13:47:00-04:00

In February, a fellow ambassodor, Jessica Cassidy and I, hosted a program called "Life After College." Well, some might say...why do we need a program about life after college, when that's exactly what we are going to school to learn about--what we want to do after college, so we should be pretty set with plans after graduation. Well, not quite! Some things are easier said than done. Although, we are currently in college learning about our particular field of interest, but it is another issue, having to immerse yourself and go into the "real world."

For the program, we invited current graduate students along with professionals to provide insight concerning their personal experiences, and what they did directly after college. From the session I learned that it is very critical while you are in college to gain experience in your field by doing internships, and networking as much as possible, because that could be your foot in the door, and a great foundation for your career. Another key point is to remember your qualities, and let that define what you are able to bring to a particular job. A degree in biology does not limit you to being a biology teacher--it's like thinking of your degree as a supplement to who you are; it enhances your character, and builds upon what you have developed academically and professionally.

Furthermore, the process of thinking about life after college should be ongoing. As a first year student you may come across multiple advertisements for job/career fairs, which can be a channel to perk your interest. I would suggest attending these fairs whenever possible to get an idea, and become familiar with what future employers expect. Hint: It can also be a great networking experience, you never know who you're going to meet!

So, yes, we may have an idea of how it will truly be in the real world, there are others that have walked the path before us, and they can be very helpful in guiding the route you care to venture--and perhaps, maybe make the process a lot smoother!

If you have any questions about the program, or about getting ready to graduate!! feel free to send me an email at chathamambassador@chatham.edu

Looking Back - First Year Experience

2008-03-14T12:40:00-04:00

Hello Chatham Blog junkies! I'm Tierney Manning and I'm a sophomore pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science and a minor in Economics here at Chatham. Being an out of state student from northern Virginia and the D.C. area, there are a few personal hurdles I had to jump.

As the summer before my first year wound down, I was more than ready to leave the safe, loving arms of family and hometown and escape to Pittsburgh to become an adult. This idea was very important to me at the time. I had never experienced being with out my family for more than a month at a time but by this point in my life I was excited about living more than 250 miles away.

I moved into Fickes on August 26^th and my parents left abruptly. I was sad for a few minutes when I watched their backs as they walked away but then I saw my friends and I was invigorated being at the beginning of a new part of my life.

All first year I had a very strong plan that I would not be going home often and stay at school until there where major holidays or events. My family did not visit much because they knew how important it was to me that I was to make it the first year alone. It was often hard thinking about home and how many miles there was between us and sometimes I envied those who lived close to their loved ones. Chatham, however, was a very supportive environment. Spending the majority of my time at school allowed me to excel in my school work and get involved on campus. There were always a variety of events to go to on and off campus as well as a myriad of co-curricular to get involved in.

Although it was sometimes difficult, the mind set that I had for the first year allowed me to dive in head first to my new world at Chatham. I am always thankful that my family allowed me to experience that year as an independent woman. I encourage you all to consider how you would like to experience your first year at Chatham and plan accordingly.

Please contact me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu if you have any individual questions about my experience. See you in August!

Introducing...

2008-03-14T12:35:32-04:00

I'm Tierney Manning and I'm a sophomore at Chatham University. I entered Chatham last year as a first-year student and continue to live on campus. I'm an out-of-state student originally from Fairfax, Virginia near Washington, D.C. I'm active on campus, not only as an Admission Ambassador, but I am also on the Scholar's Advisory Board and a member of Green Horizons. As an Environmental Science major with a minor in Economics, both my academic and extracurricular engagements keep me really busy.

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu!

5 Year Master?s Program Acceptance

2008-03-12T13:31:00-04:00

Ok everyone, so you heard from me before about how my sophomore/junior year is going here at Chatham. Well, I am happy to say that I have officially been accepted into Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Health Care Policy & Management program, beginning in Fall 2008! I found out about the program through the Admissions office actually, since it’s a 5-year Master’s program. I looked further into it, attended some meetings held at Chatham, met with Carnegie Mellon’s Admissions Counselors, and finally decided to apply. I filled out my online application, asked for three letters of recommendation from faculty and professional affiliates, wrote my personal statement, and arranged for my transcripts to be sent off to CMU’s Admissions office. As of February 1^st, 2008, I was no more than a sitting duck, just waiting for a reply. Luckily, as of March 5^th, 2008, I received my acceptance letter via e-mail.

I was, and still am, extremely excited for many reasons. First off, Carnegie Mellon University is an excellent school to go to. Second, the Health Care Policy & Management program only accepts approximately twenty students per term, so it’s a rather competitive program. Third, I now have the advantage and opportunity to complete my Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in a year less than I thought I would previously. Fourth, I am able to study something that I actually love!

The Admissions process was actually quite simple. They really spell it out for you through their online application. If you’re interested at all in doing a 5-Year Master’s program, definitely check out Chatham’s website or Carnegie Mellon’s website. You can also ask your Admissions Counselor to see if there is a program that fits your interest. I wasn’t really sure at first if I could do the Health Care Policy & Management program with my major, Public Relations, even though I had an interest in health care. It really is a great opportunity.

Anyway, when I received my letter, Tara Viti, my Ambassador Supervisor, and Cheryl Sedlock, a fellow Ambassador, were both in the office… actually standing with me as I opened the e-mail. I was extremely nervous, and both Tara and Cheryl said they didn’t know what they would have done had I not gotten in. So, Tara covered my eyes so I couldn’t see, but once she saw the “Congratulations “ on the screen, she threw up my hands and we were all really excited!! What a sigh of relief! Not only was I proud of myself for getting in, but I was really excited to see how the next two years would go, taking classes at both Chatham and CMU.

As I kept working, Tara and Cheryl snuck out of the office to get me cupcakes as a “Congratulations” for my acceptance! They were absolutely delish! Not to sound cheesy, but it’s really nice to have people around like that, especially to have the opportunity to work with them. Afterward, I called my parents and my sister and told them the good news.

Like I said, I would definitely recommend to any students, prospective or current, to think about the 5-Year Master’s programs. Some programs are through Chatham, while others are through CMU, but the advantage that you receive from both of them is incredible.

If you have any questions about the programs, contact your Admissions Counselor. You can also reach the Ambassadors (and myself!) by email at chathamambassador@chatham.edu, AIM/Yahoo instant messenger with the screen name ChathamAdmission, or by phone 1-800-837-1290.

World Ready Women: Chatham Abroad Speech

2008-02-27T13:48:00-04:00

For those of you who could not attend, this was the speech I gave at the World Ready Women scholarship competition! I thought it was so amazing more of you would want to read it.

Hello, my name is Sarah Stulga. I’m a senior here at Chatham University; my major is Arts Management with a focus in music. I am the supervisor for the Chatham Ambassador program, and President of the American Marketing Association. I'm also a senior member of the Chatham Scholars program. I am going to take a few minutes today to talk about the Chatham Abroad program.

The Chatham Abroad program is a great opportunity that we offer to all Chatham students. You are eligible to go during your sophomore year, in our Maymester term. For all of you that don’t know this, Maymester is a 2 ½ week semester in May. Each student must take 2 Maymester terms. The trip is subsidized by Chatham, so it is extremely affordable and gives every student the opportunity to attend. You apply for the trip during your sophomore year, and take a one credit pre-abroad course in the spring semester prior to the trip.

There are three or four different trips offered each year. This year, students are traveling to Belize & Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Germany and Russia. Each trip has a learning focus. For example, the title of the Belize & Guatemala trip is: Ruins, Reefs and Rainforests. The students will be studying environmental science. Instead of sitting in the class…you are actually in a hands on learning environment.

My trip to Russia focused on service, so we spent our time volunteering in the orphanages in Yaroslavl – a smallish city between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Our program partnered with Cross Cultural Solutions, a company that connects people and volunteer work across the world. We were able to stay at their headquarters (a hotel in the city) and we did have to take some classes while we were there – fun sessions that helped us navigate the city and learn some Russian words to help us talk to the children. During our pre-course, we had prepared activities that we could do with the kids. When we got there, we realized that nothing could have ever prepared us for those kids – they were so incredibly smart and talented, they blew through the projects that were supposed to last us two weeks in one day! It was a great learning experience for me to realize that no matter where you go, children are always rambunctious and challenging. You can probably see on the slide show behind me, for our last project we made t-shirts with the kids and signed them so that we would have something from them and they could keep something from us. It was such a big hit! Everyone wanted us to help them spell out their names in Cyrillic. Although a translator was with us when we went into the orphanages, it was interesting trying to communicate with the kids. One day, when we were playing outside, the teacher had the kids put on a play for us and performed traditional Russian songs. Another time, I was playing ball with a kid Gino, and he kept throwing it waaaaay out of “bounds”. I was exhausted at this point, and I kept saying in English “I’m not going all the way out there to get that ball. You go get it since you threw it out there”. After a few minutes, he started pointing to the ball he threw and saying to me “You get it”. It was hilarious – and just a little bit scary to think that I was able to teach this kid something in just a few minutes.

When we weren’t working in the orphanages, we were able to go out in small groups and explore the city. Our meals were provided for us by the hotel we stayed in, but we took a LOT of trips to the grocery store anyway. It might just be because I’m easily amused, but I was blown away by products we have here written in Russian, as well as things I’ve never seen before – like chocolate bars for men. No lie, written right on the package, men only. Of course we bought like 20 bars, and successfully spoke to the clerk and paid for our items in rubles. We also went to a dolphin show with our host’s eight year old daughter… we were supposed to be watching her but it was more like she was taking care of us! She kept checking on us to make sure we were all here, and giving us stern looks when we laughed too loud. One day we took a trip to Rostov, a nearby city to Yaroslavl and went to the enamel factory – they make famous painted enamel and fashion the silver ornaments themselves. It was amazing to watch them work in painstaking detail on each piece. Afterwards we went to the local monastery and ate a home-grown/homemade lunch. At the end of our trip, we celebrated Victory Day in Russia – the day WWII ended. It was a huge celebration, the entire city shut down and we went to the parade, expecting fire trucks, confetti, maybe the Russian national anthem, you know. What we saw blew us away – they had full sized (and hopefully unloaded) tanks all around, all the branches of the Russian military represented, and a full reenactment of a WWII battle complete with fire and dancing, to the tune of Linkin Park. It was absolutely the last thing we were expecting, but let me tell you, the Russians really know how to throw a parade. We have our own “reenactments” each year at our Russia reunion.

During the weekend we were there, we took a trip to St. Petersburg by sleeper train. The train was one of my favorite parts… for any Harry Potter fans; it was exactly like the Hogwarts Express. We couldn’t contain ourselves! Once we got there, we met up with a Russian student from the University of St. Petersburg who spent the weekend taking us around and showing us different parts of the city. The best part of the entire trip was that we weren’t with a traditional guided group – we were running around the city and actually being there. Instead of being on a tour bus and separating ourselves from the people, we rode the subway like everyone else. It was absolutely amazing. Right before coming home, we took a trip to Moscow and had a tour guide… granted, it was at the end of our trip, we were terrified of the city and exhausted, but it wasn’t the same experience at all. I loved being able to really explore the city myself – it made me feel connected, and it made me more independent. You can’t exactly call your friends for directions in the middle of Russia if you get turned around coming home from the post office.

What the Chatham Abroad experience did for me was open my eyes to another region of the world. If you asked me in high school, I would have never dreamed I’d be traveling across the world, and I would have never been able to afford to go without Chatham. My trip made me understand the culture and community of Russia better than I would have ever been able to on my own! Chatham Abroad is a unique experience and my suggestion for all of you is to take this opportunity when you can! If you have questions about the various trips and what they are like, you can ask an ambassador: Jessica Cassidy went to Belize & Guatemala and Megan Sutton went to China for her abroad course. Feel free to talk to any of us later today! Thank you.

If you have any questions about the Russia or any other trip, please feel free to send me an email at chathamambassador@chatham.edu!

Cougar Athletics

2008-02-13T11:55:37-04:00

Hi! My name is Sarah Rice. I am a first year student at Chatham. My intended major is biology. I am from Indiana, Pennsylvania. I am a member of the Chatham Swimming Team and the Chatham Ambassadors.

Athletics at Chatham University are Division III. Division III athletics have given me the opportunity to continue to participate in the sport that I love at a competitive level, while still concentrating on my education. As a member of the Chatham Swim Team, I have been rewarded in many ways by being a Chatham Athlete. First, I still have the competitive edge. The swim team competes with other colleges within the same division and in a championship meet. Additionally, having the chance to compete at a college level is competitive and rewarding in itself. Participating in a college, Division III sport also has helped with my time management skills. College can be a tough adjustment if a student does not stay organized. Balancing my time between work, school, and swimming taught me how to be a better student and prioritize my agenda. Lastly, becoming a Chatham athlete has introduced me to some amazing friends. My teammates were the first I became friends with when first coming to college. Being an athlete is a great way to meet new people and make great connections with a coach or a trainer. Over the semester break, our swimming team traveled to Florida for our annual training trip. Although it was extremely physically intense, my teammates, coaches, and I had the chance to bond and our friendships only grow stronger. Overall, there are obviously many benefits of being an athlete here at Chatham. The chance to be competitive and meet lifelong friends is the reason why I am a member of the team.

This weekend is my first championship meet as a Chatham athlete. I am both nervous and excited. As a Chatham University athlete, I am happy to have the chance to continue my hobbies from the past at a competitive level.

Introducing...

2008-02-13T11:52:00-04:00

My name is Sarah Rice and I am a first year student at Chatham. I’m from Indiana, Pennsylvania and I graduated from Indiana Area High School. I am currently undecided on my major, but I am considering education with a possible focus in biology. I love to swim, read, and spend time with my friends. I decided to come to Chatham because of the beautiful campus, the small class size, and the university’s desire to empower women.

Chatham Scholars Program

2008-02-05T14:26:24-04:00

If you’re interested in a distinct academic experience, beyond the normally excellent classes at Chatham, you should look into Chatham Scholars Program. I’m a Scholar, and it’s a really incredible program. The Scholars Program has undeniably enriched my first year experience. Having cohort classes (classes where there are only other scholars) has helped me make a lot of friends who are the same boat (academically) as I am. The first semester at Chatham as a Scholar students are involved in two Scholars classes, both first year seminars and both are cohort classes. This year these included a first year English seminar and a first year Science seminar, both taught by really amazing professors. The Scholars group study together, has dinner together and the learning environment extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.

As a Scholars group, we have watched “Thank You for Smoking” with all of the Scholars levels, gone to the Chilhuly glass exhibit at the Phipps Conservatory in Oakland, dinner followed by the Andy Warhol museum downtown, and are planning a trip to the Bodies exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center. It really is a unique community of incredibly diverse young women.

For more information about how to become a Scholar and to check out what Scholars is all about, take a look at http://www.chatham.edu/academics/chatham_scholars.cfm.

If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer. Shoot me an email at chathamambassador@chatham.edu or give me a call at 412-365-1616.

Chatham Participates in 'Focus the Nation' Events!

2008-02-04T12:54:22-04:00

After what has been a very stressful but amazing week of "green" events at Chatham - hosted by our student environmental organization Green Horizons, it almost feels weird to have free time again. Or to be able to think about something besides planning the events! But even though it was an action packed week- the final product was huge. This is what we did...

All across the nation, this past Thursday January 31st, schools were hosting events and “teach-in's” in order to increase student awareness on climate change and emphasize how important this problem and other environmental issues are. The members of Green Horizons at Chatham planned a week of events to include Chatham on this national movement- with events like an Organic and Fair Trade Food Party in the Laughlin International Living Community, a discussion about transportation and a showing of “Who Killed the Electric Car” in Rea Environmental House, A Women and the Environment speaker, tabling about Environmental Racism and Classism, and a live climate presentation of “The Inconvenient Truth”. To end the week we had a dance Party in our own Rea Coffee House that was held in complete darkness- using only glowsticks or flashlights for light.

What was really amazing was the political forum (that the students organized!) held at the University of Pittsburgh on Friday. The forum met to talk about what both our schools and our local politicians are doing to combat climate change. Each school- Chatham, Duquesne, Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, and La Roche- each had a student representative speak about what there school is doing. I was able to speak for Chatham and talk to the audience and our local politicians about the Climate Commitment that our President, Dr. Barazonne has signed, and the work Chatham is now doing to create a greenhouse gas emissions report- and then eventually create changes at Chatham to be a zero carbon emissions school. We were also able to hear from our local politicians about the things Pittsburgh is doing for then environment from what our city council is doing, to what our mayor is doing, all the way up to our state congressman and senators.

Now that I sit back and think about the amazing accomplishments that happened to talk about environmental issues and make sure the changes are happening- all organized by students at Chatham, in Pittsburgh, and across the nation, and I'm really glad that I could be a part of it! :)

If you have any questions about Green Horizons, the Rea Environmental Community, or green living in general, please feel free to send me an email! You can contact me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu or 412-365-1616.

Introducing...

2008-02-04T12:36:00-04:00

My name is Cheryl Sedlock. I'm a junior Environmental Studies major. I like to do tons of activities at Chatham! I’m a resident advisor for the environmental living community – Rea House, and I lead the student group Green Horizons because I think environmental issues are really important. I love being outside and I am a member of the crew club. I’ve also done a semester-long internship in Washington, DC with Greenpeace. I like to stay involved in Pittsburgh activism and love riding my bike through the city.

If you have any questions about anything I'm involved in, please feel free to contact me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu or call 412-365-1616!

My Internship Experience

2008-01-30T00:00:00-04:00

Hey everyone! My name is Megan Sutton and I am a Professional Communications major with a concentration in Editorial Broadcast Journalism. As a senior at Chatham University I have been busy writing my tutorial and planning for the future. But, in order to get to the future I have spent my time working at three great internships!

The first internship started in May 2007 at KDKA-TV and KDKA 1020. I worked as the investigative news intern for the summer and had a blast. This internship opened so many opportunities in the field of broadcasting. Many of you may not know this but KDKA 1020 was the first station in the U.S. to broadcast commercially. I feel like I am now a part of history! I was able to work on really great stories and it taught me to really dig deep to find the facts. Some of the stories allowed me to connect with the people and help them in a positive manner. I worked with some of the best investigative reporters in the area. If it weren’t for them I would not know how to really “investigate” a story. KDKA was an experience of a lifetime!

I went to WTAE-TV in the fall semester and it was the best thing that could have possibly happened to me. I was able to go out on stories and be the off-air reporter every weekend. This allowed me to work on my line of questioning on all kinds of stories. WTAE staff members were great and VERY helpful! The photographer I worked with on most weeks not only coached me on how to present myself in front of the camera but he also helped me create my demo tape. I had great opportunities at WTAE-TV such as interviewing Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the star of A&E’s Paranormal State Ryan Buell, and the regular people of Pittsburgh who make the city such a wonderful place.

I am currently at WPXI-TV where I work at the assignment desk. This internship gives me the opportunity to dig deeper into the story and set up interviews. I haven’t received a true feel for WPXI-TV yet but so far, everyone is really nice and helpful. WPXI-TV now broadcasts in high definition, which means everything they shoot is now on a memory card. WPXI –TV also has a great editing system (the same one that they teach with at Chatham) so it’s very nice to be knowledgeable about how editing will be in the future. I am sure that WPXI-TV will be a great learning experience for me just like the other two stations have been.

Hopefully, these internships will help me land a job. As a student at Chatham University, you too will have the determination and dedication to succeed! If you have any questions about my internship experiences, or how to get an internship of your own, please email me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu or call the Ambassador Office at 412-365-1616.

First Year Transition - Take 2

2008-01-21T00:00:00-04:00

My name is Sam Greenwood, I’m a first year student at Chatham. I’m from Buffalo, NY, which is about 4 hours away from Chatham. At first, the transition from living at home to living at school was tough, because I had never lived away from home before (the longest I had ever been away was 10 days :) ). After the first week though, everything got a lot easier. When you first get to Chatham, there are so many activities that let you get to know your classmates. Most of them are corny, but they’re a lot of fun.

My first week, I went camping with the other first year students, tied dyed a Chatham t-shirt, decorated a fish bowl, and went to a comedy show. It sounds silly, but I made a lot of great friends that way, and it made the transition much easier. My dad always said not to let “the highs get to high or the lows get to low,” handy advice during this period of time. More practically, having things like posters, calendars, cards from friends and family, things you like to eat, etc. can make it seem more like home until you really settle in. I’ve found the settling to be pretty easy at Chatham. Everyone here is really friendly and supportive, and there are a lot of students who will be in the same boat you will, and most are more than willing to talk about it with you. Once classes, clubs and sports start the semester flies by, and you’re home before you know it.

This is all really general. If you have any specific questions about moving from home, or anything about Chatham, any of the Ambassadors would be more than happy to answer. We can be reached by email at chathamambassador@chatham.edu, or at our office at 412-365-1616.

Introducing... Sam Greenwood!

2008-01-20T00:00:00-04:00

My name is Samantha Greenwood, and I'm a first-year student from Hamburg, New York. I am a proud member of the softball team, Student Athletic Council, and the Chatham Scholars program. My intended majors are Secondary Education and English, and I hope to become a high school English teacher.

I chose Chatham for its gorgeous campus, small class sizes, opportunities to travel abroad in a stimulating academic setting, and the sense of belonging that everyone here tries to promote. I am so excited about being a member of the Ambassadors program this year, and can't wait to help other girls share in the Chatham experience!

If you have any questions for me, please call the Ambassador office at 412-365-1616 or email me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu!

First Year Transition

2008-01-14T16:20:14-04:00

My name is Hannah Galvin. This year is my first year at Chatham. I'm majoring in Elementary and Special Education. I'm into the second semester and all settled in. I'm from Elmira, NY, about five hours north of Pittsburgh.

I was a little nervous leaving my family to go so far away, but I've been so happy here at Chatham! It was weird at first living with strangers (I live in a triple with two other girls). Having roommates has been one of the coolest experiences I've had so far, though. I've learned so many things about myself just by sharing a room and spending so much time with my roommates.

Another aspect of college that I was totally freaked out about was the work. I was terrified that I was going to have so much work to do that I would never get it done. That is not the case at all, fortunately! I have a lot of down time during the day to do my work. Being at Chatham, I've learned how to manage my time in a very constructive way.

Although a huge change from high school to college, Chatham has made my transition easy and unforgettable! If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu!

The Not So Dreadful Tutorial!

2008-01-14T16:16:00-04:00

As you may know, during your senior year at Chatham you are required to write a senior tutorial. The tutorial is basically a year long research project – comparable to a Master’s level thesis.

I am currently in the process of doing mine, and it's not so bad. For my tutorial topic, I am looking to discover the perception teachers have towards the education of students. I am enjoying the literature I come across concerning the nature of public and private schools. As a future teacher, I would like to remain in the public school system, because I believe there is a lot of potential that gets overlooked, and I hope that my enthusiasm and positive outlook about learning can help motivate the students to truly excel! That’s one reason why this information is so intriguing to me.

Prior to writing the tutorial, in a junior seminar class, we're instructed to research a topic that is of extreme interest, because it is something that you will conduct throughout the course of a year...and I am just having a blast! Granted, there are a few loop holes such as getting the proper approval, and worrying about formation details--and that is the beauty of it (haha).

So, future seniors, no need to fear, the tutorial is not so bad, just make sure it's something that you truly want to do, because you will be the expert this time--and just think of it this way, this is your opportunity...your time to SHINE!!!!

Introducing... Hannah Galvin!

2008-01-14T15:00:00-04:00

Hello everyone! My name is Hannah Galvin. My home town is Elmira, NY, about five hours away from Chatham. I am a first year student majoring in Elementary and Special Education. I'm planning on entering the 5-year Master's Program for education after graduating. I've taken ballet all my life and hope to cross-register at some of the colleges around Chatham to take some classes soon!

I'm really happy with all Chatham has offered me so far and I am continually amazed with the city of Pittsburgh. It's impossible for me to get bored here! If I can help you with anything or answer any questions, you can e-mail me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu! Have a great day!

The BSU Outreach Program

2007-12-05T13:44:00-04:00

As Vice President of the Black Student Union, I am responsible for leading community service activities within the organization. Our main community service project has been the BSU Outreach Program. We launched the program in September 2006. The mission of the program is to assist young women in their pursuit of higher education. We mentor girls at Westinghouse High School (my alma mater!) that are in their junior or senior year of high school. We facilitate workshops such as educational pursuits, taking a college tour, and financial aid options, just to name a few.

My vision for the program was inspired by my personal experience I had in high school. I realized that I had a strong support system within my family as well as at school and that there were people cheering me on to succeed. Without that support system, I think my ideas about college, and dedication towards higher education would not be as strong. Thus, I recognized that some students may not have a strong support system, and may very well be in search of it. So, I thought, why not be the catalyst for change, and hope in the lives of the youth? Collaboration with the members of the Black Student Union and their eagerness to participate made the process of creating the outreach program smooth. Our hope is to provide insight concerning our personal experiences throughout college, as we are currently going through them. Speaking about our experiences and struggles while we are faced with them has great impact, because we can easily relate to situations, and offer advice on how to tackle each one, one step at a time.

So, anyone that is interested in being a mentor for the BSU Outreach Program, do not hesitate to contact me for more information. It is truly a rewarding experience! You can reach me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu or (412) 365-1616 if you have any questions.

Sophomore Year... Kinda

2007-12-05T13:39:00-04:00

Ok, so it’s technically my sophomore year here, but I’m an academic junior at the current moment. I transferred in with some Advanced Placement credits from high school, which is definitely a good idea if you have the chance! So after my first year here, I was really excited to begin the second one. I stayed for Maymester last year but had the summer off, which made for a nice break. However, by August, I was ready to come back.

I live on campus in the Chatham Apartments along Fifth Avenue, which is a step up from the dorm rooms on campus. I have two roommates, and we share a two bedroom apartment, equipped with a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom. Ok, so I know what you’re thinking. Really small… right? Well, it’s not so bad, and it’s really nice to have our own space. We can make dinner whenever we want, and we don’t have to rely upon the dining hall as much anymore…but there’s still the option to eat there if we want. Also, it’s only a short trip up the apartment steps to get to the academic buildings on campus. I’ve timed it—maybe a two minute walk if you move fast!

But anyway, I’m taking 18 credits this semester, and it’s tough, but I’m managing. Finals this year will be tougher than ever, and of course, everyone piles on the presentations and projects in the last weeks before Finals Week. All in all, this year has panned out pretty well for me. The transition from summer back to classes was a lot easier this year than during my first, since it was so new back then. Also, coming back to all of my friends is really nice too. Even though my schedule is hectic and I work here in Admissions, I still have time for friends and fun. Now, it’s getting close to Winter Break and the holidays again, so I’m really excited for that, too! I’ll write back later, but in the meantime, if you have an idea of something you’d like me to write about, just e-mail us at chathamambassador@chatham.edu and I’ll see what I can do!

Introducing... Liz Cochran!

2007-12-05T13:36:00-04:00

Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth Cochran, but most of my friends just call me Liz. I’m a sophomore here at Chatham, with a major in Professional Communications-Public Relations and an Economics minor. After graduating, I’ll be pursuing a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Health Care Policy and Management, as a part of the 5-Year Master’s program. I’ll be cross-registering at Pitt in the spring, taking an Economics course, so I’m just learning the ropes of that whole process. I have always had an interest in dance, especially ballet and Pointe. I come from a small town, about 30 minutes Northeast of Pittsburgh, called Lower Burrell, so I love the Steelers!!

I chose Chatham because I really wanted the small college atmosphere, but the big city living. We’re so close to Oakland, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and downtown Pittsburgh that anything you want to do is extremely accessible. Let me know if you have any questions!! You can contact me at chathamambassador@chatham.edu or call the Office of Admissions at 412-365-1825.