Academics

Completing homework assignments on time can be an art form. Sometimes, the homework itself is art.

Running through Oct. 24, the McClelland Art Gallery is showcasing more than 35 pieces created by students. The artwork consists of projects completed this year in classes such as Design I, Oil Painting, Watercolor, Intro to Graphic Arts and Page Layout. 

Union College’s department of education hosted Lincoln's second annual International Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) Multicultural education program, Oct. 7, 2009.

Ambitious elementary and secondary education majors from Union College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Concordia University, Southeast Community College Beatrice and members of the University of Nebraska Lincoln PDK Chapter flooded Union’s campus, ready to learn.

“It was exciting to see so many different cultures come together with the common purpose of education,” said Jessica Reeder, freshman elementary education major from Colorado.

A total of 26 teachers from ten Asian, European and South American countries lead roundtable discussions that focused on administrative organization, curricular and instructional approaches to multicultural education.

“I felt a strange, common bond with each person there. In a way we all shared the same life goal – to educate children,” said Tabitha Schumacher, freshman elementary education major from North Dakota. “I felt a calling, through the PDK meeting, to become a student missionary sometime in my college education.  I want to experience the things I heard first-hand.”

Teachers shared information about their culture and how education systems in their countries differ from the United States. Many teachers donned their national costumes, showed video clips, pictures and displayed artifacts unique to their country.

Union College Public Notice

Union College is seeking alumni to participate in a one-hour open forum on Tuesday, October 20 at 3:30 p.m. in the President’s Dining Room (located in the Ortner Center). This open meeting is part of a comprehensive evaluation visit (October 19-21, 2009) conducted by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 

The visiting team will make recommendations to the Higher Learning Commission based on a the college’s self-study report and interviews and meetings such as this one with employees, students, alumni and others. Following a review process, the commission itself will take the final action regarding Union’s accreditation status. The college has been accredited by the commission since 1923.

Union College’s 25 physician assistant graduates recently took the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The attempt was met with total success, allowing the class to rise above the national pass rate.

 “We are very proud of their accomplishments,” said Mike Huckabee, Union College’s PA program director.  “All graduates from the class of 2009 passed the PANCE on their first try.”

The 360-question exam, administered during a six-hour period, gauges basic medical and surgical knowledge. Passing the PANCE is a national requirement to become a certified physician assistant.

“This was an excellent group of graduates who worked hard to be successful,” said Huckabee.  “This distinction is a fitting tribute to their diligence and effort.”
Huckabee attributes much of the class’ success to the support and individual attention Union’s PA faculty provide as well as the careful instruction that more than 70 associated physicians in the Lincoln area contribute.

“This accomplishment shows the hand of God in so many ways,” said Huckabee. “He continues to bless Union College with exceptional students who excel on our campus.”