Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2009
¾¨Ó㴫ý senior sociology major Jacquelin Linville received an Undergraduate Research Grant from ¾¨Ó㴫ý's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Linville is a daughter of Richard and Tena Linville of Oak Forest, Ill., and a graduate of Oak Forest High School.
Linville's project continues a service-learning project developed by 2009 ¾¨Ó㴫ý graduate Veronica Geretz in an "Introduction to Peace Studies" class last fall. Geretz' "Girls' Club Photography Camp," an after-school enrichment program, enabled middle and high school students in New Castle to express themselves through photography and writing. Linville plans on involving the girls in a variety of enrichment activities.
Dr. Sherri Pataki, ¾¨Ó㴫ý assistant professor of psychology, teaches the Peace Studies class and is Linville's faculty adviser.
"Because of Jacqi, the students in New Castle will be able to meet as a 'Girls' Club' with ¾¨Ó㴫ý students as mentors," Pataki said. "It is very rewarding to see a program that began as a service-learning project for a class continue well beyond the end of the semester."
The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at ¾¨Ó㴫ý through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education. The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences.
Contact Pataki at (724) 946-7361 or e-mail patakisp@westminster.edu for additional information about the project. Visit for additional information about the Drinko Center.
