Mount St. Mary's University

Mount St. Mary’s is America’s second-oldest Catholic university, with more than 40 academic programs, Division I athletics, and an award-winning student life program. www.msmary.edu  

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Mount faculty profile - Thane Naberhaus, Ph.D.

As a member of the Faculty Advising Committee for the Office of Competitive Fellowships, Thane Naberhaus, Ph.D., serves as an exceptional example of the ways in which the Mount St. Mary’s University Office of Competitive Fellowships works closely with students to help them recognize their talents and develop their long-term professional goals, and advise them about scholarship and fellowship opportunities which will help them reach their full potential. After receiving his bachelor’s in philosophy from Rice University, Naberhaus went to Ghana as a Peace Corps Volunteer. While serving as a high school math teacher there, Naberhaus found it challenging to conceptualize the world from a non-American perspective, yet he sought ardently to integrate himself into the lifestyle he encountered. In a recent interview, he described the ambassadorial nature of service work and remarked on the profound effect the people of Ghana had on his younger self.

During that time, America was generally viewed positively by people in underdeveloped countries. Naberhaus reminisced about the generosity and warmth with which he was received, observing that the community he served had a far greater positive impact on him than he was able to make on the community. Following his work in Ghana, Naberhaus slowly reintegrated himself back into the developed world by journeying for several weeks through the Sahara, Northern Africa, Egypt and Israel. Naberhaus had remained in Ghana for the entirety of his two years of service, never returning home to the United States. His journey north toward the developed world provided a sense of “reverse culture shock,” he explained. This vivid cultural transition exposed the stark realities of economic inequality. Though deeply passionate about development work, Naberhaus acknowledged his calling to the intellectual life and attended graduate school at the University of Memphis, where he studied continental philosophy for two years. In conjunction with that program, he was invited to attend the prestigious Collegium Phaenomenologicum, a summer program for faculty and graduate students working in continental philosophy held in Perugia, Italy. There he met and worked closely with many of the most important figures in the field, who each summer come from around the world to gather and undertake advanced-level study of continental philosophers ranging from Husserl to Jacques Derrida and other more recent thinkers. Following his master’s studies, Naberhaus entered a doctoral program at Georgetown University, where he studied Husserl under the supervision of John Brough, Ph.D. Given his interest in German philosophy, he realized that he would need advanced proficiency in the German language, and accordingly, he applied for and received a grant from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for a summer language program.

He studied German language and culture in the town of Schwäbisch Hall, in the southwestern part of the country, in a program organized by the Goethe-Institut. The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s worldwide cultural outreach program, promoting the study of German and encouraging international cultural exchange.

After finishing his coursework at Georgetown, Naberhaus received a full-year grant, again from the DAAD, to do dissertation research at the Husserl Archives in Cologne. Naberhaus happily remarked on the tremendous opportunity to get to know the Husserl archives and assimilate himself into the Husserl world. While writing his dissertation, Naberhaus decided to remain in Cologne for an additional year to become fully fluent in the German language, a decision that helped qualify him to later undertake a project as a co-translator of Edmund Husserl’s major work First Philosophy, which deals with questions relating to philosophical method and what is distinctive about the philosophical mode of inquiry. He and his co-translator, Sebastian Luft, Ph.D., would go on to receive a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to support their work on the translation, which is due to be published soon. As an advisor to young adults who are discerning the next stages of their academic and professional careers, Naberhaus recognizes the importance of providing constructive mentorship. Primarily, Naberhaus mentors students seeking experiential opportunities, often in an international setting, including graduate education, research, nonprofit or political service and foreign language study. Naberhaus particularly appreciates working with students throughout the application process, motivating students to enhance their global perspective and to truly discover their individual calling. Naberhaus is a tremendous asset to the Mount St. Mary’s University Office of Competitive Fellowships Advisory Board and has dedicated himself to contributing to the academic excellence and rigor of the university. His significant international experience reveals the breadth of opportunities available to enthusiastic students, and his well-known passion for academia demonstrates the lengths he is willing to go for students who seek to apply for similar transformational opportunities.

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Mount Student Studies in Spain

Office of Competitive Fellowships | January 31, 2018

Mount St. Mary’s University commits itself to offering students experiential learning opportunities that facilitate experimentation, reflection and conceptualization from an international and global perspective. Most recently, Mount senior Saribel Morales-Rivera received a travel grant, jointly sponsored by the Office of Competitive Fellowships, Honors Program and history department for five days of research in Madrid, Spain.

Her research included visiting and studying the history behind two notable Spanish monuments, El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. Morales-Rivera received preparation for her trip from Christine Blackshaw, Ph.D., and Jamie Gianoutsos, Ph.D. While abroad, she embraced the opportunity to take guided tours of each central structure, examine insightful research materials in La Biblioteca Pública Municipal “Iván de Vargas,” and leisurely wander the bookstores of Madrid.

Morales-Rivera’s research will support her senior honors project, which she will complete this spring. As a member of the Mount St. Mary’s University Honors Society, which “offers talented and motivated students an educational experience that integrates curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular learning in both interdisciplinary and major areas of study,” Morales-Rivera has the opportunity to present her senior research and honors thesis project at the university's SPARC Festival this spring.

The Mount senior's travels to El Escorial, the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen, conceived by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco to honor and bury those who died in the Spanish Civil War, made a profound impact on her honors research, but it also impacted her personally as well.

She commented upon the vastness of emotional experiences she enjoyed while abroad, particularly as she as she began to contextualize the cultural significance within each structure that she visited. “The grandeur of El Escorial and the solemnity of the Valley of the Fallen are so difficult to describe,” Morales-Rivera explained, “but experiencing these monuments has afforded me the opportunity to engage with my own perceptions of them within my analysis of these buildings in Spanish memory.”

As a member of the Mount Fellows Society, a university organization run by the Office of Competitive Fellowships that provides students a unique opportunity to live into the university mission of graduating students “who see and seek to resolve the problems facing humanity,” Morales-Rivera has distinguished herself as a high-achieving academic.

Her ability to apply immersive international travel experiences into collaborative academic opportunities has tremendously and profoundly impacted her honors level research. Commenting on how her time abroad impacted her honors project research, she remarked, “I am very grateful that Mount Fellows, the history department, and the Honors Program funded my trip to Madrid. Since I was able to learn about Philip II’s and Francisco Franco’s legacies through casual dinner conversations with Spaniards I met throughout Madrid as well as through research, I feel as though my research was reinvigorated, and added more passion to something I did not think I could be more passionate about.”

Morales-Rivera is forward focused, eagerly awaiting the next step of her academic and professional career. As she prepares to present her senior honors research this spring, she hopes to continue to engage with culturally significant material and lengthen her knowledge and understanding of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen and the vast amounts of Spanish history that surrounds each structure.

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Mount student reflects on Fulbright US-UK experience

This past summer, Mount St. Mary’s University student Elizabeth Boyle, C’19, was selected for a Fulbright Summer Institute program, one of the most competitive and prestigious summer programs in the world. Boyle attended the University of Bristol for four weeks, examining slavery and the Atlantic heritage, primarily focusing on the eighteenth century and smuggling in modern Bristol and the U.K. Boyle was very grateful to participate in the program, using her opportunity as a way to further her understanding of the history and culture of the United Kingdom. The Fulbright Summer Institute introduced Boyle to the academic rigor of top British universities. Since her return, she’s been hard at work applying the knowledge and skills learned through her U.K. experience. Specifically, Boyle presented to the Advisory Board of the College of Liberal Arts, indicating the ways in which the Fulbright Summer Institute program was able to help her cultivate a more mature global perspective and understanding of cultural history. From lectures on reparations to exploring the controversy surrounding Bristol-born English slave trader, Edward Colston, Boyle commented on the opportunity to survey historical trends as a way to consider racial tensions in a more modern setting. This summer program was a perfect fit for Boyle’s current interests and long-term plans. She enjoys researching early American, pre-revolution history, as well as sixteenth and seventeenth-century British history. Following graduation in 2019, she hopes to continue this research on the doctorate level, if possible – although Boyle has remarked that she does not wish to get too ahead of herself now. She also hopes to return to the United Kingdom again soon to explore new sites, as well as revisit some of her fondest memories at sites like Stonehenge. Boyle is very grateful and appreciative of all of the counsel and guidance that the Office of Competitive Fellowships Advisory Board has provided for her. She specifically mentioned Jamie Gianoutsos, Ph.D., assistant professor of history and director of the Mount Fellows program, observing her ability to motivate students to put their hearts and souls into their work in order to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Reflecting upon her experience applying for the Fulbright, Boyle recalled the feeling of pride she felt when presenting her final application. Be sure to check back with Mount St. Mary’s University Office of Competitive Fellowships soon as we catch up with several of our students in the coming weeks! Stay tuned! 

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Dr. Michael Kimmage Presents at the Mount

By the Office of Competitive Fellowships

Mount St. Mary’s University is a Catholic institution of higher education that has dedicated itself to liberal learning in the pursuit of truth, and to helping students recognize and contest or accept a variety of cultural and historical forces that operate on them. Our university provides numerous co-curricular programs, such as public lecture series, to stimulate intellectual curiosity and encourage students to reflect upon and develop a creative understanding of how traditions, values, and politics shape the world in which we live.

Appropriately, Mount St. Mary’s University’s Office of Competitive Fellowships had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Michael Kimmage for a public lecture on the “Decline of the West,” followed by a dinner at the Carriage House Inn this past Friday. The lecture was widely attended by students and faculty while the dinner was attended by a number of fellowships students and the Office of Competitive Fellowships Advisory Board including Dr. Jamie Gianoutsos, Dr. Garth Patterson, and Dr. Thane Naberhaus.

Dr. Michael Kimmage is a professor of history at the Catholic University of America who researches and teaches 20th-century intellectual and political history. Professor Kimmage has also served on the Secretary’s Policy Planning Staff at the United States Department of State. Professor Kimmage’s current research focuses on America and the idea of the West as well as the historiography of American conservatism.

Kimmage’s former scholarship includes two books: The Conservative Turn: Lionel Trilling, Whittaker Chambers and the Lessons of Anti- Communism (Harvard, 2009) and In History’s Grip: Phillip Roth’s Newark Trilogy (Stanford, 2009). Professor Kimmage is also the translator of Journey through America, originally crafted by 20th-century German writer Wolfgang Koeppen. Koeppen displays a captivating representation of life in the United States in the 1950’s, particularly race relations, literary culture, and the notions of loneliness within a multi-cultural society.

Professor Kimmage’s lecture was an exploration of how conceptions of western civilization have shaped and formed university curricula and American foreign policy in the 20th century. Specifically, Kimmage addressed and provided a historical framework for understanding the work that Mount St. Mary’s University seeks to do in the core curriculum. Though Kimmage’s lecture was entitled the “Decline of the West,” the discussion was centered on controversies and debates about representations of the West, its values and heritage.

One reason is academic. Kimmage contended, “American higher education has long neglected the West out of disgust with Western misdeeds, out of a desire to shed the constraints of nation and civilization and to breathe the pure air of cosmopolitan openness, out of an accelerating disinterest in the humanities.” 

Kimmage noted that this neglect has become regular, and educated Americans are often left untrained or illiterate on Western ideas. He described how western ideas and education developed and became challenged across the 20th century by describing three significant figures: W. E. B. Dubois, James Baldwin, and Edward Said. In the question and answer period, Professor Kimmage noted that reclaiming Western education may have the ability to escape political partisanship, and discussed the relationship of this Western narrative to foreign policy and contemporary American politics.

Professor Kimmage was very grateful for the opportunity to engage students and faculty in discussion. As a liberal arts university continuing to teach the Western tradition through our core curriculum, Mount St. Mary’s was an ideal place for academic exchange on this topic, and Kimmage expressed an eagerness to continue conversations with Mount faculty as he completes his forthcoming book, The Decline of the West. 

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Office of Fellowships faculty profile: Garth Patterson, Ph.D.

By the Office of Fellowships | October 9, 2017

The Office of Competitive Fellowships at Mount St. Mary’s University has dedicated itself to providing “unequaled opportunities for personal and professional growth” to students who have exemplified the ability to synthesize their educational experiences and ambitions with a resolve to meet the world’s most pressing challenges.

In order to provide these incomparable opportunities, our liberal arts institution remains dedicated to supporting the talents of individual students by employing faculty and administration that encourage such innovation. Dr. Garth Patterson, assistant professor of chemistry, works closely with students to help them realize their long-term goals.

Dr. Patterson is one of three members to serve on the Advisory Board for the Office of Competitive Fellowships, supporting students with various processes including, but not limited to, application assembly, gathering references and conducting mock interviews.

Though the process of discovering and applying for a competitive fellowship often times requires significant effort and time management on behalf of both the student and faculty member, Dr. Patterson finds pride and joy in enabling “proactive students to have transformational experiences.”

Subsequent to his bachelor’s from Westminster College in 1996, Dr. Patterson was presented the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates award. Dr. Patterson describes this award as “transformational,” explaining his opportunity to solidify a career path in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis.

Although Dr. Patterson is in his fourth year here at Mount St. Mary’s University, academia wasn’t always his vocation. Prior to academia, Dr. Patterson owned and operated Griffin Analytical Technologies, designing and developing products that are used for “confirming the presence of explosives, chemical warfare agents, industrial chemicals, and organic compounds, as well as volatile and semi-volatile components.”

Dr. Patterson’s brilliant work in the field of mass spectrometry garnered interest from customers in the fields of defense, homeland security, environmental health and safety and scientific laboratories. Griffin Analytics merged with ICx Technologies in 2005 and was later purchased by FLIR Systems, the world’s largest commercial company specializing in the design and production of thermal imaging cameras.

Dr. Patterson’s extensive work in mass spectrometry has made him a true asset to the university community. Students who have had Dr. Patterson for general chemistry, the Science of Brewing, analytical chemistry, or who are involved in the Mount’s Brew Club, will know he always goes the extra mile, simply because he cares.

Dr. Patterson’s enthusiasm and expertise bring a fresh perspective to the Office of Competitive Fellowships. His scientific background enables him to work directly with men and women who are seeking national and international fellowships within the scientific community. He hopes that his knowledge and expertise will enable the Office of Competitive Fellowships to broaden its horizons and expand the number and types of fellowships that students are applying for in the future.

National fellowships are highly competitive in nature. However, having a professor like Dr. Garth Patterson empowers students to reach academic excellence, participate within their communities, and develop an understanding of that “global perspective,” that is so important to conveying meaning and value in today's world.

Dr. Patterson recognizes the spirited and dynamic competition associated with highly acclaimed fellowships. However, he encourages students to “embrace it and get to work,” testifying that a steadfast approach will lead to success. If you’re a Mount student that hasn’t already, sign up for one of his classes, join the Brew Club (if you are 21), or simply stop by and say hello. Perhaps Dr. Patterson will engage you with his love of music, or perhaps tell you about the full-scale fire truck he has in his barn! Either way, you won't be disappointed!

Cheers!

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Mount Alumna Mentors Young Scholars on Civil Justice

By the Office of Fellowships  |  Thursday, September 28, 2017

The Mount is a place that fosters engagement, encourages conversation, and develops ideas from administration, faculty and students who share a mutual commitment to promoting justice within our local communities. Fittingly, Mount St. Mary’s University’s Office of Competitive Fellowships had the honor of hosting Mount alumna Siobhan Madison, C’97, for dinner at the Carriage House Inn this past Thursday. Mount St. Mary’s University President, Dr. Timothy E. Trainor, the Office of Competitive Fellowships Advisory Board including Dr. Jamie Gianoutsos, Dr. Garth Patterson and Dr. Thane Naberhaus, along with several fellowship students attended the event.

Ms. Madison has worked as an attorney for 17 years for the State of Maryland, most recently as an Assistant Attorney General overseeing areas of public health policy. Since then, Ms. Madison has accepted a position as a Limited Scope Project Attorney with a non-profit organization called Civil Justice Inc. Civil Justice Inc. seeks to provide legal services for low- to middle-income individuals while increasing access to justice through “traditional and non-traditional means.”

Prior to the event, attendees were asked to carefully review two articles. The first titled “Making Justice Equal,” discusses the justice gap and the ways in which shortfalls in civil legal aid perpetuate poverty. The second article titled “To Shrink Jails, Let’s Reform Bail,” is an op-ed written by Kamala Harris and Rand Paul. The article examines our bail system and the ways in which reform, such as the Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act, can yield better outcomes for our justice systems.

Ms. Madison engrossed the attendees with conversation about limited scope representation and the ways in which it helps to alleviate the justice gap. She shared personal experiences, which enhanced the conversation and shed light on the outcomes of justice gaps globally, particularly related to the access of legal services. Students commented on the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics with a Mount alumna, expressing both intrigue and gratitude when followed up with after the event.

This year, the Office of Competitive Fellowships will host a series of dinner events where administration, faculty and students will continue to engage in informative discussions. Ms. Madison was very pleased with the outcome of the event, and wishes to return for events throughout the year.

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Studying Abroad at the University of Cambridge

By Dylan Holden, C’18 

Studying abroad at the University of Cambridge has been such an amazing and transformative experience! I am split between Pembroke and King’s Colleges within the university and am taking rigorous courses in cell biology, Cambridge literary history, as well as metaphysics and philosophy of mind with world-renowned professors and students from all over the world.

The university has such a deep and involved history as it is the third-oldest university in the world (founded in 1209) and has housed many famous alumni such as Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, C.S. Lewis and Charles Darwin (whose room I am fortunate enough to live in!).

The prestige and rich tradition of the university can be felt everywhere on campus – from punting on the River Cam that Sylvia Plath described so vividly in her poetry, to studying in the King’s library by the famous chapel, to having a pint with your friends at The Eagle where Watson and Crick announced the structure of DNA.

The Cambridge student workers and coordinators make sure to offer plenty of opportunities around campus and the local area to keep all of the summer students busy.

A typical week for me would most likely consist of touring new cafes and restaurants, going to pickup football games, a formal dinner at one of the colleges, guided tours of the local architectural or historical sites, watching a Shakespeare play in the gardens, and, of course, plenty of studying and writing. 

One of the highlights of my time here so far has definitely been experiencing the art and culture of London, only a 45-minute train ride away. In proper British fashion, a group of friends and I attended one of the many BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall that are held over the summer months. Our prom, entitled “Ella and Dizzy: A Centenary Tribute” was a concert focused on jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie, conducted by Grammy and Tony Award winner John Mauceri.

Other high points of my time in the city included tasting my way through Borough Market, viewing the Royal Palaces, and enjoying the street music and festivals in and around Hyde Park. While in the U.K. I have been fortunate enough to make amazing friends that I traveled with to Scotland, Sweden, and to many other locations within the U.K. as well.

During an extremely rainy weekend in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, I visited the Edinburgh Castle that has been around since the 12th century, walked the “Royal Mile” street to the tune of bagpipes, had a tour of the Scottish Parliament building, and enjoyed a traditional meal of haggis.

In Stockholm, Sweden, I was able to practice my (mediocre) Swedish with the locals, walked the narrow streets and shops of the Gamla Stan, toured the Fotografiska photography museum that contains some of the most famous photos ever taken, and experienced the Vasa Museum that is housed inside of a 17th century Swedish warship.

While my last two weeks here before returning to the Mount will be focused on preparing for final exams and essays, I hope to continue learning more about Cambridge’s history and experiencing life here in the company of great friends. 

The professional connections and opportunities I have gained from this trip have already proven to be invaluable and will undoubtedly play a major role in my future endeavors and life after graduation.

Without the support and expertise of the Mount’s scholarship committee, my advisors Dr. Rosie Bolen and Dr. Garth Patterson, as well as other Mount students who suggested the program, I would have missed out on a once in a lifetime opportunity that has changed who I am as a student and as a person. 

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Reflections on my time in Belfast

By Sydney Johnson, C’19

Hello Mounties! My last two weeks have been filled with fascinating lectures, a trip to Dublin, Galway and the Cliffs of Moher and great times with good friends. 

Our days usually start around 9 a.m. with lectures until about 4 p.m. After that, my friends and I will either make dinner together or explore a new restaurant near campus. If we are feeling extra adventurous we will head down to Victoria Square which is their main shopping center with all sorts of everything. I don’t think I’ve had a single bad meal. All the food here I have had has been fresh, local and not processed. It will be a wakeup call going home. The beef stew has been a favorite that I will miss greatly.

When we aren’t in class we have been trying to explore around Belfast. In addition to the free afternoons or evenings we have, we had two free weekends to explore Europe or the rest of the island of Ireland. This has been a great blessing that I have taken full advantage of.

The first weekend my friends and I took a bus to Dublin. On Saturday we took a tour visiting Galway, an abandoned Monastery and the Cliffs of Moher, but Sunday spent walking around Dublin stopping at all the major spots. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the Cliffs of Moher.

Reflecting on living in Belfast has been very interesting. I couldn’t quite figure out why I felt so comfortable in Belfast. I have had a history of moving far away from home. As some of you may know I am originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, and moved to Emmitsburg, Maryland for college. This was not an easy move at all and it took a lot of time for me to feel comfortable and really want to explore around. In Belfast, it was almost immediately. The people in Belfast are extraordinary and honest about the struggles they are going through. This is a picture of the green in the Botanic Gardens where people come together and spend time with each other.

This honesty and openness made the community as a whole a very welcoming and open place for us as students to come in and visit. We have also been walking everywhere! I have been averaging about seven miles every day. Walking to and fro has allowed us to get to know the smells, the voices, the sights of Belfast and the neighborhoods we walk through regularly in a very intimate way.

My friends and I have talked about this a lot and how much we think this has helped us really take part in our lectures and discussions in class. When you can personally engage with the academic material it makes all the difference. 

This realization has made me very excited to get to go back to school. I have countless ideas for lightning talks for SPARC week and future research projects that I hope to one day achieve on the topics we have learned.

This trip has really had an impact on me but I think I am ready to head home and spend some time with my family before I head back to our mountain for another year!

If you have any questions about the Northern Ireland conflict, the effects Brexit will have on Northern Ireland or Northern Ireland, in general, I will try my best to answer them. Thank you so much for following along on my journey and I can’t wait to see all of you soon!

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Views and opinions expressed are the author's own, and do not represent an official U.S. Department of State website or blog, and do not represent the Fulbright Program, host university or U.S. Department of State.

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Sydney Johnson, C’19, at US-UK Fulbright Summer Institute

By Sydney Johnson, C’19

I have been here for almost two weeks and have two more weeks left! The two weeks have been packed with amazing tales that I will have with me forever. I have made friends from the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, England, different parts of the U.S. and even Australia.

This incredible program draws people from all over the world to come together and discuss the nuances of peace processes. The program consists of both lectures and interactive, as well as tourist trips. The lectures have been phenomenal. Truly indescribable.

The Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice has a cohort of amazing faculty that are teaching our courses in their various specialties. I have been able to make connections with these professors for further research and internship opportunities. One lecture that has truly stuck out to me has been one concerning the definition of peace, as it is a very difficult thing to talk about; so many people disagree about what peace is and how to best accomplish it.

Peace is not simply the lack of violence in many cases. It is also about equality among all people in various ways. As the majority fights for its definition of peace, the minority is left in the oppression of not having its understanding of equality. This process will continue without everyone attaining peace, which brings up lots of difficult questions for me as someone wanting to help in these processes and transitions.

If I were to go in do I assume I know what is best for them? What is just? What is peace? Do I trust that they know what is best for them? This goes into lots of different questions that nobody can agree on. Especially in the context of Northern Ireland, the lens through which we are studying this.

One of the super cool trips we’ve taken was to Giant’s Causeway on the northern coast. We got to learn a lot about the folklore that goes behind the various rock formations which make for great stories to tell family.

In addition to the planned trips and lectures, they give us a couple free weekends and afternoons to explore on our own. This weekend my friends and I are heading to Dublin to explore around the city and over to the Cliffs of Moher. It is sure to be an amazing time and I will let you know all about it in my next post! Until then, have an amazing summer and cheers!

Views and opinions expressed are the author's own, and do not represent an official U.S. Department of State website or blog, and do not represent the Fulbright Program, host university or U.S. Department of State.

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Reflections on the Theatre Collection at the University of Bristol

By Lizzie Boyle, C’19

Last week, we were introduced to the Theatre Collection at the University of Bristol which had a wealth of information focused on the history of British theatre. Though we have visited various archives throughout our time in Bristol, this archive and museum were a variation on what was normally to be expected.

During our time with the Theatre Collection, we were able to look at three different productions of Julius Caesar. While analyzing photographs and playbills along with more traditional documents, I was struck by how comprehensive the study of history can be. Later that evening, we were able to attend a production of Julius Caesar at the Bristol Old Vic which is the longest continuously running theatre in the UK.

The production of Julius Caesar was an incredible performance that directly connected to my experience at the Mount. During my spring semester freshman year, I took the Origins of the West class for the core which highlighted much of the Greco-Roman tradition. Then during the fall semester of my sophomore year, I took Western Imagination with Dr. Hinds in which we read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. We even performed various acts of the play throughout the course. This helped me understand the greater context and significance of the performance that we attended.

Additionally, seeing Julius Caesar helped connect two time periods that are incredibly prominent in the history of Bristol and the surrounding area. The first of those time periods would be the Roman Empire and the legacy it leaves behind. The remnants of the Roman Empire can be seen throughout various sites we visited including the city of Bath. Additionally, there are many artifacts being found in archaeological research related to the Romans included Roman pottery and various coins.

However, Julius Caesar was also written by William Shakespeare during the Tudor period. The Tudor period, largely characterized by the reign of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I can be seen throughout various buildings such as the Red Lodge Museum. The presence of many elaborate Anglican churches and cathedrals also shows the influence of these Protestant monarchs.

Though Julius Caesar was set in the past, the play also had many cultural and political links today. The week we attended the production, a performance of Shakespeare in the Park was all over the news for its depiction of President Trump as Julius Caesar. The production we saw was set in a modern context but was much less controversial as there were no references to the political climate in the United Kingdom or the rest of the world.

However, in terms of politics, we recently were able to witness a general election on June 8th. In the general election, districts each elected one member of Parliament to the House of Commons. The results were a hung Parliament with Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative party losing seats. As the United Kingdom has many important political decisions to make, including the future of Brexit, it will be interesting to see how this political shift affects the nation.

Views and opinions expressed are the author's own, and do not represent an official U.S. Department of State website or blog, and do not represent the Fulbright Program, host university or U.S. Department of State.

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10 Essential Tips For Success As a Student-Athlete At The Mount

By Chris Wray, C'18

Congratulations! As a student-athlete at the Mount you are one of the very few in the nation who have the opportunity to compete in college athletics at the highest level. According to the NCAA, only 2.4 percent of high school women’s soccer players, and only 1 percent of high school men’s basketball players will play at a Division I institution. Even in other sports the percentages are not much higher.  

Being an athlete in college is in some ways the same and in some ways very different from high school. There are many more people there are to support you, but the pressure is greater.  

Here are 10 tips on how to thrive at the Mount as a student-athlete.

1) Don’t Be Afraid Of Change

Be versatile in your endeavors, be open to many different opportunities and challenges, and understand that you control your platform which builds connections. It’s not a bad thing to step out of your comfort zone, so be open for change. Just because it’s comfortable for you doesn’t mean that it’s beneficial.

2) Manage Your Time

Understand that in college your schedule will be set but there’s nobody to make you go through it. Figure out a way to become organized especially with assignments. You can use the planner, an app or something else, and make sure you check all of your syllabi. You can run short on time quickly if you’re not careful.

3) Get To Know Your Professors

Professors will know of you, but they will not know who you are until you decide to let them know. Being able to talk to professors about your academic and career goals gives them the opportunity to find out your strengths and weaknesses in the classroom and find out what they can do to help you be successful.

4) Find Out What Interests You

There are lots of different ways to get involved at the Mount, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Coming into college with an open mind can help you find out what you are truly interested in and get a jump-start on building your career path.

5) Remove Outside Distractions

Limit your outside sources and their opinions. Although family, friends, and coaches have your best interest at heart sometimes it will not be what’s best for you. These people that are close to you are not a part of the team, so they do not see the things that you go through with your team - they only see what they believe is best for you.

6) Building Relationships

In college, there are many assignments, due dates, lessons and notes. Some of these you may miss because of travel or just not understand. This is the time when it’s necessary to have a good support system that understands this and can help get you back on track.

7) Every Question Is A Good One

College is full of situations that present openings intended for many questions, so take full advantage of this. Don’t be afraid of an uncomfortable situation or confrontation either. Being able to address things and keep them in-house makes the biggest difference.   

8) Stay Organized/On Top Of Things  

The things you do now determine how things will go for you in the future, and all situations are connected. If you are unorganized and stressed out with school it will carry over into your sport without you even noticing it but your coaches can tell. Some decisions you make come from an understanding that your sport is one of the biggest factors that should be taken into account.

9) Build Accountability

Be accountable for yourself first then do the same for others. Understand that your decisions will have consequences no matter how small you may think they are and it’s on you to make sure that no matter what you are prepared. Once you are able to successfully do this make sure you bring others along with you.

10) Trust The Process

Understand that the coaches and trainers are professionals in what they do. Believe in what they tell you because they are here not only to win but to help you become a better person both mentally and physically. 

Conclusion

“Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today”

I hope these tips help you find comfort and serenity in the Mount and all of its diverse resources. There is no better time than now to use this advice to your advantage - talk to your professors, teammates, and most importantly your coaches. Don't be afraid to ask questions- in the end we will only regret the things we did not do. If there are any other questions or concerns that you may have visit our website www.msmary.edu.

Share this article with your current and incoming teammates and stay tuned for a video in the near future!

Chris Wray, C'18, is a member of the Mount's men's basketball and track and field teams. He is majoring in Communications and plans to continue to play basketball after graduating from the Mount.  

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The first MSMU Orientation of the summer is in just a few days! Raise your 🤚 if you're a member of #MSMUClassof2021 who will be here on Friday or if you'll be back on campus as an orientation leader! We can't wait! #Repost @calleighkearns ・・・ See ya in Sheridan!! #mypeople #itslit #Classof2021 #college (at Mount St. Mary's University)

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Lizzie Boyle, C’19, at US-UK Fulbright Summer Institute

By Lizzie Boyle, C’19

This summer I was awarded the opportunity to participate in the prestigious US-UK Fulbright Commission Summer Institute at the University of Bristol. This fully-funded academic program runs for four weeks and is focused on the triangular slave trade and Bristol’s Atlantic heritage. As a rising junior double majoring in history and secondary education social studies, I could not have asked for a better opportunity. I am incredibly grateful to the Mount Fellows Society, as well as to Dr. Gianoutsos and Dr. Murry, for the support and encouragement I received throughout the entire application process.

The past week has been both culturally and academically enriching in ways that I had previously never imagined. When I first arrived in Bristol, I was able to explore the city both on my own and through guided tours. Through this exploration, I was able to better understand the rich and rather eclectic history that surrounded the city.

Later in the week, I delved deeper into the history of Bristol and the surrounding area by participating in an archaeological dig at Berkley Castle. Working alongside students from the Fulbright Summer Institute and from the University of Bristol, I was able to participate in a more hands-on approach to learning for three days.

Rather than researching and reading, I was physically attempting to uncover history, with a mattock and shovel. It may seem obvious but this approach was unlike anything I had ever experienced in the classroom. Though it was hard work, it was fascinating to see pieces of various artifacts emerge amongst the rubble.

As each layer of soil was removed, we were able to go further back into history and uncover various stories of past civilizations. Though these stories may have been different in respect to time they all were consistently found in the same location. In this way, the weaving of different people and times helps depict the continuity of history. Each discovery only serves to better understand these stories from the past.

In one our first lectures, our professor spoke about how history is not merely the telling of stories but rather an investigation of the past. In this way, discovery is just as important to historians as it is for archaeologists. In this respect, the last few days have been focused on archival research through the Bristol Record Office and through the Special Collections Library houses at the University of Bristol’s Library of Arts and Sciences. Previously, I never thought I would have the chance to partake in a funded historical research and cultural immersion program while still an undergraduate. Though not even halfway throughout the program, I am already grateful for the memories and experiences I have gained in this short time span.

“Views and opinions expressed are the author's own, and do not represent an official U.S. Department of State website or blog, and do not represent the Fulbright Program, host university or U.S. Department of State."

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Did you know that Mary's Mountain is surrounded by holiness and was once the home of a saint? The National Shrine Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes rests on the top of the mountain, and the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is just down the road in Emmitsburg! #Repost @setonshrine ・・・ While Elizabeth Ann Seton lived in Emmitsburg, she often walked three miles to pray in the area that is now the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes on the Mount St. Mary's University campus. You can see this and more on our Mountain to Valley Tour. #ElizabethAnnSeton #Shrine #Grotto #MoutaintoValleyTour (at National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes)

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This #MountProud post is brought to us by Victoria Barry and Mike Carolan, both C'17, who brought their MSMU pennant all the way to Italy this summer! Show us how #MountProud you are, wherever you are this week by sharing your posts and tagging us!

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Top 10 Things to Know About Cyber Security

1.     Be aware of the links provided through social media and the terms and services you agree to. Similarly, know be aware of your social media trail and footprint.

2.    Create strong passwords- use short phrases and numbers, make sure they are easy to remember so you don’t need write them down. Be aware of the emails and phone calls you receive. If it is an important email or call from a bank or company they will not ask for your banking or social security numbers. If someone calls or emails you asking for sensitive information, it’s okay to say no. You can always call the company directly to verify credentials before giving out any information.

3.     Set automatic updates to install on your devices.

4.   Monitor your all of your accounts for any suspicious activity. If anything unfamiliar or suspicious pops up, it could be a sign that you’ve been compromised.

5.    Watch what you’re sharing on social networks. Criminals can befriend you and easily gain access to a shocking amount of information—where you go to school, where you work, when you’re on vacation—that could help them gain access to more valuable data.

6.   Be aware of what public wifi networks you connect to, as they are not secure and it is easy to access your information.

7.    Back up your data regularly, and make sure your anti-virus software is always up to date.

8.   Be a good cyber citizen - if you see any potential scams or stolen finances report it to community. Report stolen finances or identities to the Internet Crime Compliant Center and to your local law enforcement, state attorney general and campus officials.

9.   Sensitive browsing, such as banking or shopping, should only be done on a device that belongs to you, on a network that you trust. Whether it’s a friend’s phone, a public computer, or a cafe’s free WiFi—your data could be copied or stolen.

10.  Never leave your devices unattended. If you need to leave your computer, phone, or tablet for any length of time—no matter how short—lock it up so no one can use it while you’re gone. If you keep sensitive information on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure to lock it up as well.

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Blue skies at MSMU #AlwaysAtTheMount