Release Date:  March 8, 2000

The current Monmouth College school year will likely best be remembered for its final moment, when President George Bush gives the commencement address on May 14. But college president Richard Giese said it will also reflect an extremely successful era in the school’s history.

"During the past year, the college has continued its positive momentum on many fronts," he said. "Enrollment continues at a strong level, and we’ve seen a host of facility improvements."

ABOUT MONMOUTH
As the 21st century dawns, Monmouth finds itself forging ahead to meet the needs of a rapidly-developing technological world. But the college has also kept its link with its past. The sound of bagpipes will be forever associated with the school, and another tradition is the Freshman Walkout, where new MC students go on a tour of the downtown area.

That "town-gown" relationship was further augmented with the college’s gift of a $145,000 tanker truck to the City of Monmouth.

ACADEMICS
The Mellinger Teaching & Learning Center, unveiled last fall, houses a 24-hour computer lab in the lower level and various tutoring resources throughout the building.

During the day, the Mellinger lab serves as a computerized classroom, helping the college further realize its goal of integrating technology and academics. By the end of the summer, the college plans to have over a dozen classrooms equipped with large-screen projection for images from VHS video, DVDs, the Internet and network computer files.

Such advances would mean nothing without the right personnel to guide students, and President Giese said the college continues to attract outstanding leaders.

"The strength of our already outstanding faculty has been enhanced with the addition of a number of exceptional teacher/scholars in several disciplines," he said.

The next academic facility to see major improvements will be the library.

"The college community is excited about the $1 million grant from the Carver Foundation toward an anticipated $5.5 million renovation of Hewes Library," said director Rick Sayre.

ADMISSION
For the third straight year, enrollment topped 1,000 students, and the college also managed to keep its cost increase far under the national average.

"We are thrilled with the student interest in Monmouth College," said vice president for external relations Dick Valentine. "Our applications, acceptances and deposits are in line for another excellent year."

In growing its student enrollment, the college has also been able to increase its quality. Endorsements from Kaplan’s Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, Peterson’s Guide to Competitive Colleges and Barron’s Best College Buys have helped position Monmouth College as one of the best in the nation.

ALUMNI
Monmouth’s alumni literally span the globe, and their professions span the spectrum. Harold "Red" Poling ’49 is the former CEO of Ford Motor Company and Jim Pate ’63 is the CEO of Pennzoil.

Actress Helen Wagner Willey ’38 stars on "As the World Turns," and David Hersh ’77 is the owner of the Chicago Cubs’ AA farm team in Tennessee. In the world of music, two alumni – J. Stephen Ritscher ’66 and K Marie Stolba ’44, have been on campus recently to hear their works performed by college ensembles. Another alum, Jon Jungjohann ’65, returned to tell of his experiences with election reform in Bosnia and Liberia.

Director of advancement Gena Alcorn – a former student herself – works with alumni on a daily basis.

"Whether they are asked to serve as a mentor for a current student, host an event in their home, or support the college financially, MC alumni continue to answer our call and support and serve the college time and time again," said Alcorn.

SPORTS
The school’s new complex for baseball and soccer – made possible by a $1 million gift from Safford and Betty Peacock – will open in April.

"Peacock Memorial Athletic Park presents a magnificent first impression of the college for many of our prospective students," said athletic director Terry Glasgow. "Safford and Betty are first-class people who have always done things in a first-class manner, and for that, generations of Monmouth College students will always be thankful."

Last summer, the football field received much-needed repairs, while this summer, the track will receive a $125,000 upgrade.

STUDENT LIFE
The most noticeable progress in this area will be the construction of a new residential life building, but there are many activities and groups that carry on behind the scene.

A current example is senior Matt Carl, who belongs to nearly 20 organizations, including a new one he was asked to join this year – the student chaplains.

Four MC students are currently studying in a new program in Paris, and another new opportunity is the Four-Year Intentional Career & Leadership Program, which will help students better get where they want to go in their college careers.

"The Monmouth College campus is a vibrant living and learning environment," said dean of students Jackie Condon. "Through a rich array of experiences, students have the opportunity to expand their understanding of self and others, learn valuable leadership skills and participate in activities that are enjoyable and extend ideas and concepts explored in the classroom."

FORGING AHEAD
In virtually all measurable levels such as enrollment, endowment, student retention and total giving, the college is enjoying 30-year highs and/or record numbers.

It’s no wonder that President Giese says, "Monmouth College charges into the new millennium with energy to meet the challenges ahead."

Released by the Office of College Communications
Barry McNamara, Associate Director of College Communications
Phone: 309-457-2117
Fax: 309-457-2330

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