Gettysburgians around the world are making a difference in their communities and have been highlighted in media such as CNN, USA Today, The Hill, USA Lacrosse, Huffington Post, and more.
From alumni recognition by CNN to faculty expertise in USA Today, members of the Gettysburg College community and their great work were recognized in media outlets across the country over the last few months. More than 100 citations could be found in headlines spanning October through January, highlighting community service, academic expertise, change-making initiatives, and other ventures by alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
Explore some of our recent media mentions and discover how our community of doers is making an impact:
CNN: Meet the Top 5 CNN Heroes of 2024
Project Libertad founder Rachel Rutter ’11 was named one of the Top 5 CNN Heroes of the Year and was honored at the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute hosted by Anderson Cooper and Laura Coates last December. An immigration lawyer, Rutter works closely with unaccompanied migrant children, who often need various forms of support after arriving in the United States. In 2015, she founded Project Libertad to provide free legal representation, essential and social services, and newcomer support programs to immigrant youth. Last year, Project Libertad assisted more than 1,100 individuals, representing more than 90 young people in immigration cases.
“I saw that these kids don’t just need legal status, they also need all of these other things if they’re going to really heal and be successful,” Rutter said.
USA Today: Discovering Yellowstone: The lesser-known story of America’s first national park
Following the release of his latest book, “A Place Called Yellowstone: The Epic History of the World’s First National Park,” Environmental Studies Prof. Randall Wilson was the primary contributor to an article by USA Today showcasing five things visitors should know about Yellowstone National Park. From self-preservation to looking at the future of the land, Wilson highlights the many elements of the unique landscape and wildlife that have made Yellowstone into a nationally protected area visited by millions of people each year.
“Yellowstone’s significance as a special place in U.S. history comes in part from the amazing events that happened there—from the creation of the world’s first national park, to the very first effort to save an endangered species (the plains bison), to the discovery of bacteria that made DNA replication possible,” Wilson said.
The Hill: Heartland voters delivered for Trump—here are 10 ways he can deliver for them
In an op-ed for The Hill, Eisenhower Institute Senior Fellow John Austin lays out 10 recommendations for U.S. President Donald Trump that would benefit some of his most ardent supporters across the heartland of America. Austin points to the need to keep investing in domestic infrastructure to create more jobs, while also recognizing how the U.S. collaborates with other countries to create products. The article also highlights the possibility of providing free education after high school, which could lead to better paying jobs for every American.
“In ads that splashed across the TV screens of heartland residents last fall, Trump promised to fix an economy that was ‘broken’ by the Biden-Harris administration,” Austin said. “If his goal, now in office, is to meaningfully deliver on that promise to heartland voters who put him back in the White House, he’ll follow this advice.”
USA Lacrosse: Fun, joy hallmarks of Cantele’s Hall of Fame coaching career
During her three decades as head coach of the Gettysburg women’s lacrosse team, Carol Cantele ’83 danced along the sidelines enjoying every moment with her student-athletes and staff. Paul Ohanian, senior manager of program content at USA Lacrosse, profiled Cantele’s fun-filled journey which culminated in her induction into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame this past January. Cantele retired in 2022 as the second winningest coach in NCAA Division III history with 451 career wins. She led the Bullets to three national championships (2011, 2017, 2018), 13 conference titles, and 21 NCAA tournament appearances.
“One of my core tenets in coaching was that we’re going to enjoy this,” Cantele said. “Lacrosse is a game and everything we do is about joy. And I was blessed to have a staff and players that had that delicate balance of knowing when to let our hair down and have fun, and when to stay serious and tackle what we needed to get done.”
5 more stories to explore:
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Fox43 News: Adams County Historical Society takes over as owner of renowned Shriver House Museum in Gettysburg
Fox43 was among the local media outlets covering the acquisition of the Shriver House Museum by the Adams County Historical Society, preserving the museum’s unique perspective on civilian life during the Battle of Gettysburg. Said Andrew Dalton ’19, president and CEO of ACHS, “we are thrilled to welcome the Shriver House Museum as a new addition to our growing network of sites and experiences.”
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Huffington Post: Is it better to make a big purchase on your computer or phone? Here’s your answer.
Vice President for Information Rod Tosten ’85, who retired at the end of the fall semester, contributed to this article which explored the safest use of technology when making purchases. Tosten noted that phones should have multifactor authentication set up to prevent bad actors from hopping to other user accounts.
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Mountain Democrat: Gettysburg College students take a cross-country trip to Apple Hill
During the fall semester, the Eisenhower Institute Undergraduate Fellows travelled to El Dorado County in California to investigate how climate issues have impacted businesses and laborers, particularly those focused on the agricultural industry. Guided by Management Prof. Patturaja Selvaraj, the students embarked on a three-day tour of Apple Hill located near the town of Placerville in northern California.
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National Geographic: Why historic Gettysburg should be on your U.S. travel list
From historic homes and battlefields to exploring the charming countryside, Gettysburg offers visitors a range of historical and cultural experiences. Travelers can roam the expansive battlefield from dawn to dusk, explore the many dining and shopping options downtown, or visit the many family-owned farmsteads and markets nearby.
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PrWeb: Former Journalist leads new generation of change-makers at Gettysburg College’s Eisenhower Institute
A public policy educator and former national correspondent at NBC News, Eisenhower Institute Executive Director Tracie Potts is creating opportunities for Gettysburg students to learn about diverse perspectives as they develop their own skills for the workplace. In her four years leading EI, Potts has taken students on trips focused on Civil Rights and brought in policymakers to speak to students, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.
By Corey Jewart
Photos courtesy L’Oréal Paris, Randall Wilson, Eisenhower Institute, USA Lacrosse
Posted: 02/18/25
