At Gettysburg College, we are living our promise to provide A Consequential Education every day. Through exciting new initiatives, we continue to elevate the student experience and advance the unfinished work of our time.
At Gettysburg College, we promise every student A Consequential Education—one that gives them greater insight into who they are, what they want to accomplish, and how they will define and lead their own consequential life.
With an ambitious vision to bring this promise to life to today’s students through our new Strategic Direction, our College continues to advance initiatives across campus to support the student experience. Explore 20 new initiatives from 2024.
1. Announced $5.5 million gift
In February, Trustee Emerita Joan Fischer Schweizer ’76 and Rick Schweizer ’76 committed $5.5 million to Gettysburg College, surpassing the largest commitment made by a living donor during the Gettysburg Great Campaign (2011-2018). This commitment will support several of the College’s top priorities, including the Gettysburg Fund, global study, academic scholarship, and student-faculty research.
“On behalf of our entire Gettysburg College community, I want to express our deepest thanks to Joan and Rick for their inspiring commitment,” said President Bob Iuliano. “Thanks to the Schweizers’ generosity, generations of future Gettysburgians will have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and have a lasting impact on their communities.”
Read how the Schweizers’ gift will enhance student experiences at Gettysburg College.
2. Guaranteed Career-Ready Experiences
For every student who participates in the Gettysburg Approach, Gettysburg College guarantees a Career-Ready Experience, allowing students to apply their consequential education and build the knowledge and enduring skills that employers and graduate schools value most. A Career-Ready Experience could include an off-campus or on-campus internship, working on a long-term Center for Public Service project, global study and travel through the Center for Global Education, a campus leadership role, or faculty-mentored research.
“A Career-Ready Experience will help students connect what they learn in the classroom to graduate schools and the professional workplace by providing diverse, dynamic experiences to prepare them for a lifetime of career advancement and personal success,” said Assistant Vice President of Co-Curricular Education Jim Duffy.
Learn how Career-Ready Experiences enhance career preparedness at Gettysburg College.
3. Installed new Wi-Fi
A two-year, $2.4 million capital project launched during the summer to upgrade Wi-Fi across campus. More than 1,135 new wireless access points will be installed, along with other upgrades, to expand Gettysburg’s fiber footprint. Phase 1 of the project was completed this fall, with Phase 2 scheduled to start in Spring 2025.
“This upgrade will enhance the academic, co-curricular, and social experience of every Gettysburg College student,” said Vice President of Information Technology Rod Tosten ’85.
Follow this project’s progress, which will deliver best-in-class network capabilities across campus.
4. Grew master’s program in American history
Responding to the growing demand of the Gettysburg College-Gilder Lehrman Institute MA in American History, Gettysburg College opened the program to community college instructors across the United States and introduced a new MA+15/30 offering, beginning in the Summer 2024 semester.
“Educators play a central role in helping us to understand the lessons of our past, so together—as a nation and society—we can shape our brightest future,” said Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano. “Our expansion of this program speaks powerfully to our commitment to today’s teachers.”
Learn more about these new offerings and enroll in the online master’s program today.
5. Held inaugural Harward Fund program
In March, Gettysburg College welcomed renowned blues musician Corey Harris for a three-day residency on campus and in town to kick off the Ann McIlhenny Harward Interdisciplinary Fund for Culture and Music at Gettysburg College, made possible by the Endeavor Foundation and envisioned by Donald W. Harward P’86, P’92 to honor his late wife, Ann. Harris visited college classes, conducted guitar workshops, and performed at the SpiriTrust Lutheran nursing home, Vida Charter School, and the Majestic Theater.
“Corey Harris’ presence on our campus was transformative for me,” said Michael Pires ’27. “Through the Ann Harward McIlhenny Fund and donor support, Gettysburg College is able to continue enriching our campus by inviting artists like Corey, fostering love, understanding, and expanding our horizons.”
Go behind the scenes of this visit that kicked off this inaugural Harward Fund series.
6. Renovated Paul Recital Hall
This past fall, Sidney Ehrhart ’50 made a $3 million gift to establish The Ehrhart Family Scholarship and support renovations to Paul Recital Hall. The renovations included reflectors, improved sound, and more to eliminate echoes in the space.
“Ensembles rehearsing and performing from the stage will be able to hear one another much more clearly and be able to refine their performances to a much higher level without excessive strain,” said James Day, director of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music.
Read about each of the improvements made to Paul Recital Hall.
7. Expanded teacher certification program
Gettysburg College expanded its teacher certification program to include biology (7-12 secondary), English (7-12 secondary), mathematics (7-12 secondary), and social studies (7-12 secondary). Gettysburg students can also pursue an educational studies minor.
“Especially in this moment when we are experiencing a national teacher shortage, Gettysburg College is pleased to step forward in response and expand this important program for our students,” said Divonna Stebick, director of Educational Studies and director of Community-Based Learning.
Learn more about these expanded offerings for students interested in teacher certifications.
8. Announced T. Troy Datcher Endowed Scholarship
This past summer, The Clorox Company Foundation created the T. Troy Datcher Endowed Scholarship in memory of the late Gettysburg College Trustee Emeritus Troy Datcher ’90, who served The Clorox Company for more than 20 years. This scholarship honors his devotion to education, community service, and the values of social equity and justice.
“This scholarship will be a lasting tribute to Troy that reflects his passion for education and community service, and directly supports students who exemplify the virtues we remember and celebrate about him,” said Shanique Bonelli-Moore, chief diversity and social impact officer of The Clorox Company.
Read more about the T. Troy Datcher Endowed Scholarship and contribute today.
9. Established a community learning center
With a $1.2 million 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, secured by Brenda Reyes-Lúa, associate director of the College’s Center for Public Service (CPS), Gettysburg College created a community learning center on campus. This center, which opened in September, provides high-quality, bilingual learning opportunities after school and in the summer for underserved students and their families in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
“Gettysburg College recognizes the role that it plays in the greater Gettysburg and Adams County community and values a lifelong commitment to service,” said CPS Director Jeff Rioux. “We exemplify this value by both modeling public service and fostering a commitment to service among our students.”
Learn how this 21st CCLC connects our College with community-based work to foster social change.
10. Launched Conversations for Change
The Unfinished Work: Conversations for Change, a campus-wide initiative that embodies Gettysburg College’s mission and core values, kicked off in the Fall 2024 semester. Conversations for Change fosters meaningful and productive dialogues across differences to grow and understand one another through various programs, including dialogue facilitation workshops, speakers and panels, and grant-funded engagement activities.
“This program is not only an event series; it is a personal commitment we are making as Gettysburgians to engage deeply and authentically with one another, particularly in a moment in time when we are confronting deep-rooted division in our nation and our world,” said Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano in his opening communication for the initiative in August 2024. “Our College’s history calls on us to lead by example.”
Learn more about this series and how you can get involved.
11. Developed a new EMS program
This fall, Gettysburg College students put service into practice by participating in our new EMS program. It piloted in the Spring 2024 semester after the EMS Club expressed interest and connected with Campus Safety. This Career-Ready Experience provides hands-on learning for students who are trained EMTs in partnership with Gettysburg College’s Department of Campus Safety, on campus and off campus, and in collaboration with Adams County’s fire and EMS provider, Adams Regional Emergency Medical Services.
“This opportunity not only allows the students to develop their skills while attending college, but it also helps Adams Regional provide emergency medical services to the community,” said Adams Regional EMS Executive Director Brian Wheeler. “We are grateful for these students who have given their time and talents to Adams Regional as part-time employees so that we can respond effectively and timely to emergency calls across our county.”
Read more about this opportunity and connect with the EMS Club and Campus Safety to participate.
12. Partnered with Loyola for accelerated MBA
In September 2024, Gettysburg College proudly announced its partnership with Loyola University Maryland to open Loyola’s new accelerated Emerging Leaders MBA 4+1 program to Gettysburg College students. With its cost savings, this 4+1 partnership allows students completing an undergraduate degree at Gettysburg College to pursue their master’s degree at Loyola simultaneously.
“We are extremely excited to partner with Loyola University’s Sellinger School of Business to provide Gettysburg students with an expedited path to a superb Master of Business Administration degree that is both impactful and more affordable,” said Gettysburg College Provost Jamila Bookwala.
If you are interested in pursuing an MBA through this partnership, learn more today.
13. Created Guided Pathways Fund
To support students’ experiential learning through the Guided Pathways, a defining element of the Gettysburg Approach, Gettysburg College developed the Guided Pathways Fund with contributions from generous donors. Students participating in the Guided Pathways can apply through engageGettysburg at two points throughout the year: Oct. 15 and April 15.
“The Guided Pathways Fund will support a wide array of experiences for students,” said Assistant Vice President for Co-Curricular Education Jim Duffy. “These experiences complement academic interests, career aspirations, and student curiosity.”
Read how this fund was created and learn how to apply.
14. Launched finance major
Gettysburg College was proud to announce the addition of a finance major this fall. The major will be available to students in the 2025-2026 academic year. Students interested in finance, banking, and financial policy careers can choose between two tracks: a business track and an economics track.
“The design of the major is unique and will allow Gettysburg College to offer a rigorous finance degree with a strong liberal arts foundation,” said Economics Chair Linus M. Nyiwul. “The major’s strong emphasis on quantitative finance is aimed at preparing students for emerging careers in this field.”
Explore the new finance major.
15. Added public health policy major
Gettysburg College was also excited to announce the addition of a public health policy major this fall. This major will be available to students in the 2025-2026 academic year. Students interested in solutions-based approaches to mitigating public health challenges will benefit from this new degree’s rigorous, interdisciplinary, applied approach.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, creating effective public health policy requires individuals who can critically analyze issues from multiple perspectives,” said Health Sciences Chair Amy Dailey. “This major will provide students with a strong foundation in both public health and public policy while encouraging engagement across campus in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.”
Explore the new public health policy major.
16. Hosted first-ever night football game
With the addition of new lights at Musselman Stadium, thanks to a generous group of leadership donors, the College hosted its first-ever night football game on Oct. 4. During a special event, Under The Lights, the community celebrated Bullets athletics in a momentous way—and Gettysburg defeated McDaniel College 20-7. Stay tuned for more games under the lights, including the first-ever night game for men’s lacrosse against Swarthmore College on March 22 at 7 p.m.
“The ‘Under The Lights’ game sent a great boost of energy through our program,” said Football Head Coach Moe Banks. “We cannot thank the community enough for showing up for us in such a major way.”
Learn how the lights project and first-ever night football game came to be.
17. Designed West Quad Residence Hall upgrades
Over the next two years, starting in Spring 2025, the West Quad residence halls—Paul Hall, Rice Hall, and Stine Hall—will be renovated to offer more collaborative spaces to build community inside and outside.
New features include accessible entrances, open-concept quad and lobbies, increased bathroom functions and privacy, new HVAC systems, and upgraded building finishes and furniture.
Read about the residence hall upgrades and learn more about the construction timeline.
18. Envisioned enhancements to Plank Gym’s lower level
Plank Gym’s lower level will also see enhancements in the Spring 2025 semester, including a new eatery and outdoor social space. The indoor space will be open late on Friday and Saturday evenings, and the outdoor space will open after spring break in March.
Student feedback through the Social Venues Taskforce, led by Vice President for College Life Anne Ehrlich, was integral to the launch of this project.
Picture this new space and the social opportunities ahead.
19. Planned renovations to the College Union Building Ballroom
Renovations to the College Union Building Ballroom will begin in May 2025, following Commencement Weekend. This fall, blueprints for this revamped space were completed to expand its capabilities as a multipurpose venue.
Renovations will include a new entrance, elevated aesthetic, improved finishes, and new tables and chairs. Additional spaces and technology upgrades will also be added to support events.
Learn more about this renovation and how you can amplify your event in this space.
20. Celebrated Gettysburg College in Philadelphia
In November, Gettysburgians across generations came together in Philadelphia for a first-of-its-kind celebration in support of Gettysburg College and its future. Guests participated in many fun-filled events. Featured activities included micro-classes, college counselor gatherings, a night of ping-pong, and a closing reception.
“This city has played an outsized role in the success of our College for nearly 200 years,” said Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano. “I believe with the love and support of those in this room, we can help Gettysburg go from a college endeared in Philadelphia and across the country to a college truly revered around the world.”
Learn more about Gettysburg ♥️ Philadelphia.
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By Megan Miller
Posted: 12/20/24