Grades aren’t foremost on the mind of Laurie Abeel. The College of Education associate professor focuses more on the journey for her graduate-level students. “My approach in every single class deals with growth, not grades,” said Abeel, who teaches gifted education courses. “I’m more concerned with ‘do they understand what I’m trying to teach’ and […]
Growing a New Generation of Educators
UMW Alumna’s Quick Thinking Gets National Attention
When Lauren Kornacki performed CPR in the garage of her parents’ home in Glen Allen, Va., she was focused on one thing: saving her dad’s life. She never imagined that the story would later end up making national headlines.
UMW alumna Lauren Kornacki (right) performed CPR to save her father’s life
Kornacki, a 2012 graduate of the University of Mary Washington, found her father in the garage, pinned under a car and unresponsive. She was able to lift up the car enough to free her father, and performed CPR to save his life. A nurse at VCU Medical Center, where Kornacki’s father is being treated, was so moved by the story that she contacted the local television station.
“It’s my dad,” Kornacki said, noting she doesn’t think she deserves the attention. “I would do anything for him.”
Instead she hopes to turn the new-found media attention from her own inspiring story to the importance of CPR.
“I’m trying to get people to realize CPR is such an important thing to know,” she said.
Now in her sixth year as a lifeguard, Kornacki has taken CPR training at least five times, including once last semester as part of her job as an intramural supervisor in the UMW campus recreation office.
All intramural supervisors are required to have current certifications in first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillators (AED), Director of Campus Recreation Mark Mermelstein, said.
“It’s so important for our programs because situations do happen and you have to know that our staff is prepared to handle them,” he said. “Lauren is a prime example.”
“We take pride in her work for campus recreation, but that means nothing compared to what she just did for her dad,” he said.
Lauren Kornacki ’12 played center for the UMW women’s basketball team for three years
A physics major, Kornacki spent three years as a center for the UMW basketball team.
“Lauren is such a great young woman,” said Deena Appleberry, women’s basketball coach. “She’s the type of person who thinks on her feet. It doesn’t surprise me at all that she would make the right decision in a minute or less. She’s so courageous and heroic.”
Kornacki encourages everyone to have a familiarity with CPR, since as in her case situations often arise without warning. In fact, she said her family members intend to take refresher courses as soon as her dad is out of the hospital.
She said her family is grateful for the community’s outpouring of support since the accident.
“My former classmates, roommates and teammates have been checking on us,” she said. “Knowing those people are there for us is unbelievable.”
Christina Eggenberger Chosen for Leadership Program
Christina Eggenberger, director of service in the Center for Honor, Leadership and Service, has been chosen for the sixth class of the Leadership Fredericksburg program. Eggenberger is one of 30 participants in the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s nine-month leadership program. This year’s class will begin September 21.
The program, started in 2008, teaches participants about the businesses, issues, government, history, resources and challenges that impact the economic and community dynamics of the Fredericksburg region.
For more information about the program, visit http://www.fredericksburgchamber.org/leadership/index.htm.
Michael Morley Named Excellent Eagle Employee
Congratulations to Michael Morley, office manager in the department of music and manager of the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra, who has been selected as an Excellent Eagle Employee for the month of August. A parking spot of his choosing has been reserved for him until the end of the month.
Here is what one of his co-workers said about him:
“Michael is the department’s ‘go to’ guy. He wears many hats and does so cheerfully, efficiently, and effectively. Michael continually displays a positive, can-do attitude. Never one to say no, he just digs in and finds a way to make things happen. He’s outstanding in all of his regular job requirements and never hesitates to lend assistance in situations that fall outside of his job description.
Michael is often the first impression students, parents and community members have of the music department. More than once I’ve been in the office while Michael is fielding a call from community members inquiring about an upcoming concert. He is knowledgeable, patient, and generous with the attention he gives each caller.”
To nominate someone who you believe is an Excellent Eagle Employee, send an email to Priscilla Sullivan (psulliva@umw.edu) with Excellent Eagle Employee in the subject Line. In your email, be sure to list the person’s name, department, work location (with the most convenient parking lot), and of course, the reason why you believe they should be recognized. Please spread the word to other employees about this wonderful opportunity to recognize a co-worker(s).
Daniel Preston Presents at Conference in London
Daniel Preston, editor of the Papers of James Monroe, presented a paper entitled “Sectional Reconciliation in the Aftermath of the War of 1812: James Monroe in New England, 1817” at the conference “The War of 1812: Myth and Memory, History and Historiography,” held at the University of London July 12 to 14. Preston also attended conferences this summer in Edinburgh, Scotland and Baltimore, Md.
Superhero Daughter Lifts Car Off Dad (ABC News)
Jim Groom Talks Tech with Chronicle of Higher Education and Wired.com
Jim Groom, director of the Division of Teaching and Learning Technologies, is featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s first e-book “Rebooting the Academy: 12 Tech Innovators Who Are Transforming Campuses.” The Chronicle announced the book in its article “The Chronicle Releases Its First E-Book: ‘Rebooting the Academy’” on Wednesday, July 25.
Groom also is featured in the article “A Domain of One’s Own” on Wired.com.
Chris Kilmartin to be Featured on Public Radio Program
During an interview on the “With Good Reason” public radio program, Chris Kilmartin, professor of psychology, examines how anti-feminine taunts reinforce the fiction that men are sexually indiscriminate. The interview originally aired in July 2011 on public radio stations across Virginia.
The interview will be re-aired beginning Saturday, August 18 on several Virginia public radio stations, as well as stations across the U.S. The segment, “Real Men,” also is available online at http://withgoodreasonradio.org/2012/08/real-men-2/.