March 2012 E-Cat

Why does cancer behave the way it does?

Cancer is more than a disease to Anne Kruchten, associate professor of biology. She considers it from an analytical, clinical and scientific perspective, but at the end of the day, it is personal. She is driven by the need to understand why her brother died in his early 20s of a rare form of bone cancer and what can be done to stop it. Since joining the Linfield faculty in 2006, Kruchten has shared her fascination with science with her students. One way she does that is by including students in her research about cancer cells. Watch a short interview with Kruchten and read her story in Linfield Magazine, page 18, to learn about her research and teaching.

Telling it like it is, blogger style

Our bloggers are growing up. Since arriving on campus as freshmen, Rachel Codd ’13 and Crystal Galarza ’13 have been sharing their views of college life on a Linfield College blog. From homesickness to challenging classes to the food in Dillin Hall to their study abroad experiences, the two are telling it like it is as they prepare to enter their senior year. Read their posts online.

Heading to Hawaii

Linfield is hosting an event for alumni and friends on Oahu. Meet President Thomas L. Hellie and staff members Lisa Knodle-Bragiel '85, Debbie (Hansen) Harmon '90 and Doug Hire '87 from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu. Hear all the latest news from Linfield and connect with fellow and future Wildcats. Parking is complimentary and there is no cost to attend the event. Register online.

Invest in the future of healthcare

Meet Eric, Linfield’s simulation lab manikin, who has served the Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing since 2005. After going through 5,000 simulations and working with 1,000 students, it is Eric's time to retire. A new high-fidelity manikin is needed to ensure Linfield students have access to innovative and experiential learning. Our goal is to raise $50,000 this spring to replace Eric. Watch a video to learn more about this important initiative.

Linfield honored at Oregon Sports Awards

Linfield’s national champion softball team was among seven recipients of the 2011 George Pasero Team of the Year award, presented at the annual Oregon Sports Awards in February. The best team in the history of Linfield softball, the 2011 Wildcats won a NCAA-record 51 games and hit a record-setting 103 home runs on their way to the Division III national title. What’s more, the team GPA of 3.4 is one of the top 20 in the country. Read more online.

Five future Wildcats earn Alumni Scholarships

Over 40 prospective students applied for Alumni Scholarships, making the selection process both enjoyable and challenging for the scholarship committee. This year’s recipients are Gregory Przedpelski of Louisville, Colo., brother of Alexander Przedpelski ’12; Molly Hover of Bend, daughter of DCE student Margaret Hover; Joseph Urness of Springfield, brother of Emily Urness ’11; Nicole Hurner of Portland, daughter of Ronald Hurner ’85; and Melanie Palmer of Boring, daughter of Michael Palmer ’88. Read more about the scholarship and its purpose. Make a gift to enhance the fund thus enabling the committee to provide even more scholarships in the future.

That sounds like Linfield

Are you tired of having the same ringtone? If so, you are in luck! Members of the Linfield Pep Band recorded versions of the alma mater and the Linfield fight song, and we have turned them into ringtones. Visit the Linfield website to download your ringtone for the iPhone or as an MP3 for other phones.

Recognizing alumni and friends

The Alumni Leadership Council selects award recipients who will be honored during homecoming. Awards include Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Alumni Service Award and Outstanding Young Alumnus. The ALC may also present the Walker Service Award, given to a non-alumnus who has provided outstanding service to the college. If you know of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their profession or someone who has provided service to Linfield, nominate them by May 15.

Calendar of events

Wednesday, April 4 – Choir home concert, 7:30 p.m., Ice Auditorium
Thursday, April 5 – Samuel Yamashita, "Wartime Japan and its Discontents," 7:30 p.m., Ice Auditorium
Wednesday, April 11 – Faculty lecture, Patrick Cottrell, 7 p.m., 201 Riley Hall
April 12-15, 19-21 – Theatre "Dead Man's Cell Phone," Marshall Theatre
Sunday, April 15 – Faculty recital, Sherill Roberts, 7:30 p.m., Bull Music Center
Monday, April 16 – Michael Barnett, “Empire of Humanity: A History of Humanitarianism,” 7 p.m., Ice Auditorium
Tuesday, April 17 – David Wolman, “Digital Dissidents: Inside Egypt’s Youth Movement, 2008-2012,” 7 p.m., Ice Auditorium
Wednesday, April 18 – Brittney Corrigan poetry reading, 7:30 p.m., Nicholson Library
Tuesday, April 24 – Band concert, 7:30 p.m., Ice Auditorium
Tuesday, April 24 – David Price, “Weaponizing Anthropology: Social Science in Service of the Militarized State,” 7 p.m., 201 Riley Hall
Thursday, April 26 – Nobel Laureate Symposium featuring Eric Maskin, winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics, 7:30 p.m., Ice Auditorium

Seen on campus

Linfield is aging gracefully. Check out a photo slideshow from the Happy Birthday Linfield celebration – 154 years and counting!