Edgewood College

Edgewood College

Edgewood College Seal
Motto	Heart Speaks to Heart Cor ad Cor Loquitur
Type	Private
Established	1927
President	Daniel J. Carey
Academic staff	150
Undergraduates	2,000
Postgraduates	500
Location	Madison , Wisconsin , USA
Campus	Urban, 55 acres (222,577 m²)
Athletics	14 varsity sports teams (NCAA Division III
Mascot	Eddie the Eagle
Website	www.edgewood.edu

Edgewood College is a small Dominican Catholic liberal arts college in Madison, Wisconsin, in the Diocese of Madison. Overlooking the shores of Lake Wingra, it occupies 55 acres (223,000 m²) on Madison's near-west side. The Edgewood College estate was bought and built in 1855 by Mr. Ashmead from Governor Leonard J. Farwell. The land was later developed by Samuel Marshall, who loved the beauty of the Edgewood villa. He beautified the land by planting trees, formal gardens, and climbing grapevines on trellises. The Edgewood villa was passed from Marshall to Governor Cadwallader Colden Washburn in 1873. After Washburn bought Edgewood villa, he made it his home to help further his political career. Being a man who lived by the motto “stick and hang,” Cadwallader Washburn donated his Edgewood property to the Dominican Sisters as a gift for educational purposes. Mother Mary Emily Power was the one who accepted the gift of the property. In September 1881, advertisements were placed in local newspapers letting it be known that St. Regina Academy -- then a private boarding school for girls -- was open. The school eventually accommodated all grades, kindergarten through college; the latter was founded by three Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin: Mother M. Samuel, Sister M. Thomas Aquinas, and Sister M. Grace. Many Dominican Sisters still live near the campus and participate in its activities. Thanks to the land grant, Edgewood College currently shares grounds with Edgewood High School, Edgewood Campus School, and the Edgewood Nursery School.

The college has an art therapy program and has strong nursing, educational and business tracks. It prides itself on its service to the vocational community, with recent 2005 press releases touting refresher courses for IT professionals. However, it also serves a broader undergraduate liberal arts agenda.

In 2005, the student newspaper (On the Edge) had finalists in the Associated Press Collegiate Story of the Year contest for their investigative work, having produced several stories which prompted rapid policy changes in response. Jack Vitek is the paper's current adviser.

Main article: History of Edgewood College

Founding

In 1927, the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters founded Edgewood College as a school of higher learning for Catholic women in the Madison area.[1] The new addition was then the third member of the Edgewood campus complex, which had evolved from 1881's St. Regina Academy.[2]

The Academy was founded when former Wisconsin Governor Cadwallader C. Washburn donated the 55 acre estate to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa; he had lost a recent campaign and knew his health was declining, and his daughter had declined the offer of the property due to a disinclination to live in "the west." There are also accounts of Washburn offering Edgewood to the city of Madison, the University of Madison, and the state of Wisconsin.

The property, which at that time consisted of a single villa, was first opened as a school under the name St. Regina Academy in September, 1881. On September 15, 1881, the first 16 boarding and day students were welcomed. During the first years boarding tuition was $165 per year and music lessons were an additional eight to twelve dollars per quarter.

In 1893, due to increased growth, construction of a new building (including a granite cornerstone inscribed with the word "Veritas," meaning "truth") was undertaken. Shortly after its completion, on the night of November 16th, a devastating fire took the lives of three of the youngest children attending Regina Academy. Along with the lives lost in the fire, the villa and a nearly completed new building were also destroyed. The future of the school was in doubt after this fatal fire, but the Sisters were determined to “stick and hang”. A benefit concert was quickly organized by friends of the Dominican Sisters at the Fuller Opera House on the Capitol Square the night of November 28; the success of the benefit inspired the Sisters to rebuild at once.

Rebuilding started in 1894, at a cost of $36,719. The new school, now called Sacred Heart Academy, admitted its first 40 students on September 5th, 1894 (Paynter 1,21,23,26). The campus was subsequently expanded to include a high school and an elementary school. On April 6, 1927, three Dominican Sisters first approached the President of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and requested his support through the academic recognition of a junior college for women in Madison.[3] On May 2, 1927, the Sisters got approval for the college bulletin. Student enrollment continued to increase, making it necessary to construct a new building. Ground was broken for the new building on November 4, 1925, and the building was completed on February 23, 1927.

On July 12, 1927, the first matriculation fee was received from Oregon, Wisconsin. On September 4, 1927, Sacred Heart Academy reopened as Edgewood Junior College. Sister Grace James was appointed as the first prioress and principal; each prioress was nominally also the “president” of the college. Another Sister who was more closely connected with daily instructions was Sister Marie Aileen Klein, who was the first dean of Edgewood College (in addition to teaching English, speech and German.)[6]

The Junior College 1927-1940

Edgewood Junior College opened September 4th, 1927, with the enrollment of twelve women. Mathematics, English, art history, music, philosophy, speech, religion, biology, French, Latin, Greek, and German were offered. Tuition was less than $600 a year (Paynter 31,32) (Gilligan 39). Opening as a college allowed the school to grant diplomas, degrees and distinctions for proficiency in the arts and sciences. As a junior college, Edgewood offered a two-year program strong in the liberal arts. The second year saw fourteen girls enrolled as freshmen and eight as sophomores. In the next decade, the enrollments averaged about thirty students each year and change came slowly due to America's Great Depression. During the period of 1927-1940, the development of Edgewood College was closely connected to the high school, as the organizations shared facilities, services, and faculties.

In 1938, a west wing containing a gymnasium and cafeteria was added to the high school building. The old gymnasium was converted to an auditorium to hold more students’ activities.[7]

The Senior College 1940-1949

Thirteen years after Edgewood Academy became Edgewood Junior College in 1940, Edgewood became a senior four-year college. Edgewood College started its first four-year baccalaureate program at the recommendation of Sister Mary De Ricci. In 1941, a team of University professors and representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction evaluated the college, granting one year approval for the college to award Bachelor of Science in Education degrees in 1942.[9] During the spring of 1942, Edgewood College received accreditation from the University of Wisconsin; in June of the same year, the first 25 students received their Bachelor of Science in Education degrees.

However, the senior college grew slowly and only attracted a few young women to its four-year program. The College saw an influx of older students; many Dominican Sisters, for example, chose to earn degrees in elementary education. On the other hand, the college’s summer sessions attracted many students every August, climaxing in the summers of 1943 and 1944 with the presence of the world-renowned musician Nadia Boulanger of the Ecole Normale in Paris.[10] In 1948 the first international students were enrolled: two from Shanghai, China; one from Cali, Colombia; and one from Arequipa, Peru. The first two African-American students were admitted in the 1949-50 school year. (The first African-American faculty member, Sharon Wexler, was hired in 1956.)

A greater college 1950-1968

In August 1950, Sister Mary Nona McGreal was appointed as the new president of the college and prioress of the Sisters. During her presidency, a new academic criterion was adopted in 1950-1951: seniors were administered the Graduate Record examinations and sophomores a series of tests from the American Council on Education. Several campus organizations, including Kappa Gamma Pi, the national Catholic Honor and Activity Society, were also established in 1951. Meanwhile, more students with different backgrounds and cultures were starting to enroll in the College: three black students were enrolled in 1951; then a Vietnamese student enrolled, followed by Hondurans, Germans, and Columbians. Additionally, the college began in 1951 to assist in students’ preparation as teachers of Saturday classes to involve them in catechetical instruction in the parishes of the Diocese. Edgewood's chorus also formed a broadcast choir to present live programs for the Madison Catholic Hour.

With the efforts of Sister Nona and her colleagues, the college began to receive its share for the first time in 1954 from the Wisconsin Foundation of Independent Colleges (later the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities(WAICU)), where Sister Nona held the presidency from 1966 to 1968. The fund allowed Edgewood to expand campus space for academy and students’ activities. Edgewood was still steadily expanding, adding new buildings and extensions through the support of congregations, alumni, and other donors. Edgewood Campus School, designed from the start as a grade school, was built during this period. In 1955, a new addition (“Marshall Junior”) was built to adjoin the east and south sides of Marshall Hall. Mazzuchelli Biological Station was completed on the shores of Lake Wingra in 1956.

The College held membership in the Council for the Advancement of Small Colleges (CASC) to collaborate with other colleges on a national level. In 1959, Edgewood joined the Association of American Colleges, which further enhanced its opportunities for accreditation. Two years later, the College was recognized by the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); this was finally formalized in May of 1962.

In 1950, there were 84 full time students and a total enrollment of 142. In 1966, there were 744 full time students, and a total enrollment of 1,067. The faculty profile also changed from an almost exclusive roster of Dominican Sisters to a considerably more diverse assortment. In 1954, for the first time, the college faculty was officially separated from the high school faculty. In 1955, there were 12 full-time faculty; there were 67 faculty ten years later.[11][12]

Turbulent Years 1968-1977

In February 1968, Sister Cecilia was appointed as the new president. She and her committee planned and adopted a new curriculum: reduced the semester hours required for graduation from 128 to 120; changed courses on two-credit and four-credit basis; and revised a core of requirements for humanities, natural sciences, social science, religious studies and studio arts. In the next year, a continuing education program in day and evening schedules was begun and quickly grew from fewer than 100 students to over 500 in 1977.

In the winter of 1970, a huge decision was made. Edgewood College decided that it would operate more effectively if it were co-ed. This helped increase enrollment and strongly increased sports participation.

Meanwhile, the Associate of Arts two-year program was re-instated in 1974. The Educational Development Committee of the College proposed a Human Issues program in 1975, requiring students to complete a "human issues experience" before qualifying for graduation. [11][12]

Transition Years 1977-1987

During the presidency of Sister Alice O’Rourke, Edgewood faced numerous challenges including the declining enrollment of traditional-age college students, cost increases, etc. To alleviate the financial burden, the college initiated a significant fund-raising program in the late seventies to celebrate the campus centennial year 1981 (campaign "Edgewood Century II"). Meanwhile, the nursing program received $146,800 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement its first year project. $61,000 was granted by the National Science Foundation to strengthen the undergraduate science education in the same year.

In 1979, some new programs began: a baccalaureate program in nursing, a weekend degree program for business majors, a "Communication Skills" component of the new general education requirements, and an "Education for Parish Service" by the Religious Studies department. Even though the college had extremely low enrollment figures of only 479 in 1978-1979, enrollment was up to 667 in 1982 as the new programs began. In December 1983, a baccalaureate program in nursing was accredited by the National League of Nursing. In 1985, faculty members formalized a new interdisciplinary academic program when the Women's Studies minor was approved. In the same year, the Business Department was offered a Master’s degree program by the North Central Association due to deficiency of budgets and faculties for other majors; the North Central Association formally approved Master’s degree programs in business, education, and religious studies in 1986. [11][12]

In 1983, Sister Mary Ewens became the president of Edgewood College. She set up a five-year budgeting planning committee to deal with budget deficits, causing the elimination of the position of the Human Issues director, the athletic director, the inter-collegiate department program, and all theater courses and student productions. Over the next few years, the college received many sustaining gifts and donations from companies and foundations; the largest donation of $50,000 came from the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation in 1985.

Building Boom 1988-2002

In 1988, for the first time in the school’s history, a president was selected who was neither female nor a Dominican Sister: James Ebben. In his first year of his tenure, the gym was renovated to meet minimum requirements for capacity and court length, and renamed the Todd Wehr Edgedome to honor its primary donor; this coincided with plans by Steve Larson, who had become athletic director in 1986, to rebuild the college's athletic program. At the same time, relationships with neighborhood associations, the community and the other Edgewood schools were gradually established or restored.

With a grant from the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation, Weber Hall reconstruction began in 1990. Weber Hall was first constructed in the mid-1960s. With construction of this new hall, the college required a new road to allow people to get to Edgewood Campus; in response, they created Pleasure Drive along Lake Wingra, a scenic lakeshore drive connecting Edgewood to Vilas. The drive allowed parents to drop their kids off and pick up their kids from the Campus School, greatly reducing traffic on other side streets. In 1994, a newly constructed resident hall was dedicated to Sister Marie Stephen Reges. Also called “Stevie” Hall, this was the first new residence hall constructed since Weber Hall in the 1960s.

Library construction also began in 1999. The library was granted with a gorgeous reading and reference area with many windows looking out over the campus and Lake Wingra. Included were stacks of books, offices, Bernadine Clapp Archives, a computer lab, and classrooms.

In May 1997, Edgewood received a conditional use permit that included not only a multi-story science building but also a parking structure, a new main entrance to campus, and reconstructed athletic fields. Construction of the Sonderegger Science Center began mere months later and was completed in 1999; the Sonderegger family and the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation had donated $3,000,000 to Edgewood for its construction. (The Sonderegger building is also unique in that it was intended to be used by the college, high school, and grade school as a shared science facility.) Two months after the Sonderegger Science Center was dedicated, the Henry J. Predolin Humanities Center was dedicated.

Meanwhile, multiple efforts raised the retention rate from 62% in 1994 to 75% in 2001, when the-full time students numbered 1217. The demographics of the student body also changed dramatically: the proportion of Roman Catholics among the students was 88% in 1958, but only 38% in 2001. The number of international students peaked in 1997, with 116 individuals from 30 countries on campus. The college strengthened its international ties by visiting countries in Asia with the support of national funding. In 2001, Judith Wimmer (then the Academic Dean) traveled to Vajiravudh College in Thailand.

Additional Master's degree programs were approved in the fields of Nursing Administration and Marriage and Family Therapy by the North Central Association in 1994. In 1996, Edgewood College received unconditional approval for the development of new programs at the Master’s level. In 1999, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education also accredited the nursing programs. Two programs (Honors program and the Challenge program) targeting the needs of specific groups of students were developed during the late 1980s.

The college’s new undergraduate degree program (the Bachelor of Business Administration degree) began in the fall of 2002. [11][12]

Edgewood College Today 2002-Present

As of Fall 2007, Edgewood has an enrollment of 2400, with 1900 undergraduates and 500 graduate students. It offers more than 40 majors and 32 minors, plus a number of individualized programs.[13] Students are also able to attend classes at the University Of Wisconsin through a collaborative program.

Athletics

Sports are a big part of any college. Sports have a way of bringing people together to support their schools and to show their team spirit. Edgewood College offers many different sports for both men and women. Women's athletics at Edgewood College first began in 1975. They were in the Wisconsin Independent Colleges Women’s Athletic Conference (WIC-WAC). The men’s athletic teams were first in the Wisconsin Conference of Independent Colleges in 1974. In 1981, the conference administrators wanted to change the name for the conference and decided on the Lake Michigan Conference. The Lake Michigan men’s programs and the WIC-WAC women’s programs wanted to exist in the same conference. In the 1989-90 all the members left of the WIC-WAC women’s conference joined the Lake Michigan Conference. (lakemichiganconference.org)

In the Lake Michigan Conference, Edgewood won 35 conference titles. The men’s athletics won 8 conference titles; men’s basketball in 1991-92, 1992-93, 2000-01, men’s golf in 2005, men’s soccer in 1996 and 2000, and baseball in 2005 and 2006. The women’s athletics won 27 conference titles; women’s basketball in 1991-92, 1992-93, 2000-01, 2004-05, women’s cross country in 2003, women’s soccer in 1994-2000 and 2005, softball in 1994, 1996, 2005, 2006, women’s golf in 1999 and 2004, women’s tennis in 1991-97 and 2000, and volleyball 1994 and 1996.

The 2005-06 was the last year of the Lake Michigan Conference. In 2006, all Lake Michigan conference members joined the newly created Northern Athletics Conference. The Northern Athletic Conference consists of 13 colleges and universities; Alverno College, Aurora University, Benedictine University, Concordia University Chicago, Concordia University Wisconsin, Dominican University, Edgewood College, Lakeland College, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Marian College, Rockford College, Wisconsin Lutheran College, and Milwaukee School of Engineering. The Northern Athletics Conference is an NCAA Division III member conference. (northenathleticsconf.com)

Today the sport areas for the teams at Edgewood consist of the Todd Wehr Edgedome – Volleyball and basketball, Breese Stevens Field, Madison – Soccer, Yahara Golf Course, Madison - Women's Golf / The Oaks Golf Course - Men's Golf, McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg- Tennis, McGaw Park, Fitchburg – Softball, and Stampfl Field, Verona – Baseball” (About Edgewood College Athletics, 1). Edgewood’s athletic affiliations are NCAA Division III (NCAA III); Northern Athletics Conference (NAC).

Academics

Edgewood College is a small liberal arts college in Madison, Wisconsin, just a few blocks south of the University of Wisconsin. The college provides a long list of majors and minors, specializing in education, business, and nursing. The college is also affiliated with the University of Wisconsin system, which allows Edgewood students to take classes Edgewood does not offer. Edgewood also has a strong graduate program; many of its classes are held at an off-site campus located just a few miles west of the main campus. The college also offers many international study and internship programs.

The academics for Edgewood College are based on the Dominican tradition. Veritas, which means truth, and Caritas, which means unselfish love, are the basis for the Dominican tradition. Edgewood’s mission is to give students values of truth, compassion, justice, and partnership (Dominican Tradition). Edgewood belongs to over 30 associations, all of which can be found on the college’s website, and it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (Accreditation and Memberships). Edgewood’s business program is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (Accreditation and Memberships). Its nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) which is also approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing (Accreditation and Memberships). Teaching and administration programs at Edgewood are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (Accreditation and Memberships).

Degree Programs Include:

MAJORS:

• Accounting
• Art
• Art and Design Teaching
• Art Therapy
• Biology
• Biology Teaching
• Broad Field Natural Science
• Broad Field Science Teaching
• Broad Field Social Studies (with concentrations in: History, History with Teaching Minor, Economics, Political Science and Sociology/Anthropology)
• Business (with concentrations in: Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing and General Business)
• Business/Computer Info. Systems
• Business Teaching
• Chemistry
• Chemistry Teaching
• Child Life
• Communication Studies
• Computer Information Systems
• Computer Science Teaching
• Criminal Justice
• Cytotechnology
• Early Childhood Education
• Economics
• Elementary Education
• English (with concentrations in: Journalism, Literature and Writing)
• English Teaching
• French
• French Teaching
• Graphic Design
• History
• International Relations
• Mathematics
• Mathematics Teaching
• Music
• Music with Business Emphasis
• Music Education
• Natural Science/Mathematics w/ Pre-Engineering
• Nursing
• Political Science
• Psychology (with concentrations in: Human Services, Clinical/Counseling and Substance Abuse)
• Religious Studies (with concentrations in: Biblical Studies, Pre-Theological Studies and Religious Studies Teaching)
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Spanish Teaching
• Studies in Education
• Theatre Arts
• Theatre Arts Teaching

MINORS:

• Art
• Biology
• Biology Teaching
• Business
• Chemistry
• Chemistry Teaching
• Communication Studies
• Computer Information Systems
• Computer Science
• Computer Science Teaching
• Economics
• Elem./M.S. Mathematics Teaching
• English (with concentrations in: Literature and Writing)
• English/Comm. Studies/Theatre Arts
• English Teaching
• Environmental Studies
• Ethnic Studies
• French
• French Teaching
• French for Elementary Education
• History
• History Teaching
• Mathematics
• Mathematics Teaching
• Music
• Natural Science Teaching
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Religious Studies Teaching
• Science Education
• Secondary Education
• Social Studies Teaching
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Spanish Teaching
• Spanish for Elementary Education
• Teaching English Language Learners
• Theatre Arts
• Theatre Arts Teaching
• Women's and Gender Studies

The Collaborative program is a program in which Edgewood offers the option for students to take classes that apply to their major through the University of Madison Wisconsin. Edgewood will also allow these credits and grades to appear on the students Edgewood transcript. This program does have some requirements for students to eligible above and beyond what has already been stated, students must have paid money hungry Edgewood to be eligible, also students must have an academically solid standing. Students taking advantage of this program are able to take one class per semester at the University and are not allowed to take more than five credits during the year from the University.

Edgewood College grades all their courses on a unique grading scale which provides “curves” to the system. Each course can be graded on a pass of fail basis or a letter grade scale. The letter grade scale consists of grades A-F followed by incomplete grades F*-NR. Each grade A-F can be given on a ½ scale level. An example of this would be if a student were to be in-between an A and a B they then would receive a point and a half, or an A/B.

In order for the students to qualify for the graduate program they must complete certain expectations by Edgewood College. All students obtain at least a 2.75 accumulative grade point average based on a 4.0 scale, hold either a junior or senior status as an undergraduate, previously completed all prerequisites for the graduate course, completed English 110 and CA 101 or other equivalent, and receive the consent from their graduate course instructor. These all must be complete prior to a student being accepted into the Graduate Program.

Admissions and Degree Requirements

Advising at Edgewood College is extremely important aspect that is offered. The minute students step foot into Edgewood College they being working with an academic advisor. They help students clarify their careers and the proper classes to take. The majority of the advisors are usually faculty members whom are associated with that student’s major choice. When students sign up for classes they must meet with their academic advisor to make sure that they are signing up for the appropriate classes. The office of the Academic Dean organizes the advising department. Along with online resources students have the ability to contact this office with questions. Even though students have an advisor they must remember that they are responsible for themselves in taking the correct classes and fulfilling the graduation requirements for their specific major. Freshmen at Edgewood College are required to take a forum class. This class is lead by the student’s advisor. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 42)

While enrolled at Edgewood College students are expected to follow the academic honesty policy. Every student should have the honesty to not turn in work that isn’t his or her own. In order to make sure these standards are followed Edgewood created this policy. Plagiarism is taken very serious. If caught students can receive an F on the assignment or even fail the entire class. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 42) Attendance is extremely important, some classes more than others. It is a student’s responsibility to come to class. They are responsible for any work missed. If a student is unable to attend a class they should contact their teacher about their absence usually before it occurs. If a student does not attend a class they have been enrolled in and has not withdrawn the class will receive an F for that class. Not attending does not amount to a withdrawal. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 43)

The number of credits a student has earned classifies their grade. Freshmen are those who come to Edgewood with entrance requirements. Sophomores have 28 semester hours of credits. Juniors have 60 semester hours and seniors have 90 semester hours. A person with a Limited or Non-Degree is one who doesn’t wish to enroll. A full-time student has 12-17 credits per semester. It is very rare to have 18 or more and should only be taken for special circumstances along with being approved the Dean of students. A student averaging 15 credits The grade point average is calculated by dividing the students total number of grade points by the number of credits he or she has attempted that semester. A full time student who earns a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.75 is eligible to be on the Dean’s list after completing 24 credit hours at Edgewood College. This student must also not have any “incompletes” or “NR.” Students can be awarded the Semester Honors if they have at least 12 credit hours at Edgewood College along not having any “incompletes” or “NR.” The required cumulative GPA is at least at 3.50. In order to be in the good academic standing the student must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.00 with no “incompletes” or “NR.” (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 48, 50)

Edgewood College has a very helpful agreement with UW-Madison called the Collaborative Program. Edgewood students are allowed the opportunity to take a course at UW-Madison if it is not offered at Edgewood. This program is available to full-time students who have completed at least on semester at Edgewood College. Each semester a student is allowed to take one class. Fees are postponed to Edgewood until the time of UW-Madison registration. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 51)

Undergraduate students at Edgewood can be admitted to graduate courses under the following conditions: 1. The student has a cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. 2. The student holds junior or senior status as an undergraduate. 3. The student has completed all prerequisites for the graduate course. 4. The student has completed English 110 and CA 101, or their equivalents. 5. The student has the consent of the instructor in the graduate course (for MFT courses, the consent of the director of the Marriage and Family Therapy program). 6. There is space available in the course after all graduate registrants for the course have been accommodated. 7. The student’s credit load does not exceed 16 credits during the semester of enrollment in the graduate course. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 53)

The Honors Program is for the motivated students of Edgewood College who want the opportunity to learn in and out of the classroom. The Honors Program pushes students to exceed above normal expectations. An active roll is expected in the development of their honors classes in and outside of the classroom. In order to be part of the Honors Program a student must meet these requirements: 1. Complete at least five course designated “Honors.” 2. Take and advanced section of English 110 College Writing. 3. Participate in an approved extracurricular event during each semester and write a reflective report. 4. Complete an “Honors Scholarship Contract” in an upper-level major or minor course. 5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3. 6. A minimum of a high school GPA of 3.5. 7. A minimum ACT composite score of 25. 8. Rank in the top 15% of high school graduating class. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 54)

Once a student has completed 48 credits toward his or her degree they are eligible to take independent study courses. These courses are based on the individual’s research. A student may take one course every semester and may not surpass 3 credits per course. The foundation classes cannot be completed through an independent study course. In order to sign up for an independent student the student must fill out a form with their directing professor. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 55)

At Edgewood College a student is required to take Foundation of Human Learning courses. These consist of Literature, History and Appreciation of the Fine Arts, Fine Arts Studio Experience, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. These courses are meant to gain knowledge to be able to use logic and language effectively. They also educate students by providing foundation skills and learning disciplines that they can use throughout the rest of their lives. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 56)

The average credit requirement in order to graduate is 120 credit hours. Some minors may require more. For example the nursing program requires students to have 128 credit hours. A minimum of a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is also required. In order to have residency a student must have 32 credits. (Undergraduate Catalog pg. 57)

Oscar Rennebohm Library

Edgewood College is home to the Oscar Rennebohm Library. This 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m²) structure was built in the early 1990's and over looks Lake Wingra. The library serves as the main provider for research and information for the students and staff. Oscar Rennebohm Library has a collection of over 120,000 books, newspapers, videos, journals, microforms, music, computer software and K-12 curriculum materials (Undergraduate Catalogue). Edgewood’s Library website gives students access to over 12,000 full text journals, electronic book collections, and other online article databases which are accessible to both students and staff (Undergraduate Catalogue). Edgewood students also have the privilege of using the University of Wisconsin library and the Madison Library System because of arrangements between the school and Edgewood College (Undergraduate Catalogue).

The Edgewood College crest/seal

The official crest/seal of Edgewood College is directly related to the Dominican Order, as its background is formed by the black and white shield of the Dominican Order. Three ancient symbols appear on the shield's surface that mean or stand for:Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit of Truth and Love; Giver of Life. See the official Edgewood College Seal Website: Edgewood College Seal/Crest

Campus

Edgewood College features a wide variety of resources on its campus all located within earshot of each other. Class sizes are generally small as 75% enroll less than 20 students. The average class size of 15 encourages a more personalized student/teacher relationship (“Fast Facts”). The low key environment and small amount of students contributes to the school’s goal in creating a tightly knit community or family on campus. Several events are offered to students throughout the year such as Brewer games, Friday After Class (FAC), cook-offs, Mazzachelli Fest, and holiday parties to promote that tightly knit community (“Student Life”). Students and faculty are kept informed of events and issues by the campus newspaper On the Edge. On the Edge is part of the many clubs at Edgewood College and is published every three weeks throughout the academic year. The publication has received national recognition in the past and is headed by Jack Vitek, faculty advisor and professor (“Clubs and Organizations”). Edgewood has a variety of housing choices, both on campus and off. The newly constructed Dominican Hall of 2007, named after Edgewood’s Dominican Mission and Tradition, houses students in singles and double suites. Each floor provides students with a kitchen, several lounges, a public bathroom, flat screens, and computers. All suites include cable, wireless/hardwire internet, furniture, bathroom, and in some cases living rooms. Edgewood offers both co-educational, as in Dominican, and all girls’ singles in Regina Hall (“Campus Map”). Marshall and Marie Stephen Reges Hall, “Stevie’s,” are two alternative possibilities for on campus co-educational living that include most amenities in which the newer Dominican Hall is privileged. Marie Stephen Reges was a Dominican Sister and professor at Edgewood College whom lived in residence halls for 25 years. Marshall Hall is the oldest building on campus and is located on the hillside, with Dominican, overlooking the rest of campus. The hall was erected in the later part of the 19th century and later renovated into living quarters for the expanding population of students at Edgewood (“Campus Map”). The building was eventually dedicated and named after Samuel Marshall and his daughter Elizabeth (Gilligan, 41). Edgewood also offers off-campus living in apartment buildings such as the The Regent on Regent Street and local houses owned by Edgewood College in surrounding areas. The Regent includes several amenities such as a fitness center, billiards, volleyball courts, kitchens, bathrooms, cable, and internet with an added benefit of no R.A’s but people called Mavericks. The Mavericks help to coordinate activities to help people get to know and meet each other (“The Amenities and Features of the Regent Apartments”). Edgewood also offers the option of living on campus in but a more off campus lifestyle in the Rosewood and Sienna Heights Apartments. The on campus apartments make for a convenient location and a more secluded type of living for the more independent or introverted. Much of on campus living is provided with a beautiful view of the shores of Lake Wingra (“Campus Map”). The campus features the Oscar Rennebohm Library, completed in 1991, which shelves close to 100,000 books and documents. The library has the latest technology including DVD players, projection screens, media rooms, and multi-purpose college ID’s. Edgewood has approximately 140 computers available, most located within the library, that all allow for access to the web via Edgewood’s own network. The network can be utilized in residence halls as there are both hardwire and wireless networks (“Campus Map”). The library is operated primarily by Edgewood students as an option of campus employment to assist in paying for school tuition. Campus employment is offered in the places such as the library, outdoors, and in the kitchen as well (“Student Life”). The two cafés, Phil’s and Wingra, are social areas for students and teachers to eat at or for students to be employed. Meals can be purchased using meal dollars that are purchased with tuition and are accessible by utilizing the multi-purpose Edgewood College ID’s. The cafés, Phil’s and Wingra, have multiple lounges, T.V’s, ping pong tables, billiards, and internet access to entertain waiting, hungry students. The café’s may also be just a place to relax, read or study. Menus present students with options of healthy and vegetarian friendly meals to accommodate for the diverse population (“Food Services”). The newest of the buildings, Henry J. Predolin Humanities Center, was finished in June of 1999 shortly after the $10 million dollar Sonderegger Science center was completed in that same year. Predolin now contains an amphitheatre, several classrooms, offices, and Café Wingra. The addition is an extension into a courtyard adjoining to the original DeRicci Hall built in 1960. DeRicci Hall also contains several faculty offices, the mail center, College Bookstore, and various art galleries as Edgewood has a developed art therapy program (“Campus Map”). Aside from liberal studies, Edgewood also exceeds in many NCAA sanctioned athletic events. On campus sporting events are held at the Todd Wehr Edgedome located roughly in the center of Edgewood Campus. The campus is also shared with the Edgewood Elementary Schools for physical education. The Edgedome is also used for extracurricular, intramural, and sometimes public speakers (“Campus Map”).

Performing Arts

The history of the performing arts started at Edgewood in the early 60’s when the college first had a performance in their Regina Theatre. The title of their first ever play was Riders to the Sea by John Millington Synge. Edgewood College is now celebrating its 44th theatre season; the shows for the 2007-2008 seasons are, Sondheim Tonight, Tartuffe by Jean Batiste Moliere, The Fourth Wall by A. R. Gurney, and Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello Over the four decades that Edgewood college has performed plays and musical some of the most well known have been, Gypsy by Stephan Sondheim, Dead Man Walking by Tim Robbins, The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. The college has also down a number of Shakespearean plays such as; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet (Edgewood Past Productions).

The productions at Edgewood are not just limited to full length plays. Students of the Performing Arts Department direct their own one act play ever other year; through the One Act Play Production class the college offers (Edgewood Course Info). One act plays that have been performed at Edgewood College Regina Theatre have included; Dog Eat Dog by Tim Kelley, Patter for the Floating Lady by Steve Martin, Infancy by Thornton Wilder, and Icarus’s Mother by Sam Sheppard. Edgewood has even been known for performing there own original musicals, written by the current Chair of the Theatre Department, Phil Martin. His most recent original written production has included Brother Can You Spare a Dime and The Edgewood College Story (A Musical) (Edgewood Past Productions).

Edgewood College Performing Arts Department typical does four productions a year, which anyone from the community can audition for. The most recent audition will be held on December 3rd and 4th for both The Fourth Wall and Six Characters in search of an Author (Edgewood Audition). The current Performing Arts staff at Edgewood College include; Phil Martin P.H.D. (Department Chair), Jeanne Leep P.H.D. (Associate Professor), Chris Dunham (Technical Design), Cindy Hansen (Costume design) and Julia Melzer (Faculty Services) (Edgewood Staff). Scholarships are also available through the Performing Arts Department. One of the scholarships that is offered is strictly for incoming freshmen, The Fine Arts Theatre Grant. This Scholarship is worth up to $1,500. The other Scholarships include; The Martie Kaump Award, The Mary Frances Green Murphy Award, and The Sr. Marie Allen Klein Scholarship. The Martie Kaump Award is awarded to an upper-class student alternately from the Communication Studies and Theatre Arts Departments, who has mentored other students and exhibited strong leadership, scholarship, and creativity. Te Mary Frances Green Murphy Award is given to a Theatre Arts major of at least junior standing, who demonstrates an all around excellence in the department. The Sr. Marie Allen Klein Scholarship is awarded to a Theatre Arts major or minor, freshmen or sophomore level that demonstrates exceptional achievement or poetical in the department (Edgewood Scholarships).

The Performing Arts Program at Edgewood College also has two organizations within its Theatre doors. The first one is an Improv group whose goal is to entertain, improve their craft, and have lots of fun along the way, they named the group Wacktastics. The second organization is the student run Theatre Assembly which provides info, resources, and activities benefiting any student who wants to participate in theatre, regardless of what major. The Theatre Assembly group has done events such as; field trips to Chicago, Workshops on Improv, Student Directed stage Productions, The Library Murder Mystery, participating in the ACTF conference, and the annual fall AWTE conference.

Edgewood College Performing Arts Department gives an overall education of the theatre, which includes doing all stage crews possible at the college (stage manger, props, dramaturgy, costumes, make-up, scenery, lights, sound, and box office), also performing in at least one production regardless of what type of theatre major is desired. Also available in the department is a chance to work through the work study program that is offered at the school, either in the Faculty Office or in the Theatre it self. The Major for any of the Theatre options is designed to help direct the student into any direction that would take the student. Also to make them better understand what it all takes to make a production. The minor in the theatre department is one of the smallest minors at the college which is only 18 credits As Phil Martin stated “Our faculty and staff are committed to the collaborative and creative process of theatre, to helping our students prepare to meet the demands of the art and craft of theatre, while at the same time nurturing the whole person for a fulfilling life in today's society.” The entire department focuses on hands on activity and assures incoming freshman that they will be able to participate within their first year of school. Phil Martin also stated that “Over the course of a student's tenure, the Edgewood College Theatre experience presents a diverse program of live theatrical events. Four main stage productions are presented each year, ranging from Greek drama to Shakespeare, from restoration comedy to modern musicals, along with numerous student projects and one-acts. All of this provides students with opportunities to gain valuable performance experience and develop technical skills of designing, stage managing or crewing a production.” Edgewood College is a proud participate in the surrounding Madison community and takes time to help their students to explore many career paths in the performing arts

External links

• Edgewood College website
• Edgewood College Official Athletics website
• [1]
• [2]
• [3]
• Study Abroad program in Rome

References

1. Paynter, Mary O.P. (2002). Phoenix from the Fire: A History of Edgewood College. Madison, WI: Edgewood College. p. 172. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
2. Sister Mary Clare Gilligan, A History of Edgewood, unpublished Master’s thesis (Chicago 1948)
3. Annals of the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Vol.1(1855-1955), Vol.11 (1955-1971)
4. Annals of the Convent of the Sacred Heart (Madison, Wisconsin): P95
5. Bulletin Announcing the Opening of Edgewood Junior College on file in Dean’s Office at Edgewood College) (Sister Barbara Beyenka, A Jubilee History. P5-6
6. Edgewood College Bulletin 1927-1928. “Fifty Years at Edgewood College,” Vol.9 (Spring 1977) 9.
7. Annals of the Convent of the Sacred Heart (Madison, Wisconsin): P99
8. Edgewood College Annals (1962-1963): P36
9. Edgewood College Annals (1940-1941): P205
10. Edgewood College Bulletin 1927-1928. “Fifty Years at Edgewood College,” Vol.9 (Spring 1977) 26
11. Bulletin of Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin, 1947, P.10
12. Sister Barbara Beyenka, A Jubilee History.
13. Edgewood website: http://www.edgewood.edu/aboutec/profile/fast_facts.asp

About Edgewood College Athletics. http://www.edgewoodcollegeeagles.com/info/about/

1. "Dominican Mission." Edgewood College. Edgewood College. 10 Nov. 2007 <http://www.edgewood.edu/dominicanMission/tradition.htm>.
2. "Accreditation and Memberships." Edgewood College. Edgewood College. 10 Nov. 2007 <http://www.edgewood.edu/aboutec/profile/accreditation.htm>.
3. "Undergraduate Catalogue." Edgewood College. Edgewood College. 10 Nov. 2007 <http://www.edgewood.edu/catalogue/AdminPolicy/consideration.htm>.
4. "The William H. Young Center for Global Education." Edgewood College. Edgewood College. 10 Nov. 2007 <http://www.edgewood.edu/studyOpps/studyAbroad/>.
5. “The Amenities and Features of the Regent Apartments” The Regent. Retrieved November 2nd, 2007 from <http://www.theregentapartments.net/amenities.htm>
6. “Edgewood College.” Career Cruising. Retrieved on 28 October 2007 from <http://www.careercruising.com >