Elmira College

Elmira College was pleased to welcome students to the Fall 2021 Term!

On November 13, 2021, Dr. Jim Twombly, Professor of Political Science at Elmira College, presented his latest research into the dynamics of votes in the U.S. Senate on presidential appointments to the Cabinet. At the annual meeting of the Northeastern Political Science Association, held virtually for the second year in a row, Twombly presented his findings that presidential approval ratings are related to the number of votes a president's nominees get during their confirmation by the senate. The paper, " The Rise of Dissent: The Relationship Between Presidential Cabinet Nomination Dissenting Votes and Polarization," also suggested that recent increases in the level of political polarization were related to the increasing number of votes against presidential cabinet nominees. Noting that some nominees face extra scrutiny because of scandal or controversial positions, Twombly concluded "There will always be those occasional circumstances that bring negative attention to a cabinet nominee that cause her or him to withdraw or be withdrawn. Given, however, how rare those events are, it may be better to look more closely at the apparently rising number of dissenting votes on presidential cabinet nominations." Twombly noted that this paper was part of a series of papers he has presented at recent political science conferences and plans for it to serve as the centerpiece for his next book, which, if published, would be his fifth.

Adam J. Horey, a resident of Arlington, Va., has received a $1,000 scholarship from Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) to attend graduate school at Georgetown University. Horey graduated summa cum laude from Elmira College in June 2021 with a double major in history and political science and a minor in American studies. In addition to being a member of ODK, he was also selected for Phi Beta Kappa. Horey was treasurer for the Elmira College Circle (chapter) during his senior year. He completed internships for the New York State Assembly, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, and Berman and Company. These positions helped inform Horey's political science senior thesis on civic education standards in the United States and their effect on democratic participation. In recognition of his academic excellence, he was awarded the Barbara H. Palmer '67 Prize in History by Elmira. Horey is attending Georgetown University pursuing a Master of Arts degree in American government. While continuing his education, he will also serve as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate introductory course in American government. After completing graduate school, Horey plans to work in education policy and is deeply committed to improving civic literacy and efficacy.

Elmira College recently announced this year's recipients of its annual Key Award. This year's award was given to 790 students in 14 states. A tradition that goes back to 1935, the Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school.

Each year, the George Waters Art Gallery exhibits select pieces from current senior students as a part of the annual Senior Show. This year the Senior Show exhibits are online due to COVID-19 restrictions.

During ceremonies prior to Commencement, members of the graduating class were recognized with multiple honors and prizes, including officer commissioning with the United States military.

Elmira College celebrated the graduation of 192 students during its 163rd Commencement on Sunday, June 6 on Carnegie Lawn at the College. The exercises included 169 undergraduate and 23 graduate students.

The annual Elmira College Nurse Pinning Ceremony, held in Gibson Theatre as part of Commencement activities, recognized 60 students who have completed the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

Elmira College celebrated the graduation of 192 students during its 163rd Commencement on Sunday, June 6. The Class of 2021 included 95 honor graduates receiving summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude honors.

Elmira College released its Dean's List for Academic Achievement for students in the Continuing Education Division for the 2020-2021 academic year. Part-time undergraduate students who have, during the current academic year, achieved a grade point average of 3.600 or higher at the end of the Spring Term and who have completed at least twelve graded credits during the current academic year are placed on the Dean's List for the Division of Continuing Education.

The Elmira College Investment Club recently announced this year's winner of the Club's annual virtual trading contest. Over 15 students from a variety of majors participated in the contest which ran from October 1, 2020 to April 31, 2021.

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, recently inducted 26 student members into the Elmira College circle, or chapter.

The Elmira College Epsilon Delta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma recently announced the induction of its new members for 2021. The national honor society recognizes outstanding criminal justice majors and minors.

Each year, the Elmira College Board of Trustees Prize is presented by the Trustees to students whose college experience demonstrates continual growth and development academically, socially, or in service to the College community.

The Daniel J. Lipson Prize is presented to an Elmira College sophomore or junior who excels in performing arts.

The Elmira College CRC Basic Chemistry Prize is presented to an outstanding freshman student studying chemistry, based on performance in both the lecture and lab classes.

The Helen Hitchcock Bjorvand Drawing Prize was endowed in recognition of an extraordinary member of the art faculty, and is presented annually to the full-time Elmira College student submitting the best portfolio of drawings.

Each year, the Corning Section of the American Chemical Society Award is presented to an outstanding freshman student studying chemistry, based on performance in both the lecture and lab classes.

Elmira College Theatre closed the 2020-2021 academic year with the musical, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."

The Psi Tau Chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society inducted five new members at a virtual induction ceremony on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

The Professional Nurses of the Twin Tiers Award is presented annually to a graduating Elmira College senior who demonstrates leadership ability and lives in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben or Tompkins counties or intends to practice in the area.

Lindsey Smith '24 has been awarded the Elmira College Class of 1927 Prize for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Eleventh Annual Elmira College Student Research Conference, was held virtually via Zoom and Gather Town on May 12, 2021. The event showcased 11 independent research projects from 17 students presenting on a wide range of topics in psychology, criminal justice, biology, mathematics, human services, and more.

The Algernon DeWaters Gorman Prize, was endowed as an award for the Elmira College junior with a good overall average who has completed the most scholarly work in chemistry.

The Elmira College President's Council awarded its highest honors, The President's Council Award and the Stand Energy Prize, during a recent ceremony in Peterson Chapel.

The Rho Gamma Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society (Sigma) held its annual induction on April 30, 2021. There were 12 Elmira College nursing juniors and seniors among those inducted and one nursing leader.

The Helen Bosworth Beers '24 Prize is presented to a junior or senior who in daily living supports religious principles, is a good student, and an outstanding citizen in the College. The Rho Gamma Scholarship Prize is given annually to a Rho Gamma member who is a graduating senior nursing student who demonstrates scholarship and excellence in nursing.

Each year the Elmira College Nurse Education Faculty Recognition for Excellence in Nursing is presented to an outstanding graduating senior nursing student that represents the profession of nursing. He or she has actively participated in the Nurse Education Program, such as, serving as a student representative with the standing committees, ad hoc committee, and/or active involvement in the Nursing Club of Elmira College.

Each year, the Elmira College Board of Trustees Prize is presented by the Trustees to students whose college experience demonstrates continual growth and development academically, socially, or in service to the College community.

The Elmira College Chapter of Psi Chi held an induction ceremony in Cowles Hall to recognize 23 students who earned membership in the honor society throughout the prior calendar year.