Meet the President - Rockhurst University

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4Faculty Offer Fun Physics RefresherEvery summer, elementary and middle schoolteachers from districts all over Missouri cometo Rockhurst to ride hovercraft down hallways,swing bowling balls at their noses (no, theynever get hit) and play with motion detectors. It maysound like just fun and games, but it’s all in the nameof learning.The activities are part of the Constructing and Understandingof Physics summer workshops taught by Rockhurstphysics professors Bob Hegarty, Ph.D., and NancyDonaldson, Ph.D. Because physics can sometimes bedaunting to learn, it can be especially daunting to teach.“Often these teachers know they don’t know as muchphysics as they should,” Hegarty says. “We help themmake sure their knowledge is up to par.”And if you think physics is all equations and formulas,think again.“We don’t just stand there and lecture,” Donaldsonsays. “It’s very hands-on and materials-intensive,” hencethe hovercraft for studying force, motion and gravity.“The teachers are put in the position of becoming thestudent. If they get excited, then they’ll get their studentsexcited,” she says.But this year, Hegarty and Donaldson are the oneswho are most excited. They were awarded a three-year,$337,000 Improving Teacher Quality Grant by the MissouriDepartment of Higher Education for the workshops.Though they’ve had funding for nearly 10 years, this isthe first three-year grant, which reflects not only the outstandingquality of the program but also the accomplishmentof exceeding expectations in years past.“We’re thrilled,” Donaldson says. “This grant helps establishRockhurst University as a center of science education.”There’s No Place Like HomeBean bags or classroomfurniture?When it comes tospiritual discussions andpersonal reflection, can youguess which option collegestudents prefer? Thanks toRockhurst’s new CampusMinistry House, studentsare feeling much more athome discussing deeplypersonal topics from thecomfort of a couch or overa pizza among friends.Located at 5134 ForestAve., the house is a perfectlocation for student organizationmeetings and prayergroups, especially theUniversity’s popular newChristian Life Communities.These small, student-ledgroups meet weekly forscripture, reflection, discussionand prayer.Purchased from theJesuit Community late lastyear, the house feels likeno other place on campus.Its home-like atmosphere,bean bags and floor pillowshave proven an invitingaccompaniment to thespiritual discussions andpersonal reflection thattake place there.“The new campus ministryhouse is a place wherewe can feel comfortablesharing,” says sophomoreJessica Wagner. “The houseis rapidly becoming a placefor us to minister to othersand ourselves.”Students feel right at home in the University’s new CampusMinistry House, a perfect location for student meetings andprayer groups.Rockhurst4spring 2006