Comments on: The start of ‘something beautiful’

By: Kris Long

Kris Long — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:17:47 +0000

In reply to Ervie L. Glick, professor emiritus. Ervie, Thank you for starting this program! It is the best job I have ever had! I have been a teacher in the program, and now I am the Office, Admissions, & Registration Coordinator so I get to know all of the students every semester! Several semesters ago, a few students requested that we have a graduation ceremony, so we said we would try it, and it has blossomed into a grand event! The idea for the stoles of national colors came from Maria Esther Showalter and has been a big hit! The student speeches are inspiring, encouraging, and empowering!

By: Tim Swartzendruber

Tim Swartzendruber — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:36:13 +0000

Jeremy Samsoe, showing images of your great-grandfather to all our graduates… that is BRILLIANT and meaningful!

By: Tim Swartzendruber

Tim Swartzendruber — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:34:33 +0000

In reply to Ervie L. Glick, professor emiritus. Ervie, that is so awesome! I never knew precisely who on faculty launched this impactful program!

By: Ervie L. Glick, professor emiritus

Ervie L. Glick, professor emiritus — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:26:41 +0000

How thrilled I am to see this article about the IEP which James Bomberger and I started in 1990 with four students from Japan! How it has grown and matured, broadening its reach to so many from so many new origins is amazing. It stretches beyond anything we had envisioned at its outset. A lovely graduation ceremony with stoles of national colors. Nice idea!