Seven inducted into Pamplin Society

Posted December 13, 2005

(Portland, Ore.)—Seven sophomores at Lewis & Clark College have been selected to join the Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Society of Fellows.

“Pamplin Society members reflect and inspire the college community as a whole,” said Tom Hochstettler, president of Lewis & Clark. “Each brings to the society and to Lewis & Clark high ideals and proven abilities as well as an exceptional blend of intellectual talent, personal integrity, adherence to physical fitness and the willingness to assume leadership roles now and in the future.”

Nora Germano, from Los Altos, Calif., is a psychology major with a minor in theatre arts. She is a goalkeeper for and captain of Lewis & Clark’s varsity women’s soccer team. She held key roles onstage and backstage in theatre department productions, including Tony Kushner’s “The Illusion.” Germano worked as an admissions office volunteer in San Francisco and currently tutors English as a second language through Lewis & Clark’s Student Academic Affairs Board.

Katharine Hart, from Philadelphia, Penn., is double-majoring in English and history. A summer internship working with academically challenged second-graders at Philadelphia’s Belmont Charter School led her to begin exploring careers that will blend her own educational experiences with those of students in diverse neighborhoods. Hart is an active member of Lewis & Clark’s crew team.

Rowena Held, from Portland, Ore., is double-majoring in mathematics and physics. Fellow students and professors compliment Held on two strengths: her ability to explain complex mathematical concepts and her ability to solve problems by putting groups of people together. Active in theatre and music, Held participated in Lewis & Clark’s production of Federico García Lorca’s “Yerma.” She also organized, directed and accompanied a choir at her Portland-area science magnet high school.

Adam Kowalski, from Golden, Colo., is double-majoring in physics and computer science and mathematics. His knowledge in both areas has been enhanced through volunteerism and summer research: he volunteers in educational technology at the Colorado School of Mines, and he researches chaos theory with Tom Olsen, associate professor of physics, as part of the John S. Rogers research program at Lewis & Clark. Kowalski has also volunteered hundreds of hours at Tryon Creek State Park in Portland, Ore., focusing his efforts on invasive species removal, education, and interpretation; in spring 2005, the park selected him as Volunteer of the Season. As a U.S. Soccer Federation-certified soccer referee, Kowalski encourages good sportsmanship and integrity among players and coaches.

Colleen Marion, from Madison, Wis., is interested in both biology and religious studies. She serves as cocoordinator of Lewis & Clark’s chapter of Amnesty international and is a member of the women’s lacrosse team. Following graduation, Marion plans to attend medical school and pursue additional studies in international and public health issues.

Clare Rosenfeld, from Eugene, Ore., is double-majoring in chemistry and international affairs. She is interested in attending medical school and keeping updated on medical technology use in underdeveloped parts of the globe. Rosenfeld created the position of national youth advocate for the American Diabetes Association and codrafted the United Nations resolution to proclaim November 14 as World Diabetes Day. She is a program planner for an international youth leadership conference in Capetown, South Africa, in December 2006. Rosenfeld serves on the International Diabetes Federation’s Consultative Section on Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes.

Frances Wells, from McAllen, Texas, is double-majoring in philosophy and religious studies, with an additional interest in classical studies. Wells is interested in community service, which led her to volunteer with SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) and with the International Museum of Arts and Sciences. Her goal is to teach young children in the Rio Grande Valley. Wells is building her leadership and team-building skills as a member of Lewis & Clark’s crew team, where she serves as a coxswain.

Now in its 13th academic year, the society’s membership includes 21 current students and more than 70 alumni. Membership is extended to seven students each year as they begin their second year at the college; the students embody the characteristics outlined by Dr. Pamplin: an exceptional blend of intellectual talent, the habit of physical fitness, personal integrity, and the willingness to shoulder the burdens of leadership. The society includes members with a wide diversity of talents, achievements, backgrounds and majors. Upon graduation from Lewis & Clark, fellows maintain their membership for life. Four endowed professors are also members of the society: Stephen Dow Beckham, Pamplin Professor of History; Janis Lochner, Pamplin Professor of Science; Curtis Johnson, Pamplin Professor of Government; and Arthur O’Sullivan, Pamplin Professor of Economics. As teaching scholars distinguished by sustained achievements in their disciplines and committed service to both academic and broader communities, they exercise leadership and use their talents to the fullest.

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