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February 4, 2023

The Chestertown Spy

An Educational News Source for Chestertown Maryland

Education Ed Notes

Washington College Launches First Eastern Shore Opinion Poll

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Washington College Assistant Professor of Political Science Flavio Rogerio Hickel Jr. will launch the Eastern Shore Opinion Poll on Friday, October 28, 2022. This non-partisan poll, which is the only outreach to specifically gauge the opinions of Eastern Shore voters, will be sent via text message to a random selection of 1,000 registered voters in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District.

The survey, which takes approximately ten minutes to complete, will ask voters their opinions about candidates running for state and federal office, the cannabis decriminalization ballot initiative and attitudes on a range of topics including abortion, education and immigration. The survey will also ask questions regarding civic engagement within the 1st District. The questions are designed to assess which branches of and levels of government Eastern Shore residents trust and their openness to engaging in civic dialogue.

In addition to understanding political attitudes among Eastern Shore voters, the poll’s sponsors, Washington College’s Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience and Goldstein Program in Public Affairs, look to better understand how residents engage civically through volunteer work, voter engagement, activism or philanthropy. Poll organizers believe the effort will provide reliable information regarding a range of citizen preferences to elected representatives, community leaders and the general public.

Hickel, who was recently named a 2022-23 Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) Public Fellow, joined Washington College Department of Political Science in 2020. He earned his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 2016 and studies American political institutions, identity politics and public opinion. He recently presented his research on attitudes within the Latinx community at Washington College.

Founded in 1782, Washington College is the nation’s first liberal arts institution and the tenth oldest college in the nation. Enrolling approximately 1,100 undergraduates from more than 35 states and a dozen nations, Washington is known for outstanding academics with an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning across more than 40 multidisciplinary areas of study. The College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, writing and the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience. In addition to its main campus in Chestertown, Maryland, Washington also features a riverfront campus and a 4,700-acre river and field campus that provides unique research opportunities for students and faculty.

Washington College Will Inaugurate Michael J. Sosulski as its 31st President

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On Saturday, October 8, Washington College will inaugurate its 31st president, Michael J. Sosulski, Ph.D. Inauguration festivities will take place on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 and include a day-long academic symposium, activities at the waterfront campus, and the installation ceremony.

A seasoned leader in academic and student affairs, financial stewardship, and change management, Sosulski took office on September 1, 2021, after serving as provost at Wofford College in South Carolina for five years. In his first year as Washington College president, he moved quickly to invest $20 million in campus renovations, secured a new dining services partner for the campus, created the new position of associate provost of diversity and inclusion—since filled by Alisha Knight, Ph.D.—approved the addition of men’s and women’s golf to the athletics program, and has reshaped the senior leadership to ensure synergy in moving the College into the next decade and beyond.

Early in the Fall 2022 semester Sosulski announced the start of the strategic planning process for the College with the expectation of finalizing a five-year plan for launch in January 2023. The process includes a number of opportunities for Washington community members to provide input in shaping the strategic direction of the institution.

President Michael J. Sosulski, President of Washington College

“The installation of a college president is a time of promise, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to formally celebrate Dr. Sosulski with a traditional ceremony that honors the rich history of this institution,” said Stephen Golding ’72, chair, Board of Visitors and Governors. “Mike’s contributions in his first year alone have re-energized this community, and we are confident that his leadership and enthusiasm for the liberal arts experience will carry us forward as we work to realize a bold vision for the future of the institution.”

In addition to his role as Wofford College provost, Sosulski also served as a professor of German. Prior to that, he was with Kalamazoo College from 2004 to 2016, serving first as an assistant professor of German and eventually earning the roles of associate professor, department chair in German studies and associate provost. Sosulski earned his bachelor’s in German from Georgetown University and went on to receive a master’s and Ph.D. in Germanic studies from The University of Chicago.

On Friday, October 7, Washington College will host a full-day inaugural symposium. The program—“Literacy and Transformative Learning Experiences in Local and Global Contexts”—is grounded in Washington College’s powerful liberal arts education and the centrality of writing and reading in experiencing new perspectives. Faculty, students, and community members will join keynote speaker—Emory University Professor of German Hiram Maxim, Ph.D.—for an interdisciplinary exploration of the transformative potential of literacy and language learning. The symposium’s keynote address will begin at 4:20 p.m. followed by a reception and an exhibition tour in the Kohl Gallery.

Saturday will include a celebration at the College’s waterfront campus between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Activities will include a Chester River Challenge regatta, electric boat demonstration, live music, kayaking and paddleboarding. The installation ceremony will take place on the Washington College Campus Green at 3 p.m. followed by a reception on the Miller Library terrace.

All events listed are open to the public, though RSVP’s are strongly encouraged at this link: Washcoll.edu/inauguration. The full listing of inaugural events is located here.

About Washington College

Founded in 1782, Washington College is the tenth oldest college in the nation and the first chartered under the new Republic. It enrolls approximately 1,100 undergraduates from more than 35 states and a dozen nations. With an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning in the arts and sciences, and more than 40 multidisciplinary areas of study, the College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, history, and writing. Learn more at washcoll.edu.

WC’s Natural Lands Project Awarded FY23 Grant from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund

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The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund has awarded the Natural Lands Project (NLP) a $678,871 grant. In partnership with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited, the funding will focus on working with area landowners in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, and Talbot Counties interested in converting marginal cropland into productive wildlife habitat.

Over the next three years, the partnership plans to install 230 acres of native grass meadows, pollinator habitat, and buffers, as well as restore 12 acres of wetlands in priority areas of the Upper and Mid-Shore watershed. The restoration of grasslands and wetlands will have an immediate impact on regional biodiversity and wildlife, galvanizing participating landowners with land-based benefits, while immediately improving local water quality.

The funding is part of over $18 million in support for Chesapeake Bay projects that was announced by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in July. The awards have been directed to a total of 22 projects at 77 sites, all of which will improve water quality and habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, while building local resilience to climate impacts. According to a DNR release, the projects awarded funding will benefit local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay by removing more than 41,083 pounds of nitrogen, 4,332 pounds of phosphorus, and 7,967 tons of suspended solids.

A buffer filled with Black-eyed Susans on the Langdon Farm, which borders Harris Creek.

“This funding from the Trust Fund allows NLP to continue our primary mission of working with landowners interested in creating habitat on working farms,” said Dan Small, NLP Coordinator. “We are building a lot of momentum for these positive changes to the farm landscape, but there are still many people on the Shore that we have not reached. This new round of funding makes it possible to increase our outreach, develop new partnerships and establish more conservation practices on the ground.”

This is the third grant that the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund has awarded the Natural Lands Project. Previous grants funds have been utilized to plant 495 acres of buffers and meadows and to restore 47 acres of wetlands on private farms throughout Maryland’s Upper Shore. The result is that the nitrogen, phosphorus and sediments that negatively impact water quality are prevented from ever leaving the farm lands.

About the Natural Lands Project

Increasing human populations and the rise of intensive farming have shifted the balance away from wildlife and toward humankind on the Eastern Shore. In partnership with a number of organizations, the Natural Lands Project seeks to make the rural landscape more wildlife friendly.

This project is coordinated by the Washington College Center for Environment & Society (CES). CES’s vision is a Chesapeake Bay and watershed that is healthy and thriving; one in which natural systems and human communities are in balance. Washington College provides strong interdisciplinary academic programs that promote the integration of environmental and social values.  Graduates of the College gain applied and real-world knowledge and experience, preparing them to be productive citizens, skilled and agile professionals, and champions and stewards of natural and cultural resources.

About Eastern Shore Land Conservancy

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) is a private, nonprofit land conservation organization committed to preserving and sustaining the vibrant communities of the Eastern Shore and the lands and waters that connect them. ESLC works to ensure a future for rural communities and thriving towns that reflect the region’s culture and heritage. Since 1990, ESLC has helped preserve 63,892 acres of land and establish 310 easements. For more information, please visit www.eslc.org.

About Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited (DU) got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl populations plunged to unprecedented lows. DU conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Since DU began, it has invested over $21 million in the mid-Atlantic to conserve nearly 80,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands.

For more information on the Natural Lands Project and how to get involved, contact Dan Small, NLP Project Coordinator, at 410-708-4479 or dsmall2@washcoll.edu.

WC-ALL Requests Proposals for its Spring Offerings

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The Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning (WC-ALL) is requesting proposals for its spring courses. The Academy’s courses cover a wide range of topics and all proposals are welcome, as WC-ALL seeks ideas for fresh, new courses to add to its line-up.

The standard course format includes four to six once-weekly classes, but WC-ALL is also considering requests for shorter courses and single-session talks. Courses can be taught in-person – either on-campus or at off-campus locations — or virtually.

Course proposals should be submitted by October 10. Submissions for a multi-session course or a single-session talk can be submitted here. The proposal form requires a clear description of the course, as well as information about the proposed instructor’s interest in the proposed subject.

WC-ALL’s non-credit courses are a wonderful and enriching avenue for sharing knowledge and expertise around a particular subject with a community of life-long learners. The first spring session will begin in January 2023 and runs for six weeks. The second session begins in mid-March.

All classes are free to members and memberships are available on a semester or annual basis, for individuals or couples. In addition to offering four sessions a year, WC-ALL also hosts a Learn-at-Lunch series, hosting various guest speakers throughout the year.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning, which currently has about 300 members.  All courses are planned, run and led by WC-ALL volunteers, who offer a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Membership in WC-ALL is open to people of all ages and backgrounds.

About the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning (WC-ALL)

Founded in 1992, the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning was created by a small group of Kent County residents who worked for more than a year studying other similar college-affiliated institutions.  WC-ALL was patterned after the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) as established by Elderhostel (now known as Road Scholar) and is governed by its members, taught by its peers, and operates within the academic institutional guidelines provided by its sponsor, Washington College. Lifelong learning is a critical component of a liberal arts education and the college is proud to support this department’s programming and focus on community engagement.

Brian Speer Named Vice President for Marketing and Communication at Washington College

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Brian Speer

Washington College has named Brian Speer to the newly created position of Vice President for Marketing and Communication. Speer, a seasoned marketing and communications leader, brings deep experience in developing and implementing strategic communications programs and marketing initiatives that build compelling brand stories and support institutional goals.

In this critical role, Speer will have the opportunity to shape and lead the newly established Office of Marketing and Communications, with a focus on increasing the College’s brand awareness. As a member of the Cabinet, he will report directly to President Mike Sosulski.

“I’m excited to welcome Brian Speer to the senior leadership team at Washington College. His deep experience and proven results speak for themselves, and align extremely well with the College’s own immediate needs and strategic goals,” said Sosulski. “What really set him apart were his obvious passion for the liberal arts experience, his thoughtful approach to the challenge at hand, and his ability to innovate and evolve. He is exactly the right person to lead our marketing and communications as we look ahead to the next decade and beyond.”

Speer has extensive higher education experience, including serving as Vice President for Communications for Muhlenberg College, Vice President for Marketing and Communications for Wilson College and Director of Integrated Marketing for Colby College.

Just as he is tasked with in this new position, Speer successfully transitioned a small, public-relations focused office to a strategic, full-service, centralized communications team at Muhlenberg, his most recent higher education post. While there, he implemented a new brand narrative for prospective students, launched a fresh website design and moved the institution towards a unified brand voice. Prior to that role, he was entrusted with a similar department build-out at Wilson College, where he also implemented a digital marketing program, redesigned the website and established a social media strategy that supported enrollment, retention, advancement and alumni program goals.

“This is a great time to join Washington College and build on the strong foundation of the College,” said Speer. “I’m excited to work with President Sosulski and the campus community to more clearly define the Washington College experience for students and their families. Through all of my conversations on campus I have felt a real sense of energy and enthusiasm about the opportunities at the College and look forward to working with the communications staff and campus partners to increase the institution’s reputation and express its brand story.”

Speer holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University. Working in communications and design for more than 25 years, his work has received numerous awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the University and College Designers Association (UCDA), and the Society of Publication Designers (SPD) among others.

Speer’s start date with Washington College is August 1.

https://www.washcoll.edu/live/news/brian-speer-named-vp-marketing.php

WC-ALL to Open Registration for Fall Classes on July 25

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The Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning (WC-ALL) will open its Fall class registration on Monday, July 25. There are two 6-week sessions available – Session 1 runs from August 28 to October 7 and Session 2 from October 16 to December 2. While most classes are held in-person using campus facilities, there a number of classes offered via Zoom.

Classes offered in the fall include The Supreme Court: Top Hits of the Term, The Lost Cause Myth and Robert E. Lee, Aging and the Law, How to Develop a Business Plan, Art from 1980 to 2022 and Sunday at the Movies, among others. A full course listing is available here. Registration is available at www.washcoll.edu/wc-all.

WC-ALL is also hosting a free Showcase on Thursday, July 28 from 4-5 p.m. in Litrenta Lecture Hall, in the Toll Science Center on the Washington College campus. This event provides the opportunity for anyone interested in signing up for the fall classes to hear directly from the instructors about the course materials and what will be covered.

“We are incredibly excited about the exciting and diverse line-up of courses being offered this fall and invite anyone interested in broadening their horizons to register and join us,” said Sandy Brown, WC-ALL Administrator. “Our programming is open to anyone of any age or background who is interested in learning, and provides a fantastic opportunity for intellectual stimulation and enrichment without having to take a for-credit course.”

All classes are free to members and memberships are available on a semester or annual basis, for individuals or couples. In addition to offering four sessions a year, WC-ALL also hosts a Learn-at-Lunch series, hosting various guest speakers throughout the year. Many of the in-person classes are held on the Washington College campus, in classrooms in Daly Hall, Goldstein Hall and William Smith Hall. Most are scheduled in the afternoons.

“Having classes of this caliber so readily accessible to the community is wonderful all on its own,” said Brown. “But for the Academy to be a part of Washington College, well that’s a real bonus!”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning, which currently has about 300 members.  All courses are planned, run and led by WC-ALL volunteers, who offer a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Membership in WC-ALL is open to people of all ages and backgrounds.

About the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning (WC-ALL)

Founded in 1992, the Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning was created by a small group of Kent County residents who worked for more than a year studying other similar college-affiliated institutions.  WC-ALL was patterned after the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) as established by Elderhostel (now known as Road Scholar) and is governed by its members, taught by its peers, and operates within the academic institutional guidelines provided by its sponsor, Washington College. Lifelong learning is a critical component of a liberal arts education and the college is proud to support this department’s programming and focus on community engagement.

Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning’s Showcase of Fall Courses

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Get ready for Fall and the Joy of Learning by attending the WC-All SHOWCASE on Thursday, July 28, 4-5pm in Litrenta Lecture Hall, John S. Toll Science Center. The Showcase will provide the opportunity to hear directly from the instructors about what to expect from their courses. As always, the courses will cover a broad range of topics that appeal to a diverse audience. The always popular Top Hits of the Supreme Court Term will be offered, as well as Sunday at the Movies. Other course offerings range from American Indian Pottery to Classical Music of the Caribbean to Botanical Drawing to Gun Control and the Second Amendment, as well as other classes on art, music, politics, business, and philosophy.  Session 1 will take place August 28-October 7. Session 2 will take place October 16-December 2.

In addition, learn about upcoming special events including excursions and plans for the Learn at Lunch series. Enjoy mingling with old friends and new over light refreshments, as well as the opportunity to chat with the instructors. Then register for courses that interest you.

For registration and more information contact Sandy Brown at wc_all@washcoll.edu.

ShoreRivers and Washington College Complete Urban Stormwater Retrofits

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Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards, center, cuts the ribbon for the completion of the North Commons Bioretention Project at Washington College.

ShoreRivers and Washington College recently celebrated the completion of the North Commons Bioretention project, which installed numerous bioretention practices in the North Commons parking lot to better manage and treat stormwater runoff. Urban stormwater runoff is one of the most damaging threats to our waterways because it contains nutrients and other harmful pollutants, and can contribute to localized flooding. The project culminated in a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Kent County Chamber of Commerce on May 6, 2022.

These stormwater improvements were made possible with funds from Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Towns, Green Jobs (G3) grant program. The practices were designed to capture and hold water so biological activity can remove nutrients as well as pollutants coming from asphalt and vehicles before draining into the stormwater pond that eventually discharges to Radcliffe Creek, a tributary of the impaired Middle Chester River. This project is the first of a number of improvements the college hopes to make on its campus that will have water quality and habitat benefits and serve as demonstration projects to the large audience the college serves.

“This project is an example of leveraging private investment to increase water quality protections,” explains ShoreRivers Restoration Manager Kim Righi. Washington College invested in the gray infrastructure components of the upgrades—resurfacing and curb placement—providing the required matching funds for the green infrastructure components paid for by grants from Chesapeake Bay Trust.

ShoreRivers Agriculture & Outreach Coordinator Laura Wood poses by the sign she created about the “Stormwater Sanctuary” partnership with Washington College

Washington College Interim Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Living Shane Brill, adds, “We plan to continue partnering on more regenerative stormwater conveyances, attractive native plantings, and signage. ShoreRivers is helping us improve water quality, habitat, and aesthetics while also providing educational opportunities for our student body and campus visitors.”

ShoreRivers is a leader in designing, funding, and managing major restoration projects to reduce the sediments and nutrients that pollute our waterways. Community collaborations like this have resulted in hundreds of projects installed on county-owned properties, private lands, school campuses, town properties, and church lands.

ShoreRivers is certified by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as a Technical Service Provider with an in-house engineer, staff with training in geospatial technologies, and the technical expertise to manage these projects. If you are interested in implementing a restoration project at your home or business, please contact our Director of Agriculture & Restoration or your local Riverkeeper at shorerivers.org/staff-directory.

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.

shorerivers.org

Washington College Hosts 239th Commencement Exercises on May 22

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Washington College will host the 239th Commencement Exercises on the Campus Green beginning at 10:30 AM on Sunday, May 22, conferring degrees upon 247 graduates in front of family, friends and loved ones.

The Honorable Joseph M. Getty ’74 will deliver the keynote address. Getty, a Washington College alum, most recently served as Chief Judge of Maryland’s highest court and will speak to graduates about the importance of community engagement and public service.

Zairel Luna (Centereach, NY) was selected as the Senior Class speaker. She is an International Studies major, and has been heavily involved with a number of organizations during her time as a student. This includes serving as the Secretary for the Class of 2022, Secretary of Service and Community Relations for the SGA, a member of the newly created Latinx Student Union, a member of the Student Events Board, Community Service Chair for Cleopatra’s Sisters and a member of the Model United Nations team. Following a planned gap year, Luna intends to apply to law school in pursuit of a career in immigration law.

The highlight of the ceremony is the public conferral of Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees on the 2022 Washington College graduates. Michael J. Sosulski, President, will officially confer the degrees earned and Interim Provost and Dean Michael Harvey will individually present each graduate.

Harvey will also present the College’s faculty and student awards, as well as the senior honors and prizes. These include the Alumni Association’s Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Jane Huston Goodfellow Memorial Prize, the Sophie Kerr Prize and the George Washington Medal and Award, among others.

This week there are also numerous events and celebrations leading up to Commencement, to include a Senior Beach Bash at Conquest Beach, the Senior Class Awards Luncheon (May 20 at Noon on the Miller Library Terrace), and the announcement of the Sophie Kerr Prize (May 20 at 7:30 PM in Hotchkiss Recital Hall), which can be viewed here. The finalists for this prestigious prize were recently announced – read the full story here.

Over the past few weeks, the College has been sharing the voices and accomplishments of members of the Class of 2022 through a series of Senior Spotlights. These stories can be viewed here.

The outdoor ceremony is open to all. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Johnson Fitness Center and a ticket will be required for entry. A livestream of commencement will also be available here beginning at 10:25 a.m.

This year also marks the return of Alumni Weekend to the festivities. Special events for alums include a Chester River tour on the Callinectes, a Writers’ Union Alumni Reading at the Lit House, and a cocktail party where alums have the opportunity to welcome the Class of 2022 into the community.

Founded in 1782, Washington College is the tenth oldest college in the nation and the first chartered under the new Republic. With an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning in the arts and sciences, and more than 40 multidisciplinary areas of study, the College is home to nationally recognized academic centers in the environment, history, and writing. Learn more at washcoll.edu. 

Washington College Announces New Partnership for Campus Dining Services

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Family-owned and operated AVI Foodsystems has been announced as Washington College’s new culinary and hospitality partner, taking over management of all food services on campus beginning July 1. This includes full management of all dining options on campus, plus the catering division for special events.

Their vision for a revamped Hodson Culinary Center includes a large variety of venues ranging from traditional meat and veggie options to plant-based and clean foods. Specialty concepts include Trattoria (pizzas made daily from scratch), Homestyles (comfort foods), The Carvery (wraps and sandwiches), Nutribar (fresh salad ingredients), Roots (plant-based), Clarity (clean, allergy-free foods), and the Bake Shoppe for homemade desserts. They also envision an Exhibition Kitchen that would feature guest chefs, dietitians, and others and showcase campus, cultural and holiday events and well as menu innovations.

AVI has a from-scratch culinary philosophy, preparing foods from scratch and sourcing fresh ingredients locally in order to create authentic flavor profiles. They tailor menu plans to the audience as well, factoring in dietary requirements and other preferences.

“We fully understand the critical and integral role a great campus dining program plays in building and nurturing student relationships, friendships and exposure to new cultures and cuisines,” said Vince Lombardi, Executive Vice President for AVI’s Education Division. “We will work diligently to honor your history and traditions, adopt current team members as new members of the AVI family and provide a fresh, from-scratch culinary program that delights students, faculty and staff.”

While specific hours of service are still under review, AVI is prepared to offer serving hours that reflect class times, lifestyles, and events on campus. The company has initially proposed extending hours to 8 PM each weekday and to 7 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as a monthly “First Friday” event with a late-night dining experience that runs through midnight.

AVI is further committed to involving students in real-time feedback and opportunities to participate in menu development, citing a willingness to continuously adapt menus to better meet the needs of the campus. The company is also committed to sustainable food and environmental practices and intends to be an active, engaged member of the Washington College community in driving sustainable actions and practices.

All current Dining Services staff will be offered the opportunity to transition onto the AVI team, in positions that maintain or improve their current wages and honor their years of service. They will be joined by additional candidates to form an expanded management team under AVI leadership. AVI will also offer a student employment program that offers above-average wages for students.

AVI is the largest family-owned foodservice company, and the 8th largest overall, in the United States. Currently they partner with more than 50 colleges and universities under their education division.