Emily Johnson Receives Student Innovation Fund Grant at Lebanon Valley College

2016 Feb 10

Nine Lebanon Valley College student proposals are one step closer to implementation thanks to inaugural Student Innovation Fund grants announced by LVC President Dr. Lewis E. Thayne. Nine grants were awarded to 20 students, including Emily Johnson of Landisville, Pa., for projects ranging from sustainability and outdoor appreciation to student programming and the arts.

Johnson, a graduate of Hempfield High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science and bachelor of arts in digital communications and global studies at The Valley. This proposal, sponsored by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, requested funding for new equipment for the Arnold Sports Center fitness facility as the College shifts to research-supported training methods to promote health, wellness, and athletic performance. The addition of new equipment will increase the volume of student-athletes able to train simultaneously, while also providing additional resources to students and community members who utilize the fitness center. Collaborative opportunities would be created for students studying physical therapy, athletic training, and exercise science.

Similar to the President's Innovation Fund, awarded annually to faculty and staff projects, this fund was launched to encourage student-initiated pilot projects. The selected projects have long-term, wide-reaching potential to foster transformative learning on and off campus.

President Thayne cited that one of the major institutional goals for the College is "to create a demonstrably superior academic and co-curricular experience for our students that prepare graduates for successful performance in the competitive national and international market."

Students were invited to formulate proposals and submit them for review during the fall semester. A total of $25,000 was available in three categories:

- Innovative programming that enhances the educational and/or co-curricular experience of students or programs.

- Strategic focus funding that considers initiatives that incorporate aspects of the Envision 2020 strategic plan.

- Program Enhancement funding intended to improve current programs and/or initiatives.