2021 Lycoming College Summer Magazine

RTHY Continuing its commitment to curricular innovation, Lycoming College announced an expansion of its studio art major to include 3D animation beginning with the 2021-22 academic year. The decision to broaden its curriculum, faculty, and coursework in an increasingly popular discipline will not only help Lycoming attract and retain exceptional undergraduate students but will also help to solidify the College’s position among the best liberal arts and sciences colleges in the nation. 3D animation is the process of generating three-dimensional moving images in a digital environment. 3D models are carefully manipulated within 3D software to give the illusion of animation or movement. The new concentration is designed for students declaring a major in studio art who are interested LYCOMING ANNOUNCES NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAM IN 3D ANIMATION in film production, game development, advertising, and other related fields. New courses focusing on 3D animation include “Introduction to Digital 3D Modeling,” “Introduction to 3D Character Animation,” “Advanced 3D Character Animation,” and “Animation Workshop.” Manuel Moreno-Lee, assistant professor of digital art, stresses the importance of the breadth of offerings at the College and why a new concentration was created. “We are excited to bring students the opportunity to learn and be a part of the growing field of 3D animation, and I look forward to the amazing work that will be created by students in this new program at Lycoming.” During an unparalleled Fall 2020 semester that saw teacher candidates grapple with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lycoming College successfully navigated traditional student teaching with in-person classroom instruction as well as teaching through virtual platforms. Under the direction of Lycoming supervisors Jennifer Kuzio and Nadine Sapiente, the student teachers studied a variety of topics presented by field professionals from organizations including the Williamsport Area School District, the Alvin Independent School District in Texas, and BlaST IU17. Students also heard from Jason Bolt, Williamsport Police, who conducted ALICE training; Michelle Williamson, director of special education for Montoursville Area NAVIGATING STUDENT TEACHING DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC School District, who shared information on adaptations and accommodations in the classroom; Jason Hurwitz, Kades-Margolis, who presented on PSERS and planning for retirement; and Judy Nordstrom, a local children’s author and retired teacher who spoke on teaching the process of writing a children’s book. Jim Scott ’70, Lycoming trustee and the founder and principal of CareerChoiceFirst, spoke about contracts, including information about how to time an offer, how area-prevailing salaries and cost of living can impact the decision-making process, and reasons for being released from a contract. 7 www.lycoming.edu