An intermediate German class at Lycoming College took on a community-based learning project that introduced an authentic German Christmas market to the Williamsport community. The market was held in conjunction with Williamsport’s December First Friday and annual Christmas parade events. Intermediate German 112/225, a course led by Len Cagle, Ph.D., associate professor of German, focuses on the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication, and incorporates cultural and short literary readings, as well as the study of German films. Conversations with Caroline Payne, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and director of the office of community based learning, got Cagle thinking about different ways that students could give back to the community while still meeting the requirements of the course. “With the intention of embracing a community-based learning project, I decided to have the students learn about German cultural festivals generally and then focus on Christmas markets, especially the LYCOMING COLLEGE STUDENTS SPEARHEAD INTRODUCTION OF AUTHENTIC GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET TO WILLIAMSPORT best-known ones in Nuremberg, Heidelberg, and Dresden,” said Cagle. “I wanted the students to get a holistic view of what a German Christmas Market is, its history, and traditions, but also focus on regional and cultural differences between markets in order to be able to make informed recommendations to local organizations and the mayor’s office regarding our new Christmas market.” Students examined organizational plans for the events, including traditional foods, music, cultural activities, wooden huts for vendors, and more. One of the more ambitious ideas was the successful construction of a traditional Christmas pyramid, or “Weihnachtspyramide,” to serve as a grand centerpiece for the market. Once the research was completed, the class presented its findings and recommendations to the City of Williamsport, including the Williamsport Business Association, Lycoming Arts, and Mayor Derek Slaughter. Although frigid temperatures and wind threatened the day, the successful event drew crowds, and the vendors were glad to sell their wares. In recognition of Steve Wiser ’74 for reaching his career milestone of 50 years of coaching Warrior Football, Lycoming College celebrated the dedication of the Steve Wiser ’74 Football Locker Room on Sept. 7, 2024. Former players, classmates, and friends gathered at the Shangraw Athletics Complex to tour the new locker spaces, raise a Bald Birds Brewing “Wizard” beer, and celebrate a decisive Warriors win over Widener, 48-12! The Steve Wiser ’74 Football Locker Room at Girardi Stadium is part of the improvements planned for the athletic complex, which include the construction of a new apparel/concession building, expansion of the plaza between the Keiper and Girardi Stadiums, and the complete renovation of the football locker room. STEVE WISER ’74 FOOTBALL LOCKER ROOM DEDICATION Wiser’s many career highlights include 348-170-5 record on staff, 15 MAC titles, 2x NCAA total defense leaders, 3x NCAA rushing defense leader, NCAA scoring defense leader, 18x MAC top defense, 68 shutouts, 13 NCAA championship appearances, and the 1990 and 1997 Stagg Bowls. “For his time, preparation, and his relentlessness, I can’t think of a more deserving way to honor Coach Steve Wiser than the locker room being named after him. No one has spent more time there than Wise — counseling, teaching, coaching, preparing — all the things that are hidden in this room that only the Warriors see,” said Mike Clark ’93, head football coach. Photo Album Video Enjoy highlights from the dedication by scanning the QR codes. 9 www.lycoming.edu
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