NOTEWOR OPENING OF NEW LEARNING COMMONS ENHANCES ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND RETENTION FROM PATIENT TO PROPONENT, ALEXIS ROBINSON ’26 WON’T LET CHRONIC PANCREATITIS STOP HER Lycoming College was granted $50,000 from the High Foundation in support of a new Learning Commons on campus. This funding supported the construction of the first phase of a Learning Commons, as identified in the College’s strategic plan, to enhance the role of the library, learning supports, and information technology to strengthen student outcomes. Although offerings in academic support services — which include tutoring and study groups in all subject areas, the Writing Center, and the Math Center — were already robust, the location of these services in separate areas on the upper floors of Snowden Library proved to be a barrier to student usage in terms of visibility, space accommodation, and physical access. Relocating these spaces to a central location on the ground floor allows for increased student access, which is essential to impacting academic success and retention. “We’re excited to provide a centralized hub for students where they can easily access tutoring, research, and IT services that are dedicated to their success. Bringing these areas closer to each other will also be a great opportunity for us to easily collaborate on innovations for these services. Overall, we hope this will contribute to the lively and welcoming atmosphere we strive to create in the library,” said Tori Lieggi, assistant professor and instructional services librarian, coordinator of access services, and co-chair of Snowden Library. The Learning Commons opened in Fall 2025. Lycoming College sociology major Alexis Robinson ’26 was honored with the National Pancreas Foundation’s Hero of Hope award at the Courage for a Cure Gala in Pittsburgh for her courage and advocacy in the fight against pancreatic disease. Diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis at age 15, Robinson endured years of hospital visits, severe symptoms, and lifestyle changes before stabilizing her condition through medication and diet. Her experience sparked an interest in sociology, leading her to transfer to Lycoming for greater academic challenges. Influenced by faculty like Betty McCall, Ph.D., Robinson embraced research and advocacy, completing a capstone project on how chronic illness patients describe pain. Sharing her story with the National Pancreas Foundation opened doors to an internship where she assisted with webinars, PancreasFest, fundraising, and patient outreach. “It’s easy for patients to relate to me because of my own diagnosis,” Robinson noted. The internship shifted her career goals toward nonprofit work. Upon graduation in January 2026, Robinson assumed the role of program assistant for The National Pancreas Foundation, stating, “It has been fulfilling and motivating to keep advocating and working in the nonprofit field!” In March, she attended the Digestive Disease National Coalition Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. Reflecting on her journey, Robinson said her diagnosis, studies, and award all connect: “Don’t let anything hold you back! There are always resources to help you. Realize that it’s OK to not be OK — someone can guide you through.” 6 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 SPRING MAGAZINE
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