Linkages Online Newsletter, Fall 2012

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New Dietetic Internship Program at WKU

Beginning this fall the WKU Department of Family & Consumer Sciences is offering a Dietetic Internship Program. Successful completion of this nine-month internship program will result in eligibility to take the national dietetic registration exam and a Graduate Certificate in Dietetic Practice.  The extreme shortage of internships available in this field nationwide is the driving force behind this program.

The program has accepted ten interns in the first cohort which began this fall. This year, five of the ten interns are Western Kentucky University graduates.  Interns will complete 32 weeks of supervised practice at designated healthcare sites throughout Kentucky, focusing on the concentrations of Medical Nutrition Therapy, Community Nutrition, and Foodservice Systems Management. This hands-on training will be done in conjunction with online graduate courses in each corresponding area.

"The internship will provide the student interns with opportunities to acquire the competencies necessary to function as entry-level practitioners and to become eligibleto take the Registration Examination for Dietitians," explains Program Director Jane Simmons.

The Western Kentucky University Dietetic Internship has been granted candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The graduate certificate is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and have been accepted into the WKU Dietetic Internship. Students interested in the WKU Dietetic Internship will be required to apply online using a national centralized application system.

For more information, visit http://www.wku.edu/facs/dieteticinternship or contact Jane Simmons, Program Director at (270) 745-5224. 

 

Hospitality Management/Dietetics Students Receive Scholarships

Sara Glanz, a senior Dietetics student from Glasgow, was awarded the Lyn Fleming Scholarship and the Iva Alexander Scholarship for 2012 from the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at their spring meeting.

Jan Claussen, a senior Dietetics student from Hendersonville, TN, was awarded in June, 2012,  the Dietetics in Healthcare Communities Board Scholarship by the Academy of Nutritiona nd Dietetics Foundation.  This is a highly competitive, national scholarship. It has been five years since a WKU Dietetics student has been awarded this scholarship.

Craig Poland, a senior HRTM student from Tompkinsville, Ky., was awarded the 2012 Bowling Green Area Lodging Assoc. scholarship. 

 

FACS Nutrition Faculty Receives Award

Dr. Maggie Cook-Newell has been named 2012 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the Diabetes Care and Education practice group, which is a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association).  Dr. Cook-Newell began teaching nutrition and dietetics at WKU this fall.  She formerly taught dietetics at the University of Kentucky and has been a practicing dietitian for many years. 

 

"Green" FACS Interior Design Faculty

Ms. Amy Hersch, instructor in Interior Design, became a LEED Green Associate this past year.  She also won a training trip to Louisville, KY to the GE Monogram Experience, which will enhance the kitchen and bath courses offered in FACS. 

 

Fashion Merchandising Students Participate in  a Variety of Internships

Several Fashion Merchandising students participated in impressive internships  this past year and gained valuable work experience in the fashion field.  These were:

• Frankie Smith interned at Michael Simmons in New York City (Summer 2012)
• Jacqueline Painter interned at Tommy Hilfiger in New  York City (Summer 2012)
• Alex Panzarella is interning at Fruitl of the Loom in color (Fall 2012)
• Brittney Steinhaus completed a practicum at Fruit of the Loom in color (Spring 2012) and interned at Kirklands in buyer (Summer 2012)
• Kristie Moesner interned at Dillards in management (Summer 2012)
• Lindsey Searle interned at Forever 21 in visual merchandising (Summer 2012)

 

Fashion Merchandising Students Attend MAGIC Tradeshow

Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising (IDFM) students and their instructor, Dr. Devona Dixon, spent August 20-24, 2012, in Las Vegas to experience MAGIC, which is the fashion industry's premier tradeshow. MAGIC is the largest men's, women's, and children's apparel and accessory tradeshow in the United States that brings together buyers, over 3,500 vendors, and numerous global sourcing agents from around the world.

The students were enrolled in DMT 426 Market Trends, a hybrid online course and study tour coordinated by WKU Study Away office. The course experience and study tour proved to be a great learning and networking opportunity. Students studied and were exposed to current market trends in apparel, buying, and global sourcing. Each assignment completed prior to attending the event prepared them for the three day "buying experience". They assumed the role of apparel buyer while attending MAGIC tradeshow and prepared for the event by creating a schedule, identifying vendors to visits, familiarizing themselves with current trade, manufacturing and sourcing issues related to retailing and apparel.

Once there, the group visited vendors representing brands including Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, Betsy Johnson, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, and lesser known designer, Lanvand. Representatives from True Religion and Fergie Shoes educated the group on their brands and company  through informal personal group sessions. The groups' schedule also included seminars on topics including using social media to reach male consumers, the future of retailing global and domestic, starting your own business, and spring and fall 2013 trends. All seminars were presented by professionals in the industry. The group also attended the WWD fashion show and observed several fashion photo shoots.

One student had this to say about the study tour. "I would recommend this class to anyone. It was an awesome experience that most people would never get. It was not only a great way to experience the industry, but it also allows you to make connections and get your name out there a little bit. Overall, this trip was a great time. I want to thank you, Ms. Dixon."

 

Interior Design Students get Hands-On Experience

Recently, the Interior Design (ID) program has been asked to consult on several projects in the community.  ID faculty have assigned the following students to work with these community partners to update their facilities:

• Dori Sheehan is working with the Lady Toppers to upgrade their lounge and film room area.  Dori is interested in sports facility design, and this will give her an opportunity to use her talents and interest.
• Ann-Alan Callahan is working with Farmer's National Bank on Scottsville Road to update their facility.
• The Cottage Chapel Seventh-Day Adventist Church has requested assistance with updating their facility, and the IIDA student organization will be working with them on this project.

 

Alumni Celebrate Homecoming

FACS Alumni came to the Hill for the "Red, White, & WKU" homecoming on Saturday, October 20.  Alumni, friends and family enjoyed a buffet luncheon prepared by the Catering and Beverage Management students.  Guest speaker, Dr. Richard Patterson, Assistant Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, spoke on the history and the future of the Hospitality Management/Dietetics program at WKU.  Alumni also had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction before they headed out to other homecoming activities. 

 

Obituary

Dr. Wm. A. Floyd died on Saturday, September 29 in Bowling Green.  He was preceeded in death by his wife of 38 years, Deloris Butler  Floyd.  Dr. Floyd was the head of the Department of Home Economics and Family Living from 1969-1991.  Memorial services will be conducted at State Street United Methodist Church in Bowling Green at a later date.