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The Evolution of Teamwork
From axolotl research to Darwin lectures, Ellen and Robert Dawley’s complementary careers influenced thousands of students and defined what a shared academic life looks like.
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The Heart of HaMM
In Associate Professor Steve Kolwicz’s lab, six Ursinus seniors found more than hands-on research experience — they found mentorship, confidence, and a community that shaped their college journey.
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The Back Story
As a pioneer in artificial disc replacement, Richard Guyer, M.D., ’71 has treated spine injuries for more than 40 years, not as a source of pain, but as a puzzle worth solving and a frontier worth exploring. Now in his mid-70s and still performing nearly 100 surgeries a year, he remains one of medicine’s most compelling examples of what happens when remarkable talent meets relentless curiosity.
UC ArtsRead More
Center Stage
Patrick McAndrew ’13Since his first performance at Ursinus, Patrick has played almost every role in the theater industry, both onstage and behind the scenes. Now his original work, which bridges theater and technology, has come to life in New York City.
At Ursinus, students engage in high-level research from day one, working closely with distinguished faculty — opportunities often not available until graduate school.
Ursinus Research, Scholarship & InquiryRead More
URSI
A spotlight on Ursinus Research, Scholarship & Inquiry
Whether working alone, with students, or in collaboration with one another, Ursinus faculty are rewarded for their creativity, and allowed, even encouraged, to take risks.
View highlights of some of latest faculty research.
Bears' Den
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Class Notes & Weddings
Stories, weddings and updates from our Ursinus classmates
Vonnie Gros carved out one of the most remarkable athletic legacies in Ursinus College history. Arriving in the mid-1950s, she became the school’s first All-American in both field hockey and lacrosse in 1957 — launching a career defined by excellence on and off the field.
A standout on the U.S. National Field Hockey Team for 13 years, she later guided that same program to its only Olympic medal. After the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games denied her first Olympic coaching opportunity, she returned in 1984 to lead a heavily underdog American squad to a historic bronze medal.
Vonnie also built an exceptional coaching résumé at West Chester University, Princeton University, and Ursinus. Her impact on the game is reflected in her induction into at least eight Halls of Fame, including the U.S. Field Hockey Hall of Fame and multiple regional and collegiate honors — cementing her place as a true pioneer in women’s athletics. Read more on usafieldhockey.com
Heather (Simons) Dougherty ’89 wrote to share that many Ursinus alumni got together for the inaugural UC Bears Pickleball play day. Anyone interested in learning more about the next gathering may reach out to Heather at Heatherdoc3@gmail.com.
Hudson B. “Pete” Scattergood, retired senior vice president for college relations, who was with the college from 1989 to 2007, died Nov. 29, 2025.
University of Las Vegas Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther ’94 and Head Coach Dan Mullen ’94 pose with fellow alumni Dave Kovach ’90, Austin Kovach ’21, and Cleary Clark Maly ’92 at the UNLV vs. Utah State game on Nov. 15, 2025
Arlene (Andrews) McLean, Ph.D., ’62, who began a career at Merck in 1966 as a junior statistician and later became a senior director contributing to the development of several vaccines, was recognized by Merck, who named a room in its facility in recognition of her contributions. The “McLean Room” features a plaque in her honor. Arlene was also recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal in its “Faces of Philanthropy” for 2026.
Jennifer Thompkins ’09 has been appointed president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. She previously served as president and CEO of Metropolitan Wilmington (Del.) Urban League (MWUL), where she significantly expanded their programs and impacts to address the growing needs of Wilmington and the broader Delaware community.
Build a Brighter Tomorrow — Starting Today.
When you support the Ursinus Fund, you empower students to dream boldly — and provide the college with resources to turn those dreams into real-world, hands-on experiences. Make your gift today. Give online below:
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Coming Fall 2026... New and Reimagined Majors
Ursinus has added several new courses of study to its academic catalog, providing more opportunities to students across disciplines.
Allied Health Studies
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Health and Physical Education
Public Health
Business Analytics
Marketing
Sports Management
Applied Sustainability
Marine Science
Music Technology
Forensic Chemistry
Cybersecurity
Four Ursinus College Alumni Join Board of Trustees
Karreth Receives Grant to Expand Civic Spark Policy Lab
Ursinus mourns the loss of John E.F. “Jef” Corson P’04, H’12
2 Ursinus alumni win highly competitive NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Three Ursinus Professors Earn Top Faculty Awards
$2 million donated to support tuition-inclusive Go Global program
Ursinus Awarded $1.49 Million Mellon Foundation Grant to Launch APEX Innovation Center
APEX at Ursinus College - An Employer’s Perspective
Built from Belief
With no roster, no schedule, and no guarantees, ursinus women’s wrestling has grown into a program ready for the national stage.
The recruitment pitch was backwards. During his interview in 2019, Joe Jamison laid out a transformative plan to introduce a women’s wrestling program to Ursinus College. He was clear, persistent, and unwavering: the program would offer high-achieving student-athletes the chance to wrestle while maintaining rigorous academics.
Celebrating the Class of 2026:
In Moments of Bravery, Growth Happens
“You have survived a pandemic. You have navigated a world more divided than any of us expected. You have earned this degree through challenge, sacrifice, and a kind of grit that most people your age do not even know they have yet. You — right here, right now — are the proof that brave works,” said Tracy Davidson as she addressed graduates at Ursinus’s 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22. Davidson, who received an honorary doctor of humane letters, is a 15-time Emmy Award– winning journalist turned full-time speaker who is known for inspiring audiences to rise above adversity and lead with resilience. The Rev. Luis Cortés, founder and chief executive officer of Esperanza, a leading Hispanic faith-based evangelical network in the United States, delivered the baccalaureate address and received an honorary doctor of humane letters. Mathematics major Kya M. Jones ’26 was the student commencement speaker. View Photo Gallery
Ursinus College proudly celebrated our 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22, on the lawn in front of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art.
Ursinus College proudly celebrated our 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22, on the lawn in front of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art.
Ursinus College proudly celebrated our 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22, on the lawn in front of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art. Pictured: Kya M. Jones ’26
Ursinus College proudly celebrated our 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22, on the lawn in front of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art. Pictured: Tracy Davidson
Ursinus College proudly celebrated our 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22, on the lawn in front of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art.
Ursinus College proudly celebrated our 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22, on the lawn in front of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art.
Ursinus College proudly celebrated our 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22, on the lawn in front of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art.
Ursinus College proudly celebrated our 153rd commencement ceremony on May 22, on the lawn in front of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art.
Hall of Fame for Athletes
Honoring athletic accomplishments and the qualities of character — work ethic, leadership, and humility — Ursinus celebrated the 2025 induction class in December.
Congratulations on 25 Years!
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Kevin Small wrapped up his 25th season at the helm of the Bears in 2026. Small has four Centennial Conference titles to his name and is the program’s all-time wins leader.