The Prospector (Helena, Mont.) 1916-2015, September 22, 2005, Image 12

Dr. Scharf takes over as Dean by Ann Goldes Intern Writer Many of you would recognize Dr. John Scharf as a longtime math and engineering professor. What you may not be aware of its the new position he is holding this year as Carroll’s interim Academic Dean and Vice President. He is still teaching one senior math and engineering course, but will main­ ly take over the role that Dr. Trudnowski previ­ ously held. Dr. Scharf began his college education right here at Carroll College. After completing his bachelor’s here then went on to Columbia University in New York to receive his master’s in civil engineering struc­ tures. His next undertaking was to help design the Nautilus subma­ rine in Washington D.C.. Dr. Scharf became homesick for Montana and =======::=: the west around this time and Carroll had an opening as one of its professors was on sabbatical. A full-time position opened in 1976 for which Dr. Scharf applied and was hired. After seven years, he received tenure and then took a four-year leave of absence to the University of Notre Dame where he completed his doctorate. After returning to Carroll, he took over as the chair for the department of - math, engineering and computer science. . In the academic year of 1993 to 1994, Dr. Scharf began to build a relationship with West Point, the United States Military Academy to begin rebuilding their engineering program. In 2001, Dr. Scharf and Dr. Vanesco were invited to teach in the math department there. Both accepted the invitation and took a one year sabbatical to teach at the Academy. Dr. Scharf’s connection to Carroll College stems back to his grandfather who was part of the first pre-med grad- 1924. As a result, Dr. Scharf was brought up around Carroll’s communi­ ty. “I believe that when I was young I saw what Carroll ;was all about. Emphasis is put on vocation and God’s calling here,” he explained. When asked :why he loves Carroll College so much, Dr. Scharf it because of the people repllfd’ } ha^e ' ' spent so much that are here. time at Carroll and -Dr. John Scharf, love it because of Academic Dean and Vice * e pe°ple that are here. So many President fine students have had an impact on my life, and my colleagues are so good to work with.” It will be a busy year for our new Academic Dean and Vice President, but it is one that he is excited and prepared for. This past week he traveled to Washington D.C. with President Trebon to meet with congressional representatives, the Council for Independent Colleges, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and many more organizations and officials on behalf of Carroll College. “I have spent so much time at Carroll and love Fulbright scholar teaching Chinese by Molly Priddy Intern Writer Here at Carroll, it is not uncom­ mon to have a highly qualified pro­ fessor teaching your class. However, the college might have outdone itself when they agreed to have Zhai Zheng teach a course in Chinese language. Zhai came to Helena from Beijing, China on a Fulbright scholarship. He teaches at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, one of the top prestigious universi­ ties in China. The school special­ ized in the training of at least 40 different languages. This is his second grand from the Fulbright foundation; his first expedition was to New York City in 2003. He traveled the east coast with what he described as a “very diverse group from different coun­ tries. It was a good mix!” Now, here in Helena for nine months, he plans on teaching a course in Chinese for two semes­ ters. The grant Zhai received from the state department goes toward being a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA). He is one of the first eleven FLTA to be sent out from China. Zhai is intrigues by inter cultural relationships. He says he has learned a lot from his multicultural trips because they are usually in larger cities. Helena, however, “is a good change from the big cities,” he said of his new assignment. “The big cities are not always rep­ resentative of everywhere in America.” It does take some time to get used to the size, “ft seems so empty here,” he said with a laugh. “I sent picture to my friends in China, and they responded with, ‘Where are all the people?”’ Carroll is not the only school to take advantage of Zhai’s expertise. Fulbright scholar Zhai Zheng comes to Carroll from Beijing, China. He is currently also a cultural ambassador to Lincoln High School as a resource for their Asian studies program. He is thrilled at the prospect of branching out into the community. Zhai Zheng is a very unique asset to the Carroll community. With an expertise in language training and an honest interest in everyone’s story, he is very approachable and friendly. “The Fulbright program pro­ motes peace,” he remarked. “Learning to understand each other is a big part of that.” Show me the money by Marti Pearce Guest Writer Most full time students at Carroll College receive some type of financial aid. ft may be in the form of a merit scholarship, grant, or even a student loan. Here are the top ten financial aid facts based on our average Carroll College student and aid awarded annually. 1. There are 1,307 students or 97% of degree seeking students at Carroll College this year receiving financial aid. 2. There are 898 students or 69% of aid applicants who have been awarded need based aid. In order to qualify for need based aid a student must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). 3. Carroll College awarded an average of $15,135 per student in financial aid in the form of col­ lege-sponsored scholarships and grants, Federal Work-Study, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Federal Student Loans including the Perkins Loans and Stafford Loans. 4. The average federal loan debt of a May 2005, Carroll College graduate was $23, 067. In comparison students who graduat­ ed with a four year degree from the Montana University System borrowed $ 23, 724. 5. The average family income of a Carroll College student who applied for federal aid is $41,848. 6. The average income for a Carroll College student is $4,716. 7. Carroll College provides $9.6 million in institutional financial aid annually and $6.5 million in federal aid. 8. The average graduation rate of Carroll College students who graduate in 4 years is 86% com­ pared to the 4-year private college national average of 79%. The national average for students THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 VOLUME 89, NO.l