Digital Commons Network^™

Formerly Abducted Youths In Northern Uganda: History, Impact, Intervention, And Reintegration, Noelani Stahl

Orphans and Vulnerable Children Senior Capstone

In 1988, a rebel group called the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) formed in Northern Uganda. A civil war broke out between the LRA and the government, lasting more than two decades and affecting almost the entire population of Northern Uganda. Children were some of the most impacted by the conflict, as the LRA’s primary strategy was abducting children and forcibly recruiting them as sexual slaves (brides), manual laborers, and soldiers.First, this paper establishes the historical and political backdrop of the conflict, providing context for the psychological impacts that abduction into war had on children, Acholi culture, and the communities involved. …

The Cycle Of Control: How Men Convince Women To Doubt Their Minds And Bodies, Zoe C. Bowman

Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics Essay Contest

In ultra-conservative religious communities, men in positions of power will often use tactics that cause women to doubt their thoughts, emotions, and bodies. Women are gaslighted into believing they are failing in some way when they feel anxious or depressed, as though they have not trusted God enough. While these practices are archaic and are seen less often in modern churches, there are still instances which give cause for concern. In order for women to be more confident in their understanding of the signals their bodies and minds give them, they must be aware of the help that is offered …

Stop Looking Away: On The Zone Of Interest And Palestine, Trevor J. Matteson

Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics Essay Contest

Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest is a radical interrogation of complicity, silence, and the carefully curated distance that enables atrocity to unfold in full view. Through a cinematic language defined by absence - of violence, of sentimentality, of conventional storytelling - Glazer collapses the walls between the viewer and the horror we are trained to ignore. The film’s haunting sound design, unflinching cinematography, and alienating formal strategies construct a domestic world nestled against a genocide, daring us to recognize our own proximity to suffering. By situating the Hoss family’s banal cruelty alongside the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the essay …

Art Therapy: An Alternative Solution For Veterans Suffering From Trauma And Ptsd, Trisha Metcalf

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This project aims to explore artistic solutions to the psychological problems veterans face with re-entering society after serving time with the U.S. military. Art is one-way veterans can explore creative outlets for their trauma and through working with CreatiVets, they will be able to have a safe space to express themselves. CreatiVets is a non-profit specializing in art-based programs to help veterans deal with trauma. They already have programs that feature painting, sculpting and songwriting. A sewing program will be introduced into the organization so veterans will be able to express themselves through fiber arts. The sewing class will be …

A Score For The Outdoors: A Study Of Hayao Miyazaki's Environmentalism And Joe Hisaishi's Score In Princess Mononoke, Jasper E. Vasilevskis

Senior Theses

This honors thesis explores the role of composer Joe Hisaishi’s score in relation to director Hayao Miyazaki’s environmental perspective in Princess Mononoke (1997). Miyazaki’s belief that, regardless of the target audience, a story cannot be told without presenting “the ecological issues”[1] leads to the production of films that have rhetoric in support of environmental appreciation and conservation embedded throughout. When read through an environmentalist lens, Princess Mononoke becomes a critique of “human-centric” thinking, instead supporting an ideology similar to “deep ecology,” which considers humans to be intrinsically linked to nature. Despite Hisaishi and Miyazaki’s close collaboration that leads to …

Ursinus Magazine, Spring 2025, Robyn E. Hannigan, Steve Thomas, Jennifer L. Post-Whisted, Brad Drexler, Alyssa Kratz, Connor Donohue

Ursinus Magazine, 1995–Present

Students named campus sustainability champions • It's On Us grant awarded • APEX to redefine the student journey • Trustee appointments • New academic offerings • Scholarships awarded for study abroad • Gordon Ramsay spotted at Cafe 2020 • Voices soar in the Big Easy • Exploring the world • New graduate partnerships • Ursinus joins Cost Transparency initiative • Ursinus voted a 2025 "Philly Favorite" • Alumni Awards celebrate outstanding achievement • Class of 2025 embracing joy and awe • Faculty research • Defender of the deep • Delivering a dream • Where art meets architecture • The new …

Music And Word Learning In Children Diagnosed With Developmental Language Disorder, Rebekah G. Sweeney

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Purpose: This study investigates whether incorporating music into vocabulary interventions improves rate of learning and retention of words in children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Emerging literature continues to show the plentiful benefits of music as a tool for intervention in many settings, including the world of speech pathology (Levitin, 2024). However, it is also evident that there is a connection between struggling with language, and struggling with musical elements, such as rhythm and pitch perception, particularly in children with DLD (Boorom et al., 2022; Kreidler et al., 2023). This study seeks to tease out if music is an effective …

Transgender And Gender Diverse Young Adults’ Navigation Of Sexuality: What Mental Health Providers Need To Know, Sage A. Volk

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Though literature has documented that TGD individuals may face unique challenges when attempting to develop healthy romantic and sexual relationships (Hill-Meyer & Scarborough, 2014), research has also identified that intimate partners can serve as an immeasurable source of support and resilience for their TGD partners (Coppola et al., 2021; Galupo et al., 2019). While there is strong evidence to support the importance of TGD individuals developing healthy intimate relationships, there is little guidance in the literature for mental health providers wanting to discuss these domains with TGD clients in psychotherapy (Spencer and Vencill, 2017).

The present study addresses this gap …

Transgender And Gender Diverse Youth Navigating Relationships And Sexuality: Recommendations For Affirming Clinical Practice, Hannah Marie Coffey

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Healthy relationship development is critical for adolescents’ social-emotional wellbeing, and shifting social expectations and identity development in adolescence can be challenging (Kenny et al., 2013; Roach, 2018). This can be particularly complex for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth given the occurrence of identity development alongside navigating safety, access to affirming spaces, and limited availability of queer-inclusive education (Levitt and Ippolito, 2014; Xing et al., 2015). The positive psychosocial impacts of comprehensive sex education and the relevance of discussing relationships in therapy with adolescents situate mental health providers well to address some of the gaps in knowledge and access to …

An American Song Cycle: A Performance Guide To The Rim Of Love By Andrea Clearfield, Margot Marie Porter

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Philadelphia-based American female composer Andrea Clearfield (b. 1960) arranged the cantata The Rim of Love into a song cycle for soprano and piano, featuring poetry written by Manfred Fischbeck (1940–2021). Fischbeck and Clearfield met in 1985 while both on faculty at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where they cultivated a lifelong creative partnership and friendship, along with being romantic partners for 20 years.

Clearfield has composed over 170 works, including opera, chamber ensembles, solo instruments, chorus, and orchestra. In 2005, the nonprofit mentoring program Astral Artists, based out of Philadelphia, commissioned Clearfield to compose The Rim of Love …

Clic Newsletter - Spring 2025, Sofia Flores, Hermes Severino, Isabelle Han, Tracy Lai, Yang Fan

CLIC Newsletter

Page 1: Leading with Purpose: Brian Shea’s Journey

Page 3: Restaurant Reviews

Page 6: The Power of Social Language Learning

Page 7: Day in the Life: Sofia Flores

Page 9: Multilingual Cities You Must Visit

Page 11: What’s Renaldy’s Secret?

Page 13: Silvana Davi’s Study Abroad Journey

Page 15: Street Food Around The World

Page 17: Arroz con Leche Recipe

Page 18: Meet Houria Mansour: A Student Leader

Page 20: Boeuf Bourguignon Recipe

Page 22: How Body Language Changes Around The World

Page 24: Day in the Life of an International Student: Bella Liu

Page 26: Francophonie Event Recap

Page …

Crusading Against Vice In The Progressive Era: American Anti-Profanity Leagues And Their Legacy, Evan J. Christensen

Roland D. Sawyer Scholarship Papers

During the Progressive Era in the United States, the rise of Anti-Profanity Leagues—such as those led by Roland D. Sawyer and Arthur S. Colborne—mirrored a growing national moral sentiment against profanity that aligned with broader ideals of social reform and public virtue. These leagues responded to widespread concerns about the perceived erosion of public decency and sought to promote “clean speech” through grassroots organizing, religious engagement, and civic advocacy. This paper situates the Anti-Profanity Leagues within the larger framework of Progressive Era moral reform movements, including temperance, anti-vice campaigns, and social purity efforts. Drawing on period newspapers, archival materials, and …

Book Review: Church Revitalization: A Pastoral Guide To Church Renewal By Russell N. Small, Brian Grow

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: De-Sizing The Church: How Church Growth Became A Science, Then An Obsession, And What’S Next By Karl Vaters, H. L. Scooter Jr.

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

2025 Vol 17(1) Complete Issue.Pdf, David R. Dunaetz

Great Commission Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Graduate School Blog - April 2025 Volume 1, Cynthia Haynes

UofM Grad School Blog

The April 2025 UofM Graduate School Blog highlights a month full of events, stories, and celebrations, beginning with Dr. Deborah Tollefsen’s personal graduate school journey, shared during the “Is Graduate School Right for Me?” virtual workshop an inspiring narrative of resilience, mentorship, and finding purpose through education. This edition also spotlights Graduate Student Appreciation Week, featuring a robust lineup of events such as a virtual town hall, resume and job market workshop, student social and awards ceremony, study session, and social dinners all designed to support, celebrate, and connect the UofM graduate student community. With opportunities to hear from …

Interactive Pathways: Designing Accessible Museum Experiences, Bryce M. Christian

Senior Theses

This research examines the educational strategies employed by the Columbia Museum of Art in addition to similar institutions to explore how museums can optimize their educational impact on K–12 students by applying human-centered design strategies that prioritize accessibility, engagement, and real user needs. Many museums struggle to fully serve K–12 students due to physical, financial, and perceptual barriers. While digital platforms have expanded reach in some institutions, others prioritize in-person experiences and community engagement. This research uses artificial intelligence tools such as supervised data to accelerate and enhance the analytical process. The study evaluates these approaches through the lens of …

The Death Of General John Reynolds And The Crisis Of Union Command, July 1, 1863, Reid E. Kirby

GLI MA in American History Student Works

This paper evaluates the extent to which the death of Union Major General John Reynolds on the morning of the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg influenced subsequent events throughout that day. It explores several key questions, including how Reynolds' death affected the chain of command within the Army of the Potomac, how it impacted the course of the battle on that first day, and how the Union I and XI Corps were reorganized due to the sudden loss of such a high-ranking officer. Additionally, this paper highlights the experiences of the soldiers formerly under Reynolds' command during this …

Connecting Cultures Through Nature Exploring Cross-Cultural Environmental Education And Global Citizenship At Hanoi Edufarm, Shreeya Patel

Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development

This paper explores the role of cross-cultural, nature-based education in fostering intercultural understanding and environmental awareness among children through my internship completed at Hanoi EduFarm, a farm school located in the countryside of Hanoi, Vietnam. While initially intended to focus on sustainable and regenerative agriculture, the internship evolved into a teaching role, where I designed and led lessons in English centered on environmental topics, geography, and intercultural exchange.

Drawing from in-class participant observations, reflective journaling, and informal discussions with staff and faculty over 120 hours of the internship period for SIT Vietnam, this paper examines how shared experiences with nature …

Being Muslim In European Football: Defining Spaces Of Muslimness, Leif Stenberg, Ridha Sheikh, Esen Kaya

Abdou Filali-Ansary Occasional Paper Series

This paper explores the intersection of football and Islam, looking especially at European contexts, and with particular focus on the experiences of Muslim footballers in the UK. By examining the stories of UK Premier League player Cheikhou Kouyaté and amateur footballer Yasmin Abdullahi in London, the paper investigates how these individuals navigate their Muslim identities in the context of their sporting careers. The paper reflects on the broader cultural and societal implications of Muslimness in football, considering how both Muslims and non-Muslims contribute to defining Islamic spaces within the sport. The research also touches on the evolving perceptions of Islam …

Following The Crowd? A Topic Modeling Analysis Of Twitter Discourse And Supreme Court Decisions, Jessica Daughterty

IPHS 300: AI for Humanity

This project uses topic modeling to compare the top topics from Twitter posts with the text of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. I analyzed whether the Court’s reasoning reflected public concerns or was disconnected. While some analysis of the Twitter data exists on the Kaggle dataset I used, I conducted this research independently of those results. By putting the Court’s language and public sentiment side by side, this project explores whether institutions are responding to what people care about.

Authenticity Under Review: How Well Does Genai Write College Admissions Essays?, Adrian Mangine

IPHS 300: AI for Humanity

With nearly 30% of people ages 14-22 reporting frequent AI use, increasing AI assistance in college admissions essays poses a new consideration with ethical AI use (Rubin et al., 2024). This study investigates how well three generative AI models write college admissions essays: ChatGPT o3, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and Grok. Each model responded to a Common App 2025-2026 application prompt as three distinct applicants: Elijah, Grace, and Malik (Common App, 2025). Each student represented a common college applicant archetype: Elijah, an academically successful dual sports recruit; Grace, a near-perfect award-winning scholar; and Malik, a gifted student from an underrepresented background. …

A Research Proposal: The Scapegoating Of Transgender Americans By Us Presidential Candidates From 2016 To 2024, Savannah Torres

Posters - 2025

This study will employ a qualitative content analysis to analyze the scapegoating of transgender Americans by U.S. presidential candidates from 2016 to the 2024 elections. This approach will allow for an in-depth exploration of political rhetoric, policy proposals, and public discourse regarding the trans community. In doing so, this study will highlight the lived experiences of transgender Americans in which they have faced both support, indifference, and marginalization from candidates. The content analyzed will include political rhetoric expressed by the candidates through their campaign and administrations. This analysis is with the intent to find recurring themes relating to the scapegoating …

Economic Disparities In Financial Education: How Financial Literacy Varies By Socieoeconomic Status In The United States, Sergio Arguello, Megan Beach, Adolfo Duran, Gabriel Gomez

Posters - 2025

Financial literacy enables informed decisions, wealth building, and economic mobility.

• It is unevenly distributed across socioeconomic groups in the U.S.

• Key factors: parental income, education, occupation.

• Lower-income populations face greater financial vulnerability (Pew Research, 2024; FINRA Foundation, 2022).

• Improving literacy fosters stability, reduces welfare dependence, and boosts growth.

• Our study identifies barriers and recommends policies to close the literacy gap.

Los Muxes De Juchitán: Resistance, Identity, And Expressions Of Gender In The Zapotec Culture, Leah Mack

Audre Lorde Prize

This work is a cultural analysis of the Indigenous Zapotec third-gender community in Juchitán, México called the muxes. It examines the historical context that explains how the muxes have survived the process of Spanish colonization: a history of resistance and pride in their Indigenous identities. This essay also explains the European norms of the gender binary and how the norms in Juchitán are different and unique. Then, it analyzes a few cultural spaces that are important to the Zapotec Indigenous identity and the gender identity of the muxes, such as the market and the festive celebrations known as Las Velas. …

Rationing Hunger: The Gendered Consequences Of India's Public Distribution System, Krisha Silwal

Audre Lorde Prize

This paper examines how the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, while introduced to address hunger and food insecurity, displaces women from traditional farming, weakens their nutritional autonomy, and erases their cultural roles in food systems. The focus on subsidized rice and wheat benefits male landowners and excludes women, especially Dalit and Adivasi farmers, from agricultural decision-making. Drawing on a grassroots initiative led by Dalit women in Zaheerabad, the paper highlights how community-driven, decentralized food systems rooted in women’s knowledge can improve food security and restore autonomy. It calls for a reimagined PDS that centers women’s lived experiences and leadership.

Queer Bodies Defying Standards, Billy Adams

Audre Lorde Prize

No abstract provided.

The Messenger - 2025

The Messenger

The objective of The Messenger is to encourage the appreciation and exploration of the creative arts on the University of Richmond campus. Since 1876, The Messenger has celebrated student work by publishing submissions in a literary and visual arts magazine. More information on the magazine, as well as past publications since 1987, can be found on messengerur.wordpress.com.

Acknowledgements

The Messenger staff would like to thank Dr. David Stevens for his continued support and guidance as our faculty sponsor. We are also grateful for the University of Richmond’s English and Visual and Media Arts Practice departments, who continually encourage students to …

Rise Kids: A Disabilities Ministry At Markle Church Of Christ, Sydnee Follett

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

Churches are called to be a place of belonging and welcoming to all people who walk through their doors. However, it is common that individuals and families impacted by disability are left feeling marginalized and unwelcome in the church. This paper presents a philosophy for RISE Kids, a ministry at Markle Church of Christ in Markle, Indiana that exists to provide advocacy and support for these families to promote a true sense of belonging. The goal of this paper is to provide local churches with a ministry framework to intentionally minister to individuals and families with disabilities. This paper describes …

One More Neighbor: Utilizing Legal Services For Holistic Immigrant Care, Mitch Mcgeath

Christian Ministries Senior Capstone

This paper rests upon the assumption that local churches in the United States have a critical role to play in obeying the command of Jesus to care for immigrants. I argue for a ministry that combines the mission of Jesus with the compassion of Jesus by bringing together immigration legal services with opportunities to disciple our “neighbors,” immigrants who live in close proximity to our church site. One More Neighbor is a ministry within One More, the missions non-profit of Church at the Crossing on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Indiana. The ministry of One More Neighbor is explored systematically …