Changes Spur Additional Leader

At the beginning of this semester 23 EMU students accompanied by two chaperones set out for Italy and Switzerland for their semester abroad. Their original plans quickly changed as problems arose.

Kim Schmidt, director of the WCSC program in Washington D.C., along with her father Melvin Schmidt, were the original intended leaders of the cross cultural group. Just two days before leaving, in the middle of orientation for the journey, Kim was diagnosed with cancer and was advised to stay behind. Beth Aracena, Associate Dean for Curriculum and Cross Cultural coordinator, said of the situation "Kim was extremely disappointed that she couldn't go. It was a blow to everyone."

Kim's mother, Charlotte Schmidt, became a substitute leader for the program. Charlotte had originally planned on joining the group to help care for Kim's young children, but the sudden situation called for a much more demanding position.

With hopes of meeting the group at a later time in Europe, Kim's medical condition worsened; it became apparent that she would be unable to join the group of students.

Halfway through the semester-long trip, Char decided to return to the States to help take care of her daughter and family. The group was left in Europe with Melvin as their sole leader and guide. Not long after, in unclear circumstances, certain group dynamics began to change. Although much speculation has flown around campus, Aracena assured that there was no single situation that created the unexpected delays: "There are a lot of rumors, but the group as a whole was experiencing problems."

It was decided that another chaperone would be sent across the Atlantic to accompany Melvin as another guide. Theda Good, the temporary Assistant Provost, agreed to take on the challenge; she left for Europe on Nov. 14. Aracena is confident that Theda has been an excellent aid to the group's dynamics. She said "Theda has been welcomed whole-heartedly by the group. She was God's answer to our prayers." Shortly before leaving, Good was offered the position of full-time Provost.

Kim and Melvin led this same Cross Cultural in the fall of 2004; they are no strangers to the Italy and Switzerland experience.

The group recently visited Rome and Venice, and as of this past week were in Florence, Italy. This Saturday, Dec. 9, their plane is scheduled to fly into D.C. at 2:00 p.m. They should arrive on campus by van around 5:00 in the evening. Make sure to head to the University Commons to give them a welcoming arrival.