From: PsychCentral (Newburyport, MA)
For many young adults, there is a ‘Fantasy Gap’ between expectations grounded in materialism and a commitment to work ethic, according to “new research by San Diego State University psychologist Dr. Jean M. Twenge [and] Dr. Tim Kasser, a professor of psychology at Knox College in Illinois.
“Recent high school graduates are more likely to want lots of money and nice things, but less likely to say they’re willing to work hard to earn them,” said Twenge. “That type of ‘fantasy gap’ is consistent with other studies showing a generational increase in narcissism and entitlement.”…
It is important to understand the generational relationship between money (materialism) and work ethic because mental health issues such as depression and anxiety often surface as adolescents begin placing a strong priority on money and possessions, Kasser said… Read more…
From: The Register Mail (Galesburg, IL)
1969 Galesburg High School graduate Ken Johnson has been named to lead communications and marketing for the Solar Energy Industries Association… “This is an exciting opportunity to be part of something which is so critically important to America’s future,” said Johnson, a 1973 Knox College graduate… A Capitol Hill veteran, Johnson previously headed up communications for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and two major committees in the U.S. House of Representatives…
Ken remains a huge fan of Galesburg, and shares some of his thoughts and memories via email [to the Register-Mail]: “No matter where my career has taken me, Galesburg has always been home. I received a terrific education in the Galesburg public school system and later at Knox College…” Read more…
From: The Atlantic (Washington, D.C.)
A feature by Emily Esfahani Smith cites work by Knox College faculty member Tim Kasser, in an examination of “the conflict between career ambition and relationships [that] lies at the heart of many of our current cultural debates.” The article states: “In psychology, there is surprisingly little research on ambition, let alone the effect it has on human happiness… But a new study… found that the children who were the most conscientious (organized, disciplined, and goal-seeking), extroverted, and from a strong socioeconomic background were also the most ambitious… made more money in the long run and secured more high-status jobs…”
[The study also found that] “ambition is only weakly connected with well-being and negatively associated with longevity. Existing research by psychologist Tim Kasser can help address this issue. Kasser, the author of The High Price of Materialism, has shown that the pursuit of materialistic values like money, possessions, and social status — the fruits of career successes — leads to lower well-being and more distress in individuals… Read more…
From: Manufacturing Institute
[Knox College graduate and Alumni Achievement Award winner] Carol Craig, Craig Technologies CEO, is recognized by The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte, University of Phoenix, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers with a 2013 Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Award for her excellence and leadership in manufacturing.
Ms. Craig joins 121 other woman honorees, representing all levels of manufacturing from the factory floor to the C Suite… Carol has partnered with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and NASA. She negotiated a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to operate, maintain and store 1,600 pieces of manufacturing equipment previously used to process space shuttle and space-bound payload components… Read more…
From: The Register Mail (Galesburg, IL)
Chairman of the Environmental Studies Department at Knox College, [professor Peter] Schwartzman serves on the Galesburg City Council and has a history of community-based projects aimed at protecting the environment and educating Knox County’s residents about energy and food options. Schwartzman founded The Center, helped start the Knox Prairie Community Kitchen and started a number of neighborhood gardens on property he purchased throughout Galesburg. But the professor had bigger plans — leasing 3 acres of unused land to turn into an urban farm, Growing Together Inc… “We want to show people that we can grow food in Galesburg that stays in Galesburg. We want to show people that it’s healthy, better for the environment and better for the community.” Read more…
From: Self Magazine (New York, NY)
Knox College psychology professor Frank McAndrew is quoted extensively in the November-December issue of Self Magazine and its “Healthy Self” blog, for an article, Can’t Keep a Secret “…Follow our examples [that compare your conscious thoughts with your brain’s instinctive reactions] and find out why [you have an urge to share gossip]… You [tell yourself]: ‘Allie would freak out if she knew about this. This is sooo big! I’ve gotten tell her.’ Your Brain Decoded: Seeming in the know is vital to your social status, McAndrew says. In other words, you want to be popular, and sharing gossip can get you there…” Read more…
