The Innovation Media Center (IMC) recently had a pretty remarkable 3D print request submitted by a student, and it turned into an inspiring story we just had to share.
Meet Nolan Rosenberg, a Special Education K–12 major who believes deeply in equitable access to education for all students. During his field experiences, Nolan observed how students with more severe and complex needs often struggle with everyday classroom tasks—from mixing ingredients to writing. Rather than accepting these challenges as barriers, Nolan began looking for solutions.
After a visit to Temple University’s Assistive Technology Hub, he had a lightbulb moment: what if he could use 3D printing to design custom assistive tools for his students? Combining his passion for teaching with his background in OnShape, an online CAD software, Nolan set out to make it happen.
His first design was a meaningful one—a tactile nameplate created for a student with a significant visual impairment. The nameplate features raised letters and textured bumps to help the student begin recognizing the distinct characteristics of each letter. While the student is not currently being taught braille, this personalized tool gives a new way to engage with literacy and begin developing tactile learning skills.
We love seeing how creative minds like Nolan’s are using the library’s 3D printing services to make a difference. His project is a powerful example of how technology, compassion, and education can come together to create inclusive learning experiences.
Interested in what you could make with 3D printing?
- Read about 3D printing options and cost in the IMC here.
- Make an appointment or visit the IMC Help Desk during available hours.
Who knows, your next idea might just change someone’s world.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Special Collection Librarian, Ron McColl, followed by a series of insightful presentations. Dr. tonya thames-taylor, associate professor of history at WCU, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on "Slavery, Freedom, and Labor in Chester County," setting the historical context for Ruth’s achievements. Bruce Bomberger, the former curator of Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, shared how he rediscovered Ruth’s legacy, provided a detailed account of his research into Ruth’s life, highlighting his journey from a self-taught blacksmith to a successful inventor of national renown with multiple patents to his name. Bomberger emphasized how Ruth’s most notable inventions, including the automatic hay baler and self-lifting farm elevator, revolutionized local agriculture.
The program culminated with a discussion featuring Ruth’s great-great-granddaughter, Cierra Johnson, a West Chester University graduate, as well as Gwendolyn Ruth Dickinson, Ruth’s granddaughter. They shared personal anecdotes and reflections on Ruth. Johnson explained that stories about her great-great-grandfather continue to inspire her and her family’s endeavors.
Following the event, attendees viewed an exhibition showcasing items from the William Chester Ruth papers, which University Libraries Special Collections acquired last year. Highlights of the collection include photographs, marketing materials, business correspondence, patents applications, and blueprints. To learn more about William Chester Ruth, or to schedule an appointment to view his papers, contact Ron McColl at 
University Libraries Leadership CollectionThe Leadership Collection at the F.H.G. Library is a curated collection developed by Grace Liu, Associate Professor and Business Librarian. The idea emerged from her research on college student retention and success, which revealed a critical need for leadership development and resource support on campus. Reflecting on the role university libraries can play in student success, she began exploring how libraries can support not only academic achievement but also leadership development and personal growth throughout the campus community.
Her research found that nearly 30 courses at West Chester University already incorporate a leadership component. These range from the undergraduate-level HON 110: Civic Engagement and Theories of Leadership to advanced graduate courses such as EDD 753: Professional and Community Leadership. Departments as diverse as Education, the Honors College, Business, Communication, Nursing, and Military Science all integrate leadership into their curricula. Recognizing this breadth, Grace identified an opportunity: the library could serve as a central hub for leadership learning and collaboration and help cultivate a culture of leadership across campus. It can start with building a strong leadership collection.
Building the CollectionIn 2024, as a summer project, Grace started the research and development of the Leadership Collection. Rather than gathering books with "leadership" in the title or subject heading, she adopted a broader, more intentional approach by asking: What skills, competencies, character traits, and qualities are essential for flourishing as a leader?
The result is a more well-rounded collection of more than 120 titles that address leaders’ quality, traits, skills, competencies, and well-being. To ensure the collection reflects the needs of the campus community, Grace sought recommendations from faculty who teach leadership courses. The collection reflected the recommendations from Professor Zachary Wooten, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies in the Honors College, and Professor Kelly Fisher from the Management Department, among others.
Collection TopicsThe Leadership Collection is intentionally interdisciplinary, highlighting the many dimensions of effective leadership. Titles span areas such as:
Together, these themes reflect a vision of leadership that is holistic, inclusive, and deeply connected to human flourishing.
Collaboration Across the LibraryMaking the collection available required collaborative effort across the library. Grace partnered with Collection Strategist Librarian Anne Larrivee and Associate Dean Kerry Walton to integrate the new titles into the library's holdings. The Collections Steering Committee approved the project, while the Resource Services Unit managed the acquisition and processing of materials.
The Leadership Collection is now fully integrated into the University Libraries Catalog and featured on the Libraries' Collections page, where students, faculty, and staff can easily discover and engage with the resources.
Why It MattersThe Leadership Collection is more than adding books to the shelves and making the resource available—it represents a commitment to building a diverse, relevant, and future-focused library collection that enables the library to serve as a center of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. By curating resources that address both external leadership skills and internal character development, the collection prepares students not only for academic success but also for personal and professional excellence. These collections are not just for students; faculty, staff, and administrators can all make good use of the collection for their personal and professional development. Hopefully, the collection can help cultivate leadership as both a skill set and a mindset that empowers every member of the campus community.
An Invitation to EngageThe Leadership Collection creates opportunities for programming, partnerships, and engagement. Faculty may incorporate these resources into their leadership courses. Staff may use them to enhance training and professional development initiatives. Student organizations may draw on them for workshop ideas and discussions. Students may enjoy the reading for self-improvement and personal growth.
As the collection grows and adapts to emerging needs, it will continue to inspire learning and connection across the university. Cultivating leadership is central to a flourishing life and a thriving community—when students develop the skills to lead with integrity, resilience, and vision, they not only succeed individually but also strengthen our communities.
With this in mind, the University Libraries invite all students, faculty, and staff to explore the Leadership Collection and enjoy an ongoing journey of reading, learning, and growth.
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